Beneath a Scarlet Sky

Synopsis : Pino Lella is a normal Italian teenager, obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are soon gone. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, he is sent to the Italian Alps where he joins in the Resistance, helping Jews escape to Switzerland by hiking through the Dolomites. He returns to Milan, and through a few twists, becomes the driver for General Hans Leyers, one of the top Nazi officials in Italy. He becomes “The Observer,” passing back information to the Italian resistance movement, while simultaneously falling in love and trying to survive.

Nicholette’s review: It was only a matter of time before Corey and I returned to World War II. This is ostensibly based on a true story, though described as historical fiction, so presumably some elements are not factual. It was a little slow to start, but built up the momentum to become a good story. I have to admit, the story strains credulity a bit. I think if Pino Lella did half the things described, he would likely be a lot better known! Just taking it as fiction makes it easier for me to like it. I think the first part of the book needed more editing. One aspect that I did appreciate is that the characters were multi-dimensional. Our hero is not just brave, but also scared and doesn’t always do the heroic thing. Our evil Nazi General Leyers also has some surprising qualities, even while he does absolutely horrific things. Perhaps my favorite part was the epilogue, hearing what ultimately happened to some of the characters in real life.

Rating: 3/5

Corey’s review: It’s no surprise that we like WW2 historical fiction and when I saw the reviews on Amazon for Beneath a Scarlet Sky, I knew we had to read it. I would agree with my mom’s review in the sense that this book starts off extremely slow. I would recommend you skip this book if you’re someone that needs a story to grab you from the get go. It probably wasn’t until halfway through the book that I became invested in the story. Overall, the story was enjoyable but there are many other World War II books that I like better than this one. Rating: 3/5

Menu : Who doesn’t love Italian food? This recipe for risotto Milanese is classic Northern Italian goodness.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, diced

2 cups arborio rice

2 large pinches saffron

3-4 cups chicken stock, kept HOT

1 1/2 to 2 cups dry white wine

2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

1) Coat a large saucepan generously with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and salt and sweat them until translucent.

2) Bring the pan to medium-high heat and add the rice, cook for 2-3 minutes. It should start to sound crackly.

3) Add the saffron to the hot chicken stock

4). Add the wine to the pan until in covers the surface of the rice. Season with salt and cook over a medium high heat, stirring continuously until the wine has absorbed into the rice.

5) Add the saffron chicken stock to the pan until it covers the rice. Cook over medium high heat stirring continuously until the stock has absorbed into the rice.

6) Repeat this process two more times until the rice is very creamy and cooked to your liking.

7) Add the butter and Parmigiano Reggiano and stir vigorously.

Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail

Synopsis: In 1955, Emma Gatewood set out to take a walk. She left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. She had no tent or sleeping bag, and hiked in a pair of canvas sneakers. Yet somehow, this 67 year old great grandmother became the first woman to thru hike the Appalachian Trail alone. She became a bit of a celebrity, called Grandma Gatewood by the media, and appeared on TV and in the pages of Sports Illustrated. She brought attention to the lack of maintenance of the trail, and may have saved it from extinction. Not content to hike it once, she hiked the entire stretch two more times in her life.

Nicholette’s Review: Wow! As someone who enjoys a walk in the woods myself, this book was completely inspiring. Emma had a bit of a rough life early on, born to a family of very modest means and married early to a volatile and violent man. By the time she got to be 67, I think she decided she just wanted to do something for herself for a change. I cannot imagine accomplishing what she did with so little. No equipment, no money, not even a decent pair of shoes. But she wants to take a stroll so off she went! In addition to Emma’s story, the author includes some history about the development of the trail, as well as some history of the times. If I ever start to think I can’t do it, I’m going to think of Grandma Gatewood and keep going!

Rating 4/5

Menu : Emma was not shy about asking strangers to help provide shelter or a meal along the route. She carried little with her, and definitely relied on the kindness of strangers along the way. I imagine pot roast as the kind of dinner a family might have in 1955 that allowed them to offer a stranger another seat at the table. Ina Garten is my usual reference for good comfort food, and this pot roast is delicious.

4-5 pound boneless beef chuck roast, tied

all purpose flour

2 cups chopped carrots

2 cups chopped yellow onions

2 cups chopped celery

2 cups chopped leeks

5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

2 cups good red wine, such as Burgundy

2 tablespoons Cognac or brandy

28 ounce can whole plum tomatoes in puree

1 cup chicken stock

1 chicken bouillon cube

3 branches fresh thyme

2 branches fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees

2) Pat beef dry, season all over with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Dredge in flour

3) In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the roast on all sides. Remove to a plate.

