Book + Beverage: Winter 2022
Photo by Lauren Farrauto.
The Book
Read Island By Nicole Magistro
If you eagerly revisit this section every issue in search of a new book recommendation to get your hands on, you probably have a deep-rooted love of stories. Nicole Magistro’s new book Read Island celebrates the power stories have on us all, even the youngest minds.
A young girl, a fox and a mouse embark on an adventure across the sea to Read Island, where their other animal friends await them, storybooks in hand. Children who pick up this book will be in awe of the whimsical nature of Read Island, reflected in Alice Feagan’s illustrations which are reminiscent of classic storybook tales. The adults who read along will be flooded with nostalgia for the time they used to explore new stories and hear about new places.
Never fear, this magic is not lost. For Magistro proclaims, “the world of stories, safe and true, is always here to welcome you.” So, draw your loved ones close and get lost in a new book.
The Beverage
D.I.Y. Hot Chocolate Jars
Like the animals in Read Island, gathering to share quality time with friends and family creates a safe, cozy space for everyone to partake in. Why not add a nice hot chocolate that can be made and enjoyed by the whole family to the mix? In the spirit of the holidays, the beverage for this issue makes for the perfect family craft or a gift for loved ones.
To make these sweet + festive hot chocolate jars you will need:
A clear jar
About a cup of sugar
About a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups of chocolate chips
1 cup of marshmallows
1 cup of crushed peppermints or candy canes
And any other hot chocolate toppings you desire
Ribbon or a gift tag, if you’re planning to gift the jar
Starting with the first ingredient and working down the list, add each ingredient into the jar in even layers. If you’re a perfectionist like me, you can use a piece of tape to remove any excess powder that sticks to the sides of the jar, providing a more polished look. If you’re giving the jar as a gift, put the lid back on and add the ribbon and gift tag. When you’re ready to make the drink, combine all the ingredients except the toppings in a pot of warm milk and mix until everything is well combined. Add your desired toppings and enjoy!
Originally published in the Winter 2021-22 issue of Spoke+Blossom.