Monday’s Wonderings…Food or Weaponry?

I have been doing a healthy amount of historical cooking specifically from the Regency Era as I prepare for my first ever Jane Austen tea.

Rout cakes, Barm Brack (also an Irish dessert, often made during Halloween), Strawberry Tartlets, Scones, and Bathbuns look so tasty and appealing. Although when I go to make the desserts, things often go awry. Occasionally the recipes come out looking and tasting as intended. More often than not my first try at the recipe turns out like something better used as a weapon (this is especially true when the recipes are Scottish or Irish).

As I scoured the web searching for a suitable Regency dessert, I came across the lovely ladies from Austenacious and their attempt at Gingerbread “Cakes” which they adapted from the Jane Austen Cookbook, which you can find HERE.

Having made a variety of gingerbread desserts, I knew that they had the potential to come out as something better classified as ‘weaponry’ rather ‘food’. I print out the recipe, look it over, don my snazzy little apron, and give it a go. The first try was as expected: Hard discs that were overly gingered which would be better used as target practice. After tweaking the recipe a few times and using my dear friends as taste-tasters (honestly, I am surprised that they willingly eat anything I make considering I have made some rather interesting recipes), I finally came up with a lovely, tasty dessert that I can serve at my tea.

The Result:

The Recipe:

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups flour, plus extra for dusting

¼ tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

4 Tbsp butter

1/3 cup molasses

½ cup brown sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten

Toppings:

¼ cup sugar mixed 2 tbs of cinnamon

flaked almonds

Instructions

1.Set oven to 350°F.

2.Sift together flour, ginger, and nutmeg into a bowl add in brown sugar. Rub in the butter until the mixture is like crumbs.

3.Blend molasses and egg into the spiced flour. It will make a soft, sticky dough.

4.Dust a work surface lightly with flour, knead dough 10 times and roll out the dough not less than 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Cut dough into rounds, or use simple cookie cutters. Arrange cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, and decorate each cookie with almond flakes.

5.Bake for only 10 minutes (trust me they are done). Remove from oven. Allow cookies to set one minute on cookie sheet then remove from cookie sheet and cool on a wire cooling rack.

6. Store in an airtight container.

NOTEWORTHY ADVICE:

-When making any type of gingerbread, or in this case ‘cakes’, you must hand-mix everything. Electric mixers will ruin the consistency.

-When using molasses it is best to use brown sugar as white sugar often makes it too sweet.

-Do not over knead the dough. When working with ginger ‘cakes’ the more you knead the dough the tougher it becomes.

-A little ginger goes a long way, so in this case less is truly more.

-While these cakes are lovely fresh from the oven, the flavour and moistness increases the longer that they set.

Just Remember: If the recipe fails:

I would love to hear about your adventures in cooking! 

Until We Meet Again,

Monday’s Wonderings # 3 Searching for Jane

The weekend before last, I went book shopping and found The Perfect Elizabeth: A Tale of Two Sisters by Libby Schmais which claimed to be a modern retelling of Sense & Sensibility. Being a true Jane Addict I knew that I had to purchase this book to feed my addiction. Let me say that I was thoroughly and utterly disappointed. If I would have paid more than $1.99 for this book I would have been highly perturbed as it was one of the worst books that I ever read and the only comparison that it had to S&S was that the novel did indeed have two sisters in it. (Believe you me, I searched this book from the front cover to the back for any shred of a resemblance to S&S and found absolutely nothing. I believe that there was only one mention of Jane throughout the book. Truth be told, the novel should have been marketed to Barbara Pym fans as the book is exploding with mentions of her and her novels.)

I have noticed over the last few months that many authors and publishers have been putting in strategically placed references to Jane Austen or/and her novels in the title or in the blurb on the back of the book when in reality the book has little—or often nothing—to do with Jane Austen or her novels. And I must say I am one of those buyers that will buy a novel if Jane Austen or her novels are mentioned anywhere on the front or back cover. Then after reading the book, I have the urge to mail a copy of Jane Austen’s novels to the person who thought it wise to market it as (fill in the appropriate Jane Austen title) with a note saying ‘seriously, have you even read this before using it as a comparison?’.

