Book Tag #4: Literary Dinner Party

I'm one of those people who're hungry ALL THE TIME. It's not a joke. I ate a gigantic plate of food half an hour ago and I'm already considering going back for ice cream. I have no idea of how I still fit through the door. Anyway, since I enjoy food and specially dinner, I picked this interesting book tag called Literary Dinner Party. 

Imagine you are organizing a big dinner like the one Professor Slughorn hosted in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. You'll pick one book character for each question. Who will receive an invitation?

1) Someone who cooks

There's no better cook in town than Minny Jackson, ladies and gentleman. At least, that's what they say. She has been in charge of banquets in the past so I feel she would be a good choice for my dinner. Just be careful with her pies, okay? She's a very funny lady and I bet she has some great anecdotes to share.

2) Someone to sponsors the dinner

And here I was thinking that I was a millionaire that could afford her own parties. Oh, well. In that case, I guess I need someone experienced in the party scene. What better choice than Tony Stark? He is a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, after all.

3) Someone that can cause a scene

This is a no-brainer. If we want a bizarre character that loves drama, Magnus Bane is the one for the job. Not only will he catch everyone attention with his fancy clothes and makeup, but he will also put on  a great magic show. Plus, duty may call and next thing you know, there's a wounded werewolf staining the tablecloth. Sounds like a night to remember to me. Alec Lightwood could be his +1 (please.)

4) Someone who will make everyone laugh

All the 3 previous guests are already quite funny, so I guess I'll just pick another one. Wow, this dinner is going to be a blast. I identify myself with and appreciate Rose Hathaway's sarcastic humor. It's very similar to mine, which is part of the reason I love this character. 

5) Someone popular

Well, there are many kinds of "popular". What we need is someone with good contacts (but isn't a douche about it.) I think Gansey is perfect for the role. Although he doesn't like to brag about it, he comes from a successful and important family. I just love him and needed him in this dinner, okay?

6) A villain

Well, we wouldn't want maleficent's story to repeat itself, do we? We better have our enemies close. It's also a great way to add some spice to the table. This is a tough one, but in the end, I think Captain Hook is quite a lovable villain. His plans always get frustrated in some way and that makes me feel so sorry for him. I think he deserves a nice dinner.

7) A couple

I would love to have Rhys and Feyre among my guests. It adds a bit of diversity, you know? I love every aspect of their relationship: their mutual respect, balance, trust and love. Although they're a bit too pda lovers, they know when to get serious. I trust that they will actually use their mouths to talk.

8) A hero or heroin

Well, Tony Stark is already invited but, if Steve Rogers was in the room too, it could turn out to be quite a fun night. Or the whole place could get destroyed. I'll take the risks. Cap is such an honorable and respectful guy, who I bet has great manners.

9) An underestimated character

If we look "underestimated" up on a dictionary, I believe we'll find a picture of John Watson. We can't help but love Sherlock, but we sometimes forget how important John is too. I want him to feel loved and that's why he's receiving an invitation.

10) A character of your choice

A dinner is no such thing without a good debate. I wouldn't want to be the person who argues with Hermione Granger but it's a fight worth watching. I'll try not to drop too much popcorn on the ground.

There you have it! I think some great conversations could come up during the night.

I saw this tag on Butterfly Kisses.

 Should I make some souvenirs? What could be a good theme for the dinner? What are your picks? Tell me in the comments :)

Book Inspired Menu

You're probably thinking: What on earth is a book inspired menu? Well, let me tell you. I'm currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett and it's flipping amazing. Even better than the movie. This book revolves around the daily life and struggles of colored maids in the 60's. Though it's humor-based, this is a very important piece that analyzes racism and slavery. There was a lost of delicious food involved so I thought I could look up some recipes that reminded me of this book.

Shall we get into it?

For the appetizer I chose simple yet delicious Bacon-Olive Party Sandwiches. Gatherings without some tiny sandwiches never end up well.

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

24 pimiento-stuffed olives, chopped

4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1/4 teaspoon pepper

How to Make It

Remove and discard crusts from bread; toast bread.

Spread 1 side of 8 bread slices evenly with Bacon-Olive Cream Cheese; top with remaining 8 bread slices, and cut evenly into 3 strips.

For the main dish, I couldn't forget about Crisco, so we're making Mama's Fried Chicken. And then we'll have a side of Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad, as inspired by Constantine's pea tradition.

Ingredients (chicken)

1 (3- to 4-pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 cups buttermilk

Self-rising flour

Vegetable oil

How to Make It

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag, and add buttermilk. Cover or seal, and chill at least 2 hours.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, discarding buttermilk. Dredge chicken in flour.

Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches in a deep skillet or Dutch oven; heat to 360°. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover chicken, and cook 9 minutes. Turn chicken; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover and cook 5 to 9 minutes, turning chicken the last 3 minutes for even browning, if necessary. Drain on paper towels.

Ingredients (salad)

1 (16-oz.) package frozen black-eyed peas

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup red pepper jelly

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1/3 cup diced red onion

2 large fresh peaches, peeled and diced

2 cups torn watercress

How to Make It

Prepare peas according to package directions, simmering only until al dente; drain and let cool 1 hour.

Whisk together cilantro and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add cooked black-eyed peas, bell pepper, and onion, tossing to coat; cover and chill 8 hours. Stir peaches and watercress into pea mixture just before serving.

Now, my favorite part is definitely dessert. I'm such a sweet tooth. Since nobody could stop talking about Minny's pie in the book (wink wink), I chose the Chocolate Icebox Pie for this menu. 

Ingredients

2/3 cup milk

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

1/4 cup cold water

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 (6-ounce) ready-made chocolate crumb piecrust

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 (1.55-ounce) milk chocolate candy bar, chopped

How to Make It

Heat milk until it just begins to bubble around the edges in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat (do not boil). Remove from heat, and whisk in chocolate morsels until melted. Cool slightly.

Stir together cold water and cornstarch until dissolved.

Whisk cornstarch mixture, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla into chocolate mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil 1 minute or until mixture thickens and is smooth. (Do not overcook.)

Remove from heat, and whisk in butter. Spoon mixture into piecrust. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

Beat whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream evenly over pie filling, and sprinkle with pecans and candy bar pieces.

To shelter yourself from the unforgiving southern heat, you'll need big quantities of Southern Sweet Tea.

Ingredients

3 cups water

2 family-size tea bags

1/2 to 1 cup sugar

7 cups cold water

How to Make It

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan; add tea bags. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.

Remove and discard tea bags. Add desired amount of sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into a 1-gal. container, and add 7 cups cold water. Serve over ice. You can add peach nectar or lemon juice if desired.

It sounds SO good, guys! I need to go and ransack my fridge now, but I'm guessing it's empty, as usual. If I ever decide to prepare this delicious menu, I'll definitely let you know.

The recipes featured here are from myrecipes.com

Do you love food? What kind of question is that? Everyone loves food. Tell me your thoughts in the comments!