THE NANNY DIARIES

As I stated before, my daughter has worked as a nanny, but THE NANNY DIARIES by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus takes that profession to a whole other level…here is an excerpt from the book (a note from the employer)

“Nanny,

You should probably give Grayer his dinner in his room. Actually, I might need to bring my dinner guests through when I give the tour. So it’s probably best for you both to take your plates into the bathroom while you eat.”

Outrageous, funny, and true- a great combination. This book was also made into a movie- I told you our book club can pick the books.

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble:
"Wanted:
One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy. Must be cheerful, enthusiastic and selfless—bordering on masochistic. Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived preschooler. Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family. Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay. Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employers Hermès bag. Those who take it personally need not apply.
Who wouldn’t want this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife who doesn’t work, cook, clean, or raise her own child has a smooth day.
When the Xs marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity and, most importantly, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude. "

Jeanne and Donna served up a wonderful menu of filet, lobster newburg, salad with lemon basil vinaigrette, twice baked potatoes, steamed green beans with almonds, and for dessert- Godiva Chocolate ice cream.

Decorations were everything New York, lists and more lists, lavender linen water, shopping bags
Door prize was fine champagne in a New York bag...

Jeanne's Lemon Basil Viniagrette
    
(Served over a bed of your choice of mixed greens)

 

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, zested
• 2 tablespoons prepared mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut in half and grilled, for garnish

Combine lemon juice, zest, mayonnaise, honey, salt, pepper, basil and olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth. Can be made 1 hour in advance and refrigerated.

Donna's Godiva Chocolate Ice Cream
Go to your local grocer, buy it, and serve it. Easy peasy...

May 2002 book club was WHITE OLEANDER- if you don't know, it is a plant...tell you more about this selection next time...