Don't Ask

Alicia made it… and we devoured it. I didn’t ask for the calorie content and I don’t think it would be wise to know that fact. Just enjoy it.

1 four (4) pack of Buttermilk Biscuits

1 cup of sugar

1- ½ teaspoons of Cinnamon

1- ½ cubes of Butter

1 teaspoon of Cinnamon

1- ½ cups of Pecans, chopped roughly

Preheat oven to 350°

Using a 1 gallon sized Ziploc bag, add the sugar and the 1- ½ teaspoons of Cinnamon

Sprinkle a layer of chopped pecans into the Bundt pan

Using kitchen scissors, cut biscuits into quarters and place in gallon bag of mixed sugar and cinnamon. Shake to coat. Don’t add too many at a time, they will clump together and make the coating uneven.

Place cut and coated biscuits in the Bundt pan, adding pecans as you do this. Make sure your pecans are well distributed.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add sugar and remaining cinnamon. Mix well.

Pour this mixture over the biscuits.

Bake at 350° for 30 – 40 minutes.

More Books

I have been reading an interesting book and I finished it over the holiday, Open Me, by Sunshine O’Donnell. It’s her first book. The reviews you see on the Powell’s website are fairly close to my reality. An interesting book, but sometimes hard to follow. What I did find fascinating though, was the author’s bio with her interest in, “…creative writing, visual art, and quantum physics.”

Of course I had to find out if professional mourning is really illegal or was it just a fictional piece of the authors plot. I found it difficult to believe that it could be illegal; maybe tasteless, but I couldn’t imagine it being something you would go to jail for. I Googled all the possibilities but could find no definitive answer.

And while I was on the Powell’s website, I saw the other book I finished, Divisidero, by Michael Ondaatje. A very good book. But, I have to wonder… is the author interested in quantum physics?

Book Review...

I finished the book, Adopted Son, the story of the relationship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. It’s certainly a good read and of course I learned a lot that had never been mentioned during those silly US History classes in high school.

A lot is said in history classes about how the French aided America in the fight against the British; but it was really just one French citizen who did most of the hard work, both in battle and behind the scenes. That was Lafayette. French generals were a dime a dozen back then and all were shown the way back to France when they attempted to bully their way into the fight. Except for Lafayette.

Yes, it was a quirky relationship. Washington had no children and Lafayette had no father. And they bonded as if they had truly become related by blood. They wrote to one another frequently and spoke of their love and great respect.

But, at the end, the book gave me some surprises. Lafayette had returned to France just in time for the French Revolution and he had picked the wrong side to be on. Short story; he is thrown into prison in Austria where the new French government wants him to stay. His son, George Washington Lafayette, is sent to America to keep him safe. (Yes, our GW is the godfather of young George)

At this time you might think it’s time to send in the Marines and rescue Lafayette. But no, it’s politically incorrect. In fact, our GW is advised to not meet with or associate with his godson, young George. And he doesn’t. He sends him letters professing his deep love for young George, but telling him he can’t really meet with him right now.

Finally, Adrienne, the wife of the Marquis demands to be allowed to live in prison with her husband and she joins him, with their two daughters. Soon, the whole world knows of the fate of this brave family and is appalled. Does this get the Marines into action? No. Though, to GW’s credit, he writes a personal letter to the Austrian Emperor, asking for Lafayette’s release. Denied.

It’s not until Napoleon defeats the Austrians that Lafayette is released with his family. But he is told he cannot return to France. Young George, after a short stay (Finally!) with his godfather, leaves to find his family. We’re talking about a young boy (15), crossing the ocean and searching Europe. Successfully.

The story continues on to chronicle the last days of both men. All very interesting.

Personal view; George Washington should have been ashamed of himself. I certainly hope so!

The Last King of Scotland

It's quite a movie. But I had a feeling it would be, based on my small knowledge of the plot. A movie about Idi Amin? No good can come from that! Or so I thought. Yes, it was disturbing and the 'hero' wasn't a hero after all.

I can't help but wonder how they were able to film such a story? How can Ugandans stand to relive those times, even for a part in a movie?

This movie had me sitting up and paying attention...give it 4 stars. But I'm going to wait awhile before I watch anything similar. I think I need a comedy.

Everything?

We watched a great little movie last night. One that I would recommend. Everything is Illuminated. It’s going to take some thought on your part, as it’s not a mindless action movie. No car wrecks. No sex. Violence? Yes, but you don’t see it. You simply know it happened. There’s even comedy; a dog named Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. Some questions are never answered in the movie, but that’s OK. You know it ended as it should. Illuminated.

ps. Great music!