This I know for sure...

...a great book is one I hate having to put down and that I can't wait until I can pick back up again. Of course, if a book engages my emotions whether through tears or laughter, it automatically becomes a "great book" which I end up recommending to everyone I talk to.

I've just finished One Summer by JoAnn Ross and found myself trying to read the book whenever I had a spare few minutes. I'm looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series.

I started A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean last night and was intrigued from the very beginning.  I found myself staying up way too late reading.  Let me just say 5:15 came awfully early this morning. I even read the book while eating breakfast and while I brushed my teeth.  And hated having to put it away to go to work. I found myself wishing I could have taken a vacation day just so I could stay home and read it.  Definitely the mark of a great book.

What constitutes a great book to you?

What I'm cooking Wednesday

While I'm reading the wonderful book, One Summer by JoAnn Ross, I had bananas that were quickly turning brown in the summer heat so I made banana bread last night.  I thought I'd share our old family recipe today.

Banana-Nut Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I sometimes use pecans instead)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix the first four (4) ingredients together, stir thoroughly and set aside.  In a separate bowl, cream the shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and beat well.  Combine the banana and milk then add to the creamed mixture alternating with the flour mixture, beat until smooth after each addition.  Stir in the nuts.  Pour into a greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.  Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until done.  Makes 1 loaf.

*I sometimes also put in mini chocolate chips along with the nuts.