Monthly Archives: November 2012

Random book review: Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts

Don’t judge.  Yes I love the books of Nora Roberts.  I love all books actually, but I just finished reading Carnal Innocence.

Things I liked about this book:

The ending is one I did not guess.  Honestly I am usually very good at figuring out “whodunit”.  And I thought for sure I had this one figured out.  I was so very wrong.

As with all of Ms. Roberts’ books, the main characters were very strong, and the story is complex and well written.

Things I did not like about this book:

This story takes place in Mississippi, which is not bad but many of the characters are portrayed as southern white trash, and it is easy to imagine all of them speaking like Forrest Gump.

Also, while the action does begin at the very start of the book, it takes awhile before you’re truly drawn into the plot

Overall I give this book a solid B.

Random Recipe: Dutch almond cookies

Perfect holiday cookies.  These are sure to please any cookie lover.  You can find the almond paste in the bakers isle of your grocery store.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
8 ounces almond paste
2 egg whites lightly beaten
3 ounces sliced almonds

Method:

1. Lightly grease cookie sheet.  Do not use dark or non stick pans for these cookies….as the bottoms will burn.  Aluminum works best.

2. In a medium mixing bowl sift together dry ingredients.

3.  In a separate bowl break up almond paste and beat together with egg whites using a hand mixer.

4.  Add dry ingredients to egg mixture and combine without over mixing.

5.  Drop by rounded teaspoon 2″ apart on cookie sheet

6.  Press 4 sliced almonds into the top of each cookie in a pinwheel design.

7.  Bake in a 300 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

8.  Remove to cooling rack and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Random thought #1

As a teacher, I have the opportunity to witness many things that just make me go “hmmmm”.  I was told some time ago that I needed to write these things down for the world to see…so here it goes.

I teach culinary arts at a large high school in Colorado.  I never thought that I would witness such a large amount of simple lack of common sense or stupidity.

Last week I was teaching a class, when I needed to use the restroom.  When class was over I was approached by a group of students who told me that while I was in the restroom a young man urinated in one of the drinking glasses, disposed of the urine in the trash can, and put the glass away unwashed.

Upon investigation we learned this was true.

This is only one of many tales from the classroom that I have to share.  I don’t know if anyone will ever read this, but if you’re out there I hope you enjoy my very true stories.