Pairing a Reuben Bread Pudding with "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar and a classic Manhattan cocktail makes for an enriching and multifaceted experience. The rich flavors of the bread pudding, with its hearty corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, complement the reflective and intense poetry of Akbar. The Manhattan further enhances the experience by offering a sophisticated and warming contrast with its blend of whiskey and vermouth. This combination invites readers to dive deep into thought-provoking themes while enjoying comfort food and a classic drink, creating a perfect evening blend of literary and culinary delights.
Ingredients
- 6 cups rye bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
- 1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed rye bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted rye bread cubes, chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble the Bread Pudding: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the bread mixture evenly in the dish, then pour the custard mixture over the top, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread pieces are soaked in the custard. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the pudding. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this savory delight warm, with a side of Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing for an extra Reuben touch!
Martyr!
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar delves deep into themes of identity, faith, and the human experience, capturing the reader's attention with insightful and evocative poetry.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • A TIME MUST-READ BOOK OF THE YEAR • A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum. Electrifying, funny, and wholly original, Martyr! heralds the arrival of an essential new voice in contemporary fiction. “Kaveh Akbar is one of my favorite writers. Ever.” —Tommy Orange, Pulitzer Prize–nominated author of There There “The best novel you'll ever read about the joy of language, addiction, displacement, martyrdom, belonging, homesickness.” —Lauren Groff, best-selling author of Matrix and Fates and Furies Cyrus Shams is a young man grappling with an inheritance of violence and loss: his mother’s plane was shot down over the skies of the Persian Gulf in a senseless accident; and his father’s life in America was circumscribed by his work killing chickens at a factory farm in the Midwest. Cyrus is a drunk, an addict, and a poet, whose obsession with martyrs leads him to examine the mysteries of his past—toward an uncle who rode through Iranian battlefields dressed as the angel of death to inspire and comfort the dying, and toward his mother, through a painting discovered in a Brooklyn art gallery that suggests she may not have been who or what she seemed. Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr! is a paean to how we spend our lives seeking meaning—in faith, art, ourselves, others.
Discussion Questions
- How does Kaveh Akbar explore the theme of identity in his poetry?
- What role does faith play in Akbar's writing and how is it significant to the overall narrative?
- In what ways does Akbar's poetry challenge the reader's perspective on societal norms?
- Discuss the use of imagery in Martyr! and its effect on conveying emotion.
- How do Akbar's personal experiences shape his poetic voice and style?
- What impact do Akbar's poems have on your understanding of cultural dualities?
- Examine the metaphors used throughout the book and their contribution to the theme of redemption.
- How does Akbar balance hope and despair in his poetry?
- What is the significance of the title "Martyr!" in relation to the poems' themes?
- Discuss how Akbar addresses the concept of belonging and alienation.
Authors:
Kaveh Akbar
ISBN: 978-1-23456-789-0
Publisher: Knopf
Published Date: 2024-01-23
ISBN: 978-1-23456-789-0
Publisher: Knopf
Published Date: 2024-01-23
Classic Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail known for its rich, amber hues and sophisticated flavors. Combining rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this drink offers a warming, slightly sweet, and aromatic experience that's perfect for pairing with hearty dishes or reflective reading sessions.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Maraschino Cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir gently until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.