Who Has Times for Affairs and Politics? Apparently The Women of the Regency! Me on the Other Hand, I like to Cook!

 

I guess when you have servants and are part of the aristocracy you have the time for love affairs!  See what happens in a world without the internet. LOL.  

I read this book because it was a March Book Club selection. I don't read much non-fiction. I usually get m non-fiction from podcasts. I listened to the audio version of this book and because of that some of the Heroines blurred together because there are many similar names and titles and I don't have a background in any monarchy, let alone Merry Old England.   Listening to the book right after Oprah's interview with Princess Megan and Prince Harry, I will say that this book didn't make me think more kindly about the British Monarchy.  Woo Boy, the monarchy has been bad for women for centuries! 

The more I listened to the stories of these women, the more I thought, my how things haven't changed for women.  More technology, but still so much misogyny. 

 

It was interesting to learn more about the historical  Ton and how the debutant seasons were done and I appreciated knowing it was the women who were the gatekeepers of the balls and events. I think knowing the reality of the Regency Era makes me more inclined to read romance and mystery set in the time period. 

****************************************************************************

Not having servants, not only don't I have time for torrid love affairs (LOL)I also spend a good amount of my time cooking.  As I mentioned before, sometimes I will get a couple of Blue Apron meals.  This is the latest meal I made and it was the first time I got a vegetarian meal from BA. The recipe was simple and it is a meal I could definitely make myself cheaply. 

Basically, you need 8 tortillas and you cut them in 1/2. Then you cut up 8oz of mushrooms, 2 Chayote Squash, chopped some cloves of garlic, rinse and drain a can of black beans or other beans of your choice. 

Preheat the over to 425F. 

Next, In a bowl, you mix a can of crushed tomatoes and a chili sauce (hotness to your taste) and set that aside.  

Now to the stove, take a pan put some oil in it, cook the garlic till it starts smelling great, then add the mushrooms and cook for a few min, then add the squash and cook together for a good 5 minutes then add about a tablespoon of chili seasoning or taco seasoning or a pepper blend for flavor and heat if you want it spicy!  Lastly, add the beans plus a little water. Season to taste with salt and pepper.  

Then take a 9x13 baking pan and spread some of the tomato/chili sauce blend on the bottom. Layer 1/2 the tortilla halves. Then layer on 1/2 of the vegetable blend. Oh, I forgot to say at the top, you are going to need a cup of shredded cheese (cheddar/Monterey jack or cotija cheese, etc) put a layer of cheese on top of the vegetable mix. Repeat and then bake it in a 425 oven for around 20 minutes. 

Lastly, as always I have some referral emails for a few Blue Apron meals, if you've not tried Blue Apron and would like to try for free, just let me know your email and I'll send you a link for a free box!