For a cozy and thought-provoking evening, enjoy a bowl of warm Taco Soup paired with "All the Dangerous Things" by Stacy Willingham and a refreshing Paloma cocktail. The hearty and comforting flavors of the soup complement the suspenseful and intriguing themes of the book, while the tangy citrus notes of the Paloma add a refreshing touch to the experience. This pairing invites a sensory journey that balances comfort with mystery, perfect for an engaging book club discussion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Season and Simmer:
- Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the beef is evenly coated.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
All the Dangerous Things
A gripping suspense novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Following the struggle of a mother's search for her missing daughter, this tale delves into the depths of human emotion and the shadows of the mind.
Following up her instant New York Times bestseller, A Flicker in the Dark, Stacy Willingham delivers a totally gripping thriller about a desperate mother with a troubled past in All the Dangerous Things. One year ago, Isabelle Drake's life changed forever: her toddler son, Mason, was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night while she and her husband were asleep in the next room. With little evidence and few leads for the police to chase, the case quickly went cold. However, Isabelle cannot rest until Mason is returned to her—literally. Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn’t slept in a year. Isabelle's entire existence now revolves around finding him, but she knows she can’t go on this way forever. In hopes of jarring loose a new witness or buried clue, she agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster—but his interest in Isabelle's past makes her nervous. His incessant questioning paired with her severe insomnia has brought up uncomfortable memories from her own childhood, making Isabelle start to doubt her recollection of the night of Mason’s disappearance, as well as second-guess who she can trust… including herself. But she is determined to figure out the truth no matter where it leads.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think of the protagonist's motivations throughout the novel?
- How does the author use suspense to build tension in the story?
- Discuss the theme of memory and how it impacts the characters.
- What role does symbolism play in the book, and what are some examples?
- How does the setting influence the mood of the story?
- What are the key moral dilemmas faced by the characters, and how are they resolved?
- How does the author explore the concept of trust in relationships?
- In what ways does the book address mental health issues?
- What did you think of the ending? Was it satisfying?
- How does the author create empathy for the characters, and which character did you empathize with the most?
Authors:
Stacy Willingham
ISBN: 9781250803856
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Published Date: 2023-01-10
ISBN: 9781250803856
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Published Date: 2023-01-10
Paloma
The Paloma is a delightful cocktail featuring the tangy flavors of grapefruit and lime accented with a touch of tequila sparkle. This refreshing drink is perfect for a cozy evening of reading and relaxation.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces grapefruit soda (or fresh grapefruit juice, and add soda water)
- Optional: pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rim the edge of a glass with salt if desired.
- Combine the tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda in the glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or a grapefruit slice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.