Lifestyle
A perfect gift for any age...
(Helen’s Hungarian Heritage Recipes – pick of the week)
Posted By COLLEEN TOMS, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Dec 2, 2008

Intrigue, suspense, romance and mystery...with the gift of a book you can introduce everyone on your Christmas shopping list to a whole new world while taking them on a journey of discovery from the comfort of their own armchair.

At Green Heron Books on Grand River St. N., in downtown Paris, every interest is accommodated, from the very young, to the young at heart. Owner Roy Skuce selected a number of titles that would make great gift ideas for Christmas.

* Avid cooks, and those who simply love food, will all appreciate the gift of a cookbook with a local connection. And for those who shared a passion for the culinary treats of the former Spruce Goose Café in Paris, the Spruce Goose Cookbook is a perfect buy.

Written by sisters Janet Stanley and Gail Balkwill, who owned and operated The Spruce Goose for over nine years, this cookbook is sure to bring back many fond memories. "They had so many requests for recipes after they closed that they decided to write a cookbook," said Skuce. "Everyone's favourites are in here."

* Muffin Mania is a new release of a former publication. Originally published in Kitchener in 1982, this popular cookbook, which has been out of print for a number of years, is making its return to the delight of many cooks with tattered originals.

"A lot of people's copies are held together by elastics, including mine which is very worn," noted Skuce. Rereleased by sisters Cathy Prange and Joan Pauli, Muffin Mania will make all of your muffin dreams come true.

* Last but not least among Skuce's popular cookbook picks is Helen's Hungarian Heritage Recipes by Paris's own Clara Margaret Czegeny.

Czegeny compiled this cookbook in honour of her mother Helen's 80th birthday in 2006 and the response was overwhelming. Now in its third printing this cookbook lists over 300 delicious recipes that were handed down by Helen. "It's full of recipes, history and culture and it's fabulous," said Skuce.

* Children two to seven years of age will also be thrilled with the gift of a book and The Little Toy Shop is a heartwarming read that youngsters will want to hear over and over again.
Relaying the tale of a toy rabbit that finds his true forever home just in time for Christmas, this story is beautifully illustrated and written by Frances Wolfe. "It's a very impressive book," said Skuce.
* The Farm Team is another delightful story that will have youngsters and their parents howling with laughter. This hilarious tale, written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Bill Slavin, revolves around a team of farm animals who face a hockey showdown with the nefarious Bush League Bandits.

"The bandits are ruthless but it's a very happy ending for the farm team, and very funny illustrations throughout," said Skuce.

* I Spy With My Little Eye Hockey is a book that will have your youngster poring over the pages for hours at a time. A fabulous read for hockey enthusiasts, young and old, this book
challenges readers to find the differences in seemingly identical pictures. "This is fun for the whole family and there are all kinds of neat hockey facts to learn about," Skuce noted.
I Spy With My Little Eye Hockey features photographs by David Milne and text by Matt Napier.
* The younger set will adore Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox. Illustrated with charming pictures by Helen Oxbury, this book is a delightful story about babies from around the world, and their similarities. "It's a real heart warmer, a very sweet story," said Skuce.

* Children aged nine to 12 years will be swept up in the story of Shimmerdogs. Nominated for the Governor General's Award, this intriguing story revolves around a seven-year-old boy whose mother is serving as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. The boy is sent to stay with an uncle while his mother goes off to clear landmines in the war-torn country.

The story, which was written by Dianne Linden, tells of the effects of war on the family members who await her return back home. "It is a beautiful and realistic story," said Skuce. "It's unsentimental but has a hopeful ending."

* Teenagers in the 12 to 15-age range will find Here Lies Arthur to be an intriguing tale. Told through the eyes of a young girl named Gwyna in 500 AD who becomes a servant to Merlin, this story is a new twist on the Arthur theme. "This really is about the power of storytelling," noted Skuce. "Merlin goes around from place to place telling stories about Arthur, but this is also Gwyna's story too."

