Weekend Cooking: Always Be My Maybe (Movie)

I'm always on the look-out for a good foodie movie, so couldn't resist trying Always Be My Maybe (Netflix, dir. Nahnatchka Khan, 2019), starring Ali Wong and Randall Park.

This cute rom-com is about how childhood neighbors and friends went from BFFs to virtual strangers after high school graduation. Sixteen years later they are united again by chance . . . and you can generally guess the rest.

Sasha Tran grew up with hardworking parents who weren't around much, so she spent a lot of her time next door with Marcus Kim and his parents. Sasha always loved to cook and eventually became a celebrity chef, opening restaurants throughout the United States.

Marcus loved music, started a high school band, and became a popular local rap musician. He, however, chose to stay home after high school to live and work with his widowed father. Marcus is more cautious than Sasha and feels a strong sense of responsibility for his dad.

By the time they meet up again, when Sasha is back in San Francisco to open her latest restaurant, she's rich and famous and Marcus is content but not at all rich or famous. I liked the way Marcus still saw her as his childhood best friend and that Sasha didn't snub him. Their relationship seemed realistic, both as kids and as adults. Other themes of Always Be My Maybe had to do with friendship, family, and following one's dream.

 There wasn't a whole lot of food porn in Always Be My Maybe, but I had to laugh at the $6400 dinner (paid for my Keanu Reeves's character), with its multiple pretentious courses. Still, I enjoyed the movie for its restaurant and cooking underlayer and especially for the diverse cast; in fact, Reeves, who a plays a parody of himself, is one of the few white people in the entire film.

Is Always Be My Maybe utterly predictable? Yes. But is it fun? Also a yes if you like rom-coms. If you're looking for a light foodie-type movie for a relaxing evening, give this Netflix Original a go. Here's the trailer (warning: adult language and themes):

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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6 True Stories for Adult Readers

Happy holiday weekend if you’re celebrating something in your part of the world (it’s Father’s Day for some, Labor Day for others). We don’t have any particular plans, but I sure hope to get in some reading time. I am backed up on my adult nonfiction (I read and reviewed kids’ nonfiction last week), and I’m bummed because there are so many great titles this month. Here are six that remain on my list. If I’m lucky, I’ll have a review for at least one of these on Monday.

Death on the Derwent: Sue Neill-Fraser’s Story by Robin Bowles (Scribe US, Aug. 27). What it’s about: In the summer of 2009, a man disappeared from his yacht on Australia Day. His partner of almost 20 years was convicted of the murder, despite the lack of evidence, including a body and a weapon. Thanks to a change in Tasmanian law, Sue Neill-Fraser has recently been given a chance to prove her innocence. Why I want to read it: The tagline of book caught my attention—“Don’t fool yourself that the innocent never go to jail.” Bowles is a well-known true-crime writer. Reviews: The book hasn’t gotten stellar reviews, though the story is definitely timely, with a potential witness coming forward and Neill-Fraser's new trial on the horizon.

Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table by Carole Bumpus (She Writes Press, Aug. 27). What it’s about: Part travel writing, part culinary adventure, Bumpus introduces us to the French families who invited her into their homes and to their dining tables to talk about food, life, wine, and cooking. The book is organized by regions and is full of stories and musings on everyday food and kitchens, gathered from more than 70 interviews. Why I want to read it: This is so me and sounds like something I’ll eat up (pun intended). Even better, the book is subtitled “Book One,” so I hope there’s more to come. Oh, and did mention the included maps and recipes? Reviews: This book has gotten universal praise from both everyday readers and professional reviewers.

Five Days Gone by Laura Cumming (Scribner’s, Aug. 27). What it’s about: When the author’s mother was three years old (in the 1920s), she was kidnapped but recovered five days later, apparently unharmed. Her parents sheltered their daughter thereafter but never told her about the incident. Later, however, Betty learns about the kidnapping as well as other secrets concerning her early life. This book is Cumming’s attempt to help her aging mother uncover all the truths. Why I want to read it: It sounds like a fascinating story that is a mix of investigative work, the story of a family, and the story of a mother and daughter. Reviews: Reviewers have good things to say about the way Cummings was able to tease out the facts from the family stories, photographs, documents, and other sources.

Faber & Faber: The Untold Story by Toby Faber (Faber & Faber, Aug. 13). What it’s about: On the 90th anniversary of the publishing house that brought many of the greats—T. S. Eliot, Sylvia Path, Lawrence Durrell, and Marianne Moore among them—to print, the founder’s grandson, Toby Faber, tells us the stories behind the books and authors, including how the company survived the war and which books they rejected. A story of publishing, books, and a changing world. Why I want to read it: As a book lover and a long-time book editor, I must read this. I particularly relish and celebrate what the New Yorker calls “small major” independent publishers. Reviews: The history has been earning many positive reviews for its insights and behind-the-scene stories.

The Mosquito by Timothy C. Winegard (Dutton; Aug. 6). What’s it about: The subtitle explains why you should be interested in the annoying mosquito—“A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.” You may find it hard to believe, but the mosquito has been a direct driver of human genetics, human migrations, human conflicts, and so much more. It has killed tens of billions of people throughout history and hasn’t stopped yet. The mosquito is much more than a summer annoyance. Why I want to read it: As a former anthropologist and geneticist, I’ve been thinking about the interconnections between humans and mosquitoes for decades. I want to know the newest research. (I’m planning on an audio/eGalley co-read.) Reviews: This book has gotten mixed reviews, the negatives mostly related to its length and style.

