Book Reviews and Baking
Hello Friends and Family,
This blog is coming in at the end of a very exhausting, albeit exciting month. And, I can’t wait to share more good news with you soon! For now, it’s Friday, and I’m tired, so tired. But do you know what feeds my soul apart from my beautiful family? Reading, writing, and baking.
A few months ago, I started blending these three favorites into book reviews. I’ve only posted a half dozen of these reviews—Baking Book Reviews as I’ve come to call them—on Instagram, but it’s a start. My plan was to create a book review with an inspiring bite, tasty treat, or meal that reflected the book, plot, or characters. I also planned to post reviews and create eye-catching treats weekly, but that quickly got away from me. So, I decided I’ll plan to review with a baked surprise twice a month.
I’d also love to throw in a few surprises for my author friends—a sweet, homemade, baked delight for book releases. And this, in fact, is where the idea began.
My friend and critique partner, Annie Catherine, author of The Friendship Breakup, asked if I’d participate in her cover reveal and sent some sample images and ideas to share on social media. A few images featured chocolates, since the protagonist, Fallon, is a budding chocolatier dealing with the upheavals of motherhood and mom friendships. Although I loved the images, I was inspired to create. So, I replied to Annie’s email.
“Would you be open to me making my own chocolates for your cover reveal?” I wrote.
Her response was immediate. “YES! I’d love that.”
You see, I’ve posted food—Jambalaya for my husband’s birthday, pesto pasta, roast chicken dinner, homemade soups, chocolate and key-lime pies, donuts, cookies, and more on Instagram because hey, everyone likes food, right? So, Annie knew I could cook/bake and had faith in my home cooking/baking abilities although I would’ve loved to have gifted her some in person, but she lives in Chicago. This was the next best thing. I also took eye-catching photos that made the homemade items look as appetizing as possible (though I will need to invest in a better camera one day soon).
But, let’s get back to the chocolates…
You heard me, chocolates. In honor of Annie’s fantastic book, I decided to make homemade chocolate truffles because friendships, like chocolate, can be sweet and gratifying, but also messy.
If you’ve never had truffles, imagine rich, silky chocolate rolled in a myriad of toppings, including cocoa powder. I even had a little helper: my seven-year-old son, Ty. We chopped and melted three varieties of chocolate—milk, dark, and white; made glossy chocolate ganache with rich cream and fresh vanilla bean; chopped nuts; and organized an array of sprinkles and cocoa powder in bowls for decorating. Then, we mixed, chilled, dipped, and rolled. The result: delicious, colorful chocolate confections. I should know, I ate one…er two. Just two. Okay, I ate three! My son also had a few, and my husband had one. He popped an entire dark chocolate, cocoa-powdered truffle in his mouth. Need I say more? He’s hilarious.
I took copious pictures, created a collage, added my review, the description, and publication information (hint, it’s available for pre-order now and available everywhere February 2023!) The result: lots of likes, shares, and reshares from three different platforms. From there, I was inspired. I reached out to a few authors asking if they’d like to be featured in a baking book review. Responses were unanimous: yes.
I can’t wait to read more wonderful books, provide reviews to help spread the word to new readers, and bake delightful delicacies in celebration of these books and their authors. Here are a few posts/pictures of the reviews.
If you’re interested in a baking book review, please DM me. Note, I read romance (no erotica), rom-coms, light mystery with romance, women’s fiction, and fantasy. I also read picture books with my cute kiddos. Sorry, no horror, I’m a scaredy-cat!
With love,
Erica Mae