Pair your homemade crispy hash browns with "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens and a refreshing Mimosa cocktail. The book's exploration of survival and resilience mirrors the hash browns' crispy, perseverant nature while the Mimosa adds a refreshing citrus note, perfect for leisurely brunch reading.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 small onion, grated (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 5 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which can prevent crispiness.
- Drain and dry the potatoes: Drain the grated potatoes and place them on a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible, then transfer the potatoes to a dry bowl. If using, grate the onion and add it to the potatoes. Mix well.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and vegetable oil, allowing them to melt and heat up until shimmering.
- Cook the hash browns: Add the grated potatoes (and onion, if using) to the skillet, spreading them out evenly in a thin layer. Press down with a spatula to ensure even contact with the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook the other side: Carefully flip the hash browns using a spatula, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Amid the marshes of North Carolina, Kya Clark, the so-called "Marsh Girl," is abandoned by her family and learns to survive on her own. When a local man is found dead, Kya becomes the prime suspect, and haunting secrets threaten to unravel her life.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- How does the setting of the marshlands contribute to the story's atmosphere and themes?
- In what ways does Kya's isolation shape her identity and choices?
- Discuss the significance of nature in Kya's life and how it affects her interactions with others.
- What role does education play in Kya's development and her relationship with the broader community?
- Analyze the portrayal of gender and class differences in the book.
- How does the author intertwine the mystery with the coming-of-age story?
- Discuss the theme of loneliness and how it is depicted through multiple characters.
- What impact do the people who come and go in Kya's life have on her development?
- How does the book explore the concept of justice and moral ambiguity?
- In what ways does the story challenge social norms and expectations?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Refreshing Mimosa
A classic brunch cocktail, the Mimosa combines the sweetness and zest of fresh orange juice with the celebratory sparkle of champagne, creating a perfect morning refreshment.
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- 4 oz champagne or sparkling wine
- Orange slice or twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the fresh orange juice into a champagne flute.
- Slowly top up with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!