Travel Light, Move Fast by Alexandra Fuller (Penguin Press, Aug. 6). What's it about: In her latest memoir, Fuller pays tribute to and tells the story of her father, Tim. Fuller morns her father’s loss while celebrating everything about him that made her life what it is: living in the moment, hanging on to hope, embracing everything life gives you. She writes about how Tim ended up in Africa after he left England, about how he met his wife (Fuller's mother), and about his life in Zambia as a family man. She also writes about what her life has been like without him. Why I want to read it: I’ve read pretty much everything Fuller has written, and I love her observations about her family and life in general. I’ve always wanted to know more about her father. Reviews: Reviewers have nothing but positive reactions to Fuller’s storytelling abilities.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Books I Loved, Books I Didn't

It was the best of two weeks and it was the worst of two weeks. I had to DNF two books in a row, but I listened to what is probably going to be my favorite audiobook (and book) of the year. Ditching books always puts a damper on my reading mojo, plus I’ve been really busy with work.

On a better note, we managed to get to the county fair (and eat all the junk food! Yay!). Plus the weather finally shifted. It’s downright chilly in the evening, and I’ve worn jeans twice during the day. I’m not at all sad, because I love fall and soup and sweater weather. Bring it on!

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow (Redhook; Sept. 10). If you like fantasy, adventure, historical and imaginary settings, and a strong female protagonist and if you like stories of female friendship, young and lasting love, coming of age, and betrayals, you must put this book on your list. And if you’re an audiobook fan, then make sure you listen to January LaVoy’s mind-blowing performance (Hachette Audio; 12 hr, 20 min). If this audiobook doesn’t win a million awards, I’ll be very upset. You need all the Januaries in your life. Trust me. At this moment, The Ten Thousand Doors of January is my favorite audiobook of the year and is on my all-time top ten list.

At the turn of the last century, young January Scaller lives in a big mansion in Vermont, where she is more or less treated as a daughter by her guardian Mr. Locke. January’s mother died when the girl was quite young, and her father is rarely home, because he’s an explorer and seeker of the exotic in the employ of Locke. Despite her beautiful surroundings, January’s life isn’t easy, being biracial and raised in isolation. She is strong willed and learns early that the way to Locke’s heart is through obedience. One day, while looking through some of Locke’s priceless collections, she finds a book filled with stories of love, adventure, and magical doors that open into other worlds. The book implies that all is not well, however, because someone is destroying the doors, trapping people in the wrong worlds and isolating the realms. Once a door is lost, it seems that it’s lost forever. What happens when January finds herself believing the stories?

I don’t want to say much more because the less you know, the better. This book has so many levels and such great characters. I was sorry when it ended, but (excuse the pun), I think Harrow might have left the door open for more January adventures. One can only hope. (audio and digital review copies provided by the publisher)

A Prayer for Travelers by Ruchika Tomar (Riverhead; July 9). I wasn't at all sure what to expect when I started this audiobook (for a freelance assignment). The audiobook starts out with a note telling the listener (1) that the chapters are purposely out of order and (2) that you really do need to download the accompanying PDF. Set in contemporary times in a tiny town in the Nevada desert, the story is told through the eyes of Cale Lambert, abandoned shortly after birth by her mother to be raised by her widowed grandfather. Cale is a studious girl, and her grandfather does his best for her. After high school graduation, Cale gets a waitressing job at the roadside diner, where she befriends Penny, who is a couple years older. Penny is one of those girls who attracts men’s attention and who is a little too worldly for her own good. Cale is still surprisingly naive and quickly comes under Penny’s spell. After an ill-fated night, Penny disappears, and Cale cannot let it go. She is determined to find her friend—dead or alive—no matter what it takes.

As I said, the book’s chapters are all out of order, and though you’d think this would be confusing (especially in audio), the device works and works well. You get hints of the past and future as the story winds through time, from lazy, hot nights watching the stars to dodgy deals and dangerous encounters. The girls ache for something, but what that something is, is hard to say: connection? a get of town free card? a desire to be left alone? A Prayer for Travelers is haunting in its truths, and Tomar has a promising future.

The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel (Gallery Books; Aug. 13). I often say I’m done with World War II books, but I thought this dual-time-period story set in Champagne on a vineyard would be good. In the past, Inès, an orphan from Lille, meets and marries the slightly older Michel, a major champagne maker. Inès feels totally out of her element at the vineyard and in the chateau, but fortunately her best friend from childhood, Edith, lives in nearby Reims. In the present day, Edith’s granddaughter, Liv, lives in New York, is newly divorced, and is at loose ends. When she joins Edith in Paris and then on a trip to Champagne, the stories of past and present collide.

The book is peppered with real events and real people and accurately relates the struggles and dangers of the German occupation. The main driving point of the novel is the relationships among Inés, Edith, and the wine master’s wife (Céline) and Liv’s discovery of the secrets and sacrifices of the past. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but many of the secrets were not all that difficult to figure out, Inés's behavior drove me nuts, and there were parts of the ending that were a little out there. If you’ve read The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah (William Morrow, June 2018), then some of the plot lines (hiding wine in the caves, for example) will seem familiar. Still, this kept my attention to the end. (digital and audiobook copies provided by the publisher)

When You Read This by Mary Adkins (Harper; Feb. 2019). This novel was billed as being perfect for fans of Maria Semple and Rainbow Rowell and is told through blog posts, emails, texts, and other media. It is a story of friendship and family, loss and redemption, and seemed liked something I would like, especially because it involves publishing a memoir. Sadly, I got about 40 pages in and realized I wasn’t connecting with the characters or the plot line. (print review copy provided by the publisher)

The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood (Putnam; Aug 20). This novel is about Zee, who is just trying to heal and find a future after her boyfriend left and she was in a motorcycle accident. While at physical therapy, she meets a young man who claims to be her knight in shining armor—not for romance but for protection. He even talks in Middle English. This is supposed to be a quirky modern-day fairy tale and has received a zillion starred reviews. The audiobook is read by a winning cast, and their performances (the little I heard) were great. However, I barely made it 90 min before I had to bail. The audiobook itself was not to blame; I just didn’t care about any of the characters. (digital and audiobook copies provided by the publisher)

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Weekend Cooking: Umami Bomb by Raquel Pelzel

Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or only a part-time one like me, I bet you can always use some new ideas for sparking up your meals. Raquel Pelzel’s Umami Bomb (Workman, Sept. 3) provides 75 colorful and flavorful recipes that will make you happy to get into the kitchen and even happier to eat.

