The Hash Brown Egg Cups pair wonderfully with Emily Henry's 'Book Lovers,' a witty and engaging romance released in 2022 that perfectly complements the comforting and hearty nature of the breakfast dish. To enhance the meal, enjoy a classic Mimosa, offering the refreshing and citrusy notes of orange juice mixed with the effervescence of champagne, mirroring the light-hearted and bubbly energy found in Henry's storytelling. This trio of delightful eats, reads, and sips is ideal for a relaxed brunch gathering, bringing laughter and enjoyment to your morning.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Optional mix-ins: cooked bacon bits, diced ham, sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Hash Brown Cups: In a large bowl, combine the shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Cups: Divide the hash brown mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, creating a nest shape.
- Bake the Hash Brown Nests: Bake the hash brown nests in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Add the Eggs and Mix-ins: Crack one egg into each hash brown nest. If using, sprinkle the optional mix-ins like bacon bits, ham, or vegetables over the eggs. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to each cup.
- Bake the Egg Cups: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny, or to your desired doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the hash brown egg cups from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley.
Book Lovers
A heartfelt and hilarious story about two publishing professionals, Nora and Charlie, who find themselves in a month of books, baked goods, and small-town agitations in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
“One of my favorite authors.”—Colleen Hoover An insightful, delightful, instant #1 New York Times bestseller from the author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation. Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2022 by Oprah Daily ∙ Today ∙ Parade ∙ Marie Claire ∙ Bustle ∙ PopSugar ∙ Katie Couric Media ∙ Book Bub ∙ SheReads ∙ Medium ∙ The Washington Post ∙ and more! One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming… Nora Stephens' life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby. Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute. If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.
Discussion Questions
- How does Emily Henry use humor to tackle the themes of family and love in the book?
- Discuss the significance of the setting in Sunshine Falls and how it affects Nora's development.
- Nora is often referred to as a "cutthroat literary agent." How does her character break stereotypes or not, and what does this say about gender roles?
- Why do you think Charlie is initially resistant to returning to Sunshine Falls, and how does this impact his relationship with Nora?
- Explore the dynamics of sibling relationships as portrayed between Nora and her sister Libby.
- How are books and reading framed in the story? What role do they play in Nora and Charlie's lives?
- Henry's characters are often flawed and relatable. How does this authenticity contribute to the overall narrative?
- What do you think the author is saying about small-town life versus city life?
- Discuss the character development of Nora throughout the novel. What key events lead to her transformation?
- How does the author balance romance and career ambitions in the plot, and what message does this send?
Authors:
Emily Henry
ISBN: 0593334833
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2022-05-03
Classic Mimosa
A refreshing brunch cocktail made with equal parts sparkling wine and chilled citrus juice, traditionally orange. Ideal for elevating a breakfast gathering with its bright flavors and bubbly texture.
Ingredients
- 1 part chilled orange juice
- 1 part champagne or sparkling wine
- Orange slice or strawberry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Chill both the sparkling wine and orange juice before preparing.
- Fill a flute glass half way with chilled orange juice.
- Top off the glass with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange slice or a strawberry, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.