City of Thieves, David Benioff. World War II novel that takes place Saint Petersburg. Beautiful story of friendship and heartbreaking in how devastated the city and its people were by war.
One Day, David Nicholls – Loved this one!!! So good. I was skeptical at the concept, but the author pulled it off and again, another beautiful story.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Smith. Written from perspective of the dog. I haven’t finished it yet, but it is very touching and definitely a great read.
City of Veils by Zoe Ferraris. A mystery that takes place in Saudi Arabia. The mystery takes a back seat to what it is like to be a woman in Saudi Arabia. It’s frustrating, but really well written with great characters, that are at the same time neither good nor bad.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. This is an older book you may have read already, but well worth picking up if you haven’t. Very poignant.
Room, by Emma Donoghue. Another one I was reluctant to read, but very glad I did. The numerous 5 stars on Amazon.com don’t lie. It’s tough subject matter, with some very difficult scenes, but with in depth wonderful characters that cut through the darkness of the subject matter.
Month: November 2010
Cranberry Apple Compote
I decided to post this because we lost this recipe once, and the only place I could find it is in my handwritten recipe 
book. It’s so easy, makes even a roast chicken dinner a little special, and is definitely a great compliment to a Thanksgiving meal.
Cranberry Apple Compote
1 12oz package fresh cranberries
3 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup apple juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Combine all in sauce pan, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, add more sugar if necessary. Refrigerate up to one week.
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting (for Pumpkin Bars)
Pumpkin bars are moist, delicious and super easy to make (try this one), but most recipes I found recommend regular
cream cheese frosting. Adding a dash of orange really compliments the pumpkin and greatly increases their deliciousness!
3 ounces cream cheese
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
Beat until fluffy. Then add the following and beat those in as well.
1 1/2 tsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp grated orange peel
Sift 2 cups (start with 1.5 and see if you need the rest) powdered sugar and add to mixture above to make spreadable icing. Spread on cooled bars and enjoy!