Enjoy a fabulous evening of sweet indulgence and thrilling narratives with the pairing of Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo Sticks, 'The Only One Left' by Riley Sager, and a glass of 'Strawberry Bellini'. The flaky, chocolatey phyllo sticks add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere of the book. The Strawberry Bellini offers a refreshing burst of fruity effervescence, providing the right note of lightness to balance the rich dessert and intense storyline. This combination promises an engaging, flavorful, and memorable experience that tantalizes both taste buds and imagination.
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Optional toppings: crushed nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut, or white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and place one sheet on a clean work surface. Keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Lightly brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter. Repeat this process until you have layered 4 sheets of phyllo dough.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the stacked phyllo sheets into strips about 1 inch wide and 4-6 inches long, depending on your preference.
- Place the cut phyllo strips onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the phyllo sticks are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Once the phyllo sticks are cool, dip one end of each stick into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped sticks on a sheet of parchment paper or a cooling rack.
- If desired, sprinkle the chocolate-dipped ends with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets. Alternatively, drizzle with white chocolate for an extra decorative touch.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or place the sticks in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process. Once the chocolate is firm, arrange the Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo Sticks on a serving platter.
The Only One Left
In this chilling and suspenseful novel, a young caregiver finds herself unraveling the mysteries of an old gothic house and its last remaining inhabitant. With a history stained by secrets and potentially sinister acts, 'The Only One Left' by Riley Sager keeps readers on edge with its atmospheric tension and unexpected twists.
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Named a summer book to watch by The Washington Post, Boston Globe, USA Today, Oprah, Paste, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, and Nerd Daily "Propulsive … a dizzying Gothic whodunit." —New York Times Book Review Bestselling author Riley Sager returns with a Gothic chiller about a young caregiver assigned to work for a woman accused of a Lizzie Borden-like massacre decades earlier. At seventeen, Lenora Hope Hung her sister with a rope Now reduced to a schoolyard chant, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Other than her denial after the killings, she has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred. Stabbed her father with a knife Took her mother’s happy life It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora after her previous nurse fled in the middle of the night. In her seventies and confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything. “It wasn’t me,” Lenora said But she’s the only one not dead As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. But when new details about her predecessor’s departure come to light, Kit starts to suspect Lenora might not be telling the complete truth—and that the seemingly harmless woman in her care could be far more dangerous than she first thought.
Discussion Questions
- What role does the setting play in creating the atmosphere of the novel?
- How does the author utilize narrative perspective to build suspense?
- In what ways do the characters' pasts influence their present actions?
- How is tension maintained throughout the novel?
- What themes of isolation and secrets are explored, and how do they affect the characters?
- How does the book balance psychological and supernatural elements?
- What is the significance of the title, and how does it reflect the story's core?
- How do power dynamics between characters shape the events of the novel?
- What do the revelations about the house contribute to the overall narrative?
- In what ways does the novel challenge or adhere to gothic fiction conventions?
Authors:
Riley Sager
ISBN: 9780593183187
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published Date: 2025-08-26
ISBN: 9780593183187
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published Date: 2025-08-26
Strawberry Bellini
A Strawberry Bellini is a refreshing and bubbly cocktail that combines sweet strawberry puree with sparkling wine. This drink is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and bright flavor to any gathering or book club meeting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 bottle sparkling wine (such as Prosecco)
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the strawberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of strawberry puree into each champagne flute.
- Top with chilled sparkling wine, gently stirring to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry or a mint leaf and serve immediately.