What I've been Reading

I haven't posted but I've still been reading piles of books. Now that the weather is warming up I don't think I'll be posting much but I wanted to do a quick update on the piles of books I've gotten through.

Brisingr by Chrisopher Paolini - I was really disappointed with this book. It just isn't as good as the first book. I read it and kept thinking about all the parts I would have cut or shortened if I'd been the editor. So many scenes with gratuitous violence. Didn't enjoy it.

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne - loved it! Great book - lots of fun to read. I remember a hot air balloon in whatever movie version I saw as a kid but there is no hot air balloon in the book. After I finished reading it, my first thought was that I must have missed something because I thought there was a hot air balloon!

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley - good book. Robin McKinley does a great job of retelling fairy tales. I enjoyed her first retelling of Beauty and the Beast when I read it a few years ago and Spindle's End was even better. If you haven't guessed from the title - it's a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

I've had lots of fiction in my pile of books this past month - they are my "I don't feel like thinking" books. Time to brush off some others (thinking books) that have been gathering dust. Just don't ask how far I've gotten in The Iliad!

Recipe Box Swap: Fettuccine Alfredo

Another Recipe Box Swap is in progress - this month's theme is pasta. The first recipe that popped into my head was fettuccine alfredo. I don't make it very often because it's so rich, but boy, is it good!

1 pound fettuccine pasta
1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmigiano
salt and pepper, to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium low heat in a large skillet being careful not to let it turn brown. When the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain and add it to the skillet of butter. Add the cream, cheese, salt and pepper and stir gently to coat the pasta. You could also add some chunks of grilled chicken breast and serve it with a nice, fresh salad. This makes 4-6 servings.