Pairing a timeless Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Madeline Miller's 'Circe' offers a delightful combination of comfort and enchantment. The simple, heartwarming flavors of the grilled cheese provide a perfect culinary backdrop for exploring the rich, mythical world of 'Circe'. Complementing this pairing is a classic, refreshing Tom Collins cocktail, providing a citrusy zest that enhances the meal's experience. Together, this trio offers an engaging escape, blending homemade simplicity with literary adventure and a hint of effervescent relaxation.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, Swiss, or your favorite)
- Optional additions: sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean cutting board or plate. Top each with 2 slices of cheese. Add any optional ingredients you desire, such as sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side up, to form the sandwiches.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately, perhaps with a side of tomato soup or a fresh salad.
Circe
In the house of Helios, God of the Sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is a strange child—not powerful like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.
Di istana Helios, dewa matahari, lahir seorang anak perempuan. Tetapi Circe anak yang aneh––tidak berkuasa seperti ayahnya, juga tidak memikat seperti ibunya. Karena tak punya teman, Circe mencarinya di dunia manusia, dan mengembangkan kemampuannya sebagai penyihir. Zeus, yang merasa terancam, mengasingkannya ke pulau terpencil. Circe mengasah bakatnya dan bertemu banyak tokoh paling termasyhur dalam mitologi, di antaranya Minotaur, Daedalus dan Icarus, Medea, dan Odysseus yang lihai. Tetapi wanita yang hanya sendirian menghadapi banyak bahaya, dan Circe tanpa sengaja membangkitkan murka manusia dan dewa-dewa, sehingga mesti berhadapan dengan dewa Olympus yang paling menakutkan dan pendendam. Untuk melindungi apa yang paling dicintainya, Circe harus mengerahkan seluruh kekuatannya dan memilih dengan tegas, apakah hendak berpihak kepada dewa-dewa yang telah melahirkannya, atau manusia yang telanjur disayanginya.
Discussion Questions
- How does Madeline Miller develop Circe's character throughout the novel?
- In what ways does Circe's relationship with her family impact her journey?
- How does the theme of transformation play a role in Circe's story?
- Discuss the role of gods, titans, and mortals in the novel. How do their interactions shape the story?
- What is the significance of Circe finding her own strength and independence?
- How does Miller use the settings of various islands to enhance the storytelling?
- In what ways does Circe challenge the gender roles of her time?
- Discuss how love and forgiveness influence Circe’s actions.
- What does immortality mean in the context of this story?
- How does the novel reinterpret known myths? What impact does this have on your understanding of them?
Authors:
Madeline Miller
ISBN: 0316556343
Publisher: Gramedia pustaka utama
Published Date: 2019-04-22
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that offers a refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. Served over ice, it's a perfect complement to the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, enhancing its timeless appeal with a citrusy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Club soda
- Lemon slice or cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda, stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or a cherry before serving.