Victorians! discussion

Most of us are probably grabbing a few pages here and there in the course of our busy lives. Or listening to audiobooks while doing other things. But, hopefully, once in a while, we can carve out a few minutes to just enjoy the delights of reading. Do you have a favorite snack to go along with this indulgence? Maybe something salty and crunchy? Or sweet and gooey? Or fresh and healthy? What is your favorite reading snack?

A cup of tea is very nice while reading. I typically don't snack while reading as I like to keep my books in good condition.

Toasted English muffin (gluten-free-alas!) with lots of butter and coffee or tea. And a handy napkin to keep fingers and pages from getting sticky.

Frances wrote: "Toasted English muffin (gluten-free-alas!) with lots of butter and coffee or tea. And a handy napkin to keep fingers and pages from getting sticky."


Now you got me jealous.

Carolina wrote: "Frances wrote: "Toasted English muffin (gluten-free-alas!) with lots of butter and coffee or tea. And a handy napkin to keep fingers and pages from getting sticky."


Now you got me jealous."

Me too. I so miss English muffins

Denise taught me Manchego cheese with quince paste is an absolutely delightful combination to consider for reading Don Quixote. It works well for other books as well, not necessarily of Spanish origin. Plum jam, easier to find, can be an adequate substitute for the quince paste. It has been fun to become quasi familiar with the various aging varieties available of Manchego.

Whether I munch when reading is very idiosyncratic. Sometimes just a refilled cold water bottle is great to have within reach. But tea can be a treat -- that I often forget until settled into a favorite chair and then may neglect to go prepare.

Deborah wrote: "A cup of tea is very nice while reading. I typically don't snack while reading as I like to keep my books in good condition."

Agree and agree.

I also sometimes sip a glass of grapefruit juice as I read. No food gets near my books.

I also agree with Everyman and Deborah and keep food away from books, although muffins, Manchego and quince jam are great. Haven't had the latter (original Marmelada) since being in Portugal, but always try to have it when I go there or Spain, and Manchego goes well with anything.

What about a decadently rich pastry? One of my favourites is Mille Feuille (puff pastry layers with creme patissiere, a type of cream custard).

I do however love drinking coffee while reading.

I might eat while I read, or rather read while I eat, but "reading snacks" isn't a thing for me. I like to have something to drink within reach, however, whether it be just a glass of water, a hot beverage, or a glass of wine (depending on the book and time of day).

Those books that take us so out of ourselves are truly wonderful. :)

Veronique wrote: "What about a decadently rich pastry?"

There is no decent pastry shop on the island, but when I go off island there's an excellent doughnut shop in Anacortes that makes the most divine creme filled doughnuts. A reward for making the off-island trek on those rare days when I'm temporarily not on a diet!

Funny, the day I read this QQ I was just about to stop reading and get something to eat.
Well, I normally do not read and eat at the same time anymore. I have given up. It´s too hard to try enjoying a delicious pasty, a snack cake or a bag of chips while worrying on getting my book dirty or greasy. So, I have resigned to the fact that I will have to make a pause, put my book down, and finish my snack. That way I can take pleasure on both things.

Here is a link of a video about this readers’ problem: https://youtu.be/CB4Wt2Tes8o

Rut wrote: "Here is a link of a video about this readers’ problem: https://youtu.be/CB4Wt2Tes8o..."

Thanks, Rut!

Hahahaha! That was priceless!

I don't eat at all while reading, not so much to keep my books clean but because it's impossible - I have quite a feisty cat that always likes to eat with me :p I do love drinking Earl Grey or coffee while I'm reading, though.

Tea and pastries. I like breakfast blends or Earl Grey with books.

Tricia wrote: "Anything chocolate."

I'll second that. Well, almost anything chocolate. I've gotten more particular about it in recent years.

Savoring while reading a real live book, one does need to take care against smudges from particular varieties/versions of chocolate!

Tricia wrote: "So, what's your favorite chocolate to eat while reading? ..."

Well, recently I have been enjoying Ghirardelli Squares or Brookside Dark Chocolate with pomegranate or berry flavored centers. But Lindt makes some good nibbling chocolate, too. Best treats in my repertoire are from a small store in Stowe, VT, but they are few and far between. I will also pick up a cache of Champlain Chocolates (wrapped, various types) from the irregulars bins when I have a chance. M&M's used to please me, but less so recently.

Good crisp cookies are in the running, too. But not brownies -- too messy.

And yours, Tricia?

Tea and biscuits.

Tricia wrote: "Anything chocolate."

Isn't it fantastic that nutritionists have discovered that dark chocolate is actually good for you? It's no longer an indulgence, it's now a health snack!

Down with celery, up with rich dark chocolate tidbits!

Tricia wrote: "I'm a chocolate purist, myself. I"ve gotten into making home-made stuff. Chocolate oatmeal cookies most often, of late. ..."

May I come over? Do you have a spare reading chair and lamp as well? ;-)

(What brands of baking chocolate do you prefer as a "purist"? I grew up using Baker's squares and cocoa; when I "graduated" to making mousse, I started using Ghirardelli baking chocolate. I don't know how many years Nestle's has been our choice for chips. Only since I have gotten beyond the stage of affording them (i.e., no longer working) have I learned there may be more esoteric choices out there, even for home bakers.)

I've taken to a cup of cocoa with my book in the evening; gets me in the mood for bed.