How to Start a Cookbook Club (and Why You Should)

Updated on 2/9/2016 at 3:01 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Book clubs already involve getting together with friends, eating, and drinking, so why not make it the focus? As a member of a cookbook club, you'll become a better cook, actually put your collection of cookbooks to good use — raise your hand if you have at least a few on your shelf that you've yet to cook from — and (most importantly) have fun.

What's a Cookbook Club?

Like with a book club, members meet to discuss a specific book, in this case a cookbook, and enjoy each other's company over libations and nibbles. Unlike with a book club, where the host is often in charge of providing much of the food and drink, meetings are a potluck meal; the dishes come from the cookbook in question. Members don't have to be serious, experienced cooks; enthusiasm for cooking is more important, so don't be afraid to extend invitations to both that co-worker who's always regaling officemates with the last killer meal they cooked and also your best friend who is just beginning to feel comfortable in the kitchen.

A Few Logistical Suggestions

Meet monthly or every other month: Having a set meeting date (the first Sunday of every month at 6 p.m., for example) can help eliminate endless emails trying to find a time that works for all.
Make the gathering a potluck: Ideally, each member should cook a couple recipes from the cookbook before meeting so that they get a good feel for it. Each member should bring one dish to the potluck meeting. A shared Google spreadsheet is an easy way to ensure that people don't double up on the recipes they bring to the potluck. (Everyone fills out what they'll bring!)
Take turns hosting: Like with any potluck, the host is generally in charge of the main dish for logistical reasons (especially if it is something that won't reheat well or isn't portable), though this isn't a hard and fast rule. Some members might not have the space to host or be comfortable doing so, but if possible, it's great to take turns.
Group size: A good amount of members is how many you'd invite to a dinner party, four to 10. Larger groups do exist, but it's more challenging logistically, both in finding a time to meet and in having enough space to host.
Ask members to take brief notes on the recipes they tried: They don't have to be detailed, but it's good to know if a recipe was a must make or a total flop, if they substituted or added any ingredients, if it's good for leftovers, etc.

Money-Saving Tips

Buying a new cookbook every month (or every other month) and cooking from it can get pricey; many cookbooks are available at your local library or can be shared among members (photocopy recipes as needed).
If cooking from an ingredient-heavy cookbook (particularly those for foreign cuisines), it can be helpful to go shopping with a friend in the club and split up common pantry ingredients like spices and condiments. Alternatively, a market that sells bulk spices and other ingredients is a great place to shop, since you can get just the amount needed for a recipe.