Indulge in the vibrant fusion of sweet and spicy flavors with this Spicy Orange Chicken recipe paired with Colleen Hoover's "Reminders of Him." The emotional depth of the book, along with the lively taste of the dish, creates a cozy and contemplative atmosphere. Accompanying this experience is the Orange Blossom Martini, a cocktail that echoes the citrusy notes of the dish, enhancing the palate's delight. Together, this trio forms a harmonious balance of flavors and emotions ideal for a reflective evening.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
Thicken the sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine and serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Reminders of Him
A troubled young woman hopes to find a new beginning after serving five years in prison, but the bridges she burned have left her with few options. Facing an uncertain future, she endeavors to reconnect with her daughter and find forgiveness from those she wronged.
A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter's life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself. The only person who hasn't closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna's daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna's life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author handle themes of redemption and forgiveness in the novel?
- What are some moments in the book that highlight the protagonist’s growth?
- In what ways do the relationships in the story evolve over time?
- How do symbols, such as memories and tokens, play a significant role in the narrative?
- What messages does the book convey about motherhood and familial bonds?
- How does the author create empathy for Kei, the heroine?
- What role does hope play in the character's journey and decision-making?
- Discuss how misunderstandings and secrets impact the characters' lives.
- How does Colleen Hoover use secondary characters to enhance the main storyline?
- What emotions did the book evoke and how did they resonate with your own experiences?
Authors:
Colleen Hoover
ISBN: 1542025605
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published Date: 2022-01-18
Orange Blossom Martini
The Orange Blossom Martini is a refreshing cocktail that infuses the robust essence of gin with the sweet and tangy notes of fresh oranges, complemented by a hint of honey. Perfectly pairing with the rich flavors of the Spicy Orange Chicken, it offers a delightful citrusy finish to the meal.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (made from equal parts honey and water)
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the gin, orange juice, and honey syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist and serve immediately.