As with all Workman cookbooks, the design is fresh and bright, with thick semi-gloss paper and crayon-colored borders. The beautiful full-page photographs make me want to get cooking—right now!

Pelzel’s focus for the recipes in this cookbook is twofold: the deep, satisfying flavor that is umami and a range of vegetarian dishes. In marrying these themes, she explores six ingredients or flavors: aged cheese, soy sauce, tomatoes, mushrooms, caramelized onions, miso, smoke, and nutritional yeast. The dishes in Unami Bomb concentrate on lunch, dinner, and sides, though a few of them will help wake you up (Cheddar cheese waffles, mushroom porridge) and others are for pure indulgence (miso peanut butter cookies, grilled banana splits).

While the recipes in the cheese chapter are clearly not vegan, many of the others are or can be adapted for a vegan diet. Pelzel marks each recipe so you can tell at a glance if the dish will fit your lifestyle. Note that the book ends with three bonus fish recipes . . . don’t miss them!

I have a bunch of recipes marked to try. Here is one from each chapter, many with fall flavors:

• Gouda-Apple-Thyme Galettes: I love apples with cheese
• Sheet Pan Chile-Soy Glazed Brussels Sprouts: I’ll sub pecans for the roasted peanuts
• Tomato ‘Nduja: an Italian-inspired vegan tomato pate
• Mushroom Salad Tart: baked in a phyllo shell
• Onion and Rosemary Jam: okay, now I have to bake bread
• Miso Broccoli with Orecchiette: I rarely say no to pasta
• Polenta with Smoked Cheddar and Kale: OMG
• Eggplant “Meatballs”: with nutritional yeast; see the scan (yummm)

Throughout Unami Bomb, Pelzel provides helpful hints, explanations of ingredients and flavors, and storage information. The recipes themselves are well written and easy to follow.

Recommendation: Raquel Pelzel’s Umami Bomb is perfect for cooks looking to explore the fifth taste and dishes with that special can’t-resist oomph to elevate mealtime to a dining experience. While I can’t say every single recipe is groundbreaking—I’m sure there are millions of roasted tomato salsa recipes around—I liked learning more about umami and how to incorporate it into my everyday cooking.

Note: The scans and recipe are used here in the context of a review. All rights remain with the original copyright holders. Thank you to Workman for providing a review copy of the cookbook.

Simple Soy Marinara
Vegan
Makes 2 cups

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 6 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 box (26.5 ounces) tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Heat the oil with the garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the garlic starts to sizzle, add the basil and crushed red pepper flakes and continue to cook, stirring often, until the garlic is golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Add the tomato puree, soy sauce, and salt, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.

Taste and add more salt if needed then turn off the heat and set aside to cool if not using right away. The sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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5 Books for Middle Grade Nonfiction Fans

I am a lifelong nonfiction lover. When I was a kid, I read a lot of biographies, mostly because there weren't very many accessible science titles for curious young readers. At least I couldn't find them in my local library.

Kids these days have access to so many terrific nonfiction titles and series. The middle grade STEM and other books I've run across (and read) in the last few years have impressed me on several levels. First, the science books tackle important subjects like conservation, energy, and medicine. Second, the biographies and histories give plenty of page time to women, people of color, non-Western countries, sociocultural issues, and LGBGT+ topics. Finally, although the books are written for young readers, the text is not watered down. Kids get the chance to learn real science and real history presented in a colorful and entertaining way.

This week I read five middle grade nonfiction titles and recommend all them for you or your young reader.

In the 21st-century we take microbes, amoebae, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms for granted. In the early 1600s no one had heard of or seen any of these. That would change after Antony van Leeuwenhoek, a self-taught scientist from Delft, built a microscope and started documenting what he discovered. Lori Alexander's All in a Drop (HMH Books for Young Readers, Aug. 6), tells the story of how the uneducated son of a basket maker became the father of microbiology. His life wasn't easy and his path may seem surprising -- what was it about becoming a linen merchant that jump-started his curiosity for tiny things? Despite the poor odds, Antony eventually convinced the leading scientists of the era to take his discoveries seriously. This little-known story, which includes quotes from Anthony's own letters, is beautifully illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. The back of the book contains a time line, a glossary, and a bibliography.

Have you heard of Tyrus Wong, who came to America in 1919 from his native China at the age of nine, carrying false papers? I hadn't either, but I've seen some of his work, and so have you. Paper Son by Julie Leung (Schwartz & Wade, Sept. 24) introduces us to the man that the New York Times called "one of the most celebrated Chinese-American artists of the 20th century." Tyrus Wong (his Americanized name) grew up to be the inspirational artist for Disney's Bambi movie and later worked for other Hollywood studios. Although Tyrus's father was well educated, he couldn't find a good job. Regardless, he worked hard to give his son a better life in America. After graduating from art school, Tyrus held a number of jobs, but he never stopped painting. Tyrus's story is inspiring, but it also reveals the darker side of what it is like to be foreign born in the country of opportunity. The book, geared to very young readers, is beautifully illustrated by Chris Sasaki.

