A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

Refreshing Mint Iced Tea (Recipe Inspired by THE EXILES)

Refreshing Mint Iced Tea is my swan song for this summer's recipes. We've made it to the end of August, people, during one of the craziest years in history. Although I'm loathe to give up hot, summer nights and the Amazon maxi dresses I've been wearing on repeat since Memorial Day, I have to admit... I'm kinda ready for some fall coziness. A little bit. Almost. Mainly because I'm missing my cozy sweaters like whoa. And my leggings. And scarves....

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. Although Beautiful Bad  was a DNF for me, it definitely delivered in one aspect: FOOD. Maddie and Joanna were often meeting up to share a meal, even though they lived in different countries, and they made sure to sample all the delicacies their local cuisines had to offer. Crisp, fresh salads with a...

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...

Citrus Quinoa Salad (Recipe Inspired by NINE PERFECT STRANGERS)

One of the reasons that Tranquillum House in Nine Perfect Strangers seems so ideal for transforming your life is that guests are encouraged (forced?) to eat healthy and clean. Although I love my carbs and cream sauces, there definitely comes a point (usually right after Christmas) when I simply crave lighter meals filled with fresh, green ingredients. Tranquillum House guests have a limited diet: they aren’t allowed sugar, carbs, alcohol, or...

Mushroom Brie Mac and Cheese (Recipe inspired by NO ONE TELLS YOU THIS)

One of the best parts of being single – or, heck, even just having a night on your own while your partner and/or kids are out doing their own thang – is eating whatever you want. You don’t have to cater to anyone’s tastes but your own. While my husband does occasionally indulge my love for food he hates, I do sometimes miss being able to come home and whip up something I'm craving without considering what my other half may eat for dinner...

Mushroom Thyme Pasta (Recipe Inspired by TWO STEPS FORWARD)

Although I had a difficult time writing the review for Two Steps Forward, I had a very easy time deciding on my book-inspired recipe. Zoe, Martin, and the other pilgrims sleep at a variety of lodgings throughout their pilgrimage, and while meals are provided at some places, they often have to make their own in hostel or boarding house kitchens. In these situations, most pilgrims eat alone, but if a few are staying at the same place, they’ll...

Ziti ala Colucci

I'm finally posting about my favorite food. PASTA. Honestly, I'm shocked I've held out as long as I have. I could eat pasta every single day. Confession: I might have actually done that in college and ballooned 40 pounds. So, I have learned the hard way that, no matter how much I want to, I cannot eat pasta every day. But, if I could request to eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be pasta. (And maybe Chinese takeout. And some...