A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

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...

Grilled Honey Sausage Sandwiches (Recipe Inspired by BROKEN COUNTRY)

Make your summertime sizzle with these Grilled Honey Sausage Sandwiches.   Why are Grilled Honey Sausage Sandwiches the book-inspired recipe for Broken Country? Beth’s son Bobby plays a huge part in Broken Country even though he’s not “on screen” very much. The novel tells us about all the things that Bobby loved when he was alive, and the memory of his death colors everything that happens in Broken Country. At one point, Beth mentions...

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,...

Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Steaks (Recipe Inspired by OLD COUNTRY)

It's your lucky week, Tartlets. Since Old Country was such a fantastic book, I've decided that it deserves two book-inspired recipes. Two Recipes. It's like the new Five Stars of ratings. First up is the main dish: Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Steaks. The recipe for the side dish you see in the photos is Simple Tomato, Corn, and Torn Basil Salad.   Why is Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Steaks the book-inspired recipe for Old Country? This...

Super Easy Ground Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry (Recipe Inspired by THE HOLLOW PLACES)

Ground Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is your go-to recipe for a quick weeknight dinner.   Why is Ground Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry the book-inspired recipe for The Hollow Places? There’s a lot of Chinese take-out happening in The Hollow Places, which made my horror-loving heart very happy. One of my favorite things to do is order Chinese take-out for dinner and settle down with a good movie or TV show. Sadly, I don't live in an area where I...

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta (Recipe Inspired by WOW, NO THANK YOU)

Ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness is coming your way in the form of One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta. I know we’re nearing the end of comfort food season, but after an especially trying 13 months, I think we’re allowed a little over-indulgence, don’t you? One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the exact warm, comforting, culinary hug you need in your life.     Why is One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta the book-inspired recipe for Wow, No Thank You? Imagine my...

Pantry Staples Recipes: A Coronavirus Meal Planning Survival Guide

Hello, Tartlets! We interrupt our regularly scheduled book review and book-inspired recipe posts to bring you this specially curated list of Pantry Staples Recipes, designed to help you figure out what the heck to cook each day while you're spending 24/7 with those you love...with, um, rather limited resources. My grandmother always kept a well-stocked pantry and freezer in her basement. Whenever I would visit her, we would go downstairs and...

Steak Tacos (Recipe Inspired by DEATH IN THE COVENANT)

Steak Tacos are easy to marinade, easy to cook, and so delicious to eat!     Why are Steak Tacos the book-inspired recipe for Death in the Covenant? I know what you're thinking: Steak Tacos don't sound like quintessential Mormon food. You would be right. Clearly, I've taken some liberties with my book-inspired recipe for Death in the Covenant. Trust me when I say you're gonna thank me for it. Food plays a large part in Death in the Covenant...