Today I'm at...

Vampire Book Club

I'm talking about some of my favorite vamp (or vamp-like) books that don't get mentioned as often.

Returning to the Clockwork Century...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: This is my kind of Western.

The American West of the late 1800s fits steampunk just as easily as Victorian London. The character types are different, of course, as is the setting, but the expansionist zeal of the United States, the settlers who had to rely on their own ingenuity, and the sense of being removed from law and order make it a very exciting setting, and one where gadgets and airships would come in handy. Cherie Priest has tinkered with history and science to bring to life an America where the Civil War has gone on for 20 years, Seattle is overrun with zombies, and a few good (or mostly good) men and women do whatever it takes, come hell or high water, to get the job done.

I watched 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea over and over again as a kid (I believe I had a giant crush on Kirk Douglas' Ned Land), so I have a soft spot for stories about mysterious submarines. This one is stuck in the bayou, not having adventures on the ocean, but it still was a very fun ride.

Homemade Marshmallows

So yesterday the kiddos and I made our own marshmallows. It was the first time I'd tried them, but it ended up being easier than I thought it would be. The hardest part was finding potato starch (3 stores until I finally found it). Just call me Martha Stewart - if the domestic one was into Ninja marshmallows.

Last Christmas I got the Ninjabreadmen Cookie Cutters - the kids love them, but I think I love them more. So of course, we had to make Ninja marshmallows. One has a little battle damage (to be expected when a three year old wields the cookie cutter) but they turned out pretty well. They taste like store bought ones, just fresher.

Next time I will try the chocolate marshmallow recipe I found in Cooking Light. We were also thinking it would be fun to put them on a stick and dip them in chocolate. Maybe add some sprinkles, sea salt, caramel, other toppings.

I got the marshmallow recipe from Bon Appetit magazine: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2008/07/homemade_marshmallows

Like the Ninjas? The cookie cutters can be found at ThinkGeek and Amazon

The Book Was Better

http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/unisex/generic/ea7c/

Another shirt from ThinkGeek.com to add to my wishlist. With the exception of Peter Benchley's Jaws, the rule stands. From the character of the Marine Biologist (in the book he's a douchebag who sleeps with Brody's wife) to the end (without being spoilery let me just say, this did not end with a bang), I thought that Spielberg vastly improved things.

How about you? Do you have any books where you thought that the movie was better?