"Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup" pairs beautifully with the recent historical novel, "The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles, and a glass of Chardonnay. This trio offers comfort and depth; the warm soup complements the novel’s rich themes of love, friendship, and resilience, set against the backdrop of the American Library in Paris during WWII. Meanwhile, the crisp, buttery notes of a well-chosen Chardonnay enhance the meal while resonating with the book’s intricate and compelling narrative.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the broth and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the noodles: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the egg noodles to the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
The Paris Library
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is an enthralling and atmospheric novel based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II. It spans dual timelines from 1939 Paris and 1983 Montana, telling a poignant story of love, loss, and the power of books to unite and inspire.
An instant New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY bestseller—based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II—The Paris Library is a moving and unforgettable “ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author). Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet seems to have the perfect life with her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into the city, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal. Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them. “A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship” (Booklist), The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest places.
Discussion Questions
- What role do books and libraries play in community building, as seen in 'The Paris Library'?
- How does the setting of World War II Paris influence the characters’ actions and decisions?
- Discuss the dual timelines in the novel. How do they enhance the overall story?
- How does Odile overcome her personal challenges, and what role do her friends play in her journey?
- What is the significance of the American Library within the novel's historical context?
- How does 'The Paris Library' portray the relationship between books and personal identity?
- What are the main themes of love and friendship in the novel, and how are they developed?
- Compare and contrast the lives of Odile in Paris and Lily in Montana. How do their stories intersect?
- What impact does the historical backdrop have on the individual stories told in the novel?
- How does the novel address the theme of resilience and the human spirit during adversity?
Authors:
Janet Skeslien Charles
ISBN: 1982134199
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2021-02-09
ISBN: 1982134199
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2021-02-09
Chardonnay
A classic glass of Chardonnay offers a full-bodied experience with notes of apple, citrus, and a hint of oak, perfectly complementing the warmth and comfort of a traditional chicken noodle soup.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Chardonnay (preferably from a well-regarded vineyard, chilled)
Instructions
- Chill the Chardonnay for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
- Carefully open the bottle and pour into a wine glass halfway to allow for the wine to breathe.
- Swirl the wine gently in the glass and take a moment to enjoy the aroma before taking your first sip.
- Pair with the Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup for a truly satisfying meal experience.