Cascadia Fideuà, Saffron Coast Spritz, and The Great Alone

"The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah pairs beautifully with 'Cascadia Fideuà', a Pacific Northwest twist on a classic Spanish seafood dish. The book's immersive tale of isolation and survival in the Alaskan wilderness complements the vibrant, comforting flavors of the fideuà, while the "Saffron Coast Spritz" cocktail enhances the saffron notes in the dish and provides a refreshing contrast to the chilly Alaskan setting.
Cascadia Fideuà

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fideo pasta (or broken thin spaghetti)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 4 cups seafood or fish stock
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • ½ lb Dungeness crab meat (cooked)
  • ½ lb wild-caught salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ lb clams, scrubbed and rinsed
  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Fideo Pasta:

  • In a large, deep skillet or paella pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the fideo pasta and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  • Remove the toasted pasta from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and diced red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Create the Base:

  • Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to break down and meld with the aromatics.
  • Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it reduce slightly.

Add the Broth:

  • Stir in the saffron threads and their soaking liquid, followed by the seafood stock.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the toasted fideo pasta back into the pan.
  • Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.

Cook the Seafood:

  • Gently nestle the salmon pieces, clams, and shrimp into the simmering broth, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  • Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the clams have opened and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Scatter the Dungeness crab meat over the top during the last few minutes of cooking.

Finish and Serve:

  • Once the seafood is cooked through and the pasta has absorbed most of the broth, remove the pan from the heat.
  • Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the Cascadia Fideuà with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.

The Great Alone

The Great Alone

A gripping novel of survival and growing up in the Alaskan wilderness during the 1970s, exploring topics of domestic abuse, resilience, and nature's unforgiving beauty.
In The Great Alone. the new novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah, a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of Alaska.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the harsh Alaskan environment shape the characters' lives and relationships?
  • In what ways does 'The Great Alone' explore themes of survival and resilience?
  • What role does isolation play in the novel, both in terms of setting and character development?
  • How do the natural elements in the story echo the internal struggles of the characters?
  • What commentary does the novel provide on the strength and fragility of family bonds?
  • How does Alaska itself become a character in the story?
  • Discuss the transformation of Leni as she grows up in the wilderness.
  • What parallels can you draw between the characters' personal battles and the environmental challenges they face?
  • How do the themes of freedom and captivity manifest throughout the novel?
  • In what ways does 'The Great Alone' highlight the consequences of past trauma on future generations?
Authors: Kristin Hannah
ISBN: 9780312577231
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2018-02-06

Saffron Coast Spritz

Saffron Coast Spritz
A sparkling cocktail that incorporates the aromatic essence of saffron, perfectly complementing the Cascadia Fideuà. The citrus notes and effervescence make it refreshingly delightful.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup prosecco
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon Cointreau
  • A pinch of saffron threads
  • Ice
  • Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

  • In a glass, combine fresh orange juice and Cointreau.
  • Add a pinch of saffron threads to the mixture.
  • Fill the glass with ice and gently stir.
  • Top off with prosecco and garnish with an orange twist.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy.