Rookie Cookery

A Literary Feast

Now that I have finished reading Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, my self-imposed media blackout has been lifted, and I can read blogs again. Yes, it's paranoid, but I was so afraid that I would stumble across a plot spoiler on the internet, on TV, or in the news, I swore off media for a week until I had a chance to finish the book. My son Ethan was reading the book too, while I was at work during the day. It was fun to watch our two bookmarks play leap frog over one another as we both worked our way through the chapters, first my being in the lead, then my falling behind, then Ethan, then me again, until we both finished and could speak freely about the story. Unless my husband Jim was in the room--then we clammed up again. We were all very careful, asking "where are you now in the book?" before saying anything, or simply nodding with an enigmatic expression, betraying nothing.

One of the most enjoyable elements of the Harry Potter universe was, of course, FOOD. Whether it was a chocolate covered frog, or Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, a feast at the Hogwarts dining commons, or a stew cooked up by Mrs. Weasley, food and drink were an integral part of wizarding life. Are you wondering what pumpkin juice or butter beer really taste like? Here are some recipes, although I think I would prefer some "Cornelius Fudge".

Can't Blog. Reading.

Edible and Nonedible but Pretty

The nectarines have been so juicy and sweet. I wonder if I could grow a nectarine tree in our yard? They look so beautiful with their blushing fruit.

For a look at some beautiful but decidedly inedible cupcakes, take a gander at the artistic confections at Mosaic Cottage Happenings.

They say we eat with our eyes first, but in the case of the mosaic cupcakes that will probably be sufficient.

Fisticuffs In The Wine World: A Matter of Taste

I am noticing a minor dust-up following the announcement that Charles Shaw Chardonnay--the infamously cheap "two buck Chuck" table wine found at the local stores-- has been awarded a Gold medal at the California State Fair.

Reactions have ranged from mild interest and agreement that the 2005 vintage of that brand was indeed a serviceable table wine, (although hardly a "wow, this is a gold medal winner!"), to outrage and speculation about the taste and quality of the judges, (it was a blind taste test), fairness and the inevitable subjectivity of any exercise in aesthetics.

What is "good" vs. "bad" taste anyway? That's a trick question, really, because in practice "taste" is neither good nor bad, but rather educated or ignorant. Let's face it, an educated palate has tasted widely of a certain type of experience, has studied the history and milieu of a subject, and has some kind of wisdom from which to form an opinion. This is the reason we listen to critics who are experts in their field; we are likely to learn something from them and benefit from their experience. Critics' opinions should never take the place of forming our own judgements, but an insightful critic can point us in the right direction. And even when I disagree vehemently with a critic, a well written and insightful piece of criticism is a joy to read.

It makes me sad when I see poorly written diatribes against this or that, amounting to little more than a mud throwing contest, leaving the reader perhaps cheaply entertained but none the wiser. It is every bit as disappointing as effusive but empty praise, although it leaves a more bitter taste in the mouth.

It seems I have developed a taste for criticism! It makes me smile to think of it. Here's an example of the kind of criticism that I love: A stylistic review of The Da Vinci Code written by Geoffrey K. Pullum on The Language Log blog. If you care about the written word, as I do, you'll enjoy reading this critique of a huge blockbuster of a novel that certainly won't suffer as a result of his educated scrutiny. This review is not only entertaining, but I learned something too.

Going back to the initial topic of wine tasting, let me just say that I am no snob. I do enjoy the occasional two buck Chuck. But I'm happy to say that when I taste something of exceptional quality, odds are good I am going to know it right away, even if I can't put my finger on what it is that makes it so. Good criticism helps me figure it out, and that's fun for me.

Is there a favorite critic you enjoy reading or listening to? Let me know in the comments! Thanks.

Bunting: Because It's Fun, That's Why

Happy fourth of July, people! To celebrate, let's review the Constitution and promise to do our best to protect, defend and uphold it!

Even though I am often disappointed (sometimes severely) by our government's officials, I do love my country and its founding priciples. On patriotic holidays, I like to spruce up the home with a bit of bunting and decorations that take their inspiration from Old Glory.

These days, the local grocery store is loaded with favorite picnic foods and the festive decorations to go with the meal. It doesn't take much more than a glitzy, star studded (and cheap!) wire tinsel garland wrapped around the dining table lamp or pot rack to let the inner child out to play. I like to keep my eye out for holiday theme items at garage sales and thrift shops -- like these hand painted wooden napkin rings--and pick them up for a song. I tuck them away until the time is right. And don't forget to shop the sales after the holiday! Even if you have to wait another year before you bring it out for display.