Pairing the classic Green Bean Casserole with "The Midnight Library" offers a comforting and reflective experience. The dish's warm and rich flavors pair perfectly with the thought-provoking themes of choices and possibilities in the book. Accompany your meal with a French 75, a timeless cocktail that adds a sparkling twist to your dining experience, much like the book's exploration of different lifetimes. Together, the casserole, book, and drink create an ideal setting for stimulating conversation and a cozy evening in.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the broth, followed by the heavy cream. Add the soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans and the mushroom sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Green Bean Casserole!
The Midnight Library
In "The Midnight Library," author Matt Haig explores the choices that go into a life well lived. Nora Seed finds herself faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a library filled with books that hold the different paths her life could have taken.
Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of the library affect your understanding of infinite possibilities?
- What role do regrets play in Nora's journey, and how do they influence her choices?
- Discuss how the story portrays the idea of "the road not taken."
- How do you interpret the character of the librarian and her significance in Nora's journey?
- In what ways does "The Midnight Library" challenge or reinforce your views on life satisfaction?
- What is the significance of relationships in the paths Nora explores?
- Discuss the ending of the book and its impact on your understanding of Nora's journey.
- How does the concept of parallel lives resonate with you personally?
- Which life-choice of Nora's did you find most compelling or surprising?
- Discuss how "The Midnight Library" uses the idea of 'trying on' different lives to explore personal growth.
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. The cocktail is known for its sparkling effervescence and bright, crisp flavors, which wonderfully complement a range of dishes from holiday feasts to casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces Champagne
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.