Not many challenges are undertaken at Cat Musings, but this Christmas brought two fat, delicious cookery books, and the promise of many hours of cosy reading. Recently, I've also been tracking down recipes in a desultory fashion; firstly, adding to my stock of staples, especially things to do with eggs, of which we have a constant surplus, and interesting bread recipes for the machine (yes, I know, but I truly haven't time even for quick, handmade bread) but also researching wartime recipes for an as yet ill-defined project. I don't do a huge amount of cooking but it does interest me, and since we don't go out to eat, it's good to experiment with different cuisines, and we all have our preferred styles: OH has always been interested in Chinese food and has turned out some notable celebration meals over the years (tonight is a family ritual, leftovers of the Christmas goose accompany a Peking duck, served with pancakes, spring onion and cucumber, with plum and hoisin sauces for dipping); both sons love Vietnamese and Thai food and have persuaded me that I can enjoy the combination of hot and sour tastes; I like Italian peasant food, and do most of the baking, but we'll all turn our hands to other styles, and cooking together can be fun, though the kitchen is only big enough to allow two people at once.
Anyway, last week on Nan's blog I saw that she was joining in the Foodies' Reading Challenge hosted by Margot at Joyfully Retired, and at the time I thought it was a great idea, but I wouldn't join because it would only encourage me to buy more books. On Christmas Day, though, both sons gave me books by Tessa Kiros, Venezia and Apples for Jam, because they knew I'd enjoyed her earlier books. And I thought, now I can join that challenge! So my first two books are decided, and I only need two more to get into the Bon Vivant category of 4 to 6; I am quite sure that the library will be able to offer a handful more, and I know that Elder Son has an extensive collection! Now, though, it's time to lay the table for dinner.
4 comments:
I have the Tessa Kiros books. I hardly ever cook from them, which is no doubt a crime, but I quite often read them. She has such a memory for taste and smell!
Isn't the Apples for Jam the best cover ever! I think it is terrific you are joining the challenge. It shall be great fun, I'm sure!
I am so glad you decided to join the Foodie's Reading Challenge. Your two new books look terrific. They are both new to me so perhaps you can lead me to some new great authors. Good luck and happy reading in 2011.
I am so glad you decided to join the Foodie's Reading Challenge. Your two new books look terrific. They are both new to me so perhaps you can lead me to some new great authors. Good luck and happy reading in 2011.
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