This week the Wickeds have a double celebration–Barbara Ross’s Iced Under and Liz Mugavero’s Custom Baked Murder are both being released on December 27. A pair of celebrations made me think about book pairings. Wickeds, what would you suggest folks eat or drink while reading your books?
Sherry: I’m so excited to read the final versions of both of these books! If you are reading any of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale books I’d recommend Italian food (maybe pizza) and a glass of Chianti. Sarah loves to eat at DiNapoli’s Roast Beef and Pizza. The food feeds her tummy and the DiNapoli’s feed her soul.
Edith: That depends on the series, of course. If you’re having brunch at Robbie Jordan’s country store restaurant, you could have a Bloody Mary or a mimosa with your baked French toast or your western omelet. Cam Flaherty in the Local Foods mysteries would recommend a good local IPA with your Irish beef stew. Meanwhile, back in 1888, Quaker midwife Rose Carroll of course goes strictly non-alcoholic, so pour yourself a cup of hot tea and munch on a gingersnap while you read!
Barb: I hope everyone has a chance to put their feet up and relax today. On Boxing Day the servants relaxed, but since so many of us are our own servants…As for pairings, with Eggnog Murder–why, eggnog, of course. No need to fear (he, he, he). With the Maine Clambake Mysteries, I usually recommend a local beer, for example from the Sea Dog or Shipyard brewing companies. But Iced Under takes place in the dead of winter, so maybe readers won’t feel like something frosty. Go with a hot chocolate or a nice cuppa tea. Sounds lovely. I think I’ll go do so myself.
Liz: Stan spends a lot of time at Izzy’s coffee and gourmet chocolate shop, either eating or drooling over the pastries while sipping a fancy flavored latte. So I would highly suggest getting out of the house with Custom Baked Murder, heading to your favorite coffee shop and sitting in a comfy chair with your favorite drink and a decadent chocolate-something muffin. Or maybe a cheese Danish. Or a steaming hot cinnamon bun. Sheesh, I’m getting hungry….
Jessie: Maine in 1898 was a dry state. In Whispers Beyond the Veil, protagonist, Ruby Proulx lives at her aunt’s hotel for Spiritualists in Old Orchard where the spirits available are the disembodied, rather than alcoholic, sort. A tall, cold glass of lemonade would be a great beverage to enjoy while reading this book. Considering its coastal setting, you can’t go wrong with a lobster roll. Or Pier Fries!
Julie: The Sleeping Latte has great coffee drinks, and Nancy Reed specials. This time of year, I’d suggest an eggnog latte and a molasses cookies. You know the kind of cookies that bend when you pick them up, and are wicked chewy? Yes, those!
Friends, any book and food pairings you’d like to share?
Of course the Orchard Mysteries feature a lot of apple recipes, which are welcome any time of year (apples keep well, and you can bake with them ahead of time). A mug of strong tea and a slice of apple cake go well with a good book! (P.S. I looked for Irish recipes, but mostly they suggest ways to use up your holiday leftovers–potato pancakes, anyone?).
I’m thinking cider…
Any of the books goes well with either a large mug of tea or a glass of wine, oh and some bite sized nibbles so you don’t have to put the book/e-reader down 😀
Love bite-sized nibbles.
I was nodding along with each of these book pairings. Exactly what I was thinking.
And now I’m hungry!
Hope you found some lunch, Mark.
Hot tea or coffee is great when reading, but I don’t advocate eating anything messy because you’ll get food on the pages! Chocolate is out and absolutely nothing that leaves your fingers covered in cheese dust, haha! The pastries sounded good. A book, a hot drink, and a pastry. That’s life.
That is right.
Hot chocolate goes well with any book I’m reading.
Or almost any other winter activity…
It goes well with almost everything!
I’m pretty sure pizza goes with everything 🙂
I’m with you!
Happy Holidays to all the Wicked Cozies and their friends!
And to you!