Pairing the earthy and creamy flavors of Spinach Mushroom Cannelloni with Matt Haig's 'The Midnight Library' creates a cozy and thought-provoking dinner experience, complemented perfectly by a refreshing glass of Italian Prosecco. The introspective themes of the book align beautifully with the comforting nature of the dish, fostering an evening of both culinary and intellectual exploration.
Ingredients
- 12 cannelloni pasta tubes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Cannelloni:
- Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Cannelloni:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach-mushroom mixture and place them in a greased baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce over the cannelloni and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
The Midnight Library
In 'The Midnight Library', author Matt Haig explores the premise of a library that allows an individual to try out any other life they might have lived. It’s a novel of imagination and daring intuitiveness about the roads that were not taken and life’s endless possibilities and missed opportunities.
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
- How does 'The Midnight Library' explore the theme of regret? How did this affect your perspective on your own life choices?
- Discuss the significance of the library as a metaphor in the novel. What does it represent for Nora?
- How do the various lives Nora experiences illustrate the idea that contentment comes from within?
- What role do supporting characters play in shaping Nora's journey?
- How does Matt Haig use the concept of parallel universes to challenge the idea of destiny?
- In what ways does Nora's exploration of different lives highlight the importance of mental health?
- How do you interpret the ending of the book? Would you have chosen similarly in Nora's situation?
- Discuss the philosophical questions raised by the book. How do they resonate with you personally?
- How does the author redefine the concept of success through Nora's experiences?
- What impact does reading 'The Midnight Library' have on how you view possibilities in your own life?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Italian Prosecco
An Italian Prosecco pairs wonderfully with the creamy and rich flavors of Spinach Mushroom Cannelloni, offering a refreshing and effervescent balance that enhances the earthy notes of the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Italian Prosecco
- Chilled flute glasses for serving
Instructions
- Chill the Prosecco thoroughly before serving.
- Pour into flute glasses gently to preserve the bubbles.
- Serve chilled alongside Spinach Mushroom Cannelloni.