Gourmet Group

Gourmet Group
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Gourmet Group of the Youngstown American Association of University Women will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday at Fortune Garden Restaurant.
Social and benefit
AUSTINTOWN -- A social and benefit in memory of Sister Jacquelyn Herpy, former principal of St. Joseph School, will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Nov. 10 at St. Joseph Social Hall, 4545 New Road. Donation is $35 per ticket, and proceeds will benefit the school. The evening will feature hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, music, 50-50 drawing, door prizes and a Chinese auction. Tickets and advanced reservations are available at the rectory or by calling (330) 792-1919. Attire for the event is casual.
Growing organically
The "Organic Baby & amp; Toddler Cookbook" (DK, $14.95), by Lizzie Vann, takes a healthful, fresh approach to feeding children. The book offers more than 70 recipes divided among various age groups (4-7 months, 7-10 months, 10-15 months and toddler). Fruity hot cereal, corn and potato puree, and roasted lima bean gratin are among the offerings. The cookbook is sold at some Barnes & amp; Noble bookstores and on the Internet at www.amazon.com.
Butter ribbons
It sounded like a gimmick, but when Chicago Tribune testers heard about this Butter Dispenser from Max Space, they had to try it. They loved the way this gadget works. Place a stick of butter inside, twist the handle, and thin, malleable strips of butter "ribbons" emerge for placing on toast, hot cereal. Though much is made about how pretty the buttery ribbons are, they liked the fact that the slender strips spread -- and melt -- easily. The Butter Dispenser costs $20, which includes shipping and handling, and is available only on the Internet, at www.maxspace.com.
Time-tested treats
According to the tin, these pecan-shortbread cookies are made with a Scottish recipe that dates back to 1912. Seeing how CT testers gobbled up these cookies, the recipe stands the test of time. The diminutive cookies, about 11/2 inches wide, are made with butter, fresh pecans, and wheat and rice flour. Each 11-ounce tin costs $12.95 at Crate & amp; Barrel.
Saucy effect
CT testers liked the zesty flavor of Francesco Rinaldi Puttanesca Sauce. Its subtle and pleasant blend of olives, capers, artichoke hearts and portobello mushrooms do justice to the classic Neapolitan-based red sauce. Each 16-ounce jar costs about $2.50 at supermarkets.