What I Read #6: Capote's Women

 

I suppose this is also a "What I Watched" post because I bought the book to go along with watching Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. 

So this is basically the OG version of the Real Housewives of NYC - a peek into the lives of the super-rich society women who ruled the social scene in the 1950s and 60s. If you love vintage high fashion and glamour -- it's a lot of fun.  

The FX show is based on Laurence Leamer's 2021 book. And even though it pulls in a bevy of amazing actresses to play legendary socialites such as Babe Paley ("you can never be too rich or too thin"), CZ Guest, and Lee Radziwill, it actually narrows down the cast of swans considerably, mostly leaving out several of the women profiled in the book (Pamela Harriman, Marella Agnellli, Gloria Guinness) who became confidantes of Truman Capote and were the focus of his final, largely unpublished novel. 

Neither Capote nor any of the women come across as particularly admirable characters in the book or the show (the book is actually a little grittier and less forgiving). Still, they make for an interesting story that has been fun to read and watch. 

Strawberry Cake for a Rainy Day

 

Just when I thought spring was arriving -- with the urge to pull out the sandals and cute floral dresses and take the pupper to the dog park-- it's a cold rainy Friday here in Atlanta. 

The four-legged prince of the household refuses to go potty in the backyard and get his butt wet, and I'm back in cozy sweats and sipping a mug of hot tea. 

When I opened the fridge for some milk (I like my English breakfast tea strong with a spoonful of sugar and a splash of milk), I noticed the strawberries we bought last week at the farmers market. They were meant to top a spinach and feta salad that never got made, because the fruit and vegetable bin is sometimes the place where my good intentions go to die. 

If I was going to use them, something needed to happen FAST.

Enter my favorite strawberry-lemon yogurt cake. It's easy to make and goes perfectly with a hot cup of tea (or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which is what will be happening later today in our house).

The first thing I ever baked on my own was a pound cake when I was 15, and they are still one of my favorite things to make, in many variations.  The Greek yogurt and lemon give this one a nice tang that balances out the sweetness, and it's a great way to use up those strawberries that haven't gone to the dark side -- but that are definitely not looking super bright and fresh.