Children's Holiday Party with a 2 Year Old

It was my first CHP experience and what a terrific event. My daughter and I had debated whether or not her energetic, "independent" two-year old would behave. From her visit with Santa to the children's play area to the variety of hands-on crafts, Kathryn never got bored. She even sat still through the perfect-for-kids lunch - chicken fingers and fries. (Adults were served a delicious salad with a grilled chicken entree and yummy creme brulee for dessert.)

Many volunteers were required to make CHP a success and their commitment in time and resources paid off. Thank you! Plus, our treasurer, Barbara Simons, announced at our last meeting that CHP had raised approximately $17,00 for museum programs.

What an all-around great way to celebrate the season - having fun and supporting a good cause. Visit the Historical League CHP web page to view a pictorial collage of happy party-goers.

League Apron Perfect for Presenting Turkey Dinner

Georgia Desmarais and her husband, Tom, are winter visitors from Calgary. They invited us for holiday turkey dinner and she wore the Historical League apron we gave her. The cookbook and apron make a nice welcome gift to Arizona and the turkey dinner was fabulous. Georgia is a great cook, a lovely model and outstanding on the golf course as well.

Hassayampa Pancakes for Christmas Breakfast

We spent Christmas with our daughter in Sacramento and thought it would be fun to try the Lemon Souffle Pancakes from Hassayampa Inn in Prescott on page 52. The recipe called for ten eggs and they really came out yummy. More like an omelet than a pancake but the fruit and syrup were a great topping. Blueberries are a special treat with our family so we substituted them for the raspberries and we also used blueberry syrup. Great way to start off Christmas morning.

Book Signing at Poisoned Pen

Gaye Ingram, one of the authors, graciously took time out from herpre Christmas schedule to spend Sunday afternoon at Poisoned Pen. Kay Holcombe and I also helped out. Of course we sampled Gaye's granola from the cookbook. Patrick and Laurie were very kind and made us feel so welcome. It was a fun afternoon. Patrick was also able to fill an international order for the cookbook. They have a substantial clientele from England. It is interesting to think the stories of Arizona History are traveling the globe.

Honorable Mention 2008 DIY Book Awards

Last year Ruth McLeod entered Tastes & Treasures in the DIY Book Awards. The cookbook has just won Honorable Mention in the 2008 DIY Book Awards Cookbook section.

Phoenix Zoo now carries Cookbook

You can now enjoy Zoo Lights with your family and purchase the cookbook in the gift shop for a wonderful Christmas present. Delivering books to the Zoo and seeing all the children gave me flashbacks to the days when my children were young. Kids love to see the animals and vegetation. Parents love spending such quality time. What could be better?

Another Satisfied Buyer

Ruth received an email from a woman who purchased Tastes & Treasures at the Wickenburg home tour organized by Toby Daum. She ordered 2 more through online sales.

"Thank you, Ruth. I love the book, I bought it at the little Xmas bazaar when we came for the tour of the five homes in early November. These two are presents for good friends.

I took the Cowboy Caviar to a party last weekend and am bringing the John Wayne eggs to a family get-together this weekend...great cookbook!"