I’m excited to feature KIMBERLY DERTING in my series where I pair good writing and good food to celebrate both at this harvest season.
I read THE BODY FINDER this month and truly enjoyed how Kimberly wove a wonderful love story with a tense mystery. It didn’t take me long to finish because setting the book aside wasn’t an option. I had to know how it ended. You will too.
Here’s a small taste of what you’ll find: “She heard her father gasp at the same time she recognized what she had uncovered. She felt his strong hands reaching for her from behind, pulling her firmly by the shoulders away from the fresh dirt and gathering her into his strong, safe arms . . . away from the sound that was calling to her . . .
. . . and away from the girl’s face staring up at her from beneath the soil. “
Chilling, right? But then there are some soft and beautifully written scenes that show a friendship slowly ripening into romance. And there’s humor that serves to heighten the tense parts. I stumbled on Hilary Wagner’s post about writing funny in dark moments and thought I’d link to that post for those of you who write. Adding a minor character or giving humorous dialog to your MC is a great way to involve your reader more deeply in your life and death scenes. To see how that’s done, read Kimberly’s story. She manages it very nicely.
Now, let’s eat.
Since The Body Finder is such a layered, light and dark story I started searching for layered food to pair with it. Here’s what I came up with. What do you think?
1 loaf country bread with thick crust, sliced into 3/4-inch-thick pieces
1/2 medium garlic clove, peeled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt
1 medium clove, minced
1/2 C. pitted kalamata olives (Here’s your dark stuff.)
2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
1 small shallot, minched
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 ricotta (Here’s your light stuff.)
ground black pepper
2 tbs basil leaves, finely shredded
Place bread on grill or foil-lined baking sheet. Grill or broil until deep golden, 1-2 minutes. Flip and repeat. Lightly rub 1 side with garlic, brush with olive oil, and season with salt.
Process garlic, olives, olive oil, shallot and lemon juice in food processor until uniform pasta forms about 10 seconds, scraping bowl with rubber spatula once during processing. Combine ricotta, salt, and pepper to taste in small bowl. Divide pesto on toast. Spread to edges. Top with ricotta and carefully spread over pesto. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with basil. Makes 8-10 Buon Appetito!
I’m making this for dinner guests and telling them to get their copy of The Body Finder. Let me know if you try the bruschetta and really be sure to tell me what you think of Kimberly Derting’s book. Did I do good at the pairing this week?
Theresa Milstein says
That looks delicious.
I've heard such good things about this book. It's on my wishlist.
Ebyss says
Seriously…you should have a small restaurant. Never mind. Just come to my house. I have to feed four males. Maybe you could fill them up. LOL!!!
Darby Karchut says
I love this clever way you're combining books and foods. Wonderful!
Robyn Campbell says
Okay! I vote you cook of the century. Copying yet another of your fabulous recipes. YOU TOTALLY ROCK!
I haven't read this book yet. It IS on my pile. My pile that looks like a tower. 🙂
Stina Lindenblatt says
Yummy!
I loved The Body Finder and can't wait to read the sequel.
In response to your comment on my blog, I'm donating money to my local sexual assault crisis center to help teen survivors of rape and sexual assault.
C. Lee McKenzie says
@DazyDayWriter Thanks for your visit. Lovely as usual.
@Patti You are brave. I had to go out into the sunshine to read some of those parts. Great suspense. Thanks for stopping by.
@Hi Susan. You'll like Kimberly's book. You'll also like that buschetta! I promise
Susan Kaye Quinn says
Sounds like a wonderful book. And now you've made me hungry too! 🙂
Patti says
What a great idea, two things I love reading and eating. I read Kimberley's book a while ago late at night when my husband was out of town. Don't do that.
DazyDayWriter says
Creative combination with pizazz, Lee! I wasn't familiar with the book or the recipe, so am sooo glad I dropped by today to say hello! Thanks for a lovely post, as always. Best wishes from SunnyRoomStudio … 🙂
Beverly Stowe McClure says
The book sounds super. Adding it to my list. The food looks delicious too.
Lisa Gail Green says
I really want to read this book!!! And I really want some bruschetta.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Glad everyone who stops by likes the idea of putting reading, writing and food together. That may seem a bit odd, but these are life experiences I enjoy so much.
My next guest is L.K. Madigan and I'm featuring her latest book, The Mermaid's Mirror. Now I have to find just the right dish to go with a sea story. If you have some ideas, I'm taking suggestions.
Cheryl Renee Herbsman says
Great series, Lee! Very clever and — yum 🙂
salarsenッ says
You are so funny with this food agenda. I love it!! So ingenious. The Body Finder looks great and as for your bruschetta…I love bruschetta!
Kimberly Derting says
Thanks for including The Body Finder in your food series, Lee! And now I'll have to try the Bruschetta!!!
beth says
Both the book and the recipe sound great.
paulgreci says
The photo of the food is making me hungry. And The Body Finder, I really like the title!
Linda Covella says
The recipe sounds delicious and so does the book! thanks for both!
Clara Gillow Clark says
Good food. Good Books. Keep them coming, C.Lee. Yum!