Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today made Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Martha's Baking Handbook ( used chips, actually). The recipe says these will be thin and crisp, and they are. Frankly a bit too crisp for my taste. I think I prefer to use the standard recipe on the bag with a few alterations: couple extra tbsp of butter, dark brown sugar rather than light brown, and make them BIG. These turn out crisp on the edges, squidgey in the middle, buttery with a somewhat carmelized flavor. I'll stick to that recipe next time.

Monday, February 5, 2007

Books read so far in 2007.....

  1. Miss Mole by E.H. Young- I've started collecting Virago Modern Classics and this is one I've recently come across. Loved this, very clever, great point of view. I've been searching out and ordering more by this author. Great way to start the year.
  2. The World in my Kitchen by Colette Rossant - this was alright.
  3. Toast by Nigel Slater - I want to read everything he's very written. Too bad it's so hard to find in the USA. Will be shopping on Book Depository soon.
  4. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters - I liked this more in the beginning and middle when there was more of a ' mystery'. Have enjoyed Fingersmith and Affinity more.
  5. Nigella Lawson by Gilly Smith - This is quite scathing and not well written. More a collection of quotes. Lacks cohesion.
  6. Where we Lived by Jack Larkin - History of homes in America. Fascinating and wonderful photographs.
  7. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky - This was my 2nd read of this, so I can discuss it for bookclub. Wonderful, horrifying and blunt story about human nature.

Right now I'm reading the Omnivore's Dilemma which I suspect is changing my attitudes about everything I put into my mouth and Arlington Park by Rachel Cusk.

I'm trying to come up with a list of 5 books that have been on my shelves for awhile that I'm going to attack in 2007. This is not so easy, as I have a lot to choose from.

To cook or to book that is the question.........

I've been trying to decide if this is to be more about my cooking or reading activity. Only time will tell.