Last summer I met an author who sold me on her book by drawing a connection to The Vampire Diaries. This month's bonus features that author as we talk about her books, plans for more books, and The Vampire Diaries. Join me and Bree Wilde to hear all about it!

Check out Bree on Instagram @authorbreewilde and find her books here.

Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!

Artwork by @stephanieilana

Editor: Alex Schmitz

Song: Clementi Piano Sonatina Op. 36 No. 3 in C Major

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to return to the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Breaking down the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, with Barry Watson of Retold: A Harry Potter Podcast. Find it on Spotify, or wherever you listen. You can also follow him on Instagram and YouTube.

Book Recommendations - Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson, Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, and Powerless by Lauren Roberts.

Recipe: You will need: 2 cans of white beans, an onion, one carrot, 2-3 stalks of celery, 2 small peppers (any color), 1 tsp paprika, dash of salt, ½ tsp thyme or oregano, dash of pepper, 1 tsp parsley flakes. Chop the onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces. Place all ingredients into an instant pot or pressure cooker and add 2-3 cups of water. More water will result in a soupier consistency, less water will result in more of a stew. Give it a stir then set the cook time to 8 minutes. Enjoy with some fresh bread!

Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!

Artwork by @stephanieilana

Editor: Alex Schmitz

Song: Clementi Piano Sonatina Op. 36 No. 3 in C Major

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nothing like gathering with friends to share thoughts about books! Want to hear more from the Book Thots? Find them on Spotify, or wherever you listen. You can also check out their website for more info and merch. You can also follow them on Instagram.

We had two recipes for you in this episode. Bonus episode, bonus recipe!

Chocolate cake: Baking is kind of an alchemical process, and some foods really do feel magical! Today we’re whipping up a chocolate cake. You will need 3 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 6 Tbsp of cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp baking soda, 1 tsp of salt, ¾ cup of vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 2 tsp vanilla, and 2 cups of cold water. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Make 3 wells. Put each of the first 3 liquids into a separate well. Pour the two cups of water over everything and mix thoroughly. Bake for 50 minutes at 350º F. Enjoy plain or decorate with your favorite frosting!

Sidecar and mocktail:

Mocktail: 1 ounce organ juice. 2 ounces white grape juice. 1.5 tbsp lemon juice. ½ tsp vanilla extract. Orange slice and lemon twist to garnish.

Cocktail: 2 oz cognac or brandy. 1 oz orange liqueur or triple sec. Freshly squeezed lemon juice. Garnish with lemon and orange twist. Superfine sugar for the rim.

Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!

Artwork by @stephanieilana

Editor: Alex Schmitz

Song: Clementi Piano Sonatina Op. 36 No. 3 in C Major

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.