Pairing the delicious Chicken with Garlic, Basil, and Parsley with "The Paris Apartment" by Lucy Foley offers a delightful blend of culinary and literary experiences. The book's engaging narrative and suspenseful plot make for an exciting read, complementing the bright and savory flavors of the dish. This combination creates an ideal setting for both relaxation and intrigue, drawing readers into a world of exquisite taste and storytelling. The addition of The Basil Gin Spritz as a refreshing beverage brings additional harmony, enhancing the herbal notes of the meal and the ambiance of the reading experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh basil and parsley leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the chopped basil, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chicken with lemon slices and additional fresh basil and parsley leaves. Serve the chicken with the garlic, basil, and parsley sauce spooned over the top.
The Paris Apartment
A thriller that involves suspense, secrets, and a mysterious apartment in Paris.
Don't miss Lucy Foley's new book, The Midnight Feast, coming June 18th! THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “Told in rotating points of view, this Tilt-A-Whirl of a novel brims with jangly tension – an undeniably engrossing guessing game.” — Vogue "[A] clever, cliff-hanger-filled thriller." — People From the New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List comes a new locked room mystery, set in a Paris apartment building in which every resident has something to hide… Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there. The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question. The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge Everyone's a neighbor. Everyone's a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.
Discussion Questions
- How does the Paris setting influence the mood and tone of the story?
- What role do secrets play in the development of the plot?
- How does the author use atmosphere to create suspense?
- Discuss the character dynamics and how they influence each other's decisions.
- How does the mystery unravel over the course of the book, and what clues does the author provide?
- What are the major themes explored in the book, and how are they conveyed through the characters and events?
- In what ways does the book challenge readers' perceptions of reality and appearance?
- How does the author weave together different character perspectives to create the narrative structure?
- What is the significance of the apartment itself within the story?
- How does the ending of the book reflect the themes presented throughout?
Authors:
Lucy Foley
ISBN: 9780000000000
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2022-02-22
ISBN: 9780000000000
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2022-02-22
Basil Gin Spritz
The Basil Gin Spritz is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that enhances the herbal notes of your meal with its blend of gin, fresh basil, lemon juice, and sparkling water.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Lemon wheel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker to release their flavor.
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top up with sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a basil leaf.