"Kate Warne doesn't slow down for many meals in the pages of Girl in Disguise, but her favorite dish is pierogi, Polish potato dumplings made by her landlord Mrs. Borowski. And since Kate saved the life of Abraham Lincoln en route to his inauguration, why not something from this festive menu from Lincoln's 1865 inaugural ball? "

"Do you have ideas for a book club menu for Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women by

Susan Burton?"

-Michelle, Jacksonville, Florida

From Susan Burton:

"Organic butter lettuce, organic tomatoes and basil, a variety of cheeses, Keebler crackers, Gershen pickles, lemon cake or oatmeal walnut cookies. I picked these because of my love for gardening, organic foods, and because they represent revitalization and healing."

"Buttermilk Pie! Here's a recipe that's a true time period delight from Hannie's era—Hannie was a freed slave in Louisiana in 1875. It would also be a favorite in the cafe's dessert case in present-day Augustine, Louisiana. It's not a ‘pretty’ pie, but was served as a staple dessert back in the days when basic farm ingredients like buttermilk and eggs were common fare, and cooks needed to use them up before they spoiled. I've had so much fun over the years taking this pie to potluck gatherings. Older folks recognize it and often say, 'Haven't had that in years!' Such treasures as the humble buttermilk pie should never be lost to history."