Main Dishes

Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue, Mystic Mule, and The Night Circus

April 12, 2025
editor
Enjoy the Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue while diving into the thrilling pages of 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, a captivating novel that will transport you to a world of magic and mystery, similar to how this dish brings the rich culinary traditions of Pennsylvania to your table. Pair it with the 'Mystic Mule', a refreshing ginger and lime based cocktail, to keep your senses tingling and perfectly complement the flavors of the barbecue.
Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 4-6 soft rolls or hamburger buns

Instructions

  • Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  • Make the sauce: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
  • Prepare the rolls: While the barbecue mixture is simmering, lightly toast the rolls or hamburger buns if desired.
  • Serve: Spoon the Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue mixture onto the toasted rolls or buns.

The Night Circus

The Night Circus

A fantasy novel about a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, set within the confines of a mysterious and fantastical circus that appears only at night.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. • "Part love story, part fable … defies both genres and expectations." —The Boston Globe The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the author use imagery to bring the circus to life?
  • In what ways do Celia and Marco influence each other's lives and the circus as a whole?
  • What role does the concept of choice versus destiny play in the novel?
  • Discuss the significance of the tents and the performances within the circus.
  • How do the secondary characters contribute to the development of the story?
  • In what ways does the novel explore the theme of time?
  • How does the rivalry imposed on Celia and Marco affect their relationship?
  • Discuss the role of the 'reveurs' and their impact on the circus.
  • How does Erin Morgenstern use dialogue and narrative style to create mystery and suspense?
  • What is the significance of the ending of the novel and what meaning do you derive from it?
Authors: Erin Morgenstern
ISBN: 0099554798
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2011-09-13

Mystic Mule

Mystic Mule
A refreshing cocktail with a blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime, perfect for sipping alongside the savory and tangy Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue.

Ingredients

  • 50ml vodka
  • 150ml ginger beer
  • 15ml fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge for garnish
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug or glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour in the vodka and fresh lime juice.
  • Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Serve immediately.