<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5415461/?claim=vuk8f2demq8">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Wednesday Reading Spot

Wednesday Reading Spot

I have decided to start a new slot on a Wednesday to discuss books. One of my goals for 2014 is not only to read more, but to read greedily.  When I was younger I used to devour books, and I miss that feeling.  I read, sure, but I don't read with that same passion and fervour as I used to.  Well I have decided to change that.  I am starting my own books and baking group at my house, and I want to start a book group online too.  For this to work I need you guys to join me online to discuss books and to share your reading suggestions.  If you are in, then comment here or email me at rachelsaint@me.com

To kickstart, I thought I would share my 3 favourite books of 2013.

 

This was such an amazing novel and ranks in my top 10 best ever books.  It is a heartbreaking story of twins growing up before and during the second world war in Germany.  The story is loosely based on Ben Elton's own family experiences as Jews in Germany.  Ben Elton's books are always very readable, but this one was on a different level.  The story is a complex one that twists and turns and keeps you guessing throughout.  The persecution of the Jews is a recurrent theme and the way the story unfolds felt like I had a scream stuck in my throat.  I cannot recommend this novel enough.

This was a quick and fairly charming story of a man who takes an unexpected journey across the UK to visit an old, sick friend.  The story is told from the perspective of the main character and his wife and recalls a number of incidents that have taken place of the course of their lives.  Like every great story, there are some unexpected twists and the whole story has a an underlying sadness to it.

This novel blew my mind when I read it.  It is such a clever novel that is written in the form of diary entries of the 2 main characters.  It is a story of love, hatred, betrayal and revenge and has a wicked twist to the plot.  It has been a massive hit in America and is being made into a feature film.  

So these were my favourites  -which are yours.

Let's get this book party started.

Tuesday Taste - Lemon Cookies

Lemon Cookies

This is one from my archive today.  These lemon cookies really do melt in the mouth.  They are easy to make and use a handful of store cupboard ingredients.

Tuesdays are tricky for me as I really want something quick, tasty and nourishing.  Being well into the working week, I often want to reward myself with a special treat.  The kids are also stuck into their school weeks and need something to help them get through the drudgery of school and homework.  I have made these cookies lots of times and serve them either with a nice culpa, or with a spoon of ice cream, or with some fruit.  

Find the recipe here and do let me know what you think.

Monday Mooch

I have decided to start a new Monday activity to share my mooching around the web (you thought I had meant to write smooching didn't you!).  You will be delighted to learn that I have devoted many many many hours to browsing the web for interesting  things.  

Here are my faves this week.....

• I wish I had done this when my kiddies were little

• As a photographer I find this man fascinating and terrifying

• The most beautiful friendship in the world

• I loved my trip to Peru so much and am delighted that I was able to try many of these foods

• Bizarre animal creatures that actually exist - of course you want to see them

• Seven crazy things that people used to believe about female hysteria

• As a 40 year old woman, this article really resonated with me

• I know I will never walk along this

Winter Warming Food - Savoury Scones

Easy English Eating  - Winter Warming Savoury Scones

With the weather all rainy and cold, I have been craving comfort food.  I am a bit of a savoury gal, so I wanted something warming, a bit salty and that would make a nice change from bread and butter.

I LOVE Joy the Baker's blog, and I knew that I needed to make her Caramelised Mushroom and Onion Biscuits as soon as I saw them.

The full recipe is on her site here and I would urge you to make these asap.  They are lush served warm straight from the oven with butter melted on them.

My lovely mommy cooked us some bolognese sauce and I served these scones dipped into that - it was a great lunch.