Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice, Caipirinha, and Ask Again, Yes

Pair "Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice" with the book "Ask Again, Yes" by Mary Beth Keane and a "Caipirinha." This pairing brings together a health-conscious dish, a compelling exploration of family dynamics, and a refreshing, tropical cocktail. "Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice" offers a light, flavorful experience, perfectly complemented by the emotional depth of Keane's novel, which unravels themes of forgiveness and resilience. The "Caipirinha," with its zesty lime and sugarcane spirit, adds a refreshing contrast to the meal, offering a balance that enhances both the dish and the reading experience.
Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups of pre-packaged cauliflower rice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Instructions

  • Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: If using a whole cauliflower, cut it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
  • Cook the Shrimp: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Add the riced cauliflower to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
  • Add Peas and Carrots: Stir in the peas and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Scramble the Eggs: Push the cauliflower rice mixture to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix them into the cauliflower rice.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for extra heat. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ask Again, Yes

Ask Again, Yes

A novel exploring the lives of two neighbouring families in a suburb over several decades, following the effects of a shooting that haunts the families and their children.
The triumphant New York Times Bestseller *The Tonight Show Summer Reads Pick* Named one of the Best Books of the Year by People, Vogue, Parade, NPR, and Elle "A gem of a book." —Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo How much can a family forgive? Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope, rookie NYPD cops, are neighbors in the suburbs. What happens behind closed doors in both houses—the loneliness of Francis’s wife, Lena, and the instability of Brian’s wife, Anne, sets the stage for the explosive events to come. In Mary Beth Keane's extraordinary novel, a lifelong friendship and love blossoms between Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope, born six months apart. One shocking night their loyalties are divided, and their bond will be tested again and again over the next thirty years. Heartbreaking and redemptive, Ask Again, Yes is a gorgeous and generous portrait of the daily intimacies of marriage and the power of forgiveness.

Discussion Questions

  • How do the concepts of forgiveness and healing manifest throughout the novel?
  • In what ways do the characters' past decisions influence their current actions?
  • What role does mental health play in the narrative and how is it handled by the different characters?
  • Discuss the theme of family dynamics and the impact of parental relationships observed in the book.
  • How does Mary Beth Keane use setting to enhance the storytelling?
  • What relationships in the novel challenge traditional notions of family?
  • Analyze the significance of Jim's and Kate's relationship in the context of the overall story.
  • How does the author weave together the past and present to tell a cohesive story?
  • In what ways does the novel explore the concept of identity and self-discovery?
  • Discuss the importance of community in the characters' lives and how it influences the narrative.
Authors: Mary Beth Keane
ISBN: 9781982106980
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2019-05-28

Caipirinha

Caipirinha
A classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, fresh lime, and sugar, offering a citrusy and refreshing flavor with earthy undertones from the sugarcane spirit.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz cachaça
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Place lime wedges in a glass and add sugar.
  • Muddle together to release the lime juice and dissolve the sugar.
  • Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour cachaça over the ice.
  • Stir well and serve immediately.