Resolve to put more music in your life in 2009; start with Jane Monheit’s new release, The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me. Monheit’s gentle voice has soothing, Orphean qualities – a great soundtrack for a (hopefully) mellow new year.
Her second release from Concord Records, Monheit’s album covers standards such as “I Do It for Your Love” by Paul Simon; “Like a Star” by Corrine Bailey Rae; and “I’m Glad There Is You” by Jimmy Dorsey; as well as soulful versions of modern tunes, including “Slow Like Honey” by Fiona Apple.
Non-fiction l Resolve to be more tolerant: As the dawn of a new era of race relations in America is upon us, it’s fitting to inspect the life of a man ripped at the seams by the juxtaposition of his two combatant lineages. One Drop by Bliss Broyard begins at the deathbed of her father, Anatole, and the confession of a secret – he’s black. Shaken, Bliss embarks on a journey to piece together her father’s heritage, encountering along the way poignant issues of identity, bigotry, shame and the overall destructive nature of racism.
Cookbook l Resolve to be more glamorous; a good place to start is in the kitchen. Cooking with a Private Chef: New Orleans to Newport, by Chef Michael Saxer, features recipes for regional favorites from both locals. Saxer’s repertoire of posh North Atlantic recipes includes dishes such as Lobster-Stuffed Eggs, Pea Soup and Cornish Game Hens while his New Orleans-inspired recipes include Muffuletta Croquettes, Oysters Rockefeller Soup and Clafouti. All Saxer’s selected recipes reflect opulence and any of the dishes would be well-received at a dinner party.
Calendar l Resolve to be eco-friendly; recycle, carpool or even just learn a little more about the plants around you with LSU AgCenter’s 2009 Get it Growing lawn and garden calendar. Get inspired to plant a garden with tips from LSU Horticulturalist Dan Gill.
The calendar is full of beautiful, full-color photos, as well as gardening tips for each month, including notes on best times to plant. As a bonus, proceeds from calendar sales support LSU AgCenter and the Get it Growing Horticulture Scholarship, awarded to an LSU horticulture student.
– Leigh Ann Stuart
