Banana Oatmeal Muffins, Honey Lavender Latte, and The Midnight Feast

Pair your morning Banana Oatmeal Muffins with the thought-provoking book "The Midnight Feast" by Lucy Foley. The muffins' wholesome, homey flavor complements the suspenseful themes of Foley's novel, creating a cozy reading experience. To further enhance your relaxing morning, sip a "Honey Lavender Latte," which perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the muffins and the intrigue of the book. This delightful combination promises a fulfilling start to any day.
Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or melted coconut oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with non-stick spray.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, applesauce or melted coconut oil, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until well combined.
  • Combine the Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
  • Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  • Bake the Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the Banana Oatmeal Muffins warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The Midnight Feast

The Midnight Feast

A suspenseful and darkly entertaining novel by Lucy Foley, where characters gather for a fateful night of secrets and revelations.
"Sharp, stylish and stunning…Foley's best yet." — Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark "It is an absolute bonkers delight (and I haven’t even mentioned the local bird cult yet …)." — NPR, Best Books of the Year Secrets. Lies. Murder. Let the festivities begin… It’s the opening night of The Manor, the newest and hottest luxury resort, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen. But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And it’s not too long before the local police are called. Turns out the past has crashed the party, with deadly results. THE GIRLBOSS · THE HUSBAND · THE KITCHEN HELP · THE MYSTERY GUEST Everyone’s got a secret. Everyone’s got an agenda. But not everyone will survive…The Midnight Feast "Foley’s usual techniques of unraveling the central mystery through multiple timelines and narrators are paralleled by the spiraling events of the weekend, which careen from juice shots and yoga on the lawn to a chaotic climax at a hallucinogen-fueled bacchanal where hidden identities and multiple murders are brought to light. It is an absolute bonkers delight" — NPR

Discussion Questions

  • How does the setting influence the tone of "The Midnight Feast"?
  • What role does friendship and betrayal play in the story?
  • How are secrets and truth intertwined in the narrative?
  • What impact do the character backstories have on the unfolding events?
  • How does Foley use suspense to maintain reader interest throughout the book?
  • What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, and how do they resolve them?
  • Discuss the symbolism of the midnight feast in the context of the book.
  • How does Lucy Foley explore the theme of identity?
  • What narratives or character arcs stood out to you, and why?
  • How do the characters' decisions align with their motivations, and what are the consequences?
Authors: Lucy Foley
ISBN: 978-1234567890
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2024-06-18

Honey Lavender Latte

Honey Lavender Latte
A soothing and aromatic blend of honey, lavender, and espresso, offering a calming start to your day.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm, not boiling.
  • Stir in honey and lavender, continue heating for about 3-5 minutes to let the lavender infuse.
  • Strain the milk mixture into a cup, removing the lavender pieces.
  • Pour the brewed espresso or strong coffee into the cup, and stir to combine.
  • Top with whipped cream if desired, and serve immediately.