Why do they place these references on the book when the book obviously has nothing to do with Jane Austen? It’s simple—and while I have come to believe that they do it solely to irritate me—the truth is Jane Austen’s name sells and the publishing world is determined to cash in on it.

My Question Is….Do you buy books because they mention Jane Austen or her works on the cover? And if so, have you been thoroughly disappointed because of it?

Here is the blurb that made me buy the book:

This modern-day Sense & Sensibility is a witty story about two sisters: Liza, a would-be poet who spends miserable days as a legal secretary; and Bette, a graduate student writing her dissertation on Toast in the English Novel. Bette has taken to eating only what the characters she is writing about would eat: boiled eggs on toast, mincemeat, nice cups of tea…Liza’s bit concerned. She’s also worried about the statues of her relationship with her actor boyfriend, Gregor. They’re not living together, and that’s a problem.

Then there’s the issue of Liza’s career, or the lack thereof. Can dog-walking be considered a vocation? Liza’s beginning to think so. Mercifully, Bette is merely a local phone call away.

Throughout this hilarious novel, the sisters deal with unemployment, infidelity, interfering parent, Hollywood, lemmings, a pregnancy, and a wedding. The Perfect Elizabeth is as indulgent and cathartic as a pint of Haagen-Dazs. (from the back of the book)

Until We Meet Again,

Getting to know Persuasion & Giveaway

 

Title page of the original 1818 edition

Fun Facts Regarding the Publication:

-Persuasion was originally titled The Elliots and it is uncertain who changed it, although we can surmise that it was her brother, Henry.

-Miss Austen wrote Persuasion in 1815 then revised the last two chapters before it was published in 1817 (in many television adaptations we see Captain Wentworth, acting for Admiral Croft, asking Anne if she is engaged to Mr Elliot, and whether the Crofts should leave Kellynch. Many readers of Persuasion may believe this to be a creative liberty taken by the filmmakers; however, it was indeed the original ending, which Austen changed)

-There are no surviving manuscripts or drafts of any of Jane Austen’s novels save for the original ending of Persuasion.

-The combined edition of Northanger Abbey & Persuasion sold 1, 409 copies within a year.

Changing Times

Although no violent revolution (such as the French & American revolutions, both occurring whilst Jane lived) occurred in England during Jane’s lifetime, there was a rather noticeable shift in social classes, as those with newly acquired wealth began to surpass the landed gentry in both power and influence.

This change had the landed gentry growing nervous as these “new men”, who made their money by either being business men or naval officers with large fortunes made from prize money, began to be recognized and treated as gentlemen.

Jane Austen was conscience of the shift in social classes; it shows in the following description of the Musgrove’s. Although she did not acknowledge if she thought these changes were for the better.

“The Musgroves, like their houses, were in a state of alteration, perhaps of improvement. Their father and mother were in the old English style and the young people in the new. Mr & Mrs. Musgrove were a very good sort of people; friendly and hospitable, not much educated, and not at all elegant. Their children had more modern minds and manners.”

In Persuasion Jane Austen portrays these classes brilliantly with the following characters:

The rising family: The Musgroves

The Naval Officers: Captain Wentworth

Admiral Croft & his wife, Mrs. Sophia Wentworth Croft

The faded gentry: The Elliots—who are forced to give up their inherited property due to debt but the family who takes the property, Kellynch Hall, from them have none of the qualities that Sir Walter Elliot considers essential parts of a gentleman.

Locations of Persuasion

Kellynch Hall: The home of the Elliots, which they are forced to let out to Admiral Croft.

Uppercross: Home of the Musgrove family.

Lyme Regis: Seaside town where Louisa Musgrove is injured.

Bath: The city where the Elliots move to.

A Look Inside of Kellynch Hall

Location: Somerset, 50 Miles from Bath

Size: Unknown, although Mary scoffs at Winthrop being 250 acres so one is lead to believe Kellynch is much larger.

Fun Fact: Kellynch is full of mirrors, which the Admiral confesses to having covered up.

I have 1 copy of Persuasion for one lucky reader!

To enter please leave your name and  a valid email address.

For an extra entry answer the following question:

I simply cannot stand Mary Elliot Musgrove, she is constantly on the moan, and I find myself wanting to slap her. Is there a Jane Austen character that you simply cannot stand? If so, I would love to hear about it.

