Well, the turkey has been roasted, the cranberries “sauced,” and the pumpkin “pied” — now we’re riding the grand countdown to Christmas. As I mentioned in last week’s column, it’s important to carve out some quiet time during the crazy weeks of December. Reading is one way to decompress, so I am offering end-of-the-year reading suggestions which, of course, are available at the library. Now, take a deep breath, grab a book and give that overworked gray matter a rest from the “I’m-starting-to-panic-because-it’s-already-December-and-I-don’t-have-enough-time-to-do-everything” noise.
• “Adventures in Slow Cooking: 120 Slow-Cooker Recipes for People Who Love Food,” by Sarah DiGregorio: Why not slow down the holiday cooking frenzy, too? This recently published slow-cooker recipe guide has more than just dinner ideas. Party food, desserts, cocktails and more are promised right on the book’s cover, so if the prep work for, say, the Orange, Olive, and Fennel Chicken Tagine is just too much to contemplate, soothe those jangled nerves with a batch of Mulled Pear and Apple Cider. Perhaps the Warm Triple-Citrus Bourbon Punch meets with your approval. Plenty of tasty treats for all.
• “Aerial Geology: A High-Altitude Tour of North America’s Spectacular Volcanoes, Canyons, Glaciers, Lakes, Craters, and Peaks,” by Mary Caperton Morton: Looking at beautiful photographs is another fine way to unwind, and “Aerial Geology” does not disappoint. From the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to the Florida Keys, science and travel writer Mary Caperton Morton shares an array of aerial and satellite photographs of some of North America’s most amazing geological wonders.
• “Crafting for Cat Ladies: 35 Purr-fect Feline Projects,” by Kat Roberts: You know I must be out of sorts if I don’t include a cat-related title, so not to worry — all is well! Charm your cat-minded friends and family by creating a “‘It’s Meow or Never’ Makeup Zip Case,” or a “Cozy Kitten Drink Koozie.” You can even kitten up your wardrobe with instructions and templates to make a Persian Cat Wrap Skirt or a “Look at Me Meow” Bejeweled Collar. Purr, purr, purr …
