It’s hard to keep going when you’re running on empty, or worse, fumes. As a recovering perfectionist, it’s hard to take a moment to pause and breathe. Here’s some of my favorite books and shows that keep me going when I start feeling like I’m losing my spark.
Maybe something here will inspire you, too?
Shows that feature some tasty treats!
Delicious in Dungeon
A cartoon dungeon delver where the heroes meet a dungeon-dwelling dwarf who teaches them how to fend for (and feed) themselves using resources and monsters.
Bon Appetit, Your Majesty
A young woman, determined to become a Michelin star chef, is transported back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. There, she cooks for her life and finds love along the way.
What I’ve Been Reading
Thanks to libraries and audiobooks, I’ve been able to listen to over 60 books (and counting) this year. If you’re looking to increase your reading, I highly recommend checking in with your library. Most public libraries offer access to Libby. You can get e-books and audiobooks instantly, for free, and auto-return means no late fees.
That said, some of these books are (or were) Amazon exclusive. As I’m not sponsored and don’t have any affiliate links, I’m not including hyperlinks.
Here’s a collection of my favorite book series from the last few years.
As it stands, I recommend looking up any series that sounds interesting and going from there.
The House Witch Series by Delemhach
Cozy fantasy with action & adventure (high action the deeper into the series you go). Found family. Finlay Ashowan is a man whose powers manifest and center around the hearth and home. He’s quick in the kitchen and somehow always knows exactly what you’re craving.
Legends & Lattes series by Travis Baldree
Cozy fantasy. Self discovery and acceptance. Viv decides to leave a life of adventuring behind. Inspired by a brewed drink she had while adventuring (coffee), Viv opens a coffee shop. An adorable group join her. If you read it, keep an eye out for Thimble. He’s got a small part but boy oh boy do I love him.
The Graves Glen series by Erin Sterling
Paranormal Romance. This series reminds me of rom-coms in the 00’s. Bad decisions, miscommunication, and some accidental curses. It’s over the top, but when you want a spooky-vibes popcorn book, it hits the spot. Each book follows a different couple. I’m currently waiting on book 3 at my library.
He Who Fights with Monsters series by Shirtaloon
LitRPG. Adventure. Not cozy. Not romantic. Morally gray leading man. Dips into trauma and toeing the line between fighting monsters and becoming one. It’s a Nobledark world for any worldbuilders out there.
I hesitated to include this book because this is a cozy food blog, but decided to keep it as a “hear me out.” This series seems to attract a love it or hate it reaction. I was lukewarm to it at the start, but I’m 12 books in and need to see where it goes. I’m including it because the main character has barbecues and one of his early(ish) level ups involves an insulated pocket dimension inventory that keeps food at exactly the same state from when it goes it to when it comes out.
Dream Harbor by Laurie Gilmore
Romance. The Dream Harbor series is another popcorn romance. Each book follows a different couple from the town called Dream Harbor. It’s a small community with a surprising number of singles who are ready to mingle. It’s a fun read when you want something light. It’s been a really fun book to read with my partner. We’re currently on Book 5, The Gingerbread Bakery.
The Witches of Thistle Grove series by Lana Harper
Paranormal Romance (?). While the Graves Glen series felt like Hallmark’s take on a paranormal show, the Witches of Thistle Grove reads like the CW’s take on a romance series. Each book follows a different couple, but their town, Thistle Grove, grows and shifts in the background. It’s a little too lore heavy to be called a popcorn series and while they have HEA’s, the relationships can get a little rocky. I’m too new to the genre to know if it actually qualifies as a romance or not.
The Great British Bake Off
Bake Off has become one of my staples for cozy season. Once this season is fully aired, I’m going to start releasing GBBO “worksheets” so we can do some of these bakes at home.
Here’s an overview of what’s happened so far.
Cake Week
The first episode back to the GBBO is always a nice time. You get to meet all of the contestants, hear what inspires them, curl up with a blanket and tea, and share in that creative energy.
Signature Bake: Chocolate Stout Cake
The Technical: Coffee & Walnut Cake
The Showstopper: Edible Self Portrait
Biscuit Week
If a version of the GBBO were produced in the United States, we’d probably call this “Cookie Week.” Regardless of what you call it, I’m in.
Signature Bake: 30 cookies, crisp exterior, & chewy center
The Technical: Iced gems (Shortbreads topped with pastel meringue stars)
The Showstopper: Biscuit Mosaics
Audience Choice Week
Every prompt this week was picked by the audience. I don’t know if we’ve had audience input in previous years. One thing that was a first: during the Signature Bake, each baker prepared their cheesecakes with a relative! Another first: no recipe for the technical! My mind was blown throughout the episode.
Signature Bake: Baked Cheesecake
The Technical: Given a set number of ingredients, make something
The Showstopper: Make something fashion forward and entirely edible
Bread Week
What a disaster! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a week where contestants struggled quite as much as they did during this season’s bread week, especially during the technical. For context, Bake Off is in it’s 17th season. (That said, I doubt I’d do any better.)
Signature Bake: Make a yeasted bread with garlic
The Technical: Bake flatbreads filled with roasted grapes and bleu cheese
The Showstopper: Display of enriched bread
And when all else fails, I find a new recipe and see what happens.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the first of many “Filling Your Well” articles.
At this point, I have no sponsors or affiliate links. Everything listed here is something that I genuinely enjoy and find inspiration. Maybe you’ll find a spark here, too. <3
Leave a Reply