The Awesome Achievers series uses a mix of humor, simple drawings, and entertaining text to introduce middle grade readers to some of the world's lesser-known inventors. Author Alan Katz peppers his books with personal stories, fun facts, and silly questions, perfect for young readers. Both Awesome Achievers in Science and Awesome Achievers in Technology (Running Press Kids, Aug. 6) are delight to read and include a good mix of women and men and people of color. Many of the achievers were new to me, and I enjoyed getting to know the man who invented seat belts, the woman who was the first voice of Siri, the woman who was a pioneer in modern communications, the guy who invented Velcro, and the woman who invented non-reflective glass. The biographies are short and each one is accompanied by funny extras, such as lists, jokes, a comic, and ridiculous invention ideas. Chris Judge provides black and white drawings to accompany the text.

You've read it here before, but I absolutely love the Scientists in the Field series, which gives budding scientists (of any age, in my opinion) an insider's look at what it's like to be a field scientist. This month's book is Saving the Tasmanian Devil by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (HMH Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20). After zoolologist Patent learned that a mysterious and rapidly spreading disease was threatening to kill the entire Tasmanian devil population, she traveled to Australia to learn what conservationists were doing to save this species. The types of scientists trying to stop devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) includes geneticists, ecologists, and cancer researchers from all over the world. Through text, drawings, and photographs, we learn about Tasmanian devil behavior and habits, the discovery of DFTD, and the various efforts being made to save the animals. Through field studies, scientists developed a theory for the disease's transmission; meanwhile lab researchers have developed a promising vaccine. Sidebars and boxes explain scientific concepts, and the text and photos give us a good sense what's like to work with the devils. If you want to help, check out the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.

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Today's Read: Carnegie Hill by Jonathan Vatner

What would you do if you finally realized that just because you didn't have to work or be productive, you actually needed some direction in life? That's one reason 33-year-old Pepper decided to join the co-op board of her new building, after she and her fiance move into together.

Here's how Pepper's story begins:

Unsure of the proper attire for a co-op board meeting, Pepper decided to err on the side of stuffiness. She settled on a heather-gray skirt-suit with matching cloche, a raw-silk blouse, nude hose and heels, and a three-carat diamond choker that Rick at given her the past Valentine's Day, two months after they met. He was possibly the most successful asset manager under forty in New York, and he loved to spend money on her. She didn't need it, but she also didn't mind it.

—Carnegie Hill by Jonathan Vatner (Thomas Dunne, Aug. 20, p. 3, advanced reader copy)

Quick Facts

• Setting: New York's Upper East Side
• Circumstances: Pepper Bradford hasn't wanted for anything, except maybe a life path. When she moves into an Upper East Side apartment with her hot-shot financier boyfriend, Rick, she soon discovers they're by far the youngest residents. With nothing better to do, Pepper decides to join the co-op board, thinking of it as a way to meet her neighbors and get a step up on adulting before her wedding. She sees the older couples as possible role models for her life with Rick, until she discovers that outward appearances aren't always a mirror of the truth. In this coming-of-age story, Pepper finds a surprising (to her) example of a good relationship and must face the hard facts and possibilities (or not) of her own new marriage.
• Genre & themes: contemporary fiction, women's fiction; relationships, marriage, life inside a hoity-toity apartment building, generation gap, LBGTQ+
• Why I want to read it: Sounds like an easy summer read that hits on a few deeper themes. Reviewers have mentioned the fun and charm of this debut novel.
• Extra things to know: Vatner is an award-winning journalist. Booklist gave Carnegie Hill a starred review. Town & Country says it's a must-read. Goodreads gives the book a 3.5 rating.
• Acknowledgments: Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the review copy of Jonathan Vatner's Carnegie Hill.

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Weekend Cooking: Musings

 I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to start your blog posts off with an apology, but that's what I'm doing today. I was slammed with work this week, and although I cooked (from scratch) each night, I don't have much left in me to write a thrilling Weekend Cooking post. *shrug*

By the way, this is my 504th Weekend Cooking post. It's not 504 weeks in a row, though, because Deb from Kahakai Kitchen hosted for me last August when I was out of the country. Still . . . that's almost 10 years of hosting!

Enough digression. Almost three years ago, I wrote about Beth Moncel's Budget Bytes cookbook and blog. At the time I was lamenting how much money Mr. BFR and I spend on food each week. I truly don't know how families manage, and I feel bad for anyone who has teenage boys.

Earlier this summer, I was going through my cookbooks and spotted Budget Bytes on my shelves. I revisited Moncel's website, still liked what I saw, and signed up for her email newsletter. Two of our dinners came from the cookbook this week: a zucchini pasta bake and a chicken and potatoes sheet pan supper. Both were delicious, inexpensive, and really easy to throw together after a long day of editing. I recommend the site and the book for both vegetarians and meat eaters.

My cooking plans for this weekend include making my first batch of tomato sauce for the freezer and a batch of peach chutney. I don't have a particular sauce recipe -- I just cook down the tomatoes with herbs, garlic, and onions until the sauce is thick and then I use the immersion blender to smooth it out. Sometimes I add vegetables or hot peppers.

My chutney recipe is here. It's still too early for the prune plums, which makes my all-time favorite chutney, but I use the same recipe for peaches and nectarines. Currently, we're eating the summer apples out of hand, but later in the fall I'll make and freeze applesauce.

Do you preserve the summer harvest? I used to can all kinds of sauces, jams, and vegetables, but now I rely on my freezer and concentrate on sauce, tomato jam, chutney, and applesauce. I guess I got lazy in my old age. Or maybe it's because we no longer have a vegetable garden.

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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Wordless Wednesday 539

August Flower, 2019

Click image to enlarge. For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Fiction and Nonfiction to Read Right Now

Good morning! I hope your week is already off to a good start. I love the cooler temperatures and blue skies of late, even though I'm in a work crunch until after Labor Day and can't get outside much.

