When I was a kid, a row of Nancy Drew books with neon yellow spines sat on the bookshelf in my parents’ living room. I wish I could say I devoured them like a ravenous book beast, but . . . I never actually picked one up. Probably because my TBR was already massive, and I kept telling myself I’d start the series “when I had time.” I’m super embarrassed to admit it, especially since mysteries are my absolute favorite. But now I’m proud to say I’m FINALLY reading the series!
Here’s my take on the books so far: they’re fun, light-hearted little adventures, though a bit paint-by-numbers at times. My biggest quibble is that the character’s don’t experience much character development. However, that’s not surprising considering the series was written by a variety of ghostwriters (the author “Carolyn Keene” is a pseudonym). These books are meant to be quick, fun stories you can read in pretty much any order. If that’s what you’re craving, these books deliver. In fact, this series a perfect introduction to the mystery genre for younger readers, since it has fun with beloved mystery tropes without getting too gritty or disturbing. Plus, Nancy’s confidence, kindness, resourcefulness, and positivity make her a great role model.
Now let’s talk food! Lots of Nancy books have bread in them, and I’ve been looking for an excuse to share this Miracle No-Knead Bread from Pinch of Yum for ages now. It has become my favorite low-maintenance yeasted bread. Since you just mix the dough and let it rest over night, it’s perfect for when you want the flavor of a yeasted loaf but don’t want to deal with multiple rises, punching down dough, or kneading. To make it extra special, I decided to take my inspiration from the nut bread from THE SIGN OF THE TWISTED CANDLES, since it meant I could use my favorite bread flavorings: walnut, fresh rosemary, and roasted garlic.
This trio of flavors always manages to unlock something special in hearty, crusty breads, giving them a textural boost and a new delicate layer of flavor. Today’s bread is no exception. It shines the brightest when you cut thick slices and toast them with a bit of butter. Give it a try. You’ll thank me later. 😉
A
No-Knead Rosemary Walnut Bread with Roasted Garlic
“We’ll have jellied consommé, sliced breast of chicken, hearts of lettuce with Roquefort dressing, nut bread, ice cream, chocolate layer cake, and fruit punch,” Nancy said, mentioning the items that had been on Carol’s tray for Mr. Sidney.”
— The Sign of the Twisted Candles
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 roasted garlic cloves, minced (roasting instructions below)
- 3 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups room temperature water
Makes 1 8-inch bread boule
INSTRUCTIONS:
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- To roast the garlic. Preheat oven to 425°. Peel away most of the outer skin from a head of garlic. Slice off just enough of the top that all the cloves are exposed. Lightly brush the top with olive oil. Lightly wrap in foil and bake on an ungreased baking sheet for 30 minutes or until golden brown and soft. Use 2 cloves for this recipe.
- To make the bread. In a large bowl, add the flour. Work in the garlic with your fingers until it’s evenly incorporated. Add the salt, yeast, and rosemary, stirring to combine. Sprinkle the walnuts on top. Add the water and stir until fully incorporated and a loose, shaggy dough forms. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450°. Once preheated, place a dutch oven (with lid on) inside for 30 minutes. While the dutch oven preheats, scrape your dough out onto a floured sheet of parchment paper, dust the top with flour, and and gently pat into a 7-inch circle. Lower the paper into the preheated dutch oven (use caution—it will be VERY hot!).
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Serve to a young sleuth and her friends after they cleverly solve a mystery!
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