Nowruz, Persian New Year has been celebrated for more than 3000 years. It falls on the first day of spring. Traditions involve arranging a display of seven symbolic items: sprouts for rebirth, wheat pudding for strength, olives for love, berries for the sunrise, vinegar for patience, apples for beauty, and garlic for health. Happy Nowruz!
We spent a lovely afternoon at Susan's house on the first day of spring, or Nowruz for those celebrating, talking about The Wren, The Wren by Ann Enright, a book that seemed appropriate to the season. Susan provided some elegant snacking and a special birthday surprise. The recipe for her delicious grated apple tart is below.
We have a plan for next month. The book is The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng. We will meet at Jane's on Thursday, April 24th at 1 pm.
Books
- The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine by Michael Scott-Baumann
- One Day, Everyone Will All have been Against This by Omar El Akkad
- Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
- Not Even the Sound of the River by Hélène Dorion
- Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan
- Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
- On the Ravine by Vincent Lam
- The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
- The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
Film
Audio
Ideas - Here Lived Chava Rosenfarb (ex-wife of Henry Morgenthaler)
Susan’s Grated Apple Tart
Base
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
In a food processor pulse first 3 ingredients until well blended. While food processor is running, add vinegar and pulse briefly. Dump into an 8” springform pan and pat into the bottom and sides.
Filling
- 3 cups grated apple (Cortland, Macintosh)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Grate apples and mix with the other ingredients. Pour into shell and smooth top. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let cool and turn out onto plate.
