The elegant and easy-to-make One Pan Chicken Breast and Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce, with its zesty and creamy flavor profile, pairs beautifully with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, a thought-provoking novel inviting readers to ponder the myriad possibilities in life. To complement the dish and book, a refreshing Elderflower Champagne Cocktail adds a light and floral touch, enhancing the dining and literary experience. The combination creates a perfect blend of taste and thoughtfulness, making any evening special.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the asparagus: In the same pan, add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the chicken and asparagus to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your One Pan Chicken Breast and Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce!
The Midnight Library
"The Midnight Library" tells the story of Nora Seed who finds herself in a magical library with books all offering a chance to try another life she could have lived. As she explores different lives, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery to find what truly makes life worth living.
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 if you found yourself in a library like the Midnight Library?
- How does Nora’s journey relate to your own experiences with regret?
- Which of the lives that Nora explores resonated most with you, and why?
- Discuss the role of the librarian character in the story and her interactions with Nora.
- What does "The Midnight Library" suggest about the nature of happiness?
- How does Haig use the concept of parallel universes to explore personal identity?
- What did you think about the ending of the book? Was it satisfying?
- How does this book change your perspective on the choices you have made?
- Discuss the theme of mental health throughout the novel.
- How do you think Nora’s journey would differ if she were set in today's reality without a fantastical element?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Elderflower Champagne Cocktail
A delightful and refreshing cocktail that blends the light, floral notes of elderflower with the crisp effervescence of champagne, perfect for celebrating special moments or adding a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
- 5 oz champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the elderflower liqueur into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing cocktail.