Book Club- The Green Road
This past month we read The Green Road by Anne Enright. This novel follows an Irish family over the span of 25 years. 
We see into the lives of the four siblings wherever they are in the world and what happens when they all come back home for the holidays. While Anne Enright is a magnificent writer in some ways, we all felt like there was something we missed. Her writing is beautiful but the story felt like it lacked something. None of us were able to identify with the characters and didn’t really find ourselves caring much about the family as a whole either. The general consensus was that it was a disappointing read. Although, some of us wondered if maybe there was something “lost in translation”, that maybe if we grew up in Ireland as the author did, we would be able to identify more with the story.
Book rating: Would not recommend (5/10)
Everyone is ready to discuss!
Because the book was about an Irish family and at least half of the book took place in Ireland, I chose an Irish menu:
- Individual Shepherd’s Pies
- Fresh Rainier cherries and Currants (there are dried currants in Irish Soda bread, so I figured I could get away with it, he he)
- Irish Coffee with Chocolate Whipped Cream (recipe below)
The evening we met was chilly, so it seemed like the perfect chance to try an Irish Coffee. What makes this version extra special is the chocolate whipped cream! Since I made a cocktail, there will not be a wine review in this post, but instead I’ll share my recipe.
What are some books you’ve read that you just couldn’t get into?
Our next book will be Americanah by Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie
Irish Coffee with Chocolate Whipped Cream
Start by brewing your coffee. I use a French Press and decaf coffee, but use whatever method and strength you like best.
While the coffee is brewing, make the chocolate whipped cream. Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a mixing bowl and a hand mixer). Whip on high until stiff peaks form. Add the cocoa and powdered sugar and whip on low just until the cocoa and powdered sugar are mixed in.
Divide the Bailey’s and Irish Whiskey into 2 coffee mugs or fancy cups and saucers if you have them (why not treat yourself!). Top with the coffee, making sure to leave room for whipped cream. I recommend filling the cup or mug about halfway with the coffee and tasting to see how strong the Bailey’s and Whiskey flavor is. Then add more coffee to your liking.
Off to a good start!
Top each cup with a dollop of the chocolate whipped cream.
Enjoy!
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 1/5 cups strong brewed coffee
- 3 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream
- 1 ounce Irish Whiskey
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
Instructions
- Brew the coffee.
- Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a mixing bowl and a hand mixer). Whip on high until stiff peaks form. Add the cocoa and powdered sugar and whip on low just until the cocoa and powdered sugar are mixed in.
- Divide the Bailey's and Irish Whiskey into 2 coffee mugs or fancy cups and saucers if you have them (why not treat yourself!).
- Top with the coffee, making sure to leave room for whipped cream.
- I recommend filling the cup or mug about halfway with the coffee and tasting to see how strong the Bailey's and Whiskey flavor is. Then add more coffee to your liking.
- Top each cup with a dollop of the chocolate whipped cream.