VICKI DELANY: This month’s Around the Kitchen Table topic was suggested by a reader on Facebook. We’re always happy to hear what you have to say so let us know if you have an idea for a great topic we can discuss over a virtual cup of coffee or tea.
“I would love to see one of these posts
discussing your writing process and the foods you eat when writing. Do you stop
for lunch or just snack when you can? Are there certain foods you eat
regularly? Do you have foods you must have or avoid when writing? Just
curious!”
Nothing very exciting from me, I’m
afraid. I write by a dedicated
schedule. Every morning, if I’m at home,
from around 9 to 1 or 2. And then in the
afternoons I do any business stuff that’s needed, such as putting together this
blog post. I drink about six cups of
coffee a day, while I’m writing. I have nothing to eat before, and I take a
break after about an hour to have a bowl of cereal (Usually Shreddies or
All-Bran flakes, sometimes Special K).
If I have any on hand, I like to add a handful of blueberries to that
cereal. I eat the cereal while reading
emails and Facebook posts and the like and then get back at it. I never snack while writing (or any other
time).
No variety, no cooking, no snacking. All pretty boring, but it works for me.
Vicki's Breakfast (every single day) |
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LESLIE BUDEWITZ: I'll venture a guess that we've all learned the hard way not to actually cook while we're writing -- even the most aggressive oven timer can go unheard when you're caught up in the story! I try to keep a similar schedule to Vicki's, with a break around 12:30 for lunch -- usually eaten at my desk while I read articles, newspapers, and blogs. It's not all that easy to eat while actually writing -- I can sip my coffee (morning) or tea (afternoon), but the point is to keep the hands busy on the keyboard!
But my cozies all feature food, so it's never far from my mind when I'm writing. (Or, in truth, at any time.) Once I know the main herb, spice, or flavor for a Spice Shop mystery, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that will fit that motif. So I'm the only gal you know who, during a streak of June days that topped 90, made a peppermint mocha every morning. Recipe testing. Or made no-bake Christmas cookies and candy in July, to Mr. Right's delight. And because the plot line sometimes dictates recipes as well, I may spend part of my writing time planning Pepper's menu -- then make it that evening, as when she visited an Asian grocery in Pike Place Market, not far from her shop, in The Solace of Bay Leaves, bought a couple of varieties of sesame oil to explain her presence, then visited a produce stand and a butcher's shop, gathering more information. Of course, she and I put the goods to good use that evening, making Cold Sesame Noodles and a stir-fried beef dish, such as this one Beef and Sugar Snap Peas. (The book includes a traditional Broccoli Beef recipe.) So I'm eating with my characters long after the day's writing is done!
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Dinner is where I get creative, often channeling Hayley Snow, my food critic character. In A DISH TO DIE FOR (coming next August), lots of the recipes are old-fashioned so that's what I've been cooking. And I'm also thinking ahead to the current work in progress, where several baking guests arrive in Key West. The Irish soda bread I featured last year will be one of things they make. If it wasn't for Mystery Lovers Kitchen and my culinary mysteries, I bet our eating would be a lot less interesting!
Mystery Lovers' special - haunted oatmeal! |
I've gotten into the habit of dealing with email, social media, and blog posts in the morning, to get them out of the way. Then it's off to Scotland or California or Tennessee, depending on what book I'm writing. Right now it's the coast of California, near Carmel, and that's been lovely, because in the real outside of central Illinois we have a foot of snow and my writing room has no heat source - just warm air rising from downstairs and repeated cups of hot tea. Also, I have lots of sweaters and warm socks.
MAYA CORRIGAN: Like Molly, I need tea. I drink three cups of strong black tea, English style with milk plus a 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. My caffeine is spaced throughout the day. First thing in the morning, I have tea with my everyday breakfast (a bowl of yogurt with blueberries, banana slices, and cereal mixed in). A few hours later I have second breakfast (nearly always buttered toast) and another cup of tea. Lunch is whatever I can scrounge from the fridge--leftovers if I'm lucky, or cheese or hummus on bread with an apple, occasionally an omelet. I have a mid-afternoon snack of tea and something sweet like cookies or a piece of pie. That replaces after-dinner dessert because I need the sugar high earlier in the day. If my stomach tells me to take another break from the computer, I'll eat a piece of fruit. My routine is the same, whether or not I'm working on a book.
