The spicy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Taquitos pair excellently with "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, a novel that weaves magical realism and intrigue, making for an immersive read that's perfect for enjoying alongside these zesty appetizers. Pair this with a glass of Celabratory Aperol Spritz, which adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the heat of the taquitos.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for brushing
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed.
- To make the tortillas pliable, warm them in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until they are soft and easy to roll.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
The Night Circus
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a novel that captivates with its immersive storytelling and enchanting tale of a magical competition. Set in an ever-changing and mysterious circus that arrives without warning, two young illusionists engage in a fierce and clandestine contest. As they grow more entangled, the stakes rise higher, with consequences that reach beyond any of their imaginations.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. • "Part love story, part fable … defies both genres and expectations." —The Boston Globe The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Discussion Questions
- How does the author use descriptions of the circus to create a sense of wonder and suspense?
- Discuss the significance of the central competition and its impact on the characters involved.
- How does the book explore the theme of choice versus destiny?
- What role does magic play in the relationship between Celia and Marco?
- How do the secondary characters contribute to the development of the main plot?
- In what ways do the tents in the circus contribute to the novel’s atmosphere?
- Discuss the use of time as a motif in the novel.
- How do Celia and Marco challenge the rules imposed upon them?
- What does the circus symbolize within the context of the story?
- How does the novel address the concept of sacrifice, and how do the characters respond to it?
Authors:
Erin Morgenstern
ISBN: 0307744434
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2011-09-13
Celebratory Aperol Spritz
The Celebratory Aperol Spritz is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail, perfect for pairing with spicy appetizers like Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. The bitter orange notes and the effervescence of the Prosecco make it an ideal complement to the zesty flavors of the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz club soda
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour the Aperol over the ice, followed by the Prosecco.
- Add the club soda and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.