Scheduling a monthly meeting of any kind can be a dicey proposition in Maine during the month of February. It was with this in mind that BRGC, Program Committee member, Kathy Trafton, suggested, nearly a year in advance, that the February Boothbay Region Garden Club host a potluck lunch rather than offering a program involving a speaker, lest the meeting be canceled. As luck would have it, last Wednesday was one of the few days so far this month that did not involve a snow event so the luncheon prevailed. Now, this was no ordinary pot luck, as the stipulation was that the food offerings be dishes that came to mind by the recollection of a certain book or favorite movie.

The idea was that "Cooking the Books" would give the group an opening for interesting conversation about the dishes being shared. For example, “Hidden Figures” inspired a delicious Southern chicken salad, and the children's book “Blueberries for Sal” provided the motivation for some very special blueberry muffins. Pondering “The Life of Pi” resulted in a delightful quiche, and the movie “Bananas” — you guessed it — banana bread. “I'm President', So No More Broccoli,” a proclamation once made by President Bush, was the inspiration for a fine broccoli salad. So you get the idea. One recipe, a ham and apricot preserve tea sandwich, actually came out of the book entitled “The Jasmine Moon Murder,” one of a series of "Tea Shop" mysteries set in Charleston, South Carolina and authored by Laura Childs who includes recipes at the back of each book. But, hands down, (author's opinion) the delicacy that seemed most appropriate to the occasion of a garden club luncheon was a plate piled high with lavender cookies lovingly baked by Linda Redman using lavender grown in her own garden. The recipe (below) is from “Edible Landscaping” by Rosalind Creasy and, along with other delectable desserts, made for a sweet ending to a very inventive and satisfying winter Garden Club gathering.

The Boothbay Region Garden Club offers a variety of activities and programs throughout the year and always welcomes guests and new members whatever their creative talents. BRGC is affiliated with NGC (National Garden Clubs Inc.) and is a member of the GCFM (Garden Club Federation of Maine). For more information on upcoming events and activities check out the BRGC website at http://www.boothbayregiongardenclub.org/.

Lavender Cookie Bars

2 1/2 cups flour Bake at 350 for 20 min.

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt Mix all ingredients together.

3/4 cup soft butter

1 cup brown sugar Pat into ungreased 15"x 10" pan.

1 egg Cut into the size squares you like.

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup white chocolate chips

2 tbsp. lavender flowers