Ever Ready

Sunday, January 11, 2026

January Book Group The Personal Librarian

I am a huge fan of historical novels, so the book choice for January, "The Personal Librarian," was perfect for me. I have read and enjoyed all of Marie Benedict's novels. Each of her books has spurred me to research more about her real-life characters. Benedict co-authored the book with Victoria Christopher Murray, a best-selling black author. Murray's perspective added depth to the storyline. The book is well written, and both authors expertly weave their voices as Bella da Costa Greene as she narrates her own story. The story highlights so many important issues as it explores the art world, women's rights, and racism all in an elegantly packaged novel that is difficult to put down.

J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, a Black American woman, was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.

But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard, and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of the alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

We all have our assigned roles for book club and this month my contribution was food. Francine hosted and set a very "fancy" table.

I found these cute charcuterie cups on Amazon. They came with skewers that were perfect for fruits, olives, cheeses, and meats.

At the bottom of the cup, I put in Chex Mix and nuts.

The next book is Irish Girl by Multi-Award-winning Ashley Sweeney. The book is a family saga, a coming-of-age story, and an exploration of the Irish immigrant experience. Narrated by the protagonist, 13-year-old Mary Agnes Coyne, the story's time frame is between the 1880s to 1890s. It spans from a rural village in Galway, Ireland, to New York, Chicago, and Colorado.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

One Skillet Ravioli with Marinara Sauce, Italian Sausage, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese

Today was cold and windy. Waking up to 32 degrees and going outside certainly required a coat and hat. The joy of indulging in comfort food was on the agenda for our Saturday meal. The recipe was quite flavorful and made enough for 6 servings. It's the perfect meal to serve for a Game Day crowd.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground Italian sausage, 85% lean ground beef or turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced sweet onions
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic (from 3 medium garlic cloves)
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted or basil, garlic onion)
2 cups chicken stock, low-sodium
1 small jar of Marinara sauce
1 teaspoon each dried Italian seasoning and parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (20-oz.) pkg. refrigerated four-cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni)
3/4 of a (5-oz.) pkg. baby spinach, stems removed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1⁄2 cup)
Optional: 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, brown the meat, and sprinkle with salt and pepper over medium-low heat. Crumble the meat, remove from the pan, and wipe any grease with a paper towel to clean the pan.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add onions and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, Marinara sauce, cooked meat, Italian seasoning, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir the mixture several times.
Add in the ravioli, grated Parmesan cheese, and spinach leaves. Simmer uncovered until the ravioli are tender, about 8 minutes.
To serve, add more grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Friday, January 9, 2026

Weekend Special Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Years ago, I bought this mug and thought it might be a good day brightener to go with a new recipe, Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cook's Notes: This casserole uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls unbaked dough that doesn't need time to soak overnight. Prep it just before baking in the morning—it'll only take you 15 minutes! Ready in just minutes, you can have a batch of these cinnamon rolls on the table in no time at all. This is a game-changer for busy schedules, impromptu brunches, or when the craving for cinnamon rolls strikes at midnight. The recipe was adapted from the seasonalmom.com

Ingredients:

2 (17.5 oz ) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, Pillsbury Grands
4 large eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

Directions:

Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into 4 pieces, then arrange them evenly in the prepared greased 13 x 9 glass dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, tossing gently with a spatula or spoon so everything is coated. Sprinkle pecans on top, if using.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after the first 20 minutes or so.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Warm the reserved icing in the microwave on 50% power for about 10-15 seconds. Drizzle the icing over the top of the warm casserole. Slice and serve. Best served fresh; refrigerate leftovers.
Reheat covered with foil for 10 minutes at 325°F.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Read Your World Book Review Origin

Together, we can change the world one book at a time.

Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness of children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into readers' hands. Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative 13 years ago. They are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine a spotlight on the multicultural books and authors on the market, while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more important than ever.
We do this by donating books to reviewers and classroom libraries.
We provide book lists and classroom kits to help parents, guardians, teachers, librarians, and readers find the diverse children’s books that they need.
Our weekly Ig Live Interview series also highlights children's books, spotlighting multicultural books and authors on the market and working to get these books into readers' hands.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nat Cardozo is an illustrator and workshop facilitator specializing in editorial illustration. She is a graduate of the School of Design and Illustration in Barcelona, Spain. Her work has been featured in exhibitions in Uruguay, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. Cardozo has won several major awards for children’s book illustrations. Born in France to Uruguayan refugees, Cardozo now lives and works as a freelance illustrator along the coast from Montevideo, Uruguay.

Maria José Ferrada from Chile advised the author/illustrator, Nat Cardozo, on the book's tone and style.

Book Review-Origin

What an ambitious effort compiling information that pays tribute to Indigenous people who have bravely preserved to this day and whose ancestral wisdom has much to teach us. From a historical perspective, readers are informed about Indigenous peoples who have struggled to maintain their traditional ways of life while still harmonizing with nature. All of these featured Indigenous groups have something in common: despite their many obstacles, they have managed to maintain their traditional ways of life and their relationships with nature. Indigenous people, more than 470 million, are also some of the most socially marginalized populations of the world. They are also people for whom community living is based on the principles of sharing, solidarity, and mutual aid, of avoiding excess, and being thankful for what they can get. "Origin" is a book that should be accessible to all readers in school classrooms or libraries. With the author's meticulous research, the book becomes a valuable resource for ongoing discussion of Indigenous peoples and their connection to the natural world.

