Book, Look, Cook

We suspect many of you are planning to enjoy a long weekend, so we’re sending Book, Look, Cook on Thursday instead of Friday this week. (By the way, Happenings updates daily, so check in every day!) And remember we love receiving book reviews and recipes! Send them to
pr@chapman.edu
. Have a great Fourth of July!

Book

Taryn Stroop, administrative assistant for the history and sociology departments at
Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences
, answers “What are you reading this summer?”

The Bean Trees
by Barbara Kingsolver has sat on my bookshelf since my freshman year of high school, and each time I start a new book I pass over it for something new, fresh and exciting. However, with the additional time I have gained taking the train to work I am now blazing through books, which has at last led me to pick up
The Bean Trees
.

The novel

is a compelling read because Kingsolver has brilliantly shaped each character. The story follows Taylor Greer, the book’s protagonist, through her journey from rural Kentucky to Arizona in a nontraditional coming-of-age story. The characters are vibrant and eccentric, yet they are relatable, and their stories weave a colorful and heartwarming tale. During her journey Taylor makes several new friends, none of whom lacks personality, including a child she calls Turtle who becomes her traveling companion and much more.

This is a great book for teens and adults alike. If you are traveling this summer or plan on spending a few days at the beach, pick up
The Bean Trees
. You won’t be sorry!

Look

Congratulations to Patti Hachten, assistant registrar,
Chapman University School of Law
, for correctly guessing that last week’s little midfielder lives out his sporting life on the foosball table in the law school’s student lounge. For this week’s mystery photo we offer a little red, white and — oh! — no blue. Where oh where is it? First correct answer e-mailed to
pr@chapman.edu
wins a Chapman pennant.

Cook

This week’s recipe comes from Mary Platt, director of
communications and media relations
. “Mary’s Impossible Quiche” is one of those recipes that does that sneaky crust thing we love. It’s low-carb, easy to make, and great for that Fourth of July brunch!

Mary’s Impossible Quiche

Ingredients:

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

¾ cup flour

2½ teaspoons butter (softened)

3 slices cooked, crumbled bacon

1 small onion, chopped

½ cup grated Cheddar or Swiss cheese

½ cup unprocessed bran

1 teaspoon dried basil (or one leaf fresh basil, minced)

Salt and pepper

Procedure:

Butter a 9½-inch glass or ceramic pie pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With electric mixer, beat eggs, milk, flour and butter in a bowl for 1 minute on medium speed.  Add remaining ingredients and beat about one minute longer with the mixer or by hand.  Pour into prepared pie pan.  Bake one hour, or until quiche is set and a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool at least 15 minutes before cutting. Salt and pepper to taste.