Rediscover the Art of Entertaining: Embrace the Supper Club with Debi Shawcross
In a world increasingly focused on quick fixes and digital connections, the timeless joy of gathering around a beautifully set table with cherished friends holds a special allure. Today, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome the incredible Debi Shawcross to our kitchen. Debi is not only a passionate advocate for shared meals but also the brilliant author behind the enchanting new book, Friends at the Table: The Ultimate Supper Club.
Like many of you, I have a wonderful circle of friends in my hometown, and we often find ourselves coming together for casual dinner parties, sometimes as frequently as once a week. These gatherings are typically relaxed, with hosting duties often rotating, and the menu always takes center stage. However, there’s something truly captivating about the elegance and intentionality of a more formal “Supper Club,” a concept that flourished in the glamorous eras of the 1930s and 40s. These classic supper clubs weren’t just about food; they were grand affairs, often featuring live entertainment, meticulously curated multi-course menus, and exquisitely decorated tables, all designed to create an unforgettable evening.
While the traditional supper club of yesteryear might conjure images of elaborate ballrooms and big band music, the modern interpretation, sometimes affectionately called a “Gourmet Club,” has evolved into a beautiful tapestry of styles. Some contemporary supper clubs still embrace the full vintage experience, complete with swing music and sophisticated themes. Others have adopted a more laid-back approach, like a monthly gathering of close girlfriends or a potluck with a gourmet twist. Yet, despite their diverse forms, every supper club shares an undeniable, fervent love for food – its preparation, its presentation, and most importantly, the joy of sharing it.
Debi Shawcross’s “Friends at the Table” is a treasure trove for anyone looking to infuse their entertaining with a touch of magic. She provides meticulously planned menus for every season, ensuring fresh, delightful meals year-round, alongside inspiring decorating ideas that transform any table into a feast for the eyes. We’re thrilled to give you a taste of her culinary genius today with this exquisite recipe for Grilled Bruschetta with Asparagus and Parmesan Cheese, straight from the pages of her book! Get ready to elevate your appetizer game. ~Jaden
p.s. Don’t forget, I’m also giving away a copy of this incredible book to one lucky reader!
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The Resurgence of the Supper Club: A Timeless Tradition Reimagined
What an absolute honor it is to have this guest spot here on Steamy Kitchen today. Thank you, Jaden, for this wonderful opportunity to share my passion for entertaining!
The very mention of a traditional supper club from the 1930s and ’40s often evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of elegance and charm. These were not just restaurants; they were social sanctuaries, vibrant gathering places where people could escape the everyday, connect with one another, and revel in an evening of exquisite fine dining, sophisticated drinks, and, more often than not, captivating live musical entertainment. The atmosphere was always semi-formal, meaning men typically donned a tie, and women dressed in their finest. The menus of that time were iconic, frequently featuring indulgent “surf and turf” combinations, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory Yorkshire pudding. It was a golden age when people truly prioritized making time for one another, and the entire evening was thoughtfully centered around exceptional food and lively, engaging conversation – a beautiful dance of gastronomy and camaraderie.
“Friends at the Table: The Ultimate Supper Club” – Your Guide to Effortless Entertaining
My new book, Friends at the Table: The Ultimate Supper Club, is born from a desire to revive and adapt the captivating elements of these cherished supper clubs of the past, bringing that same magic and sophistication into your own home, but without the daunting expense or complexity of a restaurant. Imagine hosting a dinner party that feels grand and effortless simultaneously! The book is meticulously designed to transform the often-stressful act of entertaining into a truly enjoyable experience for both the hostess and her guests. It’s your comprehensive companion, taking the guesswork out of every step.
Within its pages, you’ll discover ready-made grocery lists that streamline your shopping, saving you precious time and ensuring you have everything you need. Our plan-ahead tips are strategically placed to ease the stress of preparation, allowing you to relax and actually savor the moments leading up to your event. But the heart of the book lies in its full menus, offering a rich variety of themes – from elegantly classic to casually ethnic, and even delightful fusions of different cuisines. Each menu is designed to help you execute a gorgeous, cohesive meal that impresses without overwhelming. We’ve thought of everything: from the detailed shopping lists to the easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes, and even guidance on selecting the perfect music to set the mood, all the way to creating a beautiful, show-stopping table décor that will leave a lasting impression.
One of my favorite features in “Friends at the Table” is the concept of job sharing the menu with friends. This approach is revolutionary for modern entertaining, as it ensures that you, the host, won’t spend all day sequestered in the kitchen. Instead, everyone contributes to the culinary symphony, fostering an even deeper sense of camaraderie and shared ownership in the event. This allows you to step out of the kitchen and truly enjoy the company of your guests, making your supper club a collective effort and a shared joy, just as it should be.
Featured Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta with Asparagus and Parmesan Cheese
To give you a delightful taste of the culinary treasures awaiting you in the book, I’m thrilled to share a fantastic grilled bread appetizer recipe. This dish perfectly embodies the fresh, vibrant flavors of spring, showcasing an irresistible combination of tender asparagus, aromatic garlic, and rich, savory cheese. It’s the kind of starter that immediately sets a celebratory tone for any gathering. Just a fair warning: these crunchy, flavorful bites are incredibly addicting, so be sure to pace yourself, or better yet, make extra!
This Bruschetta recipe is a testament to how elegant entertaining can also be surprisingly straightforward. The simple act of grilling ciabatta bread until golden, rubbing it with a fresh clove of garlic, and then topping it with perfectly blanched asparagus and a generous blend of Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, creates an explosion of flavor and texture. It’s an appetizer that looks sophisticated but comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for any supper club menu, whether grand or casual. It’s truly a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully prepared to enhance the dining experience.
Grilled Bruschetta with Asparagus and Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and halved
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 30 thin asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
- 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Grill bread slices over medium-high heat until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on both sides. Once grilled, gently rub one side of each slice with a halved garlic clove for a burst of flavor, then lightly brush with olive oil. Arrange these prepared slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Preheat your broiler. In a large saucepan, bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add a pinch of coarse salt. Carefully add the trimmed asparagus spears and cook until they are tender-crisp, which typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the asparagus thoroughly and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated Monterey Jack cheese with the Parmesan. Evenly sprinkle about two-thirds of this cheese mixture over the ciabatta slices on your baking sheet. Next, artfully arrange three asparagus spears on top of each ciabatta slice. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly over the asparagus. Season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Carefully place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Remove the bruschetta from the oven and, for easier serving, cut each slice in half.
- Serve this delightful Grilled Bruschetta warm and watch your guests rave!
Notes
Conclusion: Bring the Supper Club Experience Home
In a world that often moves too quickly, the supper club offers a beautiful opportunity to slow down, connect meaningfully, and celebrate the simple yet profound pleasure of good food and great company. Debi Shawcross’s “Friends at the Table: The Ultimate Supper Club” is more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to embrace a more intentional, joyful approach to entertaining. It’s about creating memorable evenings without the stress, empowering you to host with confidence and truly enjoy your own party.
Whether you’re yearning to recreate the retro charm of a 1940s dinner party or simply looking for fresh, seasonal menus and elegant decorating ideas for your next gathering, this book provides all the inspiration and practical tools you need. It encourages a spirit of generosity, both in the kitchen and at the table, ensuring that every meal shared becomes a cherished memory.
So, don’t hesitate to explore Debi’s wonderful insights. Try this delightful Grilled Bruschetta with Asparagus and Parmesan Cheese recipe, and let it be the first step towards your own ultimate supper club experience. And remember to enter the giveaway for a chance to win your very own copy of “Friends at the Table.” Happy entertaining!