Pairing 'Creamy Spinach Chicken' with 'In the Lives of Puppets' by T.J. Klune and a refreshing "Pear Bubbly Fizz" creates a delightful experience of warmth and whimsy. The comforting flavors of the chicken dish harmonize with Klune's imaginative world, offering a cozy reading experience as you traverse its pages alongside a fizzy pear drink. Together, they provide an escape into fantasy, much like the serene yet fantastical comfort food enhances one's mood, making it a perfect combination for those seeking both culinary and literary adventures.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add Parmesan and spinach: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it well.
- Serve: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
In the Lives of Puppets
A whimsical tale by T.J. Klune that explores themes of friendship and finding one's place in the world through a unique and heartwarming storytelling approach.
A NEW YORK TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES AND INDIE BESTSELLER! New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune invites you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts. Most Anticipated from BookPage • Goodreads • The Nerd Daily • Paste Magazine • LitReactor • OverDrive • LGBTQ Reads • Tor.com • LibraryReads • more “An enchanting tale of Pinocchio in the end times.” —P. Djèlí Clark In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots—fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too. They’re a family, hidden and safe. The day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labeled “HAP,” he learns of a shared dark past between Hap and Gio–a past spent hunting humans. When Hap unwittingly alerts robots from Gio’s former life to their whereabouts, the family is no longer hidden and safe. Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams. So together, the rest of Vic’s assembled family must journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommission, or worse, reprogramming. Along the way to save Gio, amid conflicted feelings of betrayal and affection for Hap, Vic must decide for himself: Can he accept love with strings attached? Inspired by Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio, and like Swiss Family Robinson meets Wall-E, In the Lives of Puppets is a masterful stand-alone fantasy adventure from the beloved author who brought you The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door. ★ “An epic quest of rescue and discovery [with] the author’s trademark charm, heart, and bittersweetness.” —Library Journal, starred review Praise for TJ Klune’s previous work: "Like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket." —V.E. SCHWAB • “Very close to perfect.” —SEANAN McGUIRE • “Utterly absorbing.” —GAIL CARRIGER • "It will renew your faith in humanity.” —TERRY BROOKS • “It healed me.” —CASSANDRA KHAW • “Compassionate.” —RYKA AOKI At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Discussion Questions
- What central themes do you think the author wanted to explore in this book?
- How did the author's use of fantasy elements affect your perception of the story?
- Which character did you find most relatable and why?
- In what ways does the book address the concept of identity?
- How does the setting influence the narrative?
- What emotions did the story evoke as you read it?
- How do the relationships among characters drive the plot forward?
- What did you think about the book's ending? Was it satisfying?
- How does the concept of 'belonging' manifest in the story?
- Discuss the impact of the book's pacing on your reading experience.
Authors:
TJ Klune
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Tor Books
Published Date: 2023-04-25
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Tor Books
Published Date: 2023-04-25
Pear Bubbly Fizz
A refreshing cocktail featuring the crisp taste of pear juice combined with the effervescence of champagne, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your meal and reading experience.
Ingredients
- 2 oz pear juice
- 4 oz champagne
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Pear slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a champagne flute halfway with ice cubes.
- Add pear juice and elderflower liqueur.
- Top off with champagne and gently stir.
- Garnish with a pear slice.