Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon discussion

Let's share what snacks and food we will be buying/making for ourselves during the readathon. It's fun to share recipes and try something new!

One of my favorite bookish eats is the seedcake from The Hobbit. I've made this recipe several times. The caraway, nutmeg and brandy make it delicious. It's not too sweet as it's not frosted and goes great with tea.
If you are interested in other fictional and historical recipes check out Inn at the Crossroads

A wrote: "One of my favorite bookish eats is the seedcake from The Hobbit. I've made this recipe several times. The caraway, nutmeg and brandy make it delicious. It's not too sweet as it's not frosted and go..."

Oh, this looks decadently delicious! And I have some brandy left over from Christmas wassail...hmmm...

All my snacks lately seem to be variations on fruit and cheese:
cheddar cubes and dates
sliced colby jack and oranges
goat cheese and jam with pretzel crisps

Likely readathon snacking will continue on a similar theme.

There's actually a chance I'll be traveling in the car that day (participating mostly via audiobook), in which case there may be some gas station junk food thrown in there, and almost definitely a frappe at some point.

Raquel wrote: "All my snacks lately seem to be variations on fruit and cheese:
cheddar cubes and dates
sliced colby jack and oranges
goat cheese and jam with pretzel crisps

Likely readathon snacking will continu..."

Cheeeeese! My readathons aren't readathons without cheese!!

I'm a mood reader and a mood-snacker, so I will decide closer to the Readathon what I wanna have on hand.

Is anyone else motivated by the weather? If it's an overcast Saturday I'm all about cocoa and popcorn snacks, but if it's a nice sunny day I may have some iced coffee and read in the park.

I always do cheese and crackers, usually a salad, and some random snacks.

This month I'm thinking of making a coffee cake because I have the mold for one and have never used it, but would need to buy a bit of baking supplies.

My mom gave me some sliced sourdough bread I can grab as a snack during that day with some fruit.

I need to decide on dinner and others. I will probably go to a restaurant for a late lunch and read there, deciding on the restaurant still.

Beatrice Longbottom wrote: "I'm a mood reader and a mood-snacker, so I will decide closer to the Readathon what I wanna have on hand.

Is anyone else motivated by the weather? If it's an overcast Saturday I'm all about cocoa ..."

Yes! I'm the same way! If it's raining I want hot coffee and chocolate but sunny and pretty I love some ice tea with chips and dip!

It just so happens to work out perfectly that our subscription box from Goldbelly is coming on Friday so boom, dinner for Saturday is done! And it's a weird one. I chose a New Orleans 3-month box and this is the final month. We got King Cake in February, Muffulettas in March, and now we're getting Po'boys with red beans and rice! ALLIGATOR Po'boys. I'm a bit nervous. lol.

Snack-wise - always peanut M&Ms, cheese and crackers, almonds, crudités. Going to try not to go overboard. lol.

Alligator Po'boys sound intriguing!

I'll be making a bunch of new recipes, one based on mood, and two because some relatives are coming in May to stay a few days with parents and I told them I'd cook some stuff, especially freezer goods, and help them out. They enjoy appetizers and certain foods, so I figured this would be a good time to try some new recipes. I'll also be taking some of the recipes, and frozen goods, and using for the read-a-thon, so it all works out together with good timing. Will post what turns out as favorites.

We have been having warm, sunny days so I'll definitely have sweet tea. I've been trying to eat healthier so my snacks will probably be sliced veggies, trail mix, and pumpkin seeds. But I'm hoping to pick up some pocky sticks next week and they seem like a good readathon snack. I have to have some chocolate lol!

I stocked up at the health food store on healthier crackers, chips and kombucha. Got cranberry orange scones too. Got some yummy organic plant based microwave meals as a readathon treat.

Beatrice Longbottom wrote: "Alligator Po'boys sound intriguing!"

It will be an experience! lol.

I made some mini potato skins I froze remainders of, and froze some hash brown breakfast casserole to use in the morning for breakfast. Still have a few other recipes to try that I can also freeze and munch on in small portions.

My sister-in-law gave us two huge bags of pre-shaped frozen cookie dough from her restaurant (they ordered way too much) so that is going to be on the menu for the day, otherwise, I am torn still.

That comes in handy in time on the pre-shaped cookie dough.

Alligators Po'boys Elyse do sound interesting. I think you maybe be more daring than me. Once I was ready to order alligator in New Orleans area but they did not have any at the boiling pit restaurant that day. I think I was relieved.

I have only a few days to decide what I will prep and eat. For meals I am thinking green pea salad and tomato soup. For snacks perhaps key lime custard (no pie crust) and yogurt with bananas and trail mix. And lots of tea and ice: half herbal and half black. Yep. I think that's it.

Cynda wrote: "Alligators Po'boys Elyse do sound interesting. I think you maybe be more daring than me. Once I was ready to order alligator in New Orleans area but they did not have any at the boiling pit restaur..."

Well, it's coming whether I want it or not so might as well try it! My husband had alligator at a food festival in Seattle and he said it's good.

