Indulge in the sumptuous Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, with a delightful pairing that combines flavors, stories, and a refreshing cocktail. Dive into the world of 'Honey & Spice' by Bolu Babalola, a contemporary romance novel full of charm and wit, while savoring the flavorful textures of the ribs. Enhance the experience with a classic Margarita, adding a citrusy zest that complements the rib's savory sauce. This harmonious trio celebrates sweet, sour, and exotic narratives, promising a captivating sensory journey.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Cut the pork ribs into individual pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the ribs. Boil for about 10 minutes to remove excess fat and impurities. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Ribs: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and sear on each side until browned. Remove the ribs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Cook: Return the ribs to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, occasionally turning the ribs, until they are tender and the sauce has thickened to a glaze.
- Serve: Transfer the ribs to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Honey & Spice
'Honey & Spice' by Bolu Babalola is a captivating and modern romance that explores themes of identity, love, and empowerment. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a university campus, the story follows Kiki Banjo, a radio host known for being strong-willed and independent. But things get complicated when she falls for Malakai Korede despite her warnings against love. Filled with humor, depth, and authentic voice, this tale beautifully portrays the intricacies of modern relationships.
⭐ A REESE'S BOOK CLUB AND TIKTOK BOOK CLUB PICK ⭐ 'Hilarious, hot and heartfelt' MEG CABOT 'Gorgeously written and heart-meltingly romantic' BETH O'LEARY 'Romantic, sexy, fun, delicious and important' MARIAN KEYES __________ Sisters, beware the 'Wasteman of Whitewell' . . . As host of radio show Brown Sugar, Kiki Banjo's mission is to protect her listeners from heartbreak. Which puts Whitewell College's newest student, handsome 'player' Malakai Korede, at the top of her hitlist. But when Kiki's dream summer internship in New York depends on finding a fresh angle for her radio show, she must make an unlikely bargain with Malakai himself – to put their simmering clashes aside to form a fake relationship, something sweet and spicy enough to win over the whole campus. However, close proximity to the notorious heartbreaker brings everything Kiki thought she knew about her own heart into question. Why does throwing out her stringent romantic rulebook suddenly so tempting? Will she find it in her to resist? A fresh, utterly addictive rom-com from Sunday Times bestselling author Bola Babalola, Honey & Spice is full of delicious tension and romantic intrigue that will make you weak at the knees. 'Romance will never be dead, as long as Bolu is writing it' JESSIE BURTON 'Everything you could ever want from a romance and more – the vibes are simply immaculate' ZOELLA 'Charming and funny' OBSERVER 'The book many have been waiting for' LIZZIE DAMILOLA BLACKBURN 'Kiki compares her feelings for Malakai as like swallowing a star. That's a bit how I felt after reading this messy but joyful book' THE TIMES 'Breathes new life into the genre with its vibrant characters and sexy, authentic voice' RED 'Smart, sexy and energetic' EMMA GANNON 'This book is so addictive' ANNIE LORD WHY READERS LOVE HONEY & SPICE 'Sweet and spicy' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'How modern chick flicks should, and probably will, look like' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Warm, funny and sweet. I see a lot of myself & experiences in the main character Kiki – and we love that kind of representation' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Funny, hot, thought-provoking' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Honey & Spice was the winner of the TikTok Book Awards Book of the Year in August 2023.
Discussion Questions
- How does 'Honey & Spice' portray the complexities of modern relationships?
- What role does cultural identity play in the novel, and how does it influence the characters?
- Discuss the significance of Kiki Banjo's radio show in the narrative. How does it reflect her character?
- How do the themes of love and independence intersect in Kiki's journey?
- Examine the relationship dynamic between Kiki and Malakai. How does it evolve throughout the book?
- What role does friendship play in the novel, and how are the friendships portrayed?
- How does the author use humor to address serious topics? Provide examples.
- Discuss the impact of social media on the characters and story development.
- How does 'Honey & Spice' challenge or reaffirm stereotypes associated with romance novels?
- What did you think of the ending? Were Kiki's decisions consistent with her character development?
Authors:
Bolu Babalola
ISBN: 0063078496
Publisher: Headline Review
Published Date: 2023-05-11
ISBN: 0063078496
Publisher: Headline Review
Published Date: 2023-05-11
Classic Margarita
A refreshing Margarita is the perfect citrusy complement to the bold flavors of Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs. This cocktail brings a zesty, crisp profile with the tanginess of lime, balanced by the sweetness of triple sec and the smoothness of tequila, making it an excellent choice for any dinner party.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt for the rim of the glass
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Rim the glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a tumbler or margarita glass. Dip the rim into a plate of salt to coat evenly.
- Mix the ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Shake and serve: Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with a lime wedge, serve immediately.