Shelf To Table
Food Spotlight: Black Forest Cake
The perfect food pairing for this novel is a black forest cake. At first glance, it’s a beautiful, indulgent treat—fluffy layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and glossy cherries. But much like the Hollow sisters themselves, it holds a darker, more mysterious edge beneath the surface. The rich chocolate mirrors the book’s gothic, eerie atmosphere, while the blood-red cherries echo danger, violence, and passion running through the story. Every bite of this cake is layered and complex, just like the narrative itself—drawing you deeper into its shadows the more you indulge. So, if you’re planning to cozy up with House of Hollow, why not set the mood with a slice of Black Forest cake? It’s sweet, sinister, and just unsettling enough to feel right at home in the Hollow sisters’ world.
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland is a dark, eerie modern fairytale about three sisters—Grey, Vivi, and Iris—who vanished as children and returned a month later with no memory of what happened. Now grown, the sisters are marked by unsettling changes: haunting beauty, strange scars, and a pull toward the unnatural. When Grey disappears again, Iris and Vivi must unravel the sinister mystery of their past, uncovering secrets more twisted and terrifying than they ever imagined.
Page To Plate
Food Featured In The Book
Sourdough bread is a food frequently mentioned in the novel, often enjoyed by the sisters as they give in to their urge to gorge. Its tangy, hearty flavor makes it the perfect base for a variety of toppings—like honey, butter, goat cheese, or fresh fruit.
Setting Inspired Dish
Making haggis a fitting culinary connection for the book feels natural, especially for the three sisters whose bond is unbreakable. Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with onions, oats, and spices, then encased in a stomach or sausage casing, is built from many distinct parts coming together to create something rich and enduring. In the same way, each sister brings her own strength, personality, and history, yet together they form a powerful, inseparable whole. Rooted in tradition and resilience, haggis symbolizes loyalty, shared heritage, and the deep connection that holds the sisters together through every challenge.
Book Club Bite
A breadboard filled with a variety of jams, spreads, and toppings is a perfect addition for a book club discussion. Include options like honey, butter, nut butters, cheeses, and fresh fruits alongside different breads like sourdough, rye, or multigrain. This allows everyone to customize their slices while enjoying a cozy, interactive snack.
“Both of my sisters were the great loves of my life. I couldn’t live without them. I didn’t want to.” -Krystal Sutherland