Two friends eating and drinking their way through Gleam–Book 3 of the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy!

SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1-5

Recipes for food and cocktails mentioned in this episode:

Gilded Spiced Nuts Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed raw nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts all work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste—go hotter if you're channeling Rip's energy)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon turmeric (for a golden hue)
• Optional: Edible gold dust/flakes for drama

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 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.
3. Add the nuts and toss to coat thoroughly so every crevice is glistening and spiced.
4. Spread out evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. 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.
6. Cool completely. As they cool, they’ll crisp up into caramelized, spiced perfection.
7. Optional but fabulous: Once cooled, sprinkle with edible gold dust or flakes for that “gilded” touch.

Wine/Cocktail Pairing: Sweet Ass Martini

Recipe:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz white cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur or simple syrup
• Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass
• Garnish 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.

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