October definitely is when soup season kicks into high gear. In Patrick Rothfuss’ fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle, Kvothe poses as an innkeeper at the Waystone Inn and apparently is a mean cook. This vegetable soup recipe is one I’ve created based on the description of the one he prepares for his patrons at harvest…
If you’ve visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, you may know that a tasty glass of pumpkin juice is one of the beverages available around the park. You may NOT have tried the pumpkin fizz though, as it doesn’t seem to be advertised quite as much. It ended up being one…
Happy October! Here’s a quick and easy Cthulhu cake or cupcake (cthupcake?) decorating idea for your Halloween or Lovecraft-inspired party. I just kept this really simple and went with a box yellow cake mix and buttercream frosting. A can of frosting from the store will also do just fine, it’s just nowhere near as tasty.…
Many of us are getting excited about fall now that it’s September, but technically it’s still summer and I know some of you want to hold onto that as long as you can. This post is for you! I offer you a drink that is refreshing and spicy, which I think is perfect for this…
Tomorrow is September 1! The day Hogwarts goes back to school and, this year, the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone being released in the U.S. To celebrate both, I’ve made Harry’s favorite dessert: treacle tart! If you’re like most Americans and have no idea what the hell a treacle tart is…
Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! I’ve decided to celebrate Harry’s birthday here on Cask & Quill each year with a theme from each successive book by year. Last year I made cupcake versions of Hagrid’s birthday cake for Harry, from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This year isn’t quite as nice. We have to commemorate Harry’s…
Dorne has a beautiful place by the sea called the Water Gardens. It’s where Prince Doran hangs out most of the time, while nursing his gout. If you’re hoping to live a bit like a Dornish prince (minus the gout, hopefully), keep reading for an easy and delicious Dornish snack or simple meal, fit for…
It’s the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! To celebrate, I’m sharing a muggle version of a potion we first meet in that book… Polyjuice Potion can be handy in a tight spot. We see it used a number of times throughout Harry Potter’s experience at Hogwarts. Quite a bit of…
In Middle-earth, the elves drink Miruvor as a rejuvenating beverage, almost like we might have an energy drink. But better. It’s warming and renews strength. Elrond gives a supply to Gandalf, which he then doles out to the Fellowship on Caradhras in sips to warm them up. Sounds life-giving, no? No one knows exactly how…
Amortentia. A powerful love potion. We first run across it in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when Professor Slughorn is having his students identify a group of potions he’s brewed. Let’s head down to the potions classroom and listen in… “It’s the most powerful love potion in the world!” said Hermione.…
We’re all familiar with the toast of champagne at midnight on New Year’s Eve, right? Pop. Fizz. Clink. Sip. Got it. Cue the “Auld Lang Syne” (thanks, Robert Burns!). Unless you’re springing for some quality bubbles you might find your sparkling wine a little dull, especially if you’re planning to have more than one fluteful.…