Main Dishes

Grilled Steak Fajitas, Classic Margarita, and The Lost Girls of Paris

August 2, 2025
editor
For a delightful dining and reading experience, pair Grilled Steak Fajitas with "The Lost Girls of Paris" by Pam Jenoff and a classic Margarita. The robust flavors of the grilled steak and seasoned vegetables echo the adventurous and historical narrative of the book set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe, providing a sensory journey as rich as the tale itself. Complement this with a Margarita, which mirrors the vibrant zest of the fajitas, while the tequila adds a refreshing, spirited counterpart to the book's engrossing storyline. Together, this trio promises an evening full of intriguing flavors and gripping narratives.
Grilled Steak Fajitas

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Fajitas:

  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 flour tortillas

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

Marinate the Steak:

  • Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Grill the Steak:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness.
  • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Cook the Vegetables:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.

Assemble the Fajitas:

  • Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  • Place a few slices of steak in each tortilla, top with a portion of the grilled vegetables, and add any desired toppings.

Serve:

  • Serve the fajitas immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy!

The Lost Girls of Paris

The Lost Girls of Paris

An intriguing historical novel about the women who worked as spies in occupied Europe during World War II. Inspired by true events, it circles around the remarkable courage and mystery surrounding a group of women who risked everything to change the course of history.
"Published in 2019 by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A."–Copyright page.

Discussion Questions

  • What feelings did the novel evoke about the roles of women during World War II?
  • How does the book portray the struggle between duty and personal life?
  • What are the key elements that define the courage displayed by the characters?
  • Discuss the development of female friendships depicted in the book.
  • What moral dilemmas do the characters face? How do they resolve them?
  • How does the author use historical details to enhance the narrative?
  • In what ways do the characters defy societal expectations?
  • What does this book suggest about the forgotten roles of women in history?
  • Compare the resilience of the characters to people in today's era.
  • How does the theme of sacrifice manifest throughout the story?
Authors: Pam Jenoff
ISBN: 9780778308614
Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
Published Date: 2019

Classic Margarita

Classic Margarita
A refreshing blend of lime, tequila, and a hint of sweetness, perfect to enjoy with flavorful dishes or on its own as a cool, refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. tequila
  • 1 oz. triple sec
  • 1 oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • Salt for rimming the glass
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

  • Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in salt.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  • Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge.