[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #9b9b9b;”] N[/dropcap]ormally I love flying. But late last year I had one of those trips where I started to worry whether we were going to make it.
I’m not sure if it was because I’d had a big night out with the girls in Melbourne, or if it was being at the very back of the plane, or the rough storm we were flying through or a combination of all three.
Fortunately I survived, but the experience did make me think about what I would want to pass on to Fergal if something were to happen to me.
I realised it’s an easy one to answer. I hope my boy inherits my love of books and reading.
The fact that he’s constantly asking me to read the Gruffalo, Spot, Dr Seuss or Thomas the Tank Engine looks like we’re heading in the right direction…
With Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought I’d do something a bit different to celebrate and share a list of books I hope he reads one day.
10 Books I Hope Fergal Reads One Day
1. The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
I love all of Tim Ferriss’ books but this is his first and I think the most helpful. This was the one book that took me from dreaming about starting my own business, to actually quitting my job and doing it. 5 years later I haven’t looked back. Thank you Tim!
2. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
Love, love, love this for inspiring possibilities.
3. May Cause Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein
I love Gabby’s philosophy that happiness is a choice we can all make.
4. Goals! by Brian Tracy
I’m a big believer in setting goals and this is the best book I’ve read on helping be as effective as possible.
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
An oldie but a goodie.
6. Money, Master the Game by Tony Robbins
One of those topics that isn’t great to talk about but is super important. Of all the personal finances books I’ve read, this is the most comprehensive.
7. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Another classic that I re-read every few years.
8. Focus by Leo Babauta
Actually I hope Fergal starts following Leo’s brilliant blog, Zen Habits which introduced me to the principles of minimalism and the joy of living a simple life. But since we’re talking books, I’ve included Leo’s brilliant print book here.
9. Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
The key to getting over procrastination and getting things done. Enough said.
10. The Kitchen Diaries by Nigel Slater
It might surprise you that there is only one cookbook in this list but I feel like there’s enough here on Stonesoup for Fergal to get a sense of my philosophy of cooking. However, in terms of food writing inspiration, I can’t go past my favourite, St. Nigel.
A Mother’s Day Celebration!
I still have mixed feelings about mothers day. Now that I’m a mum, I do enjoy getting spoiled but it’s also a time when I really miss my own mum more than usual.
Over the years I’ve developed a bit of a Mother’s Day tradition on Stonesoup to do something special with my first print book, ‘And the Love if Free‘, which is a collection of my mum’s recipes. And another book I should add to Fergal’s reading list so he can know what his ‘grandmama’ was like.
For all the details go to:
www.thestonesoupshop.com/and-the-love-is-free-a-tribute-to-my-mum/
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David’s Berry Crumbles
It’s funny, I always associate crumbles with apple or rhubarb and had never played around with other fruit. But when I made these berry crumbles for one of my ‘Jules & David Project‘ meals, they instantly became my favourite Summer dessert. I know my mum would have adored them which is why I chose to share the recipe today.
enough for: 2
takes: 40 minutes
2 cups berries
100g (2/3 cup) plain (all purpose) flour
50g (1/3 cup) sugar
50g (1/3 cup) grated butter
60g (2/3 cup) almond flakes (optional)
1. Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Divide berries between 2 x 1 cup baking dishes or ramekins.
2. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Toss in the grated butter and use a fork or your fingers to smash the butter into the flour mixture.
3. When the butter and flour looks like lumpy bread crumbs stir in the almonds (if using). Scatter the mixture to cover the berries leaving it fairly loose.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown.
5. Serve warm with cream or ice cream or both.
Variations
gluten-free – replace flour with 50g (1/3 cup) each rice flour and chickpea flour or use your favourite GF flour combo.
budget – replace some or all of the berries with finely diced apple.
not berry season – use frozen berries or play around with whatever fruit you have on hand. Stone fruit are lovely – just chop small enough so they will cook at in same time as the topping.
sugar-free – replace sugar with granulated stevia to taste… A few tablespoons should do the trick.
dairy-free / vegan – replace butter with 3-4 tablespoons neutral flavoured oil. Macadamia oil would be perfect.
nut-free – just skip the almonds.
paleo – skip the crumble topping and just scatter almonds over the berries and roast until almonds are golden. Serve with coconut cream or coconut yoghurt.
And if you’re following the Jules & David Project, the latest installment is now available!
Hope you have some lovely plans for Mother’s Day!
Big love,
Jules x
In the spirit of sharing, you (or Ferg) might enjoy these.
The art of worldly wisdom by Balthasar Garcian
An old book filled with good advice. Still standing the test of time, and one of the few books I need to immediately replace.
Read ‘Em and Reap by Joe Navarro
It’s a book on poker tells by a retired FBI agent. But it can be very good for learning body language and how to figure it out.
And thank you for the book list. It’s a great way to continue learning and self improvement.
Thx for the additions Jacob!
Great books and thanks for the tips. Money, master the game is the only book that seems out of place. Robbins seems to use large parts of it to demonize taxation ignoring the consistently high quality of life enjoyed by those in high taxing nations such as Sweden and Denmark. It seems very self serving as an obviously hugely wealthy individual.
Thx for the feedback Dave! I pretty much ignored the tax parts because I’m in Australia so can’t really comment on that. There’s also some really useful stuff about investing which is why I’ve included it.
hi jules! do you think maple or honey will work as sugar alternative in this recipe? cheers x
They should Pia
You’ll just need to be careful the cake doesnt brown too quickly
Jx
I’ve tried it with frozen berries & cake flour, but the crumble topping didn’t turn brown? Help.