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