Brunswick Stew, an Invitation, and the Weekly Menu #LitHappens
Happy Independence Day!! I think today is a great day to introduce a very funny, yet serious book about the Country in which we live today.
This novel will make you laugh and make you cry, but most importantly, this novel will make you pause and think.
I loved this novel, which takes place in a small town in rural Georgia, but could take place in any small town USA. Every small town has a busybody, and Troy, Georgia's busybody is Lula Dean.
This novel by Kirsten Miller deals with many hot topics. Topics and fears that are running rampant in our country right now. Homosexuality, Christianity, Slavery, Equal Rights, DEI, Banned Books, Free Speech, Racism, Prejudice, etc.
The author chose a southern setting because that is where she was born and raised, however, as she points out in her author's note at the end of the novel, this is not a Southern problem but an American problem.
Lula Dean has the town convinced that all of these problems can be resolved by banning the books that poison our children's minds. Many of the books banned have actually been banned by local and federal governments from certain schools and academies. We are talking books like The Diary of Anne Frank, Are You There God?, It's Me, Margaret, The Handmaid's Tale, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc...
Books that I have read and that I encouraged my children to read. It boggles my mind that anyone can find these books objectionable, but then, many things going on today boggle my mind.
I have invited my friends from our Lit Happens Book Club to read this book. I will be posting discussion questions so we can talk about this and share our thoughts during the last half of the month. We would love to hear your opinions and thoughts. If you would like to pick up a copy of the book, available at your local library (not banned yet LOL), read it, and join us, just leave a comment below, and I will invite you to join our Lit Happens Facebook page.
More often than not, reading a book or watching a movie inspires me into the kitchen. This novel was no different. There is a lot of wonderful food mentioned in this book. I was inspired to make Brunswick Stew because one of the character in the novel, Dr. Chokshi, who is of Indian ancestry but a second-generation American, born and raised in Queens, NY is telling a hometown man who became an international movie star and came home to support Lula Dean's run for Mayor how he came to work in this small southern town. When mentioning the things he loved about the South, Dr. Chokshi mentions the food, remarking that Brunswick Stew is one of the best things he's ever eaten.
I had never heard of Brunswick Stew, so this set me off on an exploration. I found that there is a debate regarding the origin of Brunswick Stew. Some say it was named after Brunswick County, VA, while others claim it originated in Brunswick, GA.
All agree that this dish originated with game meats and now usually contains pork and chicken. It is a great meal to use up leftovers. It is a tomato-based stew of meats and vegetables known for its sweet and tangy flavors.
I read numerous recipes and then made my own version using leftover pulled pork and Hawaiian shredded chicken.
I am also linking up with Foodies Read. Stop by and see what the other foodies are reading this month.
We are entertaining friends today to celebrate our country's Independence Day. The Angel Face is going to be hanging out with us all week long while she attends a theater workshop in the neighboring town. The Weekly Menu is created with her in mind.....
2 c. leftover pulled chicken or rotisserie chicken
1/2 c. BBQ Sauce
1 t. Worcestershire
1 t. apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Melt the butter in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fragrant and translucent. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper, cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste, cook, stirring often for a few minutes until darkened in color.
Stir in the broth, potatoes, lima beans, corn, tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the leftover pork and chicken. Whisk together the bbq sauce, Worcestershire, and vinegar. Stir this mixture into the stew and simmer until flavors are combined and the stew is slightly thickened, 15-30 minutes.
I enjoy getting comments and feedback from my audience. Please let me know what you think, keeping in mind that we are all entitled to our own beliefs and opinions. I am happy to hear yours as long as they are stated nicely.
Brunswick Stew is new to me too! Thanks for posting about it!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Marg.
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