Hello, readers! We’re back with another Staff Pick Round-Up! With 2024 off to a flying start, it’s sometimes hard to find that extra bit of reading time, but I recommend making it a priority. Let’s discover what my coworkers are reading in their downtime, and you may find a title or two for inspiration! Jason, … Continue reading Staff Pick Round-Up, 4!
Food
A Good Day for Chocolate!
Hello, readers! Did you know that August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day? Or that September 12th is National Chocolate Milkshake Day? In fact, there are two (or more) chocolate holidays in every month of the year! You can see the whole list here. Now, I think every day is a good day for … Continue reading A Good Day for Chocolate!
Foodie Movies
Cold days, colder nights. It's a great time of year to indulge in foodie movies. Many of these are so rich that one can almost smell and taste the gastronomic wonders. Make sure you have some good snacks at hand -- you're likely to get hungry watching these! Chocolat is one of my favorite movies. … Continue reading Foodie Movies
To Feast, and Be Grateful
Thanksgiving is next week, and it’s time to prepare for the year’s biggest feast! From classic turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole to cranberry compote, Turkducken, and oyster stew, everybody does Thanksgiving a little bit different. Perhaps you’re cooking for the twentieth year and looking to mix things up, or maybe it’s your first time … Continue reading To Feast, and Be Grateful
Winter Comfort Food
While the weather outside is chilly, thoughts in our kitchen turn to hearty fare. Those dishes that seem too heavy in the bright hot days of summer suddenly seem very appealing. And so, I share with you some of my favorite winter foods. Probably my single most favorite wintertime cookbook (at the moment this is … Continue reading Winter Comfort Food
Libraries On Tap
Did you know that the brewing industry is the fastest growing industry in western North Carolina? Well, of course it is! That’s why Fontana Regional Library system is stepping out of the stacks to bring: “Libraries on Tap: Brewing Scavenger Hunt” to Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. “Libraries on Tap” is a collaboration between Fontana … Continue reading Libraries On Tap
Go Further with Food
Guest Contributor for this blog: Katherine Morrow is studying nutrition at Western Carolina University and is pursuing credentials to become a registered dietitian. The mountain life called her from central Florida and throughout her short time at WCU, she has participated in many volunteer and classroom projects which focus on increasing food security in Jackson … Continue reading Go Further with Food
Ice cream for breakfast, basically.
Did you know that February 6 was Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day? Neither did I. Luckily, we don’t really need an excuse to eat ice cream for breakfast, or any meal really – do we? If you do find yourself needing permission, check out Leslie Levine’s Ice Cream for Breakfast: If You Follow All … Continue reading Ice cream for breakfast, basically.
Tour of Thanksgiving Leftovers
The last pass of Thanksgiving football and the balloons of Macy’s parade are but a foggy memory mashed between a food coma and holiday beverage haze. While wandering in and out from a tryptophan nap someone, somehow had the ambition to package the leftovers and get them into the fridge. Hopefully the dishes are done … Continue reading Tour of Thanksgiving Leftovers
Picture books!
Occasionally, I have to meet new people. Even more occasionally (thank goodness), I will meet a new person who, upon learning that I work at a library, will say some version of, “I like books – if they have pictures in them!” They will then look at me expectantly with an expression of inane smugness, … Continue reading Picture books!
Shelf Life in the Mountains 