Menu: The Midnight Library
Nora’s journey takes her all over the world: Norway, Italy, Australia, Argentina, Japan, and beyond. But today, we’re stopping in Italy for a meal that’s as comforting as it is celebratory. As Nora tries on different lives, we’re reminded to appreciate the one we’re living now. So pour a glass, take a breath, and enjoy the little things. La vita è bella!
Drinks
Start your Italian escape with a peach bellini, light, bubbly, and perfect for toasting new beginnings. Made with peach nectar and Prosecco, this Venetian classic was first poured at Harry’s Bar and named after the painter Giovanni Bellini. You can find the easy recipe over at The Spruce Eats. It’s simple, refreshing, and a little bit fancy. Cin cin!
Appetizers
Bring some color and flavor to your table with caprese salad kabobs from Taste of Home. These bite-sized skewers stack grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil for a simple but satisfying start. Want something warm and comforting too? Try Food Network’s air fryer arancini. These crispy rice balls are filled with melty mozzarella and (air) fried to golden perfection, no deep fryer required.
Salad
No Italian feast is complete without something crisp and refreshing. Try the Italian chopped salad from Pinch and Swirl. It’s loaded with bold flavors: salami, cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a zesty homemade dressing. Since some of the ingredients bring a salty punch, start by adding just half the salami and olives, give it a toss, and then tweak it to your taste.
Main
Ready for a true Italian comfort dish? Mozzarella-stuffed chicken parmesan from Delish is everything you want it to be. Crispy on the outside, melty in the middle, and covered in rich tomato sauce. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and sure to win over your whole table.
Side
Round out the meal with pasta with broccoli Puglia, a simple and flavorful dish mentioned in the book. The recipe from Feasting at Home is easy to follow and full of cozy, familiar flavor. It’s the kind of side that quietly steals the show.
Dessert
Finish with a sweet and satisfying tiramisu from Bigger Bolder Baking. This 10-minute version is faster than the traditional recipe but still has all the essentials: mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, cocoa, and a hint of vanilla. Make it ahead so the flavors have time to come together in the fridge before serving.
We hope this Italian-inspired menu added something special to your book club gathering. Nora’s journey reminds us how easy it is to get caught up in what-ifs and regrets, but also how powerful it can be to choose the life we have. It’s a story about second chances, small joys, and learning to love the life you’re already in. So here’s to good food, good books, and the people we share them with.
