For a thrilling dinner experience, pair the savory Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats with "The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn and a classic Spicy Bloody Mary. The intense flavors of the buffalo chicken complement the gripping, suspenseful narrative of the book, offering a perfect balance of heat and intrigue. Meanwhile, the Bloody Mary adds another layer of spice and refreshment, making this trio an exciting choice for a book club gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the zucchinis: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh using a spoon to create a well in the center of each half. Lightly season the zucchini halves with salt and black pepper.
- Make the buffalo chicken filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Stuff the zucchinis: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out zucchini halves, pressing down gently to fill them completely.
- Bake the zucchini boats: Place the stuffed zucchinis on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each zucchini boat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
The Woman in the Window
A thriller about an agoraphobic woman who believes she witnessed a crime in a neighboring house but struggles to convince anyone about what she saw.
“As the plot seizes us, the prose caresses us. . . [Finn] has not only captured, sympathetically, the interior life of a depressed person, but also written a riveting thriller that will keep you guessing to the very last sentence.” — Washington Post The #1 bestseller that gripped the world, selling millions of copies around the globe – a tour-de-force Hitchcockian thriller about an agoraphobic woman who believes she witnessed a crime in a neighboring house. It isn’t paranoia if it’s really happening . . . Anna Fox lives alone—a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, mother, their teenaged son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems. Twisty and powerful, ingenious and moving, The Woman in the Window is a smart, sophisticated novel of psychological suspense that recalls the best of Hitchcock.
Discussion Questions
- What did you think about the narrative style and structure of the book?
- How does the theme of isolation play a role in the story?
- Discuss the use of unreliable narration. How did it affect your perception of the story?
- Contrast Anna Fox's character development from the beginning to the end of the novel.
- What role do you think agoraphobia plays in shaping the novel’s plot?
- How does the novel explore the concept of trust and deception?
- How did the book's pacing influence the mystery and suspense?
- What were some of the major plot twists, and how were they revealed?
- Did you feel any sympathy for the characters, and why?
- How does this novel compare to other psychological thrillers you’ve read?
Authors:
A. J. Finn
ISBN: 9780062678416
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2018-01-02
ISBN: 9780062678416
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2018-01-02
Spicy Bloody Mary
A classic cocktail with a spicy twist, the Spicy Bloody Mary combines vodka with tomato juice, lemon juice, and a blend of spices for an invigorating drink that complements bold flavors like buffalo chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of hot sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery stick for garnish
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a celery stick and lemon wedge before serving.