One of our Global Officers treats us to an alternative list of classic literature titles to read over the Christmas break, along with some fabulous cookie recipes.
- Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig & Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Beware of Pity is set in the Austro-Hungarian Empire shortly before World War One and centres on Lieutenant Hoffmiller and his blunder(s) which sparks a series of destructive events. The cookie, which has a (more or less) multifaceted flavour profile, closely reflects the various dimension of pity explored by Zweig – the good, the bad, and the corrosive.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe
2. The Crucible by Arthur Miller & Peppermint Brownie Cookies
This cookie adds a little bit extra to a classic dessert. In a similar fashion, The Crucible portrays the Salem Witch Trials, partially fictionalised and partially real. The Crucible dips into hysteria, morality, hypocrisy and much more. With a cast of well-crafted characters, the messages and themes of the book can be extracted and applied to a variety of contexts.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies recipe
3. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Russian literature often gets a bad reputation for being difficult or convoluted to read. Luckily, The Death of Ivan Ilych is arguably one of Tolstoy’s more accessible works and considerably shorter than others (W*r and P*ace). Grappling with themes of regret, death, and the meaning of a fulfilling life, this short read incites an introspective evaluation of one’s own life. The perfect time to indulge in a classic gingerbread treat.
Chewy Gingerbread Cookie recipe
4. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison & Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread
The Bluest Eye is a devastating read. Morrison addresses difficult issues of oppression, racism, and sexual violence, particularly against black women. The Bluest Eye explores the deleterious power of desire and obsession. Morrison’s craftmanship is bold, vivid, and melodic and The Bluest Eye continues to resonate and be salient today, 54 years after its original publication.
Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread recipe
5. The Chimes and The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens & M&M Cookies
Although I said A Christmas Carol would not feature on the list, I feel it would me remiss of me to not acknowledge Dickens. He is a Victorian classic, deserving of a simple and timeless cookie. Following on the coattails of A Christmas Carol, The Chimes and The Cricket on the Hearth parody the wealthy and powerful whilst emphasising family and benevolence – themes that feature often in Dickens’ satire.
Recipe Notes: All of the above recipes come from https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes. If the link to the recipe prompts you to sign in/make an account, closing the tab and searching again should fix the issue!