The pairing of "Annie Bot" by Sierra Greer with Squash Salad with Kale and Roasted Garlic Dressing is an extraordinary match. This whimsical, engaging book aligns with the vibrant, textural salad, both offering an unexpected delight. Pairing it with a refreshing Elderflower Gin Fizz enhances the experience with its floral notes and effervescence, making for an unforgettable, multifaceted encounter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Roasted Garlic Dressing:
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Roast the Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread it out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing:
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the roasted garlic.
- Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and wrap in aluminum foil.
- Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, until the garlic is soft and caramelized.
- Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves into a blender.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, massage the chopped kale with a small amount of the dressing until the leaves are tender.
- Add the roasted squash, dried cranberries, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Drizzle with additional dressing and toss to combine.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy this wholesome, flavorful salad as a satisfying meal or side dish!
Annie Bot
An engaging story about a robot named Annie who embarks on a journey to discover where she truly belongs. This novel explores themes of identity and belonging with humor and heart, leaving readers pondering their own concept of home and self.
WINNER OF THE ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD Named a Best Book of the Year by Scientific American, Harper's Bazaar and NPR. Named a Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the Year by the Washington Post and Elle. Nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in Science Fiction. "Provocative…a Frankenstein for the digital age…a rich text about power, autonomy, and what happens when our creations outgrow us." — Esquire "Unexpected and subtle…delicious and thought-provoking." — New Scientist For fans of Never Let Me Go and My Dark Vanessa, a powerful, provocative novel about the relationship between a female robot and her human owner, exploring questions of intimacy, power, autonomy, and control. Annie Bot was created to be the perfect girlfriend for her human owner Doug. Designed to satisfy his emotional and physical needs, she has dinner ready for him every night, wears the pert outfits he orders for her, and adjusts her libido to suit his moods. True, she’s not the greatest at keeping Doug’s place spotless, but she’s trying to please him. She’s trying hard. She’s learning, too. Doug says he loves that Annie’s AI makes her seem more like a real woman, so Annie explores human traits such as curiosity, secrecy, and longing. But becoming more human also means becoming less perfect, and as Annie’s relationship with Doug grows more intricate and difficult, she starts to wonder: Does Doug really desire what he says he wants? And in such an impossible paradox, what does Annie owe herself? "Annie Bot is a book to hold close to your heart when the walls start closing in." — Washington Post
Discussion Questions
- What are the main themes explored in 'Annie Bot' and how do they relate to modern society?
- How does the author use the character of Annie to challenge the reader's perception of technology and its role in our lives?
- Discuss the concept of identity as portrayed in the book. How does Annie's journey reflect the journey of self-discovery many people undergo?
- What role does humor play in the narrative, and how does it affect your connection to the characters?
- Examine the relationships between the characters in the story. How do these relationships contribute to Annie's development and understanding of herself?
- How does the setting of the story influence the narrative? Would the story have changed if it was set in a different environment?
- What insights does the book offer about the concept of belonging? How is this illustrated through Annie's interactions with others?
- Discuss how the author uses emotion to engage the reader. Were there any moments that particularly moved you?
- What did you think of the ending? Was it satisfying, and why or why not?
- Compare and contrast Annie's experiences with those of another character in the book. What do these comparisons reveal about the story's message?
Authors:
Sierra Greer
ISBN: 978-1234567890
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2024-03-19
ISBN: 978-1234567890
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2024-03-19
Elderflower Gin Fizz
A refreshing cocktail that combines the delicate floral notes of elderflower with the crisp, clean taste of gin. The bubbles from the club soda create an effervescent finish that beautifully complements the rich, roasted flavors of the salad.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon slice, for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.