Squash Custard Pie, Autumn Spice Sparkler, and Broken

Pair the earthy and sweet flavor of Squash Custard Pie with "Broken" by Jenny Lawson and a glass of "Autumn Spice Sparkler." The pie's comforting flavors mirror the heartfelt journey in Lawson's book, while the sparkler adds a refreshing, spiced touch.
Squash Custard Pie

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked and pureed squash (butternut, acorn, or pumpkin works well)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
  • Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the squash puree: If you haven't already, cook and puree your squash. You can roast or steam the squash until tender, then puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of puree.
  • Make the custard filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the pureed squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  • Assemble the pie: Pour the custard filling into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
  • Bake the pie: Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges may puff up slightly, and the center should be firm but still a little jiggly.
  • Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve the Squash Custard Pie at room temperature or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Broken

Broken

A compelling read by Jenny Lawson, "Broken" dives into the author's life as she hilariously tackles mental health issues, embracing vulnerability with humor and heart.
An Instant New York Times Bestseller From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Furiously Happy and Let’s Pretend This Never Happened comes a deeply relatable book filled with humor and honesty about depression and anxiety. As Jenny Lawson’s hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken, Jenny brings readers along on her mental and physical health journey, offering heartbreaking and hilarious anecdotes along the way. With people experiencing anxiety and depression now more than ever, Jenny humanizes what we all face in an all-too-real way, reassuring us that we’re not alone and making us laugh while doing it. From the business ideas that she wants to pitch to Shark Tank to the reason why Jenny can never go back to the post office, Broken leaves nothing to the imagination in the most satisfying way. And of course, Jenny’s long-suffering husband Victor—the Ricky to Jenny’s Lucille Ball—is present throughout. A treat for Jenny Lawson’s already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter when we all need it most. Includes Photographs and Illustrations

Discussion Questions

  • How does Jenny Lawson balance humor with serious topics like mental health?
  • What role does vulnerability play in "Broken"?
  • Can you relate to any of the stories Lawson shares? Which one and why?
  • How does Lawson’s writing style contribute to the effectiveness of her storytelling?
  • Discuss how the themes in "Broken" can resonate during challenging times.
  • In what ways does the author challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental health?
  • What insights about human nature do you think Lawson provides?
  • How do you interpret Lawson's use of personal anecdotes to discuss broader issues?
  • Discuss any parallels between the personal struggles depicted and your own experiences.
  • Consider the book’s impact—do you think it has the power to change perspectives?
Authors: Jenny Lawson
ISBN: 9780593084200
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Published Date: 2021-04-06

Autumn Spice Sparkler

Autumn Spice Sparkler
A light and bubbly cocktail that infuses sparkling wine with the warm spices of fall, making it an ideal companion for Squash Custard Pie.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle sparkling wine
  • 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 cloves
  • Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, heat apple cider with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves until warm and flavors are infused, about 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
  • Pour 1 ounce of spiced apple cider into each champagne flute.
  • Top with sparkling wine.
  • Garnish with a twist of orange peel.