Berry Gelatin Mold, Riesling Wine Pairing, and The Thursday Murder Club

The refreshing Berry Gelatin Mold pairs delightfully with Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club,' offering a light and joyful experience just like the novel's charming blend of mystery and wit. To complement the dessert, a Riesling wine enhances the sweet-tart flavors and maintains the elegant atmosphere. Together, this combination provides a delightful sensory experience for a book club night, blending the mystery of the book with the lightness of the dessert and drink.
Berry Gelatin Mold

Ingredients

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) berry-flavored gelatin (such as strawberry or raspberry)
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the berries)
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Gelatin:

  • In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the berry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
  • Stir in the cold water and orange juice, mixing well.

Sweeten the Berries:

  • In a separate bowl, combine the mixed fresh berries with the lemon juice and sugar (if using). Gently toss to coat the berries evenly.

Assemble the Mold:

  • Lightly spray a gelatin mold or bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour a small amount of the gelatin mixture into the mold, just enough to cover the bottom. Place the mold in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the gelatin layer is slightly set but not fully firm.

Add the Berries:

  • Once the first layer of gelatin is slightly set, arrange the mixed berries evenly over it.
  • Gently pour the remaining gelatin mixture over the berries, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Chill the Mold:

  • Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.

Unmold and Serve:

  • To unmold, dip the bottom of the mold briefly in warm water to loosen the gelatin. Place a serving platter over the mold and invert it to release the gelatin mold onto the platter.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. But when a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club finds itself in the middle of its first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it’s too late?
Soon to be a Major Motion Picture The first installment in the beloved and New York Times bestselling series from Richard Osman, also author of We Solve Murders Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves A female cop with her first big case A brutal murder Welcome to… THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves in the middle of their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late? “Witty, endearing and greatly entertaining.” —Wall Street Journal

Discussion Questions

  • What do you think of the Thursday Murder Club's approach to solving mysteries, and how does it reflect their personalities?
  • How does the setting influence the tone of the story?
  • What role does friendship play in the narrative?
  • How are the elderly depicted in this story, and what message does it convey about aging?
  • Discuss the use of humor in the book. Is it effective in balancing the darker themes?
  • Which of the club members do you find most interesting and why?
  • What do you think of the antagonist's motivations? Are they compelling and believable?
  • How does the author manage to keep the reader engaged with multiple plotlines?
  • What are the themes of justice and morality explored in the book?
  • Would you enjoy being part of a club similar to the Thursday Murder Club? Why or why not?
Authors: Richard Osman
ISBN: 1984880969
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2021-08-03

Riesling Wine Pairing

Riesling Wine Pairing
This Riesling wine is the perfect companion to the Berry Gelatin Mold, with its delicate sweetness and crisp notes, enhancing the vibrant berry flavors in the dessert.

Ingredients

  • One bottle of Riesling wine, preferably from a reputable winery known for quality white wines

Instructions

  • Chill the Riesling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • Pour into wine glasses and serve alongside the Berry Gelatin Mold, allowing guests to savor the refreshing and harmonious flavors.