Pairing "The Heart's Invisible Furies" by John Boyne with Tuna Casserole with Shirataki Noodles and a refreshing thyme-infused Gin and Tonic will create a delightful evening. The novel's rich narrative and exploration of human emotions align beautifully with the comforting and fulfilling flavors of the casserole. The gin and tonic, with its fresh botanical notes, adds a crisp contrast to the creamy richness of the dish, enhancing the reading experience.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (7 oz each) shirataki noodles, rinsed and drained
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup pork rinds or almond flour, crushed (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shirataki Noodles:
- Rinse and drain the shirataki noodles thoroughly. To reduce the noodles' natural odor, you can boil them in water for 2-3 minutes and then dry them well with paper towels.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, sautéed vegetables, thawed peas, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the prepared shirataki noodles to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the tuna and noodle mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- If using, sprinkle the crushed pork rinds or almond flour over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
The Heart's Invisible Furies
A sweeping, heartfelt epic following the life of Cyril Avery, set across several decades as he seeks to understand his identity and place in the world.
Named Book of the Month Club's Book of the Year, 2017 Selected one of New York Times Readers’ Favorite Books of 2017 Winner of the 2018 Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Boy In the Striped Pajamas, a sweeping, heartfelt saga about the course of one man's life, beginning and ending in post-war Ireland Cyril Avery is not a real Avery — or at least, that's what his adoptive parents tell him. And he never will be. But if he isn't a real Avery, then who is he? Born out of wedlock to a teenage girl cast out from her rural Irish community and adopted by a well-to-do if eccentric Dublin couple via the intervention of a hunchbacked Redemptorist nun, Cyril is adrift in the world, anchored only tenuously by his heartfelt friendship with the infinitely more glamourous and dangerous Julian Woodbead. At the mercy of fortune and coincidence, he will spend a lifetime coming to know himself and where he came from – and over his many years, will struggle to discover an identity, a home, a country, and much more. In this, Boyne's most transcendent work to date, we are shown the story of Ireland from the 1940s to today through the eyes of one ordinary man. The Heart's Invisible Furies is a novel to make you laugh and cry while reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit.
Discussion Questions
- How does Cyril Avery's understanding of identity evolve throughout the novel?
- What role does Ireland's political and cultural climate play in shaping the characters' lives?
- Discuss the significance of family in Cyril's journey. How do different family dynamics influence him?
- How does Boyne use humor to address serious themes in the novel?
- What is the impact of Cyril's relationships on his personal development?
- How does the historical backdrop enhance the storytelling?
- In what ways does the novel challenge stereotypes and preconceptions?
- How are themes of love and loss intertwined in Cyril's story?
- Discuss the significance of the title 'The Heart's Invisible Furies'.
- How does Boyne's narrative style affect your engagement with the novel?
Authors:
John Boyne
ISBN: 9781524760786
Publisher: Hogarth
Published Date: 2017-08-22
ISBN: 9781524760786
Publisher: Hogarth
Published Date: 2017-08-22
Thyme-Infused Gin and Tonic
A classic gin and tonic infused with fresh thyme, enhancing the drink with aromatic herbal notes, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of Tuna Casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of gin
- 4 oz tonic water
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- Ice
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the gin over the ice and add the tonic water.
- Gently bruise a sprig of thyme by rolling it between your fingers, then add to the glass.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and another sprig of thyme.