THE GREATER JOURNEY - David McCullough

Loved this book. I am asking you, pretty please, go and buy/checkout/download this book.  Anything David McCullough writes works for me.  The Greater Journey Americans in Paris is his latest work that I had a hard time putting down.  We learn about the Americans who visited Paris for various lengths of time between 1830 and 1900 to perfect their craft.  The list of recognizable folks is eye-popping.  Name after name of people you will recognize makes it so much fun to read: Samuel Morse; Henry James; George Healy; James Fenimore Cooper; Nathaniel Hawthorne; Mary Cassat; Augustus Saint-Gaudens; Henry Wadswroth Longfellow; Oliver Wendell Holmes; Harriet Beecher Stowe; and John Singer Sargent.  The list goes on and on.

Getting to know about the relentless work of American minister to France, Elihu Washburne, was in itself worth a read.  Even the source notes are interesting.  I highlighted many quotes in this book but instead of noting them in this review (because I would end up quoting the entire book), I promise you will enjoy this book.  If you don't, you'll learn something anyway so it won't be a waste of  your time.

Five stars from me.  (Of course, I don't really review on a "star" basis, but if I did.....)

CREAMY PUMPKIN-PEANUT SOUP

Don't know where this recipe originated from but I was lucky enough to receive it from my friend, Kathleen, who raved about it.  I made up a quick batch today for lunch having all the ingredients on hand except for the garnishments which I skipped.  This is a great Fall soup even though the high today here in sunny (perpetually so) AZ is 92 degrees.

Creamy Pumpkin-Peanut Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 small onion, chopped (1 1/4 cups)

3 cloves garlic, smashed

1/4 tsp ground turmeric (you can substitute ground mustard and saffron, per Kathleen)

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes

1 can solid-pack pumpkin puree (15 oz)

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 jar roasted red peppers (7 oz), drained, 1 tablespoon chopped and reserved for garnish

1/3 cup smooth reduced-fat natural peanut butter

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 Tbsp chopped roasted peanuts

2 Tbsp chopped scallion greens

1. Heat oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.

2. Add turmeric, paprika, and chili flakes; stir. Add pumpkin puree, broth, peppers, and peanut butter; whisk to incorporate and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

3. Transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with sour cream, peanuts, reserved chopped peppers, and scallion greens.

Makes 4 Servings.

Per serving: 270 cal, 18 g fat (4 g sat), 22 g carbs,

450 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 10 g protein

PEACH CRISP WITH MAPLE CREAM SAUCE - Pioneer Woman Cooks

I've made so many fruit crisps, cobblers, etc. that were all delicious.  But what sets this recipe apart is the luscious maple cream sauce that is swirled around a scoop of this peach crisp. Any leftover sauce could be drizzled atop a hot bowl of oatmeal the next morning, but who would ever do that?  

Ingredients

• 5 whole To 6 Whole Fresh Peaches (best When Not Overly Ripe Or Soft)
• 1 cup Flour
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, Firmly Packed
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 stick Butter (1/2 Cup)
• 1/2 whole Lemon
• 7 Tablespoons Real Maple Syrup, Divided
• 1-1/2 cup Whipping Cream
• 3 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup

Preparation Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt using a fork or pastry cutter. Cut butter into small pieces and gradually add to flour mixture until evenly mixed.

Peel peaches into a bowl. Add the zest from half a lemon. Squeeze juice from lemon half and stir in with peaches and zest. Add 2 tablespoons real maple syrup to peaches, stir well.

Pour peach mixture into a small pan (8” or 9” square) and cover evenly with crumb topping. Cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until crisp and brown on top. I broiled the top for about 2 minutes because our family loves the almost burned brown sugar that dots this yummy dish.

Maple Cream Sauce:

Pour whipping cream into a saucepan. Add 5 tablespoons real maple syrup, 3 tablespoons corn syrup and stir over moderate heat until thickened and reduced by about one-third, approximately 15 minutes. Refrigerate mixture until it is cold and thick, or set the saucepan into a small bowl of ice (the ice will melt and turn into ice water). Stirring your mixture, it will cool and thicken in about 15 minutes. Drizzle sauce over peach crisp. Serve warm.

CHICKEN, QUINOA, AND GREEN-OLIVE STEW - Sunset Magazine

In honor of our official entry into the "ber" months (yea for October!), I made a new soup recipe today from Sunset Magazine.  Yes, it is 97 degrees today, but I'm pretending there is a chill in the air. 

The ingredients were a new combination for me--I've never made anything combining green olives and orange zest, but it works.  It is spicy so if you aren't one to enjoy a slight burn on the tongue, you may want to back off the chile powder and cayenne.  I made the recipe as is without any changes and savored every bite.  Technically it's called a stew, but it seemed more soup-like to me.  It's now my sister's new favorite soup recipe.  Go forth and make.

