Enjoy an evening of hearty flavors and captivating storytelling by pairing the rich, smoky taste of Barbecued Ribs with Beer with Colson Whitehead's gripping crime novel, "Harlem Shuffle." Complement the experience with a smooth Bourbon Smash, whose citrusy undertones will lift the palate and add to the convivial spirit of a good read. This pairing promises an indulgent escape, perfect for a slow evening under the stars or cheering afternoons with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup beer (preferably a lager or ale)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption.
- Season the ribs generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spices into the meat thoroughly.
- Marinate the Ribs:
- In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, beer, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder.
- Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 275-300°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side for indirect cooking.
- Cook the Ribs:
- Remove the ribs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
- Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down, over indirect heat. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade and turning every 30 minutes.
- Finish the Ribs:
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, increase the grill’s heat to medium-high and move the ribs over direct heat. Continue to baste with the marinade and cook until the ribs are caramelized and tender, and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F.
- Serve:
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
Harlem Shuffle
In "Harlem Shuffle," Colson Whitehead brings 1960s Harlem to life with a tale of a furniture salesman who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld. The novel explores themes of family, integrity, and the American Dream through the lens of a vibrant community and the complexities of its social dynamics.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, this gloriously entertaining novel is “fast-paced, keen-eyed and very funny … about race, power and the history of Harlem all disguised as a thrill-ride crime novel" (San Francisco Chronicle). "Ray Carney was only slightly bent when it came to being crooked…" To his customers and neighbors on 125th street, Carney is an upstanding salesman of reasonably priced furniture, making a decent life for himself and his family. He and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their second child, and if her parents on Striver's Row don't approve of him or their cramped apartment across from the subway tracks, it's still home. Few people know he descends from a line of uptown hoods and crooks, and that his façade of normalcy has more than a few cracks in it. Cracks that are getting bigger all the time. Cash is tight, especially with all those installment-plan sofas, so if his cousin Freddie occasionally drops off the odd ring or necklace, Ray doesn't ask where it comes from. He knows a discreet jeweler downtown who doesn't ask questions, either. Then Freddie falls in with a crew who plan to rob the Hotel Theresa—the "Waldorf of Harlem"—and volunteers Ray's services as the fence. The heist doesn't go as planned; they rarely do. Now Ray has a new clientele, one made up of shady cops, vicious local gangsters, two-bit pornographers, and other assorted Harlem lowlifes. Thus begins the internal tussle between Ray the striver and Ray the crook. As Ray navigates this double life, he begins to see who actually pulls the strings in Harlem. Can Ray avoid getting killed, save his cousin, and grab his share of the big score, all while maintaining his reputation as the go-to source for all your quality home furniture needs? Harlem Shuffle's ingenious story plays out in a beautifully recreated New York City of the early 1960s. It's a family saga masquerading as a crime novel, a hilarious morality play, a social novel about race and power, and ultimately a love letter to Harlem. But mostly, it's a joy to read, another dazzling novel from the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning Colson Whitehead. Look for Colson Whitehead’s new novel, Crook Manifesto!
Discussion Questions
- How does the setting of 1960s Harlem influence the characters and plot?
- In what ways does Colson Whitehead explore the concept of the American Dream?
- Discuss the duality of Ray Carney's character and his moral dilemmas.
- How does the theme of family play out in the novel?
- What role do secondary characters play in enriching the story?
- Explore the significance of the criminal underworld in the narrative.
- How does Whitehead use humor to contrast the serious undertones of the story?
- Discuss the portrayal of race and social status throughout the novel.
- In what ways do the historical and cultural references enhance the narrative?
- What is the impact of Whitehead’s writing style on the pacing and tension of the novel?
Authors:
Colson Whitehead
ISBN: 0385545134
Publisher: Anchor
Published Date: 2021-09-14
Bourbon Smash
A refreshing cocktail combining the robust flavor of bourbon with fresh mint, sweet syrup, and a twist of lemon, making it a perfect companion to your barbecue feast.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Club soda (optional)
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves to release their juices and aroma.
- Add the bourbon and simple syrup, then fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda, if desired.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.