I used to make lasagne (in the morning, because my RAT starts at 2pm), but this time I'm making a lot of tomato sauce on Friday so I can make a pizza on Saturday.

There's a particular brand of pretzel bites my cheese monger stocks that I always buy for the Readathon.

Otherwise, the weather plays a role for me too, and it's still unclear what it will be over the weekend.

The Apple Muffins I made that we have been enjoying can be found here.

I called mine Apple Harvest. Using half whole wheat and half full flour gives it a bit of a rustic crunch without it being completely wheat.

I could not find nutmeg at my local store, so substituted that with some Pumpkin Pie Spice I had in my cupboard. It made my house smell like apple pie.

Looking at the picture again, looks like she used a lot more brown sugar as the topping than I did. I sprinkled it on in small amounts. Not sure which is a better fit. It was sweet enough without all the sugar she has on there, but she may be going for a more crumble crust with her method. Your mileage may vary by preference with that.

I have a little vegetable grater that can put out shredded designs (usually sold for veggie pastas). I took some spare apple and did a few shreds of it, to top each muffin before baking. It gave it a pretty appeal.

The other change I made is I used self-rising white flour, and wheat flour, but left out the baking soda and baking powder. Most recipes call for all-purpose flours, soda and backing powder, but my mother and I always cheated and use self-rising without the additives. We've never had an issue doing this in recipes instead, and the same can be said for this one.

I saw one comment in her post saying that it would be better with nuts. Normally I'd agree, I love nuts in muffins. I really didn't find myself missing it here, though, and don't think nuts would help. You get some cooked apple in there, it's a warm and comforting filling muffin. A few pecans may be good, but again it's something to experiment with.

Black Bean Dip

Not pretty really but it's low-fat and healthy -- besides using canned black beans. Black beans are chock full of nutrition, and these are easy and filling.

From Once Upon a Chef.

In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup olive oil

Food processor, or manually chop:
2 small onions
2 green jalapeno, most seeds removed to reduce heat --- go by how much spice you like
4 large peeled cloves garlic, large chops

Put all in saucepan and cook a few minutes until very soft.

In Food processor or blender:

Add 2 cans drained black beans, or 2 cans drained seasoned black beans
Add in the sauted mix
Add in 1 1/2 tsp salt
Add 2 Tbsp Lime Juice

Mix all and serve. Wrap top with plastic wrap to put in fridge. Delicious!

*Note to self --- stop rubbing nose and eyes after working with jalapenos earlier*

:/

Beatrice Longbottom wrote: "I'm a mood reader and a mood-snacker, so I will decide closer to the Readathon what I wanna have on hand.

Is anyone else motivated by the weather? If it's an overcast Saturday I'm all about cocoa ..."

It's going to be cloudy on Saturday, but rain all Sunday. I'm set with cinnamon coffee, cocoa and Fireside tea (mix made by local tea company).

I'm planning to bake brownies this afternoon, and I have a batch of muhumara (red pepper, walnut, and pomegranate molasses spread) and some Wasa crispbread on hand. Plenty of tea , of course, and a bottle of wine.

I'm preppping a stew today, for dinner tomorrow. Since this thing starts after lunch for me (timezones, yay) I am getting myself some strawberries, dried apricots and 72% chocolate as a snack. Maybe some yoghurt drops (candy) too...

I bought a lot of unhealthy snacks, but I balance it with veggies and dried fruit - I'll be making apple and pear chips later today.

The readathon starts at 12h for me, and for actual food I will probably order some delivery. I just have to decide from where I'll be ordering!

I want to try some muffins recipes, but I'm still not sure if 1) I am actually going to do it and 2) which kind of muffins it will be. We'll see!

I have been newly diagnosed with diabetes so I’m going to be doing healthy snacks and tea instead of soda. If anyone has any snack ideas for diabetics, I would love and appreciate your input. Being new to it I’m just learning. I’m going to miss my red vines and M&M’s. *sigh* Thank you.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "*Note to self --- stop rubbing nose and eyes after working with jalapenos earlier*

:/"

Oh I've tangled with jalapenos too!

Wulfwyn wrote: "I have been newly diagnosed with diabetes so I’m going to be doing healthy snacks and tea instead of soda. If anyone has any snack ideas for diabetics,

Nothing sucks more to being newly diagnosed to something, as you have to first come to terms with it in your mind/feelings AND have to adjust immediately while you still don't know what your doing.... Been there! But you can do it!

What about some nice dark chocolate? Mix it off with (unsalted) crunchy nuts, so you won't eat to many of the chocolate.

This is just for munching while reading, but when you need a break you can do a salmon and cottage cheese omelette. Mix two eggs, some milk, a bunch of dried herbs and spices (dill, parsely, sereh, lemon zest and pink pepper). When done, put it on your plate add smoked salmon, cottage cheese and some lemon zest + juice, roll it and enjoy!

Hummus and veggies is always nice too. Slice some carrots or cucumber into sticks, have some of those cherry tomatoes too if you like them. Dip your veggie sticks in hummus and nom on the cherries inbetween.

