Pairing the comforting classic "Savory Roasted Chicken" with the captivating novel "Home Before Dark" by Riley Sager and the sophisticated "Classic Whiskey Sour" results in a harmonious experience. "Home Before Dark" provides an enthralling mystery that complements the rustic and savory notes of the roasted chicken, while the Whiskey Sour adds a touch of elegance and refreshment. Together, they create a perfect setting for a cozy evening of culinary and literary indulgence, offering a balance of flavors and narrative intrigue.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the outside and inside of the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix together the dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
- Stuff Chicken: Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered lemon, garlic cloves, and onion. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with extra flavor as it roasts.
- Roast: Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Baste the chicken occasionally with its own juices to keep it moist.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired.
Home Before Dark
In this chilling thriller, Riley Sager weaves together the stories of a father and daughter, centered around a house with a dark past. As Maggie returns to the eerie Baneberry Hall, she uncovers secrets buried within its walls, mirroring the pages of her father's infamous book about their family's haunting experiences. "Home Before Dark" entwines a gripping narrative that explores the intersection of reality and fiction, fear and courage.
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One of USA Today's Best Books of 2020 “A haunted house story—with a twist….[Sager] does not hold back”(Rolling Stone) in this chilling thriller from the author of Final Girls and Survive the Night. Every house has a story to tell and a secret to share. Twenty-five years ago, Maggie Holt and her parents moved into Baneberry Hall, a rambling Victorian estate in the Vermont woods. Three weeks later they fled in the dead of night, an ordeal her father recounted in a memoir called House of Horrors. His story of supernatural happenings and malevolent spirits became a worldwide phenomenon, rivaling The Amityville Horror in popularity—and skepticism. Maggie was too young to remember any of the horrific events that supposedly took place, and as an adult she doesn’t believe a word of her father’s claims. Ghosts, after all, don’t exist. When she inherits Baneberry Hall after his death and returns to renovate the place and sell it, her homecoming is anything but warm. The locals aren’t thrilled that their small town has been made infamous, and human characters with starring roles in House of Horrors are waiting in the shadows. Even more unnerving is Baneberry Hall itself—a place where unsettling whispers of the past lurk around every corner. And as Maggie starts to experience strange occurrences ripped from the pages of her father’s book, the truth she uncovers about the house’s dark history will challenge everything she believes.
Discussion Questions
- What does "Home Before Dark" suggest about the power of memory and storytelling?
- How does the house itself function as a character in the book?
- In what ways do the alternating timelines enhance the suspense of the story?
- What role does the theme of family secrets play throughout the novel?
- How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and tension?
- Discuss the relationship dynamics between Maggie and her father. How do they evolve?
- What did you think of the ending? Did it provide closure or leave questions unresolved?
- How does Riley Sager blur the line between reality and fiction in the narrative?
- What symbols in the book represent fear or mystery?
- How would you compare "Home Before Dark" to other haunted house stories? What makes it unique?
Authors:
Riley Sager
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2020-06-30
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2020-06-30
Classic Whiskey Sour
The Classic Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail that perfectly balances the robust flavors of whiskey with the bright acidity of lemon and the sweetness of simple syrup. Often garnished with a cherry and a slice of orange, this cocktail offers a refreshing experience that complements savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Cherry and orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.