Nat Cardozo, author/illustrator, has chosen twenty-two Indigenous groups spanning five continents to be represented in this book, which is only a small part of the more than 5,000 who currently live around the world. "Origin" is a nonfiction oversized picture book for middle school readers, but all readers can appreciate and learn from it, too. The content is based on direct testimonies, documentaries, and the work of anthropologists. Each two-page spread is about an indigenous group, with text on one side and a stunning illustration on the other. The text is narrated from a child's perspective, introducing readers to the group they represent and providing information on their population, territory, language, and culture. The full-size, very detailed illustration on each page is just stunning. It's a painting of a child's face, featuring the geography of their homeland, and it's nothing short of mesmerizing.

Further talking points at the end of the book, including an overview of environmental degradation and the resistance movements indigenous groups currently face, were interesting points to consider.

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, former elementary and middle school teacher, and book reviewer of all genres on Facebook at EverReady Book Reviews.

TO RED COMET PRESS FOR GIFTING ME THE BOOK FOR MY REVIEW,

Read Your World is honored to be supported by these Medallion Sponsors
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages and Jeanne Walker Harvey
🏅 Gold Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet Press
🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Kathy Choi
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Fabled Films Press
🏅 Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education

Read Your World is honored to be supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Audrey Barbakoff, Federico Erebia, Teddi Ahrens, Stephanie M. Wildman, Maritza M. Mejia, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Josh Funk, Frances Díaz Evans, Gaia Cornwall, Eric Clock, Maria Wen Adcock, Diana Huang, Gwen Jackson, Gea Meijering, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Ismee Williams, Karin Fisher-Golton, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou, Nancy Tupper Ling, Teresa Robeson, Crystal Z. Lee, Karen Leggett Abouraya, Elly Swartz, Robbin Miller, Shifa Safadi, Tonya Ellis,Lisa Stringfellow, Sylvia Liu, Kimberly Biddle, Robbin Miller, Eric Clock, Tonya Ellis, Nadine Pressley, Natahsa Yim Carter, and Lisa Chong.

Read Your World is honored to be supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!

Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

Do not overlook this fantastic opportunity 📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
FREE RYW2026 Poster
FREE Building Community with Bilingual Books 2026 Classroom Kit
FREE Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
FREE Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
FREE Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
Gallery of Our Free Posters
FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program

#readyourworld #bluecottageagency #natcardozo #redcometpress #diversebooks

#inclusion #multiculturaal

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Dinner Special: A Healthy Choice for the New Year

Chicken Sausage, Sweet Potatoes, Apples and Brussels Sprouts Sheet Pan Dinner

Cook's Notes: A healthy, easy dinner that makes clean up a breeze using just one sheet pan. Chicken Apple Sausages, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts are roasted in Maple Dijon Sauce with Cranberries and Pecans. Pair the meal with a nutritious serving of couscous. I used a box of Near East Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous.

I'm really impressed with this flavorful, tasty product from Chef Bruce Aidells.

It's gluten-free with no artificial ingredients, and is fully cooked, so it only needs a warm-up. The recipe serves 2-3 but can be increased for more servings just double the sauce.

Sauce Ingredients:

2-1/2 tablespoons lemon olive oil or olive oil
2-1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Main Ingredients:

1-12 oz. package chicken apple sausages (I used 2 links and cut each into 4 ths)
3 cups Brussels Sprouts, stems cut and sprouts halved
1 large firm apple, cut into chunks (I used Honey Crisp)
3 cups diced sweet potatoes
1 cup red onion slices
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silicone pad or parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the sauce. Add in diced sweet potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, red onion slices, and apple chunks. Coat well and spread the mixture out on the baking sheet. Roast 15 minutes. Add in chicken sausage chunks, cranberries, and pecans. Mix all ingredients well. Roast the veggie sausage mixture 10 minutes more until the sausages are warmed and the sweet potatoes are softened.

Saturday, January 3, 2026

GAME ON : MEATBALLS TO THE RESCUE

and are the perfect halftime snack. Each time I go to Costco I come home with something outrageously large for a household of two. What was I thinking buying this package of 140 meatballs!! In two months, the bag is still half full. So I decided it's time to create an easy snack for football watching or save idea for Super Bowl time.

You will need the following ingredients plus a box of refrigerated pie crusts.

Cook's Notes: Each pie crust box makes 8 mini meatball subs. Use a greased standard-size muffin pan.

Ingredients:

Fully cooked meatballs, thawed
1 package of refrigerated pie crusts e.g, Pillsbury
1 jar Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese balls, each one cut into 4ths
Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, cut out 7 pie crust circles using the mouth of a glass that measures 4 inches across. Reroll scraps for one more pie crust circle.
Press piecrust circle into muffin tin and up sides. Add to each well 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce.
Place one cut-up mozzarella ball on top of the red sauce. Then press in one meatball on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Actually, there are a lot of recipes that can be created using prepared meatballs. I recently posted Cherry Bourbon Meatballs that were sooooo good!
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2025/12/holiday-entertaining.html

Friday, January 2, 2026

A Year in Review 2025

As the old year comes to a close, I really enjoy looking back at which recipes on sockfairies.blogpsot.com really resonated with you. I also have some of my own favorites I discovered along the way, too. THANK YOU so much for your support, comments, visits, and shares this year and always. Every Ready blog site would not exist without you, and I am forever grateful!

See if any of your favorites made the list. Be sure to leave your comments in the box.