Chef’s Brunswick Stew, with its rich mix of tender meats and comforting flavors, pairs perfectly with Kristin Hannah's emotional novel "The Four Winds," complemented by the Smoky Maple Bourbon. The book's exploration of resilience mirrors the stew's hearty nature, while the bourbon's smokey flavor enhances the stew's savory notes. This combination is ideal for a cozy, reflective evening, allowing you to savor both culinary and literary delights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups frozen lima beans
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the meats: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs and pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Brown the meats in batches until they develop a nice color, then remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned meats to the pot. Add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Add the frozen lima beans, frozen corn, diced potato, chopped bell pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meats are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Shred the meats: Once the meats are tender, remove the chicken thighs and pork shoulder pieces from the pot. Shred the meat using two forks, then return it to the pot. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
- Season and finish: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve: Ladle the Brunswick Stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread on the side.
The Four Winds
Set during the Great Depression, The Four Winds tells the powerful story of a woman’s fight for survival. Elsa Martinelli faces the harsh realities of drought, dust storms, and economic hardship in 1930s America. The novel explores themes of love, courage, and sacrifice, delivering a story that resonates with the struggle and resilience of the human spirit.
From Kristin Hannah, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone, comes an epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America's most defining eras — the Great Depression.
Discussion Questions
- What role does the setting play in The Four Winds, and how does it affect the characters?
- How do the themes of survival and resilience present themselves through the characters’ decisions?
- Discuss Elsa's character development throughout the novel. How does she change from the beginning to the end?
- What does the dust bowl symbolize within the story?
- How does the author use the mother-daughter relationship to drive the narrative?
- In what ways does The Four Winds address themes of social justice?
- Do you think the author accurately depicted the historical period of the Great Depression? Why or why not?
- How does the community aspect of the camps affect the different families in the story?
- Discuss the role of hope in the novel. How does it sustain Elsa and those around her?
- What is the significance of the novel's title, and how does it connect to the story’s themes?
Authors:
Kristin Hannah
ISBN: 1250178606
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2021-03
Smoky Maple Bourbon
The Smoky Maple Bourbon is a cocktail that blends the rich flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of maple syrup and a hint of smokiness. This drink is both warming and robust, making it an ideal companion for hearty dishes such as Brunswick Stew.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip of orange peel
- 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- A splash of smoked water (optional for added smokiness)
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
- Stir well to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Express the orange peel over the glass by pressing it between your fingers, then drop it into the glass.
- Add a splash of smoked water if desired to enhance the smoky flavor.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve.