This pairing brings together the vibrant flavors of a Marinated Cauliflower Salad with the whimsical and enchanting novel "The Dead Romantics" by Ashley Poston, alongside a refreshing Mint and Lime Spritz. The salad's zesty marinade and fresh herbs beautifully complement the book's charming and romantic narrative. Meanwhile, the Mint and Lime Spritz, with its invigorating citrus and minty notes, offers a refreshing complement that echoes the lively spirit of the story. Together, they create an engaging sensory experience, perfect for a book club night or a relaxing afternoon spent immersed in a delightful story.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and transfer the cauliflower to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Cauliflower: Place the blanched cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results, stirring occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Assemble the Salad: Before serving, add the chopped parsley, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and olives to the marinated cauliflower. Toss everything together to combine. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the marinated cauliflower salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
The Dead Romantics
"The Dead Romantics" is a charming novel by Ashley Poston that navigates the world of a ghostwriter who can see ghosts. As the protagonist grapples with personal loss, unexpected romance, and a unique ability to commune with spirits, this delightful tale unfolds with humor and heart, offering an enchanting exploration of love, life, and connection beyond the veil.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK ∙ A disillusioned millennial ghostwriter who, quite literally, has some ghosts of her own, has to find her way back home in this sparkling adult debut from national bestselling author Ashley Poston. A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2022 "I LOVED this book! . . . Funny, breathtaking, hopeful, and dreamy.”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis Florence Day is the ghostwriter for one of the most prolific romance authors in the industry, and she has a problem—after a terrible breakup, she no longer believes in love. It’s as good as dead. When her new editor, a too-handsome mountain of a man, won't give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye. But then she gets a phone call she never wanted to receive, and she must return home for the first time in a decade to help her family bury her beloved father. For ten years, she's run from the town that never understood her, and even though she misses the sound of a warm Southern night and her eccentric, loving family and their funeral parlor, she can’t bring herself to stay. Even with her father gone, it feels like nothing in this town has changed. And she hates it. Until she finds a ghost standing at the funeral parlor’s front door, just as broad and infuriatingly handsome as ever, and he’s just as confused about why he’s there as she is. Romance is most certainly dead . . . but so is her new editor, and his unfinished business will have her second-guessing everything she’s ever known about love stories. "One of the Summer's Hottest Reads"—Entertainment Weekly
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of a ghostwriter who can see ghosts add depth to the story?
- In what ways do the characters' interactions with ghosts reflect their personal struggles?
- Discuss how love is portrayed across different planes of existence in this novel.
- What does the protagonist learn about life and love through her unique abilities?
- How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and tone of the book?
- What role do the supporting characters play in the protagonist's journey?
- How does "The Dead Romantics" blend elements of romance and the supernatural?
- In what ways does humor enhance or contrast the novel's more poignant moments?
- What themes of loss and acceptance are explored in the story?
- How does the protagonist's relationship with ghosts influence her romantic life?
Authors:
Ashley Poston
ISBN: 9780593087894
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2022-06-28
ISBN: 9780593087894
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2022-06-28
Mint and Lime Spritz
A refreshing Mint and Lime Spritz that combines the invigorating flavors of fresh mint, lime, and a splash of sparkling water to create a light and bubbly drink, perfect for enjoying alongside a leisurely read.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Lime slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup to release their flavors.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Garnish with lime slices and a sprig of mint before serving.