more words

with the hubbie away and the little'un having a few early nights i have managed to read a couple of books this week.

firstly the last days of dogtown by anita diamant (pub. scribner). admittedly i picked this up as i had enjoyed reading the red tent, a fascinating account of women living in biblical times. the red tent comes from the tent where the women sequestered themselves during their monthly menstruations. they were considered unclean by the menfolk who did not want them preparing their food. seems to me the concept worked out quite well as the women pampered themselves and drank wine, talking and telling stories. i think this would work quite nicely for me once a month too.

anyhow, getting back to the dogtown, a few chapters in i almost decided to quit as it was quite miserable. it is set in 1800s america in a small town, the characters are unhappy and isolated battling against hardship and poverty. i battled on too and was soon absorbed in their lives and how their situations arose, and what happens to them. this is a great read, i would definitely recommend it.

also lost in the forest by sue miller (knopf)
i often pick up novels by authors i have previously enjoyed and sue miller is no exception. she has a way of writing about families with delicate perception. you can really identify with the characters and situations which seem so real and familiar. it's the story of a family who deal with life after a tragic accident focusing on teenager Daisy who deals with the loss by beginning her own sexual journey. brilliant.

blogfog

now that i have a blog i seem to be totally incapable of remembering my blog-on and password, after 3 new passwords i hope i am on my way finally. perhaps starting a blog was not the best idea i have had of late.

it will no doubt be some weeks or months before i figure out how to add links and the like and get around to including some interesting visuals but bear with me. life is hectic, the little guy is napping, my husband is due back from a business trip and my family are about to descend on us for xmas and yes i am really looking forward to all of it. some relief in warm weather too (sorry folks, i know you are all looking forward to some snow, trust me you'll get to see some!). i say warm but plus 7 is not exactly Bermuda. i am relieved that we are no longer down at minus 25, too cold to remember

On Rue Tatin

just finished reading this memoir of life and food in France by American food writer/chef Susan Herrmann Loomis. it's a harmless even pleasant read. have been reading a few books of this genre recently, it's the easiest way to travel and inspires some creative cooking.

i only got around to trying one of her recipes which is simplicity itself but it is important to buy a decent wine, we had Sancerre which is probably one of my favourites.

recipe for chicken in mustard and white wine sauce

preheat oven to 475F. in a small bowl whisk together a cup of Sauvignon Blanc wine with 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.

brown some chicken pieces in olive oil in a large frying pan. add some onions. once the chicken is brown, pour the wine mixture over the chicken and place the pan in the oven for about 25 minutes, turn chicken over and cook for a further 20-25 minutes.

alternatively you could do this in the slow cooker which will keep it moist. enjoy.