Category: Books & Bakes

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Zodiac Academy & Cosmic Galaxy Brownies

Okay, confession time: I did not like Zodiac Academy when I first started it.
It felt messy, chaotic, and… kind of ridiculous.
Then one day I stopped trying to take it so seriously and let myself just enjoy the drama. And wow—suddenly I was living for every ridiculous plot twist, every over-the-top insult, every scene where someone was probably seconds away from being murdered or kissed (sometimes both).

If you’re diving into ZA, you need to know this: it’s not a “sip tea politely” book. It’s a “grab a snack, buckle up, and yell at fictional characters in your head” kind of book.

Which is exactly why it needs a dessert that’s loud, extra, and a little chaotic in the best way: Cosmic Galaxy Brownies.

These are rich, fudgy brownies swirled with vibrant galaxy-colored frosting, edible glitter, and maybe a few star sprinkles if you’re feeling like a true celestial queen. Because in ZA, the drama is extra, so the dessert should be too.

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Cosmic Galaxy Brownies Recipe

(Nut-free, because you know me.)

You’ll need:

• 1 box of your favorite brownie mix (or make from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious)
• Butter, eggs, and water (per brownie box instructions)
• White frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• Food coloring in purple, blue, pink, and black
• Edible glitter & star sprinkles

How to make them:

1. Bake brownies according to package directions. Let cool completely.
2. Divide frosting into four bowls. Tint each with one of the colors—think cosmic vibes, not perfect shades.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the different frostings on top of the brownies. Use a butter knife to gently swirl them together for that dreamy galaxy effect.
4. Sprinkle with edible glitter and star sprinkles.
5. Slice, serve, and prepare to ascend into chaos.

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Perfect Pairing:

Eat these while reading Zodiac Academy in bed, preferably while muttering “what the actual hell” every other chapter. Bonus points if you make a Zodiac Academy Survival Kit with:

• Cozy blanket for emotional damage
• Tea or coffee for late-night binge-reading
• Cosmic Galaxy Brownies (obviously)
• A notebook to write down every single insult you want to steal
• A stress ball for those “WHAT DID THEY JUST DO?!” moments

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Happy Reading!

Taylor

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Zodiac Academy Edition — Galaxy Macarons

Let’s get one thing straight: Zodiac Academy is a lot.
Like…a lot a lot. At first, I hated it. I almost quit after chapter three because the vibes felt like a fever dream where everyone is hot, mean, and throwing magic at you while insulting your shoes. But then I realized something — I was taking it way too seriously. This series isn’t here to be your delicate, sophisticated fantasy tea party. It’s here to be your messy, chaotic, drama-packed midnight pizza run.

Once I embraced the chaos? I was hooked. Mean girls, forbidden romance, betrayal, a sprinkling of emotional devastation — chef’s kiss.

And what better bake for a series that’s basically a cosmic Hunger Games with hotter people than Galaxy Macarons?
They’re colorful, dramatic, and just a little over-the-top…which is basically the Zodiac Academy aesthetic.

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Why Galaxy Macarons?

• They look fancy enough to be served at a Solarian royal ball.
• The colors swirl together like a star chart (and your emotions while reading this series).
• They’re sweet but can still pack a punch — much like Orion when he’s in a mood.

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The Bake

(We’re keeping it nut-free because your author girl here refuses to die for a cookie.)

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites, room temp
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup oat flour (yes, oat flour — no almond drama here)
• Gel food coloring in purple, blue, black, and pink
• Buttercream filling of your choice (vanilla or blackberry works perfectly)

Method:

1. Whip the egg whites until foamy, then slowly add granulated sugar. Keep beating until you’ve got glossy stiff peaks.
2. Sift the oat flour and powdered sugar together, then fold into the meringue. Don’t overmix — we want lava, not pancake batter.
3. Divide the batter into four bowls, color each one, then spoon bits from each into a piping bag so they swirl.
4. Pipe onto a lined baking sheet, tap out the air, and let them sit for 30 minutes before baking at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
5. Cool completely, then fill with buttercream. Bonus points if you dye the buttercream black for drama.

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Zodiac Academy Survival Kit

While your macarons cool, prepare for your next binge read with:

• A blanket you can disappear into (like the shadows Orion lurks in)
• An entire pitcher of iced coffee or tea because the page count is not kidding
• A journal for theories and emotional damage tracking
• A playlist that swings from hype to heartbreak — Fleetwood Mac and Taylor Swift are required
• Your phone on Do Not Disturb because your friends will not understand why you’re screaming

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This pairing is pure chaos in the best way — a colorful sugar rush for a series that thrives on over-the-top drama, magical fights, and swoony enemies-to-lovers tension.

