Food and drink inspired by classic and modern literary works.
I don't normally like short story collections, mainly because dislike disjointed narratives, although if the short stories are interconnected, that keeps my interest because I like seeing a main character in one story being part of the background in another. Two books that come to mind are When In Florence by Richard Cortez Day (and … Continue reading The Pink Agave Motel by V. Castro
Happy New Year! I hope everyone's 2024 ended well and that 2025 is looking hopeful. As for me, I thought kicking off the new year with a new piece of Gothic literature set tone tone very well. Wakenhyrst was recommended by Sadie Hartman, who has the Instagram account Mother Horror, and though she's suggested some … Continue reading Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver
If you're a Shirley Jackson fan, as so many of us are, you surely are aware of her supernatural (or is it?) masterpiece The Haunting of Hill House. That book, in my humble opinion, is one of the best and frightening novels of all time because it plays with the reader's concept of reality in … Continue reading The Bird’s Nest by Shirley Jackson
If you've read Chocolat by Joanne Harris or seen the marvelous film version with Juliette Binoche, you're familiar with the magical French town of Lansquenet sous Tannes. It's a deceptively calm, quiet and simple place; yet there are always goings-on and drama in this place. It's too bad that it's a completely fictional place, but … Continue reading Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris
My latest article for the Humanities Council talks about the history of pan de muerto, as well as the importance of food in our cultural commemorations of death and life, so give it a read at: https://nmhumanities.org/?blogId=2172
Though there is something to be said for the untraditional ghostly tale, for Halloween all I want is an old-fashioned ghost story and for classic ghost tales, you can't beat those of Susan Hill. I personally love any type of ghost story or haunted house tale and The Woman in Black fits the bill to … Continue reading The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
Go camping, they said. It'll be fun, they said. Uh, no, it wasn't. I had to sleep in the crappy orange tent under the leaky section on the side closest to where the trash bags were, and yes, yes, that WAS a bear that wandered into our camp site that night to forage in the … Continue reading Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham
So yes, this is totally a chick-lit book. I admit it. I also admit that I rather enjoyed it. So go ahead and judge me, all you literary snobs. Oh wait, I'm the literary snob! I forgot! Anyway, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is totally a rip-off of Alice Hoffman's wonderful book Practical Magic, … Continue reading Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
I am very pleased and proud to share this article I was asked to write on the cultural significance of biscochitos in New Mexican culture. It is the first (but hopefully not last!) article for which I got paid, and so I feel like a real, true writer now. 🙂 I hope you enjoy reading … Continue reading A Sweet and Spicy Memory: Biscochitos in New Mexico Culture
Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? Well, it's Valentine's Day so really, what other tale of star-crossed love, murder and suicide could I possibly blog about on this day of hearts and romance than Romeo and Juliet? Seriously though, during my recent move, I finally found my huge book of Shakespeare's plays which had been … Continue reading Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The Journey in Every Story...
Celebrating 700 years of delicious British food.
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Vampire travels across Europe
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so many recipes, so little time . . .
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Talking about great books while enjoying tasty libations!
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Myths, legends, folklore and tales from around the world
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Food In Books 