A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

Chickpea Burgers with Mint Tahini Carrot Slaw (Recipe Inspired by THE BOOK OF LONGINGS)

I never thought I could love a meatless burger so dang much. These Chickpea Burgers with Mint Tahini Carrot Slaw have stolen my heart. But, in the words of Chandler Bing: Could the name of this dish BE any longer?!? Sheesh.   Why are Chickpea Burgers with Mint Tahini Carrot Slaw the book-inspired recipe for The Book of Longings This book-inspired recipe is a bit of a wild card for me. If you've been following my blog for awhile,...

Veggie Soba Noodle Bowls (Recipe Inspired by THE GRAVEYARD APARTMENT)

I'm feeling all the vegetarian vibes with these Veggie Soba Noodle Bowls. I thought I had a handle on quick, delicious dishes with my brie mac and cheese and mushroom thyme pasta, both of which use traditional pasta and cook up in about 20 minutes. However, it's soba noodles for the win when those hangry "I need to eat NOW!" cravings hit.     Why are Veggie Soba Noodle Bowls the book-inspired recipe for The Graveyard Apartment? I’d heard of...

Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches (Recipe Inspired by THE FINISHING TOUCHES)

Pinkies up, Tartlets! I'm bringing you all the fancy afternoon tea vibes with these Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches.   Why are Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches the book-inspired recipe for The Finishing Touches? The entire time I was reading The Finishing Touches, which takes place in London (a.k.a., my favorite city), I could NOT stop craving a proper British tea. It's been a few years since I've ventured across the pond *cries* so...

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice (Recipe Inspired by LOCK EVERY DOOR)

Well, friends, Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice may not be one of my prettiest posts on the blog. But,  it sure is one of the tastiest. So, stay with me.   Why is Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice the book-inspired recipe for Lock Every Door? Lock Every Door is set in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, it's also home to some seriously cheap (and delicious!) eats -- if you know where to find them....

Chickpea Shepherd’s Salad (Recipe Inspired by BEAUTIFUL BAD)

We only have a few more days until it's officially fall, so I'm squeezing in one last summery recipe with this Chickpea Shepherd's Salad.     Why is Chickpea Shepherd's Salad the book-inspired recipe for Beautiful Bad? Although Beautiful Bad  was a DNF for me, it definitely delivered in one aspect: FOOD. Main characters Maddie and Joanna often met up to share a meal, even though they lived in different countries. Each time, they made sure...

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...

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad (Recipe Inspired by CIRCE)

As I was making this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad, I realized something: for someone who doesn't really like mint, I sure am making a lot of recipes with mint these days. Mint is just so fresh tasting. It brightens up any savory dish with an unexpected zip, and it imparts a refreshing coolness to sweet desserts. Can you really blame me for over-using it this summer? Nope. I didn't think so. Spoiler alert: this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad contains...

Veggie Pizza (Recipe Inspired by SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES)

What recipe does one pair with a book set in a crematory? I admit, this book-inspired recipe was a real stumper. I wanted something that relates to Smoke Gets In Your Eyes as closely as possible. And, yes, some recipes did come immediately to mind. However, I had to nix them pretty early on because, silly me, I also wanted something that wouldn’t completely gross out my readers when they finally realized the inspiration for the recipe. I'm all...

Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca (Recipe Inspired by THE UNHONEYMOONERS)

Fair warning, Tartlets: once you taste a Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca, it will be your new summer drink obsession. #SorryNotSorry I know a lot of people prefer alcoholic summery drinks (Rosé all day, and all that), but we at the Cottage aren't really a booze-lovin’ bunch. That said, I still enjoy a good refreshing drink, especially when I’m reading under my pergola during the sweltering New Jersey summers.     What is the book-inspired...

B’stilla (Moroccan Chicken Pie)[Recipe Inspired by THE PERFECT NANNY]

I'm not going to lie. Making this Moroccan Chicken B'stilla Pie was.... a challenge. But, it’s good to challenge yourself, right? Every now and then? **gulp** Well. If you’re in agreement with me, you’ve come to the right post. If you’re not used to working with phyllo dough, that is. *Raises hand*     Why is B'stilla (Moroccan Chicken Pie) the book-inspired recipe for The Perfect Nanny? The Perfect Nanny is set in Paris. However, the...