Salads

Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Mojito, and The Midnight Library

April 23, 2025
editor
This delightful pairing of a Strawberry Spinach Salad with "The Midnight Library" and a refreshing Strawberry Mojito makes for a perfect evening of culinary and literary enjoyment. The vibrant flavors of the salad mirror the bright and unpredictable journey of self-discovery in the book, enhanced by the mojito's fruity notes.
Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, nuts, and red onion.

Make the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Toss and Serve:

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

The Midnight Library

The Midnight Library

Between life and death, there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she is given the 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.
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 does the concept of the Midnight Library symbolize to you?
  • How does Nora's journey through the library serve as a metaphor for choices in our own lives?
  • Which 'book' or life option would you have chosen if you were in Nora's position?
  • Discuss the role of regrets in the story.
  • How does the author use parallel universes to explore themes of existentialism?
  • What impact does Nora's family have on her decisions and outlook on life?
  • In what ways does this book inspire you to think differently about your own life?
  • How do the librarians within the book influence Nora's decisions?
  • Discuss the ending of the book. Did it satisfy you? Why or why not?
  • How do Nora's multiple lives comment on the nature of happiness and fulfillment?
Authors: Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29

Strawberry Mojito

Strawberry Mojito
A refreshing cocktail that brings together the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the zest of lime and coolness of mint, perfect for a summer evening.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz white rum
  • 4-5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
  • 10 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Club soda

Instructions

  • Muddle the strawberries, lime wedges, mint leaves, and sugar in a glass to release the juices and aromas.
  • Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour the rum over the ice.
  • Top with club soda.
  • Garnish with a strawberry slice and a sprig of mint.