This time of year always seems to be when I fall back into reading books, back to back, with no breaks in between. When the weather is changing, and the days are shorter, and our garden is done, I finally have time to sit and read at night again.

Here’s what I’ve been reading lately!

The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro. I found this a few months ago, and the description sounded like an episode of White Collar, so I knew I would love it. Lots of twists in this one! It definitely didn’t turn out how I originally thought. I also loved all the imagery and references to the art pieces and techniques.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I know. I’m WAY behind everyone on this. I’ve heard about it all over the place, have seen the movie previews, and decided that I needed to go ahead and get it. I know I want to see the movie, and I do not want to see the movie before I’ve read the book.

I equally loved it AND hated it! Well, maybe not hated it. But I was completely sucked into the story, even though I was mad at just about everyone in the book, the entire time. That’s never happened before. Usually, you can find one character to stand behind, cheer for, but here? Nope. None of that. Or not for me, anyway. And the ending was definitely not what I was expecting, but I loved it! Totally made me mad, but still. Fantastic writing, too. I can’t wait to read some of her other books.

Slammed by Colleen Hoover. Okay -this isn’t even that new (she’s had at least 5 books since this one, I think?), but I read this (and the other two in the series) for the second time about a month ago, and I loved them just as much as the first time. I’ve never had much experience with slam poetry, but these books make me want to see it in person someday. Plus, the author is a big fan of our favorite band and quotes the songs for each chapter — bonus!

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Again, not new by any means, but probably one of my favorite books in the past few years. I’ve read this at least 4 times now? And I started reading it again on the way back from vacation. I also have her new book, but haven’t started it yet.

So – what are you reading? What should I add to my list? What have you loved lately?

Teacakes – do you know what they are?

I had no idea what to expect when I first tested this recipe, but I didn’t think they’d be these tender little butter-cookies, perfect for having with a cup of tea or coffee.

I’ve found a bunch of different definitions of teacakes, from yeast-raised sweet rolls served toasted to actual loaf cakes to more biscuit-like baked goods.

Whatever you want to call these – teacakes, butter cookies, biscuits – just make sure you eat them warm and spread on a little chocolate sauce for some extra indulgence.

You can find the recipe for these Grandma’s Teacakes over on the Dixie Crystals website, one of their vintage recipes that I tested and updated.

We’ve got a few things to celebrate today.

1. It’s vacation time – finally!! We’ve been waiting all summer for this week, and after today, I’m pretty much going to be unplugged. There’s no wifi, no computers. Just beach time with the family, lots of eating, and lots of napping.

2. Fall is coming! I’m not completely ready for cold weather and this horrible winter everyone is talking about, but I am ready for some cooler weather, changing leaves, and sweaters.

3. It’s FOOTBALL SEASON. I’ve been watching as much college football as humanly possible, and that’s the one thing I’ll miss this week on vacation….is that weird? I love it. I can’t help it!

To help celebrate both fall AND football season, we’re talking about this spicy bbq chicken pizza today.

Okay, so a few years ago, I was convinced that I had the perfect pizza dough recipe. And it’s good – really good. And you don’t really have to let it rise, which makes it nice for weeknights. But….there’s a new dough in the rotation, and I really think this is the best pizza dough ever.

This is not a recipe.

Can you really have a recipe for s’mores?

It’s some kind of cracker with marshmallow and your favorite chocolate, all melted and completely messy. Easy!

But I couldn’t not share this. A few weeks ago, after the Lindt chocolate and wine pairing party, we went over to Susan and Jon’s house for dinner + s’mores, and I’m pretty sure I had the best s’more of my life.

I mean, I wouldn’t doubt it since it was with Susan – she (literally) wrote the book on s’mores.

The s’mores we had that night?

A new creation.

A S’more-o. S’mores made with oreos as the “cracker”. No graham crackers in sight.

And just to put it over the edge, we used Lindt sea salt chocolate. Holy moly. That sea salt chocolate will be in every s’more I have from now on.