Babette: Feast and Famine

In the recent past, I was surprised to find a few of my dear circle have not seen or read Babette's Feast. It is crazy how we think something is mainstream when it is off the chart of another. I question my own sanity. Truman Madsen and Jeffrey R. Holland have taught by teaching about Babette. There are some exciting ways to know more about the story and film. The most obvious is to rent the film, or read the short story. The film is really a knock-out. I go back to this most often. Spoiler alert! It is the story of a woman without a voice. She is a French woman in Denmark. She houses with two Dane spinsters whose religion requires simplicity. The French woman had been a premier chef in France. She wins the lottery and makes them a meal with her earnings. It is art, for art's sake. I feel like her when I dry my hands on a dishtowel or apron and have a moment of rest in meal preparation. I have set the elements in motion, and things are cooking.

15 Questions by Guest Robin

Robin now has a family of six. Therefore, her five blog is a nostalgic trip for those like me. She enjoys playing, movies, TV, cooking, a clean house, and happy children. She is a competitive little thing. As a child, she wore a skater cut. She excelled in ceramics, sports, and Spanish in high school. She keeps an updated family cookbook in a three-ring binder. She is famous for her rolls. Her children do not wear shoes in the house. Her children do drink egg nog. She has made her own pickles.

I would like an airline ticket to: Hawaii.

If I wasn't born in the U.S., I would have chosen to be born in: Australia.

Favorite shower product: Sleek shampoo and conditioner by Matrix.

The perfect girl-gift for visiting: Cold Stone gift certificates. Who wouldn't love this! A very thoughtful houseguest once left these for me. ;)

Describe a time you felt like Babette from Babette's Feast: I'm not sure who Babette is. :)  I don't read!

I would spend any amount of money for: More time in a day. Or for Bodie to have a good right side.

I'm always looking for: Nail clippers. I buy them by the pair and they always disappear!  

Favorite childhood movie: Robin Hood starring . . . Sir Hiss. I think I watched it once a day for a year.

Favorite childhood gift: I remember receiving a pogo ball.

Worst thing to have lost while in my care: My son's science experiment. ;)

A place I would like to break into:  Hmmmm, Costco . . . I know . . . lame.

A book that made me glad to be alive:  Twilight. One of the only books I have read and they are all dead!

Something you didn't buy, but really wish you had: Girl Scout cookies. I told myself no four different times. They were everywhere! (Luckily her sister sent her some Samoas).

People would be surprised to know: I make whole wheat bread and my kids love it. Anyone who knew me as a child would not believe it!

I should buy more: Jewelry or Le Creuset. It's a toss-up.

15 Questions by Guest Aimee

Aimee is a collector of juice glasses. She is super into kitchen wares. Her blog is a pleasant composition of passions, books, the odd image, and the latest craze. This girl is extremely together. She is extremely passionate, even in everyday speech. I like this because she is also a calm person. I love her. I was pleased to read her love of The Golden Girls. Another Amy and I often speak of the Golden Girls and they are family. Aimee works with animals and is in every way, a purist.

I would like an airline ticket to: fiji, please. now, please.

If I wasn't born in the U.S., I would have chosen to be born in: selfishly? yosemite. and i would have hid in the trees so i never had to leave. i want to die there. unselfishly? canada, so i could know how my husband feels when usa-ers mock him.

Favorite shower product: magical soap that makes it so i never have to shave. huh? what's that you say? it can't be make believe? oh, well, then i say my pureology shampoo and conditioner. oooh, or my washcloth. nothing beats freshly exfoliated skin. 

The perfect girl-gift for visiting: any homemade edible that shows they know me.

Describe a time you felt like Babette from Babette's Feast: any time i cook at my grandma's. being the baby of the family, i think there is always a concern i'll burn toast. presenting a dish and nervously watching others consume it is a harrowing experience. i had to imbd that reference.

I would spend any amount of money for: helping a family member in trouble.

I'm always looking for: new ways to style my hair so it seems like i know what i'm doing. and new sneaky ways to get my husband to eat veggies.

Favorite childhood movie: my parents say it was the wizard of oz. apparently i wore out the tape.

Favorite childhood gift: not sure if i have one, but i clearly recall my african-american cabbage patch doll. she had a blue and white dress and i loved styling her braids. i know. i'm so odd.

Worst thing to have lost while in my care: nothing comes to mind.

A place I would like to break into: a cafo (concentrated animal feeding operations) of chickens, you know, those really big sheds, and let the chickens run free. i'm quite aware that would bring up a host of other problems (like the fact that they're not equipped to live on their own in their present state), but i still would enjoy it with my free willy mentality.

A book that made me glad to be alive: a memoir by a holocaust survivor.

Something you didn't buy, but really wish you had: stock in google's IPO.

