Pairing the cozy and comforting Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak with the adventurous and immersive world of "The Night Circus" creates a sensory journey that engages both taste and imagination. The complex flavors of the dish harmonize beautifully with the enchanting allure of the book, making it perfect for a night in. Accompanied by the playful sophistication of a French 75 cocktail, the trio sets the stage for an indulgent evening of culinary delight and literary exploration.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Cooked white rice or noodles (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables and Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
Create the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with juice), soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix well and pour over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the pepper steak over cooked white rice or noodles.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions.
The Night Circus
A fantastical novel about a mysterious circus and its enchanted performers, who are caught in a fierce competition. With rich imagery and an imaginative plot, the book takes readers to a world of magic and romance.
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
- What role does time play in "The Night Circus," and how does it affect the characters involved?
- Discuss the relationship between Celia and Marco. How does their bond transcend their intended competition?
- How does the author use color to convey mood and atmosphere in the novel?
- In what ways does "The Night Circus" explore the theme of illusion versus reality?
- What is the significance of the circus setting? Could the story take place in another format or context?
- How do the secondary characters like Chandresh and Tsukiko contribute to the main storyline?
- What moral dilemmas do the characters face throughout the book?
- How does the structure of the novel, with its non-linear timeline, enhance the storytelling?
- What is the symbolism behind the various tents and exhibits within the circus?
- How does the novel reflect on the nature of competition and collaboration?
Authors:
Erin Morgenstern
ISBN: 0307744434
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2011-09-13
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar for a refreshing and celebratory drink with a kick.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Champagne, to top
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.