Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On is one of the most refreshing pieces of fiction I’ve read in the last few years. A moving, magical and intensely quotable twist on Harry Potter, it follows Simon, Baz, Penelope, and Agatha at their wizarding school and plays on the theme of the chosen one and destiny. Though often sharp and very funny, it’s much sweeter though than a satire, and explores its characters in a very real way. Not least, it’s a beautiful and exciting LGBT romance, the Harry and Draco fanfic we didn’t know we needed.
Pumpkin Mocha Breve appears in both Carry On and related novel (also excellent) Fangirl. Who invented this crazy indulgent melted candy bar concoction? Was it Baz? Was it Levi? Either way, it’s delightful. You can make it as is or add a little bit of spices such as cinnamon or cardamom.
Pumpkin Mocha Breve
- 1 tablespoon espresso
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- pinch ground spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, optional
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup half and half
- sugar to taste (a teaspoon or two)
In a French press, combine espresso, cocoa and pumpkin puree and spices if using (if you don’t have a French press, you can just do this in a mug and later pour it through a strainer). Heat the water to a boil and stir into mixture. Set aside.
In a small sauce pan, heat half and half just just below a boil. While it’s heating, you can froth it by lifting and pouring ladlefuls. When it’s hot and frothy, add sugar and the strained espresso mixture. Pour into a cozy mug and enjoy.
More Carry On recipes?
There are so many lovely food descriptions in the book! Fiction Food Café has an abundance, including Sour Cherry Scones and Bacon Cinnamon Buns.
Excitingly, @RainbowRowell announce the sequel Wayward Son coming in 2020!
— Rainbow Rowell (@rainbowrowell) June 3, 2018
Recipe for Fiction Kitchen Episode 34: CARRY ON in which Carrie and Diana discuss (squee over) the YA meta fanfiction novel by Rainbow Rowell – mint Aero bars, sour cherry scones, pink gingerbread ladies, more Yorkshire pudding and roast beef, bacon and cinnamon rolls, sage, intensity and brownies, pumpkin mocha breve, and on and on.
