It is always a high point in the month when we can meet in person. We discussed A Woman of No Importance, a biography that touched on many topics with current relevance. Thank you to Susan, always a gracious host. The recipe for her pumpkin cake is below.
We missed a few people due to illness. Here are some get well flowers. Hope to see you next month.
We admitted some difficulty getting into Milkman by Anna Burns (not Hope). Possibly the audiobook is preferable if it is available. I have found that the audiobook captures the rhythm of the Irish diction and the humour of narrator's voice. But we decided to choose an alternate book for November anyway. It is Less is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer. Check back for an update on the location for next month.
Books:
- Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
- Agent Sonia: lover, mother, soldier spy by Ben Macintyre
- Just Boris: a tale of blond ambition by Sarah Purnell
What we are watching:
The European Union Film Festival is at the Spadina Theatre from November 17 to December 2 and online until December 11.
Also Nordic Nights is screening a documentary on Maija Isola.
Pumpkin Cake
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 (15oz) can pumpkin (2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
FROSTING:
1/3 cup softened butter
1 (3oz) package cream cheese, softenred
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup softened butter
1 (3oz) package cream cheese, softenred
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
Heat oven to 350F. Grease 13" x 9 " baking pan.
Combine all cake ingedients, except nuts and raisins. Beat at low speed to combine then 2 minutes at medium before stirring in nuts or raisins. Pour in greased pan and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until done. Cool completely before frosting. For frosting combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Spread on cooled cake and refrigerate.
