Maw Books » Author Recipes

Why I Love Twitter

Natasha Maw — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:54:17 +0000

I had wanted to post this last week but I barely downloaded photos off of my camera. Before Thanksgiving I was reading The Dark Divine By Bree Despain, a Young Adult paranormal romance which I enjoyed (review to come). In the book , Grace, our main character makes a caramel apple pie.

Yum!! It sounded delicious! I stopped right there, got on Twitter and within the next ten minutes had the recipe in my hands and 24-hours later was enjoying the same pie from the book.

How did that pie turn out?

I served the pie to my book club and drizzed Butterscotch caramel on each piece. Yum!!! I loved the topping. Bree has since posted the recipe on her blog, so go get the recipe, and when her book The Dark Divine comes out right before Christmas, go read it, and have some pie on the ready so you can have a slice when you get to part where Grace bakes some up. You won’t regret it.

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24 Hour Read-a-thon Edition: Roasted Vegetables from Picture Book Author, Kim Norman

Natasha Maw — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:50:04 +0000

Today is the 24-Hour Read-a-thon and while I was unable to participate, I hope everybody who is currently reading their hearts out are having a great time!! Last read-a-thon, I featured two author recipes Sara Zarr’s breakfast smoothie and Susan McBride’s Tomato-Mozzarella Pesto Sandwich. So yummy. So I thought it would be fun to share another recipe during the read-a-thon today.

It’s just about dinner time here in Utah, so I wanted to share with you a to die for yummy vegetable side dish which I just gobbled up after making it and my husband begged me to make more just a week later. In my interview with picture book author Kim Norman, she shared with us roasted vegetables including carrots, potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes to which I added parsnips and red pepper. It’s the easiest thing ever. Basically chop, chop chop, drizzle with olive oil (I used a garlic flavored oil), sprinkle with kosher salt (I didn’t have any) and cook in the oven.

The progress:

This was actually my first time having both parsnips and turnips (I know!) and they were so delicious. I’ve made this at least twice now and the flavor is unbelievable. Thank you so much Kim!

So what do you think? Let me know if you make this one (likely after you’ve recovered from the 24-Hour Read-a-Thon). Recipe details again.

Links of Interest: Maw Books interview with Kim Norman, Crocodaddy book review (which by the way is nominated for a Cybils),Kim Norman website.

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Guest Post from Hannah of WordLily: Author Recipe, Leslie Patricelli’s Espresso and Cardamom Rub

Natasha Maw — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:40:52 +0000

I’m really excited to have Hannah from Word Lily on my blog today featuring one of the yummy author recipes! Today’s recipe is a Espresso and Cardamom Rub which was shared with us in my interview with Leslie Patricelli whom has the most adorable board books ever. I love them! Unfortunately, I don’t love coffee so I am thrilled that Hannah does and was gracious enough to give us the low-down! Hannah . . .

When I first looked at the Espresso and Cardamom Rub recipe on Maw Books Blog after saying I’d try it out, I was a little bit confused: It’s called an espresso and cardamom rub, but the recipe didn’t have any cardamom! Well, this was confusing, but also unacceptable.

I was excited to try it because my husband and I both quite like coffee and cardamom. Sounds like a good fit, right?

I tracked down the original recipe, and found that it did contain cardamom:

ESPRESSO AND CARDAMOM RUB for beef, pork and chicken thighs and legs
1/4 c finely ground espresso roast coffee
1/4 c kosher sea salt
1/4 c packed dark brown sugar
3 T hot paprika
1 T ground cardamom
1 T ground ginger
2 t garlic powder

I had to substitute for the hot paprika because I couldn’t find any. Gourmet Sleuth recommended substituting Hungarian Paprika plus a pinch of cayenne, so that’s what I did.

I measured all the ingredients into a bowl and

stirred it all together (breaking up the small but inevitable clumps of brown sugar).

Once the dry rub was assembled, I realized I didn’t quite know how to use one! ChefTalk to the rescue this time. A rub, it stated, “is a massage given to meat, seafood, fowl — even vegetables — immediately before cooking or a few hours prior to grilling.” We poured about half of the rub into a smaller bowl, sprinkled it onto the steaks and then my husband rubbed it into both sides of two 1-pound-plus sirloins steaks.

We let the dry-rubbed steaks rest until the grill was hot, which wasn’t very long.

We had about half of the rub left (or maybe a bit more), which I stored in a jar with a tight-fitting lid (as instructed).

