WIL'S BONES

Debbie M’s book choice for August, 2001, was a very intriguing read. The author begins the book with this quote: “DEATH SELDOM ENDS ANYTHING”.  Very thought-provoking comment, wouldn’t you agree? The back cover of the book gives you some insight into the content- “Archaeologist Wil Wilson believes he has found the bones of Jesus…” OK, so what a great discussion book. Debbie actually met the author at a book signing and got us autographed copies for our libraries. Here is a copy of the email she sent him after that meeting:

“Dear Mr. Bowen,

     You may not remember me, but I met you and your wife in the Barnes & Noble in Kennesaw, GA. I chose Wil’s Bones for my book club of 13 people. Everyone has loved it!! I cannot believe this is your first book! (So Debbie, you might be laying it on a bit thick…) I plan to show the interview tapes you gave me too! Our meeting is Tuesday, Aug 14^th and you had mentioned to me that you would be happy to email some discussion questions! I know this is short notice, but I have just returned from our vacation in Seattle!

For dinner I am serving Steve’s lasagna! For dessert- Napoleons and Starbucks coffee! The tables will be set with a lantern surrounded by sand and a brush for finding the bones buried beneath! What a dig!

Anyway, we really did enjoy your book and look forward to the next two! Thank you in advance for your discussion questions!!

Debbie M”

(All the exclamation points were Debbie’s, not mine…)

Debbie’s menu was Steve’s lasagna (a character in the book), salad, garlic bread, and napoleons and Starbucks coffee for dessert.

Debbie M's (and Steve's) Lasagna

1 (8oz.) pkg lasagna noodles
1 pound mild bulk pork sausage
1 (32 oz.) jar commercial spaghetti sauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 (12 oz.) carton ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (4 1/2 oz) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (3 1/2 oz) pkg sliced pepperoni

Cook lasagna noodles according to pkg directions, omitting salt, and drain well.
Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned, stirring to crumble; drain. Stir spaghetti sauce into sausage- set aside. Combine egg and next 5 ingredients, stirring well.
Spread about 1/2 cup meat sauce in a lightly greased 13x9x2 inch pan. Layer half of the noodles, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 of remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers using equal amounts. Arrange mushroom slices and pepperoni on top. Spoon remaining meat sauce on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Delicious!!

Jaye’s recipe for the napoleons is quite easy- go to La Madeleine, pick them out, pay for them, bring them home.

Vicki, Joanne, Debbie M, Susan, Jaye, Margie

The door prize was Starbucks coffee and a mug.

And so another episode of Dinner and a Book Club. The September 2001 book is Plantation by Dorothea Benton Frank...and the story of our first road trip....