For a delightful evening of comfort and engagement, pair the classic Stuffed Green Peppers with the compelling novel "A List of Cages" by Robin Roe. This book, with its deep themes of friendship and kindness, harmonizes perfectly with the cozy and familiar flavors of the stuffed peppers. Complement your meal with a glass of Red Wine Sangria, which adds a fruity and refreshing note to your dining experience. Together, the dish, book, and beverage create a soothing atmosphere ideal for reflection and conversation.
Ingredients
- 4 large green bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the green peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers stand upright. Lightly grease a baking dish and place the peppers in it.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- Spoon the filling mixture into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in tightly. If desired, top each pepper with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the peppers, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
A List of Cages
Robin Roe's debut novel, A List of Cages, is about the life-challenging friendship between Adam and Julian. Julian has a secret that he thinks no one would understand or believe. A heart-wrenching tale of abuse and the healing power of friendship.
This "gripping and moving" story of two foster brothers sharply examines the impact of loss, grief, and abuse (Emma Donohgue, bestselling author of Room) — and celebrates the power of friendship. When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian — the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years. Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives. First-time novelist Robin Roe relied on life experience when writing this exquisite, gripping story featuring two lionhearted characters.
Discussion Questions
- What themes of kindness and friendship stand out to you in the book?
- How does the author convey the impact of trauma on Julian's character?
- What role does Adam play in Julian's life, and how does it change over time?
- How does the relationship between Adam and Julian compare to your own friendships?
- Discuss how secrecy and openness affect the characters' lives.
- What does the book suggest about the power of small actions and gestures of kindness?
- How do the supporting characters contribute to the development of the main themes?
- What is the significance of the title 'A List of Cages' in relation to the story?
- In what ways does the novel inspire you to think differently about mental health?
- How does the story address the concept of family, both biological and chosen?
Authors:
Robin Roe
ISBN: 9781484763803
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published Date: 2017-01-04
ISBN: 9781484763803
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published Date: 2017-01-04
Red Wine Sangria
A refreshing blend of red wine, brandy, and assorted fruits, this Red Wine Sangria is the perfect drink to enjoy with hearty dishes like Stuffed Green Peppers. The citrus notes and refreshing finish provide a wonderful complement to the richness of the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750 ml)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Stir well until sugar is dissolved.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice, garnished with extra slices of fruit.