We were surprised that the flavor wasn’t stronger than it was. I found it quite flavorful, it’s just that we expected it to be more so. It was definitely yummy! I think next time we use the rub, we’ll apply it further ahead of time so the rub has more time to permeate the meat. I think I also was probably a bit shy on my use of cayenne to supplement my normal paprika — I’ve been burned by cayenne a few times, and I didn’t want to use too much — I’m guessing the pinch suggested by the experts is in addition to normal amounts for spices, in the 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon range, whereas this recipe called for 3 tablespoons. Instead of a just a few shakes, I probably should have used a more measurable amount, because the heat didn’t really come through at all for us.

Thanks for a great recipe, and a new cooking experience, Leslie Patricelli and Natasha!

Visit Hanna at her blog Word Lily. Visit Leslie Patricelli’s website, check out her books, and read the author interview.

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World War II Rationed Chocolate Cake from Mary Ann Rodman, Author of Jimmy’s Stars

Natasha Maw — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:30:05 +0000

You may remember me recently blogging about how I made tomato aspic for my Children’s Literature Book Club when we read World War II themed books. Tomato aspic was eaten by the characters in the book Jimmy’s Stars by Mary Ann Rodman, so even though I knew it would be nasty I couldn’t help making it. Mary Ann knew it was unlikely that I would actually tomato aspic, so during our author interview, she also included a recipe for a family recipe for a chocolate cake, which was a popular holdover from World War II rationing. I knew my book club wouldn’t appreciate tomato aspic being the only refreshment, so I also made the cake!

In this photo the chocolate and milk are being mixed in a double boiler.

Afterwards, it’s blended with the dry ingredients and I baked it in a bunt pan.

The funny thing was that the recipe said to sift the flour not once, not twice but four times! After sifting it twice, I mentioned on Twitter than my hand was seriously aching. Everybody said to stop sifting and move on! Move on, I did.

Mary Ann Rodman also provided a glaze recipe and I obviously didn’t know how to drizzle it on, as I totally overdid it and it pooled all over the plate. But I’m creative! I just covered it with strawberries.

Overall, it was an okay cake. The taste was great but it was on the dry side. I honestly don’t know if it was the fault of the baker (which would be easy) or the fault of the recipe. But nobody complained!

Our book club has a reputation of themed refreshments and everybody seemed impressed I could come up with a World War II ration cake. Making a recipe like this would be fun for kids who are learning about the home front during World War II or other such historical fiction books. I said the same thing when I made Shauna Burg’s Butter Bean cookies, but it’s true, it’s so much fun to make a connection in such a tangible way!

Links of interest: Maw Books review for Jimmy’s Stars by Mary Ann Rodman, author interview, part 1 and part 2, and the nasty tomato aspic photos. Mary Ann Rodman’s website.
Jimmy’s Stars is available from your local independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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Tomato Aspic from Mary Ann Rodman’s, Jimmy’s Stars – Perhaps Our Nastiest Author Recipe to Date

Natasha Maw — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:02:39 +0000

When the characters in Mary Ann Rodman’s novel, Jimmy’s Stars, ate tomato aspic I asked Mary Ann for the recipe simply out of curiosity. When she gave it, I knew there was no way I was going to be making it. Mary Ann herself was gagging over the mayonnaise garnish. But I hosted my Children’s Literature Book Club this past month and chose World War II as the theme and included Jimmy’s Stars. I knew right away that not only would this be a perfect time to make the tomato aspic but it would be a great challenge as well..

The ingredients. Yes, that would be tomato, celery, gelatin, cayenne, salt, lemon juice, lettuce, and mayonnaise. It can’t get any better than that.

The tomatoes and celery ready to boil together.

After it’s boiled, gelatin added and put in the mold to form.

Perhaps the grossest photo I’ve ever shared on the blog. Served atop lettuce and garnished with mayo.

SO! During my book club meeting I asked for two volunteers who would be willing to try a dish that they ate from the book. Most immediately though of the tongue they ate. Another thought it was the salmon pea wiggle. Two brave book clubbers volunteered before they knew what they’d be trying.

And to gross you out even more, here they are taking a bite. Notice. I said bite. After one bite each, they both had to run to the sink for water.

My husband took a bite later and literally gagged. I had a hard enough time making it, I didn’t try it at all.

Truly, the most disgusting dish I’ve ever made. I’d link you over to the recipe, but seriously who would make this anyways? Well, okay, maybe if you’re like me and reading Jimmy’s Stars as part of our book club reading, then maybe, just maybe you might be tempted too.

On a better note, I did make a rationed chocolate cake for book club (I’m seriously impressed with myself with keeping up with our book clubs themed food) which is also a recipe that came from Mary Ann Rodman. Post coming up for that soon. Edited to add link to chocolate cake recipe!

