Sparkle Stories Blog

On the thirteenth day of Martin & Sylvia's Audio Advent Calendar, in the story “Woodshed Theater,” Martin and Sylvia's advent card comes with costumes and an idea that transforms into a Woodshed Theater production called “The King and The Beggar Have Christmas.”

This creamy tomato soup with cheesy “bone” breadsticks is more like the cartoon bones than the real thing. It's the fun kind of scary. And, perhaps more importantly, it's easy to make and hearty enough to fill your little goblins' bellies before a night of trick-or-treating mayhem.

Inspired by the leek sausages that Marta has to leave when she's called to help with the conflict in this story, this soup is hearty and warm, but — between the leeks, spinach, and lemon — also just bright enough to make you think there might be a hope of spring coming soon.

Fromage forte (“strong cheese”) is a French cheese spread that is made from odd bits and pieces of cheese. (Odd bits and pieces of any cheese, like, whatever you have in your fridge right this second.) The cheese is broken up and mixed in a food processor with chicken stock until it's a spreadable consistency.

This week's recipe is my take on something I imagine one might see at a fairy feast. While mushrooms and thyme would, I believe, be at home on both fairy and human tables, I've subbed out gnocchi — a potato-based pasta — for the stones and pebbles the mythical folk prefer.

This week's recipe takes the concept of sharing one step further. In a nod to the story we're calling it “Quoll Bread,” but it's essentially Monkey Bread made with gluten-free flour. And because it's gluten-free, you can share it with that many more friends!

In the *FIFTY* story for Louisiana, “Gumbo and the Petticoat Insurrection,” Ambroisine Melange sets out from Paris to seek adventure and opportunity in Louisiana — a place where, so she was told, anything was possible.

These gluten-free, dairy-free cookies are yummy (particularly when cold). Included are also the gluten-full, dairy-full alternatives.

Here at Sparkle we've got lots of ideas for healthy meals and snacks as back-to-school time approaches.

Winter is in full swing and the snow is deep in many places across the country. We thought we'd inspire you to keep warm with some cozy winter recipes that will warm up not only your kitchens but your stomachs and hearts, too. Who knows? One of these recipes may become a new winter favorite for your family.