Pairing this Lemon Orange Cake, with its refreshing citrus glaze, with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig offers a delightful sensory experience. The cake's sweet and tangy citrus flavors mirror the introspective flavor of Haig's novel, which explores life's choices and regrets in a deeply compelling narrative. To complement this pairing, a Citrus Champagne Martini adds a touch of elegance and effervescence that elevates the experience and matches the book’s reflective and celebratory tone. Together, they create a feast for not only the taste buds but also the mind, sparking rich conversations and vibrant reflections.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Citrus Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the citrus: Add the lemon and orange zest to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the lemon juice, orange juice, and milk together.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Starting and ending with the dry ingredients, add the flour mixture and the citrus juice mixture to the butter and sugar in three parts, mixing just until combined after each addition.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the citrus glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and orange juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the citrus glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before serving.
The Midnight Library
A liberating, exhilarating read, The Midnight Library addresses the conflicts we all face with life's missed opportunities. Matt Haig’s novel uniquely presents countless possibilities of “what ifs” through the eyes of Nora, a character navigating the many paths and choices that life presents after finding herself in a library between life and death.
Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
Discussion Questions
- What would you do differently if you could explore alternate pathways in your life?
- How does 'The Midnight Library' explore themes of regret and redemption?
- What do you think the library metaphor represents within the context of the book?
- In what ways does Nora's journey reflect broader human experiences?
- How did the book's structure impact your reading experience?
- What did you think of Nora's character development throughout the novel?
- How does the book challenge conventional ideas about unhappiness and fulfillment?
- Discuss how the book handles the concept of parallel universes and its impact on the narrative.
- What role does choice play in the narrative of Nora's life and what lessons can be drawn?
- How does this book compare to other books you've read by Matt Haig?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Citrus Champagne Martini
A bright and bubbly drink that perfectly complements the citrus flavors of the Lemon Orange Cake, adding sophistication and a celebratory note to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces champagne
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and orange juice to the shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
- Top with champagne and garnish with an orange twist.