The comforting and versatile Ham & Cheese Casserole makes an inviting companion to "The Flatshare" by Beth O'Leary, both offering warmth and satisfaction. The casserole's rich, cheesy layers reflect the layered personal journeys in the novel, while a glass of Chardonnay adds a touch of light brightness to complement the dish's creaminess. This pairing creates the perfect culinary and literary escape combining rich flavors and engaging storytelling.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, elbow, or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top for extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
The Flatshare
Tiffy and Leon share a flat, but they've never met. By a scheduling necessity, only one is home at a time, and a bond develops through the notes they leave each other. What begins as a simple arrangement grows into something much more complicated—and ultimately romantic.
What if your roommate is your soul mate? A joyful, quirky romantic comedy, Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare is a feel-good novel about finding love in the most unexpected of ways. Tiffy and Leon share an apartment. Tiffy and Leon have never met. After a bad breakup, Tiffy Moore needs a place to live. Fast. And cheap. But the apartments in her budget have her wondering if astonishingly colored mold on the walls counts as art. Desperation makes her open minded, so she answers an ad for a flatshare. Leon, a night shift worker, will take the apartment during the day, and Tiffy can have it nights and weekends. He’ll only ever be there when she’s at the office. In fact, they’ll never even have to meet. Tiffy and Leon start writing each other notes – first about what day is garbage day, and politely establishing what leftovers are up for grabs, and the evergreen question of whether the toilet seat should stay up or down. Even though they are opposites, they soon become friends. And then maybe more. But falling in love with your roommate is probably a terrible idea…especially if you've never met.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author use the concept of sharing a flat but not meeting in person to build the characters' relationship?
- Discuss the use of humor in the novel. How does it affect the tone and themes of the story?
- In what ways do Tiffy and Leon grow individually through their peculiar living arrangement?
- What role does communication play in the development of Tiffy and Leon's relationship?
- How does the setting contribute to the overall mood of the book?
- Discuss the themes of self-acceptance and healing in the novel.
- How do secondary characters impact the main storyline and Tiffy's journey?
- What does the novel say about unconventional living situations?
- How do Leon's night shifts and Leon and Tiffy's notes act as a narrative device?
- What is the significance of Leon's brother's storyline within the main plot? How does it affect Leon's character development?
Authors:
Beth O'Leary
ISBN: 9781250295637
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Published Date: 2019-05-28
ISBN: 9781250295637
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Published Date: 2019-05-28
Bright Chardonnay
A crisp and lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy richness of the Ham & Cheese Casserole with its fresh, fruity notes of apple and pear that bring a balance to the savory flavors of the dish.
Ingredients
- 750ml bottle of Chardonnay, preferably from a cool climate region like Sonoma County or Burgundy
Instructions
- Chill the Chardonnay in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Pour into wine glasses at approximately 50°F to experience the full range of flavors.
- Serve alongside the warm Ham & Cheese Casserole for a delightful pairing.