What's Brewing? Coffee Talk - Bill and Shawne Shared Facts and Tastes

What harvesting process can the terms "fruit," "seed," "cherry," and "bean" all be used to describe? Picking coffee, of course!

Bill Keevan, Jr., with the assistance of his wife Shawne, deftly illlustrated 4 of at least 6 ways to brew coffee this last Sunday.

He also told a rapt audience where coffee comes from, how it is processed, how he chose the brand he sells, and how to make the best cup possible.

Bill and his wife run Olde Cup and Saucer specialty tea and coffee shop in Longwood, and obviously love sharing their experience with fellow tea and coffee lovers as much as they enjoy drinking what they sell.

The couple have given 2 presentations at Maitland Library, on hot tea, and iced tea, and we hope they will come again soon (after their new daughter Eliza is born, of course). It is always a tasty expericence!

"Master the Art of Reading " End-of-Summer Chili Cook-Off and Fundraiser August 13th

Lorraine Hardaway, Katie and Robert Breaux relax after judging.

Lorraine Hardaway, Katie and Robert Breaux, Dennis, and Philip Chien volunteered to taste the 6 chilies submitted, and awarded 7 certificates.

The categories were: Hottest Chili, Mildest Chili, Most Unique Chili, Best Vegetarian Chili, Meatiest Chili, and Best Overall Chili.

Pat Russell holds the ticket box while Dennis Larson picks (and wins!) the first door prize, as Barbara Larson looks on.

Steve Grant won Hottest, Janet Andrews won both Mildest and Most Unique Chilies, Pat Russell won Best Vegetarian, Ed Anthony took the Meatiest Chili category, and Karen Gallagher won Best Overall.

The Maitland Wine Market donated the first of four door prizes, a bottle of white wine, won by Dennis Larson. First Watch restaurant supplied the iced tea and lemonade, and the peach cobbler was from Shane's Rib Shack. Maitland Library donated the Texas Toast and canned sodas. Good fun was had by all! We look forward to another Chili Cook-off when the weather is cooler.

See below for some of the chili recipes submitted.

Janet Andrews and her 2-award-winning Buffalo Plaid Chili.

Karen Gallagher and her Best- Overall Bush's White Chicken Chili .

Pat Russell with her Chunky Vegetarian Chili.

RECIPES:

Award for the Hottest Chili (Steve Grant):

Navajo Beef And Chile Stew
3 pound lean beef stew meat ; cut 3/4 " cubes
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can ready-cut tomatoes with juice - (14 1/2 oz)
1 can diced green chiles - (7 oz) drained
1 can whole-kernel corn - (8 1/2 oz) undrained
1 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 tablespoon yellow cornmeal

Combine all ingredients, except cornmeal, in a slow cooker, mixing well. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or until meat is tender.
20 Minutes before serving:
Turn control to HIGH. Stir in cornmeal. Cover and cook on HIGH 20 to 25 minutes.

Awards for both Mildest Chili and Most Unique Chili (Janet Andrews):

Buffalo Plaid Chili

1 small red onion
1 small white onion
1 pound buffalo burger
1 pound buffalo steak sliced into small pieces
some virgin olive oil
2 cans black beans, drained
2 cans red kidney beans, drained
2 large cans diced tomatoes
3 heaping tablespoons chili pepper (or more if you want)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
pinch of oregano
salt to taste - start with 1 tablespoon
masa flour to thicken

In a large soup pot sauté onions in oil for a few minutes, add meat to brown, breaking up the ground meat into small pieces. When meat is browned, add tomatoes with liquid, beans, chili, cumin, oregano, and some salt. Simmer mixture for an hour or so, stirring once in a while. Check taste, add salt, more chili, or any other spice you want - let simmer a while longer. If you want to thicken the liquid, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of masa flour to a half cup of warm water, stir until the lumps are gone, then slowly pour into the chile while stirring. Simmer another 30 minutes.

Award for Best Overall Chili (Karen Gallagher):

Bush’s White Chicken Chili

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 (16 ounce) cans BUSH'S® BEST Great Northern Beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken breast
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
Salsa (optional)

1. In large skillet, cook onion in oil for 4 minutes or until transparent. (As an option, all ingredients can now be put in a crock pot and cooked 6-8 hours on Low). Add chilies, flour and cumin; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add beans and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken; cook until hot.
2. Garnish with cheese, sour cream and salsa, if desired.

August 10th "Master the Art of Reading" prize drawing results

And the winner of the August 10th prize drawing, the final one for the summer, for an RCA MP3 player is…Dorothy!

She recommended The Franklin Affair by Jim Lehrer: “Interesting historical mystery.”

And the runners up are…

Relentless by Dean Koontz, recommended by Patty: "Just sit back and enjoy!'

