Suppenbörse, Soup Bar, Mitte

While the twins were still newborns, I managed to read a few books.  Our very own Luisa Weiss’ My Berlin Kitchen: A Love Story with Recipes.  Followed by a State of Wonder – a book of fertile older (in their 60′s) women living in the Amazon (ah the irony) and the scientists studying them.  Then I went into Daunts bookstore, said I had enjoyed that and on their recommendation ended up with The J.M. Barrie Ladies’ Swimming Club.  Which is written exactly like a love story for 12-year-old girls, except the protagonist is in her 40′s, set against a backdrop of some eccentric older (in their 70′s) women who skinny dip in sub-zero waters for the adrenaline kick.

The reason I am sharing my summer reading with you is because, firstly, you should all read Luisa’s book and secondly I am on the icy brink of winter but unlike the septuagenarians in the book – there is no adrenaline kick to be had from a winter in Berlin.  Today as I sniffled and shuffled my way to Layla’s school, I gaped at my iPhone’s weather app which informed me it was 0º C.

The worst part isn’t the 0ºC, it’s that the 0 marks the beginning of the long hard slog.  There are Christmas markets to look forward to but I suspect that the novelty may have worn off.

There is nothing for it but to bake cookies and eat soup.  We’ve been having a lot of Carrot, Ginger and Coconut, a dawdle to make as I leave the slicing to my Magimix.  My mother made an exceedingly good chicken tagine from Dorie Greenspan’s book today. Read more of this post