I dare ya. I dare one of ya to waste perfectly good tomatoes, celery, lettuce, and mayo on such a dish. Any takers?!

Links of interest: Maw Books review for Jimmy’s Stars by Mary Ann Rodman and author interview, part 1 and part 2. Mary Ann Rodman’s website.
Jimmy’s Stars is available from your local independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

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Guest Post from Cindy of Cindy Loves Books: Author Recipe, Michael Lee West’s Grand Marnier Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Natasha Maw — Mon, 25 May 2009 17:06:33 +0000

I’d like to welcome Cindy from Cindy’s Love of Books in a great guest post today! I’m really excited to have her with us today because she’s sharing a really yummy author recipe with us today! I reviewed Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West and in that book, the characters attend a party in which Grand Marnier Chocolate Covered Strawberries are served. One of the characters even attempts to sabotage them with Valium! In my interview with Michael Lee West I asked her to share a recipe with us and she graciously shared with us the Grand Marnier Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries. I’m excited that Cindy wanted to make the strawberries and share them with us.

So let’s turn the post over to Cindy!

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When I first saw Natasha’s comments on twitter looking for a fellow blogger to help her out I decided without hesitation to offer my assistance. Not that it had anything to do with the recipe she was offering, which just happens to be my favorite chocolate covered strawberries.

I went and grabbed the recipe to print from the blog and was reading it over. I wanted to make sure that I had everything and what I didn’t I would go out and buy. When I saw that I needed a syringe I began to wonder how could I possibly get a syringe. Honestly I have never needed one so I had no clue how to go about it. After calling my pharmacy I was told I could buy one from them.

My plan was to make them for Easter but I was unable to make them. I had told my friend that I was making them and she said to keep some for her. That night I had called her to tell her I burned my hand and funny enough she thought I burned it will making the chocolate covered strawberries. Sadly no that wasn’t the case, I didn’t burn my hand that way. With not being able to make them for Easter I was wondering when I would get the chance to make them, although I really didn’t need a reason to make them, who doesn’t like chocolate covered strawberries? The next chance would be my son’s birthday party that we had with family which was this past weekend.

Putting the Grand Marnier in was the easiest part. After two failed chocolate burnings and setting the alarms off I quickly decided to use a double boiler to melt the chocolate. Which worked really well. If you happen to make this then I suggest using this method. It was easy and no chocolate was burned.

The adults loved the Grand Marnier Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries and were surprised to discover that the Grand Marnier was inside the strawberries. They thought that it was in the mixed into the chocolate. I also made alchol free chocolate covered strawberries for the younger ones. Everyone loved it and I keep getting asked to make more which I will be doing in the summer with the fresh local strawberries.

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Thanks Cindy! It looks like a great success! Special thank you to Cindy of Cindy’s Love of Books for today’s guest post, do go check out her great blog!

Links of interest: The Grand Marnier Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe. Maw Books interview with Michael Lee West, book review of Mermaids in the Basement. Mermaids in the Basement is available from your local independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon. Michael Lee West website.

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Close to Perfect Chocolate Pie from Ingrid Law, Newbery Honor Author of Savvy (The Special Birthday Edition)

Natasha Maw — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:03:43 +0000

When I recently interviewed Newbery Honor author Ingrid Law about her debut and award winning novel Savvy (book review), I asked her about cake. Mibs, our young main character, wants the perfect cake for her birthday – a cake with pink and yellow frosting, and perfect sugar roses – which isn’t really asking for much because her mothers savvy is being perfect. Sadly, Mibs birthday doesn’t go as planned and she doesn’t get that perfect birthday cake. So I asked Ingrid Law if she was the type of mom who would buy a cake from scratch, out of a box, or from the store. You can see her answer in my interview. Luckily, Ingrid shared with us a Close to Perfect Chocolate Pie recipe that is the perfect combination of “from scratch” and out of a box. When I saw how easy it was I knew I had the perfect pie to celebrate the upcoming birthday in our family – my little boy turning two!

The following photo is all the ingredients for the pie. The recipe said to make your own Nilla wafer pie crust, but hey, I’m a woman of convenience and just bought it instead! Basically, you take one box of instant chocolate and vanilla pudding and mix it with 1 1/2 cups of milk. Add two cups of softened ice cream, pour into pie shell, chill and serve.

My three year old helped make the pie while his brother was taking a nap. Between the two of us it took less than ten minutes to make. Easy! My little guy insisted upon doing everything by himself. And the beauty of this recipe was that he could!

And it’s done! The tin foil plate isn’t the prettiest but who cares!

The birthday boy really excited!

