Fun For Friday - Reading as a Sport, Chowder, and a Cheap Trick

When I'm not reading, I read books and lists about Reading.....Huh?

I almost exclusively listen to books on my ipod.  The sources I use are my local library, itunes and audio.com.  I try not listen to my book when I go to bed because I loose my place.

So, instead I read about reading.

Here are my favorite books on the subject:

The books above and below were gifts from my dear friend, Mary B.  We've had many great book talks over the years.

This is a card game that I've never played, but I love reading the cards.

If you google "book lists" or "reading lists" there is a plethera of them on the web.   Also on the web, I'm a member of Library Thing.  Here is my page if you want to see it.



Last weekend my son requested Corn Chowder.  I got this great recipe from Susan McD.  It goes well with a good book on a cold day.

Maize Chowder  - (at our house corn is always referred to as "maize" in November.)

1/2 lb bacon 2" pieces (more if you like more)
4 or 5 red potatoes cut into 1" cubes
1 onion chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth (use more for a thinner soup)
3 cups creamed corn
1 cup whole corn
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Crushed red pepper to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 cups half & half  (I use fat free and it works just fine)
Optional:  last time I added cubed cooked chicken

Cook bacon in stock pot
Add onion and potatoes cook 5 mins.
Add broth, creamed corn, corn, and spices
Bring to boil then let simmer stirring often about 30 mins.

Heat half & half in separate pan until it bubbles on sides but not boiling.  Add to soup and serve.

Here is a cheap trick that I love.   I buy cute seasonal 8" paper plates at the party stores, dollar stores and recently the Christmas Tree Shop.  Aren't they cute?
We use them for dessert around here and they are great for entertaining too.

To get the biggest bang out of my cheap plates, I stack them up alternating the designs.

Fun, right?

So grab a book, a bowl of chowder, and a cute plated treat and enjoy!