It’s almost summer, which means pool and lake parties, family reunions and picnics, camping, and smoking out the neighborhood with your backyard grilling. It’s also time to dig out your library card, visit your local indie bookstore, and pack your beach bag with books on your “want to read” list.

Today I’m bringing back my friend and book goals hero, Christianne Beringer. First, we are talking about easy appetizers and sides delicious enough for sharing, like creamy red pepper dip, Southwest dip with pepperoni, BLT dip, Clara's corn, and green beans with lemon and toasted almonds.

Then, Christianne catches us up on (and inspires us with) her reading goals, and she tells us about new authors and book series she’s been enjoying, including the one she likes so much she starting checking out two at a time from the library.

We also talk about the handy book recommendation and discovery website and app, Goodreads, which we use to keep track of books we want to read, books we’ve read, and to browse what’s on our friends’ bookshelves as well.

So if you are someone who likes simple recipes and celebrates the joy of finishing a good book, this episode is for you!

I posted the five recipes that Christianne shares on my website randomsweets.com.

Christianne Beringer on Goodreads

Staci Mergenthal on Goodreads

Goodreads

Libby App (free app for digital reading from your public library)

Hoopla (borrow and enjoy books and media using your library card)

Midwest Independent Booksellers Association

Abe books

Thrift books

Also mentioned in this episode:

• ​Tikka House at Historic City Market, Kansas City
• ​How to Freeze Green Beans, Good Housekeeping

#amreading #reader #readinggoals #reading #library #books #appetizers #midwest #midwesterner #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota

Staci Mergenthal

RandomSweets.com

#OurSweetMidwestLife

Website randomsweets.com

Instagram @potatoesandmittens

Instagram @randomsweets

Facebook Random Sweets

Pinterest @staciperry

Email: staci@randomsweets.com