The county fair is starting soon, and I'm looking forward to seeing the exhibits (quilts, photography, farm products) and animals (including the horse show). The best part, though, is eating our way through the fair. All the really bad for you but so, so delicious food. We never miss the fair.

As far as reading, I realized the other day that I totally failed on my goal of reading a short story every week this year. Thus I'm not quite sure why I'm starting a new goal, but here goes. I was going through my bookshelves and book piles and saw so many books I really, really wanted to read but never got to. My new goal is to try to read at least two books a month from my personal back list -- whether it's a print book, a digital book, or an audiobook.

Do you also get drawn in by the new and shiny? I hope I'm not alone.

Marilou Is Everywhere by Sara Elaine Smith (Riverhead, July 30). I was attracted to this book because it takes place in Pennsylvania and features socioeconomic issues that are often overlooked in contemporary fiction. Cindy and her older brothers are on their own after their mother abandons them (yet again), leaving no word of her whereabouts. The family didn't have much to begin with, but now food is scarce and the electricity is turned off. When her brother Virgil's girlfriend fails to return after a girls' camping weekend, everyone assumes she simply ran away, leaving behind her half-crazy, alcoholic mother (Bernadette) and rural, nowhere town. Cindy gets her first glance at another kind of life, when she starts to look after the wealthy Bernadette. Soon Cindy begins to feel more at home at the big house--enjoying hot baths, fancy foods, good music, and a full home library--than she does around her brothers. At 14, though, Cindy's choices are self-serving, and she eventually must face the consequences of her behavior. Marilou Is Everywhere is about a young girl who is ultimately forced to do the right thing and the surprising things she learns about herself, her family, and the possibilities of the world. If you like coming-age-stories, you'll like this. The unabridged audiobook (Penguin Audio; 6 hr, 45 min) is wonderfully read by Kristen Sieh, a new-to-me narrator. Her expressive delivery nicely captures all of Cindy's moods, from her dreams to her fears to her everyday getting on with a hard life. (digital and audiobook editions provided by the publisher)

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal (Pamela Dorman; July 23). I don't what I expected when I started this story of two Minnesota sisters who stopped speaking to each other when their widowed father left his entire farm to Helen (the younger), who sold the land to fund her dream of starting a brewery. Helen and her husband grew rich producing light beer in the typical American style, though the company has a hard go of it in the new millennium, as the big producers merge, as the economy sags, and as the craft beer movement takes hold. Edith (the elder) struggled all her life, along with her husband, to make ends meet and raise their children. Edith finds a little success when the pies she bakes for a nursing home win statewide acclaim. However, after her husband dies, and then her daughter, she struggles once again to feed and raise her orphaned granddaughter, Diana. Thanks to the generosity and faith of an IPA brewer, Diana is saved from a juvenile criminal record and discovers her true passion and talent. The story is about how the three women carve out a place for themselves, find redemption and hope, and stay true to their very different natures. Despite the heavy-sounding themes of loss, grief, ambition, and betrayals, The Lager Queen of Minnesota is, ultimately a charming and engaging novel with believable characters whom you want to help and root for. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't a beer lover or a pie eater. The unabridged audiobook (Penguin Audio; 11 hr, 13 min) was read by Judith Ivey, whose performance is terrific. I loved her characterizations and subtle Minnesota accent. (digital copy provided by the publisher; audiobook provided for a freelance review)

The Ghosts of Eden Park: The Bootleg King, the Women Who Pursued Him, and the Murder That Shocked Jazz-Age America by Karen Abbott (Crown; Aug. 6). Jazz Age, bootlegging, and true crime? Yes, please. Abbott's newest nonfiction account is primarily set in southern Ohio and begins with the Volstead Act and how George Remus, a one-time lawyer, positioned himself to be one of the major dealers in the whiskey trade, making millions selling booze all over America to day laborers, famous politicians, and everyone in between. The story of Remus and his double-crossing wife goes well beyond a single marriage. Their story (and that of the Prohibition Era in general) had far-reaching effects on the U.S. attorney general's office, government agents, law enforcement, criminal justice, plea bargains, and criminal defense. I was surprised to learn that much of what happened to Remus foreshadowed the fates of more famous Prohibition mobsters of later years. The Ghosts of Eden Park introduces us to a host of real-life characters, including U.S. Assistant Attorney General Mabel Walker Willebrandt, the highest-ranking woman in the federal government at the time; a young J. Edgar Hoover; and several presidents and their families. Abbott's sense of drama, accessible writing style, and natural storytelling ability brings this well-researched account of Remus's rise and fall to life. I read this book practically in one go.  As a side note: I had a great-uncle who served in Leavenworth for rum running. I got a small thrill when I read that Remus had runners from Toledo. I wonder if my great-uncle (who, I'm told, drove a yellow Cadillac convertible in the early 1920s) was one of Remus's boys. (copy provided by the author)

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Weekend Cooking: What We Ate Last Week

When working on my meal plan last weekend, I was feeling totally uninspired, but finally came up with a two-pronged approach. I wanted to cook with seasonal vegetables I could get at the farmer's market, and I decided to stick with trusted recipe sources.

First up was from Skinnytaste One and Done (personal collection). I made the Garlic-Dijon Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans. The scan of the finished dish is from the book. The pork, green beans, garlic, and potatoes were all sourced locally, and the rosemary came from my own plantings. The only thing I did differently was to add in some cabbage (also locally grown), which I wanted to use up.

I didn't find the recipe on the Skinnytaste website, but this is basically a sheet-pan super. You coat the pork in a sauce made with mustard, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and rosemary. You toss the potatoes and beans in oil, rosemary, and garlic. Salt and pepper all to taste. The veggies are given a head start in oven (at 425F) and the tenderloin is added after about a half hour. Roast until everything is cooked, slice the pork, and serve. I made a simple cucumber and tomato salad to serve on the side.

