"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave pairs wonderfully with the comforting dish of Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. The unsettling mystery and familial themes in the book harmonize with the comforting, hearty flavors of the dish. A glass of French Chardonnay enhances the dining experience with its crisp notes that complement the tender chicken and rice. Together, they create a delightful, immersive evening of culinary and literary exploration.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Instant Pot:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the Chicken and Seasonings:
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the Instant Pot.
- Season with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Add the Rice and Broth:
- Stir in the rice, making sure it is evenly distributed.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken and Rice:
- Cancel the sauté function and secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Add the Vegetables:
- Carefully open the Instant Pot and stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
- Replace the lid and let the residual heat cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, if using, for added creaminess and flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve the chicken and rice hot.
The Last Thing He Told Me
Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers: Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Though Bailey resents her new stepmother, Hannah’s frantic call to Owen goes unanswered; as does a call to his boss; as do calls to the FBI. Her increasingly desperate texts to Owen take an ominous turn when a US Marshal and FBI agents appear at her Sausalito home unannounced. Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn't who he said he was, and that Bailey just may hold the key to discovering Owen’s true identity — and why he disappeared. Hannah and Bailey set out to discover the truth, together. As thick fog rolls into the San Francisco Bay, Hannah finds herself as alone and trapped by uncertainty as a ship marooned in the storm. The last thing she told him was 'I love you.' Until she discovered what was true.
A Goodreads Top 60 Book of the Last 5 Years Don’t miss the #1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster and Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick that’s sold over 3 million copies—now streaming on Apple TV+ starring Jennifer Garner! The “page-turning, exhilarating” (PopSugar) and “heartfelt thriller” (Real Simple) about a woman who thinks she’s found the love of her life—until he disappears. Before Owen Michaels disappears, he smuggles a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers—Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother. As Hannah’s increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered, as the FBI arrests Owen’s boss, as a US marshal and federal agents arrive at her Sausalito home unannounced, Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn’t who he said he was. And that Bailey just may hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity—and why he really disappeared. Hannah and Bailey set out to discover the truth. But as they start putting together the pieces of Owen’s past, they soon realize they’re also building a new future—one neither of them could have anticipated. With its breakneck pacing, dizzying plot twists, and evocative family drama, The Last Thing He Told Me is a “page-turning, exhilarating, and unforgettable” (PopSugar) suspense novel.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think motivated Owen to leave Hannah a note instead of any other form of communication?
- How does the relationship between Hannah and Bailey evolve throughout the book?
- Discuss the theme of trust in the novel. How does Hannah's trust in Owen impact her decisions?
- What role does the setting play in enhancing the story's sense of mystery and suspense?
- In what ways do the characters come to terms with their pasts and identities?
- How do the author’s writing style and pacing contribute to the suspenseful atmosphere?
- Discuss how the secondary characters influence the narrative. Which one stood out the most to you?
- How would you have reacted if you were in Hannah's situation? Would you have taken any different actions?
- The novel delves into the idea of family and what it means. How does this theme manifest throughout the story?
- What does the ending suggest about the future of the characters?
Authors:
Laura Dave
ISBN: 9781501171345
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2023-03-21
ISBN: 9781501171345
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2023-03-21
Chardonnay Delight
A crisp and refreshing glass of French Chardonnay pairs harmoniously with the hearty flavors of the Instant Pot Chicken and Rice. This wine's balanced acidity and notes of green apple and citrus enhance the dish's comforting flavors, offering a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of French Chardonnay, chilled
Instructions
- Chill the bottle of Chardonnay in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour into a wine glass at a slight tilt.
- Swirl gently and sniff to take in the aroma before tasting.
- Sip slowly to enjoy the flavors alongside your meal.