Pair the bold, aromatic flavors of Spiced Pork Chops with the riveting novel *The Guest List* by Lucy Foley, creating a perfect dinner experience with depth and intrigue. Complement the savory dish with a glass of Dark & Stormy, a classic cocktail that echoes the suspenseful and mysterious nature of the book. This pairing brings the tension and secrets of the novel to life, matching the intensity of the meal and drink. Enjoy an evening of culinary and literary delight as you savor every moment of this thoughtfully combined trio.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix the spices together until well combined.
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop, pressing it in gently to ensure the spices adhere.
- Cook the Pork Chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If the pork chops are thick, you may need to reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet to cook them through without burning the outside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
The Guest List
A gripping, highly acclaimed mystery novel that revolves around the events leading up to and including a murder at an extravagant wedding on a remote Irish island. The story expertly weaves multiple points of view and timelines, keeping readers engrossed in the tension-filled narrative.
Don't miss Lucy Foley's new book, The Midnight Feast, coming June 18th! A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST THRILLERS OF THE YEAR “I loved this book. It gave me the same waves of happiness I get from curling up with a classic Christie…The alternating points of view keep you guessing, and guessing wrong.” — Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient "Evok[es] the great Agatha Christie classics…Pay close attention to seemingly throwaway details about the characters’ pasts. They are all clues.” — New York Times Book Review A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party. The bride – The plus one – The best man – The wedding planner – The bridesmaid – The body On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed. But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast. And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
Discussion Questions
- How did the setting of the island play a role in the atmosphere and tension of the novel?
- Discuss the author's use of multiple points of view in the narrative. How did it affect your understanding of the story and characters?
- Which character's story arc did you find most compelling and why?
- Explore the themes of secrets and betrayal. How does Foley use these elements to drive the plot?
- Consider the role of social class and its impact on the characters' relationships and motivations.
- What parallels can be drawn between the title, 'The Guest List,' and the unfolding events?
- How does Lucy Foley build suspense throughout the novel? Discuss specific techniques or scenes.
- How does the theme of marriage and partnership manifest in the narrative?
- Explore the use of past and present timelines. How does this structure influence the reader's perception of events?
- How did the resolution of the mystery impact your overall reading experience?
Authors:
Lucy Foley
ISBN: 9780062868930
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-06-02
ISBN: 9780062868930
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-06-02
Dark & Stormy
The Dark & Stormy is a classic cocktail that combines the spicy tang of ginger beer with the rich depth of dark rum, creating a refreshing yet bold drink that pairs well with flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 5 ounces ginger beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a highball glass.
- Pour the rum over the ice.
- Top with ginger beer and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.