4) Add a tablespoon olive oil to the Dutch oven and cook carrots, onions, celery, leeks, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until tender but not browned.

5) Add the wine and cognac and bring to a boil.

6) Add tomatoes, chicken stock, chicken bouillon cube, 1 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.

7) Tie the time and rosemary together and add to the pot.

8) Put the roast back in the pot, and bring to a boil, and cover.

9) Place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours, turning the heat down to 250 degrees after abut an hour to keep the sauce at a simmer.

10) when done, remove the roast to a cutting board. Remove the herb bundle and skim off as much fat as possible.

11) With an immersion blender, puree the sauce partially, leaving some chunks of vegetables.

12) Place 2 tablespoons flour and the butter in a small bowl and mash together with a fork.

13) Add to the sauce, simmering a few minutes until thickened.

14) Slice the meat, and serve warm with the sauce spooned over it.

There will be quite a bit of sauce left. I like to use it on egg noodles for a second low effort meal.

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family

“One of the consequences of surviving schizophrenia for fifty years is that sooner or later, the cure becomes as damaging as the disease.”

Synopsis: The sad, true story of the Galvin family of Colorado. Don and Mimi Galvin decided to have a large family, and they certainly went all out. They had 12 children between 1945 and 1965, perfectly spanning the baby boom. They lived a typical American middle class life, or as typical as it can be with that many children. To an outside viewer, it probably looked like a certain version of domestic harmony and upward mobility. Behind the scenes, though, things weren’t so perfect. By the mid-1970’s, six of the ten Galvin boys, one after the other, were diagnosed with schizophrenia. This book by Robert Kolker tells the heartbreaking story of this family as well as an interesting history of the study of schizophrenia. The Galvlns became one of the first families studied by the National Institute of Mental Health, and samples of their DNA informed genetic research into the disease for decades.

Nicholette’s review: Frightening, fascinating, and nearly unfathomable. First of all, TWELVE KIDS. The first ten were all boys, and of those, six were ultimately diagnosed with schizophrenia in adolescence or early adulthood. Needless to say, this was a horrible situation for all. The stigma attached to mental illness in the 1960s and 1970s led to a lot of denial on the part of the parents. Dad basically checked out, leaving management of the household to his wife Mimi. The well children got ignored and honestly, how could they not? Mental health services are terrible now, and even worse back then (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest anyone?). Add family secrets of violence and abuse, and it’s just a family disaster. The story of the family is only part of the book though, and it’s an absorbing story of how science has tried to figure out this most mysterious of diseases. This was an emotional read, and the story was told in an intimate and compassionate way. I would recommend it to anyone interested in family relationships, or the study of mental health.

Rating: 4/5

Corey’s review: This book was on my list to read and surprise, I never got to it. My mom is smoking my butt in total reads this year. I saw this was one of Oprah’s pick and instantly became interested in it. It sounds like an intense read and to be honest, I am not sure I am up for that right now. This will probably be saved for a later date.

Menu Food did not figure prominently in this book, but having grown up myself in a big family in the 1960s and 1970’s, I’m willing to bet a substantial sum that tuna noodle casserole was in regular rotation in the Galvin household. Cuisine of that era frequently emphasized convenience, and canned tuna was one of the earliest “convenience foods.” There is an interesting history regarding the American canned tuna industry well described in recent articles by Seth Stevenson in Slate. But I digress. Tuna noodle casserole is something I ate regularly as a kid, but I don’t think its popularity continues. If you don’t like tuna, you could easily substitute chicken.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

12 oz wide egg noodles

8 tablespoons salted butter

1 medium onion diced

6 oz mushrooms, diced

1/4 cup flour

3 cups warmed whole milk

1/2 cup sherry

2 large cans tuna, drained

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2) Bring a pot of water to boil, and cook the egg noodles to al dente, drain and set aside

3) Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Sauce the onion 3-4 minutes, add the mushrooms and cook for a couple more minutes. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir, cook another minute.

4) Add the milk and sherry and whisk to combine. cook until thick, 3-4 minutes.

5) Add the tuna, bell pepper and 1 tablespoon of parsley. Stir in the noodles until coated.

6) Butter a 9 x 13 inch dish and transfer the noodle mixture to the dish.

7) Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, and mix with the breadcrumbs and remaining parsley.

8) Top the casserole with the breadcrumbs and bake until golden, 25-30 minutes.

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

“For scientific leadership give me Scott; for swift and efficient travel, Amundsen; but when you are in a hopeless situation, when there seems no way out, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton.”

