Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins while unraveling the secrets of Kristin Hannah's gripping novel, "The Four Winds." This pairing delights the senses, with the muffins' cozy cinnamon scent mirroring the novel's rich, historical texture. Enjoy this heartwarming read alongside a Honey Cinnamon Old-Fashioned, where the spiced drink enhances the muffins' flavor, creating a harmonious experience ideal for a book club gathering or a quiet afternoon retreat.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the milk and mix until smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick.
Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake the Muffins:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. In a separate bowl, melt the butter.
Coat the Muffins:
- While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and then dip each muffin into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them generously.
Serve:
- Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
The Four Winds
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is a gripping historical novel about love, family, and the resilience of the human spirit during one of America's darkest periods, the Great Depression. It follows the journey of Elsa Martinelli as she navigates harsh realities and makes difficult choices to protect her family and her way of life in the face of adversity.
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
- How does Elsa Martinelli's character evolve throughout the novel?
- What role does the setting play in the unfolding of the story?
- How does the author depict the struggle of women during the Great Depression?
- What does the title 'The Four Winds' signify in the context of the story?
- Discuss the relationship dynamics within the Martinelli family.
- How do themes of hope and resilience manifest in the story?
- In what ways does the novel explore the idea of the American Dream?
- Discuss the impact of society's expectations on Elsa's choices.
- How do the historical events depicted in the book enhance the narrative?
- In what ways does Elsa's journey reflect modern struggles faced by families today?
Authors:
Kristin Hannah
ISBN: 9781250178602
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2021-03
Honey Cinnamon Old-Fashioned
This Honey Cinnamon Old-Fashioned puts a spiced twist on the classic cocktail, blending the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of honey. Perfect alongside cinnamon-kissed treats or a cozy read.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- 3 dashes cinnamon bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the bourbon, honey syrup, and cinnamon bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange peel and cinnamon stick.