Indulge in a cozy night with Simple Macaroni and Cheese, paired with "The Night Watchman" by Louise Erdrich and a classic French 75 cocktail. This combination of rich cheddar bliss, a compelling historical narrative, and the sparkling zest of a champagne cocktail brings a unique balance of comfort, storytelling, and sophistication. The seamless blend of flavors and emotions captures both the spirit of the dish and the intrigue of the book, ensuring a delightful sensory experience. This trio enhances each element's best qualities, making it an ideal ensemble for an engaging gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be smooth and slightly bubbly but not browned.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. If using, add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, stirring to combine.
- Combine with macaroni: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
The Night Watchman
"The Night Watchman" is an engrossing, richly textured narrative that tells the fascinating story of Thomas Wazhashk. As a night watchman and a Chippewa council member, he navigates the political challenges faced by his community in the 1950s while balancing his responsibilities to his family and tradition. Louise Erdrich crafts a tale inspired by her grandfather's life, threading together themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the struggle against oppression.
WINNER OF THE 2021 PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WASHINGTON POST, NPR, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, KIRKUS, CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY, AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Based on the extraordinary life of National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich’s grandfather who worked as a night watchman and carried the fight against Native dispossession from rural North Dakota all the way to Washington, D.C., this powerful novel explores themes of love and death with lightness and gravity and unfolds with the elegant prose, sly humor, and depth of feeling of a master craftsman. Thomas Wazhashk is the night watchman at the jewel bearing plant, the first factory located near the Turtle Mountain Reservation in rural North Dakota. He is also a Chippewa Council member who is trying to understand the consequences of a new “emancipation” bill on its way to the floor of the United States Congress. It is 1953 and he and the other council members know the bill isn’t about freedom; Congress is fed up with Indians. The bill is a “termination” that threatens the rights of Native Americans to their land and their very identity. How can the government abandon treaties made in good faith with Native Americans “for as long as the grasses shall grow, and the rivers run”? Since graduating high school, Pixie Paranteau has insisted that everyone call her Patrice. Unlike most of the girls on the reservation, Patrice, the class valedictorian, has no desire to wear herself down with a husband and kids. She makes jewel bearings at the plant, a job that barely pays her enough to support her mother and brother. Patrice’s shameful alcoholic father returns home sporadically to terrorize his wife and children and bully her for money. But Patrice needs every penny to follow her beloved older sister, Vera, who moved to the big city of Minneapolis. Vera may have disappeared; she hasn’t been in touch in months, and is rumored to have had a baby. Determined to find Vera and her child, Patrice makes a fateful trip to Minnesota that introduces her to unexpected forms of exploitation and violence, and endangers her life. Thomas and Patrice live in this impoverished reservation community along with young Chippewa boxer Wood Mountain and his mother Juggie Blue, her niece and Patrice’s best friend Valentine, and Stack Barnes, the white high school math teacher and boxing coach who is hopelessly in love with Patrice. In the Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich creates a fictional world populated with memorable characters who are forced to grapple with the worst and best impulses of human nature. Illuminating the loves and lives, the desires and ambitions of these characters with compassion, wit, and intelligence, The Night Watchman is a majestic work of fiction from this revered cultural treasure.
Discussion Questions
- How does Erdrich explore the theme of resilience in "The Night Watchman"?
- Discuss the portrayal of family dynamics and their impact on different characters.
- In what ways does the historical setting influence the characters' lives and decisions?
- Examine the role of cultural identity and tradition in the characters' personal journeys.
- How does the character of Thomas Wazhashk exemplify leadership and duty?
- Analyze the use of symbolism and metaphor throughout the novel.
- What is the significance of the title "The Night Watchman" in relation to the story?
- Discuss the intersection of politics and personal life as depicted in the novel.
- How does Erdrich develop a sense of place and community?
- In what ways does "The Night Watchman" address the broader theme of indigenous rights and sovereignty?
Authors:
Louise Erdrich
ISBN: 0062671189
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published Date: 2020-03-03
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances the effervescence of champagne with the tart bite of lemon and the warmth of gin. It's a sophisticated choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until well chilled.
- Strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.