Ham Primavera, Lemon Basil Sparkler, and The Rose Code

"Ham Primavera" is perfectly paired with "The Rose Code" by Kate Quinn and a refreshing "Lemon Basil Sparkler." "The Rose Code," set in the vibrant world of WWII codebreakers, matches the colorful and flavorful dish, with both offering a delightful combination of complexity and warmth. The "Lemon Basil Sparkler" complements the meal’s creaminess with its refreshing zest, making this trio ideal for a laid-back afternoon with friends.
Ham Primavera

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked ham, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Vegetables:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  • Add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • Add the Ham and Peas:
  • Stir in the sliced ham and thawed peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the ham is heated through.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce:
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Combine and Serve:
  • Toss the ham and vegetable mixture in the creamy sauce until everything is well coated.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the Ham Primavera over cooked pasta or rice, or enjoy it on its own as a flavorful and satisfying main dish.

The Rose Code

The Rose Code

A thrilling WWII historical fiction that unravels the stories of codebreakers at Bletchley Park.
“The reigning queen of historical fiction” — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over. 1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything—beauty, wealth, and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses—but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of east-end London poverty, works the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart. 1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter–the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab, and Beth must resurrect their old alliance and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code brings danger–and their true enemy–closer…

Discussion Questions

  • What role do secrets play in the development of the characters?
  • How does the author intertwine historical events with personal narratives?
  • What does the book suggest about the impact of war on personal relationships?
  • Which character's development did you find most compelling and why?
  • How are themes of loyalty and betrayal explored in the novel?
  • In what ways do the women in the story challenge the societal norms of their time?
  • How did the setting influence the atmosphere and tension within the story?
  • What do you think the rose code symbolizes throughout the novel?
  • How are friendship and rivalry depicted among the characters?
  • What did you learn about WWII codebreaking efforts that you didn't know before?
Authors: Kate Quinn
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2021-03-09

Lemon Basil Sparkler

Lemon Basil Sparkler
A refreshing beverage with a citrusy punch and a hint of aromatic basil, perfect for complementing creamy dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • In a glass, muddle the basil leaves with lemon juice and honey.
  • Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour sparkling water over the mixture, stir gently.
  • Garnish with a basil leaf before serving.