A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

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...

Loaded Turkey Nachos (Recipe Inspired by PARTY OF TWO)

Don't run away! I know this looks like a salad. Let me reassure you that you're looking at a big ol' honkin' plate of Loaded Turkey Nachos. That's right: there's meat under there. (That's what he said.)    Why are Loaded Turkey Nachos the book-inspired recipe for Party of Two?  Tartlets, you don't even know how difficult it was choosing my book-inspired recipe for Party of Two. This rom-com doubles down on the food talk. Cakes...

Caprese Farro Salad (Recipe Inspired by MUSICAL CHAIRS)

The Summer of Salads continues with make-ahead marvel Caprese Farro Salad. While my Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta is a perfect appetizer for your fancy dinner party, you’ll want to haul along a container of Caprese Farro Salad to your next BBQ or neighborhood potluck.   Why is Caprese Farro Salad the book-inspired recipe for Musical Chairs? One of the things I loved about Musical Chairs was the mood that it sets. Think hot,...

Italian Sprinkle Cookies (Recipe Inspired by THE SUPREME MACARONI COMPANY)

Before I do anything else, I have to thank my blogger buddy Jill at NJFoodventure for letting me use her family recipe for this Italian Sprinkle Cookies post.   Why are Italian Sprinkle Cookies the book-inspired recipe for The Supreme Macaroni Company? Like any respectable book centered around an Italian-American family, The Supreme Macaroni Company abounds with food porn. We’re talking seafood, pastries, cookies, pasta…you name it,...

Creamy Pesto Pasta (Recipe Inspired by IN FIVE YEARS)

Creamy Pesto Pasta is another book-inspired recipe that was in the works long before I had a book to pair with it. Creamy pesto sauce, IMHO, is so much better than regular ol' pesto sauce. My favorite local Italian restuarant makes a version that's literally had me licking the bowl after I'd wolfed down all the pasta. ' Why is Creamy Pesto Pasta the book-inspired recipe for In Five Years? I've been angling to make my own version of Creamy...

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. 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 I've had to make do with afternoon teas I can find stateside, as well as create some of my own teatime...

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

Well, friends, Halal-Inspired Cart 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. 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. Fortunately, you don't have to look much farther than every other street corner since food trucks...