food + fiction

When we travel, we always pack a great book and emergency chocolate.

Beef Milanesa with Peach Salsa Inspired by the Novel 'Betty Boo'
Beef Milanesa with Peach Salsa Inspired by the Novel 'Betty Boo'
Milanesa is like an Argentinian version of chicken-fried steak. It's beefy, it's crispy, it's altogether irresistible. Inspired by Italy, gauchos, and the beautiful pampas, it's a little Argentina in your kitchen.
Needhams Candy from Maine, Inspired by the Sweet Novel 'Almost, Maine'
Needhams Candy from Maine, Inspired by the Sweet Novel 'Almost, Maine'
Oh, what a sweet combo a charming book and some chocolate can be! The novel 'Almost, Maine' invites you to believe in the magic of love, the Northern Lights, and that hope and joy find you when you least expect it.
Over-the-Top Taste of New Orleans: The Bologna Sandwich From 'Turkey and the Wolf'
Over-the-Top Taste of New Orleans: The Bologna Sandwich From 'Turkey and the Wolf'
Forget everything you know about piling meat between slices of bread. New Orleans has a thing or two to teach you about making a sandwich — and some of the tastiest sandwiches are coming out of Turkey and the Wolf.
Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla De Patatas) Inspired by 'When I Sing, Mountains Dance
Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla De Patatas) Inspired by 'When I Sing, Mountains Dance
It may look like a simple omelet or a frittata, but the tortilla de patatas is something special. Slinky with olive oil and tender to the bite, it might be Spain's most iconic dish. And you can make it at home.
Hawaiian Spam Musubi Inspired by Michael Crichton's Adventure-Thriller 'Micro'
Hawaiian Spam Musubi Inspired by Michael Crichton's Adventure-Thriller 'Micro'
The star of a Hawaiian luau is kalua pork, and that is 100% justified. But when you're heading to the beach or feeling peckish, you need Spam musubi, a portable snack that's salty-sweet-crispy-chewy and irresistible.
South African Chakalaka Inspired by Damon Galgut's Novel 'The Promise'
South African Chakalaka Inspired by Damon Galgut's Novel 'The Promise'
The application of flames to meat is one of humanity's greatest inventions. In South Africa, the barbecue tradition known as braai is a celebration of multicultural flavors and the delicious power of a wood fire.
Sweet and Savory Banana Pudding Inspired by the 'She Walks These Hills'
Sweet and Savory Banana Pudding Inspired by the 'She Walks These Hills'
Creamy, sweet, and cold from the fridge, banana pudding is just the thing to sweeten an already happy occasion or smooth the edges when life's sorrows come calling. This recipe makes the old favorite even better.
Reykjavik Salmon Salad Inspired by 'The Tricking of Freya'
Reykjavik Salmon Salad Inspired by 'The Tricking of Freya'
The flavors of Iceland reflect its terrain: tangy skyr, silky smoked salmon, grassy herbs; everything is fresh, vibrant, and local. Inspired by Icelandic breakfast, this dish brings a taste of Iceland to your table.
Indian Stuffed Peppers with Butter-Curry Sauce Inspired by 'The Widows of Malabar Hill'
Indian Stuffed Peppers with Butter-Curry Sauce Inspired by 'The Widows of Malabar Hill'
Stuffed peppers are old-school comfort food, but they're way more fun when you spice 'em up. And thanks to a velvety curry sauce that tastes like cardamon-cumin clouds, these stuffed peppers are a little bit fancy.
Greek Meatballs and Lemon Potatoes Inspired by 'This Rough Magic'
Greek Meatballs and Lemon Potatoes Inspired by 'This Rough Magic'
The phrase meat-and-potatoes is basically code for comfort food. Add a touch of sunshine (a.k.a., lemon) and Greek herbs to the mix, and you've got an instant trip to the Greek islands embarking from your kitchen.
