Brackett School Moms Cook Up a Fundraiser

Few if any would argue against the Jeffersonian idea that public schools make us a better democracy. A group of mothers whose children attend the has taken that idea up a notch. They gathered more than 300 recipes from other parents and local eateries in a new cook book that will raise money to supplement what the school district supplies to teachers and classrooms.

Lisa Kelley, a Brackett parent of three children and co-leader helping organize the making and selling of the cook book put it this way. "We know that budget cutbacks mean teachers are sometimes going without things they would usually have," she said. "Things like copy paper and rugs for the kindergarten and first grade reading circles. We want to step up and help our school."

Their spirit is infectious. Watching moms pass out book order forms along with free coffee and cookies in front of the school on a cold and windy Friday made that aspect of their impact on the children and their parents obvious. Waves of children came from the building and along with their waiting parents politely crowded the refreshment table. The message was not lost on children or adults: We're in this together.

Kelley, who grew up in Arlington said the Brackett School published a cook book when she was in school. "I still use it," she said. "That's how I got the idea." 

The volunteers for this project have brought the school community, several local businesses and some reataurants in town together for a common goal - the betterment of one of their public schools. The book includes local restaurant favorites and reflects the school's diversity.

Favorites such as  exotic Margherita Key Lime Pie recipe, surprising ice cream sundae, and one of special cookie recipes are now revealed. Wilson Farm has also shared a couple of tempting specialties.

Some recipes are as contemporary as vegan and raw food dishes. While other recipes go back to grandparents whose ancestors have been making such things as Dutch cake, German sausage, Irish apple crisp and soda bread, and aoilo sauce from Italy for generations.

There are recipies to satisfy every taste bud. Home-style rib rub, sesame chicken, stews and sauces, five cheese macaroni and cheese, and buttermilk and  honey banana bread will whet the gourmet in you .

"The support of Brackett principal Stephanie Zerchylov and that of the PTO and its president Julie Hall have been invaluable," said co-leader Cathy Murphy also a mother with three children at the Brackett. "It has really been a group effort. Whatever our jobs, whatever foods we prefer, whatever our backgrounds,  commitment to the welfare of the children is something we all share."

Book orders are due Aril 4, 2011. Book are $15.  Contact lkelley@wlfrench.com or clferna@aol.com  or write to Cookbook, c/o Brackett PTO, 66 Eastern Ave., Arlington, MA  02476. For more information visit www.brackettschool.org.