Multiverse Apple Pecan Pancakes with Apple Cinnamon Maple Syrup

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When we walk back inside, Charlie is at the stovetop flipping pancakes.

“Smells great,” I say.

He asks, “Will you make your fruit thing?”

“Sure.”

I takes me a moment to locate the cutting board and a knife.

I stand next to my son, peeling the apples and dicing them and adding the pieces to a saucepan filled with simmering maple syrup.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

How do I even sum up the epicness that is Dark Matter? This was such a fun read and  was reminiscent of The Martian. Jason Dessen is a content family man, if not at times dissatisfied with his mediocre career as a physicist. When he’s dropped into an Odyssean adventure through the multiverse, Jason discovers just how far he’s willing to go to get back to hearth and home, middling career included.

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Recipe: Pahdj’s Yummy Waffles (inspired by Crooked Kingdom)

“Okay, okay. When we’re back in Ketterdam, take me out for waffles.” Now Inej did laugh. She dropped her hands and appeared to speculate. “Dessert for a life? I’m not sure that seems equitable.” “I expect really good waffles.” –  Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo Could you say you expect yummy waffles? The gang from… Continue reading Recipe: Pahdj’s Yummy Waffles (inspired by Crooked Kingdom)

(Mockturtle) Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting, moist and rich with hints of nutmeg and brown sugar mixed together with sweet roasted pumpkin that melted lusciously in the mouth all layered with velvety decadent cream cheese frosting, and in a whim she had topped it off with shreds of toasted coconut, adding a hint of crunch and extra sweetness.  —Heartless by Marissa Meyer

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I was so excited to read Heartless after finishing Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles. Such a great series. While Heartless didn’t live up to Cinder, it was still an entertaining origin tale of the Queen of Hearts. Not to mention overflowing with baking inspiration!

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Recipe: Winner’s Half-Moon Chocolate Orange Macaroons

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She blurted something that had nothing to do with anything. “Do you know how to make honeyed half-moons?” 

“Do I…” He lowered the map. “Kestrel, I hate to disappoint you, but I was never a cook.” 

“You know how to make tea.” 

He laughed. “You do realize that boiling water is within the capabilities of anybody?”

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski, 5/5 stars

For some novels, food is almost a central character, like Brian Jacques’s Redwall series. (I can’t believe I haven’t covered any Redwall yet!) Typically, I just don’t feature the novel on my blog if food isn’t prominent, though I’ll give the book a shoutout on my Bookstagram. Then there’s books that are just too good to let slide by. I don’t care how far I have to stretch a recipe to relate it back to the book, it will be on the blog! The fruit tart I created for Illuminae is a perfect example of this. Nobody ate a fruit tart in Illuminae. In fact, I think all food products were freeze dried. Ew.

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Recipe: Herb-y Bacon Mushroom Quiche

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‘Food isn’t about getting through the day, Sebastian.’ She waved her bread under his nose as if he didn’t already have his own piece just begging to be finished. ‘It’s about stopping and appreciating the moment. It’s about exploring new tastes and textures. It’s about giving yourself a little piece of comfort or joy and sharing that with others.’

The Wish Granter by C.J. Redwine, 4/5 stars

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Recipe: Pumpkin-Cranberry Bran Muffins

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Now let me say this: when you’re traveling a good cloak is worth more than all your other possessions put together. If you’ve nowhere to sleep, it can be your bed and blanket. It will keep the rain off your back and then sun from your eyes. You can conceal all manner of interesting weaponry beneath it if you are clever, and a smaller assortment if you are not. 

But beyond all that, two facts remain to recommend a cloak. First, very little is as striking as a well-worn cloak, billowing lightly about you in the breeze. And second, the best cloaks have innumerable little pockets that I have an irrational and overpowering attraction toward.

— The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, 5/5 stars

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Recipe: Lemon-y Fresh Split Pea Soup

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“I liked standing near the edge with my shoulders back, my fingers dusted with soil. I would lift my face to the wind and inhale the loamy musk of the Outside as Sivo worked, stabbing at the ground, cursing his undernourished greens, radishes, and beets. Occasionally peas would flourish, and that was a good day when we would actually have pea soup. Perla would make it with bits of rabbit meat and Sivo swore it was nearly as tasty as when his mother made it with ham.” 

Reign of Shadow by Sophie Jordan, 3/5 stars.

Reign of Shadow follows Luna through the kingdom of Relhok, a kingdom enduring a perpetual eclipse. While the novel had a strong fairy tale feel, it was its own story (vs. a re-telling), which I found refreshing. An entertaining read and one that Brice and I both had fun reading.

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Recipe: Apple-Cheddar Crostini with Balsamic Reduction

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We all know Celaena has a wicked sweet tooth, as I showcased here and here. Has anyone else noticed how often Celaena eats apples, though? It’s all the time. In case you don’t believe me, I’ve scoured Sarah J. Maas’s Heir of Fire for quotes.

She munched on the apple as she studied him now, in his usual pale-gray tunic and wide belt, hood thrown back and leather vambraces gleaming in the light afternoon sunlight.

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Recipe: Sweet Potato Chicken Curry with Garlic Naan

“I like horses,” said I, lungs tight with feeling. “I always have done.” “Do you like dreadfully drafty English country houses?”  “I did not always, but I have grown to.”  “What about curry?”  “Everyone likes curry, sir.” I concur with Jane. Everyone likes curry! For a Jane Steel book review, click here.

Recipe: Coconut Cream Fruit Tart

 

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I loved Illuminae so much (in case you didn’t pick that up from my review), that despite there being rare mentions of food, I wanted to feature it. I chose a summery-fresh fruit tart inspired by the book’s cover. I used a combination of strawberries, raspberries, clementines, and mango. There’s a lot of flexibility here and you can use any of your favorite fruits.

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