Appetizers

Caprese Skewers, Aperol Spritz, and Eliza and Her Monsters

August 4, 2025
editor
The whimsical nature of 'Eliza and Her Monsters' pairs beautifully with the vibrant simplicity of Caprese Skewers. Both offer a refreshing escape, whether through the delicious bite of fresh basil and balsamic drizzle or through Eliza's enchanting, artistic world. To complement these, a glass of Aperol Spritz adds a bright, zesty contrast, enhancing the overall sensory experience. This trio creates a harmonious blend of flavor, imagination, and celebration, perfect for an afternoon gathering or leisurely book club discussion.
Caprese Skewers

Ingredients

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 pint mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
  • Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes.
  • Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves.
  • Assemble the Skewers:
  • Thread a cherry tomato onto a skewer, followed by a mozzarella ball and a fresh basil leaf. Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at each end for handling.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients until all the skewers are assembled.
  • Season and Drizzle:
  • Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter.
  • Lightly season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers for a sweet and tangy finish.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the Caprese Skewers immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving to keep them fresh.

Eliza and Her Monsters

Eliza and Her Monsters

In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, she's LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of a popular webcomic. With millions of followers and worldwide fame at her fingertips, Eliza can’t imagine enjoying life the way it is until Wallace, a new, handsome boy, discovers her shy nature and LadyConstellation's webcomic.
“A love letter to fandom, friendship, and the stories that shape us, Eliza and Her Monsters is absolutely magical.”—Marieke Nijkamp, New York Times–bestselling author of This Is Where It Ends Eighteen-year-old Eliza Mirk is the anonymous creator of the wildly popular webcomic Monstrous Sea, but when a new boy at school tempts her to live a life offline, everything she’s worked for begins to crumble. Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl meets Noelle Stevenson’s Nimona in this acclaimed novel about art, fandom, and finding the courage to be yourself. “A must-have.”—School Library Journal In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza’s persona is popular. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community. Then Wallace Warland transfers to her school and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart. With pages from Eliza’s webcomic, as well as screenshots from Eliza’s online forums, this book will appeal to fans of Noelle Stevenson’s Nimona and Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl. Young Adult Library Services Association Best Book Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten Kirkus Best Book Texas Tayshas Pick

Discussion Questions

  • What aspects of Eliza's character did you find most relatable or unrealistic, and why?
  • How does Eliza's double life as LadyConstellation reflect the lives we may lead online versus offline?
  • In what ways do Wallace and Eliza support each other throughout the book?
  • Discuss the role of creativity and its impact on Eliza's mental health.
  • How does the theme of identity play out in Eliza's journey?
  • What role does family play in shaping Eliza's experiences and choices?
  • How does the author use art as a form of communication in the novel?
  • In what ways do you think the book handles the topic of friendship, both online and offline?
  • Do you think Eliza's story would unfold differently if set in today's social media climate?
  • How does the book's ending reflect on the themes of secrecy and revelation?
Authors: Francesca Zappia
ISBN: 9780062290130
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2017-05-30

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz is a vibrant and refreshing Italian cocktail, perfect for any occasion. Its fizzy, bittersweet taste with notes of orange and rhubarb is ideal to complement light appetizers like a Caprese Skewer.

Ingredients

  • 3 parts Prosecco
  • 2 parts Aperol
  • 1 part soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Prosecco and Aperol to the glass.
  • Top with soda water, and stir gently.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and serve.