Main Dishes Salads

Fall Panzanella Salad, Maple Bourbon Smash, and First Lie Wins

December 1, 2025
editor
The Fall Panzanella Salad, with its hearty autumn ingredients, pairs wonderfully with "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston. The book's intriguing narrative complements the rich and comforting flavors of the salad. To elevate this experience, a Maple Bourbon Smash is the perfect beverage pairing, playing off the sweet and savory notes in the dish. Together, they offer a curated evening of delicious food, an engaging read, and a delightful drink.
Fall Panzanella Salad

Ingredients

  • 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  • Toast the Bread: While the squash is roasting, spread the cubed bread on another baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash, toasted bread, diced apple, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

First Lie Wins

First Lie Wins

A thrilling tale of deception and intrigue follows the protagonist as they navigate a world where not everything is what it seems. Ashley Elston crafts a story full of unexpected twists and moral ambiguity, keeping readers on edge until the very end.
Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn't exist. The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she's given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job. Evie isn't privy to Mr. Smith's real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she's starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can't make any mistakes–especially after what happened last time. Because the one thing she's worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to-her real identity-just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there's still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't be higher–but then, Evie has always liked a challenge…

Discussion Questions

  • What do you think motivates the main character's decisions, and how do they reflect their inner conflicts?
  • How does deception play a role in the relationships portrayed in the book?
  • In what ways does the setting enhance the overall narrative?
  • Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Would you have made the same choices?
  • How does the author build suspense throughout the story?
  • What are the central themes of the book, and how are they developed?
  • Talk about the role of trust and how it affects character interactions.
  • How do the characters evolve from the beginning to the end of the story?
  • What was the most surprising twist in the book for you?
  • How would you interpret the ending? What future do you see for the characters?
Authors: Ashley Elston
ISBN: 9781524743967
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Published Date: 2024-01-02

Maple Bourbon Smash

Maple Bourbon Smash
This warming cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of maple and a hint of citrus, complementing the fall flavors of the Panzanella Salad. It’s the perfect drink to cozy up with while enjoying a good book.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz maple syrup
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • Splash of club soda
  • Orange slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions

  • In a shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and orange juice with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  • Top with a splash of club soda.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.