"Plum Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinaigrette" pairs beautifully with Emily Henry's "Funny Story" and the refreshing "Tomato Basil Martini." This combination embodies the essence of a vibrant summer's evening; as you savor the sweet and tangy flavors of the tomatoes, the narrative's charming characters and witty dialogue unfold. The martini enhances the experience with a twist on a classic favorite, making for a dynamic trio that perfectly balances lightness, depth, and refreshment.
Ingredients
- 6 ripe plum tomatoes, sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the plum tomatoes and arrange them on a serving platter in an overlapping pattern.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Tomatoes: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the sliced tomatoes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, or let the tomatoes marinate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Funny Story
Funny Story is a charming tale intertwining humor with heartfelt moments as Emily Henry spins a narrative full of charming characters and witty exchanges, perfect for a leisurely read.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ A shimmering, joyful novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry. A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2024 Named a Must-Read Book of 2024 by TIME ∙ NPR ∙ ELLE ∙ Parade ∙ Woman’s World and more! Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra. Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak. Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them? But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex . . . right?
Discussion Questions
- How do the characters' journeys reflect personal growth throughout the story?
- In what ways does humor serve as a coping mechanism for the characters?
- Discuss the role of friendship in the character dynamics.
- How does the setting influence the mood and tone of the story?
- What themes of identity are explored through the protagonist's journey?
- How does the author use dialogue to reveal deeper character insights?
- In what ways do misunderstandings drive the plot forward?
- Analyze the use of humor to resolve or highlight conflict.
- How does the narrative balance lightheartedness with serious themes?
- What do you think the author wishes to convey about relationships?
Authors:
Emily Henry
ISBN: 9780593334896
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published Date: 2025-02-25
ISBN: 9780593334896
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published Date: 2025-02-25
Tomato Basil Martini
The Tomato Basil Martini is a refreshing twist on the classic martini, featuring the herbaceous notes of basil and the subtle sweet acidity of tomato. Ideal for a summer's evening, this cocktail pairs beautifully with light dishes like a fresh tomato salad.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a thin slice of tomato.