The book selection for February/March at Cook the Book Club is Red Sparrow. Our host is Simona at Briciole.
This blog features food and life and I usually separate the book ramblings, posting on my book blog instead. In this case, I will be posting any inspiration from Cook the Books on this site.
Russian ballerina Dominika Egorova sustains an injury which ruins her dancing career. She is recruited for espionage training and manages to become a student for advanced training formerly offered only to men. She is intelligent, strong willed and had to fight to get placement. Unfortunately she lives in a Russian male dominated society and despite her intelligence and skills, she eventually ends up in Sparrow training.
To be a Sparrow is the equivalent of training to be a whore who elicts important information, seducing men of power or knowledge while prostituting themselves for their country. One of her targets is American Nate Nash. He is a CIA agent posing as a businessman. He recruits intelligence agents to spy on their country. Both are agents with similar training trying to access one anothers secrets.
I don't want to give spoilers in case you may read this book but let it be said, this book published in 2013 gives insight to Putin's cruelty.
This is an unusual espionage book where meals are mentioned in the storyline. Most chapters end with a recipe. For my inspiration on this book I made Rogan Josh.
Also sharing with Marg at The Intrepid Reader for Weekend Cooking.
I decided to pass on the Feb/March selection, but it looks like you enjoyed the read.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it wasn't one of my favorite books but it was interesting.
DeleteBoth look good!
ReplyDeletePataks sauces are on the shelf where I shop. Maybe I'll have to try some.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Mae, it's a good pantry item. We are goiing to iuse their Tikka Masala sauce soon on a vegetarian version.
DeleteI almost always have at least one Pataks jar in my house. Their products are good and perfect for when I'm feeling lazy or need to cook from the pantry.
ReplyDeleteBFR - I agree. You never know whe you might be housebound for a bit either with storms or just feeling like an easy dinner.
DeleteSometimes jarred sauce can be a real time saver but at the same time taste great! I'll look for Pataks- haven't seem them here.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI used a jar of Sharwood's tikka masala a few weeks ago and it was awful! I need to go back to Pataks. Patak's butter chicken is good.
ReplyDeleteI also like having these in my pantry.
I pinned that Food and Wine recipe.
Jackie, I think we tried Sharwoods before and didn't care for it. Haven't tried the butter chicken sauce but now I want to!
DeleteI tried to read this book but I really struggled with it and still haven't finished it. I have already listened to the next selection so this time I am ahead of the game.
ReplyDeleteMarg, it did have its moments & Putin’s cruelty was awful to read. I did like the recipes though.
DeleteHmmm, I will have to keep this brand in mind. I do like having a jar of something on the shelf to help out with dinner on those really busy days...
ReplyDeleteMelynda, we try and keep the pantry stocked especially near hurricane season. This brand is great!
DeleteGreat choice of recipe and the plate looks beautiful, Tina. Thank you for the suggestion on the jarred sauce: it is good to have something in the pantry to be used at short notice. And thank you so much for contributing to this edition of Cook the Books :)
ReplyDeleteSimona, it was a pleasure to join in this time. Thanks so much for hosting!
DeleteIt was eerie reading this book with what is happening in today's world. Your recipe looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy. I enjoyed participating & it was bizarre reading about Putin and Russian agents after the latest news about Ukraine!
DeleteGreat photo. The dish looks delicious! Glad you read and posted up for CTB this round. I'm very anxious to finish Taste and am loving it.
ReplyDeleteDebra, thank yu. It was fun to join in. Oh yeah, loving Taste!
DeleteThere just aren't enough lamb recipes out there so this looks like a great choice to try
ReplyDeleteThank you, Delaware Girl! I enjoyed participating.
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