Ingredients

• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 pounds boned, skinned chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 cup chopped ripe plum tomatoes (about 2 large) or fire-roasted diced canned tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (garbanzos), rinsed if canned
• 1 cup pimiento-stuffed small green olives

Preparation

• 1. Bring broth to a simmer in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and lower heat to a simmer. Cook chicken, covered, 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through; transfer to a plate. Pour broth into a large bowl and set aside. Wipe out pot.
• 2. Add oil, onion, and salt to pot and cook over medium heat until onion softens and is starting to brown, about 10 minutes.
• 3. Stir in cumin, coriander, oregano, and garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add ancho chile powder, cayenne, chopped tomatoes, reserved broth, orange zest, and quinoa. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until a white ring appears around each quinoa seed, 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, shred chicken.
• 4. Add shredded chicken, chickpeas, and olives and heat through.

PEACHES & GREEK YOGURT

Utah peaches, Greek yogurt, agave syrup.

Yes.

(A sprinkling of toasted almonds would be a lovely addition.)

JENNIFER'S RED PEPPER CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN SOUP

     My darling friend, Jennifer, was at my home the other night and told me about a new soup concoction she came up with that started with a box of roasted red pepper and tomato soup.  The soup is delicious on its own but one night she worked her magic (she tweaks everything) and added a little pizazz to the soup.  Pre-cooked chicken, canned black beans, and brown rice were tossed in and it was a hit.  So, I did the same.  (I subbed leftover Basmati rice for brown rice.)  Sooo good and easy--one pot cooking! 

LATEST OBSESSION

Really.  I love these boots and wish I had an excuse to own a pair out here in sunny, dry, Arizona.

These boots would make me feel as if I had a country estate that needed my ever watchful eye.  I could roam the grounds for errant sheep, survey blown down trees, and wave to the hikers as they pass along the public footpath that would cross my property.  My boots would always be ready for me propped just outside my back door where they would not be rotted from the sun/heat or housing a sleeping scorpion.

I first eyed these about a year ago whilst in England. Le Chameau, made in France. I know, why would I prefer French rubber boots over the English-made Hunter boots?  I don't know, but I do know that the Le Chameau brand is worn by a lot of the English gentry (to which I aspire), so that's good enough for me.  Then again, Hunter boots are also worn by the English gentry.  And, I haven't tried either brand on my Cinderella feet.

Last month, a darling blogger, Jeanne from Finding My Way in England, posted about the dilemma of which exact boot to choose.  And then I noticed the Duchess of Cambridge also wearing the French boots. Suddenly I was googling away to find all the options.  But, I'm a classic sort of girl and would opt for the green rubber, nothing fancy, boots.  I'm also practical (usually) and realize that I have absolutely no excuse to wear these.  Sadly, my old green Croc's are just right for an Arizona, non-irrigated backyard.  Drats.

QUICK DINNER

It's been crazy busy the last two weeks.  Haven't tried any new recipes, haven't finished any books, and haven't finished planting my fall gardens.  But!  I wanted to share a new favorite find--love these salmon burgers from Costco. Wild Alaskan salmon, not farm raised.  170 calories, 9 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein. Love.

I just pan fry these babies direct from the freezer in about one teaspoon of blood orange olive oil in a non-stick pan, sprinkle a little lemon pepper on both sides, and then cook the  patties for 4 minutes on each side. Excellent.  If you're interested, you can find them in the frozen food section at Costco.  I highly recommend for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal.

Enjoy!

A PENCIL PLANT TRANSPLANT

We have a crazy, wild pencil cactus plant on our patio.  I took a cue from my friend Robby who took a cutting from her also out of control plant and plopped it into a clear vase filled with water, seashells, and stones.  Easy peasy.   I did the same sans the seashells and love the living, sculptural look sitting on my desk.  Eventually, roots will form and twirl into a sort of nest hovering above the stones.  I'll snap a pic and report back when that happens.

My new arrangement cost me $0 since I already had the plant, the vase, and the stones.  Yea!

P.S. If you live nearby I would be happy to give you a clipping from my crazy patio plant.

P.P.S.  As noted in the comment section (thanks, Bonnie!), when the stem is cut there is a milky white substance that can be an irritant.  I rinsed the stem until the white substance stopped flowing and then washed my hands with soap and water.  I didn't have any problems.

THE PROVINCIAL LADY IN AMERICA - Delafield - Book Review

After reading three of E.M. Delafield's "Provincial Lady" diary books, I'm thinking the BBC should produce a television series based on these light hearted stories (written in the 1930's) so that we could all settle down to watch on a Sunday night via our local PBS stations.  I'm not good at casting (except I've always thought Gabriel Byrne would have been the best Sirius Black in the Harry Potter movies) so I don't have a particular actress in mind (any thoughts, please share).

