Appetizers

Whipped Feta Dip, Balmy Breeze, and Romantic Comedy

June 30, 2025
editor
Enjoy the creamy Whipped Feta Dip while diving into the immersive world of "Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld. This pairing works beautifully as the refreshing Mediterranean flair of the dip harmonizes with the ironic wit and charm of the book. To enhance the experience, sip on a Balmy Breeze cocktail, whose citrus notes and vibrant taste heighten the dips' flavors. Together, these elements create a delightful and satisfying evening, indulging both the palate and the intellect.
Whipped Feta Dip

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Feta: Crumble the feta cheese into a food processor.
  • Add Ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, black pepper, and salt to the processor.
  • Blend: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the dip is too thick, add a little more yogurt or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Add Herbs: Once blended, add the fresh dill or parsley and chives, and pulse a few times to combine.
  • Serve: Transfer the whipped feta dip to a serving bowl and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
  • Enjoy: Serve with sliced vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.

Romantic Comedy

Romantic Comedy

A witty and insightful exploration of love, expectations, and the pursuit of happiness, set in the world of a late-night TV show.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • A comedy writer thinks she’s sworn off love, until a dreamy pop star flips the script on all her assumptions—a “smart, sophisticated, and fun” (Oprah Daily) novel from the author of Eligible, Rodham, and Prep. “Full of dazzling banter and sizzling chemistry.”—People “If you ever wanted a backstage pass to Saturday Night Live, this is the book for you.”—Zibby Owens, Good Morning America A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, NPR, USA Today, BuzzFeed, PopSugar, Harper’s Bazaar, Real Simple, She Reads, New York Post Sally Milz is a sketch writer for The Night Owls, a late-night live comedy show that airs every Saturday. With a couple of heartbreaks under her belt, she’s long abandoned the search for love, settling instead for the occasional hook-up, career success, and a close relationship with her stepfather to round out a satisfying life. But when Sally’s friend and fellow writer Danny Horst begins dating Annabel, a glamorous actress who guest-hosted the show, he joins the not-so-exclusive group of talented but average-looking and even dorky men at the show—and in society at large—who’ve gotten romantically involved with incredibly beautiful and accomplished women. Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch called The Danny Horst Rule, poking fun at this phenomenon while underscoring how unlikely it is that the reverse would ever happen for a woman. Enter Noah Brewster, a pop music sensation with a reputation for dating models, who signed on as both host and musical guest for this week’s show. Dazzled by his charms, Sally hits it off with Noah instantly, and as they collaborate on one sketch after another, she begins to wonder if there might actually be sparks flying. But this isn’t a romantic comedy—it’s real life. And in real life, someone like him would never date someone like her . . . right? With her keen observations and trademark ability to bring complex women to life on the page, Curtis Sittenfeld explores the neurosis-inducing and heart-fluttering wonder of love, while slyly dissecting the social rituals of romance and gender relations in the modern age.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the novel explore the concept of love in contemporary society?
  • What are the main character's biggest challenges, and how do they overcome them?
  • In what ways does the setting of a late-night TV show influence the story?
  • Discuss the role of humor in the novel. How does it affect character relationships?
  • What themes of self-discovery are present in the book?
  • How does the author use irony to comment on societal expectations?
  • What do you think is the most transformative moment for the protagonist?
  • How does the secondary cast of characters contribute to the main story arc?
  • Analyze the protagonist's growth throughout the novel.
  • Discuss the role of vulnerability in relationships as depicted in the book.
Authors: Curtis Sittenfeld
ISBN: 9780399590963
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2023-04-04

Balmy Breeze

Balmy Breeze
A refreshing citrus cocktail featuring gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon, perfect for a sunlit afternoon filled with laughter and relaxation.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Combine gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh mint.