Indulge in the sweet summer nostalgia of Berry Bliss by savoring these delectable berry-flavored treats paired with a refreshing Summer Berry Sangria and the captivating book "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett. The vibrant, layered narrative of the book echoes the complexity of flavors in the desserts and the drink, creating a harmonious culinary and literary experience. This trio of muffins and pies offers comfort, while the Sangria and novel add complexity and enrichment, making for a delightful afternoon spent in both culinary and literary exploration.
Ingredients
Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins:
- 1 ½ Cups Flour
- ¾ Cup Sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 2 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
- ¼ Cup Corse Sprinkling Sugar
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie:
- 1 Package of Pie Crusts
- 2 ½ Cups Fresh Strawberries Hulled and Quartered
- 2 ½ Cups Fresh Rhubarb Chopped
- 1 Cup Sugar
- ¼ Cup Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Butter Diced Into Small Pieces
- 1 Egg Beaten and 1 Tablespoon For Egg Wash
- 1 Tablespoon Course Sugar
Fresh Blueberry Pie:
- 1 Package of Pie Crusts
- 4 Cups Blueberries
- 3/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of One Lemon
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Pinch Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Butter Diced Into Small Pieces
- 1 Egg Beaten and 1 Tablespoon For Egg Wash
- 1 Tablespoon Course Sugar
Instructions
Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin pan with paper or silicone liners. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the oil, egg, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl and whisk. Slowly incorporate both until you have a smooth mixture. Some lumps are okay. Fold in your blueberries.
- Pour the batter until the liner is almost filled. Sprinkle on half of the course sugar and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Test with a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Sprinkle on the rest of the course sugar and enjoy.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Press one of the pie crusts into a pie dish and remove any excess crust. Set the second dough sheet from the top to the side.
- Mix all the filling toppings in a large bowl until the fruit is thoroughly covered.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle small pieces of butter on top. Place the second pie crust onto the pie and trim off any excess, then crimp to seal the edges. Slice an ‘X” on the top to vent. Brush the egg wash on the crust and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Enjoy!
Fresh Blueberry Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Press one of the pie crusts into a pie place and trim off any excess crust.
- Combine the filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl and gently stir until incorporated. Pour the filling into the pie crust and dot the top of the filling with the butter. Place the second pie crust on top and cut a slit in the top to vent.
- Brush with an egg wash, sprinkle on the sugar, and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
The Vanishing Half
A multi-generational narrative about two twin sisters whose lives diverge after growing up together in a small, Southern black community. One sister lives as a black woman, while the other passes as white. Their decisions will affect their daughters' lives and families for generations.
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. Inseparable as children, they ultimately choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. An exploration of the American history of passing.
Discussion Questions
- How does "The Vanishing Half" address the complexity of identity?
- In what ways are the themes of race and family intertwined in this novel?
- How does Brit Bennett use dual narratives to enhance the story's tension?
- Discuss how passing as white impacts the lives of those who choose this path in the book.
- What is the impact of community expectations on the characters’ choices?
- How does the book explore the concept of belonging?
- In what ways are the daughters influenced by the choices of their mothers?
- Discuss the significance of the title. What does 'The Vanishing Half' mean in the context of the story?
- How do the sisters’ life paths reflect broader historical contexts?
- How is the theme of secrecy portrayed throughout the novel?
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Summer Berry Sangria
A refreshing sangria made with summer berries and white wine, perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle of White Wine
- 1/4 Cup Brandy
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1 Lemon, sliced
- 1 Lime, sliced
- 1 Cup Fresh Strawberries, sliced
- 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Raspberries
- 1 Cup Sparkling Water
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the sliced lemon, lime, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add sparkling water for effervescence and stir gently.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!