The Brown Sugar Ham Steak, with its sweet and savory glaze, pairs beautifully with the vivid and immersive storytelling in "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. The caramel notes of a classic Old Fashioned complement the dish’s rich flavors, making it a perfect match for an introspective reading session. Enjoy this culinary trio as you indulge in a sensory journey of taste and narrative.
Ingredients
- 1 ham steak (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves (if using). Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, forming a smooth glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the ham steak: Place the ham steak in the preheated skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is heated through and slightly browned.
- Add the glaze: Pour the prepared brown sugar glaze over the ham steak, spreading it evenly. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting the ham with the glaze and turning occasionally, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve: Transfer the ham steak to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens' stunning debut novel Where the Crawdads Sing is a mysterious and heartfelt story set against the backdrop of the North Carolina marsh. Kya Clark, the 'Marsh Girl', grows up isolated from her community and finds solace in nature. As she navigates adolescence and adulthood, a murder in the nearby town brings her into the public eye, and secrets long hidden in the marsh begin to surface.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- How does Kya's isolation affect her understanding of the world and relationships?
- In what ways does the natural setting influence the mood and themes of the novel?
- Discuss the role of prejudice in the story and how it affects Kya's life.
- How does the book explore the concept of family and belonging?
- What are the parallels between Kya's story and the lives of the marsh creatures she studies?
- In what ways is poetry used to enhance the narrative?
- Discuss the significance of the firefly scene in the novel.
- What is the role of education and self-teaching in Kya's development?
- How does Kya defy the stereotypes placed upon her by the townspeople?
- What did you think of the book's ending? Was it satisfying?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Classic Old Fashioned
The Classic Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that brings together rich bourbon with notes of bitters and a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect companion to the sweet and savory flavors of Brown Sugar Ham Steak.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Few dashes of plain water
- Orange twist, for garnish
- Cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- Douse it with Angostura bitters and a splash of water.
- Muddle until the sugar has dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, add the bourbon, and stir well.
- Garnish with the orange twist and cherry.