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MIA P. MANANSALA: I'm a bit of a snacker, and considering my series revolves around food, it's hard to avoid the munchies when writing! If I'm just casually drafting, I'll try to stick to tea or coffee with a short snack break or nibble. Cadbury mini eggs or the Trader Joe’s peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets are some faves. But if it’s crunch time, I become absolutely ravenous and take frequent snack breaks for sandwiches, cake, and/or scones with jam and all the caffeine. I tell myself that the brain power necessary for writing requires sugar, sugar, and more sugar.
TINA KASHIAN: I work a day job and then walk my dog, Joy, as soon as I get home. Then I prepare dinner for my two teenage girls. John helps cook. I don’t sit down to write until about seven in the evening. I’ve always been a night writer. I do drink green tea the entire time. I’m like Mia and a bit of a snacker. I’m a dark chocolate lover and eat a square of Lindt dark chocolate while I write. It gives me the boost I need. On weekends, I switch everything and write all day, then take the nights off. Until I retire (not until I pay for college for both girls!), then this works for me.
your daily routine?
Do you have a favorite
meal or snack?
conversation!
That Irish soda bread looks so tasty!
ReplyDelete"How does food fit into your daily routine?"
I'm trying to eat whole grains, etc. I think I'm finding that it's a lot easier to be healthy if I eat the right things. (That must sound trite, but it's true.)
"Do you have a favorite meal or snack?"
I like to have spoonfuls of honey. I figure two or three in a day is okay.
jsmith[delete brackets]3may[delete brackets]2011
[at symbol]
yahoo[dot]com
Unfortunately I nosh too much of the time - m&m’s, dry roasted peanuts, or Oreos (unless it’s this time of year when it is Thin Mints).
ReplyDeleteSara. UCLASara (at) yahoo (dot) com
Dry roasted peanuts mixed with chocolate chips - love!
DeletePeanuts! I can either eat all the peanuts or none of the peanuts. When I start, I can't stop.
DeleteI'm a big foodie.
ReplyDeleteFood fits in my daily life a lot. I have a small business that I cook and deliver meals for small parties or get-togeters. Also for me cooking and baking are my way to relax.
My favorite snack? Depends on my mood. If I've made cookies it's my go to snack. Or I'll make some puppy chow, always a sweet treat. Occasionally I'll just toss together some nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a quick movie watching snack.
jimalvey175@gmail.com.
Love this sight and all the books and recipes.
Great snacks, James. I especially love nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
DeleteYour job sounds like the perfect one to write a cozy mystery series around!
DeleteAge and medical issue (taking medication) have definitely changed my eating habits. I was never a breakfast person. Well we have breakfast for supper so that doesn't count does it? However, now it's a must in order to take my morning pills. I still go light with either a small bowl of dry cereal (usually some plain kind and not a sugar coated one) or maybe a small bagel. Learned not to eat while on the computer or reading because they are empty calories. You start off nibbling and before you know it whatever was in the bowl is gone and you can't even remember eating it much less having enjoyed the food. Supper has always been our "big" meal of the day. However, the older we get the earlier supper gets. Have to laugh at myself because I use to laugh at the senior early bird supper discounts at restaurants. Now I understand it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite snacks tend to be salty instead of sweet. Love things like Chex party mix. As far as a sweet snack, anything with the word cheesecake in it is awesome. Having been all over the scales - many times - I use to be able to counter any food I ate with activities like yard work or taking long walks. Now my mobility is limited and painful most times when I do move. That means I have to be more vigilante on what I eat, how much I eat and when I eat. Kind of takes the fun out of snacking, but so goes finding the balance for a senior citizen.
Thank you for the fabulous chance! Shared and hoping.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
My husband often "forgets" to eat lunch until as late as
Delete5 pm sometimes. I always joke and say "so now I don't need to make you dinner?" That means we eat our dinner late. I always have since I used to commute to NYC and didn't even get home until 7 pm.
