The comforting and hearty Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole pairs beautifully with Silvia Moreno-Garcia's captivating novel "Mexican Gothic," and a glass of robust Cabernet Sauvignon. The casserole's rich, savory flavors are perfectly complemented by the dark, eerie, and engrossing storytelling of "Mexican Gothic," making it an excellent centerpiece for a thoughtful evening of reading. The full-bodied wine enhances the experience, drawing out both the complexities of the dish and the novel.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the Sloppy Joe filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Mexican Gothic
A gothic horror novel set in 1950s Mexico. The protagonist, Noemí Taboada, must uncover dark secrets that haunt the countryside after receiving a desperate plea for help from her newly-wed cousin. Noemí's journey leads her to a mysterious and alluring house, High Place, where she is drawn into a world of terror and spine-chilling intrigue.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “It’s Lovecraft meets the Brontës in Latin America, and after a slow-burn start Mexican Gothic gets seriously weird.”—The Guardian ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST MYSTERY AND THRILLER BOOKS OF ALL TIME • WINNER OF THE LOCUS AWARD • NOMINATED FOR THE BRAM STOKER AWARD ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, NPR, The Washington Post, Tordotcom, Marie Claire, Vox, Mashable, Men’s Health, Library Journal, Book Riot, LibraryReads An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . . From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico. After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind. “It’s as if a supernatural power compels us to turn the pages of the gripping Mexican Gothic.”—The Washington Post “Mexican Gothic is the perfect summer horror read, and marks Moreno-Garcia with her hypnotic and engaging prose as one of the genre’s most exciting talents.”—Nerdist “A period thriller as rich in suspense as it is in lush ’50s atmosphere.”—Entertainment Weekly
Discussion Questions
- What role does the setting of 1950s Mexico play in the novel's atmosphere?
- How does Noemí challenge typical gender roles throughout the story?
- Discuss the significance of High Place as both a physical and symbolic element.
- How do themes of colonialism and cultural arrogance manifest in the book?
- What impact do the dreams and the mushrooms have on the plot and characters?
- Analyze the interplay of horror and beauty in the author's descriptions.
- How do family dynamics influence the characters’ decisions?
- Discuss the contrast between the superficial allure and the genuine terror experienced by Noemí.
- What is the significance of the novel’s ending?
- How does the novel contribute to the revival of gothic fiction in modern literature?
Authors:
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
ISBN: 0525620788
Publisher: Del Rey
Published Date: 2020-06-30
Cabernet Sauvignon
A bold and full-bodied red wine that pairs excellently with rich and hearty meals like Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. With its deep flavors and notes of dark fruit and oak, it enhances the savory quality of the dish, making for an indulgent dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon
Instructions
- Serve slightly below room temperature to allow the flavors to fully express themselves.
- Pour into a large glass to allow it to breathe before enjoying.