Written in diary format, our "PL"observes all the goings on with her dry humor comments thrown in for a bit of a laugh. This time, PL is on her way to America for a book tour.  We're never told what the book is about (or her name, for that matter) but it is fun to read her interactions  with the various people she meets while touring.

Sprinkled throughout the book is a series of queries and  memo's to herself, such as this one: "Take cast-iron resolution before I sleep never to make either of the dear children subjects of long conversations with strangers. ( Mem: To let Robert (husband) know of this resolution, as feel sure he would approve of it.)

The Provincial Lady in America was the perfect book following the serious read about William Pitt the Younger.

As an aside, I bought a used copy of this book through Abe Books.  But when I opened the book and saw "DISCARDED" in big bold letters, I gasped.  What?! Discarded?! That kind of hurt my feelings--the book condition was almost perfect and the story delightful.  Well, all I can say is thank the dear  heavens for Abe's and all those glorious second-hand bookstore owners.  Discarded indeed.

THE LUNATIC EXPRESS - Hoffman - Book Review

My friend, Alison, thought the premise of this book was so crazy and interesting that she recommended it as a must read.  Carl Hoffman's The Lunatic Express is ludicrous and a fun read (as long as you don't picture yourself on the various modes of transportation described as I sometimes did).

Mr. Hoffman is a journalist who has traveled the world for his craft.  Then, because life wasn't challenging enough, he came up with the idea to travel the most disaster-ridden modes of transportation in the most underdeveloped and poor countries on the planet.

Did you know that Latin American roads are considered the most dangerous with 1.2 million people a year killed in accidents?  I did not.  "The buses of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia were particularly legendary for horrific crashes, often involving coaches plunging off cliffs, like the one in Peru in December 2006 in which a packed bus plunged into a 1,640 foot gorge, killing forty-five of the forty-seven passengers."  So, of course, he takes a bus ride but at least selects Bogota, Columbia where the bus companies have to post accident and fatality reports publicly.  What a comfort.

Hoffman takes the planes that have no maintenance inspections, the boats that overload beyond capacity, the crime-ridden trains (also overloaded), and of course the buses which routinely slide off cliffs in mudslides. The people who board these death-traps are poor and have no other choice to get to their jobs or wherever they need to be going.  And combine the high risks with the discomfort of overcrowding, cigarette smoke, heat, humidity, trash, and what I would imagine to be pretty heinous smells, makes one appreciate any length of commute here in the U.S.A.

Most of Hoffman's fellow passengers are pretty good natured (not the thieving criminals who are often on board) and at times are helpful to him--sort of taking him under their wing.  But, really, I am missing that risk-taking gene that Hoffman must have in abundance. Because there isn't one ride in this book I would want to experience.

Also included are interviews with the passengers who survived some of these horrific accidents.  And those stories are heartbreaking.

While at times the stories seem repetitive, overall I enjoyed reading about Hoffman's experiences and grateful I didn't have to live them.

WILLIAM PITT THE YOUNGER - Hague - Book Review

I've always been intrigued by William Pitt, the youngest Prime Minister (age 24) in the history of England.  My friends, Lisa and Vic, recommended this book to me and I received it in near perfect condition from Abe Books (love that site).

William Pitt was Prime Minister for 19 years during tremendously turbulent times in Britain.  Starting in 1784, he picked up the mantle just as the American War of Independence (funny, we commonly refer to it as the American Revolution) was ending and during his leadership had to deal with the broken down finances from that war and then head right into the French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, Irish rebellion, and the disaster of the East Indian Company.  Oh, and let's not forget the madness of King George.

So many familiar names from that era are scattered throughout the book: William Wilberforce,  Charles James Fox, Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire, Admiral Nelson, Warren Hastings, Catherine the Great, really too many to name.

What I like about Pitt is his discipline and focus to help his country.  He loved his country and did not view his work as a sacrifice.  He was a serious minded leader who rarely took time off. His speeches and writing were eloquent.  In a speech in the House of Commons in 1797 attacking the French Directory (French leaders), Pitt declared, "There is one great resource, which I trust will never abandon us, and which has shone forth in the English character by which we have preserved our existence and fame, as a nation, which I trust we shall be determined never to abandon under any extremity...that we know great exertions are wanting, that we are prepared to make them, and at all events determined to stand or fall by the laws, liberties, and religion of our country." He died far too young, at the age of 45, from terrible stomach issues that would be easily treated in this day.

Some history books read as a homework assignment.  But, this was not tedious.  I did have to re-read paragraphs at times because of direct quotes which when written in the 18th century style are sometimes hard to understand the first time around. I highly recommend this book.

William Hague, the author, is the current British Foreign Secretary and an excellent writer. William Pitt the Younger was published in 2004.