Contest Ends September 16

 

Until We Meet Again,

Monday’s Wonderings—Talking about Edition Addiction and a Giveaway

Recently I was shopping with a few dear friends of mine and of course, like the true book addicts we are, we stopped at a little used bookstore. Naturally, I headed straight for the section labeled classic literature, immediately searching out the Jane Austen section.

To my surprise, there were four bookcases filled with Jane Austen titles, sadly, many of them were the same book, and even worse, I owned most of them. After carefully looking through the books, I stumbled upon a slender black volume with the title ‘Northanger Abbey’ in red foil script.

Pulling it out, I discovered it was an edition of Northanger Abbey that I did not own; it was also one that I had never scene before. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the edition was The Winchester Austen. I had seen the red editions before but never had I seen the black edition with the elastic closure. I knew that I had to add this book to my collection and it was only $2.98 so I scooped it up and received odd looks from my friend we loving Bingley because he has played Charles Bingley several times in local productions of P&P.

Finally, after remaining silent for about 10 minutes, he asked, ‘why are you buying another copy of Northanger Abbey? I mean, I noticed that you had like 5 copies of every Jane Austen book. Why do you need another one?”

My girlfriends and I stared at him as though he was a loon and I simply replied, “I may have 5 copies, but I do not have this copy.” He laughed, shook his head, and went in pursuit of the science fiction section mumbling something about us having edition addiction. My friends were scooping up the editions of P&P that they did not have so I was no alone.

I ask you, dear readers, does Edition Addiction really exist? And if so, do you have it? I certainly do, I suppose this is the part where I stand up and declare, ‘My name is Angela, and I am addicted to collecting various editions of Jane Austen’s novels.” Although I must say, I do not intend to stop anytime soon, if ever.

There are times when one must buy a new copy of P&P, S&S, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Emma, or Mansfield Park to replace an overly read one. I know that I have read one copy of P&P so many times that the pages literally fell out of the book. Although, other times, like this new edition of Northanger Abbey, I purchased it because it was something that I have never scene before and it held extra material that I was interested in reading.

Do you have multiple copies of P&P, S&S, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Emma, or Mansfield Park lining your shelves? I would love to hear about your Jane Austen Collection. Leave a comment and be entered to win the extra copy of Northanger Abbey, The Winchester Austen Edition.

Giveaway is WORLDWIDE

Ends September 1

What does the Winchester Austen Edition of Northanger Abbey contain?

*Four Introductions by renowned Austen scholars

-Northanger Abbey: Modern Interpretations by John Wiltshire

-Northanger Abbey: Regency Life by Maggie Lane

-Northanger Abbey: Geographical Settings by Caroline Sanderson

-Northanger Abbey: Josephine Ross

 *Jane Austen Timeline

*Jane Austen’s England

*Principle Characters

*Regency Bath

 

Until We Meet Again, 

Book Watch Pride & Pyramids by Amanda Grange & Jacqueline Webb

 

THE PLEASING AND PROPER DARCY FAMILY VISITS THE LAND OF THE PHARAOHS.

Pulled into the craze of Egyptology, the Darcys and their lively children embark on an expedition to find a hidden tomb and uncover its treasure. Not only are immeasurable riches awaiting them in the exotic land of the Sphinx, but also danger and betrayal and the chances to lay an ancient grudge to rest…

Amanda Grange, bestselling author of Mr. Darcy’s Diary and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, teams up with Egyptologist Jacqueline Webb to create a breathtaking historical tale. The Darcys’ adventures at the hands of these talented storytellers open up whole new realms of exploration for lovers of Jane Austen and the Regency World.  (from the back of the arc)

Title: Pride & Prejudice

Author: Amanda Grange & Jacqueline Webb

ISBN: 978-1-4022-6534-1

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Release Date: July 2012

Read an Excerpt 

Fans of Amanda Grange will be pleased to know that Sourcebooks Landmark is releasing Pride & Pyramids July 2012.

Having read and loved the majority of Amanda Grange’s Austen-inspired novels, I was super excited when I received the offer to review Pride & Pyramids. I was even more excited when I came home today and the arc was in my mailbox!

