Salads

Jambalaya Rice Salad, Hurricane, and The Vanishing Half

April 20, 2025
editor
The zesty Jambalaya Rice Salad, with its vibrant spices and fresh ingredients, pairs beautifully with the adventurous narrative of "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett. This book, filled with themes of identity and the search for self, enriches the dining experience, inviting deep conversation. To complement the dish and the literary exploration, enjoy a refreshing Hurricane cocktail, a classic New Orleans beverage that echoes the salad's Creole flair. Together, this trio offers a full sensory journey into the heart of southern culture, making it perfect for both culinary and book club gatherings.
Jambalaya Rice Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain rice, cooked and cooled
  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced and cooked
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, spread the rice out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Creole or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and add hot sauce if desired for extra heat.
  • Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, cooked shrimp, sliced sausage, red and green bell peppers, celery, green onions, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  • Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

The Vanishing Half

The Vanishing Half

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett explores the lives of twin sisters raised in a small, Southern black community. After running away at sixteen, their lives diverge dramatically, with one living in the same town, identifying with her black roots, and the other passing for white in a different environment. This narrative delves into themes of racial identity, family ties, and the weight of secrets, unfolding beautifully over decades.
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. Inseparable as children, they ultimately choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. An exploration of the American history of passing.

Discussion Questions

  • How does Bennett use the concept of 'passing' to explore themes of identity in the novel?
  • In what ways do the choices of the two sisters reflect the societal pressures of their time?
  • Discuss the role of motherhood in the book; how does being a mother impact the characters’ decisions?
  • How does the author portray the different communities in the book, and what impact do they have on the characters?
  • Discuss the significance of the book’s title, 'The Vanishing Half'.
  • How does the novel address the concept of colorism within the black community?
  • Explore the relationship dynamics between Stella and Kennedy. How is it shaped by Stella's past decisions?
  • What role does secrecy play in the lives of the characters?
  • Analyze the various mother-daughter dynamics throughout the novel.
  • How does Brit Bennett use time and perspective to develop the narrative arc?
Authors: Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12

Hurricane

Hurricane
The Hurricane is a fruity and potent cocktail originating from New Orleans, combining passion fruit juice, lime, and rum to create a tangy and refreshing drink that perfectly complements bold and spicy dishes.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz light rum
  • 2 oz dark rum
  • 1 oz passion fruit juice
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz grenadine
  • Orange slice and cherry, for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a shaker with ice and add both rums, passion fruit juice, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
  • Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
  • Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry before serving.