People would be surprised to know: once you reach the inner sanctum, i'm quite a sensitive person.

I should buy more: white shirts. i never have enough.

Fifteen Questions by Guest Red Shoes

The noble Red Shoes is one who could have been born in any century and well at home. Her interests include the iphone, conjoined gummi bears, and stained glass. She keeps a box of dinner party records of her guests. She loves homewares and has perfected the Reuben. Her blog features wisps of poetry and treatises of modern life. The cities of the future are in her hands.

I would like an airline ticket to: Spain.

If I wasn't born in the U.S., I would have chosen to be born in: Holland.

Favorite shower product: Aveda Shampoo and Conditioner.

The perfect girl-gift for visiting: letterpressed note cards.

Describe a time you felt like Babette from Babette's Feast: In late summer 2010 I got to prepare the table for a filming of a dinner of local food experts in my family’s orchard. When one of the guests didn’t show up, then I got to be one of the guests. YAY!!

I would spend any amount of money for: good health, good food, beauty.

I'm always looking for: new delicious recipes.

Favorite childhood movie: The Last Unicorn, Wind in the Willows, Hugo the Hippo.

Favorite childhood gift: a wood chest my Grandpa made me.

Worst thing to have lost while in my care: I had a car stolen once while I was at a dance club.

A place I would like to break into: wow! Can there be categories? 1) If I can have whatever I can take—Cost Plus World Market , 2) For the good of humanity—an evil dictator’s secret base 3) Just looking—The Smithsonian 4) To use—some well-appointed seaside villa in the South of France/Italy/España.

A book that made me glad to be alive: they all do, The Enchanted April was empowering and anything by Wendell Berry for the nobility of humanity.

Something you didn't buy, but really wish you had: some red patent leather rain boots, wedge heel, sooo saucy, not hookerish.

People would be surprised to know: how much time/energy/money the little experiment of owning a shop for a few months cost and is still costing me.

I should buy more: cut flowers.

Fifteen Questions by Guest KTG

KTG is a Pasadena native, growing up on a shady tree-lined street in a Spanish home. The quintessential Californian. She and I were friends from day one (I actually don't remember that day) and to this day. Read of our reunion here. Her family took me to see Gandhi and Chariots of Fire as a youth. They are brave. We were baptized the same day and left for missions together. She to Japan. KTG married Scott after meeting in a Japanese class at the U of U. They are parents to six children. Don't leave her blog without reading of the birth of her sixth, Bobby.

I would like an airline ticket to: Okinawa, Japan.

If I wasn't born in the U.S., I would have chosen to be born in: Lark Rise or Candleford.

Favorite shower product: Lever 2000, but just found out it is carcinogenic, so switching. :(

The perfect girl-gift for visiting: Chocolate.

Describe a time you felt like Babette from Babette's Feast: Still haven't seen! Did she ever feel stupid for not relating to a famous cinematic reference?

I would spend any amount of money for: protecting my children.

I'm always looking for: pacifiers.

Favorite childhood movie: Grease.

Favorite childhood gift: Lego.

Worse thing to have lost while in my care: my daughter's bracelet, a memorial of her sister.

A place I would like to break into: the tomb of Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China. 

A book that made me glad to be alive: all of Amy Tan's books.

Something you didn't buy, but really wish you had: an extra copy of the CD "Tartan Tops." Only found at a gift shop in Gretna Green, Scotland, and unavailable for online purchase. :(

People would be surprised to know: I don't think I surprise anyone. They already know I'm weird.

I should buy more: socks.

World Peace

Because it's raining, I came home tonight instead of staying out later. I like to head home when it's nighttime and there is rain. It's just cozier indoors. Cami and Phil accepted my offer of warm cookie with childlike happiness. It's a little thing I'm on right now. Years ago I went to a book club where the hostess baked a huge warm cookie for dessert while we ate dinner. Evidently, I have never forgotten it. I've taken to doing my own version in a pan. I undercook the dough and then scoop it with a spoon, topping with vanilla ice cream. This was the finale of our soup night (previously mentioned). I like to think it was a good finish. I remember another dinner, this one at Souplantation. Susan batted around the idea of cookies for world peace. Mrs. Field was mentioned as one who could possibly bring this about. I don't discount the idea.

Chewy Chunky Blondies

Adapted from Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan

2 C all-purpose flour

3/4 t baking powder

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 C (packed) light brown sugar

1/2 C sugar

2 large eggs

1 t pure vanilla extract

2 C semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate, chopped into chip-size pieces

1 1/2 C walnuts, toasted and chopped

1 C sweetened shredded coconut

Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and put it on a baking sheet. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Working in a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add both sugars and beat for another 3 minutes, or until well incorporated. Add the eggs one by one, beating for 1 minute after each addition, then beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing just until they disappear into the batter. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the chocolate, nuts, and coconut. (I let the dough rest overnight.) Scrape the batter into the buttered pan. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the blondies comes out clean. The cake should pull away from the sides of the pan a little and the top should be a nice honey brown. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for about 15 minutes. You can now invert the cake onto another rack, and then turn it over onto a rack and cool to room temperature. Alternatively, you can keep the blondies in the pan. Cut the blondies into 32 bars, each roughly 2 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches. Makes 32 bars.

