A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

Lemon Butter Lobster Rolls (Recipe Inspired by SANDWICH)

It’s time for lunch, Tartlets. The tastiest lunch. I have no shame in telling you that, immediately after finishing up this photo shoot, I polished off two Lemon Butter Lobster Rolls.   It was awesome.     Why are Lemon Butter Lobster Rolls the book-inspired recipe for Sandwich? In Sandwich, main character Rocky spends the summer with her family on Cape Cod. Lobster is a New England – and summertime – staple, and making a...

Steak au Poivre (Recipe Inspired by THE HOUSEMAID)

Steak au Poivre brings fancy (and peppery!) French cuisine right to your own kitchen. This romantic dish pour deux (for two) is classic bistro staple that is surprisingly easy to make at home.     Why is Steak Au Poivre the book-inspired recipe for The Housemaid? One of the ways that main character Millie wins over The Man She Wants is with her cooking. She’s got some decent culinary skills, and one of the more memorable meals she...

Simple Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad (Recipe Inspired by ATMOSPHERE)

My last book-inspired recipe was my new summer drink obsession. This time, I’m bringing you me new summer lunch obsession: Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad. It’s going to be a delicious few months, Tartlets.   Why is Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad the book-inspired recipe for Atmosphere? I can’t give too many details away, but main character Joan goes on a lovely first date with someone in Atmosphere. The date involves stargazing and a...

Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Recipe Inspired by THE ART OF BURNING HEATHER)

You can skip the Olive Garden tonight, folks. Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a delicious, take out-inspired meal that you can make in under 30 minutes right at home. YOU’RE WELCOME.   Why is Creamy Tuscan Chicken the book-inspired recipe for The Art of Burning Heather? The Art of Burning Heather takes place (mostly) in the Scottish Highlands. So I bet you’re surprised to see an Italian-American dish as the book-inspired recipe for this...

Not-So-Spicy Kung Pao Chicken (Recipe Inspired by HONEYMOON STAGE)

Not-So-Spicy Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious way to celebrate Chinese new year. Because I am 100% ready to leave the Year of the Snake behind. Anyone else with me??   Why is Kung Pao Chicken the book-inspired recipe for Honeymoon Stage? Kung Pao Chicken plays a pivotal part in Cassidy’s life in Honeymoon Stage. A seemingly normal take-out order from a local Chinese place leads to a pretty serious plot twist. The secrets swirling around Kung...

Easy Beefy Tater Tot Casserole (Recipe Inspired by THE PLACE WHERE THEY BURIED YOUR HEART)

 Easy Beefy Tater Tot Casserole will make you feel all sorts of COZY on a chilly dark night.   Why is Easy Beefy Tater Tot Casserole the book-inspired recipe for The Place Where They Buried Your Heart? Main character Jessie lives in Chicago, the heart of the Midwest. To me, that means the heart of…casserole country. And other things, of course. But, definitely casseroles. Casseroles – and all-in-one or one-pot meal – are dishes that are...

Apple Cider Beef Stew (Recipe Inspired by THE FROZEN RIVER)

Happy Halloween, Tartlets! I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a cozy autumn evening than with a hearty helping of this Apple Cider Beef Stew.   Why is Apple Cider Beef Stew the book-inspired recipe for The Frozen River? Cider comes up quite often in The Frozen River. The novel is set during a New England winter, and steaming hot, stick-to-your-ribs stews are always on the menu at the village tavern.  Main character Martha often grabs...

Quick and Easy Philly Cheesesteaks (Recipe Inspired by SOUL DANCING)

Up your sandwich game with these Quick and Easy Philly Cheesesteaks. This meal is perfect for when you want some fast food but don’t want to leave your house (or pay delivery fees). For all your hardcore Philadelphians out there, this is a recipe for “four Provolone and peppers, wit.”   Why are Quick and Easy Philly Cheesesteaks the book-inspired recipe for Soul Dancing? Soul Dancing takes places in several locations, but the story...

Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Herbed Orzo (Recipe Inspired by THE ALCHEMY OF FLOWERS)

Treat yourself to a fancy French-inspired dinner tonight… at home! Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken over Herbed Orzo brings fine dining right into your kitchen.   Why is Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken over Herbed Orzo the book-inspired recipe for The Alchemy of Flowers? The Alchemy of Flowers made it pretty easy for me to pick a book-inspired recipe. This novel is a foodie fiction delight, and the only problem was picking which...

Homemade Fish Finger Sandwiches (Recipe Inspired by SMOKE ON THE WIND)

Homemade Fish Finger Sandwiches are the comfort food you didn’t know you needed.   Why are Homemade Fish Finger Sandwiches the book-inspired recipe for SMOKE ON THE WIND? Smoke on the Wind takes place in summer… in the Scottish Highlands. Which means that we’re not talking a tropical beach excursion here. Summers in the United Kingdom, in general, have unpredictable weather. It can be grey, drizzly, and chilly one hour, and then the sun...