Midwest Meatball Casserole, the recommended book 'This Tender Land' by William Kent Krueger, and a classic Old Fashioned cocktail make a perfect trio for a cozy evening. This pairing works because all three elements evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort. 'This Tender Land,' set in the 1930s Midwest, resonates with the casserole's homely origins, while the Old Fashioned brings a classic touch to the gathering. Together, they create an atmosphere of relaxation and timeless enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Spread the pasta and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Nestle the meatballs into the pasta, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired and enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
This Tender Land
A powerful novel about four orphans on a life-changing journey across America during the Great Depression.
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! “If you liked Where the Crawdads Sing, you’ll love This Tender Land…This story is as big-hearted as they come.” —Parade The unforgettable story of four orphans who travel the Mississippi River on a life-changing odyssey during the Great Depression. In the summer of 1932, on the banks of Minnesota’s Gilead River, Odie O’Banion is an orphan confined to the Lincoln Indian Training School, a pitiless place where his lively nature earns him the superintendent’s wrath. Forced to flee after committing a terrible crime, he and his brother, Albert, their best friend, Mose, and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi and a place to call their own. Over the course of one summer, these four orphans journey into the unknown and cross paths with others who are adrift, from struggling farmers and traveling faith healers to displaced families and lost souls of all kinds. With the feel of a modern classic, This Tender Land is an enthralling, big-hearted epic that shows how the magnificent American landscape connects us all, haunts our dreams, and makes us whole.
Discussion Questions
- How do the themes of loss and redemption play out in the novel?
- What role does the natural landscape of the Midwest play in the story?
- Discuss the significance of friendship and found family in the book.
- How does the journey motif serve as a metaphor for personal growth?
- What insights does the book offer about the era of the Great Depression?
- In what ways do the characters’ diverse backgrounds influence their actions and decisions?
- How does the author use history to enrich the narrative?
- Discuss the use of hope as a driving force for the characters.
- What lessons about human nature do the events of the story reveal?
- How does the story address the concept of destiny and fate?
Authors:
William Kent Krueger
ISBN: 9781476749297
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2019-09-03
ISBN: 9781476749297
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2019-09-03
Classic Old Fashioned
A timeless cocktail featuring bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a hint of citrus, perfect for enjoying a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel
- Ice
- Soda water (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and douse it with bitters.
- Add a short splash of soda water and gently muddle the sugar until dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the whiskey.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill the drink.
- Express the orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then use it as a garnish.