bookcooker
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Book Index
  • About
  • Contact
skip to main | skip to sidebar

Welcome!

My photo
Wendy
Welcome to Bookcooker! A book review and cooking blog. I review a book and make a recipe inspired by it.
View my complete profile

Grab a Button

Search This Blog

Share

Tweet

Recipe Index

  • Appetizers (15)
  • Apples (5)
  • Bread (14)
  • Breakfast (16)
  • Desserts (55)
  • Drinks (40)
  • Main Dishes (40)
  • Pasta (2)
  • Pork (1)
  • pumpkin (2)
  • Salad (3)
  • Sandwiches (2)
  • Snacks (5)
  • Soup (5)
  • Veggies/Sides (9)
  • Your Picks (1)

Archive

  • ►  2016 (3)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2015 (4)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ▼  2014 (22)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (2)
    • ►  May (2)
    • ▼  April (2)
      • Still Life with Breadcrumbs and Berry Scones
      • Spring!
    • ►  March (5)
    • ►  February (2)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2013 (23)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (1)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  April (3)
    • ►  March (5)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2012 (71)
    • ►  December (8)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (8)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  August (3)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (8)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (10)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (7)
  • ►  2011 (48)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (4)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2010 (35)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (4)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (11)

Followers

Foodbuzz

Still Life with Breadcrumbs and Berry Scones

Sunday, April 27, 2014

I recently read Anna Quindlen's "Still Life with Breadcrumbs" as part of a new book club organized by one of my old camp friends.  This is not a book that was on my list or that I was even aware of, but I really liked it a lot.  It is rare these days that a book (or a movie or tv show...) is about a woman over 50, Still Life with Breadcrumbs is a nice break from the norm.  The book is about Rebecca Winter a famous photographer who has fallen on hard times, is struggling to make ends meet, and hasn't taken many photographs lately.  In an effort to save some money (and perhaps find some inspiration) she escapes her Manhattan apartment to a modest cottage in upstate New York.  It is in this small town (after a few days alone in the cottage with a raccoon, questioning her sanity and her decisions) that she walks into Tea for Two cafe and orders the first of many scones from the proprietor, the chatty Sarah.  While she spends a year in the small town, she consumes many of these scones, finds her artistic voice again and finds love.  Along the way it is an insightful, funny and moving read.
There are not a lot of bells and whistles in Anna Quindlen's "Still Life with Breadcrumbs" - it just is what it is  - a straightforward great read.   Rebecca Winter, the lead character, is both relatable and someone to admire.  A photographer who made it big almost by chance and became a feminist icon.  In her 20's, with a small child to care for and a self centered british academic husband, Rebecca takes some photos of the mess of her kitchen after a dinner party for her husbands professor colleagues.  Her husband goes to bed and leaves her with the mess, in her exhaustion she takes photos and "still life with breadcrumbs" becomes a sensation - a photographic protest of the tasks women are expected to perform.  After she becomes a success, Rebecca's husband leaves her (she is his third wife) and she raises her son and continues to make money off of her usual success.  When we meet Rebecca she is 60 and has not done any meaningul new work in many years.  She is financially stretched because she supports both her aging parents - her tough mother who now has dementia and lives in a home and her upbeat father who lives nearby.  The years of spending money without bringing in finally catches up to her which is why she must sublet her apartment and escape the city.  When she gets to the small town in NY the cottage that seemed charming in online pictures is run down and a little bit scary.  On her first night there she discovers she shares the house with a raccoon who haunts her attempt to sleep with its nocturnal thrashing around her attic.  A local roofer, Jim Bates, is her savior when he comes by to both repair her leaky roof before the winter and catches the raccoon.  Because she is focused on her own stresses and loneliness, Rebecca does not immediately pay Jim much mind until she runs into him sitting in a tree in the woods surrounding her cabin.  The two soon start working together for the park service tracking eagles and as they sit in trees together all day they get to know one another and romance blooms.  Rebecca resists it at first because Jim is much younger than her.  Nothing is simple of course and the two quickly find drama that drives them apart.  Much of the book is Rebecca's inner dialogue with herself - moving back and forth in time to show how she got to wear she is, the missteps she has made.  While taking one of her many walks in the woods Rebecca finds her artistic inspiration once again, taking a series of photos of mysterious handmade crosses she has found in the woods.  The book does wrap up fairly neatly - Rebecca's life is a mess, she makes a dramatic move to disrupt her routine and finds a better path.  Rebecca is so interesting I did not mind the predictable conventional ending.

