Cheese Straws

“Mrs Dalloway is always giving parties to cover the silence” 

― Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway

Last summer my daughter and I both read Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" while we were traveling to Tennessee and back.  It's terribly difficult to describe the plot of this short novel, but I'll simply say that it's the story of a high-society London woman who spends an entire day preparing for a party. The supporting characters are all people who have touched her life in some way or other - some are invited to the party and others are not. I was never really sure if Mrs. Dalloway is a happy person or a discontent person. The quote above makes her seem very shallow and trivial, but I liked her.  Obviously, I am not a literary critic!

The novel touches on so many themes - including mental illness, suicide, unrequited love and post traumatic stress.  The story is set in 1914, which I love and the book is chock full of memorable lines. My daughter and I kept interrupting each other to read aloud.

"Mom, listen, 'The world wavered and quivered and threatened to burst into flames.'” 

"Jenny, listen, 'What does the brain matter when compared with the heart?'"

"Mom, listen, 'She always had the feeling that it was very, very dangerous to live even one day.'"

"Jenny, listen, 'They went in and out of each other's minds without any effort.'" 

Needless to say, Mrs. Dalloway's party is a great success and she is the toast of the town. We, the readers, are left to wonder if that's all that's needed for happiness in this life..... "Her life was a tissue of vanity and deceit." 

And speaking of parties, here's another appetizer I served at my recent Valentine’s Day dinner party – everyone always loves these. Click here for the recipe which is on my other blog – did you know I used to write another blog? Lots of great stuff over there.

I think it's important to consider if you want your appetizers to be eaten with fingers or with silverware. If you go with silverware, then you need places where folks can set their drinks. You also need plates. 

For my entire Valentine's Day menu, click here.