"The Double Bind"

It’s been a long time since I’ve read “The Great Gatsby,” which plays a large role in Chris Bohjalian’s “The Double Bind.” Bohjalian’s book made me want to read “Gatsby” again and maybe revisit “The Double Bind” afterward.

I wish that I hadn’t read anything about “The Double Bind” before I read it. I enjoyed it quite a bit anyway, and I’d recommend it.

If you’re planning to take my recommendation, don’t read any further. Spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned.
Continue reading "The Double Bind"

Baker baker, cookie maker

Cookie of the Month logo

One of Poppy’s favorite books is “Baker Baker, Cookie Maker,” in which Cookie Monster runs a bakery. He bakes batch after batch of cookies but never gets to eat one. Poppy finds this amusing. She’s a little sadistic.

Today, Poppy and I played Baker Baker, Cookie Maker and made a batch of cookies ourselves. We weren’t overrun with hungry cookie eaters, but we had fun nonetheless. I love to bake, and I love to eat. A bad combination, unless you have people to send the cookies to. Hence: The Cookie of the Month Club.

We’re going to be making one batch of cookies every month and mailing them out to a few people. One of those yummy little packages will be going out to a randomly selected reader each month. So if you’d like some Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, leave a comment here by noon tomorrow!

Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) dark chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350.

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla, beating until well blended. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.