8 unexpected novels that feature recipes (that aren’t food fiction) – Modern Mrs Darcy
Finding a novel with a recipe is one of my favorite bookish delights. Recipes are easy enough to come by when reading food fiction but here I’m talking about novels that include a recipe or two at the end without being set in the food world. As someone who loves to bake and cook (with mixed results), I adore finding a recipe at the end of a novel.
You may remember me yapping all about cozy mysteries on the blog before (and how many of those feature recipes) or reading Anne’s great roundup of 20 fantastic and flavorful food fiction reads. However, since recipes are a main ingredient in food fiction and cozy mysteries, novels in other genres that include unexpected food details are a joy. I find that type of recipe to be a special surprise at the end, like the toy prize in a box of cereal.
Sometimes the recipe gives more insight into the story and other times the recipe in question is referenced throughout the pages. This makes a whole lot of sense since meals are often part of memorable moments. Discovering a variety of tales over the years from romance, mystery, horror, and historical fiction that feature a delish dish has been quite the bookish treat. I often will make the recipe if the ingredients are simple or I happen to have most of them on hand. Most have been a hit but some have been a fail. I may not make every recipe I come across but I always make sure to jot it down or take a picture to reference later.
Funny enough, in my experience, shortbread cookies seem to be the most popular recipe to include in a novel. Perhaps it is the simplicity of the few ingredients needed to make them or the ease of adding tasty mix-ins? Either way, I’m not complaining. Those of you who love to bake will find not one, not two, but three different titles with shortbread cookie recipes below.
Of course, this list is by no means a full course menu of all the delectable reads with recipes. So please make sure to dish all about your favorite novels with recipes (that aren’t food fiction) in the comments below.
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This touching romance includes a Chai recipe perfect for a modern-day Pride and Prejudice retelling. But that is not the only literary nod, as romantic Shakespeare quotes and references abound. I thoroughly swooned by the end of Ayesha and Khalid’s tale and enjoyed learning about their Muslim Canadian community’s vibrant traditions. (This is not surprising since I watched Bride & Prejudice on repeat about 20 years ago.) Plus, there is a scene between Ayesha and Khalid that is very reminiscent of THE “hand flex”, which I am still thinking about years after reading. (Chaste.) More info →
I was immediately intrigued by the opening scene of this juicy tale of friendship and secrets. This follows Boo, Simi, and Ronke, three Anglo-Nigerian friends living in London. Their lives are soon upended when Isobel, a friend from Simi’s past, enters the group’s dynamics. I totally see the Sex & The City comparisons but I kept thinking of similarities to Big Little Lies and Bad Summer People. While the ending may not have been my favorite, it definitely leaves much to ponder and discuss. The recipes for Ronke’s Jollof Rice and Chicken Stew, and her Aunty K’s Moin-Moin had me craving a home-cooked meal with family. More info →
An eerie, strange tale with creepy cocktail recipes appropriately named The Corpse Reviver and The Honeydew or Die. When an open and unmarked grave suddenly appears in the local cemetery, a group of nightshift workers band together to investigate. Strange secrets ensue. The print copy is hauntingly beautiful and fabulous to read in the fall while enjoying one of the drinks and listening to the recommended playlist to really set the spinetingling mood. (I particularly liked The Corpse Reviver!) While I always appreciate the short length of novellas, this might have benefitted from being a longer story. Content warnings apply. More info →
Vanessa Riley writes such lush historical romances filled with detail and care! This is the second in the Rogues and Remarkable Women series but I speak from experience when I say it can be read as a standalone. It’s got shipwrecks, amnesia, exciting covert missions, adorable chapter titles, and fantastic dual perspective between the main characters, Jemina and Daniel. The author’s note at the end shares much of Riley’s research into the Regency era and is so informative. I loved making a batch of Daniel’s favorite currant and caraway shortbread biscuits that he brings on a picnic with Jemina. Plus, it is absolutely awesome on audio narrated by one of my all time favs, Bahni Turpin. (Closed door.) More info →
Recommended to me by team member Leigh, I completely adored this contemporary MM romance novella! It follows book restorer Edwin over a few particularly rainy flood days that bring environmental engineer Adam into his life. The immersive writing was tender and the details of Edwin’s work with old books and ephemera were delightfully nerdy. I was rooting for these two to find happiness together so hard! The slight humor was great, including the hilarious inclusion of Edwin’s not-always-successful elderflower wine recipe. This one was fantastic on audio read by Will Watt, making me realize I have not read enough Alexis Hall books. (Closed door.) More info →
A book club darling for good reason, this dual timeline historical fiction bounces between modern day and late 1700s London. Caroline is unexpectedly alone for her wedding anniversary and makes a surprise discovery while on a mudlarking tour in the Thames. An old apothecary vial sparks this touching tale into motion. I had a wonderful time chatting about the setting, plot, and themes with my book club a few years back. The characters may sell murderous poison to women in dire circumstances, but I assure you the recipe for Rosemary Shortbread is delicious, not deadly. More info →
Cozy mysteries often include recipes since the main characters frequently work in food — owning a bakery, running a restaurant, catering, or managing coffee shops. That is not the case for this first in a long-running series which instead centers on Lori, a former book restorer who lost her job to budget cuts and is currently working as a temp. The book opens with Lori discovering the Aunt Dimity of her mother’s bedtime stories was actually a real person who left her a large inheritance. Of course, it comes with the stipulation that Lori investigate an old mystery stemming from Dimity’s letters with her mother, Beth. While Lori is getting to the bottom of it all, the recipe for Beth’s oatmeal cookie makes its way to her. Fans of mysteries without murder will delight in this whimsical and slightly magical tale. The premise, humor, and quirky characters are wonderfully similar in tone to The Gilmore Girls. (Paging Amy Sherman-Palladino to adapt this one!) More info →
All the Christmastime feels abound in this historical romance anthology. Each tale features possibly magical shortbread cookies (even if they are slightly burnt), a handsome Duke, and a guaranteed happily ever after. I picked this up because I saw Tessa Dare’s name on the cover. I am happy to report that her Meet Me in Mayfair was my favorite of the collection. She always writes top-notch banter with clever premises and swoony-worthy love stories. Add in the festive setting and I had a merry old time reading this! (Open door.) More info →
What are your favorite novels that feature recipes (that aren’t food fiction)? Have you tried the recipe? Please share in the comments.
Brigid Misselhorn is our MMD Book Club Community Administrator. Her go-to genres are mystery, romance, and sci-fi. You can find Brigid on Instagram @brigid_emily.