Breakfast for dinner is such a comfort, isn't it? I was probably well past 30 when I realized those evenings my late mother made breakfast for dinner were the times she needed a little comfort herself!
DeleteI love food. Especially sweets! Thanks for all the yummy recipes. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteSince I don't get breaks at work my eating consists of whatever little snack I can stuff down quickly while still working. Supper is my only real meal on workdays. On days off I do eat breakfast, a rare treat to me. At home when I'm thinking/working on a project my go-to snack has always been M&Ms.
ReplyDeletekozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com
My favorite snack is hummus on a slice of baguette, especially during the winter alongside a mug of tea. So soothing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDue to health concerns, my diet must be low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar, and low carb. But I do allow myself one piece of dark chocolate every afternoon, savoring it slooowwwllly. I close my eyes and think of all the wonderful places I have traveled in this world and call up my favorite memory of one of those places.
ReplyDeletejlsmith46@aol.com
Lovely idea, Judi! I often eat a single piece of chocolate while reading in bed at night, and should take your advice and savor it while recalling some beautiful memories.
DeleteYou have a wonderful afternoon ritual, Judi!
DeleteNot only a lovely ritual, but a very healthy one, Judi! A dose of theobromine is good for heart and soul!
DeleteThis was such a fun post today. Thank you everyone for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHow does food fit into your daily routine?
Well I wont lie, I am not big into cooking. But since I got
married it seems to be a big thing. LOL Everyone wants to eat.
LOL. So I learned to cook and bake. I really love to bake. I
taught both kids to cook and bake and hopefully the joy of
creating something fun to eat. Not that they are gone, I have to
remember my husband is home. LOL So I cook meals and freeze them
and I can. This way all we have to do is pull something out of the
freezer or the canning cupboard.
Do you have a favorite meal or snack?
My favorite meal is spaghetti squash with a mushroom/chicken sauce
I make to go over the squash. For snacks, I love fresh fruits.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
I’m not a big breakfast fan but I have to take medicine that I cannot take on an empty stomach so I eat dry toast with peanut butter, usually a granola bar at lunch and hubby cooks a fabulous supper. Thanks for the chance to win! luvs2read4fun@gmail.com
ReplyDeletei love to cook food it makes me smile ,i eat healthy snacks,to i try to stay on track with my eating.irish soda bread looks yum ty for the chance! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really have a routine when it comes to eating. Some days I eat breakfast, other times I don't. I try to cook on my days off so that I have leftovers for lunch and dinner during the work-week. I am a chocoholic so there will be dark chocolate in some form after dinner. cindystamps(at)juno(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness you are such careful eaters with so little snacking!
ReplyDeleteMy main creative outlet these days is cooking, so I'm thinking about it much of the time. Questions like, "If I make X I know my granddaughter won't want it. Do I make it anyway and fix something mindless (frozen chicken tenders) for her?"
libbydodd at comcast dot net
What would mothers and grandmothers do without chicken tenders!
DeleteAnd Cheerios How did anyone raise a toddler before they existed?!
DeleteFood isn't that important to me
ReplyDeleteI don't look forward to each meal - my
husband did that. He lived to eat, I
eat to live. I was a good cook but now
that Bob is gone I don't miss having to
fix a big meal. Now, if you cut off my
Pepsi's there will be a problem. Been an
addict all my life (81 years).
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I cook healthy meals all week, salmon, kale, tilapia, and orzo. Filling and tasty. Weekends I relax. Snacking is almond butter with multi-grain bread. Yummy. elliotbencan(at)hotmal(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBreakfast is my absolute favorite meal. Usually scrambled eggs, toast and coffee. I also love cinnamon oatmeal with fruit. I also cook dinner each night. Love salmon and chicken. Dark chocolate is my tempting treat!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
I don't often eat breakfast, but when I do, lightly scrambled eggs are one of my favorites!
DeleteI often say "breakfast is one of my three favorite meals." And a diner or cafe that serves breakfast for lunch? Heaven!
DeleteI try and have oatmeal every other day. I live Dark Chocolate and dry roasted peanuts a handful of those. Thanks. Linda May Maycarlson6848@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy problem is I like to eat. My favorite snacks include chips or something crunchy. Right now I found some chocolate iced gingerbread cookies that are yummy!! My email is sissie_sue@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBreakfast is either oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts or Greek yogurt with mixed berries and chia seeds. Favorite snack is popcorn or an apple with peanut butter.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
Fruit and dark chocolate is my favorite snack food not together but through out the day. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI really don't have much of a routine to my day or my meals. I like to snack on nuts and dark chocolate, usually while watching TV.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Loved every one of these posts today....so much fun learning about everyone's food and writing habits, although now I am absolutely starving for every single thing mentioned ! Having not worked since October 2020 ( I refuse to say I'm either unemployed, or retired...hope springs eternal!), I have to say I've turned into a bit of an irregular meal eater....I've never been a breakfast person, but frequently find myself enjoying a corn or bran muffin--with strawberry jam !--'round about noontime after puttering about the house in the morning. IF htere's lunch, it's usually something like cottage cheese and fruit, or some brad and cheese, and then usually my 90 year old mom and I will sit down to "real" supper at night, generally something with chicken, or pasta, or ground beef, with lots of veggies and salad. I AM a slave to carbs, so cookies and crackers do find their way to me as a nighttime snack...and Santa gifted me with a big bag of cashews, which I've been rationing out to myself since Christmas !
ReplyDeleteI do eat a small breakfast each morning during the week as I take diabetes meds. I eat lunch at 11:30, usually a sandwich. I take a break at 2:00 or 2:30 and have a snack. Supper is usualy whatever I am in the mood for. Thanks for the chance! almaj80(at)suddenlink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteChocolate frozen yogurt with Hershey bar and m&ms on it every night (sometimes for lunch too 😁)
ReplyDeleteHsdh1525@gmail.com
I'm also a big foodie, and I like variety in my meals.
ReplyDeleteBreakfast is a hearty meal since I tend to do a long walk mid-morning. Either overnight oats with different fruit/nuts added or a breakfast sandwich with egg, avocado, sprouts, or a PB and jam sandwich.
Lunch can be leftovers or a sandwich or hearty soup.
Dinner mains change a lot, and depend on the time of year. Last week, I had some unusual dishes to celebrate Lunar New Year: crispy Mandarin duck, pork and veggie dumplings and longevity noodles.
After reading everyone else's snacks, I am really weird! I love my morning cup of coffee and my yogurt. I just am boring I guess. this was a really fun question! Loved reading the answers. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletelindalou64(@)live(dot)com
Breakfast - served any time of day - is my favorite meal. If it is a special day breakfast, it would include a veggie packed omelet, bacon, grits, and a biscuit. Another meal that day after such a big breakfast might be just a piece of fresh fruit. A favorite evening meal would be short ribs, artichoke hearts, and beets. I love all sorts of vegetables that are well prepared and try to eat lots of non-starchy veggies . If I need an evening snack, I try to stick with a piece of fruit.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
When my boys were in school, EVERY WEEK DAY MORNING started off by lighting about 6 votives for a candlelight breakfast. This was not only a beautiful start to the school day but the only time we could burn candles; my husband is sensitive so we have to do it when he's not home. What a lovely tradition that I remember to this day. a007gyrl@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love to eat good food! Right now I have a complicated relationship with food due to some health issues but hopefully I can eat more normal soon. I love anything with peanut butter!!
ReplyDeleteBreakfast is oatmeal with just a spoonful of brown sugar...mid-morning I have what my Mother called cambric tea and someone above calls English tea...we are retired so have our big meal at noon and then something light for the last meal of the day...
ReplyDeleteUsually yogurt for lunch and I try to include fruit. Then a decent supper. I snack a little during the day but not much as I’m a teacher and don’t have a lot of time. I drink lots of water.
