'Caucus for Cookies and Casseroles' in McGregor
Feb. 1 event is tasty and timely
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
Bring your appetite, but leave your politics behind, this Saturday, Feb. 1, to caucus for your favorite cookies and casseroles.
McGregor businesses Paper Moon and By the Spoonful are teaming up to host a tasty event based on the new book “The Great Iowa Caucus Casserole Mystery,” available now at Paper Moon.
Written by Iowa author Rae Katherine Eighmey, the short mystery is set in a small Iowa town at the time of the state’s first-in-the-nation caucuses.
“The town itself makes us think of McGregor,” said Jen White, who owns Paper Moon book and gift store with her mom, Louise.
Recipes for 30 potluck dishes—including appetizers, main courses, salads and desserts—are woven throughout the pages.
“They’re historical recipes, and the ingredients are based on the Midwest region,” White noted.
By the Spoonful owner Katie Ruff selected three different casseroles and three different cookies to make for the event. People can stop by Paper Moon throughout the day to taste and cast a vote for their favorite cookies, while the casseroles can be sampled at By the Spoonful. Rolls of Ruff’s homemade cookie dough will also be available at the store.
“We thought this would be fun and timely,” White said.
The Iowa Caucuses happen just two days later, on Feb. 3. That night, both Democratic and Republican voters from across the state will gather at their respective local precincts to show their support for the presidential candidate they think should win their party’s nomination.
“The history of the caucuses is fascinating,” White added, “so how fun to do it with food.”
“Caucus for Cookies and Casserole” will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
