Desserts

Cranberry Orange Scones, Cranberry Prosecco Spritz, and Remarkably Bright Creatures

May 17, 2025
editor
For a delightful blend of flavors and stories, pair the Cranberry Orange Scones with "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt. This captivating tale explores the unexpected friendships between a widow and a giant Pacific octopus, just as the scones offer a harmonious mix of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest. Complement this pairing with the refreshing "Cranberry Prosecco Spritz," a bubbly concoction that mirrors the charming and lighthearted essence of the story. Together, these create an invigorating trifecta, perfect for both book lovers and confectionery enthusiasts during a leisurely afternoon.
Cranberry Orange Scones

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.

Add Wet Ingredients:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Shape and Bake:

  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a disc about 1 inch thick.
  • Cut the disc into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glaze and Serve:

  • Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze.
  • Drizzle over the warm scones and serve.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures

A moving exploration of friendship and the power of the unexpected, featuring a widow and a surprisingly intellectual giant Pacific octopus. Shelby Van Pelt weaves a magical tale of connection and resilience.
A New York Times Bestseller Soon to be a Netflix Film A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick! “Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” — Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the friendship between Tova and Marcellus develop over the course of the novel?
  • In what ways does Marcellus' perspective enrich the story for the reader?
  • What role does the setting play in shaping the narrative?
  • How do the themes of loss and healing manifest in Tova's journey?
  • Discuss the significance of community in the novel. How does Tova's community support her?
  • Why do you think the author chose an octopus as a central character?
  • How does the book challenge human perceptions of intelligence in animals?
  • In what ways does the story address the idea of finding purpose later in life?
  • What does the novel suggest about the nature of family and relationships?
  • How does the pacing of the book enhance the story's tension and resolution?
Authors: Shelby Van Pelt
ISBN: 9780063204157
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2022-05-03

Cranberry Prosecco Spritz

Cranberry Prosecco Spritz
A refreshing and vibrant cocktail blending the tartness of cranberry juice with the effervescence of prosecco, garnished with orange slices, ideal for pairing with a light book and flavorful scones.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 bottle chilled prosecco
  • 1/2 cup club soda
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur or triple sec
  • Orange slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
  • Add the bottle of prosecco and club soda, stirring gently.
  • Pour into glasses filled with ice.
  • Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
  • Serve immediately for the best flavor.