Sparkle Stories Blog

In the *At Home with Martin & Sylvia* story “Playdate," Momma dishes out some homemade granola and yogurt. Did you know that it is Martin’s favorite granola? It is. And it’s delicious.

Yes, the dish is called “Pakoras”! It’s typically an Indian appetizer or snack: fried fritters made of any variety of vegetable. The ones from Martin and Sylvia’s house are made with a base of chickpea flour and include grated vegetables. It’s a quick and easy recipe.

The version inside is a “goat’s cheese and spinach” style quiche. But here’s the deal: using the basic “custard” mix — that egg and milk base — you can add any variety of ingredients.

Martin and Sylvia enjoy this Summer Salad in the story "Night Magic." It’s based on a Niçoise salad — a lovely plate of greens topped with a variety of good things: traditionally tuna, marinated green beans, potatoes, and anchovies.

It’s too hot — I can’t bear to turn on the oven and bake. So, I made something that I didn’t have to bake at all. Check out this recipe for Crispy Nut Butter Bars!

I needed a quick meal for a picnic tonight. Families with kids, about 8 people. I had 45 minutes. Well? The fridge didn’t provide many good options. But the garden is popping with basil. So, pesto it was.

Sometimes we all need the soul-soothing that a big bowl of soup provides, particularly when we’ve had a bad day or are feeling sick. This is our go-to recipe!

Whether you’re a frost fairy or human being, another wonderful gift to give—or nibble on yourself!—on a frosty day is candied orange peels.

This recipe is really easy – easier than you’d think, given it’s gourmet name. And easier still if you want to use pancake mix! Add the right spices and a little cooked pumpkin, and you have gourmet breakfast for all.

They’re made with regular sugar cookie dough—there’s a recipe below, but feel free to substitute your own, or even store bought. To make the “glass” you crush hard candies, like Lifesavers, and spoon them into the middle about halfway through baking.