Pair the nostalgic Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast with Lucy Foley's gripping novel "The Guest List" and enjoy a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. The comforting, hearty flavors of the dish balance well with the mysterious and suspenseful storyline of the book and the sophisticated, warm notes of the cocktail. Together, the rich tastes and intriguing plot create a harmonious experience that satisfies both the appetite and the mind, making it ideal for cozy evenings or book club discussions.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thin sliced roast beef (from a deli counter)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices of bread, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Rinse the dried beef under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels and slice into thin strips.
- Make the roux: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the beef: Stir in the sliced dried beef and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is heated through and the sauce is creamy and thick.
- Toast the bread: While the sauce is cooking, toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the creamed chipped beef over the toasted bread slices.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
The Guest List
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed except for one: the bridesmaid who falls dead. As secret vices play out, secrets are unveiled, and tensions rise, no one is safe from what the island holds.
Don't miss Lucy Foley's new book, The Midnight Feast, coming June 18th! A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST THRILLERS OF THE YEAR “I loved this book. It gave me the same waves of happiness I get from curling up with a classic Christie…The alternating points of view keep you guessing, and guessing wrong.” — Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient "Evok[es] the great Agatha Christie classics…Pay close attention to seemingly throwaway details about the characters’ pasts. They are all clues.” — New York Times Book Review A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party. The bride – The plus one – The best man – The wedding planner – The bridesmaid – The body On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed. But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast. And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
Discussion Questions
- How does the secluded island setting impact the story?
- Which character did you find most sympathetic and why?
- How do the multiple perspectives shape your understanding of the plot?
- Discuss the role of secrets in the novel. How do they affect the dynamics between characters?
- What themes do you think Lucy Foley is exploring through this story?
- How does Foley use red herrings and misdirection as a tactic throughout the novel?
- What was your reaction to the ending? Do you consider it satisfying or predictable?
- How might the book's themes and events differ if set in a different location?
- How does social class play a role in the characters' interactions?
- Discuss the significance of the title "The Guest List" in relation to the story's events.
Authors:
Lucy Foley
ISBN: 0062868934
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-06-02
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail known for its timeless sophistication and simplicity. Made with bourbon, sugar, and bitters, it's a smooth and slightly sweet drink that perfectly complements hearty meals or serves as a standalone delight.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- Saturate the sugar cube with bitters, then add a splash of plain water.
- Muddle until the sugar cube has dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the bourbon.
- Garnish with an orange twist.