This pairing features a delicious One Pot Spinach Mushroom Pasta paired with the intriguing novel "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett and accompanied by a classic Italian Negroni cocktail. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the richness of the creamy pasta dish beautifully complement the complex themes explored in the book, while the refreshing bitterness of the Negroni provides a delightful contrast and enhances the dining experience. This combination offers an enriching culinary and literary journey perfect for a cozy evening with friends or a thought-provoking book club meeting.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté until they are soft and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the vegetable broth and milk or heavy cream. Stir in the dried thyme and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has mostly been absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The Vanishing Half
Looking beyond issues of race or class, "The Vanishing Half" offers an emotional and immersive story about two sisters who live differently due to passing for white or living as black. The twins' divergent choices eventually affect their families and even their own children, as the chapters move through time and across generations.
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. Inseparable as children, they ultimately choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. An exploration of the American history of passing.
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of 'passing' complicate the narrative of identity in the book?
- Discuss the significance of place in 'The Vanishing Half'—how do the areas where characters live and move impact them?
- How does Brit Bennett illustrate the concept of duality through the characters of Stella and Desiree?
- What role does secrecy play in the lives of Stella, Desiree, and Jude?
- How do generational stories affect the characters, particularly the younger ones, in the book?
- Discuss the significance of mothers in 'The Vanishing Half' and how they shape their daughters.
- In what ways does Bennett challenge traditional notions of family?
- How do Stella and Desiree's experiences reflect or defy stereotypes about black and white identities?
- What does the novel suggest about the idea of 'home'?
- How does Bennett use structure and multiple perspectives to develop themes in the novel?
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Classic Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail, known for its balance of bitter and sweet flavors, making it a perfect companion to rich and creamy dishes like the One Pot Spinach Mushroom Pasta. With a simple combination of gin, vermouth, and Campari, it pairs well with the layered stories and complex characters in "The Vanishing Half".
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.