Green Pea Casserole is paired with "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker and a refreshing French 75 cocktail. This pairing works beautifully as the comforting, nostalgic tones of the casserole mirror the atmospheric storytelling in the novel, while the sparkling, zesty notes of the French 75 invigorate the senses, making it a delightful companion for both the dish and the suspense of the book.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed green peas with the cheese sauce, stirring until the peas are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Green Pea Casserole hot as a side dish.
All the Colors of the Dark
In "All the Colors of the Dark," Chris Whitaker weaves a suspenseful narrative filled with intrigue and complex characters, set against a backdrop of mysterious events. The novel explores themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience, making it a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of We Begin at the End comes a soaring thriller and an epic love story that “hits like a sledgehammer . . . an absolutely must-read novel” (Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl). Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today The Boston Globe’s #1 Thriller/Mystery of 2024 So Far A Best Book of the Year: Washington Post, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews “Kept me frantically turning the pages and somehow made me cry at the end . . . Brava!”—Kristin Hannah, author of The Women “Melds tense suspense with a powerful exploration of devotion, obsession, and love.”—People (Best New Books) 1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another. A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.
Discussion Questions
- What role does identity play in the development of the protagonist throughout the book?
- How does the author use setting to enhance the suspense in the story?
- Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and how they navigate them.
- What are some instances of symbolism in the novel, and what do they represent?
- How does the author create tension between characters?
- Examine how past events shape the motivations of the characters.
- What is the significance of the title, 'All the Colors of the Dark'?
- How does the novel explore the theme of trust and betrayal?
- In what ways do the characters' secrets affect their relationships?
- Discuss the impact of the novel's resolution on your perception of the story.
Authors:
Chris Whitaker
ISBN: 9781250759665
Publisher: Random House Large Print
Published Date: 2024-06-25
ISBN: 9781250759665
Publisher: Random House Large Print
Published Date: 2024-06-25
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines the crisp zest of lemon juice with the botanical notes of gin, topped off with sparkling champagne for a refreshing finish. This drink is both invigorating and sophisticated, making it a perfect accompaniment to rich, flavorful dishes and suspenseful reads.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces chilled champagne
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with chilled champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.