The Banana Nut Muffins pair delightfully with "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus and a refreshing Sparkling Lemonade. "Lessons in Chemistry" offers a rich narrative that explores the themes of science and societal norms, while the Lemonade provides a citrusy, bubbly companion that complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the muffins. Enjoying this combination provides a thoughtful escape into a female chemist's challenging yet inspiring journey and a refreshing sip that brightens your reading experience. This trifecta of treat, book, and beverage enhances each other, making for a stimulating book club meeting or a quiet afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add nuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lessons in Chemistry
A fabulous tale about an uncompromising woman in the world of chemistry in the 1960s.
THE FUNNY AND INSPIRING, MULTI-AWARD-WINNING BESTSELLER WITH MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD, now a major Apple TV+ series starring Brie Larson A Book of the Year for: Guardian, Times, Sunday Times, New York Times, Good House Keeping, Woman & Home, Stylist, TLS Oprah Daily, Newsweek, Mail on Sunday, NPR, India Knight, Hay Festival, Waterstones, Amazon, Books Are My Bag, and many more! 'The most charming, life-enhancing novel’ Sunday Times 'Funny, thought-provoking and stylish' Guardian ‘The best book I've read recently. I loved it’ – SARA COX, BBC 2 Between the Covers ‘Everyone needs to read this’ 5-star reader review ___________ Your ability to change everything – including yourself – starts here Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, she would be the first to point out that there is no such thing. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans, the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-Prize-nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with – of all things – her mind. Like science, life is unpredictable. Forced to leave her job at the institute, Elizabeth Zott soon finds herself the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking ('Combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride') proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo. One molecule at a time. __________ A New York Times ‘Top 100 Best Books of the 21st Century’ Reader's Pick Author of the Year at the British Book Awards Author of the Year, Waterstones Winner of the Goodreads Choice Best Debut Novel Award Winner of the Books are My Bag Reader's Choice Award Winner of the Books are My Bag Breakthrough Author Award Shortlisted for the HWA Crown Award PRAISE FOR LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY: 'Laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with life, generosity and courage' Rachel Joyce, bestselling author of The Homemade God ‘Full of humour, heartbreak and characters who feel like real people’ Red Magazine ‘Page-turning and highly satisfying’ – Maggie Shipstead, bestselling author of Great Circle 'I loved Lessons in Chemistry and am devastated to have finished it!' Nigella Lawson 'A novel that sparks joy with every page' Elizabeth Day, bestselling author of Magpie 'Witty and sometimes hilarious … the Catch-22 of early feminism' Stephen King ‘A beautiful, sharp, funny and dark modern classic. I adored it' Chris Whitaker, bestselling author of All the Colours of the Dark ‘The best book that I have read this year – a funny, warm, unique book’ 5-star reader review ‘Witty, poignant, clever, brilliantly plotted…believe the hype’ 5-star reader review ‘Funny, honest and heart-wrenching this book had me hooked until the end.’ 5-star reader review Lessons in Chemistry has sold over 8 million copies worldwide across all formats, People, January 2025 Front cover may vary
Discussion Questions
- How does the novel portray the challenges faced by women in science during the 1960s?
- In what ways does Elizabeth Zott challenge societal norms, and what impact does this have on those around her?
- Discuss the role of 'family' and support networks within the book.
- How does the novel balance humor with serious issues, and how does this affect your reading experience?
- What is the significance of the cooking show in Elizabeth's life and career?
- In what ways does the dog, Six-Thirty, contribute to the narrative?
- Analyze the chemistry metaphors used throughout the novel.
- How does the book discuss the concept of 'genius,' and who is considered a genius in the story?
- What did you think about the character development of Elizabeth from start to end?
- What themes from the novel are still relevant to today's societal issues and women's rights?
Authors:
Bonnie Garmus
ISBN: 9780385547376
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2022-04-05
ISBN: 9780385547376
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2022-04-05
Sparkling Lemonade
A refreshing and bubbly lemonade that's perfect for savoring alongside the sweetness of banana nut muffins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups sparkling water
- Ice
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, water, and sugar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat to cool.
- In a jug, combine the lemon syrup and sparkling water.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.