This pairing brings together the sweet and savory flavors of Baked Chicken with Pineapple & Brown Sugar with the thrilling tale of "The Broken Girls" by Simone St. James, perfectly complemented by a refreshing Pineapple Mint Mojito. The caramelized chicken dish complements the atmospheric tension of the book, creating a delightful contrast. As you delve into the mysteries of "The Broken Girls," the cool mojito refreshes you, enhancing the culinary and literary experience. Together, they form a harmonious blend that engages both palate and mind.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, undrained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice from the can, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably for 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Assemble the dish: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish. Arrange the pineapple slices on top of each chicken breast. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra pineapple slices or fresh herbs if desired.
The Broken Girls
A chilling suspense novel that intertwines a sinister old boarding school and a renewed murder investigation, revealing secrets buried deep in the past.
A journalist uncovers the dark secrets of an abandoned boarding school in this chilling suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel. Vermont, 1950. There's a place for the girls whom no one wants—the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the ones too smart for their own good. It's called Idlewild Hall, and local legend says the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their friendship blossoming—until one of them mysteriously disappears…. Vermont, 2014. Twenty years ago, journalist Fiona Sheridan's elder sister’s body was found in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And although her sister’s boyfriend was tried and convicted of the murder, Fiona can’t stop revisiting the events, unable to shake the feeling that something was never right about the case. When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during renovations links the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past—and a voice that won’t be silenced….
Discussion Questions
- What role does the setting of the boarding school play in the development of the story's atmosphere?
- How does the author use multiple timelines to enhance the narrative complexity?
- What is the significance of the characters' backstories in understanding their motivations?
- How does the theme of memory and past trauma influence the characters' present actions?
- In what ways do the supernatural elements contribute to the overall suspense?
- What impact does the historical context have on the unfolding mystery?
- How does justice (or the lack thereof) play a role in the storyline?
- Discuss the ways the novel explores themes of friendship and loyalty.
- How does Simone St. James handle the balance between mystery and character development?
- What are the implications of the ending, and how did it shape your perception of the story?
Authors:
Simone St. James
ISBN: 9780451476203
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2020-11-24
ISBN: 9780451476203
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2020-11-24
Pineapple Mint Mojito
A refreshing cocktail that blends the tropical notes of pineapple with the cool, crisp flavor of mint, perfect for enhancing the sweet and savory notes of your meal.
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tsp sugar
- Club soda, to top off
- Pineapple wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar with the lime juice to release mint oils and lime juice.
- Add the rum and pineapple juice, then fill the glass with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprig of mint.