Synopsis: The golden age of polar exploration , in the early 1900’s was pretty exciting! The race to the pole ended in 1911 with the Norwegian Roald Amundsen claiming victory. Still, there was a lot of exploring left to do. Ernest Shackleton led a team of 27 men to the Antarctic in 1914 with the goal of crossing, and charting, the Antarctic continent. Unfortunately their vessel, Endurance, became ice bound before they even got there, and was finally crushed between two ice floes. Shackleton was faced with the daunting mission of saving his men by crossing 850 miles of the south Atlantic’s icy waters (in a couple of dinghies) to the closest outpost of civilization. I don’t think it’s a spoiler of a legendary voyage to say that he succeeded and not a single person died in the process. How in the hell did they do that? Well, that’s why you need to read the book!

Nicholette’s Review: I can’t tell a lie, I’m a sucker for history and heroics. I first read abut Shackleton’s voyage in Caroline Alexander’s book The Endurance, published in 1999. This was a lovely book, loaded with photographs which are ghostly, and beautiful, and harrowing. Shackleton had brought a photographer along to document the trip, as this was part of how it was funded…. the idea that he would travel and give lectures after the fact. I decided to revisit the story 20 years later by reading Alfred Lansing’s account. His book was first published in 1959, and I think is still considered the definitive account. I think the photographs of Alexander’s book were amazing, but the prose of Lansing was superior. Throughout the nightmare endured by these men, two things stood out: 1) the cheerfulness and camaraderie of the men, and 2) NO ONE DIED. What?!? How is that possible? A truly inspirational tale of men prevailing over seemingly impossible odds.

Rating: 5/5

Corey’s Review: I had every intention of starting and finishing this book in time for the review, but sadly I didn’t even start it! This is absolutely going on my list of books to read.

Menu: What could complement this story better than a recipe for a wedge salad featuring iceberg lettuce? They lived for months on an iceberg after all! I love the classic blue cheese, but for those who don’t (ahem, Corey), who’s to say you can’t use ranch, or thousand island, or whatever floats your boat? Just make sure the lettuce is crisp and cold. Just like the South Pole!

Ingredients:

1 cup sour cream

1 cup maonnaise

1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese

2-4 tablespoons buttermilk

2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or basil)

1 head iceberg lettuce, quartered, core removed

8 strips crispy bacon

grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1) Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, gorgonzola, buttermilk, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

2) Place a wedge of lettuce on a plate. Coat with dressing, crumbled bacon, tomatoes

3) Garnish with blue cheese, and salt and pepper.

A Woman of No Importance

I’ve had the pleasure of being part of a book club since 2009. We don’t have a catchy name for the club, and we don’t have a theme for what we read, but for over a decade, we’ve been meeting monthly to catch up on friendships, have a beverage and to discuss our books. We recently read A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purcell. This week my friends and fellow book lovers Tracey and Patti share their reviews as well.

“Valor rarely reaps the benefits it should.”

Synopsis: In 1942, the Gestapo sent out an urgent transmission: “She is the most dangerous of all Allied spies. We must find and destroy her.” The target in their sights was Virginia Hall, a Baltimore socialite who talked her way into Special Operations Executive, a British spy agency. She became the first Allied woman deployed behind enemy lines and established vast spy networks throughout France. After her cover was blown, she finally escaped France by hiking over the snow covered Pyrenees into Spain, but later returned to France to continue the Resistance and help liberate swaths of France after D-Day.

Nicholette’s Review: Just in case you haven’t yet read enough about World War II, please consider A Woman of No Importance. The story of Virginia Hall reads like a Hollywood script: ingenue from a privileged background, seeking adventure, finds too much adventure and has a leg amputated, and in spite of misogyny and a limp manages to become an effective spy! It’s quite a remarkable story. I loved reading about this formidable, but not well known woman. She was so unconventional in her life and choices, and remarkably heroic. She was underestimated at every turn, and certainly discriminated against because of her gender. Most galling is that at war’s end, in spite of all she had achieved and accomplished, she received little to no recognition! However, Virginia would not have wanted the recognition anyway. She lived her life on her own terms, to the extent that society would let her, and that’s an inspiration.

Patti’s Review: It is hard to believe it took this long for Virginia Hall’s story to finally be told. She overcame so much adversity to help the Allies in the French Resistance yet never received the recognition she deserved. Even after the war, Virginia was underutilized and discriminated against because she was such a strong woman. I like the book and its tenacious main character. We have read a lot of books about World War II, but I particularly like A Woman of No Importance because it was written from the unique perspective of a female spy. I also enjoyed learning more about America’s role in the French Resistance. I’d highly recommend reading it.

