• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • The Reading Nook
  • The Happy Place
  • Recipe Index

Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

April 4, 2007

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult – Book Review

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

A review of the book Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and a plea for a chocolate cake recipe.

I usually save this type of posting for my family blog, Dishing it up Family Style, but there is a tiny bit of food related stuff at the end and I am hoping that my fellow recipe hounds might be able to help me out.

To start off with, Monday evening was a fantastic night. Three of my girlfriends and I all went down to the Plaza to a forum and book signing by my favorite fiction author, Jodi Picoult. If you like to read, you must pick up some of Jodi’s books. She is a phenomenal author. My favorite book of hers is My Sister’s Keeper but I truly love all of her books. I really enjoyed hearing her read from her newest novel, Nineteen Minutes. After the chilling reading, she opened up the forum to questions from the audience. She spoke a lot about the research that goes into each of her books, which I found to be fascinating. I also enjoyed listening to her talk about her writing schedule (one book a year) and her theory on writer’s block (which is for people who have the luxury of time on their sides).

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

 

I absolutely loved the book Nineteen Minutes (about a mass school shooting that took place in a span of nineteen minutes). It was a book that hit close to home as I had a cousin who had to hide during the Columbine shooting. I’m sure to any child involved in a school shooting, the time span feels like a lifetime of not knowing whether you will live or die. Picoult did a fantastic job of capturing the feelings and fear of the characters, so much so that you felt as if you were experiencing the nineteen minutes along with them.

Now, on with our night…

We waited in line to get our picture taken with her and to get our books signed. After getting our books signed and photos taken with Jodi, we headed over to McCormick & Schmick’s across the street for dessert. We sat outside overlooking the plaza and enjoyed some wine and some very entertaining guests at another table serenading each other. It was a lovely evening…right down to the dessert.

Now, you all know I have a fondness for the Chocolate Bags at McCormick & Schmick’s. Without a second of hesitation, that is what I chose off the menu. Kathy ordered a Chocolate Bag as well. Sara chose a layered chocolate cake and Amy chose the apple pie.  We all decided that we would each share our dessert which was fine by me. I have a huge weakness for layered chocolate cake as well (I bet you didn’t know that!), so I was excited to get to taste something new off the McCormick & Schmick’s menu. When the desserts arrived we all dug in. I tasted my own first and then I took a spoonful of Sara’s chocolate cake.

STOP RIGHT THERE…… could it be?? Is there something better at McCormick and Schmick’s than the chocolate bag?

Ladies and Gentlemen… I have found the epitome of layered chocolate cake. The chocolate cake to end all chocolate cakes. The McCormick & Schmick’s chocolate cake is five layers of rich chocolate cake with layers of white chocolate mousse in between. It is then topped with a light whipped chocolate frosting and drizzled with a creamy chocolate sauce.  I kept taking taste after taste trying to blend the flavors together in my mind…trying to picture what the recipe for this amazing cake would look like. I have an idea, but an idea is not good enough for me. I want the REAL thing! I want to be able to recreate this amazing cake in all of its glory. So…my dear readers…if any of you have a recipe similar to what this cake sounds like, would you share it with me? If you have an Uncle/Brother/Sister/Mother who works at McCormick’s, would you try to squeeze this recipe out of them? If you are successful, you will be my favorite reader of all time!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Filed Under: Book Review, Previous Tagged With: book review, books, jodi picoult

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. asha says

    April 4, 2007 at 7:57 pm

    I heard about that "My sister’s keeper" book too,great review about it as well.I will try and get that.

    Well..layered form McCormick, no idea!Hope I am still the fav!!;P

  2. CountryGirlCityLife says

    April 4, 2007 at 8:04 pm

    I am with you on the Jodi Picoult books. They are great and always center around a fascinating topic. You feel like you learned something due to all her research. I missed her when she was in NYC, I will have to catch her on the next book…..

  3. Jenifer says

    April 4, 2007 at 10:40 pm

    Chocolate, you said it all right there in one word.

  4. Deborah Dowd says

    April 5, 2007 at 2:29 am

    Seriously, why are you asking? This is a great excuse to travel around the world doing nothing but eating chocolate cakes as a business expense! Now that’s the life… and You’d have lots of chocolate addicts visiting your blog!

