Freedom-fighting
library looking for recipes

By Tara Nelson

The non-profit private library that won national awards when it refused to hand over library records to FBI officials is banking on good recipes and kitchen tips to remodel its aging building.

Linda Burpee, a member of the Friends of Deming Library, said she and other board members are collecting recipes from foothills residents in hopes to publish a cookbook celebrating the region’s bounty and featuring locally-grown ingredients.

The book will help raise money for a much needed expansion to create 5,060 more square feet of meeting space and replace outdated plumbing and electrical wiring.

The cookbook will feature approximately 200 juried recipes that emphasize local ingredients as well as various sundry tips. Art work from Mt. Baker elementary students has been used to illustrate the pages, Burpee said.

The non-profit, private library has already raised more than $367,000 towards its goal of $600,000 through foundational grants. Last year, they received $40,000 from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, $30,000 from the D.V. & Ida J. McEachern Charitable Trust, as well as additional grants from the Whatcom County Library Foundation.

In addition, there are pledges of labor and materials from various contractors amounting to $50,000 to $100,000, according to the library’s web site.

“We’ve raised a remarkable amount of money from such a small community but we’re still not done,” Burpee said. “We still need about $200,000.”

The cookbook should be available at the Deming Library by late May. To submit recipes, email Burpee at bruce.burpee@wecu.com or mail them to Cookbook Submission c/o Deming Library, P.O. Box 357, Deming, WA 98244.

The Friends of the Deming Library group meets the third Monday at 7p.m. For location and information, call 592-2422.

OATMEAL-BUTTERMILK PANCAKES |
(4 to 6 large servings)

Soak 2 cups regular (not quick) rolled oats in 2 ¼ cups buttermilk
Add 3 T firmly packed brown sugar and set aside for 10 or more minutes
Stir together:
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
In bowl, mix together
4 eggs
3 T vegetable oil
Add oat mixture and mix well
Add: dry ingredients
1/3 cup chopped pecans
or walnuts (optional)
Cook on lightly-greased, not too hot a griddle until bubbles begin to appear.