This culinary and literary pairing brings together the crispy, comforting Milanesa with Ann Napolitano's evocative novel "Hello Beautiful." Both explore the nuances of family relationships and shared experiences, making them a perfect match. Complementing this combination is the classic Argentine cocktail, the "Fernet con Coca," which adds a touch of boldness and refreshment to this rich meal. Together, they create an immersive and satisfying experience that invites you to savor each and every moment.
Ingredients
- 4 thin slices of beef (sirloin, round steak) or chicken breast
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: If the beef or chicken slices are not thin enough, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, beat the eggs. In another dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the flour in a third dish.
- Bread the Meat: Dredge each slice of meat in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the meat into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well covered.
- Fry the Milanesa: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded meat slices. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the Milanesa to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Milanesa hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top if desired. Pair with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Hello Beautiful
Ann Napolitano's novel "Hello Beautiful" intricately weaves the lives of four sisters as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and familial ties. The story explores how each sister's journey impacts their collective narrative, offering profound insights into the strength and fragility of human connections.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • MORE THAN ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! From the author of Dear Edward comes a “powerfully affecting” (People) family story that asks: Can love make a broken person whole? “Another tender tearjerker . . . Napolitano chronicles life’s highs and lows with aching precision.”—The Washington Post ONE OF THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, Time, Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Post, She Reads, Bookreporter William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him—so when he meets the spirited and ambitious Julia Padavano in his freshman year of college, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. With Julia comes her family, as she and her three sisters are inseparable: Sylvie, the family’s dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book; Cecelia is a free-spirited artist; and Emeline patiently takes care of them all. With the Padavanos, William experiences a newfound contentment; every moment in their house is filled with loving chaos. But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable devotion to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most? An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.
Discussion Questions
- What significance does the title 'Hello Beautiful' hold in relation to the story's themes?
- How do the sisters' individual dreams and aspirations influence their relationships with one another?
- In what ways does the narrative address the theme of forgiveness and redemption?
- Discuss the role of family legacy and the impact of the past on the characters' present actions.
- How does the setting of the story influence the mood and direction of the plot?
- What role does communication, or the lack thereof, play in the development of the characters' relationships?
- Explore how Napolitano illustrates the concept of identity through the sisters' experiences.
- What lessons do you think the characters learn by the end of the novel?
- How does the author use symbolism to enhance the storytelling?
- In what ways are the challenges faced by the characters relatable to contemporary issues?
Authors:
Ann Napolitano
ISBN: 9780425285361
Publisher: Dial Press
Published Date: 2023-03-14
ISBN: 9780425285361
Publisher: Dial Press
Published Date: 2023-03-14
Fernet con Coca
Fernet con Coca is a popular Argentine cocktail that combines the bold flavors of Fernet, a type of amaro or herbal liqueur, with the sweetness of Coca-Cola. This cocktail provides a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with rich and hearty dishes like Milanesa, offering a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fernet
- 4 oz Coca-Cola
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour 2 ounces of Fernet over the ice.
- Top with 4 ounces of Coca-Cola and stir gently.
- Serve immediately.