Pairing the hearty Southern dish, Black-eyed Peas With Bacon, with Colson Whitehead's "The Nickel Boys" and a classic Mint Julep creates a deeply evocative sensory experience. "The Nickel Boys" offers an intense narrative reflecting on America's history while the dish and drink bring flavors steeped in Southern tradition. This pairing not only satisfies culinary curiosity but also aligns thematically, as both the book and the meal delve into rich cultural histories—one through taste and one through narrative. The Mint Julep adds a refreshing touch, making for a well-rounded experience of Southern comfort and contemplation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (or 4 cups cooked black-eyed peas)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (if using dried peas)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse and soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, use canned or pre-cooked black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained.
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Simmer Peas: Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas (or canned peas) to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together. If using pre-cooked peas, reduce the cooking time to 20-30 minutes.
- Finish: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
The Nickel Boys
Colson Whitehead's "The Nickel Boys" is a gripping and powerful story based on the true history of the Dozier School for Boys. It follows the lives of two boys enduring the realities of this corrupt institution.
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION 2020 WINNER OF THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTION 2020 Winner of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction 2020 Time #1 Novel of the Year 2019 ________________________________________________________________________ Author of The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in 1960s Florida. Elwood Curtis has taken the words of Dr Martin Luther King to heart: he is as good as anyone. Abandoned by his parents, brought up by his loving, strict and clear-sighted grandmother, Elwood is about to enroll in the local black college. But given the time and the place, one innocent mistake is enough to destroy his future, and so Elwood arrives at The Nickel Academy, which claims to provide 'physical, intellectual and moral training' which will equip its inmates to become 'honorable and honest men'. In reality, the Nickel Academy is a chamber of horrors, where physical, emotional and sexual abuse is rife, where corrupt officials and tradesmen do a brisk trade in supplies intended for the school, and where any boy who resists is likely to disappear 'out back'. Stunned to find himself in this vicious environment, Elwood tries to hold on to Dr King's ringing assertion, 'Throw us in jail, and we will still love you.' But Elwood's fellow inmate and new friend Turner thinks Elwood is naive and worse; the world is crooked, and the only way to survive is to emulate the cruelty and cynicism of their oppressors. The tension between Elwood's idealism and Turner's skepticism leads to a decision which will have decades-long repercussions. Based on the history of a real reform school in Florida that operated for one hundred and eleven years and warped and destroyed the lives of thousands of children, The Nickel Boys is a devastating, driven narrative by a great American novelist whose work is essential to understanding the current reality of the United States. 'If greatness is excellence sustained over time, then without question, Whitehead is one of the greatest of his generation. In fact, figuring his age, acclaim, productivity and consistency, he is one of the greatest American writers alive' Time 'A commanding triumph' Sunday Times 'Every chapter hits its mark' New York Times
Discussion Questions
- How does "The Nickel Boys" highlight systemic racism and its impacts on education?
- In what ways do the characters reflect the struggles of those in real-life reform schools?
- How does Elwood Curtis's character develop throughout the novel?
- What role does hope play in the book, even amidst grim circumstances?
- Discuss the symbolism of the book's setting and its contribution to the story.
- How does Whitehead use historical events to enhance the narrative?
- What themes of friendship and betrayal arise in the story?
- Examine the use of dual timelines and its effect on the story's reveal.
- Discuss the portrayal of authority figures in "The Nickel Boys."
- How does the ending of the book challenge your perception of truth and justice?
Authors:
Colson Whitehead
ISBN: 9780385537070
Publisher: Doubleday
Published Date: 2020
ISBN: 9780385537070
Publisher: Doubleday
Published Date: 2020
Mint Julep
A classic Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep combines bourbon's depth with fresh mint and the sweetness of sugar, making it light and cooling, perfect for this literary and culinary journey.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp water
- 4 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- In a julep cup, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and water.
- Fill the cup with crushed ice, add the bourbon, and stir well until the cup is frosted on the outside.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately.