Dear Member,
While we return to routines of old, we are finding we need a little help this September to get us back into the swing of things. So, the time has come for us to don our blazers and get into the new term spirit. The academic year truly is the new year here at The Rhubarb Society, and whilst school might be a very, very, very distant memory for many of our members (despite their need to talk about it at any given opportunity), every day is still a school day. In this issue, Maths class is all about the best way to spend your hard-earned money, and Taylor Swift is inspiring our Chemistry lesson. Welcome to the new term!
THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDIT
Our latest guide is now live for those who find themselves the owners/godparents/step-parents of dogs with expensive taste. Simply click the image above to be taken straight to the guide – it is only 3 months until Christmas, after all.
John Derian Paperweight
£85
Who has time for filing – we prefer a chic paperweight to keep our affairs in order.
Drake’s Fair Isle Knit
£295
Nothing helps focus the mind quite like the right uniform. This season, it’s all about knitwear, and we love the cosy fair isles from Drake’s.
Hay French Press
£79
Why settle for anything less than a beautiful French press for your morning coffee?
Anya Hindmarch Hamper
£440
Get your new term act together with a hamper for all your WFH needs.
Pinstripe Wool Blazer
£1,550
Speaking of new term, here’s our pick for the best blazer of the season from Blaze Milano.
Parker Pen
£14.20
Don’t be left with nothing but a blunt pencil and empty bic biro; make sure your office supplies are stocked with chic pens.
Leather Notebook
£17.90
You’ll need somewhere to log all of your inspired ideas and thoughts. A leather notebook will do just the thing.
Miu Miu Glasses
£338
Finally, we need to address the specs – whether you are blocking blue light or filling a prescription, these Miu Miu’s will put you in a business mood.
EXTRA CREDIT HOMEWORK
For those who like to do some extra-curricular reading (and listening), here are a few current picks from our very esteemed team of culture curators here at the club.
I Wish Tennis Wasn’t So Cool
An essay on the rise of tenniscore and how it has permeated mainstream culture.
The Big Picture Podcast
The Big Picture Podcast, from The Ringer’s Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey, for all the latest in film news and reviews.
Is Shopping Embarrassing?
New clothes are great, but buying them can be mortifying in some unexpected ways.
Has The Backlash To Wokeism Begun?
An essay by Alessandra Stanley.
Noah Johnson at GQ
For thoughtful takes on fashion and culture, Noah’s column at GQ provides a wealth of articles.
Awards Chatter by The Hollywood Reporter
A fantastic episode focused on the Tony nominees roundtable.
TERM TIME EVENTS
Whilst our diaries are filling up with events already, we hope you can find space for any club events may be on the horizon. If you are interested in taking part in any IRL events, please register your interest below.
TRS In-Person Event Ticket Registration
We are also looking for anyone partial to some extra-curricular activities in the form of contributing to the launch of the new website! Should you be interested in writing a guide to sit on the new Rhubarb Society (it can be about anything you deem yourself an expert in and that you feel would benefit other members), please email hello@therhubarbsociety.com with any relevant information and credentials.
Thank you to those who have already emailed to apply, we will be coming back to you at the end of this month.
Cooking Class
As the temperature drops (and we no longer feel obliged to look our best in that Missoni bikini we’ve had since 2004), we have a hankering to turn on the oven and bake something that’s easy and cosy. This recipe for pumpkin cookies (via HRH Taylor Swift) is foolproof and perfect for the season – best served with a hot drink that’s spiked with a shot of Bailey’s.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
1 cup sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground all spice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
For the frosting:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Zest of one lemon
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celcius. Cream the sugar and the butter until light and fluffy (preferably in a mixer). Add the maple syrup and eggs and mix to incorporate. Add the pumpkin. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix well. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges. When cool, ice with the cream cheese frosting.
For the frosting, add cream cheese to a mixer fitted with a paddle and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla and beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, thin it with a little more milk. Fold in the lemon zest. When cookies are cool, spread them with some frosting. Garnish with a whole pecan.
Members are also reminded that the membership committee are still accepting applications.If you are looking to apply for Social or Private membership, you are encouraged to do so before all committee members realise they have better things to be doing.
