The precursor to this website was a social media page I created called Books and Cooks, a place where I could share a book I read along with a recipe and maybe some food history. The other day, I was thinking how cool it would be to have an Outlander cookbook. I found two (a Part 1 and a Part 2) by same author. So this got me thinking…why not create my own page that navigates some of the time periods and locations of this beloved series. So…here you go! Outlander – Books and Cooks, continued! This isn’t a page where I create my own recipes nor share anything that you probably don’t already know. It is a page where I can have fun, sharing recipes I have found. A place where I can share history or geography or new things I have learned! A place where my thoughts are splattered all over the page, the page that has no end… Enjoy!
April 25, 2026
In the Footsteps of Outlander: North Carolina Edition
In the later books of the Outlander series, Claire and Jamie settle in North Carolina, where the story shifts to colonial America. The setting brings a quieter but still tense atmosphere, with growing conflict leading up to the American Revolution and a focus on building a home at Fraser’s Ridge. Visiting North Carolina in person can feel a bit like stepping into that world—the rolling hills, dense forests, and wide-open landscapes echo the rugged beauty described in the series, making it easy to imagine life on the frontier.
Although the Blue Ridge Mountains were not the exact setting for Fraser’s Ridge, their scenery closely resembles what many readers picture—lush forests, layered mountain views, and a sense of quiet isolation that captures the spirit of the story.
A visit to the mountains of North Carolina—especially around Brevard—is well worth the trip. With its waterfalls, scenic trails, and peaceful mountain views, the area offers a beautiful mix of nature and quiet escape. If you enjoy history, landscapes, or simply getting outdoors, it’s an easy place to recommend and an even easier place to appreciate once you’re there.
Our trips are usually a “general idea” with the details planned when we get there. I like the spontaneity! Go to Western NC if you haven’t!!!
We left Sunday as soon as MT got in from Drill. Decided to stop in Dillard, GA to stay the night. Dillard is great but don’t stay at Mountain Valley Inn. Woke up that morning and drove into Asheville.
Day 1- Downtown Asheville (where I saw one of my students from last year ) and New Belgium Brewery tour. Then drove to Looking Glass Falls where we decided to stay in Brevard, NC (Pisgah National Forest). This area was suggested by the lady at Asheville’s Visitor Center.
Day 2- Because we drove to Brevard, we needed new trails to hike (planned ones were north of us) so talked to the park ranger and chose two that totaled about 12 miles. Hiked 5.6 miles then tackled a nearly 3 mile ascent on the second hike (the 3 mile descent wasn’t as bad as the climb up but felt worse on my ankles and knees ). Thought I was about to die going up (Matt said I had the look of murder on my face) but the view was worth the soreness and pain we are STILL experiencing! Afterward, found a hotel close to Biltmore House which we tackled next day.
Day 3- Biltmore House…I was browsing souvenir shop, sporting my MSU shirt when a guy in Ole Miss hat stopped me. And yes, he knows a ton of family and people I know! Love my state! We were going to go to Kings Mountain afterwards but decided to go to Bridal Veil Falls which was a filming location in The Last of the Mohicans (as we were sitting on top of the rock on second hike, I told Matt it looked like a scene from that movie then learned a lot of the movie was filmed in that area…hence the schedule change). After 1.5 hour drive and driving on narrow, curvy roads (which I hate…didn’t take pictures because I was too scared to look down ) , we made it there only to realize there are TWO Bridal Veil Falls and we drove to the wrong one! But…it was still cool to walk behind and although I was upset, I felt better when I learned they don’t let people walk behind the movie scene falls due to slippery rock and danger (although some chance it). Since we were on path home, we decided to go ahead and drive home a day early.
So, if you see us hobbling about, look the other way. We are still recovering from that second hike.
April 22, 2026
Outlander Book 2 - Dragonfly in Amber
Paris, France
In Dragonfly in Amber, the second book of the Outlander series, Claire and Jamie travel to Paris to stop a rebellion by working their way through French high society. Much of the action unfolds in the dazzling Palace of Versailles, where politics, secrets, and luxury collide as they try to change history.That same sense of richness and refinement shows up not just in the setting, but in French cooking as well. French dough recipes often include eggs, which make the dough richer, softer, and more tender. This is different from many American dough recipes, which usually skip eggs and focus on simpler ingredients, resulting in a lighter, more basic texture. I have several French cookbooks and am by no means an expert, but I really love this particular type of dough for its rich flavor and soft texture.
Tart Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour additional needed for rolling out dough
- 8 tbsp cold unsalted butter I cut into slices before placing in food processor
- 1 egg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Place flour and butter in food processor. Pulse until butter is cut into flour.
- Add egg and water. Pulse until a dough ball is formed. IF a ball is not forming, add a TINY amount of water until dough ball forms. Sometimes, I add too much water and it becomes sticky. No worries, just add a touch more flour.
- Refrigerate for about 10-20 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to desired diameter. If too sticky, add a sprinkle of dough.
