Pair the exotic flavors of Ginger Pork Chops with Brené Brown's insightful exploration in "Atlas of the Heart" and the refreshing taste of a Ginger Mojito. The ginger in both the dish and the cocktail harmonizes perfectly, creating a cohesive dining experience while Brown's book invites you to reflect on emotional connections, making this combination a feast for both the palate and the mind.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Marinate the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the pork chops are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and reserve the marinade. Sear the pork chops in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
- Finish in the Oven: Pour the reserved marinade over the pork chops in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Atlas of the Heart
In "Atlas of the Heart," Brené Brown takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Mapping the necessary skills and actionable framework for meaningful connection, this book serves as an invaluable guide to building understanding and empathy in our personal and professional lives.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown writes, “If we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and be stewards of the stories that we hear. This is the framework for meaningful connection.” Don’t miss the five-part Max docuseries Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart! In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances—a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection. Over the past two decades, Brown’s extensive research into the experiences that make us who we are has shaped the cultural conversation and helped define what it means to be courageous with our lives. Atlas of the Heart draws on this research, as well as on Brown’s singular skills as a storyteller, to show us how accurately naming an experience doesn’t give the experience more power—it gives us the power of understanding, meaning, and choice. Brown shares, “I want this book to be an atlas for all of us, because I believe that, with an adventurous heart and the right maps, we can travel anywhere and never fear losing ourselves.”
Discussion Questions
- What does Brené Brown mean by 'mapping' the heart? Do you think it is helpful or overly simplistic to map emotions?
- How does Brown's writing style influence your understanding of complex emotions?
- Which emotion or experience discussed in the book resonated the most with you, and why?
- Does the concept of vulnerability as presented in the book challenge any preconceived notions you held?
- How can the frameworks provided in the book be applied to everyday interactions in your life?
- What role does storytelling play in the way Brown explains her concepts?
- In what ways did this book motivate you to think about your emotional education?
- Reflect on a chapter that helped you better understand a relationship in your life.
- What element of the book surprised you the most, and how has it changed your perspective?
- How does "Atlas of the Heart" compare to Brown's previous works? What new insights does it offer?
Authors:
Brené Brown
ISBN: 0399592555
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2021-11-30
ISBN: 0399592555
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2021-11-30
Ginger Mojito
A refreshing twist on the classic mojito, the Ginger Mojito combines the invigorating spice of ginger with the minty and citrusy notes of a mojito. It's a perfect partner to the Ginger Pork Chops, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances the ginger flavor in both the drink and the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated
- Mint leaves
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Muddle the ginger, mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a glass until the sugar dissolves and the mint is fragrant.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, then add the rum.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel, if desired.
- Serve immediately.