They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but as it turns out, it’s a pretty good way to make new friends as well.

When Pat van der Heijden moved to Pittsford in 2023, her friend Elizabeth Simpson encouraged her to join the Cookbook club she hosted at Maclure Library. A year later, after she moved to Brandon, Pat was looking into starting up a new chapter in her new hometown. At the time, Brandon Library was under construction, but once construction was completed, she was able to figure out a time — the third Thursday of every month.

How it works is simple — each month, Pat picks a cookbook (or two). Those interested in attending can stop at the library and sign up, make a copy of a recipe that they want to share, and bring that dish to the next meeting. Previous months’ picks have included Cook’s “Appetizers,” “Dishing Up Vermont,” and “Sharing Our Best” — featuring favorite recipes from the Congregational Church members back in 1992.

May’s pick is a little different — participants are encouraged to bring a recipe that their mother made, in honor of Mother’s Day. “Everyone should know this is an open club with no big commitment. You come when you can,” Pat said. “All I ask for is an email address so I can send out my info about that month's club.” Otherwise, interested participants will find everything at the checkout desk at Brandon Library.

The next meeting is May 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m. According to Pat, if someone can’t make it to the library but would like to join, they can email her with what they want to bring. If needed, attendees can bring a recipe from home that fits in with the evening’s theme. Pat said she would rather they do that than skip that month's meeting just because they didn’t make it in to pick up a recipe.

As for making new friends? “Cookbook club is so much fun!” said participant Eli Fox. “I’ve met so many friendly and interesting people there. Even if your recipe doesn’t turn out the way you planned, people are really nice about it.”

For more information, stop in at the library and look for the sign up at the circulation desk or click here to email Pat.