A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

Easy Big Bad Wolf Claw Cupcakes (Recipe Inspired by WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME)

We're halfway to Halloween with these Easy Big Bad Wolf Claw Cupcakes! Okay, a little less than halfway. I’m not that bad at math; I know I’m about a month off. But these claw mark cupcakes are giving me seriously spooky vibes even though it’s June.   Why are Big Bad Wolf Claw Cupcakes the book-inspired recipe for When the Wolf Comes Home? Main characters Jess and the kid she’s taking care of are chased by a werewolf throughout When...

Avocado Chimichurri (Recipe Inspired by ULTRA-PROCESSED PEOPLE)

Avocado Chimichurri sauce is one of the easiest, most flavorful finishing sauces you’ll make this summer. Welcome to part 2 of the book-inspired recipe for Ultra-Processed People.   Why is Avocado Chimichurri the book-inspired recipe for Ultra-Processed People? Avocado Chimichurri is a great book-inspired recipe to pair with Ultra-Processed People because it's made with fresh, natural ingredients and only a few processed ingredients. (Not...

Grilled Spiced Skirt Steak (Recipe Inspired by ULTRA-PROCESSED PEOPLE)

Grilled Spiced Skirt Steak is the summer dinner to cook when you don’t want to cook. It’s made outside on your grill, it uses only a few ingredients, and it doesn’t mess up your kitchen. Oh, and it’s freaking delicious.   Why is Grilled Spiced Skirt Steak the book-inspired recipe for Ultra-Processed People? Ultra-Processed People exposes the dangers of the ultra-processed food (UPF) industry and encourages readers to explore healthier,...

Roasted Pineapple Milkshakes (Recipe Inspired by THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE)

Roasted Pineapple Milkshakes are the refreshing, indulgent, and easy-to-make icy treat you need this summer. As I write this post, I wish I had one to sip on. Right. Now. But I’m out of ice cream. And pineapple. So I guess I’ll just continue writing…     Why are Roasted Pineapple Milkshakes the book-inspired recipe for The Continental Divide? Hats off to The Continental Divide author Bob Johnson. Without him, I never would have known...

Easy Raisin Rugelach (Recipe Inspired by MIRROR ME)

Hi, my name is CJ, and I’m a Raisin Rugelach addict. And I’m so happy about it. How have I gone 41 years of my life  -- while living in North Jersey – without experiencing good rugelach before?? I may have tried some supermarket rugelach here and there, but obviously none of it was very memorable. Now I know why – I never had homemade rugelach before. My eyes have been opened.   Why is Raisin Rugelach the book-inspired recipe for...

Berry Rose Shortbread Cookies (Recipe Inspired by VANISHING DAUGHTERS)

I’m welcoming in all things spring with these Berry Rose Shortbread Cookies. Which, for the record, are my favorite new cookie. I’m totally shocked about this because I’m not a rose water fan. But these cookies are addictive, Tartlets. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.   Why are Berry Rose Shortbread Cookies the book-inspired recipe for Vanishing Daughters? I normally don’t make book-inspired recipes for books I discuss on Dark Side of...

Soupe au Pistou (Recipe Inspired by THE MEMORY OF LAVENDER AND SAGE)

I’m clearly in my Soup Era. Soupe au Pistou is my third soup recipe on the blog this year! Je ne regrette nien.    Why is Soupe au Pistou the book-inspired recipe for The Memory of Lavender and Sage? There are many, many wonderful-sounding recipes in The Memory of Lavender and Sage. As my British friend often says, I was spoiled for choice. And, of course, I thought I had wanted to make something with lavender or sage. Or both! But when...

Cinnamon Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (Recipe Inspired by PINEAPPLE STREET)

Who’s ready for a tropical getaway? *raises both hands and one foot* Get your vicarious vacation with this Cinnamon Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.   Why is Cinnamon Pineapple Upside-Down Cake the book-inspired recipe for Pineapple Street? I don’t think anyone’s surprised to see that the book-inspired recipe for Pineapple Street is a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. The book’s main characters live in and around “the fruit streets” of...

Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup (Recipe Inspired by CRYING IN H MART)

Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup is the comfort food I didn’t know I needed. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, Tartlets. And you know what? I liked it.   Why is Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup the book-inspired recipe for Crying in H Mart? Okay, Tartlets. I’m-a be honest with you. Although everyone raves about the delicious-sounding food in Crying in H Mart, a lot of the Korean dishes that author Zauner talks about is stuff I can’t get behind....

Winter Wishing Cookies (Recipe Inspired by GRATEFUL AS F*CK)

These Winter Wishing Cookies are the dessert that will keep you cozy, warm, and full of good intentions all winter long.   Why are Winter Wishing Cookies the book-inspired recipe for Grateful As F*ck? If there's one baked good I’m grateful for, it’s cookies. Well, I’m grateful for most carbs, really. But cookies make me especially happy about life. I did a lot of baking this past Christmas season since I was hosting a dessert open house,...