ReplyDeletebmedrano34@yahoo.com
I always start the day with an iced coffee in the morning. On occasion, when it is too cold even for me, I will start the day with hot tea. Breakfast. lunch and dinners vary. I am always trying new recipes because I love variety in my meals. The rest of the day I try to drink mostly water broken up with an occasional glass of milk or if it is cold out then hot chocolate or hot tea. If it is summer, then I love to drink flavored iced tea. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI don't really have a daily food routine, except for breakfast. Everyday my breakfast is an orange and a bagel with cream cheese. I drink tea all day everyday and bring it with me if I'm going somewhere. I do like to snack, usually popcorn. And my favorite meal is spaghetti.
ReplyDeleteMy routine now that I'm retired isn't much different than it was when I was working 10 to 6 M-F as a paralegal. Breakfast is something I look forward to every morning and it's always the same - two vegetarian sausage patties with salsa & 3 cups of coffee; lunch is a Lean Cuisine meal; dinner is two tostados using salsa & Colby jack cheese unless we go out for dinner then I enjoy being more adventurous! My favorite snack is chips dipped in salsa & mascarone cheese. I've enjoyed all of the MLK newsletters but this one is especially fun to read because of all the different foods mentioned AND because now I have a nifty TBR list from all the cozies mentioned. lnchudej@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI need to wait an hour after taking my thyroid medicine and usually have a cup of coffee and then something to eat. Today, I had some honey (that I just brought back from my trip to Egypt) and peanut butter on whole wheat bread. Lunch is a variety, yesterday a tuna fish sandwich. I am trying to drink more water, eat a small amount of nuts, and olives daily.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas for meals and snacks.
mnleona (at) aol (dot) com
The first thing I have in the morning is my one cup of coffee(international coffee). Then I'm on my computer for a couple of hours. Since I've retired I don't do much cooking or baking. But I like to try new recipes I see on your site or other places. I love to read Mystery Lover's Kitchen every day. conney.parkhurst@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI try to eat small meals at regular times and I love to snack on popcorn, nuts, or cheese crackers. 3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteI am a person who has a high metabolism and I have to work at putting on weight. I know everyone says I would love to give you some of mine. I wish it was that easy. It is not an easy thing when you eat healthy. Pbatalden@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete2nd try! I start my day with either a selection from my Republic of Teas stash or Barry's Irish tea. Once fortified, then I am ready to take my frisky dog for her morning walk, assuming we are not bothered by snow and ice. After I return I am ready for my English Muffin with peanut butter and coffee. Twice a week I add two eggs over easy to the muffin and might even have a piece of bacon now and then. As a writer I envy the discipline of all of you - I am still trying to get there! Lunches vary according to my mood and pantry, but often include yogurt or cheese. I usually cook a balanced dinner and always have something chocolate in the evening.
ReplyDeletesharondooley@comcast.net
I am a big snacker. I love popcorn, nuts, chocolate and chips. I try to eat healthy meals around all the snacks! ljbonkoski@yahoo.com Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteI try to eat oatmeal 2-3 times a week for breakfast. I can't drink coffee anymore so I've migrated to green tea. My downfall is potato chips.
ReplyDeletewskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like to snack on peeled apples with caramel.
ReplyDeletestrgth4yu4ver(at)gmail(dot)com
I like salty snacks and often eat pickle chips if I can't find anything and when the weather is warmer I eat pickle pops. I love savory food and enjoy trying new things so I like to try new recipes. Sometimes they end up being keepers and other times straight to the trash. I recently tried 2 different corn chowder recipes. The first one ended up being a keeper and the second went to the trash.
ReplyDeleteyellowwyytch@yahoo.com
I start my morning with 1 cup of hot tea (English, Irish or Earl Gray, I follow this with 2 cups of brewed Crio Bru (coarse ground cacao beans brewed in a french press pot). Then generally I have water the rest of the day. I may have a cup or two of tea between 12-3. I will have dinner with my husband - usually salad with meat or salad and meat/potatoes. I do allow myself a sweet treat in the evening. If I have anything earlier in the day it will be an egg, yogurt and/or fruit. IF I do any snacking it is gluten-free pretzels that I get at ALDI (they are the best!). Thank you for sharing this information and for the chance to win. madam hawk at g mail dot com
ReplyDelete