Hello, Readers! Welcome to the first edition of the Adventures of a Nerd book club! At the beginning of every month you will be assigned a book, a related movie (sometimes a film adaptation and other times just similar), and a spotify playlist to enjoy! And this month I have an extra activity for you to try!
Since it is January, which for a lot of us means cold and snow, I decided the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis would be the perfect book!
During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia, a land frozen in an eternal winter. She soon returns to Narnia with her brothers, Peter and Edmund, and her sister, Susan. There they join the magical lion, Aslan, in the fight against the evil White Witch who has caused the eternal winter and enslaved the land.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published in 1950 and is the second book of a seven part series. (The Magician’s nephew being the first and acting as an origin story).
The creator of Narnia, C.S. Lewis, was born November 29 1898. He was a British writer and a lay theologian. Lewis wrote more than 30 books which have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold millions of copies.
The chronicles of Narnia is one of his most known and beloved books.
Our Movie
Our movie to watch this month is the lion, the witch and the wardrobe film produced by Disney in 2005, staring James McAvoy, Georgie Henley, Tilda Swinton, Liam Neeson, and so many others.
Our Playlist
As you read this month’s book don’t forget to listen to the playlist, which includes the score from the film as well as songs from other artists (More music will be added through out the month).
Our Activity
And last but not least, our activity (this part is optional but it’s fun). This month we will be making Turkish Delight as seen in the film!
Turkish Delight
Ingredients
- 3 cups of Sugar
- 3 1/3 cups of Water (You are going to divide it)
- 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Rose water
- 3/4 cup of cornstarch
- Red food coloring (optional)
For coating:
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
Directions
- Line an 8-inch (20cm) square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set this aside
- In a large saucepan combine sugar, 270ml of water and lemon juice. Set over medium heat. Allow to boil and let the sugar dissolve. Then reduce the heat to low and let simmer until the mixture reaches 235-240F (112-115C). Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan combine the cornstarch and 2¼ cups (540ml) water, stir until no lumps remains. Place over medium heat, stir constantly until mixture begins to boil and mixture has glue-like consistency.
- Gradually stir in the syrup to the cornstarch mixture and stir constantly for about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
- Stir in the rose water, food coloring and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spared evenly and allow to cool for at least 4 hours.
- In a big dish mix powdered sugar and cornstarch. Sprinkle some of the mixture over a clean surface. Turn the dough over and cut into little squares.
- Coat each square with the cornstarch mixture.
(I found this recipe in the video below if you would rather watch).
Let me know if you plan to follow along with me.
Thanks a bunch!
— Nerd
The Adventures of a Nerd. 