We served the pie with fresh cut strawberries with a little whip cream on top. Seriously, so yummy! Blowing out the candles:

I have no idea what’s up with this face.

We had a wonderful and simple birthday celebration and the yummy chocolate pudding pie made it completely stress free. I will definitely make it again! Thank you Ingrid Law!

Ingrid Law’s website and blog.
Maw Books Savvy book review and interview with Ingrid Law (including the recipe for the chocolate pie).
Savvy is available from your local independent bookstore, Powell’s, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Enjoy this post? More recipes from your favorite authors.

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24 Hour Read-a-thon Edition: Tomato-Mozzarella Pesto Sandwich from Susan McBride, Author of The Debs

Natasha Maw — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:19:12 +0000

We are about to hit the half-way mark for Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon now and it’s time for a good meal! I’ve got the perfect tomato-mozarella pesto sandwich for you to try out! This recipe comes from Susan McBride, author of the young adult novel The Debs. I have the ARC of the sequel Loves, Lies and Texas Dips which comes out in June in my read-a-thon pile and I hope I can pull off reading it today. So it seems only fitting to share this sandwich with you.

In my author interview with Susan she said, “My favorite sandwich is a take-off of the Whole Foods tomato-mozzarella pesto sandwich, which I make at home. Use whole grain bread and cover one side with tomato slices and slabs of fresh mozzarella. Then spread the other piece of bread with thin layers of soy mayo and pesto. Smoosh it all together, slice and eat. It’s yummy!”

Seriously, SO yummy! I ate this for like a week straight when I made this! And I’m about to go make it right now. So consider this your reminder to go eat a good, healthy meal and good luck continuing on with the read-a-thon!

Visit Susan McBride’s website.

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24 Hour Read-a-thon Edition: Yummy Breakfast Smoothie from Sara Zarr, National Book Award Author

Natasha Maw — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:28:54 +0000

Mmmm . . . If you are just waking up or have already been up for a few hours or all day, this smoothie is the perfect start for Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon!

When I interviewed Sara Zarr, author of Sweethearts and Story of a Girl, I, as always, asked Sara to share a favorite recipe with us. Sara responded by saying, “I’m a breakfast lover and advocate, and think the world would be a happier, healthier place if everyone had a good breakfast.” And so she gave us her favorite smoothie. You can find the full recipe on my author interview (towards the end), but it really can’t get any easier.

You’ve seen this photo plenty, but what the heck, it’s always worth posting again!

Blend and enjoy!

So, if you’re participating in the 24 Hour Read-a-thon (or not) I encourage you to go make your own smoothie right now. They are fast, easy, and a healthy choice to keep you refreshed and ready to face the fact that you are crazy enough to stay awake for 24 hours and read together with all the other crazies.

Seriously. Now. Go. Make.

Sara Zarr’s website (and while you’re there check out the book cover for her upcoming novel, Once Was Lost.)

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Lemon Linguine from Newbery Honor Author, Kirby Larson

Natasha Maw — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:45:59 +0000

Kirby Larson is the Newbery Honor author of Hattie Big Sky and co-author with Mary Nethery of Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival. I interviewed Kirby this past September about both books and of course received a recipe from Kirby. While there are a couple of recipes found at the back of Hattie Big Sky (which I hope to make at some point), the recipe that Kirby shared with us is a Larson family favorite: lemon linguine.

After Hurricane Katrina, Kirby went to New Orleans to help with rebuilding. She said, “As one of the men I met when I went to Houma, Louisiana, to help rebuild houses after Hurricane Katrina said: “That’s good eatin’!”

Kirby’s recipe for lemon linquine is really simple: Cook 1 lb. linguine, toss with ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, the juice of 2 lemons, the zest of 1 lemon, a bunch of fresh chopped parsley, and a large handful of chopped green onions. Serve with tons of grated parmesan cheese (and salt and pepper to taste).

Let me tell you, this dish was delicious! It’s one that I will definitely make again.

My ingredients ready to be tossed with the cooked linguine:

And below is the finished product! How easy was that? I added artichoke hearts in, because seriously, who doesn’t love artichoke hearts? They went beautifully. I also added some shrimp as well. I actually hate shrimp, so it was just my husband’s serving. But they do look good.

Is it kid friendly? Yes! My kids both had seconds. I actually think my oldest had thirds. They seriously were shoveling it in.

There were plenty of leftovers and we had it for lunch the next day as well. Kirby is right. This is “good eatin’!”

Visit Kirby Larson’s website, my author interview, and book reviews of Hattie Big Sky and Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival. If you’d like more recipes submitted by authors and their books, check out the author recipes archives.

So who’s hungry?!

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