Dried Berry Scones, adapted from the Barefoot Contessa
There was no doubt that scones would be what I made for this book.  Throughout the book Rebecca Winter is often sitting with some tea and scone baked by Sarah from Tea for Two.  Part of the book that I really liked was the quirky group of characters Quindlen created to occupy the town Rebecca Winter strands herself in.  Sarah owns the cafe, is a renowed scone baker, gossip and match maker.  She herself is married to a jerk, but she maintains an upbeat attitude nonethless and as Rebecca tries to isolate herself Sarah draws her into the community, often with scones...
Ingredients
4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 lb unsalted butter, very cold, diced
4 extra large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup dried berries (I used Whole Foods berry and cherry medlely(
2 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon course brown sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix until combined.
  4. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is pebble sized peaces.
  5. Combine the eggs and buttermilk in a bowl, pour into the mixer and mix until just blended.
  6. Toss the dried fruit in the 1 tablespoon of flour and then add to the mixer, mix on low speed until just incorporated.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a floured board.
  8. Pat into a large rectangle, 3/4 an inch thick.
  9. Cut scones out with the cutter of your choice, place on baking sheet.
  10. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the course sugar.
  11. Bake for 20 -2 5 minutes until golden brown.


Posted by Wendy at 9:02 PM
Labels: Bread, Breakfast

23 comments:

  1. coco-brainMay 27, 2014 at 10:34 PM

    i'm quite sure i'll learn a lot of new stuff right here! looking forward for the next!

    www.n8fan.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  2. ding-dong-ding-dongSeptember 16, 2014 at 9:47 PM

    thank you for sharing this cute ideas.

    www.triciajoy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  3. UnknownFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:12 PM

    Couldn't be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!


    Sienna
    www.gofastek.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  4. Cara Mengangkat Tumor RahimJanuary 25, 2019 at 1:07 AM

    Very Good Article

    Pengobatan Untuk Penyakit Radang Lambung
    Solusi Yang Tepat Cara Mengobati Dispepsia
    Pengobatan Penebalan Dinding Rahim Tanpa Kuret
    Cara Mengobati Kista Coklat Tanpa Operasi
    Agen Resmi QnC Jelly Gamat Di Jakarta
    Tips Untuk Mengobati Emboli Paru

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  5. MariaMarch 21, 2021 at 10:25 PM

    Read The Prairie Homestead Cookbook book online
    One of the top seller book on Amazon
    Read online, learn cooking and be like a professional Chef 👇
    Read The Prairie Homestead Cookbook book online

    Follow my social networks for funny memes and odd news

    Facebook page 👇
    follow Facebook page
    Twitter👇
    Join Twitter
    Telegram👇
    Join Telegram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  6. KADER ZİNCİRJuly 12, 2021 at 2:52 PM

    no deposit bonus forex 2021 - takipçi satın al - takipçi satın al - takipçi satın al - tiktok takipçi satın al - instagram beğeni satın al - instagram beğeni satın al - google haritalara yer ekleme - btcturk - tiktok izlenme satın al - sms onay - izlenme-satin-al.com/youtube - google haritalara yer ekleme - no deposit bonus forex 2021 - tiktok jeton hilesi - tiktok beğeni satın al - binance - takipçi satın al - uc satın al - finanspedia.com - sms onay - sms onay - tiktok takipçi satın al - tiktok beğeni satın al - twitter takipçi satın al - trend topic satın al - youtube abone satın al - instagram beğeni satın al - tiktok beğeni satın al - twitter takipçi satın al - trend topic satın al - youtube abone satın al - instagram beğeni satın al - tiktok takipçi satın al - tiktok beğeni satın al - twitter takipçi satın al - trend topic satın al - youtube abone satın al - instagram beğeni satın al - perde modelleri - instagram takipçi satın al - instagram takipçi satın al

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  7. UnknownJuly 23, 2021 at 11:24 AM

    instagram takipçi satın al
    aşk kitapları
    tiktok takipçi satın al
    instagram beğeni satın al
    youtube abone satın al
    twitter takipçi satın al
    tiktok beğeni satın al
    tiktok izlenme satın al
    twitter takipçi satın al
    tiktok takipçi satın al
    youtube abone satın al
    tiktok beğeni satın al
    instagram beğeni satın al
    trend topic satın al
    trend topic satın al
    youtube abone satın al
    instagram takipçi satın al
    beğeni satın al
    tiktok izlenme satın al
    sms onay
    youtube izlenme satın al
    tiktok beğeni satın al
    sms onay
    sms onay
    perde modelleri
    instagram takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al
    tiktok jeton hilesi
    instagram takipçi satın al pubg uc satın al
    sultanbet
    marsbahis
    betboo
    betboo
    betboo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  8. UnknownJuly 28, 2021 at 2:21 AM

