Book'em and Cook'em; Feeding your mind and stomach

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The library will hold a Book'em and Cook'em event Oct. 9, 2010 that will use food to interest youth and their families in books.

The morning event invites school age children to participate and enjoy various activities and the afternoon session will be a family event.

This year's event will mark the third time the library has held this creativity-sparking get-together. In the past it was held solely for adults and last year was only for children, but this year will incorporate the whole family. The afternoon portion includes the family bringing their own dish with their book.

The ladies of the library have a special surprise.

There will be no hints or spoilers - the activities of the day will be kept secret until the last minute.

"We always tie the books in with whatever we have planned. So our books will give hints as to what foods will be enjoyed that day," said Karleen Jacobson, 354th Force Support Squadron library technician.

In years previous participants decorated projects including chef hats and pancakes. Adult participants brought in dishes inspired by their books. With so much participation the librarians decided to do a children's program and a family program on the same day.

"The whole idea of the Book'em and Cook'em is to be inspired to do something based on what you read in the book," said Ms. Jacobson. "The books can be an inspiration, so we're inspiring the readers to be creative and cook. There are a lot of books that incorporate recipes so it's fitting that the event is centered around the theme of cooking and catering."

When Book'em and Cook'em was first started with adults they read non-fiction books. The idea was that if the reader finds a recipe or the book mentions a food that stimulates their palette they should follow their muse and create the food they have read about.

"A book from childhood could inspire the person to make a food that they remember," said Jan Kimberly, 354th FSS library technician. "For instance maybe the story reminded you of your mom's chocolate recipe and motivated you to look it up. The objective is to create some dish that reminded you of something you read in your life."

This year's Book'em and Cook'em will include the talents of James 'Buddha' Clerc, a Yukon Club chef, who will do a cooking demonstration during the afternoon event.

This day-long event is meant to include all ages as they gain and sustain their interest in reading. The children's morning event will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and the family afternoon event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Readers are encouraged to bring their creativity and their appetites.