The Ultimate Pasta Salad pairs delightfully with "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig and a refreshing glass of Aperol Spritz. As you savor the vibrant flavors of the pasta salad, immerse yourself in a journey of choices and possibilities with "The Midnight Library," a book that has captured the hearts of many readers with its thought-provoking narrative. The Aperol Spritz, with its bittersweet orange taste, complements the tangy and herbal notes of the salad's vinaigrette dressing, creating a harmonious culinary and literary experience. Together, this combination offers a light-hearted yet introspective indulgence perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing afternoon at home.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, and diced salami or pepperoni (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add Fresh Herbs:
- Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley and basil.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give the salad a good toss before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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
- How does the concept of the Midnight Library challenge or reinforce your understanding of the multiverse or parallel lives?
- Discuss Nora's character development throughout the book. How do her experiences shape her changes?
- What role does regret play in the story, and how does it affect Nora’s decisions?
- How does the library function as a metaphor for life’s choices and potential outcomes?
- What are the pivotal moments in the book that lead Nora to her ultimate realization about her own life?
- How does the author use the different 'lives' of Nora to explore the theme of happiness?
- What is the significance of Mrs. Elm in the story?
- Discuss how mental health and depression are portrayed in the book. Are they handled sensitively?
- How did the ending of the book affect you? Were you satisfied with Nora’s final choice?
- In what ways did the novel make you reflect on your own life choices and possibilities?
Authors:
Matt Haig
ISBN: 0525559477
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-09-29
Aperol Spritz
The classic aperitivo cocktail from Italy that's perfect for light, summer drinking. It’s refreshingly bittersweet with a vibrant orange hue, making it a delightful pairing with dishes that have tangy and herbal elements.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol.
- Top with soda water and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice before serving.