Indulge in a delightful evening with "Sheet Pan Black Pepper Tofu and Broccoli," perfectly paired with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig and a refreshing glass of Riesling wine. This symphony of culinary and literary flavors invites contemplation as you savor the spicy tofu and tender broccoli, complemented by the wine's crispness and the novel's profound exploration of life's endless possibilities.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, coarsely ground
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the tofu cubes in a single layer on one side of the prepared sheet pan.
- Prepare the broccoli: In another medium bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the broccoli on the other side of the sheet pan, keeping it separate from the tofu.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy, and the broccoli is tender and slightly charred, tossing halfway through.
- Make the sauce: While the tofu and broccoli are baking, prepare the black pepper sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, black pepper, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Combine and coat: Once the tofu and broccoli are done baking, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Drizzle the black pepper sauce over the tofu and broccoli, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the black pepper tofu and broccoli to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice.
The Midnight Library
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?
Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?
Discussion Questions
- What are your thoughts on the concept of the Midnight Library? How does it compare to typical notions of the afterlife?
- In what ways does Nora find herself in the Midnight Library, and how does this alter her perspective on life?
- Discuss the impact of regrets in the novel. How does the exploration of alternate lives affect Nora's perception of her regrets?
- The book presents different iterations of Nora's life. Which version impacted you the most and why?
- How does Matt Haig use the characters in Nora's different lives to convey messages about fulfillment and happiness?
- What role does philosophy play in the book? Discuss any philosophical ideas that stood out to you and their implications.
- How does the structure of the Midnight Library serve as a metaphor for mental health?
- Consider Nora's transformation throughout the story. How do her experiences change her view on life and her pursuit of happiness?
- What do you think the author is trying to convey about the idea of living with no regrets?
- How do the ending and Nora's final choice encapsulate the themes of the novel?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Riesling
Riesling is a versatile white wine known for its aromatic fruity flavors and varying degrees of sweetness. It often carries notes of green apple, lime, and peach, and can have a crisp acidity that pairs well with spicier dishes like Sheet Pan Black Pepper Tofu and Broccoli.