Pair the Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad with 'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett and a refreshing glass of Limoncello Spritz. The salad's bright citrus notes and fresh flavors complement the introspective and elegant narrative of the book, while the Limoncello Spritz captures the essence of lemon in a sparkling cocktail. This harmonious trio is perfect for a relaxing evening outdoors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, marinated artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives if using. Toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
Dress the Salad:
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to coat the lettuce and vegetables with the dressing.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Serve immediately, either as a refreshing starter or as a side dish to complement your main course.
The Dutch House
A richly textured novel about the lives of Danny and Maeve as they navigate their childhood and adult years while the opulent Dutch House looms large in their memories. An exploration of siblings, memories, and the deep currents of family dynamics.
Pulitzer Prize Finalist | New York Times Bestseller | A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick | A New York Times Book Review Notable Book | TIME Magazine's 100 Must-Read Books of the Year Named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post; O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Vogue, Refinery29, and Buzzfeed From Ann Patchett, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth, comes a powerful, richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. The Dutch House is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and of who we really are. At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves. The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakeable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures. Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.
Discussion Questions
- How does the Dutch House serve as a character in its own right in the novel?
- Discuss the significance of the sibling relationship between Danny and Maeve.
- What role does forgiveness play in the novel?
- How does Ann Patchett use the past to influence the narrative structure?
- What does the novel suggest about the nature of memory?
- In what ways do class and wealth impact the characters' lives?
- Explore the theme of home and what it represents to different characters.
- How do the characters cope with loss and abandonment?
- What role do female characters play in shaping the story?
- How does the author use the setting to enhance thematic elements?
Authors:
Ann Patchett
ISBN: 0062963678
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2019
Limoncello Spritz
A sparkling cocktail that captures the bright and zesty notes of lemon in a refreshing spritz. The Limoncello Spritz is the perfect companion to a sunny day and complements the light flavors of a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Limoncello
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Club soda
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the Limoncello into a wine glass filled with ice.
- Add the Prosecco and top with club soda.
- Gently stir to combine and garnish with a lemon slice before serving.