October is my favorite month of the year, with the leaves turning and the air chilly and smelling of the coming fall, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a spellbinding tale. So for our next book pairing, I’m thrilled to dive into a world of timeless romance and magical intrigue with “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. This series has captured my heart time and again, each reread making me fall further in love with the characters and the world they live in.

Book Overview

“A Discovery of Witches” introduces us to Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, and Matthew Clairmont, a complex vampire, as they embark on a journey that spans time and tests the boundaries of love and loyalty. Set against the backdrop of Oxford, their story is a blend of magic, mystery, and romance. Diana’s strength and Matthew’s respect for her autonomy make their relationship uniquely captivating—Matthew never tries to change her, celebrating her strength instead. It’s this deep, mutual respect that makes their love story so compelling and real.

The Perfect Pairing

Why Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Toast, and Earl Grey Tea?

The first meal Diana orders when she goes to breakfast with Matthew—a simple yet classic breakfast—symbolizes the beginning of their profound connection. To honor this moment, I recommend preparing fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden toast, and a pot of Earl Grey tea. This meal, though straightforward, is deeply comforting and pairs wonderfully with the magical world Deborah Harkness has woven with such care.

The Audio Choice

For the song I couldn’t think of a more fitting song than “I Found” by Amber Run. The haunting sound of the track mirrors the forbidden yet undeniable connection between Diana and Matthew. As a witch and a vampire – two beings from different species – their love was never meant to happen, yet they found something deep and powerful in each other, where love wasn’t supposed to be. This song captures that emotion perfectly, with its lyrics reflecting the unexpected and beautiful discovery of love in the most unlikely of places.

Scrambled Eggs with Shredded Cheese and Toast

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons bacon fat (reserved from cooking bacon)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preferred cheese)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of bacon
• 2 slices of bread (your choice)

Instructions:

Cook the Bacon:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.

Prepare the Eggs:

Crack the eggs into a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined.

Cook the Eggs:

Reheat the skillet with the bacon fat over medium-low heat. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet. Let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds until they begin to set around the edges.

Using a spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges toward the center of the skillet. Continue this motion around the skillet until the eggs are softly set and slightly runny in places.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the eggs. Continue to cook, folding occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked to your liking. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

Toast the Bread:

While the eggs are cooking, toast the bread slices to your preferred doneness in a toaster or under a broiler.

Assemble and Serve:

Place the toast on plates. Divide the cheesy scrambled eggs between the toast slices. Crumble the cooked bacon on top or serve it on the side.

So, dear readers, let’s celebrate this magical season by stepping into the enchanting world of “A Discovery of Witches.” Embrace the mystery, prepare a breakfast that Diana herself would appreciate, and let the magic of this beautifully crafted story remind us of the power of love and discovery.

If you’d like to explore more about the book or join the discussion, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest at @winedineandread. I’ll be sharing snippets from the book, cooking videos, and more magical moments that didn’t make it into this post.

See you next week for another literary and delicious adventure!

Image Credit

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Books, Ink Well and France Photo: Pinterest