Oh, books. Does anyone else have the same "problem" that we do here? Stacks and stacks of books, waiting to be read... There's not enough time in the day to read as much or as often as we'd like. But curling up on a cold, rainy fall day (or laying out on the beach) with a good read is one of the simplest pleasures in life, and certainly one of the easiest ways to celebrate solitude and gather your thoughts at the end of a long day. Books also bring us closer to our friends, as we discuss our latest reads, share suggestions, and go on "field trips" on our lunch hours to one of the most impressive bookstores in the world. Portlanders are among the most fortunate in having easy access to our hometown jewel,
Powell's Books... Many fond childhood memories of searching, unlimited and unrestricted, abound among stacks and stacks of books for perfect reading... If you're a book lover, it's a must-see!
While the days for beach reading have flown by for this year (unless you're lucky enough to be planning a vacation to a tropical isle), there's still plenty of time for good books in the evening after a day at work.
In celebration of National Book Month, and to get you started on your fall reading, here is a list of books that we, at Take Notice Card Company, call some of our favorites!
Joy of Man's Desiring by Jean Giono
Peace like a River by Leif Enger
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Lost Horizon by James Hilton
Mrs. Mike by Benedict & Nancy Freedman
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
And what evening curled up by the fire would be complete without a hot drink to accompany you? This recipe was
created especially for fireside reading, chatting, and relaxing... While it's definitely not calorie free, it will keep you warm and toasty (and can be enjoyed with or without the adult addition of spiced rum).
Fireside Hot Buttered Rums (Rum Optional)
2 tsp rum extract
2 tsp maple extract
2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbs vanilla extract
1 gal vanilla bean ice cream (French Vanilla or Natural Vanilla with the bean)
2 sticks butter
3.5 cups brown sugar
Mix it all up in mixer, spoon into containers (like the "entree" size of Gladware) and refreeze.
To use for a drink, spoon about four heaping spoonfuls into bottom of cup (for adults, add approx 1 oz rum of your choice), and pour boiling water over top.
Not low cal. Not low fat.
But really, really delicious. (For an extra decadent treat, try this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Muffins from the talented Jenna at Eat Drink Pretty!)
What are
your favorite books, treats and daily celebrations for the cold autumn evenings?
