There is a favorite used bookstore of mine that I stopped in early Sunday afternoon. It was a cool enough, gray August day that a cup of tea seemed necessary. In the same shopping plaza as my bookstore is a Starbucks and so I first made a stop for a Chai latte and then proceeded to browse the book store. Now this used bookstore has atmosphere, but nothing like some more quaint shops I have been in. It is arranged more like a Barnes and Noble Bookstore the only difference is that there is a sitting area with coffee always brewing and the price tags on the books is about 1/3 the cost.
I began browsing my favorite sections: Music, crafts (always on the lookout for a good knitting book!), and gardening. I wasn’t really finding anything and so began to wander to other sections. The most interesting ended up being the cooking section. I recently developed an interest in international cooking when I was inspired to cook a French meal after watching the French documentary To Be and To Have by Nicolas Philibert. Thus, when stumbling upon shelves full of cookbooks I excitedly began to hunt for cookbooks devoted to international cooking. The best one I found, and bought, was The International Cookie Cookbook by Nancy Baggett. If you have a sweet tooth, a love of Christmas cookie baking, or are looking for sweet treats to go along with your tea I highly recommend this book! I have made shortbread cookies (the recipe is from Scotland and Ireland) as well as biscotti from Italy. Both recipes are fantastic. I found her cooking time recommendations to be a little on the long side but other than that everything was clear and easy to follow and the flavor is great. I have many more recipes marked just waiting to be made.
I have long been a tea drinker. I have recently developed a taste for coffee but tea was always my first love. My favorite has always been any kind of green teas because I enjoy drinking a cup that is sweet enough on its own without really needing any sugar or honey. But I found, with sweet treats like shortbread or biscotti a flavorful black tea is best. What do you think tastes better?
Happy knitting, baking and tea drinking!
Emily