Sugared Cranberries Inspired by the Charming Christmas Mystery 'The Dead of Winter'
Sugared Cranberries Inspired by the Charming Christmas Mystery 'The Dead of Winter'
Nothing says 'holiday revelry' like the tangy flavor of cranberries and a little bit of murder under the Christmas tree. Snuggle up with this charming homage to golden-age crime novels and berry delicious recipe.
Forest Mushroom Soup Inspired by the Novel 'The Bear and the Nightingale'
Forest Mushroom Soup Inspired by the Novel 'The Bear and the Nightingale'
You don't have to be tucked inside a fairy tale house in a dark forest to enjoy this hearty, garlicky mushroom soup — but it's fun to pretend. Let the snow fall. Let the ghosts romp. Just sip your soup and enjoy.
Sweet and Salty Grain-Free Granola Inspired by 'The True Story of Hansel and Gretel'
Sweet and Salty Grain-Free Granola Inspired by 'The True Story of Hansel and Gretel'
Yes, you could forage for nuts and berries in the woods. Or, instead, you might whip up a batch of this homemade granola and take that on your next hike. It's sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, and eminently shareable.
Egyptian Ful Medames Inspired by the Novel 'The Last Watchman of Old Cairo'
Egyptian Ful Medames Inspired by the Novel 'The Last Watchman of Old Cairo'
Shake up your breakfast routine with this savory, comforting recipe from ancient Egypt. Tender fava beans are simmered with fragrant cumin, then dressed up with colorful additions and warm, yeasty pita on the side.
Egyptian Koshari Inspired by the Novel 'A Pure Heart' by Rajia Hassib
Egyptian Koshari Inspired by the Novel 'A Pure Heart' by Rajia Hassib
Street food is the best food; we won't be convinced otherwise. With this recipe, you can bring koshari — a.k.a., amazing Egyptian street food, into your kitchen. Carby goodness, spicy tomato sauce, fried onions... YES.
Easy Five-Ingredient Stovetop Naan Inspired by 'The Dressmaker of Khair Khana'
Easy Five-Ingredient Stovetop Naan Inspired by 'The Dressmaker of Khair Khana'
Bread is often more than food. Yes, it's physical sustenance. But it can also be a symbol of comfort, prosperity, or warm hospitality — we literally break bread with others to connect and form bonds of friendship.
Shepherd's Breakfast Bake Inspired by the Gothic Classic 'Frankenstein'
Shepherd's Breakfast Bake Inspired by the Gothic Classic 'Frankenstein'
Poor Frankenstein! (The 'monster,' not the doctor.) The poor creature deserves kindness and a hot breakfast to start the day. Like this savory bread pudding from 'A Gothic Cookbook.' It's monstrously delicious.
Arctic Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Sauce Inspired by Polar Bears and Sunsets
Arctic Cranberry Cake with Warm Butter Sauce Inspired by Polar Bears and Sunsets
This post has everything good: Arctic adventure, polar bears, Arctic hares, tundra-inspired cuisine, and comfy accommodations. We encourage you to browse the stunning photos and bake this cake as soon as possible.
Easy Baked Cake Donuts to Honor the Hardworking People in Newsrooms Everywhere
Easy Baked Cake Donuts to Honor the Hardworking People in Newsrooms Everywhere
Snacks are the fuel that helps hard work get done. And while we know that fruits and veggies are an essential part of every day, there's always room in life for an easy, delicious, homemade, 'you can do it' donut.
Costa Rican Ceviche Inspired by the Memoir 'Wide-Open World'
Costa Rican Ceviche Inspired by the Memoir 'Wide-Open World'
Bright lime juice, fresh fish, and a surprising secret ingredient combine in this simple recipe that will instantly transport you to a beach in Costa Rica. Fresh and flavorful, it's a tropical vacation in a bowl.
Pan-Fried Plantains & Lizard Sauce Inspired by Short Stories from Costa Rica
Pan-Fried Plantains & Lizard Sauce Inspired by Short Stories from Costa Rica
Costa Rican meals are usually a rainbow of fruits and veggies with rice and black beans making an appearance on almost every plate. This comfort food is gussied up with the ubiquitous elixir known as Salsa Lizano.
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