  5. Deborah says

    April 5, 2007 at 2:46 am

    I have never actually eaten at a McCormick & Schmick’s so I can’t say I have the recipe. I can usually find restaurant knock off recipes online, but I search and searched, and this one is no where to be found. Must be an awfully good cake, because this recipe is kept under lock and key!

  6. My Kitchen in Half Cups says

    April 5, 2007 at 6:48 am

    Gosh, I do hope somebody has the recipe because I know you would have to post it here and it would sweep the globe. You really break a girls heart when you don’t have the recipe.

  7. gattina says

    April 5, 2007 at 10:27 am

    Just hear about the every bite of that cake I already ecstatic!

  8. Lisa says

    April 5, 2007 at 11:14 am

    Your evening sounds just about perfect – as does that cake. I hope you can find the recipe! =)

  9. Cheryl says

    April 5, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    I am really intrigued by the chocolate bag thing. Have you ever found any pictures of it?

  10. Karen Beth says

    April 5, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    I can’t help with the chocolate cake dilemma but I’d LOVE to know more about the Jodi Picoult reading, particularly more about her writing schedule. That does sound fascinating!

  11. pat/mom says

    April 5, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    You didn’t take a picture of the Chocolate Bag?? Someone down here asked the other day if we had ever had one…imagine, clear down here at the ends of the Earth they have heard of M&S Chocolate Bag. For you to prefer the cake says a lot about it because I know you have been addicted to the Chocolate Bag!

  12. Pam says

    April 5, 2007 at 6:47 pm

    mmm…the cake sounds dreamy! I’ve never heard of McCormick & Schmick’s though =(. I have Nineteen Minutes on my Amazon list.

  13. Garrett says

    April 6, 2007 at 2:44 am

    Thanks for telling me about the cupcake and the comments! I just fixed it! You’re a shibby grrl for catching that for me!

  14. Mimi says

    April 7, 2007 at 1:38 pm

    Research sounds like a good reason for eating chocolate. Yes, JP is good!

  15. marty says

    April 10, 2007 at 9:46 pm

    I loved The Pact but have had a harder time with some of her later books. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of Nineteen Minutes. I love going to readings!! It is so cool to meet the authors of books you love in person.

    Good luck with the recipe!

Primary Sidebar

About Your Hostess

Kristen-125Hi friends, I'm Kristen! Mom of 4, Ambassador of Happiness, Coffee Lover and Connection Seeker. Come say hi! Read More…
Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    RSS    Email Updates

Don’t Miss This!

Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Chili Lime Chicken and Avocado

Simple and healthy Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Chili Lime Chicken and Avocado

My Book Recommendations

Spicy Crab Bisque for Two {Weekly Reads}

Spicy Crab Bisque for 2 recipe on dineanddish.net

Footer

food  FOOD

My love of how food connects people together runs deep. Explore a decade worth of Dine & Dish recipes, from sweets to savory as well as classic family favorites. Food lovers will want to check this out. Bon Appétit!
Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta with Spinach and parmesan cheese

EXPLORE FOOD

travel  TRAVEL

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." I've always had a serious case of wanderlust, and traveling and exploring new places continues to be one of my favorite things. Come explore my favorite places with me!
5 Great Ways to Maximize Your Time at Walt Disney World Parks

EXPLORE TRAVEL

life  LIFE

More than just a food blog, Dine & Dish has always been a place where I've shared what's happening in our life. These life posts tend to be my absolute favorite blog posts. Come get a taste of life as it happens in our house!
broken plant pot on the floor with dirt

EXPLORE LIFE

happiness  HAPPINESS

I believe that in order to live a happy life, you have to make happiness happen through implementing simple things that make you happy into every day. Here are a few of the things that bring me happiness - I hope they do you too.

EXPLORE HAPPINESS

Open
New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
Open
My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

#apresallday #frenchtoastrecipe #brunchideas #cookbooks #mountainmama #skiingislife
Open
Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

#october5th #birthdaytwins #gardenofthegods #birthdayweek #coloradosprings
Open
I love being a parent of teens...but I miss the days of parenting kids who loved going to school, who didn't struggle with major anxiety, who loved their bodies, and were confident about how they looked. I miss pre-covid days where lunch wasn't distanced, kids had the opportunity to connect and socialize at school, where mask-wearing wasn't even a topic, let alone one that divides. 

