Ooo la la!

Our book club/food fest last night took on a French flavor because Beth and Sandy just got back from a foodie riverboat tour of France where they learned how to make macarons at Le Cordon Bleu and a tomato appetizer at Anne Sophie.

Beth, our hostess with the mostess, made these delicious chocolate macarons and divine berry and Nutella crepes!

I had planned to bring a salade Nicoise, but I couldn't get excited about making it so I ditched the French theme and gussied up a pumpkin cheesecake from Trader Joe's. It was also delicious. I carmelized some pecans for the top.

It might not have been French, but at least it went with the pumpkin table decor.

Beth and Sandy also learned on their trip how to fold napkins and add a little bow tie!

Here's a look at what else we ate. 

Ratatouille

Quiche Lorraine

Fruit salad

French baguette with ricotta cheese

Chicken barbecue casserole

Mushrooms with Boursin cheese

and, of course, French wine

Endive spears with pears, bleu cheese and pecans

Warm brie with cranberries and pistachios

Stuffed eggs with caviar

Oh, we did discuss a book, "Lost Boy Found" by Kirsten Alexander. It covered difficult issues, such a racism and classism in the South, and it had a sad ending. I recommend it -- it's thought provoking and well written.

Have a colorful night