The flavors of Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, with their rich spices and crisp exterior, pair beautifully with Susanna Clarke's 'Piranesi,' which matches the dish's complexity with its intricate, imaginative narrative. The Champagne Mojito adds a touch of elegance and brightness to the pairing, complementing the roasted flavors with its refreshing mint and lime notes. This trio together offers a delightful sensory experience, perfect for a well-rounded evening of culinary and literary delight.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem, leaving the core intact. Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks. You should get about 2-3 steaks from one head, depending on its size. Reserve any remaining florets for another use.
- Season the cauliflower: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks generously with the seasoned oil mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Roast: Arrange the cauliflower steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown with crispy edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the cauliflower steaks from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Piranesi
In 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke, the reader is drawn into a captivating world where our protagonist, Piranesi, lives in a labyrinthine house that's filled with endless halls and statues. As Piranesi uncovers the mysteries of his world, the novel explores themes of solitude, memory, and the search for knowledge.
Winner of the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction A SUNDAY TIMES & NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The spectacular new novel from the bestselling author of JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL, 'one of our greatest living authors' NEW YORK MAGAZINE __________________________________ Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times he brings tributes of food to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone. Messages begin to appear, scratched out in chalk on the pavements. There is someone new in the House. But who are they and what do they want? Are they a friend or do they bring destruction and madness as the Other claims? Lost texts must be found; secrets must be uncovered. The world that Piranesi thought he knew is becoming strange and dangerous. The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite. __________________________________ 'What a world Susanna Clarke conjures into being … Piranesi is an exquisite puzzle-box' DAVID MITCHELL 'It subverts expectations throughout … Utterly otherworldly' GUARDIAN 'Piranesi astonished me. It is a miraculous and luminous feat of storytelling' MADELINE MILLER 'Brilliantly singular' SUNDAY TIMES 'A gorgeous, spellbinding mystery … This book is a treasure, washed up upon a forgotten shore, waiting to be discovered' ERIN MORGENSTERN 'Head-spinning … Fully imagined and richly evoked' TELEGRAPH **Pre-order now** **The 20th anniversary edition of the fantasy classic Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell – with an exquisite new package and an exclusive introduction by V E Schwab** **Buy The Wood at Midwinter – a beautifully illustrated Christmas story from the queen of fantasy**
Discussion Questions
- What do you think the labyrinth represents in 'Piranesi'?
- How does Piranesi's perception of his world change throughout the book?
- Discuss the role of memory in the story and its impact on identity.
- What is the significance of the characters being named after mythological figures?
- How does the author use the setting to explore themes of isolation and companionship?
- What are the different symbolisms of the statues within the novel?
- How does 'Piranesi' compare to Susanna Clarke's previous works?
- In what ways does the novel balance mystery with revelation?
- Discuss the relationship between Piranesi and 'The Other'. What does it reveal about trust?
- How does the ending of the book impact your understanding of the story?
Authors:
Susanna Clarke
ISBN: 163557563X
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published Date: 2020-11-12
Champagne Mojito
The Champagne Mojito is a refreshing and sophisticated twist on the classic mojito cocktail, combining the lively fizz of champagne with the invigorating flavors of fresh mint and lime. This cocktail is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a relaxing evening with a good book.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ounces white rum
- Ice cubes
- Champagne or sparkling wine, to top up
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and lime wedges with the sugar to release their flavors.
- Add the white rum and fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top up with champagne and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.