This month's Movies and Munchies pick is the iconic A League of Their Own chosen by Debra of Eliot's Eats.
When I was looking for this movie I discovered a series based on the film available with Amazon Prime. I haven't watched it yet but I will.
This film came out in 1992 with an all-star cast featuring Tom Hanks as a washed-up ball player whose career ended when he blew out his knee. He has found solace in alcohol, anger, and self-pity.
Geena Davis stars in the film as Dottie Davis who is scouted for a spot in a women's baseball league while the men are off fighting WWII. Dottie's husband (Bill Pullman) is off fighting and Dottie and her sister Kit (Lori Petty) play ball on a local team when a scout finds them.
Geena has no desire to play ball professionally but Kit is dying to do so. Dottie agrees as long as they take Kit as well. They are joined by the rest of the team portrayed by Madonna, Rosie, and Ann Cusack among others.
It is a fun movie and I enjoyed watching it again. There is not much food in the film but it is a baseball film so plenty of inspiration there.
At the same time I watched this film, I was listening to the audible version of the current selection for our Cook the Books Club chosen by Claudia of Honey from Rock, during my daily walks.
Family Tree by Susan Wiggs follows Annie Rush from childhood to current times in alternating chapters. Annie awakens from a year-long coma and is slowly starting to remember things as she learns how to take care of herself and live once again after such a prolonged sleep.
As Annie starts remembering things she goes back to her childhood and teenage years on her family's Maple farm where she learned who she was at the side of her beloved Gran and loving family. Eventually, she remembers how the accident that put her into a coma happened and what her life was like before that accident.
It is a story of love, determination, and hope. Annie is a cook, first and foremost and many of her recipes feature the Maple Syrup for which her family is known.
One of the things that Annie serves up during the novel is a Salted Maple Popcorn. That sounded delicious to me.
So being faced with Baseball Food and the mention of Salted Maple Popcorn I was drawn to make a homemade version of Cracker Jacks using Maple Syrup and Mixed Nuts. I hope you enjoy this treat as much as my family and I.
There is still a full month for you to join us in reading Family Tree and if you are inspired to make a recipe you can learn how to join us in the Guidelines post for CTB. You will find the recipe for this fun take on Cracker Jack below my weekly menu.
Speaking of family, my brother Larry and his wife Mary are still visiting from California so we have a busy week planned. Today Frank is having a CPL class after which we are meeting my brother Dick and his wife Jackie for dinner.
Sunday, we are attending the stage show, The Pin-up Girls at our local theater. We are taking Larry, Mary, John, and my friend Ms. Sue. Afterward we will be going out to dinner to celebrate John's birthday.
During the week, I am planning dinners that can easily be served to a crowd as Larry and Mary try to get all of their visiting in before they leave. Here's the plan.....
Saturday-CPL Class
Breakfast
Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Fresh Fruit
Juices and Coffee
Lunch
Hamburgers
Potato Chips
Out for Dinner
Sunday
Theater with dinner following
Monday
Pasta Salad with Chicken and Peaches
Tuesday
Mixed Grill
Wednesday
Tossed Salad
Spaghetti
Garlic Bread
Thursday
Subs at Music in the Park
Friday
Grilled Shrimp
Rice Mingle Salad
Yield: 10 servings
Maple Popcorn
Salted Maple Caramel Popcorn with Mixed Nuts. A quick, easy, treat to enjoy during movie night.
Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 8 MinTotal time: 10 Min
Ingredients
- 9 c. popped corn
- 1 c mixed nuts
- 1/2 stick butter
- 3/4 c. pure maple syrup
- large pinch sea salt
- 1/4 t. baking soda
Instructions
- Combine the popcorn and nuts in a large bowl.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the syrup and salt. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring often, for about 7 minutes, until caramel is a deep golden brown.
- Remvove from heat and stir in the baking soda until foam subsides.
- Pour onto the popcorn and nuts, tossing until coated.
- Spread onto a baking sheet that is lined with parchment and allow to set.
- Serve immediately or place into an airtight container until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
229.56Fat (grams)
12.44 gSat. Fat (grams)
3.95 gCarbs (grams)
27.63 gFiber (grams)
2.74 gNet carbs
24.9 gSugar (grams)
14.56 gProtein (grams)
3.82 gSodium (milligrams)
76.36 mgCholesterol (grams)
12.15 mg
Property of A Day in the Life on the Farm
Love how you tied these two together! Still working on my CTB post. Hope I get the recipe done by the end of the month. I watched most of the Prime series. Probably won't finish it. Not the subject matter so much as just the writing and the characters.... Not sure how to verbalize it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't turned it on yet but I did watch The Secret of Bees last night and loved it as much as the first time.
DeleteWhat a yummy take on Cracker Jacks! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudia
DeleteThank you for introducing me to Cracker Jacks, Wendy. Popcorn with nuts sounds delightful :)
ReplyDeleteSo good Simona.
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