For a cozy night in with a delightful one-pan Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet, dive into Katherine Center's "Things You Save in a Fire," with its rich narrative steeped in personal and professional challenges, much like our creamy, savory dish. Complement the meal and story with a Classic French 75 cocktail, whose bubbly nature echoes the protagonist's spirited resilience and adds a touch of effervescence to your reading experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Assemble the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each piece with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!
Things You Save in a Fire
A story of courage, resilience, and forgiveness as a young firefighter navigates her past and present challenges.
**INDIE NEXT PICK FOR AUGUST** **AN AUGUST 2019 LIBRARYREADS SELECTION** **BOOK OF THE MONTH PICK FOR JULY** **AN AMAZON EDITOR’S PICK FOR AUGUST** “Center gives readers a sharp and witty exploration of love and forgiveness that is at once insightful, entertaining, and thoroughly addictive.” — KIRKUS, STARRED REVIEW “An appealing heroine, a compelling love story, a tearjerking twist, and a thoroughly absorbing story. Another winner from Center.” — BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW “A spirited, independent heroine meets a smoking-hot fireman in Center’s smart romance… If you enjoyed ‘The Kiss Quotient,’ by Helen Hoang, read Things You Save in a Fire”’ – THE WASHINGTON POST From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel about courage, hope, and learning to love against all odds. Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she's seen her fair share of them, and she's a total pro at other people's tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own. The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie's old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren't exactly thrilled to have a "lady" on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn't seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can't think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become. Katherine Center's Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.
Discussion Questions
- What role does forgiveness play in the novel, and how does it affect Cassie's relationships?
- How does the theme of bravery manifest in Cassie's personal and professional life?
- Discuss how the fire station environment impacts Cassie's development throughout the story.
- What does the title 'Things You Save in a Fire' signify in relation to the plot and character growth?
- Analyze the mother-daughter relationship in the novel and its influence on Cassie's decisions.
- How are gender roles challenged in Cassie's profession, and how does she confront them?
- What are the primary obstacles Cassie faces, and how do they shape her as a person?
- In what ways does the author use fire-related metaphors to enhance the narrative?
- Discuss the support system in the novel and its importance to Cassie's journey.
- How does the novel portray the concept of healing, both physically and emotionally?
Authors:
Katherine Center
ISBN: 9781250047328
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2019-08-13
ISBN: 9781250047328
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2019-08-13
Classic French 75
A sophisticated cocktail with a historical punch, combining gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne for a refreshing, bubbly experience.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces Champagne
Instructions
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.