Next I turned to one of my very favorite cookbooks, Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion's The Dinner Plan (which I received as part of the Abrams Dinner Party). I made the Eggplant and Tomato Pasta (recipe below with my photo). This was delicious! Eggplants and tomatoes are abundant at the farmer's market and the recipe is dead easy to make. The surprise? My husband, who is not a big fan of eggplant, really loved this dish. Total win!

The authors didn't think the sauce would heat up well, but I disagree. This meal was just as good the second day. The only change I made here was to throw in a red bell pepper. Also note that I used fresh yellow tomatoes instead of red, because they are just so darn good right now.

We almost always have a bean dish every week, and tonight I'm making white beans with rosemary, collards, and more of those lovely yellow tomatoes. Of course I'll use onions and garlic too. I'll quick-soak the dried beans this afternoon and then throw everything into the pressure cooker with some chicken broth and will cook for 23 minutes. I plan to make focaccia for soaking up the broth.

Earlier in the week I was in a baking mood, and when the King Arthur Flour email hit my inbox with a recipe for a semolina seed bread, I couldn't resist. I didn't have the exact seed mix called for in the recipe for Light-As-Air Seed Bread, so I simply sprinkled on poppy seeds and sesame seeds before baking. This was delicious and really was light. The angle of my photo makes it look as if the bread didn't rise much, but it really did. You'll have to trust me. I take my bread out of the oven when the internal temperature is about 200F, even if the crust could be darker. To my taste, the bread is always perfectly done at that point. I had avocado toast for lunch and almond butter toast for breakfast. Yum.

Note that the KAF recipe calls for a covered stoneware bread baker, but I baked mine in a regular (9-inch) loaf pan until the temperature was right. If you have a stoneware bread pan, lucky you -- give it a try for this recipe.

Eggplant and Tomato Pasta (Serves 4-6)

Click image to enlarge. The photo is mine (and, yes, I know I forgot to garnish the dish with the extra herbs).

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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5 Books for Your August Beach Bag

Now that the steamy dog days of August are upon us, my reading mood has turned to light, fun contemporary stories that can take my mind off the fact that I don't have central air in my house. These kinds of stories are also great for beach and poolside reading and for listening to during a car trip.

I've limited today's recommendations to August titles that haven't gotten a lot of book blogger or bookstagramer buzz. All of these caught my attention, and I hope to make a dent in this list over the next few weeks. Have you read any of them yet?

Say You Still Love Me by K. A. Tucker (Atria, Aug. 6). This is a second-chance romance involving a couple from opposite sides of the tracks. As teenagers, rich Piper and working-class Kyle met--and fell in love--at a summer camp, where they were both counselors. Young love didn't survive real life, and the two lost contact. Almost fifteen years later, Piper is getting ready to head up her family's high-powered real estate company when she discovers Kyle is a security guard for one of their buildings. She recognizes him, but it seems he doesn't even remember her name. Will sparks fly again? And if they do, would their grownup relationship have any kind of future? First lines: A spoiled tart. Or was it spoiled brat? Audiobook: Read by Devon Sorvari (Simon & Schuster Audio; 14 hr, 23 min)

Going Dutch by James Gregor (Simon & Schuster, Aug. 20). This twenty-first-century love triangle is set in New York and centers around a doctoral student in medieval Italian literature. Richard isn't having much luck with the men he meets, his dissertation hit a wall, and his funding is running out. Enter Anne, a fellow student who offers to help him write and who also seriously elevates his lifestyle. Their working relationship develops into something deeper, but Richard then meets Blake, who seems to be everything he's ever wanted in a guy. Richard has some serious soul-searching ahead of him in terms of sexuality, commitment, money, love, friendship, career, and more. First lines: Richard looked out the window. April, and he was sure he could identify in the faces of the passing students a certain late undergraduate mood: the weather having turned sweet, exams just finished, and you're preparing for whatever plans you've made. Audiobook: Read by Michael David Axtell (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr)

The Other's Gold by Elizabeth Ames (Viking, Aug. 27). Four girls bond after being assigned to the same freshman dorm suite at their (fictional) New England college. This is the story of how their friendship deepens and then is tested by realities of their backgrounds, the pressures of school and dating and then, later, love, marriage, poor choices, bad mistakes, motherhood, and careers. Is the ultimate test of friendship the power to forgive, even when you know each other's darkest secrets? First lines: After their room, the four spent the most time together in the dining hall, so called as though anyone could mistake its vaulted ceilings, tree-length tables, and brassy chandeliers for anything so pedestrian as a cafeteria. Margaret managed, though. Audiobook: Read by Julia Whelan (Penguin Audio; ~11 hr)

Start Here by Trish Doller (Simon Pulse, Aug. 13). This story of friendship is part sailing adventure, part coming-of-age, and part overcoming loss. During the summer before college, two girlfriends set off on a planned sailing trip. Although still grieving the loss of their other BFF, who died of leukemia the year before, they honor her deathbed wish that the pair stick together and take the boat from Lake Erie down to Florida. Along the way, the girls discover their inner strength, learn about the power of friendship, and find hope for the future. Written for a young adult audience, this novel has adult crossover appeal. First lines: Finley sits cross-legged on her bed, wearing the glossy blue Coraline wig she bought last Halloween. Her parents had put the kibosh on trick-or-treating when she became a teenager, but she and her friends still dressed up to hand out candy to the neighborhood littles. Audiobook: no information

Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstein (Atria, Aug. 6). In the best rom-com tradition, a jewelry shop owner mistakenly posts a photo to Instagram and then decides not to correct her followers' mistaken notion that she's gotten engaged. It's all in good fun and good for business until the lie becomes too complex to maintain. And then there's the matter of finding a pretend boyfriend, which in turn complicates a possible real relationship. What's a contemporary social media star and desperate businesswoman to do? First lines: Tonight’s date was the kind of disaster that makes people give up on finding love forever. For starters, I had eyeballed his height from his Tinder photos; I had guessed he was about six feet, maybe four inches taller than me. Audiobook: Read by Rebekkah Ross (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr, 8 min)

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Today's Read: Never Tell by Lisa Gardner

If you were a police detective and found a woman holding a literal smoking gun in the same room as her freshly shot and dead husband, who would you pin for the murder? Boston Sergeant Detective D. D. Warren makes the obvious connection. The book opens from the perspective of Evie, the woman with the gun:

By the time I pull my car into the garage, my hands are shaking on the wheel. I tell myself I have no reason to feel so nervous. I tell myself I’ve done nothing wrong. I still sit there an extra beat, staring straight ahead, as if some magic answer to the mess that is my life will appear in the windshield.

It doesn’t.

—Never Tell by Lisa Gardner (Dutton, Aug. 6, p. 1, paperback)

Quick Facts

• Setting: Boston, modern times
• Circumstances: Although police find pregnant schoolteacher Evelyn Carter holding a just-shot gun, she swears she's innocent of her husband's death. Detective Warren has cause to disbelieve Evie, especially because years ago Warren investigated her for the supposed accidental shooting of her father. On the other hand, one of Warren's informants, Flora Dane, disagrees. Dane, a kidnapping survivor, recognizes the late-Conrad Carter as being a friend of her captor. The two woman are on the same case but not necessarily on the same side. Yet each wants the answer to this question: Did Evie kill her husband?
• Genre & themes: police procedural murder mystery mixed with psychological thriller; themes of family, marriage, secrets, PTSD
• Why I want to read it: Gardner is a master of suspense, and this latest pairing of D. D. Warren and Flora Dane has gotten nothing but praise.
• Extra things to know: This is the tenth book in the Warren series and the third featuring victim-turned-vigilante Flora Dane. The paperback edition, along with a great new cover (shown here), comes out today. For more on Gardner be sure to visit her website.
• Acknowledgments: Thanks to Dutton for the digital review copy of Lisa Gardner's Never Tell.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: A Quartet of Book Reviews

Welcome to another Monday. Hope your weekend was relaxing and full of books, family, friends, and more.

We had a fairly quiet week for a change. I swear I was worried we were becoming one of those households in which there's constant drama. I'm very grateful for mostly smooth sailing.

We haven't been watching too much television lately, but we decided to give season 1, episode 1 of Derry Girls a try. Sadly, neither of us was really taken with it. It wasn't bad, it just didn't make us want to watch more.

Other than that, I've been catching up on the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. They take place in the 1920s in Australia and are really a lot of fun. Perfect escape viewing, if you haven't seen them yet.

A Highland Christmas by M. C. Beaton (Blackstone Audio, 2 hr, 7 min). As you know, I love the Hamish Macbeth mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands and starring a village copper who, despite having a reputation for being lazy and unambitious, always manages to solve the murder before the city police detectives can. This short Christmas story is numbered 1.5, but should really be listened to much later in the series. Nevertheless, it's a fun and (as a friend of mine said) sweet story of how Hamish solves two local crimes (a lost cat, stolen Christmas decorations) and at the same time gives several townspeople a new lease on life. If you're a Hamish fan, don't miss this Christmas story. The audiobook was read by Graeme Malcolm who does a terrific job with this series. It took me a while to get used to him (Davina Porter used to narrate the series), but I'm now a full-fledged fan. (borrowed from the library)

Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank (William Morrow, May). I have a list of favorite summer authors, and Frank is on that list. I've always liked her sense of humor, the Lowcountry setting of her beach reads, and the smart women characters she creates. Although I liked this year's book, I can't say it's one of my favorites. Thirty-year-old Holly Kensen lives with her drama queen mother on Sullivan's Island, where she's a part-time beekeeper and part-time cake decorator while waiting for a teaching job to open up at the local elementary school. She is also always available to help out her handsome widowed neighbor and his two adorable sons, even though Archie doesn't seem to see her in the way she sees him. Meanwhile, her older sister, Leslie, is having marriage troubles and decides to move back home. Lots of drama ensues, and we hope that all works out for the three Kensen women.

I had a few issues with Queen Bee. First, Archie's two little boys didn't seem believable to me. It wasn't just a case of too much "out of the mouths of babes" type dialogue; they didn't act like any little boys I've been around. Second, there was a bit of a woo-woo factor to the story, and although I'm not against some conversing with nature, I wasn't really buying it here. Finally, one of the plot lines involves cross-dressing, and although Frank generally presented this in a sympathetic and realistic manner, she sometimes missed the mark. On the other hand, I liked all the honeybee facts. (audiobook review will be available through AudioFile magazine)

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton (Grand Central, Aug. 6). Let's get one thing out of the way at the beginning. I really, really liked this novel, but it absolutely won't be for everyone. The story is told primarily from the viewpoint of S.T., a domesticated crow living in the Seattle area with Big Jim, a redneck human who has taught S.T. all about the MoFos (humans). Dennis, a seemingly doofus bloodhound, rounds out the household. One day Big Jim suddenly gets sick, and after his condition continues to deteriorate, S.T. tries to find a cure, only to discover that all the MoFos are suffering from a virus that turns them into zombie-like creatures. Seeing no hope for Big Jim, S.T. and Dennis venture out into the city, where all the domesticated and wild creatures, including released zoo animals, find they are once again in charge of planet Earth. S.T. tells us about the wisdom of the trees and the two layers of natural communication. He also gets caught up in the factions of domesticated animals, feral animals, city animals, and truly wild animals (including predators and insects), who must come up with new ways to live in the post-human world. Okay, admittedly weird sounding. But I loved S.T.'s outlook and the descriptions of the different animals from other animals' perspectives. I was caught up in the friendships and laughed at the humor. The story also includes fun Seattle, pop culture, and food references. The cause of the human downfall was a little heavy-handed, but yay S.T. for figuring it out and using it to the animals' benefit.

