Enjoy a heartwarming culinary experience with our Baked Corned Beef Hash paired with 'Chain-Gang All-Stars' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah and an Old-Fashioned cocktail. The richness and comfort of the hash seamlessly match the intensity and gripping narrative of the book, providing a thrilling reading adventure. As you delve into the thought-provoking themes of the story, an Old-Fashioned adds a timeless touch of sophistication to your experience. Together, this combination creates a memorable evening of hearty food, captivating storytelling, and classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced or shredded
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish or ovenproof skillet with olive oil or butter.
- Prepare the Hash: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, corned beef, chopped onion, and bell peppers if using. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed and evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish or skillet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the hash is crispy and golden brown.
- Optional: Add Eggs: If you’d like to add eggs, remove the hash from the oven after 30 minutes. Create four small wells in the hash and crack an egg into each well. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or with your favorite sides.
Chain-Gang All-Stars
In 'Chain-Gang All-Stars', Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah explores the intricacies of power, freedom, and violence within a dystopian reality where convicts participate in televised gladiator-style combat. It's a tale that questions morality, justice, and the spectacle of punishment. The book weaves together stories from different characters showcasing their fight for survival in a system designed for their exploitation.
A thrilling and satirical science fiction narrative, this book is both a page-turner and a deep philosophical read. Dive into the stories of the 'Chain-Gang', those caught between freedom and incarceration, in a tale crafted with intensity and dark humor.
Discussion Questions
- How does 'Chain-Gang All-Stars' explore the commercialization of violence?
- What parallels can you draw between the story and current societal justice systems?
- In what ways does the character development influence your perspective on morality in the book?
- How does Adjei-Brenyah use speculative fiction to highlight real-world issues?
- Discuss the role of media portrayal in the story's dystopian society.
- Which character's story impacted you the most and why?
- Does the book propose any solutions to the issues it raises?
- How does the setting contribute to the narrative's tension?
- Compare and contrast the different characters' experiences with freedom and captivity.
- What emotions did the book evoke, and how did they change as you read?
- How do you think the story might unfold in a sequel?
Authors:
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
ISBN: 9781324036060
Publisher: HarperAudio
Published Date: 2023-07-15
ISBN: 9781324036060
Publisher: HarperAudio
Published Date: 2023-07-15
Old-Fashioned
The Old-Fashioned is a classic cocktail that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Baked Corned Beef Hash. Made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus, this drink brings warmth and depth to any dining experience, enhancing the savory notes of the hash while offering a nod to timeless elegance.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Few dashes plain water
- Twist of orange peel
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old-Fashioned glass and saturate it with bitters, add a few dashes of plain water.
- Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey.
- Garnish with an orange twist to serve.