The light and refreshing Skillet Zucchini and Squash pairs beautifully with 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett, a novel of intertwined fates and rich exploration of identity. Pair this with a classic Lemon Basil Martini, whose bright and crisp flavors echo the dish's fresh garden taste. Together, the book's intriguing narrative and the pairing's fresh taste create an engaging and thoughtful dining experience.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchini and yellow squash into even rounds, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Season with dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked zucchini and squash to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
The Vanishing Half
A stunning new novel about twin sisters inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white. The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical, but after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it’s not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it’s everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Ten years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen when their own daughters' storylines intersect?
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. Inseparable as children, they ultimately choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. An exploration of the American history of passing.
Discussion Questions
- What did the act of 'passing' mean to the Vignes sisters, and how did it impact both of their lives?
- How does Brit Bennett explore the themes of identity and self-perception throughout the novel?
- Discuss the significance of the town Mallard in shaping the characters' identities.
- What are the impacts of Stella’s decision to pass as white on her marriage and family life?
- In what ways does the book address the concept of colorism? How does it affect different characters?
- Analyze the dynamics between the two sisters. How does their relationship evolve over time?
- What role do the daughters, Jude and Kennedy, play in shedding light on the choices their mothers made?
- How does the novel explore the idea of belonging and community?
- What does the novel suggest about the power of secrets and lies?
- In what ways is the theme of motherhood portrayed in the novel?
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Lemon Basil Martini
A refreshing and herbaceous cocktail that pairs lemon's brightness with the aromatic touch of fresh basil, perfect for complementing the garden-fresh flavors of the Skillet Zucchini and Squash.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 ounce simple syrup
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves
- Ice
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
- Basil sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle basil leaves in the bottom of a shaker.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice into the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh basil.