Enjoy Easy Chicken Cacciatore with the thought-provoking novel "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro, which delves into themes of humanity and companionship. Pair this with an "Aperol Spritz," an Italian cocktail that perfectly complements the rich tomato flavors of the cacciatore and echoes the book's exploration of vibrant yet fleeting moments. This combination offers a balance of comfort, intrigue, and a dash of zest, making it ideal for a cozy book club evening.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- If using, pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish the Chicken Cacciatore with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Klara and the Sun
Klara, an Artificial Friend with exceptional observational qualities, watches the behavior of those who enter the store in which she waits to be chosen. She remains hopeful that a customer will select her soon, but when the possibility emerges, she is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. Thought-provoking and moving, “Klara and the Sun” delves into love, humanity, and what it means to be alive.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Once in a great while, a book comes along that changes our view of the world. This magnificent novel from the Nobel laureate and author of Never Let Me Go is “an intriguing take on how artificial intelligence might play a role in our futures … a poignant meditation on love and loneliness” (The Associated Press). • A GOOD MORNING AMERICA Book Club Pick! Here is the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?
Discussion Questions
- What themes do you find most prevalent in 'Klara and the Sun', and how do they relate to contemporary society?
- How does Ishiguro portray artificial intelligence in relation to human emotions and experiences?
- Discuss Klara's perspective as an observer; how does her view influence the narrative?
- In what ways does the setting influence the story? Could the story have taken place in any other setting?
- How do the characters in the book perceive and interact with Klara? What does this say about human nature?
- Explore the relationship between Klara and the family she bonds with. What roles do they serve in each other's lives?
- What moral questions does the book raise concerning technology and its integration into human life?
- How does 'Klara and the Sun' compare to Ishiguro's previous works in terms of style and themes?
- Discuss the use of language and style in the book. How do these contribute to its overall tone and message?
- What did you think of the ending of 'Klara and the Sun'? How does it tie together the themes and narrative arc of the book?
Authors:
Kazuo Ishiguro
ISBN: 059331817X
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2021-03-02
ISBN: 059331817X
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2021-03-02
Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is the perfect refreshing Italian cocktail, offering a delightful balance of bitter, sweet, and bubbly. The vibrant orange hue symbolizes the warmth of sunny days and leisurely afternoons spent in vibrant conversation, echoing the themes of connection and vitality found in both the Easy Chicken Cacciatore and 'Klara and the Sun'.
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Mix together the Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.