Wined, Dined and Read

I was invited by author Renee Meland to participate in this really clever blog hop, so here I am!  This is all about pairing books with food and drink, which is something I never really thought of.  But here goes…

1) If your main character were a glass of wine, which one would they be? Sara Barnes, heroine of “Dream Student,” would be a glass of Rivanna Red (a beaujolais blend from a local Virginia vineyard).  It’s fruity and smooth – easy to drink, but there’s a lot more to it than you’d think at first glance.  And her best friend, Beth, would be a variation on that wine, the Spicy Rivanna (take the Rivanna Red and add cinnamon, cloves and other spices for a unique kick).

2) Describe your book in one meal: I’d say it’s something you’d make in a crock-pot.  Maybe a really flavorful beef stew.  Just as you’ve got beef, potatoes, carrots, and probably a dozen other ingredients, all blending together for hours to make a unique combination, “Dream Student” combines humor, romance, suspense and a lot of heart to deliver a unique reading experience.

3) What candy would your book be? Ghiradelli milk chocolate.  Sweet, classy, and it leaves you wanting more.

4) What does your book smell like? “Dream Student” smells like fresh winter snow, I ‘d say.  It’s tranquil and beautiful, but also covering up what’s underneath, and maybe portending danger.

5) Your book’s snack would be: tough one.  Nachos, maybe?  Again, a lot of things mixed together, and never made exactly the same twice.

And about me…

1) Describe your most memorable meal: Paella, in Mallorca, Spain, on the last night of my Earthwatch trip.  Made by a local chef in a HUGH paella pan.  Just glorious!

2) One food word to describe your writing style: Slow-cooked.  Take a lot of different elements and genre aspects, toss them together, cover the pot and let ’em all meld together for a few hours.

3) What will someone find you eating/drinking when you’re really into a good book? Drinking?  either water or soda.  Eating?  Chips of some kind – whatever’s handy, really!

4) Sweet or Salty? Either, depending on my mood, and the time of day.  Sweet at breakfast and for dessert.  Salty at lunch and dinner.

I’ve got a couple of great authors who will be following me next Friday.  Be sure to check out:

Fran Veal

Uvi Poznansky