Friday Favorites

From the Seasonal Plate

Jambalaya with Shrimp, Sausage and Rice
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/02/fat-tuesday-or-mardi-gras.html

Mini Black Forest Cheesecakes
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/01/celebrating-national-bittersweet.html

Winter Fruit Salad

Cook's Notes: A versatile salad with lots of options.  The citrusy dressing really makes this salad shine. Serves four. 
Salad Ingredients: 

• 2 clementines, peeled and segmented
• 2 kiwis, peeled and halved
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 cup strawberries, diced  
• 1 Bartlett pear peeled and diced 
• 1/4 cup pommegrante arils or dried cranberries

Salad Dressing:

• Whisk together 1 tsp. lime zest, 2 TB. each lime juice and maple syrup and 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated 

Directions: 

• Mix fruit together and drizzle dressing on mixture right before serving. 

 
Calling all Little Women Fans
You will love this historical novel which gives the reader a glimpse into the life of the Alcott family and the youngest daughter May Alcott. It's one of those books that will send you to GOOGLE to learn more. A bonus included at the end are bits of triva about the Alcott family and book club discussion questions.

This is Elise Hooper's debut novel imagining of the life of the youngest Alcott, immortalized in "Little Women" as the cute, willful, pretentious Amy. The reality of May's life was far more complicated, as was her relationship with her famous sister Louisa. I found the story to be very engrossing.

Hooper obviously did a lot of research into not only May's life but also the historical background for the story, most especially the art scene in Europe during the fascinating period when a group of artists were experimenting with composition, style, and technique and struggling to be accepted by the traditional art world and press critics who dubbed them 'Impressionists.'

Abigail May Alcott, known as May, was Louisa May Alcott's youngest sister and a very talented artist in her own right. She spent many years developing her talents with renowned teachers and had two paintings accepted for exhibition at the famous Paris Salon.

But it was hard to live in her famous sister's shadow and accept her financial backing for many European trips and to live in Boston and study art. Hooper imagines some friction between these sisters, who were part of a close-knit family. Hooper also imagines the fierce competition and petty jealousies that very likely occurred between fellow art students.
As the story develops you will learn a lot about Louisa , her work and the dynamics of the Alcott family relationships.

Add this book to your winter reading list!

I forgot to share this from the recent barrio field trip to downtown Tucson. I was quite impressed someone had posted this welcoming sign in their yard. 
In case can't read it says No matter where you are from, we're glad you're our neighbor. 

We certainly could use more signs like this posted in neighborhoods!