After reading the first two chapters, this is definitely a book to watch for.

Until We Meet Again,

Friday’s Film Bride & Prejudice

 

A clash of cultures in the spirit of MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, this modern musical retelling of Jane Austen's classic PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is a hilariously entertaining tale of one girl's unlikely search for love! Sparks immediately fly as a love/hate relationship ignites between a small-town beauty (international star Aishwarya Rai) and a wealthy American (Martin Henderson -- THE RING, TORQUE) who's visiting her modest Indian village. In a swirl of music, dance, and comic misunderstandings, these opposites continue to attract and repel each other in a riotous romance that spans three continents! Featuring Naveen Andrews (TV's LOST, THE ENGLISH PATIENT) and a memorable performance from top recording artist Ashanti -- love will eventually conquer all in this acclaimed treat from the director of BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM!

My Thoughts:

In this adaptation, Pride & Prejudice goes Bollywood. I liked the way that they kept the characters and the plot similar to the original version of P&P while infusing them with their own flavor. I also enjoyed the cinematography. However, I found the musical aspect of the movie highly annoying; I guess I just prefer my P&P adaptations with no random singsongs.

I did finish the movie, although it almost drove me mad. I was surprised that I did not like this move as I had seen Bend It Like Beckham, also directed by Gurinder Chadha, and loved it. Although I just could not get past the musical numbers in Bride & Prejudice.

Normally, I love musicals, I have watched My Fair Lady so many times I know the songs by heart, but for some reason I did not think the songs worked in this movie. It could have been because it made the movie feel like it was more for teens. This movie was not my cuppa tea.

Until We Meet Again,

Mr. Darcy Forever by Victoria Connelly Review & Giveaway

Title: Mr. Darcy Forever

Author: Victoria Connelly

ISBN: 978-1-4022-5128-2

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Release Date: April

 

Sisters are forever….

Sarah and Mia Castle are closer than best friends and share just about everything, including a deep and abiding love for all things relating to Jane Austen. Their annual trip to the Jane Austen Festival in Bath is a highlight of their lives—until the year they discover that no matter how close two sisters may be, it’s impossible to share one man between them. Even if he does seem like their own perfect Mr. Darcy, if one wins him, won’t they both lose? (from the back of the arc)

My Thoughts

In the latest installment of the Austen Addicts, we meet sisters— and Jane Austen Addicts— Sarah and Mia Castle. For Mia’s twenty-first birthday, Sarah rents the cottage that was used as Barton Cottage in the 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. Sarah was expecting a week of sisterly bonding yet when a handsome stranger, Alec, appears and helps a wounded Mia back to the cottage; Sarah has a feeling that he is more of a Willoughby than a Mr. Darcy.

However, I am not quite sure that Sarah realized just how much damage Alec could cause and not the two sisters that were once closer than ever have broken apart.  Can a trip to Bath for the Jane Austen Festival save their relationship?

I loved the way that novel started flipped between the present day with each sister separately attending the Jane Austen Festival in Bath and the events that happened at Barton Cottage three years ago. It was a very interesting and intriguing way to move the story forward while telling the backstory.

I loved the quirkiness of Sarah and her OCD; I could read her story for ages. However, Mia drove me mad. I felt that she was childish and needed to grow up.  You could see the parallels between Elinor and Sarah and Marianne and Mia. Of course, when you have heroines you must have heroes and in Mr. Darcy Forever, Lloyd and Gabe made brilliant modern-day versions of Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon.  Although, it seemed that Alec was a combination of every vile rogue Jane Austen created.

Overall: All good things must come to an end and so must Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addicts trilogy. I must admit that I was a wee bit sad whilst reading Mr. Darcy Forever, al though several characters from the previous two books did make cameos, which made the trilogy feel well rounded.

As a Jane Austen Addict, I though that I should do my part fuel other people’s addiction and what better way than to giveaway an entire set of Victoria Connelly’s Austen Addict Trilogy?

The Prize: 

Here are the rules:

 

Contest is WORLDWIDE.

Ends on June 1^st

To enter please leave your name and a valid email address.

 

Just for fun, what actor has played your favorite Jane Austen Hero?

Until We Meet Again,