Enjoy a delightful evening with a plate of Penne alla Vodka, paired with the compelling fantasy mystery book 'The Starless Sea' by Erin Morgenstern. This combination is rounded off perfectly with an Espresso Martini, which complements the creamy tomato flavors and adds a sophisticated touch to your reading experience. The rich complexity of the dish harmonizes with the intriguing narrative of the book, offering both culinary and literary satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka and cook until it reduces by half, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and more Parmesan cheese if desired.
The Starless Sea
A love story set in a secret, underground world—a place filled with stories, romance, and mysterious characters. Follow Zachary Ezra Rawlins as he discovers a strange book that leads him to this hidden universe, where he unravels secrets about his own life and learns about the power of storytelling.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the bestselling author of The Night Circus, a timeless love story set in a secret underground world—a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea. Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library hidden far below the surface of the earth. What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians—it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also of those who are intent on its destruction. Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose—in both the mysterious book and in his own life.
Discussion Questions
- How does the structure of 'The Starless Sea' enhance or detract from its narrative?
- What role does storytelling play in the characters' journeys?
- How do the intertwining stories within the book reflect real life?
- Discuss the use of symbols and metaphors throughout the novel. What stood out to you?
- In what ways do Zachary's adventures echo traditional fairy tales?
- How does Morgenstern use language and literary devices to create atmosphere?
- Explore the theme of fate versus free will in the novel.
- What is the significance of the various keys throughout the story?
- How do the different settings within 'The Starless Sea' contribute to its themes?
- What did you think of the book's ending? Was it satisfying? Why or why not?
Authors:
Erin Morgenstern
ISBN: 038554121X
Publisher: Anchor
Published Date: 2019-11-05
ISBN: 038554121X
Publisher: Anchor
Published Date: 2019-11-05
Espresso Martini
An Espresso Martini is a sophisticated cocktail that combines rich, bold espresso with the smoothness of vodka, enhanced by a touch of coffee liqueur. It's a perfect drink for a dinner gathering, offering both a caffeine kick and a refined flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz fresh espresso, cooled
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Espresso:
- Brew the espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake until well-chilled, then strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with coffee beans before serving.