For a delightful and immersive experience, pair "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn with the Layered Lemon Pie and a refreshing French 75 cocktail. The vibrant, tart, and sweet notes of the Layered Lemon Pie mirror the whirlwind of emotions throughout "The Alice Network," where women's resilience is celebrated amidst historical turbulence. The French 75 enhances the experience with its sparkling citrus notes, keeping the atmosphere as invigorating and lively as the narrative in Quinn's intriguing tale.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Lemon slices and lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Make the Lemon Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix, cold milk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and thickened.
- Pour the lemon pudding mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to set.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the lemon pudding layer.
Add the Topping:
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over the cream cheese layer, creating a smooth, even layer.
Chill the Pie:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the pie with lemon slices and additional lemon zest, if desired.
- Slice and enjoy your Layered Lemon Pie!
The Alice Network
Set in the aftermath of World War II, "The Alice Network" follows the journey of two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947. In a legendary network of female spies, they compile a vivid, intense story of bravery, secrecy, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Featuring an exclusive excerpt from Kate Quinn's next incredible historical novel, THE HUNTRESS NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY BESTSELLER #1 GLOBE AND MAIL HISTORICAL FICTION BESTSELLER One of NPR's Best Books of the Year! One of Bookbub's Biggest Historical Fiction Books of the Year! Reese Witherspoon Book Club Summer Reading Pick! The Girly Book Club Book of the Year! A Summer Book Pick from Good Housekeeping, Parade, Library Journal, Goodreads, Liz and Lisa, and BookBub In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption. 1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister. 1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose. Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth…no matter where it leads. “Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!”—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America's First Daughter
Discussion Questions
- How does "The Alice Network" illustrate the struggles and triumphs of women in history?
- Discuss the significance of the dual timelines and how they enhance the story.
- In what ways do Eve and Charlotte's stories intersect and diverge?
- How does friendship influence the characters’ decisions and actions throughout the book?
- Examine the impact of loss and trauma on the characters and their development.
- What role does identity and secrecy play in the characters' lives?
- How does Kate Quinn use historical facts to build her narrative?
- Discuss the portrayal of resilience and its importance in the novel.
- Analyze the relationships formed with unexpected allies and the power of unity.
- How is the theme of redemption explored in "The Alice Network"?
Authors:
Kate Quinn
ISBN: 9780062654199
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2017-06-06
ISBN: 9780062654199
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2017-06-06
French 75
The French 75 is a classic, elegant cocktail that combines the robust flavors of gin with the tangy citrus of lemon, all topped with sparkling Champagne. Named after the French 75mm field gun, this drink packs a subtle but powerful punch, making it a timeless choice for celebratory occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces Champagne
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.