Pairing 'The Witch's Heart' by Genevieve Gornichec with the Strawberry Spinach Salad complements the themes of complex emotions and nature with vibrant flavors and a nature-inspired dish. Accompanied by a Raspberry Lemon Prosecco Spritz, this pairing creates a refreshing and enchanting escape for readers.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
For the Raspberry Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Dressing:
- In a small blender or food processor, combine the raspberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary. Set aside.
Assemble Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, place the fresh baby spinach leaves.
- Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, sliced almonds, and red onion if using.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the raspberry dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
Serve:
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness of the salad.
The Witch's Heart
A retelling of Norse mythology focusing on the story of Angrboda, a witch who defied the gods and lived on her own terms.
Angrboda's story begins where most witch's tales end: with a burning. A punishment from Odin for refusing to give him knowledge of the future, the fire leaves Angrboda injured and powerless, and she flees into a remote forest. There she is found by a man Loki, and her initial distrust grows into a deep and abiding love. Their union produces three unusual children, each with a secret destiny, who she is keen to raise at the hidden from Odin's all-seeing eye. But as Angrboda slowly recovers her prophetic powers, she learns that her blissful life – and possibly all of existence – is in danger.
Discussion Questions
- How does Angrboda's character challenge traditional roles of women in myth?
- In what ways does the environment play a role in the story?
- Discuss the themes of love and sacrifice in the book.
- How does the book reinterpret familiar Norse myth characters?
- What does the story say about the nature of power and defiance?
- How does motherhood impact Angrboda's decisions and actions?
- In what way is magic portrayed in 'The Witch's Heart'?
- Discuss the relationship between Angrboda and Loki.
- What moral dilemmas do the characters face?
- How does the book reflect contemporary issues through its mythological narrative?
Authors:
Genevieve Gornichec
ISBN: 9780593332861
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2021
ISBN: 9780593332861
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2021
Raspberry Lemon Prosecco Spritz
A refreshing and bubbly drink that brings together the tanginess of raspberries with the zest of lemon, perfectly complementing the light, crisp flavors of the Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz club soda
- 1 oz raspberry lemonade
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a champagne flute halfway with Prosecco.
- Add raspberry lemonade and top with club soda.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and a slice of lemon.
- Serve chilled for an effervescent finish.