Pairing the "Slow-cooker Lava Cake" with "My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell and an Espresso Martini creates a thematic evening of indulgence and depth. The rich chocolatey decadence of the lava cake mirrors the intense emotional depth explored in "My Dark Vanessa," a novel that delves into complex themes and the intricacies of human relationships. The Espresso Martini complements this experience, offering a sophisticated caffeine kick to keep book club discussions lively and engaged. Together, this trio provides a multi-sensory experience that combines culinary delight with thought-provoking literature, encouraged by the strong notes and bold flavors of the martini.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the box, using the ingredients listed on the package (typically eggs, oil, and water).
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour the cake batter into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until smooth. Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake batter in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the cake is mostly set but still has a gooey center (lava-like consistency).
- Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the cake sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Spoon out the warm lava cake and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
My Dark Vanessa
A novel that explores the psychologically complex relationship between a young high school student and her English teacher, examining themes of power, control, and consent.
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “[An] exceedingly complex, inventive, resourceful examination of harm and power.” —The New York Times Book Review, Editors’ Choice “A lightning rod . . . brilliantly crafted.”—The Washington Post Recommended by The New York Times • USA Today • Entertainment Weekly • Marie Claire • Elle • Harper's Bazaar • Newsweek • New York Post • Esquire • Real Simple • The Sunday Times • The Guardian • and more! Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer. 2000. Bright, ambitious, and yearning for adulthood, fifteen-year-old Vanessa Wye becomes entangled in an affair with Jacob Strane, her magnetic and guileful forty-two-year-old English teacher. 2017. Amid the rising wave of allegations against powerful men, a reckoning is coming due. Strane has been accused of sexual abuse by a former student, who reaches out to Vanessa, and now Vanessa suddenly finds herself facing an impossible choice: remain silent, firm in the belief that her teenage self willingly engaged in this relationship, or redefine herself and the events of her past. But how can Vanessa reject her first love, the man who fundamentally transformed her and has been a persistent presence in her life? Is it possible that the man she loved as a teenager—and who professed to worship only her—may be far different from what she has always believed? Alternating between Vanessa’s present and her past, My Dark Vanessa juxtaposes memory and trauma with the breathless excitement of a teenage girl discovering the power her own body can wield. Thought-provoking and impossible to put down, this is a masterful portrayal of troubled adolescence and its repercussions that raises vital questions about agency, consent, complicity, and victimhood. Written with the haunting intimacy of The Girls and the creeping intensity of Room, My Dark Vanessa is an era-defining novel that brilliantly captures and reflects the shifting cultural mores transforming our relationships and society itself.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author portray the complexity of memory in the book?
- In what ways does Vanessa justify her relationship with Strane?
- Discuss how the novel addresses the theme of consent.
- How does the novel portray the impact of societal perception on personal reality?
- In what ways does Vanessa's relationship with her parents affect her decision-making?
- Discuss the role of literature and poetry within the novel, particularly works by Vladimir Nabokov.
- How does the structure of the novel, alternating between past and present, affect your understanding of Vanessa's character?
- What does "My Dark Vanessa" suggest about the repercussions of silence and complicity?
- How does the author use imagery to evoke emotional responses?
- In what ways does the novel challenge or reinforce societal norms about relationships?
Authors:
Kate Elizabeth Russell
ISBN: 9780062941503
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-03-10
ISBN: 9780062941503
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-03-10
Espresso Martini
A sophisticated blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso, the Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that delivers a rich, bold flavor with a smooth finish. Perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy their drinks with a kick.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with espresso beans, if desired.