The Coconut Raspberry Bars pair beautifully with "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson, a novel that explores family secrets and the layers of identity through the lens of a Caribbean-American family. The tropical notes of the coconut and raspberry in the bars complement the rich, family-centric themes of the book. To accompany this pairing, a mixed drink called "Raspberry Coconut Breeze" offers refreshing flavors, enhancing the tropical experience while delving into the complex narrative of the book. Together, this trio promises a delightful sensory journey, combining taste and storytelling in a uniquely harmonious way.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 3/4 cup raspberry preserves
For the Coconut Topping:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together. Add the softened butter and blend with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Spread the Filling:
- Spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
Prepare the Coconut Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour until combined, then fold in the shredded coconut.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the raspberry layer.
Bake the Bars:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the coconut topping is golden brown and set.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars.
Black Cake
An evocative tale exploring inheritance, family secrets, and the cultural history of a Caribbean-American family, spanning decades and continents, all wrapped around the symbolic significance of a traditional black cake.
NOW A HULU STREAMING SERIES • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • Two estranged siblings delve into their mother’s hidden past—and how it all connects to her traditional Caribbean black cake—in this immersive family saga, “a character-driven, multigenerational story that’s meant to be savored” (Time). “Wilkerson transports you across the decades and around the globe accompanied by complex, wonderfully drawn characters.”—Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, and Malibu Rising ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Oprah Daily, NPR, BuzzFeed, Glamour, PopSugar, Book Riot, She Reads We can’t choose what we inherit. But can we choose who we become? In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage and themselves. Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor’s true history, and fulfill her final request to “share the black cake when the time is right”? Will their mother’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever? Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names can shape relationships and history. Deeply evocative and beautifully written, Black Cake is an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author use food, particularly the black cake, to symbolize family history and identity?
- What do you think about the way the author unveils secrets throughout the novel? How does this affect your understanding of the characters?
- In what ways do the characters' cultural backgrounds influence their actions and decisions?
- How does generational trauma manifest in the characters' lives?
- Discuss the way the author portrays the relationship between mothers and daughters in the story.
- What role does storytelling play in the characters’ understanding of their family history?
- How do the past and present narratives intersect and influence each other in the book?
- What are the key themes of reconciliation and forgiveness in the novel?
- How does the setting of the Caribbean influence the mood and tone of the story?
- What insights does the book offer about identity and self-discovery?
Authors:
Charmaine Wilkerson
ISBN: 9781529100461
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published Date: 2022-02-01
ISBN: 9781529100461
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published Date: 2022-02-01
Raspberry Coconut Breeze
A refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of tropical relaxation with the tartness of raspberries and the sweetness of coconut, making it the perfect companion to a delightful dessert and an engaging read.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz raspberry liqueur
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Top with coconut water
- Fresh raspberries and a lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add coconut rum, raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with coconut water.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and a lime wedge before serving.