The Roasted Cherry Tomato Burrata recipe is beautifully complemented by "The Book of Cold Cases" by Simone St. James and a classic Negroni cocktail. This pairing brings together rich and creamy Mediterranean flavors with a suspenseful, chilly crime narrative and a refreshing bitter beverage. The Mediterranean essence of the dish, with its creamy burrata and roasted tomatoes, provides an indulgent, tactile experience that pairs perfectly with the book's chilling mysteries, while the Negroni offers a robust and refreshing palate cleanser that aligns with the book's intrigue. Together, this trio offers a taste of the Mediterranean, a chilling tale, and a refreshing escape all in one.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ball of burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, remove the burrata from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a serving platter, creating a bed for the burrata. Place the burrata ball in the center of the roasted tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.
The Book of Cold Cases
A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for when interviewing a mysterious woman acquitted in two cold case slayings, as she gets caught up in a nightmarish murder investigation herself.
A Most Anticipated Novel by PopSugar * Crime Reads * Goodreads * A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel. In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect—a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion. Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases—a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes. They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?
Discussion Questions
- What do you think of Shea's obsession with the Lady Killer case? Has it affected her personal life or journalism career?
- Discuss the themes of isolation and how they are portrayed through the characters and setting.
- How does the author use the setting to build suspense? What role does the old mansion play in the narrative?
- In what ways does the past influence the present for the characters in the novel?
- Discuss the role of trust and deception in the novel. How do these elements drive the plot?
- What were your impressions of the dual timeline structure? How did it enhance or detract from the story for you?
- How does Simone St. James explore the theme of justice versus revenge?
- Discuss the portrayal of women in the novel, particularly the main characters. How does it relate to the societal norms depicted in the story?
- How do you interpret the ending of the book? Were the characters' actions justified?
- In what ways does the book defy traditional genre conventions of a thriller or mystery?
Authors:
Simone St. James
ISBN: 9780440000211
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2023-02-28
ISBN: 9780440000211
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2023-02-28
Classic Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail, known for its bitter and sweet flavors that perfectly balance each other. It consists of equal parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari, garnished with an orange peel. This invigorating cocktail is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz vermouth rosso
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari.
- Stir well to chill the mixture.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.