To complement the hearty and flavorful Stuffed Sweet Potato Skin Tacos, I've paired it with the intriguing novel 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens and a classic Margarita cocktail. The rich narrative of loneliness and survival in the wilds of North Carolina in 'Where the Crawdads Sing' mirrors the diverse flavors of the dish, while the citrusy and refreshing Margarita enhances the overall dining experience, adding a tangy contrast to the savory and sweet elements of the tacos. This pairing provides a well-rounded sensory indulgence, making it an excellent choice for a cozy evening.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke them a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly.
- Cook the ground beef: While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the sweet potato skins: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a small border around the edges to maintain the shape of the skins. (You can save the scooped-out flesh for another use, such as mashed sweet potatoes or a soup.)
- Stuff the skins: Fill each sweet potato skin with the seasoned ground beef mixture, mounding it slightly. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake the stuffed skins: Return the stuffed sweet potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Assemble the tacos: Remove the stuffed sweet potato skins from the oven. Top with guacamole and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Where the Crawdads Sing
A gripping mystery intertwined with a coming-of-age narrative set in the marshes of North Carolina, following the life of Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- How does the setting of the marsh contribute to the narrative of the book?
- In what ways do the themes of abandonment and survival play out in Kya's life?
- Discuss the role of nature and the environment as a character in the book.
- How does the author use poetry and other literary elements to enrich the story?
- What are the key turning points in Kya's journey to adulthood?
- How are the concepts of isolation and connection explored in the book?
- Analyze the evolution of Kya's relationships with the people in her life.
- What are the implications of the title 'Where the Crawdads Sing'?
- Discuss the dynamic between Kya’s inner world and her external experiences.
- In what ways does the book address issues of prejudice and judgment?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219117
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
ISBN: 0735219117
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Classic Margarita
A refreshing cocktail that combines the tangy flavor of lime with tequila and a hint of orange, making it the perfect complement to a savory dish like tacos.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
- Salt for rimming glass
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the edge of a glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in salt.
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or triple sec.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.