The Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls, with their delightful combination of sweet strawberries and warm cinnamon, pair beautifully with the novel "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. Just as the rolls offer a comforting indulgence, the book, with its exploration of life's choices, provides a thought-provoking escape. Complementing this, a Strawberry Lemonade Sangria brings a refreshing and vibrant touch to the pairing, aligning with the rolls' fruity notes. This trio creates a harmonious blend of flavors and narratives, perfect for a cozy afternoon or book club gathering.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and melted butter until warm (about 110°F).
- Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, then add the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches in size.
Add the Filling and Roll:
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough up from one long side to the other to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Bake the Rolls:
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy.
- If the glaze is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm strawberry cinnamon rolls.
- Serve immediately.
The Midnight Library
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices… Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?
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 do you think of the concept of the Midnight Library, where you can explore the lives you might have lived?
- How does Nora's perspective on her choices change throughout the novel?
- What are some of the regrets Nora confronts as she explores different lives, and how does she deal with them?
- Do you believe the philosophy presented in the book about the choices and possibilities in life?
- How does Matt Haig portray mental health struggles through the character of Nora?
- What role does the librarian Mrs. Elm play in the story, and what does she symbolize?
- Discuss the importance of relationships in the book and how they impact Nora's journey.
- How does "The Midnight Library" challenge traditional ideas of success and failure?
- What are your thoughts on the ending? Did it satisfy you?
- How might Nora's story inspire someone dealing with their own regrets or life choices?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Strawberry Lemonade Sangria
A refreshing and fruity sangria combining the fresh taste of strawberries, the zing of lemonade, and the crispness of white wine, perfect for warm days and pairing with sweet treats like strawberry cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of chilled white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 1/4 cup lemon vodka
- 1 cup strawberry lemonade
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 liter club soda or lemon-lime soda
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the chilled white wine, triple sec, lemon vodka, strawberry lemonade, and simple syrup.
- Add the sliced strawberries and lemon slices.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Just before serving, add the club soda or lemon-lime soda for fizz.
- Serve chilled over ice, garnished with strawberry or lemon slices, if desired.