Pairing Sweet Onion & Cherry Pork Chops with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig and the Cherry Blossom cocktail enhances the savory and sweet experience of the dish. The book's exploration of life's possibilities complements the depth and richness of the pork chops, while the cocktail mirrors the sweet cherry notes in the dish, creating a cohesive and delightful culinary and literary experience.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (or fresh cherries, pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the dried cherries, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, and thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the onion and cherry mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chops.
- Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir in the unsalted butter to add richness to the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish the pork chops with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, with the sweet onion and cherry sauce spooned over the top.
The Midnight Library
Nora Seed finds herself faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a strange book in the Midnight Library that houses her every choice and regret. With the power to right her wrongs by exploring the multiple lives she could have lived, Nora discovers which is truly fulfilling, and what she ultimately wants from life.
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 the Midnight Library represents in the context of the novel?
- How does the concept of alternative realities influence your understanding of the choices in your own life?
- Discuss Nora's character development from the start of the book to the end.
- Which version of Nora's life did you find most compelling or relatable?
- How does the book address the theme of mental health and depression?
- What role do the secondary characters play in shaping Nora's journey?
- How does the novel blend elements of fantasy with realism?
- What do you think the author is trying to convey about regret and redemption?
- How does the structure of the library itself aid in Nora's journey to self-discovery?
- In your opinion, what is the most impactful moment in Nora's journey and why?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Cherry Blossom Cocktail
A sweet and refreshing cocktail that pairs beautifully with pork dishes. The Cherry Blossom uses a harmonious blend of cherry liqueur, vodka, and lemon juice, resulting in a pink-hued drink that celebrates the cherry flavors of the Sweet Onion & Cherry Pork Chops.
Ingredients
- 1 oz cherry liqueur
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Leemon twist for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the cherry liqueur, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.