Fifteen Questions by Guest Terrific Tanya

Meet Tanya (pronounced "tan (like brown) ya"). A titian-haired and peaches and cream beauty raised in central California, she was an interior designer in San Diego until she moved to northern Utah last year. She has never seen so much weather. You must ogle the blanket she made from upholstery fabrics. I have one in the works!

I would like an airline ticket to: Paris . . . I want a real croissant!!

If I wasn't born in the U.S., I would have chosen to be born in:  France.

Favorite shower product: Just got some teatree shampoo . . . I love it, it wakes me up!

The perfect girl-gift for visiting: I work at Williams-Sonoma . . . just about anything from there.

Describe a time you felt like Babette from Babette's Feast: I haven't read that; I don't know what you are talking about.

I would spend any amount of money for: Good fashionable, comfortable shoes.

I'm always looking for: great places to eat.

Favorite childhood movie: If this movie is on, and I just got out of the shower, and I have nothing on but a towel and dripping hair, I will sit and watch till there is a commercial or even till it is over . . . Back to the Future.

Favorite childhood gift: My matching red striped shorts and red striped ESPRIT shirt . . . I wore that thing out!!

Worse thing to have lost while in my care: My mind!!

A place I would like to break into: Tiffany and Co.

A book that made me glad to be alive:  The Help . . . but I am now reading My Life in France by Julia Child . . . I think that will make me feel that way.

Something you didn't buy, but really wish you had: A really cute Orla Kiely purse . . . I have a customer that comes in with it, and I covet it all the time!!

People would be surprised to know: My life is pretty much an open book, I am not sure there is anything that is shocking anymore.  

I should buy more: Fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter . . . I have been lacking, and I can't wait for the farmer's markets to start up again.

Fifteen Questions

The next few days will see first-time guest bloggers to popcorn and apples! These are tried and true friends who have lots to say and love to say it. It will keep you coming back for more . . .  I am trying my questions first on myself. A human guinea pig in full regalia.

I would like an airline ticket to: somewhere I've never heard of, or Vietnam.
If I wasn't born in the U.S., I would have chosen to be born in: an oceanliner, baby without borders.
Favorite shower product: shampoo for versatility. If I could only choose one, this would be it for cleaning hair and body.
The perfect girl-gift for visiting: a new dishtowel. My visiting teacher has now twice brought me a new dishtowel and I think about her every time I use them. Plus, they are new, not stained. Bonus two. This is huge for me because I am inately predisposed to eschew a calling gift.
Describe a time you felt like Babette from Babette's Feast: Last week at our Relief Society soup night as I handed my niece a plate of mustard batons to pass to the group and watched the glorious helpers in motion as I oversaw the kitchen. We made three soups, a bread, and a dessert.
I would spend any amount of money for: food.
I'm always looking for: Superglue. I break an inordinate number of kitchen things.
Favorite childhood movie: Oliver! Let's face it, it has it all.
Favorite childhood gift: personalized stationery.
Worse thing to have lost while in my care: my grandmother's large sewing and pinking shears.
A place I would like to break into: a chocolate factory or Pepperidge Farms so I could make my own cookie selection box.
A book that made me glad to be alive: An American Childhood by Annie Dillard.
Something you didn't buy, but really wish you had: An incomparable Hermes scarf on ebay about 8 years ago. I can't help but hope it will be in heaven, if I make it there.
People would be surprised to know: I don't eat 95 percent of purchased bakery goods. Re: cookies, I like homemade the best.
I should buy more: chicken broth, sandals, and workout bottoms.

The Garden Before

In the last month, I've spent many 5 o'clock hours admiring the garden in the late afternoon. The sun sheds and makes the world golden. Though I have no evidence, I imagine the plants take the most from the world during this hour, because they are so beautiful. Scout is coming next week to pick up my three largest plants: a jade and two crowns-of-thorns. I am glad she will shed the pots and plant in dirt in her yard. I am on a mission for a sparer garden, emphasizing the view and more white space.

My neighbors are from Holland and Jet has a great flair. I love her small garden too. They travel light because they are only here for a few years. This is her garden.

Sometimes I walk outside and it is a still life. Like today. Her white bowl. Her succulent plant is on my top faves list of plants right now. I can't wait to improve the garden.

Create: How Do You Choose?

