Shelf To Table
Food Spotlight: Tres Leches Cake
The perfect food pairing for this novel is a tres leches cake. The tres leches cake reminded me of The Hacienda not only because its sweetness balances the novel’s dark, unsettling themes, but also because it brought back memories of Andrés’s deep love for his grandmother. His bond with her mirrored my own relationship with my grandmother, especially since we both share a love for tres leches cake. It felt like the perfect, comforting treat to enjoy alongside a gothic horror story.
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas is set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence. Beatriz marries a wealthy widower and moves to his grand estate, Hacienda San Isidro. What seems like a safe haven quickly turns sinister as whispers, shadows, and an oppressive presence haunt the house. With her husband often away, Beatriz turns to a young priest, Padre Andrés, and together they confront the dark secrets buried within the hacienda’s walls.
Page To Plate
Food Featured In The Book
Arroz con pollo—a flavorful dish featuring chicken, rice, and vegetables—is mentioned in the novel and beautifully reflects the warmth and richness of its setting. This comforting meal brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both homey and full of tradition.
Character Cravings
One dish that perfectly represents Beatriz is tamales—an absolutely delicious staple made of masa dough wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Tamales are labor-intensive, often made in large batches, and traditionally prepared with family, reflecting Beatriz’s strong will, loyalty, and deep devotion to the people she loves. Just as she would do anything to protect her family, tamales are built on patience, care, and tradition, with sturdy masa surrounding a rich, comforting filling like chicken, pork, beans, or cheese. They symbolize warmth, resilience, and love passed down through generations—everything that defines Beatriz at her core.
Book Club Bite
Empanadas, pan dulce, and pan de polvo make perfect treats for a book club discussion of this novel. Their comforting sweetness contrasts beautifully with the story’s tense, chilling moments, offering a touch of warmth and familiarity amid all the suspense and thrills.
“I was a sinner. I was a witch. I had sinned and would sin again, like all men. But whatever my decisions meant for life after death was between me and the Lord. All I could do was serve the home and people I loved using every gift I was born with.”– Isabel Cañas