I'm afraid I just picked up some naughty snacks - bridge mix, frozen orange cream bars, and cheddar jalapeno popcorn.

Considering the past week is the first time I've gone INSIDE a grocery store in over a year (my area is great for curbside pickup), I'm treating myself this readathon. Hopefully, I'll be able to limit the sugar or I will just get sleepy!

Planned meals are a veggie omelette (premade tonight) for breakfast, a big salad for lunch, and bean stew (just took it out of the freezer) with sourdough bread for dinner.

Everyone's recipes/suggestions look delicious!

So most of my food will be snackish. I got a veggie platter, meat/cheese/crackers, grapes and apples, fruit bowl (strawberries, blueberries and watermelon), chips, sunflower seeds and nuts, chocolate, some candy options, Iced tea, soda, & juice, deviled eggs, chili cheese tater tots, frozen fruit juice bars & hubby said he'll grab some subs and smoothies for dinner.

A wrote: "One of my favorite bookish eats is the seedcake from The Hobbit. I've made this recipe several times. The caraway, nutmeg and brandy make it delicious. It's not too sweet as it's not frosted and go..."

I made this seedcake today. It's yummy! It will be my mid-morning snack with tea tomorrow.

I didn't do as much planning ahead on food as I meant to, but I did make a batch of peach gelatin (pureed a can of peaches, and used plain gelatin) and a small batch of crispy baked cheese (https://www.joyfulabode.com/low-carb-...). We also have a lot of dried fruit and trail mix kind of stuff around right now.

If I need more snacks I'll throw together a quick batch of garlic cream cheese dip or more baked crispy cheese.

For meals, my husband was talking about picking up pizza, and we'll probably just cobble together some leftovers for the other meal, or make something simple like grilled cheese. (Breakfast kind of doesn't count--I'll just eat the gelatin or snack stuff, and my husband will fend for himself as well. Though I do have some leftover pancake batter in the fridge, so maybe I should turn that into a baked pancake...)

everything with cheese sounds amazing to me

Gerardine wrote: "everything with cheese sounds amazing to me"

Cheese is a must for me

this is my snack extravaganza. no meals just snacks. I use this special time to try new snacks. this year with the usual hummus and carrots I'm noshing a savory wasabi mix with wasabi beer nuts and rice crackers. my sweet treat is strawberry greek yogurt drizzled kettle corn from boom chicka pop. I also got some Italian ice pops and some chameleon cold brew and a gallon of water. back to the books

I had these calzones for supper and they were so good! Plus they are handheld so you can keep your hands free for reading!
http://www.kitschencat.com/ricotta-sp...

earlier i made myself an almond milk matcha latte to give me that afternoon boost! for a snack i had the last few pieces of a trader joe’s cheese tray with crackers, so good!

I made the Hobbit Seed Cake. Tastes good but needed 10 minutes LESS in the oven. More a scone now than a cake. Still good though.

Having some cinnamon coffee with lots of cream now.

Here's my recipe for the Bingo score. My Mom makes it and uses the blender to mix it.

Chai Tea Instant Mix

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer
2-1/2 cups sugar (can use Splenda)
1-1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cardamom

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. In a blender or food processor bowl, place 1 cup at a time, and process until mixture is blended and the particles are fine.

To make: Add 2 heaping serving tablespoons Chai tea mixture to a mug of boiling water and stir to mix well.

If you want a mix for anybody, leave out the instant tea. When making up, add 1 tsp. instant tea or Folgers Instant Coffee to the mug. Add the mix and the water.

For a from scratch recipe, try this.
Masala Chai

1-1/2 cups water
1 inch stick of cinnamon
8 cardamom pods
8 whole cloves
2/3 cup milk
6 tsp. sugar (or to taste)
3 teaspoons any unperfumed loose black tea

Put 1-1/2 cups water in saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the milk and sugar and bring to a simmer again. Throw in the tea leaves, cover, and turn off the heat. After 2 minutes, strain the tea into two cups and serve immediately.

From Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking, Barron's, New York, p. 196 (1983).

I usually always stick with the same readathon meals and snacks, but this time I am pregnant with my second kiddo and craving ALL the carbs, so I tried this recipe for blueberry muffins, and they are the best by far that I have ever made! I thought I'd share in case anyone else wants to try them.

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/blu...

This is one of my all time favorite desserts. It is really rich so only have small servings, but it is an all time favorite:

Revel Bars

Oatmeal Mixture:
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 ½ tsp. salt
3 cups oatmeal

Filling:
8 Tbsp. cocoa powder (-1/2 cup)
4 Tbsp. oil
1 can sweetened condense milk (14 oz. or 1 ¼ cup)

Mix together the 8 ingredients of Oatmeal Mixture. Spread ½ of the mixture in a 9X13 greased pan. Mix together filling ingredients and pour over oatmeal mixture in pan. Dot remaining ½ of oatmeal mixture over filling. Bake about 25 minutes at 350 F. (180 C.).