Appetizers

Stuffed Mushrooms, The French 75, and The Silent Patient

April 23, 2025
editor
Savor the rich and savory flavors of Stuffed Mushrooms while diving into the suspenseful world of "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides. This delectable appetizer pairs perfectly with a classic champagne cocktail, The French 75, offering a festive touch that complements both the dish and the thrilling novel. The combination of creamy, herby mushrooms and crisp champagne offers a sophisticated and balanced experience, perfect for book club discussions or a cozy evening at home.
Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large mushrooms, stems removed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, packing it in tightly.
  • Bake: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.
  • Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack.

The Silent Patient

The Silent Patient

"The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller about Alicia, a famous painter married to a fashion photographer who inexplicably shoots her husband and then stops speaking. Theo Faber, a psychotherapist fascinated by Alicia's case, becomes determined to get Alicia to talk and uncover the truth behind her mysterious silence.
**THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "An unforgettable—and Hollywood-bound—new thriller… A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy." —Entertainment Weekly The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….

Discussion Questions

  • What do you think of Alicia's decision to stop talking? What does this silence symbolize?
  • How did Theo's obsession with Alicia affect his personal and professional life?
  • Discuss the role of art in the novel. How is it used as a form of expression?
  • How do you view the ethics of Theo's actions throughout the book?
  • What are your thoughts on the twist ending? How did it change your perception of the characters?
  • How does the author use tension and pacing to maintain suspense?
  • Discuss the theme of trust and betrayal in the novel.
  • How does the novel explore the idea of reality versus perception?
  • What role do secondary characters play in the unfolding of the main plot?
  • How does the setting of the psychiatric facility contribute to the mood and themes of the book?
Authors: Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 1250301696
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2019-02-05

The French 75

The French 75
The French 75 is a classic champagne cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. Light, bubbly, and slightly tart, it's a refreshing drink perfect for celebrations and sophisticated gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 3 oz champagne
  • Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

  • Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, then strain into a champagne flute.
  • Top off with champagne.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.