For a delightful evening of culinary and literary pleasure, pair the 3-Ingredient Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Celeste Ng's gripping novel "Little Fires Everywhere" and a refreshing glass of Aperol Spritz. The book's intricate narrative of family dynamics and secrets serves as an engaging companion to the creamy, rich dip, while the citrus notes of the Aperol Spritz add a refreshing contrast, enhancing the tanginess of the goat cheese. This trio promises a richly satisfying experience for the palate and the mind, perfect for cozy nights or lively gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dish: Spread the goat cheese in an even layer in a small ovenproof baking dish.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the goat cheese, spreading it gently to cover the cheese completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the sauce is hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Little Fires Everywhere
In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules. Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother – who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the alluring mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community. When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town – and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs.
The #1 New York Times bestseller • Named a Best Book of the Year by People, The Washington Post, Bustle, Esquire, Southern Living, The Daily Beast, GQ, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Audible, Goodreads, Library Reads, Book of the Month, Paste, Kirkus Reviews, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and more “To say I love this book is an understatement. It’s a deep psychological mystery about the power of motherhood, the intensity of teenage love, and the danger of perfection. It moved me to tears.” —Reese Witherspoon From the bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You and Our Missing Hearts comes a riveting novel that traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned—from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules. Enter Mia Warren—an enigmatic artist and single mother—who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenaged daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community. When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town—and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs. Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood—and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster. Named a Best Book of the Year by: People, The Washington Post, Bustle, Esquire, Southern Living, The Daily Beast, GQ, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Audible, Goodreads, Library Reads, Book of the Month, Paste, Kirkus Reviews, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and more
Discussion Questions
- How do the themes of conformity and rebellion play out in the relationships between the Richardson and Warren families?
- Discuss the role of motherhood in the novel. How do different characters experience being a mother, including Elena and Mia?
- In what ways does the novel explore the idea of identity and belonging?
- How does Celeste Ng depict the suburban setting and its impact on the characters?
- What moral dilemmas do the characters face, and how do they navigate them?
- Discuss the significance of fire in the novel. What does it symbolize and how does it relate to the characters?
- How does the author explore racial and cultural differences through the novel's events and characters?
- What did you think of the ending? Do you feel it provided closure or suggested new beginnings?
- How does the author use secrets to propel the narrative?
- Discuss the significance of art in the novel, particularly in Mia’s life.
Authors:
Celeste Ng
ISBN: 0735224293
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2017-09-12
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian aperitif that is refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for pairing with flavorful dishes like the Baked Goat Cheese Dip. This vibrant cocktail combines the bright citrus taste of Aperol with the crispness of prosecco, topped with a splash of soda water, making it a delightful complement to rich and tangy appetizers.
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
- Add the Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water to the glass.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the refreshing, citrusy notes as a perfect complement to your meal.