The past 2 years have changed my kids. They have gained so many positive things, but they've also gained a new kind of anxiety that wasn't there before. And I hate it for them. They've seen first hand how long haul covid has changed our family. They've seen the selfishness of others in ways they haven't seen before. They've had to grow up faster, worry about things they shouldn't have to worry about, and learn the hard way how this world can really be. And it hurts my heart for them. 

I have a new senior, sophomore and 6th grader here at home. Missing my sophomore in college a ton. I hope the world is kind to them and they are kind to the world. I want nothing more than for them to be happy and to be surrounded by good people who love and accept them for who they are and who also push them to live a full, rich and happy life. I pray every day for them - and for your kids...and pray that we are all raising a generation of empathetic and kind changemakers.

#loveoneanother❤️ #parentingteens #momofteens #anxietyawareness #backtoschooloutfit #changemakers #parenthood_moments
Open
These two small business owners had a successful launch day for their new clothing and accessory brand, @impatient.us I’m so proud of my daughter @kellykdoyle & daughter from another mother, @kyleemdunn for making the time and financial commitment to launch their dream brand! They’ve done it all so independently and have navigated starting a small business way better than I could have at 17! Thanks to everyone who sent words of encouragement and showered them with support. It’s means so much! 

Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

#smallbusinesslaunch #clothingbrands #teenentrepreneur #launchday #launchparty #teenbusiness #shopsmallbusinesses #proudmoment
Open
I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

This weekend @kctinygreenhouse I picked up this beautiful Monstera Peru as well as a bag of Jeff’s Jungle Mix. You know when a new to you potting mix has you super excited, you’ve crossed the line into la la land 😂 Swipe to see how pretty it is!

What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

#plantmomlife #crazyplantpeople #houseplantlove #monsteraperu #pottingmix #plantobsession #plantcollectors #plantsmakepeoplehappy
Open
Yesterday we spent a few hours down in the West Bottoms visiting the grand opening of @kctinygreenhouse newest location . KC Plant fam, head there. Just trust me! Plants loved and cared for with the best good vibes, all ready to join your crazy plant person home. You’ll find goodies from local KC artisans as well, like @pigeoncandles 

Come for the plants, leave with a heart full of happy!

#westbottoms #tinygreenhouse #plantfamily #pandemicprojects #shoplocalkc #happyplants #plantvibes #summerofyes
Open
Last night in the suite @kcroyals ...I almost cried. Man it feels so good to be doing normal things. I’ll never take this for granted! Making this the summer of yes...I’m going to say yes to as many events/outings/opportunities as possible! Who’s in? #summerofyes
Open
Ella is 15 today! Those of you who have been with Dine & Dish since the very beginning have been a part of Ella’s life since the start too! 15 years sure does go by in a flash, both with businesses and babies.
Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
Open
I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

#farmlifeisthebestlife #chickensofig #barnlife #iwantitall #hensofinstagram #citygirlcountrygirl
Open
I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

#plantladyisthenewcatlady #plantladylife #plantcuttings #newplants #etsyshopping #shopsmallbusinesses #plantloversofinstagram
Open
Hi, friend! I Thought I’d just say “hey” and check in and add some pretty flowers to your feed.

We’re over here dragging ourselves across the school finish line...so close to done physically, but over done, mentally. Can you relate?

My coaching business is going great, I’m working with some truly incredible, inspiring women right now which makes me so happy! I’ll be launching 2 new group coaching  classes (for women and entrepreneurs) in a few weeks so be sure to follow @rockyourhappy if you are interested in being updated on those!

Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

#pinkflowers🌸 #happyday💕 #touchingbase #spreadhappiness #thursdaytherapy #lifecoachforwomen #springflowersmakemehappy
Open
Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
Open
Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
Open
J is for...jam!
.
My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
.
I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
.
.
#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
Open
It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
.
Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
.
.
.
#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
Open
I is for Inspiration!
.
The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
.
With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
.
If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
.
.
.
@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
Open
H is for...high!
.
It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
.
I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
.
.
 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
Open
G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
.
.
#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
Open
F is for...food photography.
.
This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
.
Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
.
.
#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
Follow on Instagram
For our site policies, click here.

Copyright © 2006-2023 Dine and Dish | design by Feast Design Co | Wordpress VPS