A Well-Read Tart

A Food and Book Lover’s Blog

Rocky Road Brownies (Recipe Inspired by GOING TO MAINE)

Rocky Road Brownies are loaded with chopped walnuts and stuffed with mini marshmallows to create the fudgiest, most sinfully delicious brownies you’ve ever had the joy of tasting.   And I say this as someone who 1) doesn’t like nuts in brownies, and 2) doesn’t like marshmallows.   Why are Rocky Road Brownies the book-inspired recipe for Going to Maine? Something I learned from Going to Maine: All The Ways to Fall on the Appalachian...

Victorian Mourning Cakes (Recipe Inspired by THINGS HALF IN SHADOW)

Pssst. Wanna know a secret? These Victorian Mourning Cakes were supposed to be Victorian Mourning Cookies. But something happened. And now we have cake. Which is never a bad thing, amirite?     Why are Victorian Mourning Cakes the book-inspired recipe for Things Half in Shadow? When main characters Edward and Lucy in Things Half in Shadow visit the home of a bereaved Victorian family, they’re handed funeral cookies as they wait for their...

Small Chocolate Cake with Whipped Ganache (Recipe Inspired by MEREDITH, ALONE)

This Small Chocolate Cake with Whipped Ganache is the cutest freakin’ cake I’ve ever seen. It's also the best chocolate cake you'll come across.    Why is Chocolate Cake with Whipped Ganache the book-inspired recipe for Meredith, Alone? Main character Meredith in Meredith, Alone spends a lot of time in her apartment, and a lot of time baking. Sometimes she shares her baked goods, sometimes she doesn’t. Victoria Sponge seems to be a...

Sheet Pan S’mores (Recipe Inspired by WILDERNESS REFORM)

This Sheet Pan S’mores post isn't so much of a recipe as a guide. A guide to making a whole heap o’ perfectly messy s’mores that can feed a hungry crowd. When there are so few ingredients and such little work involved, can you even call something like this a recipe?   Why are Sheet Pan S’mores the book-inspired recipe for Wilderness Reform? Wilderness Reform is all about the outdoor camping, and what’s outdoor camping without...

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins (Recipe Inspired by AN ESCAPE GOAT)

Get ready for a ray of summer sunshine with these Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins!   Why are Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins the book-inspired recipe for An Escape Goat? In An Escape Goat, Aunt Ellen is always whipping up something in her kitchen for her niece, Callie, and eventually for the goat yoga retreat guests stranded at her farm. Everything that Aunt Ellen makes sounds delicious, from her home-cooked, country style dinners to her hearty desserts....

Almond Kentucky Butter Cake (Recipe Inspired by HORSE)

I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with this Almond Kentucky Butter Cake. LOVE: There’s a whole lotta love for this nutty spin on a classic Southern dessert. The flavor and the texture are exceptional. HATE: Getting this freakin’ cake out of the freakin’ Bundt pan. Tartlets, you’re staring at photos of my third attempt  to make a Kentucky Butter Cake. I don’t think I’ve ever been so frustrated while baking...

Morning Bun Muffins (Recipe Inspired by RELATIVE STRANGERS)

Morning Bun Muffins are here to save us all from boring breakfasts. One bite of these orange-y, cinnamon-y, sugary treats, and you'll be up and at 'em for the rest of the day.    Why are Morning Bun Muffins the book-inspired recipe for Relative Strangers? Morning Buns are main character Amelia’s favorite pastry. They sound so delicious in the story, and I was super excited to make them as a book-inspired recipe for Relative Strangers. Until...

Monster Cookies (Recipe Inspired by MORNING IN THIS BROKEN WORLD)

You're going to become a Cookie Monster for these Monster Cookies.  See what I did there? You know I can't resist a good play on words.  Um, what is a Monster Cookie? The first time I discovered Monster Cookies was about ten years ago. Mr Tart immediately fell in love with these thick, chunky, chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies, and they’re the cookie he always asks me to make. Monster Cookies are a little salty, a little sweet, and...

Simple Lemon Sable Cookies (Recipe Inspired by A BAKERY IN PARIS)

Guys. GUYS. I made Lemon Sablé Cookies.  I feel so French. Oh la la.  What is a sable (sablé) cookie? Unless you watch a lot of Great British Bake Off or Food Network, you might be wondering what a sable cookie is. Or, a sablé, if you want to ignore SEO ranking and be properly French. Think of sables as super thin, extra crispy shortbread cookies. The rich, buttery flavors of the two treats are very similar, but a sable recipe calls for...

Valentine’s Day Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones (Recipe Inspired by SPARE)

If you want someone to fall in love with you this Valentine's Day, make them a batch of Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones. Because they're the best fucking scones I’ve tasted since I vacationed in England. Excuse the profanity, Tartlets, as my inner Roy Kent comes out. But, any scones that make me feel like I’ve magically transported across the pond are worth every swear word.    Why are Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones the book-inspired recipe...