A Thousand Splendid Suns

I am always on the lookout for good books to read. In case any of you are also looking for books to read I will periodically write a little about the books I have been reading. This book by Khaled Hosseini was a very sad, but informative book. The author's web site says this about the book: " A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years—from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to the post-Taliban rebuilding—that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives—the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness—are inextricable from the history playing out around them. A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love—a stunning accomplishment."

What I liked about the book: The book was very thought provoking. Previous to reading this book I didn't really know much about Afghanistan's history and all the war it has experienced. We hear snippets about the country in the news, but the book brings to life the terror its citizens are living with. It also show how its citizens can love their country so much even though it is dangerous to live there. The other thing I liked about the book is that it truly helped me to understand why we cannot judge others. I realized that the way people are raised and the events they go through impacts the way they do things in ways we don't understand. Only God can judge people because he is the only one who truly understands everyone's situations. The book made me feel so fortunate to be born and raised in the United States in a time and age where it is a great thing to be a woman.

Other thoughts on the book: The book is extremly sad. Almost nothing good happens in the book. Don't look for a happy ending here. That being said, I think the book needed to sad/depressing in order for it to get its point across. Just don't read this book if you are looking for something happy and fun.

Expanding Your Book Collection - On a Tight Budget

I collect three things - postcards from the places I visit, bookmarks, and books. Luckily postcards and bookmarks are very inexpensive. Unfortunately, books can be expensive. Here are some ways I have been able to add to my book collection without subtracting much from my bank account.

1. Go to library sales: Many libraries have special sales once or twice a year where you can get used books for low prices. This past weekend Ricky and I went to our library's sale and were able to get all the items seen below for a grand total of $5. We were able to pick up some nice board books for the boys, a few holiday books for them, two children's videos, and six novels for Ricky and I. Just ask your librarian if your library has any sales. In addition, sometimes local elementary schools have used book sales. Just watch the newspapers or ask parents of elementary school students if their schools have used book sales.

2. Go to garage sales. Garage sales are great because people are usually trying to get rid of clutter they don't want anymore. You can barter with them and come away with some pretty cheap books. Last year I was able to get about 20 children's books for the boys for less than a dollar. Make sure you look through the books before you buy them. If you are buying children's books make sure all the flaps, pop-ups, etc are there. Also, make sure there aren't any big stains or missing pages. For adult books just flip through the book to see if it is in good condition.

3. Shop at amazon.com or half.com: If there is a specific book you are looking for these web sites are great places to look. You can type in the title of the book you want and it will bring up price for new and used copies. I usually look at regular book stores to see the going price of the book(s) I am interested in. That way when I shop online I know if I am getting a good deal or not. Also, half.com has a section titled "paperbacks for $.99 or less". I have found brand new popular books for less than a dollar here.

4. Take books your parents and/or friends are getting rid of: If your parents are cleaning out their house or you have friends that are moving - look through the books they are getting rid of and claim any you want to have.

5. Buy thrift editions of classics: If you go into most bookstores you can find classic books for $1-$5. I think they're called Dover Thrift edition or something like that. They are brand new books. You can get such authors as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and others.

Tisha's Gnocchi

Here is the way I make gnocchi (Italian potatoe dumplings). This dish is fun to entertain with because it isn't something people eat every day, and it is pretty inexpensive to make. So if you want to impress your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or friend (or you just want to eat something extra delicious) make these.

3 medium potatoes (baked)
1 can chicken broth
1 cup skim milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour (use more as needed)
1 jar chunky spaghetti sauce
1 green pepper cut into strips
parmesan cheese (to sprinkle on top)

1. Bake the potatoes. Do NOT peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into pieces and mix with the chicken broth and milk until you have smooth mashed potatoes. Add more milk as needed.
2. Start boiling water in a stock pot or other large pot.
3. Add white flour to the potatoes and mix. Add whole-wheat flour and mix. Continue adding more whole wheat flour until you have a uniform and tender dough. The dough should not be sticky. If the dough is sticky add more flour.
4. Divide the dough into 4 sections. Roll each section into a long skinny rope (about 3/4-inch thick). Then cut each rope into 3/4-inch pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a little ball. Push your thumb into the center of each ball to make a little dent.
5. Drop the balls into boiling water. The balls will fall to the bottom of the pan. When balls float to the top of the pan they are done. Remove the cooked balls from the water and put in a strainer. Leave them in the strainer for 2-3 minutes to let excess water run off. Repeat until all the dough is cooked.
6. Transfer gnocchi to a serving dish and cover with heated marinara sauce. Top with the green pepper and parmesan cheese.

Applesauce Muffins

Here is a yummy treat (or breakfast) that is also good for you. Emerson and Finlay love these. Ricky and I enjoy them too.


Topping:
2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Batter:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup carrot puree
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg

1. Preheat ove to 400. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Make the topping: Stir together the oats, sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
3. Make the batter: Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl. In a second bowl, mix the applesauce with the milk, carrot puree, sugar, oil and egg with a wooden spoon. Add the flour mixture slowly, stirring just until moistened. Do not overmix -- the batter should be lumpy.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle with the streusel topping. Bake until the topping is lightly browned and toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Bake 18-20 minutes.

Chocolate Graham Cracker S'More Cheesecake

Ricky got me a new springform pan for my birthday and this is the first recipe we baked in the pan. It turned out great!

Here's what you need -
12 Chocolate graham crackers
3/4 cup sugar
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp butter, melted
3 packages (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks

Here how you make it-
1. Preheat oven to 325. Finely crush 10 of the graham crackers. Mix graham crumbs, 3 Tbsp of sugar and the butter; press firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, remaining 3/4 cup sugar and the vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Stir in 1 cup each of the marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Pour over crust. Crush the remaining 2 graham crackers and sprinkle over the top. Then sprinkle the rest of the marshamallows and chocolate chunks.
3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife around the rim of the pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.