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A Confederacy of Ounces

By Tim Federle

A Confederacy of Dunces (1980)
By John Kennedy Toole

Originally handwritten on piles of paper, A Confederacy of Dunces found life only after its author lost his own; John Kennedy Toole committed suicide, his mother found those secret pages, and she began hawking the thing around their home state of Louisiana, claiming it was the next great American novel. (Sorry, guys: sometimes moms are right.) Now a universally adored Pulitzer-winner starring a brilliant New Orleans nut with a heart of odd, this classic goes best with another: the Big Easy's own Sazerac. Raise a glass to the tragically shortchanged Toole—and everything else he might have written.

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Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
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Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
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Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
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Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
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There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.