Main Dishes

Brussels Sprouts And Grapes Au Gratin, Honey Bee Daiquiri, and Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing

October 27, 2025
editor
"The Honey Bee Daiquiri," with its invigorating blend of floral and citrus notes, beautifully complements the roasted, sweet-yet-earthy profile of the Brussels Sprouts and Grapes Au Gratin. Paired with "Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing" by Lauren Hough, this triad offers a thoughtful exploration of identity, introspection, and rediscovery—themes mirrored in both the book's narrative journey and the harmonious blend of flavors on the palate. Lauren Hough's candid memoir provides the perfect background to a reflective evening, where the nourishing flavors of comfort food and the refreshing daiquiri can captivate both taste buds and minds. The synergy between the creative dish and Hough's storytelling encourages an evening of meaningful discussion and culinary delight.
Brussels Sprouts And Grapes Au Gratin

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 cup seedless red or green grapes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Toss the halved Brussels sprouts and grapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and starting to caramelize.
  • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Stir in the minced garlic, ground nutmeg, and half of the grated cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and grapes to a greased baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the top, making sure everything is evenly coated.
  • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining cheese and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the vegetables.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, and serve hot.

Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing

Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing

A searing memoir that captures an experience of discovery, identity, and the deep complexities of finding one’s place in the world.
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • "A memoir in essays about so many things—growing up in an abusive cult, coming of age as a lesbian in the military, forced out by homophobia, living on the margins as a working class woman and what it’s like to grow into the person you are meant to be. Hough’s writing will break your heart." —Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist Searing and extremely personal essays, shot through with the darkest elements America can manifest, while discovering light and humor in unexpected corners. As an adult, Lauren Hough has had many identities: an airman in the U.S. Air Force, a cable guy, a bouncer at a gay club. As a child, however, she had none. Growing up as a member of the infamous cult The Children of God, Hough had her own self robbed from her. The cult took her all over the globe–to Germany, Japan, Texas, Chile—but it wasn't until she finally left for good that Lauren understood she could have a life beyond "The Family." Along the way, she's loaded up her car and started over, trading one life for the next. She's taken pilgrimages to the sights of her youth, been kept in solitary confinement, dated a lot of women, dabbled in drugs, and eventually found herself as what she always wanted to be: a writer. Here, as she sweeps through the underbelly of America—relying on friends, family, and strangers alike—she begins to excavate a new identity even as her past continues to trail her and color her world, relationships, and perceptions of self. At once razor-sharp, profoundly brave, and often very, very funny, the essays in Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing interrogate our notions of ecstasy, queerness, and what it means to live freely. Each piece is a reckoning: of survival, identity, and how to reclaim one's past when carving out a future. A VINTAGE ORIGINAL

Discussion Questions

  • What are the key themes of identity and rediscovery in Hough's memoir?
  • In what ways does the author challenge societal norms in her storytelling?
  • How does Lauren Hough's personal narrative influence your understanding of community?
  • What role do the elements of humor and tragedy play throughout the book?
  • Discuss the impact of childhood experiences on Hough's adult life as depicted in the memoir.
  • How does the author convey her journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness?
  • What emotions did the memoir evoke for you, and why?
  • How do the various vignettes in the memoir connect to form a cohesive narrative?
  • Consider how the author's style of writing influences your engagement with the memoir.
  • In what ways does Hough's story resonate with contemporary social issues?
Authors: Lauren Hough
ISBN: 9780525534328
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2021-04-13

Honey Bee Daiquiri

Honey Bee Daiquiri
The Honey Bee Daiquiri is a refreshing and floral twist on the classic daiquiri, perfectly balancing the sweetness of honey with the tartness of fresh citrus for an uplifting and sophisticated cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
  • Dash of Angostura bitters
  • Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

  • Combine white rum, lime juice, honey syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well until chilled.
  • Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint before serving.