Grilled Balsamic Beef pairs beautifully with Ann Patchett's 'The Dutch House', a compelling novel about family and forgiveness, and the robust flavors of a Classic Red Sangria. The novel’s rich narrative intertwined with themes of nostalgia and personal growth complements the savory and caramelized notes of grilled beef. The fruity and vibrant sangria enhances the dining experience with its refreshing taste, making this combination perfect for thoughtful gatherings around the grill.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the beef steaks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the steaks for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender steak.
- Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
The Dutch House
'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett is a richly layered novel that explores the indelible impact of family and place. The story follows siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy as they are expelled from their childhood home, the imposing Dutch House, a symbol of their family's fleeting prosperity and deep-seated resentments. As they navigate their lives, they constantly return to the past, grappling with themes of forgiveness, memory, and the binding force of love.
Pulitzer Prize Finalist | New York Times Bestseller | A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick | A New York Times Book Review Notable Book | TIME Magazine's 100 Must-Read Books of the Year Named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post; O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Vogue, Refinery29, and Buzzfeed From Ann Patchett, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth, comes a powerful, richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. The Dutch House is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and of who we really are. At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves. The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakeable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures. Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.
Discussion Questions
- What role does the Dutch House itself play in the novel? How does it affect each of the characters?
- Discuss the sibling relationship between Danny and Maeve. How does it shape their lives and decisions?
- How do themes of home and belonging manifest throughout the book?
- What is the significance of memory and storytelling in their lives and in the novel itself?
- How does the author use time to unfold the narrative?
- In what ways do the characters grapple with their family legacy?
- Discuss the portrayal of forgiveness and its impact on the characters.
- How do secondary characters contribute to the story? Which ones stood out most to you?
- In what ways does the novel explore the theme of love, and how it can both heal and entrap?
- How does Patchett create empathy for even the most flawed characters?
Authors:
Ann Patchett
ISBN: 0062963678
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2019-09-24
Classic Red Sangria
This Classic Red Sangria is the perfect accompaniment to Grilled Balsamic Beef, bringing notes of fresh fruit and wine that enhance the meal's flavors and add a refreshing twist to your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (such as Garnacha or Tempranillo)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup soda water, chilled
- Ice
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices, and apple slices to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the soda water and ice to the pitcher. Stir gently to mix.
- Pour into glasses, ensuring each glass gets some fruit, and enjoy!