August is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen! Escape the Atlanta heat by trying these dishes from the pages of your favorite books. From breakfast to lunch to dinner to dessert, you can bake your way through literature.
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Blueberry and Chocolate Pancakes – “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
This wasn’t what I’d been expecting them to ask. The truth was: we hadn’t eaten breakfast at all that morning because I was in trouble at school and my mother was mad at me, but I was too embarrassed to say that.‘You don’t remember?’ ‘Pancakes,’ I burst out desperately.‘Oh yeah?’ Ray looked at me shrewdly. ‘Your mother make them?’‘ Yes.’‘What’d she put in them? Blueberries, chocolate chips?’I nodded. ‘Both?’
Although Theodore Decker only imagines eating blueberry and chocolate pancakes, this recipe brings his vision to life, highlighting the creativity of Donna Tartt. Along with many other accolades like the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, we’ve found another reason to love “The Goldfinch.”
Ham Salad – “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken.
In Jane Austen’s high society, dinner parties encompassed several courses with a multitude of dishes at each. While you might’ve secretly wished you could have attended one yourself, these delicacies from Jane Austen’s masterpiece will take you on a culinary adventure as lively and charming as a ball at Netherfield!
Mini Strawberry Tarts – “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
In the next moment, her eyes fell on the White Rabbit that was serving the court as a herald and was reading the accusation that the Knave of Hearts had stolen the Queen’s tarts. In the middle of the court, a large platter of tarts was on display.
From falling through a rabbit hole to endless tea parties, Alice’s Wonderland adventures contain not only fantastical creatures but mouthwatering desserts as well. The perfect complement to a cup of tea, these strawberry tarts are best enjoyed on a summer day. Now we understand why the Knave of Hearts stole the Queen’s tarts!
Mama’s Fried Chicken – “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Daisy and Tom were sitting opposite each other at the kitchen table, with a plate of cold fried chicken between them, and two bottles of ale.
Although Jay Gatsby repeatedly throws elaborate parties in hopes of catching Daisy’s attention, the most remembered dish of this exciting novel is a spin on a Southern favorite. Perfect for a summer night spent around family and friends, pages from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most popular novel might just provide the dinner inspiration you’ve been looking for!
Seed Cake – “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
Having invited Helen and me to approach the table, and placed before each of us a cup of tea with one delicious thin morsel of toast, she got up, unlocked a drawer, and taking from it a parcel wrapped in paper, disclosed presently to our eyes a good-sized seed cake.
When kind Ms. Temple shares seed cake with Jane and her friend Helen at Lowood boarding school, Jane declares the seed cake to be like “ambrosia.” We hope you feel the same about this traditional Victorian recipe. This recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your reading or watching sessions of Jane Eyre.
Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake – “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
Jo’s one strong point was the fruit, for she had sugared it well, and had a pitcher of rich cream to eat with it. Her hot cheeks cooled a trifle, and she drew a long breath as the pretty glass plates went round, and everyone looked graciously at the little rosy islands floating in a sea of cream.
There are many reasons to love Jo: her ambition, courage, and big heart. Now, we can add her baking skills to the list! Eating this delicious cake, you’ll feel like you’re sitting alongside the sisters at the March family dinner table. Even if Amy is your favorite March sister, you will undoubtedly still enjoy this summer classic.
