Spinach Mushroom Cannelloni, Prosecco, and The Midnight Library

Pair the comforting and richly flavored Spinach Mushroom Cannelloni with the thought-provoking novel 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig and a refreshing glass of Prosecco. The book invites readers to explore the pivoting between endless possibilities, akin to finding balance in the hearty yet light combo of cannelloni and bubbly. This pairing creates a perfect escape into a universe of intriguing narrative and culinary delight.
Spinach Mushroom Cannelloni

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

The Midnight Library

Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book in that library represents a different world — a different life you could have lived. The Midnight Library offers a chance to change one's life and to undo every regret. But things aren't always as profound as they appear to be, and sometimes changing one's life can have unforeseen results.
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

  • What is the significance of the library as a metaphor in the novel?
  • How does Nora's journey reflect our own struggles with choices and regrets?
  • Discuss the role of Mrs. Elm in Nora's life transformation.
  • How does the book address mental health and its stigma?
  • What does this book suggest about the notion of a 'perfect life'?
  • In what ways do the parallel lives Nora explores highlight the theme of interconnectedness?
  • How does 'The Midnight Library' challenge the concept of destiny versus free will?
  • Discuss the influence of minor characters on Nora's transformation.
  • What role does the idea of infinite possibilities play in the story?
  • How do you interpret the ending of 'The Midnight Library'? Is it a satisfying conclusion?
Authors: Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29

Prosecco

Prosecco
This Italian sparkling wine provides a light and refreshing accompaniment to meals, known for its crisp and slightly sweet taste. Perfectly balancing the richness of dishes, it offers a clean palate ready for savory flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of chilled Prosecco

Instructions

  • Ensure the Prosecco is chilled.
  • Open the bottle carefully to preserve the bubbles.
  • Serve in champagne flutes for a refreshing drink.