Page 17 - A Literary Holiday Cookbook

an elegant dessert. It should be fun, and you should be able to look

at the recipe and think, I can do this!

That’s why, within these pages, you’ll find recipes written for a variety

of skill levels. The Mouse King Cheese Bites from “The Nutcracker”

(page 55) are just right for those looking for a fun, festive, ultra-easy
dish. The Loamhedge Nutbread from Redwall (page 97) lets you dip

your toes into breadmaking, while the Rustic Whole Wheat Bread
from Little Women (page 37) lets you dive in deep. For those familiar

with cake-making and hungry for a challenge, the Chocolate

Strawberry Opera Cake from The Phantom of the Opera (page 203)
is four recipes in one—joconde sponge, homemade strawberry

syrup, almond buttercream, and ganache.

Yet even the challenging recipes are designed to still feel

approachable for anyone looking to learn a new skill. Each recipe is

broken down into clear, digestible steps, with techniques and terms
clarified for anyone who might be unfamiliar. The whole wheat bread

mentioned earlier gives detailed instructions for shaping your loaf,
and even the opera cake is broken down into easy steps. The

roasted turkey and goose recipes don’t involve brining, trussing, or

elaborate stuffing. Instead, I went for glazes, spice rubs, and
aromatics—easy ways to elevate such dishes from plain to elegant.

In short, no matter who you are or whether you know how to
chiffonade basil, there is a place for you at this holiday table. Take a

seat next to Jo March and Aslan, let Gandalf pour you a drink, and
join all the beasts of Redwall in a festive song. The holidays are

here!

—Alison