Here Lies Arthur was the winner of the 2008 Carnegie Medal and was written by Philip Reeve.
* Gracelingis another fantasy that will grip young readers, said Skuce. Written by Kristin Cashore, Graceling tells the tale of a teenage girl in an alternative world who possesses a 'grace' -an ability to fight. Katsa must use her skills to act as a henchman for the king and soon meets a boy who is woven into this suspenseful tale of fantasy and romance.

* Young adults 16 and up will enjoyCures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb. Although it initially sounds like a depressing tale that tells the story of how a 15-year-old girl copes with the death of her mother from cancer and her father's heart problems, it is a funny and compelling read.

"There are some wonderful offbeat characters to this story that add a lot of humour," said Skuce.

* Young adults will be caught up in this suspenseful futuristic tale calledThe Hunger Games.Set in a harsh world where North America has become a television-dominated dictatorship and one girl and one boy are chosen by lottery each year to fight to the death on live television, this story is loaded with twists and turns. The girl learns about love in this suspenseful tale of survival by Suzanne Collins. "This is a very engrossing story, I couldn't put it down," said Skuce.

* Adult novels are equally engrossing and Skuce's selections will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense, history and facts. Among his choices isThe Winter Seaby Susanna Kearsley who was raised right here in Brantford. The Winter Sea takes readers on a journey between the past and present after best selling author Carrie McClelland journeys to Scotland from France to research a book she is writing about the 1708 return of James Stewart to reclaim his throne.
"This novel is very rich in historical detail," said Skuce. "People who like books by Daphne Du Maurier and Mary Stewart will like Susanna Kearsley."

* Transgressionby James W. Nichol, who was raised in Paris, is filled with suspense, taking readers on a journey from France during the Second World War to Paris Ont. "This is about the affects of war after the war is over. It's a very good mystery," Skuce noted.

* Effigywas nominated for the 2007 Giller Prize and is set in 19th century Utah. Chronicling the tale of a Mormon family, this story follows the power struggle of four wives who are all vying for the affections of their shared husband. "This really tells about the politics of these women who want to get the man's attention for themselves. The novel has a terrific sense of time and place and there is real suspense among these women who are vying for power," said Skuce.
Effigy was written by Alissa York.

* Coventryby Helen Humphreys chronicles the stories of three people and the events that occurred in their lives when Germany bombed Coventry England on Nov. 14, 1940. "This tells about the events of that night in each of these three people's stories. Humphreys creates fantastic scenes, terrific images that really make this an excellent read," said Skuce.
* The Heretic's Daughteris a story about a 10-year-old girl whose mother is accused of being a witch. Written by Kathleen Kent, who is a direct descendant of this so-called witch, this tale revolves around the family's struggle to overcome the hysteria that ensues. "It's a very powerful novel," said Skuce.

* Many readers enjoy learning more about their country and its rich history. Skuce's three non-fiction picks for Christmas gift-giving this year are sure to delight everyone.
The Fighting Canadians,for instance, relays the history of Canada's regiments during the war years, ranging from New France to Afghanistan. "This is a very good read for people who enjoy history," said Skuce of the novel written by David J. Bercuson.

* God's Merciesby Douglas Hunter is equally compelling and tells the tale of the rivalry between Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain, two of the greatest explorers of the 17th century. "This book shows that Canadian history is not dull. This is about death, deceit, dishonour, and even a mutiny, a murder trial and a massacre. It's certainly more lively than any school history lesson," noted Skuce.

* Anyone who has an interest in cars and the Canadian automobile industry will enjoyCar Nationby Dimitry Anastakis. Telling the history of the automotive industry in Canada from the early 1900's to 2007 and how the car completely transformed Canadian life, this book is a must read. Filled with photographs, including scenes from Brantford, this is a perfect coffee table book. "This is a really neat read for car buffs and it will lead to a lot of discussion," said Skuce.
No matter what their interests are, the gift of a book is perfect for all ages.
Article ID# 1324778

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Clara (Hot Hungarian Chef)