Wild Dark Shore | Hot Chocolate
Since reading Wild Dark Shore in April, I have not been able to shut up about it. I L-O-V-E, loved this book. Charlotte McConaghy’s writing is so atmospheric it instantaneously transports you to a small sinking island off the coast of Tasmania.
On the island, Shearwater, the Salt family is all that is left of a research crew, who was tasked with caring for one of the world's largest seed banks. Daily life for the Salts is a constant battle against the elements, the remoteness, and keeping the seeds safe on the sinking island. When a ruthless storm washes a woman on shore, the Salts work together to keep her alive. Yet in spite of their kindness, Rowan gets the sense that they are more concerned with keeping their secrets than they are with helping her get off the island.
Food didn’t play a large role in this story, except to highlight how cut-off the island is. Supplies, which are mainly dry goods, are delivered to Shearwater every 6 months.
“Mostly it is quiet here. A life of simple tasks, of day-to-day routine, of grass and hill and sea and sky. A life of wind and rain and fog and of smiles huddled around a heater and of books read each evening. Of hands clasping a hot cup of chocolate…”
This romanticized scene of the Salt’s life had me craving cool fall evenings, wrapped up in a blanket and a book with popcorn and hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate
Ingredients
2 cups oat milk, or milk of choice
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
3 Tbsp sugar
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp dairy-free chocolate chips
½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Over medium-low heat, in a small sauce pan, whisk together oat milk, cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Bring to a gentle boil then remove from heat. Add the vanilla and chocolate chips, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover and whisk until chocolate is dissolved. Divide into 2 cups and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
*Note: This hot chocolate is dark and rich. If you prefer a sweeter, less dark hot chocolate, add an additional 1/2 cup of milk and ½ Tbsp of sugar.
Serves 2
Hi, I’m Beth! I’ve been inhaling books and baking from the time I learned to read…
