books schmooks

for Christmas... or was it my birthday, (I forget which -this is kind of common for me since my birthday is so close to Christmas) I received a copy of Brunetti's Cookbook. Written by Donna Leon (murder mystery fans are likely familiar with her work) and her friend Roberta Pianaro, it is an interesting mix of essay, illustrations and Venetian recipes. I have been trying a few different recipes out and so far it has been quite pleasing. Tonight we had pancakes with spinach and ricotta. Rather easy to make and delightful on the tongue. (vegetarian too) Cookbooks like this can be hit and miss but I find the directions fairly straight forward and there is a nice mix of things to eat. I haven't examined the fish recipes in great detail but I look forward to giving them a try. It is funny that my favorite things that I ate in Venice were vegetable-related. I enjoyed trying some of the fish but I wasn't exactly floored at the time. I found that I liked the fish better on the west coast of Italy. I have a weakness for sardines and anchovies so I was rather satisfied but when I was in Venice I did enjoy the novelty of eating squid cooked in its own ink. Someday I would like to go back and eat more. But I say this about many places. It is the best way to get the feel of a place. It is a bit like being able to taste the soul.

In more domestic news, Mr. Jenner assembled and put in a new bookshelf in Miss Biscuit's room. Things are coming together in there. There is one wall that is nothing but bookshelves. The lower ones hold toys and things and the upper ones hold a great multitude of books. The books in there are ones that I deem ideal when the room might be in use as a guest room. I figure if someone suffers from insomnia or jetlag (as I often do) they should be able to find something to distract them. In there you will find murder mysteries, short stories, poetry, humor, illustrated books, travel essays, biography/memoir and some oversized books on an assorted subjects. And some reference books.

I ought to bake a cake tomorrow. I will stare at the kitchen very hard to bring about inspiration.