By Susan DeVilder September 12, 2025
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Members of the Recipe Roundup have been gathering together once a month at the library since 2003. From left are, Sylvia Giese, Merry Ann Malcolm, Kim Gehling, Vikki Steltenpohl, Sharon Tilden, Pat Nyert and Suzanne Klinetop. [Photos by Susan DeViler]
On the second Tuesday of every month since 2003, something’s been cooking at the Kewanee Public Library Community Room.
That year marked the beginning of the Recipe Roundup, when a group of food enthusiasts began gathering at noon to sample each other’s dishes.
This Tuesday, as always, the group met for a soup-themed meeting and welcomed a special guest, Voice recipe columnist Kim Gehling.
Suzanne Klinetop brought Chicken Tortellini Soup and a mixed salad. Sharon Tilden contributed Beef Barley Soup and a Rhubarb Cobbler. Sylvia Giese served Clam Chowder and baked Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies. Merry Ann Malcolm made Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread and Corn Chowder, while Vikki Steltenpohl prepared Easy Canned Pumpkin Soup.
Members sample each other’s dishes and occasionally, a library staff member stops by for a taste.
Kim Gehling brought her recipe for “That Zuppa Soup,” which she had previously featured in one of her columns. She was invited because many of the club’s members are regular readers of her work.
MORE: In the kitchen with Kim: That Zuppa Soup
“She’s a celebrity,” said Steltenpohl, a regular attendee of the recipe group.
The Kewanee Voice recipe columnist Kim Gehling, left, and club member Suzanne Klinetop serve up a helping of soup. Gehling was the group’s special guest at this month’s meeting,
Steltenpohl explained that attendance at the roundup varies, with usually about half a dozen members participating. She noted that turnout often depends on the weather and the seasonal departure of snowbirds heading south during the colder months.
The group is always looking for new members. People just need to show up, bring a dish and copies of their recipe to share, Steltenpohl said.
Next month’s theme is snacks, followed by fall foods in November and the annual cookie exchange in December.
Dining and Cooking