For a delightful evening, pair General Tso’s Chicken with the book 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, along with a refreshing Mandarin Orange Spritz. The novel's rich, magical narrative complements the complex, savory flavors of the dish, while the bright, citrusy spritz beautifully balances the meal's sweetness and spice. Enjoy the interweaving of literary enchantment with culinary bliss as you indulge in this captivating combination. It's a perfect setup for a memorable book club night or a cozy solo dining and reading experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup of cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Fry the chicken:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Set aside.
Cook the aromatics:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine the sauce and chicken:
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the aromatics, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Serve:
- Transfer the General Tso’s Chicken to a serving platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice with a side of broccoli or your favorite vegetables.
The Night Circus
A magnificently fantastical tale set within an awe-inspiring night-time circus. Describing the intricate competition between two young illusionists, this novel invites readers into a dazzling world of enchantments and mystery.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. • "Part love story, part fable … defies both genres and expectations." —The Boston Globe The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think the central theme of 'The Night Circus' is?
- How do the descriptions of the circus contribute to the overall mood of the novel?
- Which character did you find most compelling, and why?
- In what ways does the novel explore the concept of time?
- How do the competitive aspects of the circus relate to real-world competitions?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the narrative?
- How do relationships in the novel impact the overall storyline?
- Do you think the circus could be seen as a metaphor for something larger?
- What is your interpretation of the novel's ending?
- How does Erin Morgenstern's use of magic differ from traditional fantasy elements?
Authors:
Erin Morgenstern
ISBN: 0307744434
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2011-09-13
Mandarin Orange Spritz
A refreshing cocktail featuring vibrant mandarin orange juice and sparkling wine, perfect for complementing savory dishes like General Tso’s Chicken.
Ingredients
- 3 oz mandarin orange juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine (such as Prosecco)
- 1 oz Aperol
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour mandarin orange juice and Aperol over the ice.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.