    instagram takipçi satın al
    ucuz takipçi
    takipçi satın al
    https://takipcikenti.com
    https://ucsatinal.org
    instagram takipçi satın al
    https://perdemodelleri.org
    https://yazanadam.com
    instagram takipçi satın al
    balon perdeler
    petek üstü perde
    mutfak tül modelleri
    kısa perde modelleri
    fon perde modelleri
    tül perde modelleri
    https://atakanmedya.com
    https://fatihmedya.com
    https://smmpaketleri.com
    https://takipcialdim.com
    https://yazanadam.com
    yasaklı sitelere giriş
    aşk kitapları
    yabancı şarkılar
    sigorta sorgula
    https://cozumlec.com
    word indir ücretsiz
    tiktok jeton hilesi
    rastgele görüntülü sohbet
    erkek spor ayakkabı
    fitness moves
    gym workouts
    https://marsbahiscasino.org
    http://4mcafee.com
    http://paydayloansonlineare.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  9. sportstotohot.comFebruary 18, 2022 at 6:21 PM

    The information related to biology assignment help is available here. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  10. racesite.proFebruary 18, 2022 at 6:27 PM

    Appreciate it for this post, I am a big fan of this internet site would like to keep updated. 경마

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  11. reelgame.siteFebruary 18, 2022 at 6:58 PM

    I must appreciate the blogger. This is the most useful blog for everyone.Thanks for sharing. 슬롯머신

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  12. totosite365.infoFebruary 18, 2022 at 7:10 PM

    This content is simply exciting and creative. I have been deciding on an institutional move and this has helped me with one aspect. 토토

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  13. casinosite777.infoFebruary 19, 2022 at 3:05 AM

    It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.
    바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  14. sportstotozone.comFebruary 19, 2022 at 3:19 AM

    It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed. I request you warmly, please, don’t ever stop writing.
    스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  15. Majortotosite ProFebruary 19, 2022 at 11:39 PM

    Your post got my attention and shows me different perception for how we should boost our site. This is a really perfect for a new blogger like me who doesn’t want their site to be messy with those spammers who don’t even read your post but they have the guts to comment in your site. Thanks again. 메이저사이트

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  16. My SiteFebruary 19, 2022 at 11:41 PM

    It was very easy to find my way around and very user friendly Good job to your designer and dev of your site. I hope your rate was doing well.
    경마사이트
    경마

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  17. Oncasinosite NetFebruary 19, 2022 at 11:42 PM

    People should know these tips because you have great content! Thanks anyway! 바카라

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  18. Totopick ProFebruary 19, 2022 at 11:42 PM

    I can read all the opinions of others as well as i gained information to each and everyone here on your site. Just keep on going dude. Check over here: 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  19. UnknownApril 8, 2022 at 5:27 PM

    seo fiyatları
    saç ekimi
    dedektör
    instagram takipçi satın al
    ankara evden eve nakliyat
    fantezi iç giyim
    sosyal medya yönetimi
    mobil ödeme bozdurma
    kripto para nasıl alınır

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  20. SelenaApril 14, 2022 at 9:09 AM

    Hi , “I don’t know what to say. Thank you. ”. دانلود آهنگ مجید رضوی طلا

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  21. UnknownMay 1, 2022 at 3:10 AM

    mmorpg oyunlar
    instagram takipçi satın al
    Tiktok Jeton Hilesi
    tiktok jeton hilesi
    antalya saç ekimi
    referans kimliği nedir
    instagram takipçi satın al
    metin2 pvp serverlar
    İnstagram Takipci Satın Al

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  22. UnknownMay 17, 2022 at 8:50 PM

    perde modelleri
    sms onay
    Turkcell mobil ödeme bozdurma
    Https://nftnasilalinir.com
    ankara evden eve nakliyat
    trafik sigortası
    dedektör
    web sitesi kurma
    aşk kitapları

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
  23. UnknownMay 31, 2022 at 12:28 AM

    smm panel
    SMM PANEL
    iş ilanları blog
    İnstagram takipçi satın al
    hirdavatciburada.com
    www.beyazesyateknikservisi.com.tr
    Servis
    TİKTOK JETON HİLE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
      Reply
Add comment
Load more...

Newer Post Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

bookcooker
All rights reserved © 2010-2012

Custom Blog Design by Blogger Boutique

Blogger Boutique