Gleam Recap

Two friends eating and drinking their way through Gleam–Book 3 of the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy! SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1-5Recipes for food and cocktails mentioned in this episode:Gilded Spiced Nuts RecipeIngredients:2 cups mixed raw nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts all work great)1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste—go hotter if you're channeling Rip's energy)½ teaspoon smoked paprika¼ teaspoon ground ginger½ teaspoon sea salt¼ teaspoon black pepperOptional: ½ teaspoon turmeric (for a golden hue)Optional: Edible gold dust/flakes for drama Directions:Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter) and maple syrup (or honey). Stir in all the spices and salt to make a paste.Add the nuts and toss to coat thoroughly so every crevice is glistening and spiced.Spread out evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfwaythrough, until the nuts are toasted and aromatic. Watch closely to prevent burning in the last 5 minutes.Cool completely. As they cool, they’ll crisp up into caramelized, spiced perfection.Optional but fabulous: Once cooled, sprinkle with edible gold dust or flakes for that “gilded” touch.Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Sweet Ass MartiniRecipe:2 oz vanilla vodka1 oz white cranberry juice0.5 oz elderflower liqueur or simple syrupShake with ice and strain into a martini glassGarnish with a frozen white grape or a sprinkle of shimmer dust Vibe: Fancy, a little flirty, and deceptively strong. Just like our girl Auren post-Glow Up. Join our Corks and Cauldron Patreon to enjoy all our content:  patreon.com/CorksandCauldron Give us a follow:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@corksandcauldronTikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@corks.and.cauldronYoutube: @corksandcauldronFacebook: @corksandcauldron Email us your favorite Plated Prisoner theories orquestions: [email protected] Listen to the Corks and Cauldron Podcast on your favoritepodcast platform:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/05V5Phlkc2n0AdwSLdLRkt?si=3404ad78f0b94d69Amazon- https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6376cc94-9ac8-407a-8e23-b40c0b8e2d8b/corks-and-cauldronApple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/corks-and-cauldron/id1790775715  Don't forget to send this podcast to your fellow fantasy/romantasy readers!