Pairing these Easy Baked Chicken Legs with the novel "The Night Watchman" by Louise Erdrich creates a cozy and thought-provoking evening. The simplicity and satisfaction of the drumsticks match well with the richly woven narrative of Erdrich's work. To enhance the meal, a glass of Chardonnay brings a refreshing contrast to the savory depth of the chicken and the story. Together, the book, food, and beverage create an experience that delights the senses and engages the mind.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up during baking.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Toss the chicken drumsticks in the mixture until they are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
The Night Watchman
Based on the extraordinary life of Louise Erdrich's grandfather who worked as a night watchman and fought against Native dispossession, this novel explores the lives of a rural community in mid-20th-century America.
'Erdrich is one of the greatest living American writers' – the Guardian 'Erdrich orchestrates a rich community tale' – BBC.co.uk, 'Books to Read in 2020' 'Erdrich has chosen a story that is near to her heart, and it shines through on every page' – Daily Mail ———————————————————————— It is 1953. Thomas Wazhushk is the night watchman at the first factory to open near the Turtle Mountain Reservation in rural North Dakota. He is also a prominent Chippewa Council member, trying to understand a new bill that is soon to be put before Congress. The US Government calls it an 'emancipation' bill; but it isn't about freedom – it threatens the rights of Native Americans to their land, their very identity. How can he fight this betrayal? Unlike most of the girls on the reservation, Pixie – 'Patrice' – Paranteau has no desire to wear herself down on a husband and kids. She works at the factory, earning barely enough to support her mother and brother, let alone her alcoholic father who sometimes returns home to bully her for money. But Patrice needs every penny to get if she's ever going to get to Minnesota to find her missing sister Vera. In The Night Watchman multi-award winning author Louise Erdrich weaves together a story of past and future generations, of preservation and progress. She grapples with the worst and best impulses of human nature, illuminating the loves and lives, desires and ambitions of her characters with compassion, wit and intelligence.
Discussion Questions
- How does Erdrich depict the cultural heritage and resilience of Native American communities in her novel?
- What role do dreams play in the lives of the characters, particularly Thomas?
- Discuss the significance of work and its relationship to personal dignity as portrayed in the book.
- How do female characters in the story navigate their societal roles, and how are their experiences portrayed?
- What are the novel's key messages about identity and home?
- Analyze the impact of historical context on the characters' lives and decisions.
- How does the author blend historical facts with fiction to tell a compelling narrative?
- What are the various forms of resistance depicted in the book?
- Discuss how the author uses the setting to enhance the story's themes.
- In what ways does the novel address intergenerational trauma and healing?
Authors:
Louise Erdrich
ISBN: 0062671189
Publisher: Corsair
Published Date: 2020-03-05
Chardonnay
This versatile and balanced Chardonnay offers notes of citrus and vanilla, complementing the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
Ingredients
- Variety: Chardonnay
- Region: California
- Notes: Citrus, vanilla, oak
Instructions
- Chill the Chardonnay to 50°F (10°C) before serving.
- Pour into a wine glass and enjoy alongside the chicken dish.