Appetizers Main Dishes

Glazed Kielbasa, Apple Cider Mule, and There There

September 16, 2025
editor
Indulge in a delightful evening with the "Glazed Kielbasa," perfectly paired with "There There" by Tommy Orange and the refreshing "Apple Cider Mule." The savory and sweet flavors of the kielbasa complement the rich narrative and complex characters in Orange's novel, a poignant exploration of Native American identity and culture. The Apple Cider Mule, a crisp blend of apple cider, ginger beer, and vodka, adds an invigorating touch to your experience, balancing the hearty kielbasa and deep literary journey. Together, they create a memorable and flavorful reading experience, uniting culinary delight with engaging storytelling.
Glazed Kielbasa

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  • Coat the kielbasa: Place the sliced kielbasa in a large mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over the kielbasa and toss to coat each piece evenly.
  • Arrange on the baking sheet: Spread the glazed kielbasa slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the kielbasa halfway through, until the glaze is bubbly and the kielbasa is caramelized and slightly crispy around the edges.
  • Serve: Remove the kielbasa from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

There There

There There

A symphonic polyphony weaving together the stories of twelve characters each contending with their own struggles, yet intertwined through the shared past and present of Native American identity.
PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A wondrous and shattering award-winning novel that follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. A contemporary classic, this “astonishing literary debut” (Margaret Atwood, bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale) “places Native American voices front and center” (NPR/Fresh Air). One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years Among them is Jacquie Red Feather, newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind. Dene Oxendene, pulling his life together after his uncle’s death and working at the powwow to honor his memory. Fourteen-year-old Orvil, coming to perform traditional dance for the very first time. They converge and collide on one fateful day at the Big Oakland Powwow and together this chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American—grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism A book with “so much jangling energy and brings so much news from a distinct corner of American life that it’s a revelation” (The New York Times). It is fierce, funny, suspenseful, and impossible to put down–full of poetry and rage, exploding onto the page with urgency and force. There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary and truly unforgettable. Don't miss Tommy Orange's new book, Wandering Stars!

Discussion Questions

  • How does Tommy Orange depict the urban Native American experience in "There There"?
  • What role does storytelling play within the novel, both for the characters and in the narrative structure?
  • How do the diverse perspectives and voices in the book contribute to its overall message?
  • In what ways do themes of identity and belonging manifest in the characters' lives?
  • What is the significance of the title, "There There"? How does it reflect the novel's themes?
  • How does the intergenerational trauma affect different characters in the story?
  • Discuss the portrayal of modern Native American culture in the urban settings of the novel. How is it different from the typical representations?
  • What is the role of the Oakland Powwow event in the narrative? How does it serve as a climax in the story?
  • How does Tommy Orange use structure and language to deepen the reader's understanding of each character's life?
  • What did you find most impactful about the novel's ending? How did it leave you feeling?
Authors: Tommy Orange
ISBN: 9780525520375
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2018-06-05

Apple Cider Mule

Apple Cider Mule
A refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this drink combines the crisp flavors of apple cider with ginger beer and vodka, perfect for sipping alongside a savory dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • 1/2 oz lime juice
  • Apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug or glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice over the ice.
  • Top off with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.