I did a combo read and listen of Hollow Kingdom. The unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio; 10 hr, 11 min) was read by Robert Petkoff, who did a brilliant job creating voices for the animals and keeping me fully invested in the story. Petkoff enlivened the action scenes and infused his performance with just the right level of emotions. (digital and audio editions provided by the publisher)

Cape by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Patrick Spaziante (Aladdin, Aug. 6). This middle grade story is mostly told in text with a few sections of panels--comic book style. The book follows three young girls living in Philadelphia during World War II. All of them love solving puzzles and meet after they've answered an ad calling for problem solvers to help with the war effort. In this alternate world, superheroes are real, but have disappeared from the city since Pearl Harbor. The trio quickly bond, especially after they've been tapped to help with a secret mission. To their wonder, it turns out that they too have superhero powers, which they can use to help save Philadelphia from Nazi spies. Cape is a little different from your usual superhero story. Running themes are friendship, family, sacrifice for your country, bullying, kindness, and fighting prejudice. Some of the characters are based on real people, and some of the plot lines are based on real events, most prominently the women who built the first computer (the ENIAC Six). Yes, you have to take a leap of faith here, but Hannigan does a great job introducing young readers to some of the less-well-known aspects of life in the States during World War II. Cape is the promising start of a new series. (digital copy provided by the publisher)

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Weekend Cooking: Visual Guide to Easy Meal Prep by Erin Romeo

Let's talk meal prep: Are you a fan? Have you tried it but failed? Is the concept new to you? No matter where you are on the meal prep spectrum, Erin Romeo's The Visual Guide to Easy Meal Prep (Race Point, Aug. 6) is here to help you.

Meal prep is great for busy people and busy families because it cuts down on your kitchen time, allows you to feed people who are on different schedules, saves your family from grabbing fast food, eases up the morning rush, and guarantees a nutritious lunch. Another bonus? The premeasured portions make it harder to overeat.

Romeo is a nutrition coach who helps clients jump on the meal prep bandwagon. She's written for a number of online sites (such as Shape.com and BuzzFeed) and has a fabulous Instagram gallery (@foodprepprincess).

In Easy Meal Prep, she details her five steps to becoming a meal prep pro. Step one is choosing the right containers and step five is portioning out the food and packing it. In between you'll shop, clean and cut the food, and cook. Romeo's tips help you pick the right kinds of containers and stock your kitchen with the proper tools. More important, she provides lists of prep-friendly foods.

The recipes are broken down into breakfast, mains (lunch and dinner), snacks and sides, and dressings/dips and sauces. Romeo gives you plenty of advice on how to put together a meal plan for the week, whether you prep all in one go or prefer two prep sessions. The recipes are really easy to put together and use ingredients most of us are familiar with. Each one comes with advice for storing and for reheating (or eating) the meal. No more guesswork on what do with all those meals you made.

Easy Meal Prep is all about cooking ahead for the week. This isn't a once-a-month plan or a stock-your-freezer plan. Everything is fresh and is meant to be eaten by week's end. To get you started with your own plan, Romeo offers four sample weeks, each with a different diet plan: low-carb, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free. These are meant to give you ideas of how to put together your own meal plan.

So what kinds of recipes will you find? Most will be familiar to you in a general sense (waffles, stuffed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables), but Romeo takes your favorite foods and makes them meal prep doable. Egg sandwiches and overnight oats for breakfast; baked salmon, lentil bowls, and chicken wraps for mains; granolas and smoothies for snacks; and avocado aioli and fresh salsa to perk things up.

The food in Easy Meal Prep is very family friendly and office friendly. Better yet, all the dishes get high marks for nutritional value, and Romeo has not forgotten those of you on special diets. Many of you will appreciate the number of dishes that can be eaten cold, so if you don't always have access to a microwave at work, you're in luck. Of course there are plenty of heartier dishes that can be reheated for dinners and winter nights.

Recommendations: Erin Romeo's The Visual Guide to Easy Meal Prep is perfect for people who are too tired to cook after work but still want a homemade, healthful meal. It's also great for anyone who eats lunch at work or school and wants an alternative to the cafeteria or lunch cart. If I had kids, I'd be making breakfast meal preps every Sunday. Anything to bring some peace to the morning dash to school.

If I had to find a negative, it's that this kind of meal prep doesn't allow for a lot of variety during the week. If that matters to you, Romeo offers some advice for changing up flavors. On the other hand, the convenience may be just what you need for a stress-free life. Personally, I'm more interested in make-ahead lunches than the other meals because I look forward to cooking to dinner most nights.

Note: The scans from Easy Meal Prep and the recipe are used here in the context of a review. All rights and copyrights etc. remain with the original copyright holder. Thank you to Quarto Group for the digital galley of the cookbook.

Hummus
Yield: 6 portions
Prep time: 10 minutes

Once you have this simple recipe down, experiment with ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, curry, or cumin. If you don’t have tahini, try substituting natural almond butter.

• 1 can (15 ounces, 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3-5 tablespoons (45-75 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (25 g) tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt of choice
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Place all the ingredients in a blender (in the order they are listed) and blend until smooth.

Equally divide the hummus into 6 small containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book reviews (novel, nonfiction), cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs, restaurant reviews, travel information, or fun food facts. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

NOTE: Mr. Linky sometimes is mean and will give you an error message. He's usually wrong and your link went through just fine the first time. Grrrr.
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