For a delightful treat, pair the indulgent Ice Cream Sandwiches with the whimsical and romantic novel "Love and Other Words" by Christina Lauren. Both the book and the dessert capture a nostalgic, sweet essence, perfect for a cozy afternoon. Complement this experience with a Strawberry Bellini, a vibrant and refreshing drink that mirrors the sweetness and light-hearted nature of the desserts and the charming story. Together, they create an inviting atmosphere for heartfelt reading and sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 12 soft cookies (such as chocolate chip, sugar, or oatmeal)
- 1 quart of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or any flavor of choice)
- Optional toppings: mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed candy
Instructions
- Soften the Ice Cream: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes until it is soft enough to scoop and spread easily.
- Prepare the Cookies: Lay half of the cookies flat on a baking sheet or cutting board, bottom side up. These will serve as the base of the sandwiches.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Scoop about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of softened ice cream onto the bottom of one cookie. Gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich, pressing down lightly to spread the ice cream evenly to the edges. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.
- Add Toppings (optional): Pour your desired toppings into shallow bowls or plates. Roll the edges of each ice cream sandwich in the toppings, pressing gently so they adhere to the ice cream.
- Freeze the Sandwiches: Place the assembled ice cream sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm again.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the freezer and let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier eating. Enjoy your homemade ice cream sandwiches as a refreshing treat!
Love and Other Words
A heartwarming romance featuring the poignant story of Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos, best friends turned lovers, and their journey through misunderstandings, secrets, and a love that survives time. With beautifully crafted prose and characters you will fall in love with, "Love and Other Words" is a touching tale about finding your way back to love.
"Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away. But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos–the first and only love of her life–the careful bubble she's constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy's entire world–growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother…only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her"–
Discussion Questions
- How do the dual timelines in "Love and Other Words" contribute to the unfolding story of Macy and Elliot's relationship?
- In what ways does the novel explore the theme of forgiveness?
- What role does the concept of space, such as the cabin, play in Macy and Elliot's relationship?
- How do Macy's and Elliot's past traumas impact their ability to connect with each other?
- Discuss the significance of books and reading in Macy's and Elliot's relationship.
- How does Christina Lauren use secondary characters to shape the main narrative and what impact do they have?
- Explore the theme of communication in the novel and how its absence or presence affects the storyline.
- How does the setting of the novel influence Macy's character development throughout the story?
- What is the role of family in the story, and how does it influence the decisions made by the characters?
- Discuss the use of nostalgia in the book and its importance to the plot and character relationships.
Authors:
Christina Lauren
ISBN: 9781501190537
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2018-04-10
ISBN: 9781501190537
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2018-04-10
Strawberry Bellini
This delightful and refreshing Strawberry Bellini blends the sweet, ripe flavors of strawberries with the bubbly zest of champagne. It's the perfect vibrant drink to accompany the sweetness of an Ice Cream Sandwich, offering a touch of elegance to your book club gathering.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Bellini Assembly:
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 1 bottle Prosecco, chilled
Instructions
Make the Strawberry Puree:
- Blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pass the mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
Assemble the Bellini:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of the strawberry puree into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled Prosecco, stirring gently.