All the Colors of Darkness by Peter Robinson, reviewed by Barbara: “9 out of 10”

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer, reviewed by Cynthia: "Just OK.”

Eclipse, New Moon, and Twilight, all by Stephanie Meyer, reviewed by Cynthia.

Dante's Numbers by David Hewson, recommended by Barbara: "9 of 10."

Sliver of Truth by Lisa Unger recommended by Barbara: "10 of 10."

My Life in Paris by Julia Child, reviewed by Jennifer: “So enjoyed this book! I was fascinated to learn that Julia had never cooked until she was 36. Late start and look at the impact she had on society!”

If You Can’t Lose It, Decorate It by Anita Renfoe, reviewed by Jean.

While I Was Gone by Sue Miller, reviewed by Jean.

The Tarnished Eye by Judith Guest, reviewed by Dorothy: “Guest is very good at defining characters and the story definitely holds your interest.”

Congratulations to all the Maitland Library winners this summer!

Door prizes and prizes for the 3 best pots of chili will be given at our Master the Art of Reading End-of-Summer Chili Cook-off and fundraiser Thursday, August 13th, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m..

August 3rd "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing entries

The winner of the August 3rd prize drawing for one $25 Gift Certificate to PF Chang’s China Bistro is… Lya!

She reviewed The Wrong Man by John Katzenback, and said it was OK.

And the runners up are…

Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski, recommended by Natalie: “This was a good read about historical fiction placed in Florida.”

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker, recommended by Natalie: “The girl is adorable. Fun and endearing, the story brings me back to my life at that age.”

Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards, recommended by Natalie: “A cute story and sweet characters. It was a fun read but will never be a favorite for me.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Lewis Stevenson, recommended by Natalie:”Finally I have read the story that was referred to throughout my life. It is intriguing and thought-provoking. I find myself catching my own “Mr. Hyde” at times.

Happy for No Reason by Marci Schimoff, recommended by Natalie: “I love this book! It gives very practical information on how we can all live lives in a more happy state.”

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, recommended by Natalie: “This book has an interesting story line but I found the characters so dry. I enjoyed the movie version over the book.”

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, recommended by Natalie: “I could barely put this book down. What an eye-opener to a world of slavery!”

Adams vs. Jefferrson by John Farling, recommended by Bonnie: “If you are a history buff great, if not, too long & detailed.”

Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, recommended by Jean. “This supernatural mystery/thriller/love story is truly a page-turner! The writing is vivid & the story enthralling- I didn’t want it to end.”

The Apostle by Brad Thor, recommended by Katie: “A doctor is kidnapped in Afghanistan (the daughter of a very rich woman and close friend of the president of the U.S.). Harvath is sent to find her- very exciting- while at home an S. S. agent investigates an accident that killed 5 people and it leads to the President. Very entertaining!”

Desert Queen by Janet Wallach, recommended by Marianna: “Hard going, but most informative regarding the development of the Middle East.”

Something on the Side by Carl Weber, recommended by Sabrina: “It was very excited about the 4 main characters and each of their stories. I was especially interested in Tammie. I was not happy that she got away scott-free and kept her husband after all the mischief that she started and caused. I hope Mr. Weber will rectify this in the next installment.”

Summer House by Nancy Thayer, recommended by Marilyn.

Annapurna: A Woman’s Place by Arlene Blum, recommended by Sally.

Shanghi Darling by Arasla Bacon, recommended by Sheila.

Beach House by James Patterson, recommended by Sheila

Shanghi Moon by S.J. Rozan, recommended by Sheila.

Promises in Death by J. D. Robb, reviewed by Barbara: “10”


Just OK:

Black Hills by Nora Roberts, reviewed by Katie: “Lil & Coop are childhood friends who fall in love, but are too young. They meet again later at Lil’s Wildlife Refuge. A crazy man who disapproves of the Refuge tries to murder Lil. It wasn’t that good, but I was interested enough to finish it.”

While I Was Gone by Sue Miller, recommended by Jean.

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, recommended by Marianna: “I liked her first short story book “Interpreter of Maladies” much better – I really enjoyed that one, and recommend it.”


Boos:

Swimsuit by James Patterson, reviewed by Katie: (she said it was no good).

Swimming by Nicole Keegan, reviewed by Patricia: “Awful…If you were not crazy before reading this, you will be after it.”

Nuclear Jellyfish by Tim Dorsey, reviewed by Patricia: “A terrible read. Can’t believe I read the whole book searching for redemption that never came!”

Home Staging: The Winning Way to Sell Your House for Money by Barb Schwarz, reviewed by Natalie: “The book was mostly a push for using home stagers trained at her school. There was some practical information but I think this can easily be found in other books without having to read through her shameless promotion.”