This pairing brings together the classic dish of Sweet and Sour Pork with Emily Henry's novel "People We Meet on Vacation" and a refreshing Pineapple Mojito. The rich flavors of the pork dish balance well with the light, tropical notes of the cocktail, creating an enjoyable dining experience. "People We Meet on Vacation" offers a delightful and engaging narrative perfect for accompanying such a dynamic meal. This trio promises a perfect evening of culinary enjoyment, relaxation, and thought-provoking conversation.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1 pound pork loin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the pork: Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper. Coat each piece with cornstarch, then dip in the beaten egg, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the pork: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), fry the pork in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pork to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and pineapple juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine the sauce and pork: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add the pineapple chunks and the fried pork pieces to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the Sweet and Sour Pork to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice.
People We Meet on Vacation
Emily Henry returns with another irresistible novel following two best friends who, though opposites, have been vacationing together for a decade—until it all went wrong. This heartfelt and humorous book explores the complexities of friendship and love, making you laugh, cry, and swoon.
Emily Henry’s dazzling New York Times bestselling novel now in this special hardcover collector’s edition with: • A gleaming redesigned cover • Stunning illustrated endpapers and matching sprayed edges that will take you poolside in sunny Palm Springs • A copper foil–stamped case, and… • A new letter from the author and exclusive postcard art Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love. Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart—she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown—but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together. Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven't spoken since. Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together—lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees. Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?
Discussion Questions
- What are the main themes in 'People We Meet on Vacation' and how do they resonate with you?
- Discuss the dynamic between Poppy and Alex. How do their personalities complement or clash with each other?
- How does the book portray the concept of friendship versus romantic love?
- In what ways does the setting of various vacation destinations affect the narrative?
- Why do you think Poppy feels the need to escape her everyday life so often, and how does this reflect her character development?
- Talk about the role of humor in the story. How does it enhance or soften the emotional depth of the characters?
- What do the vacations symbolize in the lives of Poppy and Alex?
- How does the author use back-and-forth timelines to build tension or engagement in the story?
- Discuss how the author portrays the idea of taking risks in life, be it personal or professional.
- How do Poppy and Alex each grow over the course of the book, and what finally brings them together?
Authors:
Emily Henry
ISBN: 1984806750
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published Date: 2025-10-07
Pineapple Mojito
A refreshing twist on the classic Mojito, this Pineapple Mojito combines the bright flavors of pineapple with mint and lime, perfectly complementing the Sweet and Sour Pork.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 cup fresh pineapple cubes
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 ounces white rum
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together until the mint is bruised and fragrant.
- Add the pineapple cubes and continue to muddle until the pineapple is crushed and juicy.
- Pour in the lime juice and white rum.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with club soda.
- Stir lightly and garnish with additional mint leaves and a pineapple wedge.