Indulge in the delightful **Juicy Peach Crisp** while diving into the dystopian twists of **'The Handmaid's Tale'** sequel, **'The Testaments'** by **Margaret Atwood**. Pair the luscious dessert with a sweet and refreshing **Peach Bellini**, perfectly complementing the peachy notes of the dessert with the effervescent prose of the novel. Both the crisp and bellini capture the warmth and sweetness found amidst the complexities of Atwood's narrative, creating a truly immersive experience.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 6-8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated.
Prepare the Crisp Topping:
- In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
Assemble the Crisp:
- Pour the peach filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the peach filling.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
The Testaments
'The Testaments' is a sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale', taking place 15 years after Offred's final scene in the original book. This novel unveils the future of Gilead through the lives of three women, Aunt Lydia, Agnes, and Daisy, offering new perspectives and insights into the oppressive regime. It provides closure and further context to the story of one of the most famous dystopian narratives in modern literature.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE • A modern masterpiece that "reminds us of the power of truth in the face of evil” (People)—and can be read on its own or as a sequel to Margaret Atwood’s classic, The Handmaid’s Tale. “Atwood’s powers are on full display” (Los Angeles Times) in this deeply compelling Booker Prize-winning novel, now updated with additional content that explores the historical sources, ideas, and material that inspired Atwood. More than fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale, the theocratic regime of the Republic of Gilead maintains its grip on power, but there are signs it is beginning to rot from within. At this crucial moment, the lives of three radically different women converge, with potentially explosive results. Two have grown up as part of the first generation to come of age in the new order. The testimonies of these two young women are joined by a third: Aunt Lydia. Her complex past and uncertain future unfold in surprising and pivotal ways. With The Testaments, Margaret Atwood opens up the innermost workings of Gilead, as each woman is forced to come to terms with who she is, and how far she will go for what she believes.
Discussion Questions
- How did 'The Testaments' alter your perception of Gilead compared to 'The Handmaid's Tale'?
- What are the different roles that women play in Gilead's society according to 'The Testaments'?
- Discuss Aunt Lydia's character arc. What do her actions tell you about power and complicity?
- How does the book explore the theme of resistance?
- In what ways do Agnes, Daisy, and Aunt Lydia's narratives intersect and diverge?
- What role does memory play in 'The Testaments'?
- How does Margaret Atwood use language to build on the world of Gilead in this sequel?
- Consider the novel’s portrayal of indoctrination and education. How does it shape the characters?
- What are the moral complexities presented in 'The Testaments'?
- How do the differing perspectives of the narrators enhance the story?
Authors:
Margaret Atwood
ISBN: 0385543786
Publisher: Anchor
Published Date: 2019-09-10
Peach Bellini
A classic Italian cocktail that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the effervescent charm of sparkling wine, creating a refreshing and sophisticated drink that pairs perfectly with desserts like a Juicy Peach Crisp.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and pureed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 bottle (750ml) chilled Prosecco or champagne
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the ripe peaches until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice to the peach puree and stir to combine.
- Pour about 2 tablespoons of peach puree into a champagne flute.
- Top with sparkling Prosecco or champagne, gently stir, and serve immediately.