It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an avid Austen fan must be in want of a gift guide…and perhaps a new recipe? I have several great gift options for you today as well as a recipe created with a Pride and Prejudice inspired spice blend. I am sharing the recipe as part of the #BlendsBash hosted by The Bookclub Cookbook. I was sent some book inspired spices to create dishes with and for this blend I adapted a recipe for baked acorn squash. Perfect for fall time, it is easy to make, healthy, and full of warm flavors.
But first, some gift ideas. I know there are many more Austen items that could be added to this list, but these are all books or objects I have personally read or used and can safely recommend.
Pride and Prejudice Letter Edition: This gorgeous book is perfect for your favorite Austen fan! The full text of the novel is accompanied by 19 handwritten letters replicated from the story that you can unfold and read. (If you also have a Little Women fan on your list a Little Women letter edition was just released as well)
A Most Clever Girl picture book: A charming picture book biography of Jane Austen that shows how Jane Austen came to be a writer. With beautiful, engaging illustrations it is fun for both kids and adults.
Seek and Find Pride and Prejudice: A very fun way to share this story with the kids in your life. Often I think Seek and Find books aren’t worth buying since they won’t be reread enough, but this one has been an enduring favorite of my almost 6 year old for the past 3 years. One of her most read books of all time.
Litographs t-shirts, blankets, pillows, etc: The actual text of the book is used to create the images! I own a Litographs poster and scarf from different books, but I love them and think the Jane Austen designs are beautiful as well.
Austen inspired T-shirts from Pixie Hallows shop: These designs make the book lover heart happy, but are simple enough that you can feel comfortable wearing them anywhere. I have a shirt from this shop in a different design and it is so soft and looks great!
Sock Smith Jane Austen socks: I received these socks as part of a gift a couple years ago and I love the design, color, and quote on them!
Miniature Pride and Prejudice: These miniature books have the entire novel in two tiny volumes. I won this in a giveaway last year and think they are such a fun addition to my shelves. Honestly I had no idea how much they cost and probably would not have bought them at full price, but if you have a major fan or lover of miniature things in your life this would be a really fun gift idea.
Dried and Prejudice spice blend: Punny and delicious this blend brings some bookish elements to the kitchen!
Recipe for Baked Acorn Squash:
adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe
Ingredients:
-2 Tbsp butter, plus extra for baking sheet
-2 medium acorn squash
-2 Tbsp brown sugar
-1 tsp Dried and Prejudice seasoned salt (more or less to taste)
Directions:
-Preheat over to 425 degrees. Generously butter a rimmed baking sheet
-Halve squash crosswise. Scoop out and discard seeds.
-Put squash halves scooped side down onto the prepared sheet. Bake until golden, 20-25 minutes.
-Turn squash, prick insides all over with a fork. Divide 2 Tbsp butter and sugar among halves. Sprinkle about 1/4 tsp Dried and Prejudice seasoned salt on each half. Continue to bake until flesh is easily pierced with tip of a pairing knife, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.