Now excuse me while I eat three of these and prepare for my next round of emotional devastation.

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Happy Reading!

Taylor

So, I dove into Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae expecting some epic fantasy drama — and wow, did it deliver… but in the most unexpected ways.

Picture this: a magical academy bursting with every mythical creature you can imagine, plus powers, secrets, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed — like someone dumped a glittering, chaotic fantasy smoothie in my lap and said, “Drink up!” But stick with it, because the world-building grows on you in a way that’s both dazzling and addictive.

I have to say, my favorite characters quickly became Caleb, Darius, and Tory — they bring so much depth and fire to the story. And I absolutely loved the tension between Orion and Darcy. Forbidden romance is totally my guilty pleasure, and they delivered all the feels. Plus, the professor relationships? Yep, shame on me, but I’m hooked. There’s just something about a complicated teacher dynamic that I can’t resist. Don’t judge me.

It’s not perfect — expect some “Wait, what?” moments and a whirlwind of new concepts to catch up on — but the emotional punch and surprising depth make it worth the ride. Honestly, it felt like binge-watching a reality TV show where the drama keeps you glued to the screen, just like my sister says. If this book were a snack, it’d be one of those messy, overly salty chips you can’t stop eating even though your taste buds are screaming for mercy.

Three stars for a wild, magical adventure that’s a little bonkers but totally entertaining. If you’re ready to get lost in a fantasy world that’s equal parts chaotic and charming, this book has your name on it.

Bonus idea: Bake yourself a batch of salted caramel brownies while reading — because the sweet and salty chaos of the book pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty chaos of dessert. Trust me.

Cozy Twisted Salted Caramel Brownies

Because sometimes a little magic means adding coffee and chocolate chips to your caramel brownies — and honestly, what could be better? Perfect for baking on a day when you want to escape into a fantasy world (or just want a legit excuse to eat brownies for breakfast).

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (trust me on this)
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (classic or salted bourbon caramel if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a sneaky warm kick

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Melt the butter and stir in the sugar until shiny and smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and espresso powder. (The espresso makes the chocolate pop in the best way.)
3. Mix in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder, and optional cinnamon or chili powder until just combined.
4. Fold in half the chocolate chips — because melty chocolate pockets are non-negotiable.
5. Pour half the batter into your pan, drizzle half the caramel sauce over it, then dollop the rest of the batter on top. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over everything.
6. Take a knife and swirl the caramel through the batter to make those gorgeous gooey ribbons.
7. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and flaky sea salt over the top for that perfect salty-sweet crunch.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (no one likes dry brownies, am I right?). Let cool before slicing.

Pro tip: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or your favorite cozy drink, and maybe a good book — because life’s all about balance.

Happy Reading!

Taylor

(aka: the comfort food that pairs perfectly with fictional heartbreak)

There’s nothing better than a quiet reading day — especially when it involves a rainy window, a stack of books with morally gray love interests, and something warm baking in the oven.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve developed this habit of baking when I know a book is going to wreck me. It’s like I’m subconsciously trying to soften the blow with carbs. And honestly? It works.

So today, I’m sharing my favorite reading-day recipe — my emotional support banana bread — along with the book I paired it with last time (spoiler: it was Still Beating and yes, I cried into the batter).

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The Recipe: Cozy Banana Bread With a Touch of Cinnamon

This recipe is:

• Easy enough to throw together mid-chapter
• Forgiving if you’re emotionally distracted
• Delicious warm, cold, or with tears on top

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon (trust me)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Optional: chocolate chips, walnuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas and mix in melted butter.
3. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir until it looks like mushy gold.
4. Sprinkle in baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix again.
5. Add flour and fold until just combined — don’t overmix!
6. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Add chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool (a little) before slicing. Eat warm with a cozy drink and a book that will emotionally ruin you.

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Book Pairing: Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann

Dark. Gripping. Emotional chaos. This book pulled me in with its rawness and didn’t let go. I made this banana bread while reading it, and I swear the cinnamon helped absorb at least 10% of the emotional damage.
Warning: do not operate an oven while sobbing.

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Other Book + Baked Good Pairings (Because I’m a Little Extra)

• The Night Circus → lavender shortbread
• Beach Read → lemon bars
• Daughter of No Worlds → dark chocolate brownies
• A Court of Mist and Fury → something with berries and rage

Honestly, part of me wants to make this a series. Books & Bakes? Chapter & Crumble? The possibilities are endless and delicious.

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What Should I Bake Next?

Have a favorite book and cozy recipe I should try? Drop it in the comments or message me! I’m always looking for more fictional heartbreak and warm carbs to soften the blow.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have banana bread to eat and fictional men to obsess over.

With crumbs and love,
Taylor