The Italian Burritos are paired with 'Maame' by Jessica George, accompanied by a refreshing 'Limoncello Prosecco' cocktail. The fusion of Italian flavors in the burrito harmonizes with the cultural journey in 'Maame', offering a delightful reading experience. The bright citrus notes of the limoncello cocktail complement the savory and creamy burrito perfectly, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the sausage and sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly divide the sausage and vegetable mixture among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Wrap the burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll it up from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you go. Place the burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Melt the cheese: Optional step – If you like a melty top, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top of each burrito and place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish the Italian Burritos with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Maame
A deeply moving novel about a young woman's responsibility to family and her journey of self-discovery in modern London.
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! • A Today Show #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick • A February 2023 Indie Next Pick "Sparkling." —The New York Times "An utterly charming and deeply moving portrait of the joys—and the guilt—of trying to find your own way in life." —Celeste Ng, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Our Missing Hearts "Lively, funny, poignant . . . Prepare to fall in love with Maddie. I did!" —Bonnie Garmus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lessons in Chemistry Maame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi but in my case, it means woman. It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting. So when her mum returns from her latest trip, Maddie seizes the chance to move out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts”: She finds a flat share, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But when tragedy strikes, Maddie is forced to face the true nature of her unconventional family, and the perils—and rewards—of putting her heart on the line. Smart, funny, and affecting, Jessica George's Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism, to female pleasure, the complexity of love, and the life-saving power of friendship. Most important, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures―and it celebrates finally being able to find where you belong. "Meeting Maame feels like falling in love for the first time: warm, awkward, joyous, a little bit heartbreaking and, most of all, unforgettable." —Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming
Discussion Questions
- How does the cultural setting of London influence the protagonist's experiences?
- What role does family obligation play in the personal growth of the protagonist?
- How does the author use humor to address serious themes in the novel?
- Discuss the theme of identity and how it relates to cultural expectations in 'Maame'.
- What is the significance of the friendships formed throughout the story?
- How does the protagonist's career journey reflect larger themes of independence and self-worth?
- In what ways do food and cuisine serve as cultural markers in the novel?
- Explore the role of social media in shaping the character's understanding of herself and her family.
- How does the author portray the balance between tradition and modernity?
- What did you find most relatable about the protagonist's story?
Authors:
Jessica George
ISBN: 9781250229605
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2023-01-31
ISBN: 9781250229605
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published Date: 2023-01-31
Limoncello Prosecco
A refreshing Italian-inspired cocktail, Limoncello Prosecco combines the zesty flavor of limoncello with the effervescent bubbles of prosecco, creating a bright and inviting drink perfect for pairing with Italian dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Limoncello
- 3 oz Prosecco
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the limoncello.
- Top with prosecco and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.