February! A short month with a long memory. For my happiness project, I had a long list of things to create, including writing a novel in 30 days. I should have known better but did not have the heart to tell myself it would be a push. Also on the list were free motion quilting, sewing projects, making tarte tatin, and my Americana exchange blocks. I did make a bit of headway on the Americana blocks.

You see, I am writing an Easter Week booklet for my church congregation. The stake presidency is into it. It makes sense. We make a huge deal of Christmas. We celebrate Easter day and the Resurrection. We should study more about his life that last week. Nearly one-third of the chapters in the four gospels are dedicated to this one week. I have been undergoing study, research, introspection, writing, editing, design, and the back and forth of approvals. It has been consuming. Though in the thick of it yet, I feel I'm coming away more compassionate. I hope so. I want to be more like the Savior. His heart. I like this Minerva Teichert image for a couple reasons. Mary has come to the tomb to see the risen Christ. She was first (can you imagine being first?). She looks Native American to me; I always think biblical people should not look like me. I love she mistook him for the gardener. For some reason, this fact makes me very happy. The newness of day. The sun rises in the east as they meet . . . it's Easter morning! There are only dirt and rock. The Savior lived in such primitive conditions. I love him.

In the Stacks

Because I have too much to do, all my library requests have come in. Here are the players:

Burmese Days by George Orwell (thanks, Gretchen Rubin)
The Food Matters Cookbook by Mark Bittman
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
The Seamstress by Frances de Pontes Peebles
The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin

Winner of interior page layout: Burmese Days
Last place for interior page layout: an appalling font in Moon over Manifest
First book I'll start after Dracula is un fait accompli: Moon over Manifest (it is due soon and on hold)
Two books that will be flipped through: The New Terrarium and The Food Matters Cookbook
Book likely to be returned before being read: The Seamstress

Book Club(s)

What I really like about bookclubs is to find out what everyone is reading. To me, it is more exciting to unveil a book than to watch the Oscars. I participate in three book clubs now. It is a mixed bag. Reading the book is the cake and icing and quite solitary. Talking about the book is apart, like watching five people who witnessed the same crime testify in court. Everyone has a different story because everyone has their own eyes and a unique heart.

1. My primary book club is a reading society. We selfnamed when we began in 2005. Our group has lost two to relocations and gained one. Four of us have been evergreen. We handpicked our members, confirmed devotion, and set rules. Monthly meetings. The hostess chooses the book and makes dinner. No self help or religious books. Basically that's it. It has been lovely. I am amazed at the personal themes that repeat. We hear monthly about one woman's mother. How adulthood is not as idyllic as youth (is this news?). About one's voraciously reading parents. How some men cheat and some don't; they come that way. I wonder what my theme is. I probably don't want to know. Some of the favorite books we've read are: The Fountainhead, Ex Libris, Fieldwork, A Black Englishman, Imperial Woman, and Cutting for Stone.

2. My second book club is the church book group. I've actually only been about four times. It meets quarterly. I liked the one at Margaret's home for Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression. I go if the book interests me. The attendees are rarely consistent. It's a free-for-all.


3. I just joined another book club online. I wondered how it would work; it's so low-key, I was exhilarated. I had read the book a few years ago so no time was involved. I just commented with my two cents. I enjoyed reading the other comments and found this is a spectacular way to enjoy the benefit of a club. The lead person even sent a recipe for beignets the week before so we could all enjoy a treat while participating. I didn't make the beignets but don't think I didn't want to. Read about it here.


Say what you will about clubs, I am lucky to be literate.

Peanut Butter

Because I buy this peanut butter, I cannot make these. Or these that Scout told me were the best pb cookies she has ever had. I cannot make peanut sauce for dipping. Because I buy natural peanut butter. That is really great on toast. And the crunchy flax seeds get caught in my teeth and I find them when the peanut butter is gone. But the nice thing is Trader Joe's posted a recipe to use this peanut butter. I need to try it. As I say, I don't have any other peanut butter.

Open

Yesterday my friend told me about her extended family gathering on Sunday. This is the frame of the story. They held a big family get-together honoring my friend's nephew. Among the attendees was an ex-wife of my friend's brother (the brother is now deceased). The ex-wife often attends reunions. Because of the ex-wife's long history with the family she knows a lot and she herself is not blameless. The family accepts the ex-wife but does not fully embrace her. So on Sunday, my friend's 90+-year-old mother approaches the ex-wife with open arms, a warm welome, and a "So great to see you. Didn't we have the best times together?" The ex-wife's eyes fills with tears as they part. You may have guessed my friend's mother had mistaken her for someone else. But the reverse-damage was done. My friend ate with her and they talked until parting. More of the family are likely to soften toward this person in the future because of what they saw. And this is the point that is true. With love and compassion, one person (in this case the matriarch) can change the course of the river.