It is a beautifully cloudy and cool morning on the farm today, dark and still, just perfect for sitting on the veranda, wrapped in a blanket, sipping cinnamon coffee and reading.
We’ve had a couple of cloudy days this week and I love them. They are so restful and quieting, wonderful for cozy activities like making soup, strolls in the woods, and reading good books.
This week I’ve been reading the following:
“Cured” by Lindy Wildsmith
In my quest to be more self-sufficient and and healthy with the foods we eat, this book is a fantastic resource for home food preservation techniques. Together with “Food DIY” I am learning so much and cannot wait to try my hand at Duck Prosciutto, Duck Confit, and homemade salami.
“Down the Garden Path” by Beverly Nichols
Gardening books do not usually leave me shaking with laughter, but this one sure does. A friend recommended it to me and I can’t thank them enough. I haven’t had this much fun reading a gardening book…ever.
“The Home Apothecary” by Stacey Dugliss-Wesselman
As you know, I have been making my own home remedies and body care products for quite a while, and this is one of my favorite books for instruction and inspiration. I love how she mingles age-old remedies with scientific fact to produce products that actually work and are good for you.
“Salute to Adventurers” by John Buchan
Bear and I discovered a new thrift store the other day, and while there I happened upon this tome by one of my most beloved authors. Not only is it wonderfully old and well-thumbed, it is red. And a red book is always welcome in my library. The story itself is fantastic, a ripping good tale that always makes me smile.
“Jerusalem” by Yotam Ottolenghi
This beautiful book is a gift from my brother Ryan who lives in Amsterdam and is a fantastic cook in his own right. It is filled with incredible recipes that stretch the imagination to heights heretofore unrealized. I am inspired and so excited to start making dishes like Pan-fried Mackerel with Golden Beet and Orange Salsa or Lamb-stuffed Quince with Pomegranate and Cilantro. Swoon.
Now it’s time to finish my cuppa and head out to the bush for my turn goat-herding. 🙂
What book would you like to curl up with on a cloudy day? xo
definitely ottolenghi – i have the other two ottolenghi books so i know i won’t be disappointed. but “down the garden path” looks fun too! i’m too busy to read at the moment tho, sadly! enjoy!
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
I sure understand, Paradis. I’ve been too busy to read lately but I figured that if I get up a bit earlier, I can have a whole 30-40 minutes reading. 🙂 I’m loving it!!
I would love to borrow some of your books! I devour novels at quite a rate 🙂
I would love to share books with you, @tandysinclair:disqus 🙂
A gorgeous selection of books and perfect for just sitting quietly. I love Ottolenghi and the lamb with quince is outstanding… it’s coming soon to good things… I can HIGHLY recommend it : )
I’m so glad you recommend the lamb with quince, @lizposmyk:disqus 🙂 I just planted several quince trees, so I hope to have plenty in a few years. 🙂
You make me want to go pull out a book and wrap up on the couch and just ‘sit a spell’ with a good read. Love your list!
I hope you get a chance to do just that soon, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂
Jerusalem without a doubt, although I wouldn’t be curled up for long, I’d be hightailing it to the kitchen (or shopping for ingredients), although my usual style is to improvise. I admit to be being tempted by Salute to Adventures and Down the Garden Path as well. I love a good laugh. 🙂
Getting too inspired to stay reading Jerusalem is my trouble too, @budgetjan:disqus 🙂 It looks SO delicious and wonderful!
Ohhhhh, like Tandy, Id be keen to borrow your books, especially The Home Apothecary, have been getting into natural alternatives for a healthier beauty regime. Have you done any great hair stuff Krista? Havent had time to stop and read a good book lately, but I have Born to Run waiting for when I have some down time. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful weekend my lovely. xx
I’d love to swap books with you too, Anna! I haven’t done hair stuff yet, but I hope to this week or next. I will keep you posted. XO
Perfect timing. We are about to get a downpour and your post has inspired me to pull out some good cookbooks and reading!
Ohhh, reading in a rainstorm sounds so cozy, @monet_anecdotesandapples_com:disqus 🙂
Could you have ever imagined yourself as a goatherder? I think it sounds blissful but then I don’t have to do it early or in the rain or when it’s cold.
Love your book selection!
I never in my wildest imaginings pictured myself as a goatherder, @disqus_v9uRgGTGfe:disqus 🙂 But it fits me well now. 🙂
Lovely selection of books. Each one different. I just cant sit readying too long cook books just encourage me to cook
I sure understand that, @taniamykitchenstoriescomau:disqus 🙂 I have to do them either in small chunks or when I’m full already. 🙂
I too love a cloudy day! Curling up with a good mystery is what makes it complete for me!