Suffocated Eggplants and Scrambled Eggs and the Next Two Georgiana Germaine Novels

Reading these novels featuring Georgiana "Gigi" Germaine by Cheryl Bradshaw is like watching a television series.

Uova al Cirighet and a Book Review

A perfectly fried egg drizzled with lemon-and-herb sauce is a popular first course in Northern Italy's Piedmont region.  

The Promise Girls; A Book Review and the Weekly Menu

The Promise Girls by Marie Bostwick is the story of 3 sisters born to a mother with high aspirations she wanted to live out through them.   She raised them as a single parent, writing a novel about how they had been conceived in test tubes using sperm from artistic geniuses, and that they were now, due to genetics and nurturing, budding artists and geniuses themselves.

The Rangoon Ruby and a Book Review

This iconic drink was made popular by Trader Vic's during the 1960's and is similar to the Cape Codder or the current-day Vodka and Cranberry. The Rangoon Ruby was documented in Trader Vic's Pacific Island Cookbook.

I first heard about this cocktail while reading The Island Club by Nicola Harrison.

Who Doesn't Love a Bar? #CooktheBooks

Our Cook the Books selection for June/July is Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J Ryan Stradal, chosen by Simona of Briciole.

A Frittata for Shadow Friends

 I was recently provided with an early-release copy of Tess Gerritsen's 3rd book in the Martini Club Series, The Shadow Friends.

I wish to thank Tess Gerritsen and NetGalley for this opportunity.  I received this book in return for an honest review on the NetGalley page and on this blog.  I did not receive any monetary compensation, and all writings and opinions are my own.

K is for Kale and a Book Review

Baby Kale Salad with Steak and Citrus Vinaigrette is a delicious, healthy, and enjoyable meal now that the weather is breaking and the grill is fired up.

K is for Kale......

Remembering Memorial Day-Greek Orzo Salad and a Book Review

Let us take a moment before we begin the busyness of our day to offer silent gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms and benefits we enjoy each day.

photo courtesy of Vecteezy through Google images

The Quail and Olive Citrus Beet Salad, A Book Review, and the Weekly Menu

 I took the Angel Face to California in March.  We had a great time visiting with my brother and his family, going to the beaches, and traveling the Pacific Coast Highway.  On our way back to the San Francisco Airport, we stopped in Monterey for a night to visit with my friend, Camilla.

We met at The Quail and Olive, owned by Cam's friend, Analeise.  It is a lovely store, and I excitedly picked out some products to ship home.  

Crispy Roasted Potatoes because This Is Not About Us #LitHappens

This Is Not About Us was chosen by Debra of Eliot's Eats as our April Lit Happens selection.  Lit Happens is an online book club where each month one of the members chooses a book and posts discussion questions on our Facebook Page.  We read the book at our leisure and answer the questions when we finish.  It is a fun, no-stress book club to belong to.

Cottage Cheese Muffins and a Book Review #SundayFunday

Sneak some protein into those morning muffins you hand to the family as they run out the door.  These muffins are light, fluffy, and delicious using cottage cheese and applesauce for the liquid ingredients.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are serving up foods that are protein-rich, containing cottage cheese, paneer or tofu.

Bocata de atún #CooktheBooks

This traditional Spanish Bocadillo (Sandwich) is stuffed with canned tuna, roasted piquillo peppers, hard-boiled egg, olives, and tomatoes with a schmear of mayonnaise, all wrapped up in parchment to keep it together as you eat.

I was inspired to make this sandwich after reading Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn.  I was inspired to use tuna as I made this sandwich on a Lenten Fish Friday...

Turkey and Swiss on Rye, A Book Review and The Weekly Menu

When I was visiting my friend, Linda, in Tucson earlier this month, she suggested a fun series, The Althea Rose Mysteries, that she has been reading since the first one came out in 2015.  

I ordered up the first of the series as an audiobook on my library app and have been listening to it during my daily walks.

Perch with Crisp Parsley and the Weekly Menu #CooktheBooks

 I enjoyed our Cook the Books Club February/March selection, Miss Eliza's English Kitchen, chosen by Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures.  

Sausage and Plum Traybake and a Book Review #LitHappens

Evidently, what we call a Sheet Pan Dinner, here in the States, is called a Traybake in England.  A popular traybake in England includes sausage and plums.  I have no idea if this dinner resembles what you would get if you were visiting the UK, but it was well enjoyed here.

Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail and a Book Review

Marissa's guy, Hunter, gifted Frank a bottle of Chocolate Crown Royal for Christmas.  We were telling Nicole about it, and she mentioned that it would probably make a great Old Fashioned.  She was sooooo right.

The only difference from the classic cocktail is the whiskey used. Frank adds an extra drop of bitters to mine.

Chicken Crepes, A Book Review, and The Weekly Menu

Tender crepes filled with a silky, creamy velouté containing chicken, mushrooms, and spinach can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, if desired.

My final Book Review of 2025

I just finished reading The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth.  I may start another book this year, but even if I finish it, I won't post a review until next year.

Vanilla Sprinkle Donut Cookies and a Book Review

I just finished listening to The Sideways Life of Denny Voss.  It was a Kindle recommendation that included an audible feature with the e-book.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili and a Book Review #SundayFunday

This delicious, colorful, vegetarian chili is so hearty that your carnivores won't even realize that it doesn't contain any meat.

It's National Sweet Potato Awareness Month.......