Main Dishes

Mexican Stir-fry, Spicy Paloma, and Queenie

August 15, 2025
editor
The colorful, zesty flavors of Mexican Stir-Fry are perfectly paired with "Queenie" by Candice Carty-Williams and a Spicy Paloma cocktail. Just as the stir-fry bursts with fresh ingredients and spices, "Queenie" offers a vivid exploration of contemporary life and personal growth, both inviting deep reflection on identity and resilience. Savor each bite of the stir-fry and each sip of the cocktail, much like you would relish each page of Queenie's journey.
Mexican Stir-fry

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: Serve with cooked rice, tortillas, or your favorite toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, etc.)

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, zucchini, and corn. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander over the mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the spices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze the lime juice over the stir-fry and toss to combine.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over rice, in tortillas, or with your favorite toppings.

Queenie

Queenie

A vibrant and moving account of a young woman trying to find her place in the world, grappling with issues of race, identity, and self-worth.
With "fresh and honest" (Jojo Moyes) prose, this novel is a relatable exploration of what it means to be a modern woman searching for meaning and for love in today's world.

Discussion Questions

  • How does Queenie grapple with her identity and culture throughout the book?
  • What role does mental health play in Queenie's journey?
  • Discuss the theme of friendship in the book. How do the different friendships influence Queenie's story?
  • How is Queenie's relationship with her family portrayed, and what impact does it have on her life?
  • What is the significance of the title 'Queenie'? How does it reflect her character development?
  • In what ways does the book address societal expectations and stereotypes about race and gender?
  • How does Queenie's character evolve from the beginning of the book to the end?
  • What role does humor play in the overall tone of the story?
  • Discuss the portrayal of romantic relationships in the story. What messages does the book convey about love and self-respect?
  • How does Queenie's journey provide commentary on modern society, particularly in terms of race and gender dynamics?
Authors: Candice Carty-Williams
ISBN: 9781501196011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2024-05-14

Spicy Paloma

Spicy Paloma
The Spicy Paloma adds a fiery twist to the classic Paloma cocktail, infused with fresh grapefruit and lime juice, complemented by the sharpness of tequila and a hint of jalapeño spice.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • Jalapeño slices (optional, to taste)
  • Splash of sparkling water
  • Salt for rimming (optional)
  • Grapefruit slice for garnish

Instructions

  • Rim a glass with salt (optional) by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into the salt.
  • In a shaker, muddle a few jalapeño slices with lime juice for extra spice.
  • Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup into the shaker. Fill with ice and shake well.
  • Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  • Top with a splash of sparkling water.
  • Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a jalapeño slice, if desired.