The rich and comforting flavors of Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce harmonize beautifully with "Dear Edward" by Ann Napolitano, a poignant exploration of grief, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. This pairing creates an uplifting narrative around savoring life's moments, highlighted by the elegance of a White Wine Spritzer that mirrors the dish's sophistication. Together, the meal, book, and beverage offer a sensory journey of taste and emotion, ideal for introspective evenings.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Pork Chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cream and Mustard: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and whole-grain mustard. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. If desired, add fresh thyme leaves for extra flavor.
- Return the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops back into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the pork chops to a serving plate, spooning the mustard sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Dear Edward
A twelve-year-old boy, the sole survivor of a plane crash, struggles with the aftermath of his life-changing experience while trying to find a sense of normalcy.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • “Make sure you have tissues handy when you read [this] sure-footed tearjerker” (NPR) about a young boy who must learn to go on after surviving tragedy, from the author of the Oprah’s Book Club pick Hello Beautiful. Now streaming as an Apple TV+ series starring Connie Britton, written and executive produced by Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights and Parenthood) ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, Parade, LibraryReads What does it mean not just to survive, but to truly live? One summer morning, twelve-year-old Edward Adler, his beloved older brother, his parents, and 183 other passengers board a flight in Newark headed for Los Angeles. Among them are a Wall Street wunderkind, a young woman coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy, an injured veteran returning from Afghanistan, a business tycoon, and a free-spirited woman running away from her controlling husband. Halfway across the country, the plane crashes. Edward is the sole survivor. Edward’s story captures the attention of the nation, but he struggles to find a place in a world without his family. He continues to feel that a part of himself has been left in the sky, forever tied to the plane and all of his fellow passengers. But then he makes an unexpected discovery—one that will lead him to the answers of some of life’s most profound questions: When you’ve lost everything, how do you find the strength to put one foot in front of the other? How do you learn to feel safe again? How do you find meaning in your life? Dear Edward is at once a transcendent coming-of-age story, a multidimensional portrait of an unforgettable cast of characters, and a breathtaking illustration of all the ways a broken heart learns to love again. Praise for Dear Edward “Dear Edward is that rare book that breaks your heart and stitches it back together during a reading experience that leaves you profoundly altered for the better.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Mad Honey “Will lead you toward something wonderous, something profound.”—Kevin Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Now Is Not the Time to Panic
Discussion Questions
- What are the key themes explored in 'Dear Edward', and how do they relate to the concept of resilience in the face of tragedy?
- How does the crash impact Edward's identity and sense of self over the course of the novel?
- Discuss the role of community and support systems in Edward's journey to recovery after the crash.
- How does Ann Napolitano use multiple perspectives to convey the depth of loss experienced by different characters?
- What do you think 'Dear Edward' has to say about the idea of destiny or fate?
- Explore the significance of the title 'Dear Edward' and its meaning in the context of the story.
- In what ways do Edward's interactions with the families of other crash victims affect his healing process?
- How does the author balance elements of hope and sorrow throughout the narrative?
- Discuss the symbolism of flight and its relation to themes of freedom and entrapment in the book.
- How does Edward's experience of survival and adaptation mirror broader human experiences of change and growth?
Authors:
Ann Napolitano
ISBN: 9781984854780
Publisher: Dial Press Trade Paperback
Published Date: 2021-02-02
ISBN: 9781984854780
Publisher: Dial Press Trade Paperback
Published Date: 2021-02-02
White Wine Spritzer
A refreshing and light beverage, perfect for complementing the rich flavors of pork dishes with its crisp and slightly fruity profile.
Ingredients
- 1 part white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 part club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour equal parts white wine and club soda over the ice.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lemon slice.