A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

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...

Super Simple Mac and Cheese (Recipe Inspired by GHOSTS)

Tartlets, I'm coming at you today with my go-to Super Simple Mac and Cheese recipe. This is the version of mac and cheese that I make all. the. time. That is always in demand.   Why is Super Simple Mac and Cheese the book-inspired recipe for Ghosts? Main character (and single) Nina in Ghosts: A Novel cooks on her own more often than not. When you've had a long day of work, family obligations, friend drama, and relationship explosion, the...

Chicken Pot Pie (Recipe Inspired by THE DROWNING KIND)

If you're looking for fall comfort food, look no further than this recipe for Chicken Pot Pie. It's a dish that makes you feel warm and cozy and like everything’s going to be all right.   Why is Chicken Pot Pie the book-inspired recipe for The Drowning Kind? "Good" is the exact opposite of how you feel after reading The Drowning Kind. That book is creepyAF, which is why I chose Chicken Pot Pie as its book-inspired recipe. My thought process...

Easy Mushroom Risotto (Recipe Inspired by GHOSTER)

Mushroom Risotto is my new make-at-home culinary obsession. (Much to my mushroom-hating husband's dismay.) Once you make this dish, you're never going to order risotto in restaurants again. There's no need to when you can make it better at home.    Why is Mushroom Risotto the book-inspired recipe for Ghoster? Well, this is awkward. I can't tell you why Mushroom Risotto is the book-inspired recipe for Ghoster. The inspiration for this dish...

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce (Recipe Inspired by THE LOST VILLAGE)

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is quickly becoming my favorite way to eat salmon.    Why is Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce the book-inspired recipe for The Lost Village? You guys, we have Mr Tart to thank for this book-inspired recipe. When I was trying to think up what to pair with The Lost Village, I knew I wanted something with a Nordic flare – but not too Nordic. I wasn’t about to go all lutefisk or pickled herring on you. My goal is...

Chilled Seafood Salad (Recipe Inspired by WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING)

My herby, tangy, and refreshing Chilled Seafood Salad is the perfect dish for a light summer meal. I don't know about you, but once June rolls around, all I can think about is having an icy glass of lemonade, reading lots of books instead of working, and wishing I lived by the beach instead of in the mountains. And this year, after my adventures in Charleston where I ate ALL THE SEAFOOD, I just wasn't ready to let go of that shellfish...

Quick Chickpea Curry (Recipe Inspired by THE CANDID LIFE OF MEENA DAVE)

You guys, I am SO EXCITED to be sharing one of my favorite recipes with you today: Quick Chickpea Curry! Who else loves a good hot lunch? (Did anyone else read the words "hot lunch" and have a flashback to lining up in their elementary school cafeteria? You are my people.) I'm not a fan of raw or chilly foods, so if given the choice, I prefer my lunchtime meals to be piping hot. Now that I’m working remotely on a permanent basis – which...

Creamy Tomato Pasta [Recipe Inspired by A (NOT SO) LONELY PLANET: ITALY]

Hello, please meet my new best friend: Creamy Tomato Pasta. Because carbs are our friends, right? (If you disagree, please unsubscribe from this blog. #Kiddingnotkidding... )     Why is Creamy Tomato Pasta the book-inspired recipe for A (Not So) Lonely Planet: Italy? Creamy Tomato Pasta is the perfect meal when you're craving Italian food but don't want to go out to get it (or spend money on delivery fees). This book-inspired recipe for A...

Chicken Saltimbocca (Recipe Inspired by SUNRISE BY THE SEA)

I can't believe I've just tried Chicken Saltimbocca for the very first time. Much like with Bara Brith, this is another moment when I can't believe I've lived this long (in Northern New Jersey, no less. With Italian genes.) without ever tasting this classic Italian dish.   Why is Chicken Saltimbocca the book-inspired recipe for Sunrise by the Sea? When it came to choosing a book-inspired recipe for Sunrise by the Sea, I was spoiled...

Sunday Night Chicken Dinner (Recipe Inspired by FRIENDS AND STRANGERS)

Sunday Night Chicken Dinner, coming in hot! We’re talking pan-seared chicken smothered in a creamy tomato sauce and served over pasta. It’s perfect for a chilly February night with the snow falling outside and the wind howling at your door.   Why is Sunday Night Chicken Dinner the book-inspired recipe for Friends and Strangers? In Friends and Strangers, main characters Elisabeth and Sam quickly move beyond their employer-employee...