Pairing the Eggnog Pound Cake with 'The Mary's Shelley Club' by Goldy Moldavsky creates an atmospheric evening, perfect for celebrating the joy of spooked delight and suspense. Complement this with a Cozy Eggnog Martini, which echoes the cake's flavors and adds a sophisticated touch. The nuanced flavors of the drink, cake, and the thrilling twists of the book create an immersive experience. This pairing invites introspection and lively discussions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or two loaf pans.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and rum extract (if using).
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired, and slice to serve.
The Mary Shelley Club
A thrilling novel that combines the elements of mystery and suspense, centering around a club where members create elaborate pranks inspired by horror stories.
New York Times-bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that's Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror. When it comes to horror movies, the rules are clear: x Avoid abandoned buildings, warehouses, and cabins at all times. x Stay together: don’t split up, not even just to “check something out.” x If there’s a murderer on the loose, do not make out with anyone. If only surviving in real life were this easy… New girl Rachel Chavez turns to horror movies for comfort, preferring stabby serial killers and homicidal dolls to the bored rich kids of Manhattan Prep…and to certain memories she’d preferred to keep buried. Then Rachel is recruited by the Mary Shelley Club, a mysterious society of students who orchestrate Fear Tests, elaborate pranks inspired by urban legends and movie tropes. At first, Rachel embraces the power that comes with reckless pranking. But as the Fear Tests escalate, the competition turns deadly, and it’s clear Rachel is playing a game she can’t afford to lose.
Discussion Questions
- How does the character of Rachel contribute to the overall sense of mystery in the book?
- In what ways does 'The Mary Shelley Club' explore the theme of belonging and identity?
- Discuss the symbolism present in the pranks. How do they reflect each club member's personality?
- How does the setting contribute to the suspense and intrigue of the story?
- In what ways are friendships explored and tested in the novel?
- How does the author use horror elements to enhance the plot?
- Discuss Rachel's development throughout the story. What key events influence her growth?
- How does the book redefine the concept of hero versus villain?
- What role does fear play in shaping the characters' decisions?
- In what ways is 'The Mary Shelley Club' a commentary on real-world issues faced by teenagers?
Authors:
Goldy Moldavsky
ISBN: 9780063000102
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company (BYR)
Published Date: 2021-04-13
ISBN: 9780063000102
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company (BYR)
Published Date: 2021-04-13
Cozy Eggnog Martini
A sophisticated twist on the traditional eggnog, this martini blends velvety eggnog with hints of vanilla vodka and Amaretto, offering a festive and creamy cocktail that perfectly complements holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Eggnog
- 1 ounce Vanilla Vodka
- 1/2 ounce Amaretto
- Pinch of ground nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the eggnog, vanilla vodka, and Amaretto.
- Shake gently until well chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg.