Indulge in a flavorful journey with the Orange Ginger Chicken, paired beautifully with the intriguing novel "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. This delicious dish, with its refreshing citrus and ginger notes, complements the complex themes of regret and choice found in the book. To complete the experience, enjoy a Ginger Orange Sparkler, a bright and effervescent drink that enhances the dish's flavors while enticing the senses, perfect for a delightful book club gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the orange zest.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of side dish.
The Midnight Library
The Midnight Library is a novel about Nora Seed, a woman trapped in a limbo of regrets. In a magical library, she gets the chance to explore different versions of her life and discover the possibilities of different choices. This thought-provoking story explores the concepts of parallel lives, the pressure of regret, and the 'what ifs' that haunt our decisions.
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
- How does Matt Haig use the concept of The Midnight Library to explore the idea of choice?
- Nora Seed grapples with regrets throughout the novel. How does this mirror real-life experiences, and what can we learn from Nora's journey?
- Discuss the role of Mrs. Elm in Nora's life. How does she act as a guide or influence in Nora's decisions?
- How do the different lives Nora explores reflect on her understanding of personal fulfillment?
- What does the book suggest about the concept of happiness? Is it truly achievable?
- How do the themes of The Midnight Library apply to society’s current state and individual mental health?
- Which of Nora's alternate lives resonated the most with you? Why?
- Discuss the significance of library as a metaphor in Nora’s journey.
- Did the ending of the book provide closure for you? Why or why not?
- What insights does the book provide about handling regrets and embracing reality?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Ginger Orange Sparkler
A refreshing and effervescent cocktail that pairs wonderfully with citrus-based dishes. The Ginger Orange Sparkler combines the zing of ginger beer with the sweetness of fresh orange juice and a hint of vodka to create a delightful drink perfect for lively gatherings and book discussions.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 2 ounces fresh orange juice
- Orange slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add vodka and orange juice, then top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a few mint leaves.