Main Dishes

Croissant Sandwich, Classic Mimosa, and Red, White & Royal Blue

July 4, 2025
editor
"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston pairs wonderfully with a classic Croissant Sandwich and a delightful Mimosa. The book's entertaining, romantic themes blend seamlessly with the sandwich's savory delight and the bubbly refreshment of a Mimosa. Together, they provide a well-rounded and enjoyable experience, making them perfect for a leisurely afternoon brunch or a cozy evening get-together. The mix of light-hearted and savory makes this pairing perfect for a book club gathering or a solo reading retreat.
Croissant Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh croissants
  • 4 slices of deli ham
  • 4 slices of cheese (such as Swiss or cheddar)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small tomato, sliced
  • A handful of fresh spinach or lettuce leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Croissants: Slice each croissant in half horizontally.
  • Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of each croissant half. Optional: Spread mayonnaise on the top half of each croissant. Place two slices of ham and two slices of cheese on the bottom half of each croissant. Add slices of tomato and a few spinach or lettuce leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat the Sandwich: Place the assembled croissant halves on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissant is warm and slightly crisp.
  • Serve: Remove the croissants from the oven. Place the top halves of the croissants over the fillings. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious croissant sandwich!

Red, White & Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue

A story about Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of America's first female president, and his romantic entanglement with a British prince. This delightful romantic comedy explores politics, transatlantic relationships, and finding love in unexpected places.
* Instant NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestseller * * GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER for BEST DEBUT and BEST ROMANCE of 2019 * * BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR* for VOGUE, NPR, VANITY FAIR, and more! * What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales? When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius—his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse. Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through? Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue proves: true love isn't always diplomatic. "I took this with me wherever I went and stole every second I had to read! Absorbing, hilarious, tender, sexy—this book had everything I crave. I’m jealous of all the readers out there who still get to experience Red, White & Royal Blue for the first time!" – Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners "Red, White & Royal Blue is outrageously fun. It is romantic, sexy, witty, and thrilling. I loved every second." – Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six

Discussion Questions

  • How does "Red, White & Royal Blue" handle the theme of identity in the context of politics and royalty?
  • What role does humor play in the development of relationships in the novel?
  • How are family dynamics portrayed in the book? How do they influence Alex and Henry’s decisions?
  • Discuss the impact of public perception and media on personal relationships, as illustrated in the book.
  • What does Alex’s journey throughout the book say about personal growth and acceptance?
  • How do the cultural differences between Alex and Henry help to develop their relationship?
  • The novel touches on social issues. How are these incorporated into the love story, and what effect do they have?
  • Discuss the significance of the emails exchanged between Alex and Henry in developing their relationship.
  • What role do supporting characters play in reinforcing or challenging the main themes of the novel?
  • If this story were to be adapted into a movie, which elements would be most crucial to include to maintain its charm?
Authors: Casey McQuiston
ISBN: 9781250316776
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published Date: 2019-05-14

Classic Mimosa

Classic Mimosa
The Mimosa is an elegant and refreshing cocktail, perfect for brunch or an upscale celebration. The combination of orange juice and champagne makes it a timeless choice for a touch of sophistication in a refreshing drink.

Ingredients

  • 1 part fresh orange juice
  • 1 part champagne or sparkling wine

Instructions

  • Pour the fresh orange juice into a champagne flute, filling it halfway.
  • Carefully top off the flute with champagne, ensuring the liquid just reaches the rim of the glass.
  • Gently stir to combine.
  • Garnish with an orange twist if desired, and serve immediately.