Caramelized Onion And Potato Soup, Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy, and A Promised Land

Caramelized Onion and Potato Soup pairs beautifully with 'A Promised Land' by Barack Obama, offering a warm and reflective experience perfect for a cozy reading session. Complement your evening with "Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy," whose flavors harmonize with the soup’s hearty, sweet elements, enhancing the reflective tone of the memoir.
Caramelized Onion And Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  • Caramelize the Onions:
  • In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
  • Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized. Be careful not to burn them; adjust the heat if necessary.
  • Add Garlic and Broth:
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the broth, diced potatoes, and thyme.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  • Blend the Soup:
  • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, and blend carefully until smooth, then return it to the pot.
  • Add Cream and Season:
  • Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat the soup gently, without boiling, for a few minutes to combine flavors.
  • Serve:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

A Promised Land

A Promised Land

In this deeply personal memoir, Obama invites readers to share in his journey from early political experiences to the pivotal events of his first presidential term. The book provides an introspective look into the decisions and dilemmas faced as the 44th President of the United States.
A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making—from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE • NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND PEOPLE NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times • NPR • The Guardian • Slate • Vox • The Economist • Marie Claire In the stirring first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency—a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil. Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office. Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy. Obama brings readers inside the Oval Office and the White House Situation Room, and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global financial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout, and authorizes Operation Neptune’s Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden. A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective—the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of “hope and change,” and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters, and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible. This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama’s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.

Discussion Questions

  • What part of Obama's presidency described in the book resonated most with you?
  • How does Obama’s account of his early political career reflect the current political climate?
  • In what ways did Obama's decisions reflect his personal values and beliefs?
  • How does Obama describe the challenges of balancing personal and political life?
  • What insights does the book offer into the complexities of American democracy?
  • How did Obama's reflections on race and identity impact your understanding of his presidency?
  • Discuss the role of international relations as described in the memoir.
  • What lessons can be drawn from Obama's handling of crises during his first term?
  • How does Obama's narrative style contribute to the book's impact?
  • Discuss the importance of hope and resilience as themes in the memoir.
Authors: Barack Obama
ISBN: 9781524763169
Publisher: Crown
Published Date: 2020-11-17

Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy

Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy
A warm and soothing drink featuring bourbon, maple syrup, and spices that pairs perfectly with hearty dishes on cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 slice fresh lemon
  • 2 cloves
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions

  • In a mug, combine bourbon and maple syrup.
  • Add hot water and stir to combine completely.
  • Stud the lemon slice with cloves and add to the mug.
  • Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.