The Raspberry Brownie Dessert pairs beautifully with Alex Michaelides' "The Fury," as both offer a rich depth of flavor and intrigue, with the dessert's sweet-tart contrast mirroring the book's tension and drama. To further enhance the tasting experience, sip a glass of "Raspberry Bellini," capturing the fruity essence of the dessert while adding a celebratory fizz to the occasion. Together, "The Fury," the Raspberry Brownie Dessert, and the Raspberry Bellini create an experience of indulgence and immersive storytelling that elevates a book club gathering or quiet reading retreat.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Raspberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Fresh raspberries (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the Brownies:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If using, stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Prepare the Raspberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the raspberries break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the raspberry topping from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Dessert:
- Gently spoon the raspberry topping over the brownie batter in the pan, swirling it slightly with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries if desired.
The Fury
A new psychological thriller from Alex Michaelides, known for his captivating and suspenseful narrative style. "The Fury" dives into the dark depths of the human psyche, weaving a tale of mystery, betrayal, and dramatic tension.
**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** “Alex Michaelides hits the trifecta with his third novel, The Fury. The highly original story presents the reader with the king of all unreliable narrators, enough twists and turns to power two novels, and a host of characters that bleed right on the page. ” —David Baldacci A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder — from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient This is a tale of murder. Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it? Lana Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island. I tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably read about it at the time ― it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press sensation: a celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder. We found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and mouse ― a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of us was found murdered. But who am I? My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard.
Discussion Questions
- What are the central themes in 'The Fury' and how do they compare to real-life psychological issues?
- How does the author build suspense, and which techniques are most effective?
- In what ways do the character's relationships drive the plot forward?
- Discuss the role of mystery in 'The Fury'—how does it impact your engagement with the story?
- How does the setting contribute to the overall mood of the book?
- How do the personal histories of the characters shape their decisions and actions in the book?
- What moral dilemmas are presented, and how do the characters address them?
- Compare the protagonist's journey throughout the book to any anti-heroes from other novels.
- How does the book balance realism with the psychological thriller genre?
- What, if any, improvements could be made to enhance the story's impact?
Authors:
Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 978-0-12345-678-9
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2024-01-16
ISBN: 978-0-12345-678-9
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2024-01-16
Raspberry Bellini
A refreshing, fruity cocktail that pairs perfectly with chocolate desserts, adding a hint of effervescence and a burst of berry flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 part raspberry puree
- 2 parts Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a champagne flute, add raspberry puree.
- Slowly pour Prosecco over the puree until the glass is full.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and enjoy.