Tracey’s Review: A Woman of No Importance is non-fiction? It reads like more a riveting spy novel with a made-up strong female lead whose trials and tribulations seem unrealistic at times. But they aren’t. Granted, a few parts are a bit slow as the author set the groundwork and included more mundane biographical details—tidbits that wouldn’t necessarily be included in a fictional story. I found the book captivating because it was true—even incredulous at times. As a woman, Virginia Hall faced barriers at every turn, and the very people she worked for placed hurdles for her to overcome. Our heroine remained steadfast in her selfless convictions. Her guile and intuition leave us with a tale worthy of our time.

Corey’s Review: Another book that I am adding to my TBR! I love all books related to WW2 and this sounds like the true story of the Alice Network which I really enjoyed. I actually think I will like the true story more. Also, I think we need a moment for the meal my mom paired with this. Wow…. if I wasn’t in quarantine I would rush to the store to cook this ASAP.

Nicholette’s book club! These ladies have been going strong since 2009! Over a decade of great books and get togethers.

Menu: After Virginia took up residence in Lyon France, she frequented a local restaurant which is where the other spies, downed pilots and allied supporters knew where to find her. According to the author, the owner frequently made her a plate of her favorite macaroni and cheese. She paired this with her favorite drink, a martini! That sounds quite American, but I think if the French were going to make Mac and cheese, it would likely have a little more flair. This recipe has all the flavors of France with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and some wine. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 lb gemelli or other short cut pasta

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1/2 pound bacon

2 onions, quartered and thinly slice

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup whole milk

freshly ground black pepper

2 cups shredded Gruyere

pinch of nutmeg

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

1) Heat water for pasta and cook to al dente

2) While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a deep skillet. When oil is hot, add bacon and cook until crisp, 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Add onions and cook 10 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelize. Add wine and cook out, about 1 minuet.

3) While onions cook, heat a sauce pain over medium heat. Melt butter, then whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute, then whisk in stock and milk and bring to a bubble. Thicken a few minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Melt in cheese stirring until smooth. Add nutmeg and mustard and adjust salt and pepper.

4). Drain pasta, toss with onions, and stir in cheese sauce to coat. Top with crispy bacon and serve.

Say Nothing

For the majority of the human species and for tens of thousands of years the idea that humanity included every human being on the face of the earth does not exist at all. The designation stops at the the border of each tribe.

Synopsis: In December 1972, Jean McConville, a thirty-eight year old mother of ten, was dragged from her Belfast home by a gang of masked intruders. Her children never saw her again, and her abduction and murder was one of the most notorious crimes of the vicious conflict known as The Troubles. Everyone knew that the IRA was responsible, but no one would speak of it. Patrick Radden Keefe uses the McConville case as a starting point for a fascinating report on this time in history, as well as more contemporary efforts to uncover and record the truth of the crimes committed in this war.

Nicholette’s Review : This book is a fantastic mash-up of murder mystery and modern history telling. The events of the time—not that long ago!!—are truly horrific. First the crime. It’s not a spoiler to say that Jean McConville was abducted by people who were her neighbors, and knew that her death would leave 10 children orphaned (the father having died of cancer several years prior). After her abduction and murder, not one person stepped in to help those children for months. Even the local parish priest was unsympathetic! It took several months for the children to ultimately be taken to foster care or orphanages, and that was a horror of a different sort. However, the murder is not actually the focal point of the book, though it is highlighted as an example of the times. Equally astonishing are the stories of young IRA members such as Dolours Price and her sister Marian, only teenagers when they began a campaign of bombings and resistance against the occupying British forces. While the number of deaths in The Troubles was relatively low compared to most wars, the viciousness of neighbor fighing neighbor is shocking and disturbing. This book was well researched and captivating. I was very impressed with how the author was able to bring such a sensitive and emotional topic to life.

Rating: 5/5

Corey’s Review: Wow!! Definitely adding this to my list of TBR. A few years ago I set a goal to read more non fiction books to help educate myself on important historic events and I know nothing about this! My mom always has great recommendations for non fiction books and this sounds like it was an amazing read.

Menu: It’s hard to think of a food more closely associated with Ireland than potatoes. The great Irish potato famine in the 1840’s led to the starvation of a million people, and the emigration of a million more. While precipitated by fungal disease, it was greatly exacerbated by the British policies in place and control of Irish agriculture. This recipe for potato soup is simple and satisfying. Rating: 5/5

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 slices thick cut bacon

1 onion finely chopped

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon celery seeds

1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced to 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup half and half

2 ounces cream cheese

1 tablespoon grated parmesan

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives for garnish

Method:

1) Melt the butter in a large pot, add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove and transfer to paper towel lined plate.

2) Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and a big pinch of salt to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft but not browned, about 8 minutes. Add the flour, celery seeds and stir until combined.

3) Add the potatoes, 3 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

4) Puree some of the soup in a blender, or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. I like to leave some texture, but make it as smooth as you like.

5) Add the half and half, cream cheese, hot sauce and half of the bacon.

6) Divide among bowls and top with remaining bacon, cheddar and chives if desired.

Educated

“Whomever you become, whatever you make yourself into, that is who you always were”

Corey’s Review: This was one of the first books I read in 2019. I received it in our Christmas Eve book swap and it easily makes the list of top books of 2019, maybe ever. Again, I am not usually a big fan of memoirs, but this book moved me. I could not stop talking about it. I recommended it to everyone I spoke to. I think it had such an impact on me because at it’s core it is a story about resilience. Tara Westover writes about her time growing up in the mountains of Idaho and her quest to find herself. She didn’t attend school until she was 17, she never saw a doctor and she really didn’t have many friends. It was inspiring to see her triumphs despite everything she had gone through and I was cheering for her page after page. When I finished the book I realized how privileged I have been and there really are no excuses if you want to accomplish something.

Rating: 5/5

Nicholette’s Review: Memoir of growing up in Idaho as a member of an off-the-grid survivalist family. The author’s parents rejected formal education, but put no effort into home schooling either. How on earth this young woman realized there was another world beyond this is pretty remarkable. I found it difficult to read, yet impossible to put down. The world is full of crazy people, and apparently she was born to two of them. As a mother, I cannot fathom this kind of neglect. This really struck a chord with me, the heartbreak of having to choose between your family and your own choices about how you want to live your life. I think of Tara Westover often, and look forward to reading things from her in the future.

Rating: 5/5

Menu: Sheperd’s Pie/ Cottage Pie/ Chinese Pie- Depending on where you grew up

As we were thinking about a menu that speaks to this book we both agreed that it had to be something hearty and full of potatoes, because Idaho! So we landed on Shepherd’s Pie. It’s a hearty and soul warming combination of meat, vegetables and mashed potatoes. We got our inspiration from Danny Boome and wow! Cook this up on a Sunday and enjoy leftovers the rest of the week.

Corey’s Review: I don’t know why anyone would not enjoy Shepard’s pie. It is a classic one pan meal. The fresh herbs really make this seem fancier than it is. Another plus is this freezes well so you can double the recipe and freeze one for later. This was a 5/5 for me!

Nicholette’s Review: Strictly speaking, I think shepherds pie is supposed to be lamb, but beef is more widely available. Given the versatility, its no surprise that many cultures have their own version. I will admit though, I had never encountered the term “Chinese Pie” before moving to Maine. the first time I heard the phrase I had no idea what it was! Turns out, French Canadians call their version of this dish Pate’ Chinois because the Quebecois fed this to the Chinese railway workers in the 19th century. It was an economical way to feed the workers, and I guess the name just stuck. Its kid friendly, can help to clean out your veggie drawer, and can be made ahead which are all nice attributes in a busy house!

Rating: 4/5

Ingredients:

1 Tbs Butter

1Tbs Olive Oil

1 Onion Diced

2 Carrots Diced

2 Stalks Celery Diced

2 Cloves Garlic Crushed

1 Tbs Tomato Paste

2 Lbs Ground Beef or Lamb (we used beef because we couldn’t find lamb)

2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 Cup Beef Stock

1 1/2 cups Peas

Mashed Potatoes (Recipe Below)

Mashed Potatoes

4 Lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes. Peeled, Quartered

4 Tbs butter

1/4 C Heavy Cream

1 C White Cheddar

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Add butter to skillet. Saute onions, carrots celery, garlic until tender. Add tomato paste. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Add Worcestershire sauce and beef stock. Simmer for another 10 min. Mix in peas. Transfer mixture to oven proof baking dish. Place potatoes on top of ground beef mixture and spread evenly. Place dish in oven and bake for 20 minutes

Mashed Potatoes

1. Fill large pot with cold water and add salt. Add Potatoes and bring to a boil. Let potatoes cook until sift (20 min). Drain potatoes and place back in pot for mashing. Add butter and cream and begin mashing. Once at desired texture add cheese and mix well.