"I'm Glad My Mom Died" pairs wonderfully with a Mexican Tater-topped Casserole, supported by the bold and rich flavors of a Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita. The emotional depth and storytelling in McCurdy's memoir resonate with the casserole's comforting layers and spiced character, while the margarita's vibrant hints parallel the memoir's intensity. As you savor the casserole's perfect blend of Mexican spices and the margarita's refreshing kick, Jennifer's poignant narrative will keep you engaged.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the tater tots and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
I'm Glad My Mom Died
A heartbreaking and humorous memoir by actor Jennette McCurdy about her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother.
* #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER * MORE THAN 2 MILLION COPIES SOLD! A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life. Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income. In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants. Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.
Discussion Questions
- What were your initial reactions to McCurdy's relationship with her mother?
- How did societal expectations impact Jennette's experiences?
- In what ways did humor play a role in the storytelling?
- Discuss the impact of fame on McCurdy's mental health and personal development.
- How does the memoir address the theme of control versus freedom?
- What are your thoughts on the memoir's title?
- How did McCurdy's childhood experiences shape her identity as an adult?
- What lessons can be learned from Jennette's journey towards self-acceptance?
- How do you think the narrative might have differed if told from her mother's perspective?
- Discuss the role therapy plays in the memoir including its benefits and drawbacks.
Authors:
Jennette McCurdy
ISBN: 9781982810058
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2022-08-09
ISBN: 9781982810058
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2022-08-09
Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita
A delightful twist on a classic margarita, this cocktail combines fresh strawberries with the spicy kick of jalapeño, making it a vibrant and refreshing accompaniment to Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Salt for rimming
Instructions
- Muddle the strawberries and jalapeño slices in a shaker until juicy.
- Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Salt the rim of a margarita glass by rubbing lime juice around it and dipping in salt.
- Strain the margarita mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a slice of strawberry and jalapeño, if desired.