Pairing Dooky Chase-Style Fried Chicken with Celeste Ng's novel "Our Missing Hearts," and a Southern Mint Julep is an experience that marries culinary tradition, compelling storytelling, and refreshing sips. "Our Missing Hearts" delves into themes of identity and resistance, making it an engaging complement to the rich cultural heritage embodied by this iconic Southern dish. The Mint Julep enhances the meal with a touch of Southern elegance, creating a perfect trifecta for an enjoyable evening that celebrates Southern customs and thought-provoking dialogue.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken pieces (a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well.
- Heat the oil: Fill a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin side down. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Our Missing Hearts
A deeply compelling and thought-provoking novel by Celeste Ng that explores themes of identity, family, and the power of storytelling in times of crisis. Set in an alternate America characterized by fear and oppression, a mother and daughter fight to reunite and bring to light long-buried truths.
An instant New York Times bestseller • A New York Times Notable Book • Named a Best Book of 2022 by People, TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, Los Angeles Times, and Oprah Daily, and more • A Reese's Book Club Pick • New York Times Paperback Row Selection From the #1 bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere, comes the inspiring new novel about a mother’s unshakeable love. “Riveting, tender, and timely.” —People, Book of the Week "Remarkable . . . An unflinching yet life-affirming drama about the power of art and love to push back in dangerous times." —Oprah Daily “Thought-provoking, heart-wrenching . . . I was so invested in the future of this mother and son.” —Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick) Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner lives a quiet existence with his loving father, a former linguist who now shelves books in a university library. His mother, Margaret, a Chinese American poet, left without a trace when he was nine years old. He doesn’t know what happened to her—only that her books have been banned—and he resents that she cared more about her work than about him. Then one day Bird receives a mysterious letter containing only a cryptic drawing, and soon he is pulled into a quest to find her. His journey will take him back to the many folktales she poured into his head as a child, through the ranks of an underground network of heroic librarians, and finally to New York City, where he will learn the truth about what happened to his mother and what the future holds for them both. Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can ignore the most searing injustice. It’s about the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children and the power of art to create change.
Discussion Questions
- What parallels do you see between the society in 'Our Missing Hearts' and current real-world events?
- How does the relationship between the mother and daughter evolve throughout the story?
- What role does storytelling play in the novel's narrative and themes?
- How does the author use symbolism to convey deeper meanings?
- Discuss the ways in which the characters resist the oppressive regime in the novel.
- How does identity play a crucial role in shaping the characters' decisions and actions?
- What is the significance of the title 'Our Missing Hearts'?
- How do the secondary characters contribute to the novel's exploration of community and resistance?
- What impact does setting have on the mood and progression of the story?
- How does 'Our Missing Hearts' challenge or affirm your understanding of freedom and justice?
Authors:
Celeste Ng
ISBN: 0593492544
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2022-10-04
Southern Mint Julep
A refreshing and classic Southern cocktail perfect for enjoying alongside traditional dishes like fried chicken, offering a delightful blend of mint, bourbon, and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup to release the mint oils.
- Fill the cup with crushed ice.
- Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir well until the cup is frosted.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and enjoy.