Good essays and fun chats and setting cathartic fires
Hello!
Before I start, I have a few events coming up! On Monday, September 24th, I'll be in conversation with Jane Mount at East Bay Booksellers in Oakland to discuss her gorgeous book Bibliophile! And on Thursday, September 27th, I'll be doing a NaNoLitMo event at Octopus Literary Salon. I have a bunch more events coming up in October and November for The Proposal, (pre-order it!) so stay tuned!
Here's something I recommended to a few people this week, so am now recommending to all of you: The Forever 35 podcast. I've been going on more walks lately and have been listening to it, and it's like being on the phone with some friends, sharing updates in their lives, how they got where they are now, their struggles, their favorite skincare, and so much more. I was on an early episode of the podcast, and since then they've had so many great guests, and my favorite episode so far was the one with Samantha Irby (I recommended her great book, We Are Never Meeting In Real Life, here a while ago); while listening to it, I laughed out loud in public multiple times. They also recently got Keiko Agena (Lane!!!), and have had such a diverse mix of guests who I've loved hearing from.
I'm in the midst of reading Alexander Chee's How to Write a Biographical Novel, and you guys, it's so so good. Look, I'm not a person who regularly reads (or even thinks about reading) books that are essay collections, but all of these essays are so thought provoking and enlightening that it's like every time I sit down to read one, it's like I'm taking a class. I bought it the week it came out and I'm kicking myself for not starting it until this week.
Also, speaking of books, Intercepted, a book I told you to pre-order months ago, is now out as of Tuesday, and if you didn't pre-order it then, buy it now, or ask your library to order it! It's such a fun and smart read, whether you like football or not, and I'm excited that you all get to read it!
I know people are saying it's fall now, but it's still summer at the farmers' market, and I'm still obsessed with tomatoes and nectarines and peaches (as anyone who watches my Instagram stories and sees all of my panzanellas can testify to). This is a very easy way to make dessert with either nectarines or peaches, and if you do it the flambé way, you'll feel all fancy. And look, in these times, we all need excuses to set shit on fire when we can. Just, you know. Be careful.
Pan seared peaches with bourbon and ice cream
1 peach, cut in halves or quarters
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum (optional)
vanilla ice cream (optional)
Heat a non stick frying pan or cast iron skillet to medium hot, and add the butter until it's melted. Toss the peach halves or quarters with the brown sugar, and then add to the hot pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes total, turning over every minute or so. When the peaches are ready, toss the liquor into the pan and STAND BACK. Cook until the fire is out and the sauce is reduced, about a minute. Pour into a bowl, preferably over vanilla ice cream.
Have a great weekend!
Jasmine
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