Savor a delightful and versatile frittata while diving into the intellectually stimulating world of 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens, paired with the refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktail. This pairing merges the frittata's layers of flavors with the novel's intricate narrative and the cocktail's vibrant effervescence, creating a harmonious experience for the senses.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 minute more. If using cooked bacon or sausage, add it to the skillet now.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Cook the frittata on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the edges start to set. Do not stir; allow the eggs to cook undisturbed.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the frittata is puffed up and the center is set. You can also place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top, if desired.
- Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs before slicing into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Where the Crawdads Sing
A captivating mystery and a powerful coming-of-age story, 'Where the Crawdads Sing' explores the life of Kya Clark, the mysterious 'Marsh Girl' of Barkley Cove. When town legend Chase Andrews is found dead, suspicion falls on Kya, but the truth is as intricate as the marsh itself. Delia Owens vividly immerses readers into the beauty of the natural world and the complex dynamics of a small town.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author use nature as a character in the story?
- What role does isolation play in Kya's development throughout the novel?
- Discuss the significance of the title, 'Where the Crawdads Sing'.
- How do the different relationships in Kya's life shape her character?
- What is the significance of poetry within the narrative?
- In what ways does the author challenge societal norms and prejudices?
- How does the setting affect the mood and tone of the story?
- What parallels can be drawn between Kya's life and the natural world?
- Discuss how justice is portrayed in the novel.
- How does the dual timeline structure enhance the suspense of the story?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail that combines Aperol with prosecco and a splash of soda water, perfect for a light and bubbly accompaniment to your meal.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in 3 oz of Prosecco.
- Add 2 oz of Aperol.
- Top with 1 oz of soda water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.