The Brown Sugar Ham Steak pairs perfectly with "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett, a novel about identity and secrets, providing a flavorful companion to the depth of the story. To complement the dish, enjoy a Classic Old Fashioned cocktail, which compliments the ham's sweet and savory flavors with its own blend of bourbon and bitters. This trifecta offers a feast for both the palate and the mind, inviting you to explore complex themes while indulging in a delightful meal and traditional cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 large ham steak (about 1-1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of cloves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- <strong>Prepare the Ham Steak:</strong> Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- <strong>Sear the Ham Steak:</strong> In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ham steak to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and heated through. Remove the ham steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- <strong>Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:</strong> In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar, stirring until it is fully dissolved and starts to bubble. If using, add the Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and cloves to the glaze, stirring to combine.
- <strong>Glaze the Ham Steak:</strong> Return the ham steak to the skillet, spooning the brown sugar glaze over it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, occasionally spooning the glaze over the ham steak to ensure it is well coated.
- <strong>Serve:</strong> Transfer the glazed ham steak to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
The Vanishing Half
The Vanishing Half is a multigenerational narrative that spans decades, from the Deep South to California, chronicling the lives of two twin sisters who choose very different paths. One sister lives in the black community she was born into, while the other passes as white, moving away and distancing herself from her roots. As their lives unfold in different directions, the novel explores themes of identity, family loyalty, and the pressures of societal norms.
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. Inseparable as children, they ultimately choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. An exploration of the American history of passing.
Discussion Questions
- How do the twins' choices affect their lives and those around them?
- Discuss the theme of 'passing' and what it represents in the novel.
- How does the concept of identity play a significant role in the story?
- In what ways do the sisters' decisions resonate with the idea of erasing one's past?
- What are the impacts of societal expectations on the characters?
- How does Brit Bennett portray the passage of time and its effects on individuals?
- Examine the role of family and community throughout the novel.
- Discuss how the theme of race is handled in different settings of the book.
- In what ways do the daughters of the twins mirror or differ from their mothers?
- What message does the novel impart about the importance of self-acceptance?
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Classic Old Fashioned
The Classic Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that combines the bold flavor of bourbon with a hint of citrus and the subtle sweetness of sugar. This drink complements the sweet and savory flavors of the Brown Sugar Ham Steak, offering a rich, satisfying beverage to enjoy with your meal and your book.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in a glass and douse it with bitters.
- Add a splash of water and muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the bourbon.
- Stir gently to combine all components.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel, expressing its oils over the drink.