The marriage bureau for rich people

Hi Ladies,
We had a wonderful time at Nicole’s. Thank you for hosting Nicole.
I wanted to let you know that books are on your way. I chose “The marriage bureau for rich people” I think it is a very light easy read, I enjoyed it and I hope you do too.
You are getting my book and not Molly’s because I had already purchased the books and we figured out that next month at least Nicole, Molly, Kim and I will be out of town. Of course, Becky and Cheryl, you can always meet, but we thought a nice summer break seem good. So we will meet at my house in September to talk about this book. I think Molly will choose next…
Molly, How is Graham? I have been meaning to call you since Friday! Please send us an update.
Kim, hope you are continuing to feel better.
Nicole, I hope your retreat went well.
Cheryl and Becky, I hope you enjoyed your travels.
Enjoy,
Monica

Book Slots this week? KJBO, how can we help?

Hello ladies,

I'm looking forward to the Book Slots this week. Kimberlee, since you aren't feeling 100% - at least not every day, is there anything we can do to make hosting easier for you?

Can't wait to discuss Gilead. Finding "There Is A Balm In Gilead" after the conclusion of the book was very ... good. I love the word balm.

here's my favorite definition from a quick search:

balm - ointment, semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally

as a remedy or for soothing an irritation.

soon ...

Gilead ...

Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin sick soul.

Some times I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.

Refrain

If you can’t preach like Peter,
If you can’t pray like Paul,
Just tell the love of Jesus,
And say He died for all.

Refrain


http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/i/tisabalm.htm

Cucumber Black Eyed Pea (or not) salad ...

All (Zoe in particular) - Here is the salad I made for our last book club - for Olive's Ocean. The recipe website says, "An easy salad to serve with grilled chicken or steak for supper or on a bed of greens for a satisfying lunch. Substitute white beans or chickpeas for the black-eyed peas if you prefer."

I skipped beans altogether because I didn't have anything I thought would go well. And I use a lot more feta than the recipe calls for - enough to coat it until it achieves the desired look of deliciousness.


Cheers,

M



6 servings, about 1 cup each Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups peeled and diced cucumbers
1 14-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed
2/3 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup slivered red onion
2 tablespoons chopped black olives

Preparation
Whisk oil, lemon juice, oregano and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add cucumber, black-eyed peas, bell pepper, feta, onion and olives; toss to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

I love Gilead!!

I just love Gilead. Kim, great suggestion, thank you!! The perspectives are so great, and such a great capturing of one person's perspectives. I picked up her next book at the store, and I see that it's about Boughton's family, and I am interested in reading it as well.


Thanks - just wanted to say I am loving it. A great read for a rainy Memorial Day weekend.

Miss You All

Hi friends.

I am so bummed I missed last night. Sounds like it was a good one. How was the present exchange? I, too, would love a little explanation about each one. Molly - I think you said you'd be sending me a little package with them all. Thank you. Also, how was the book discussion? And what's the next book. I feel so behind.

This next month is gonna be a whirlwind for me as we have a lot on the calendar. So sorry if I don't respond right away. I am thinking of you all though and am missing you.

{hugs}

- Merri

Thank you!

Hello Ladies!

Thank you for a wonderful and introspective discussion last night. I am thankful for all of you and looking forward to "the cure" with Dr. Watson :)

I also LOVE all of the thoughtful presents! and my birthday CD! Thank you!... Cheryl, tell me about it, did you put it together or did you go to see these guys play... I am sure there is more to that story! I hope everyone's health is better today, we will stop by this evening with a bag full of Goodies from the other bookslots.

Here is my made up recipe for the stuffed peppers:

Makes 4-6

Ingredients:
4-6 peppers (I prefer orange or red)
1 lb ground beef
2 large potatoes diced
1 C diced carrots
1C Zucchinis diced (any veggie will work, sometimes I use peas, pumpkin or squash or nothing)
Garlic
Salt

Sauce (guiso):
3-4 tomatoes – chopped
1 bunch green onions- sliced
1 large onion -chopped
Garlic -chopped or smashed
Oil or butter (1 -2 tsp)
salt

Prep:

Sauté onions (green and other) and Garlic. Once the onion is translucent add the tomato and season with salt. Let is cook until it becomes a sauce, but do not let it get too dry.

Brown beef (season it with salt) with potatoes and carrots, when it is half way cooked, add zucchini and peas (if using winter squashes, add at the same time you add the potatoes), add ½ of the sauce to season.

Steam the peppers and tops (separately).

Stuff peppers as you serve them and pour some more sauce on top or side) ( you could do this ahead of time and re-heat in the oven.
Enjoy!

The Revolution: A Manifesto

Hi Ladies:

My apologies for multiple e-mails, Google’s acquisitions have made it possible for me to have multiple accounts here, but I think I got it all straight.

I thought I would write about my choice of book. I did suffer a lot of stress and anxiety over this selection. I am not sure why. Most books seemed too long for us, too superficial, too cliché... you get the idea. I can pretty much tell you about the top lists, ratings and the comments for all mayor bookstores and newspapers.

That being said, I have always had remorse about my apathy with American politics. Well, politics in general. After all, I wanted to become a citizen, so I would have a say on where I thought OUR country should go (It is still weird to say OUR country). I wanted to learn more, but I found all kinds of excuses…
I ran into this book in a couple of the best selling lists. “The Revolution” by Ron Paul. I don’t know Ron Paul and by no means I am pushing any political agenda, but I did like a few of the pages I read. I remembered I had heard about him, about his separation from both established political parties and about his “obsession” with the constitution and the founding fathers (which is another neglected subject I would love to learn more about). So here it is a selfish choice, with no agenda other than a better understanding of where we are as a nation. I hope you enjoy it, but if it becomes a competition with on Mexican time that’s OK too. I am looking forward to a good healthy discussion.

Love you all!

Monica

Cheryl's Creamy Curried Cauliflower soup

I was just looking for this recipe on the blog and couldn't find it there, but did find it in my e-mail box. Thought I would add here for posterity's sake. From August 2008!!

Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup

2 TB olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 small head or 1 pound)
1 1/2 TB curry powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 TB minced garlic
1 medium russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 cup chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half or cream
1 tsp salt
chili paste or hot sauce (optional)
Garnish =: purchased fruit chutney & chopped parsley if desired

1. In a large heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. add onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often. Add cauliflower and stir around. Then, sprinkle in dry spices and garlic. Stir around until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add potatoes, broth and half-and-half. Cook for about 20 minutes or until cauliflower and potatoes are totally tender.

2. Remove soup from heat and working carefully in small batches, puree in blender or food processor. Return pureed soup to pan to reheat. Add hot chili paste or hot sauce if desired. At this point the soup can be cooled and refrigerated for up to four days. Before serving garnish with fruit chutney & parsley if desired.

Thirteenth Tale - Oh my!

I've been reading the latest Book Club selection - The Thirteen Tale - almost obsessively the past few days. I'm almost done and oh my! For those of you who haven't started...get on it! :) I wish I could get away to join you this month to discuss. I'll have to check with Chris and then the flights to see if it's even reasonable. Anyhow...just wanted to touch base with you all and let you know I'm still reading along with you.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying 2010 so far.

Love ya,

Merri