Enjoy the delightful Apple-Mustard Chicken Tenders with a side of thought-provoking adventure by immersing yourself in 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik. The novel, with its rich, magical storytelling, pairs well with the rustic and charming flavors of the dish. Enhance this culinary-literary experience with a glass of Crisp Apple Spritz, complementing the apple notes in the chicken tenders while providing a refreshing zing. This trifecta promises an evening of exquisite taste and enchanting narratives.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple juice
- 1/4 cup (60 g) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together apple juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for more flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the apple slices around the chicken tenders on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken tenders with fresh parsley before serving. Serve with your choice of sides, such as a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Spinning Silver
In 'Spinning Silver', Naomi Novik delivers a rich and captivating retelling with her magical storytelling. The novel weaves a fantastical tale filled with characters that mirror the complexities of courage, resourcefulness, and transformation.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “One of the year’s strongest fantasy novels” (NPR), an imaginative retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale from the bestselling author of Uprooted. NEBULA AND HUGO AWARD FINALIST • NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF THE DECADE • ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Public Library With the Nebula Award–winning Uprooted, Naomi Novik opened a brilliant new chapter in an already acclaimed career, delving into the magic of fairy tales to craft a love story that was both timeless and utterly of the now. Spinning Silver draws readers deeper into this glittering realm of fantasy, where the boundary between wonder and terror is thinner than a breath, and safety can be stolen as quickly as a kiss. Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk—grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh—Miryem’s fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. She will face an impossible challenge and, along with two unlikely allies, uncover a secret that threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike. ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Time, Tordotcom, Popsugar, Vox, Vulture, Paste, Bustle, Library Journal “A perfect tale . . . A big and meaty novel, rich in both ideas and people, with the vastness of Tolkien and the empathy and joy in daily life of Le Guin.”—The New York Times Book Review “Gorgeous, complex, and magical . . . This is the kind of book that one might wish to inhabit forever.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Cool and clever and . . . dire and wonderful.”—Laini Taylor, author of Strange the Dreamer “The Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale has never been as captivating. . . . Spinning Silver further cements [Novik’s] place as one of the genre greats.”—Paste
Discussion Questions
- How does 'Spinning Silver' redefine traditional narratives of fairy tales?
- Discuss the role of women in the story and how they navigate their societies.
- How does Naomi Novik’s writing style contribute to the magical atmosphere of the book?
- What are the moral challenges faced by the characters, and how do they resolve them?
- Analyze the use of magic in 'Spinning Silver' and its impact on the characters' lives.
- What is the significance of the novel’s title in relation to its themes?
- How does the setting influence the events and mood of the story?
- In what ways do the characters challenge the norms and authority figures in their world?
- What role does resilience play in the characters' development?
- How do the multiple points of view enhance the storytelling journey in the novel?
Authors:
Naomi Novik
ISBN: 9780399180989
Publisher: Del Rey
Published Date: 2018-07-10
ISBN: 9780399180989
Publisher: Del Rey
Published Date: 2018-07-10
Crisp Apple Spritz
The Crisp Apple Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that mixes the sweetness of apple juice with the effervescence of prosecco and a hint of elderflower. It's the perfect drink to complement the apple notes in the dish and adds a sophisticated touch to your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 oz prosecco
- 2 oz apple juice
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add elderflower liqueur and apple juice.
- Top with prosecco and stir gently.
- Garnish with apple slices and serve immediately.