All posts by Karen Docter

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Kahlua Chocolate Cake & Kahlua Frosting

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  It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me.  I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy.  It might be a main course recipe.  A cookie or baked item.  Candy.  Salads.  Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is KAHLUA CHOCOLATE CAKE and KAHLUA FROSTING.

You’re getting two recipes this week!  Kahlua is such a wonderful liquore to sip after a satisfying meal. Imagine how good it is to extend that flavor to dessert. A delightfully rich cake for that special occasion.

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 43 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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 KAHLUA CHOCOLATE CAKE

3 egg whites
¾ cup sugar
½ cup shortening
1 cup light brown sugar
3 egg yolks
2 ¼ cups flour
½ cup cocoa
1 ½ tsp. baking soda
¾ cup strong cold coffee
¾ cup Kahlua

Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, set aside.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.  Gradually add granulated sugar, beat until stiff peaks form.  Set aside.  Cream shortening and brown sugar until fluffy.  One at a time, add egg yolks, beating well after each.  Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda together.  Add to creamed mixture alternately with coffee and Kahlua, beating well with each addition.  Fold egg whites into batter.  Pour into pans.  Bake 30-35 minutes or until done.  Cool 10 minutes.  Turn out of pans onto wire racks.  Cool completely.  Frost with Kahlua Frosting.

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 KAHLUA FROSTING

6 T. butter
1 lb. box sifted powdered sugar
3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 T. Kahlua
2-3 T. hot coffee

In bowl, cream butter.  Add powdered sugar and cocoa, beat continually while adding Kahlua.  Still beating, add hot coffee to a thick and smooth consistency.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Boiled Seafood Pot

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  It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me.  I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy.  It might be a main course recipe.  A cookie or baked item.  Candy.  Salads.  Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is BOILED SEAFOOD POT.

I have a love/love relationship with seafood. I haven’t met a seafood I didn’t like! One of my favorite experiences is going into one of the restaurants where the tables are covered with newspaper, an empty bucket with a whole roll of paper towels.. Why? Because I know I’m in Heaven, of course! 🙂 I love getting down and dirty with these seafood feasts. Crab.  Lobster.  Shrimp.  New potatoes slathered in butter.  Corn on the cob. Hot bread. Yikes.  My mouth is watering just typing it! You can add all sorts of delights to your Seafood Pot but I’m going to share a recipe today for an easy (and cheaper) version.

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 41 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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BOILED SEAFOOD POT
Serves 8

3 T. shrimp & crab boil (like OLD BAY seasoning)
3 T. salt
1-1/2 gallons water
2 lbs. medium red potatoes, cut into quarters
2 lbs. smoked sausage,cut into 2-inch pieces
12 ears corn, shucked, ears broken or cut into 4-inch pieces
4 lbs. fresh shrimp

 

In a large stockpot, add shrimp boil and salt to water. Bring to boil. Add potatoes, and return to boil. Cook 10 minutes. Add sausage chunks and cook 5 minutes. Add corn and cook 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook 3 minutes. Don’t let food sit in water at risk of overcooking. Serve immediately.

This would be great for a backyard party.  Serve this seafood pot like they do at some coastal restaurants.  Cover your table with newspaper. Throw a big bowl or bucket into the middle for diners to discard their debris, along with a roll of paper towels to wipe their fingers. Dump the food directly on the table and have everyone dig in!

** If you want crawfish or crab legs, too, you’ll want more crab boil. Serve everything with a hot, crusty bread. And don’t forget the cocktail sauce and melted butter!

NOTE: Clean up is a cinch! Just roll everything up in the newspaper and throw it away. Easy peasy!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

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  It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me.  I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy.  It might be a main course recipe.  A cookie or baked item.  Candy.  Salads.  Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is CHOCOLATE TURTLE CHEESECAKE.

Cheesecake? Chocolate? Caramel? Pecans? Fudge? There’s something here for everyone. Put it all together and you have something sinful on the plate.

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 40 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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CHOCOLATE TURTLE CHEESECAKE
[Serves 12]

1 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels
1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
1 ¼ cups chopped pecans, divided
1 (9”) chocolate pie crumb piecrust
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
1 pkg. chocolate instant pudding
½ cup fudge topping

 

  1. Place caramels and evaporated milk in heavy saucepan.  Heat over med-low heat, stirring continually, until smooth, about 5 minutes.  Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.  Pour into piecrust.
  2. Combine cream cheese, sour cream and milk in blender.  Process until smooth.  Add pudding mix; process for about 30 seconds longer.
  3. Pour pudding mixture over caramel layer, covering evenly.  Chill, loosely covered, until set, about 15 minutes.
  4. Drizzle fudge topping over pudding layer in a decorative pattern.  Sprinkle top of cheesecake with remaining pecans.  Chill, loosely covered, until serving time.

 

Notes:  May make ahead through step 3.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate.  Add topping and decorate with pecans before serving.  VARIATION:  Drizzle ¼ cup caramel topping over the cheesecake instead of the fudge topping for a gooey sweet treat.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Larissa Reinhart

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  Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, LARISSA REINHART, and her favorite Japanese recipe for OYAKODON!

BOOK PEEK ~ Portrait of a Dead Guy by Larissa Reinhart

In Halo, Georgia, folks know Cherry Tucker as big in mouth, small in stature, and able to sketch a portrait faster than buckshot rips from a ten gauge — but commissions are scarce. So when the well-heeled Branson family wants to memorialize their murdered son in a coffin portrait, Cherry scrambles to win their patronage from her small town rival.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Cherry faces more trouble than just a controversial subject. Between ex-boyfriends, her flaky family, an illegal gambling ring, and outwitting a killer on a spree, Cherry finds herself painted into a corner she’ll be lucky to survive.

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  About the author, Larissa Reinhart….

Larissa Reinhart began her writing career in second grade when she sold her first publication to her neighbor for a nickel. After moving around the Midwest, South, and Japan, she now lives in Georgia with her husband, young daughters, and Biscuit, a Cairn terrier. Although she speaks without an accent, her writing is known to have a Southern drawl. Her debut novel, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, is a 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner, a 2012 The Emily finalist, and a 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award finalist.

Connect with Larissa….

Twitter: @RisWrites https://twitter.com/#!/RisWrites

Facebook @Larissa Reinhart https://www.facebook.com/RisWrites

Pinterest @Larissa Reinhart http://pinterest.com/LarissaReinhart/

Website: http://larissareinhart.com/

 

Portrait Of A Dead Guy by Larissa Reinhart is available AUGUST 28, 2012!!

Publisher: http://henerypress.com/books.htm

Amazon

Barnes and Noble in trade paperback & e-book

Sony Reader

Apple iPad

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 39 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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ABOUT OYAKODON

I’ve lived in Japan three different times in three different cities over the last fifteen years. We returned from our last stint a year ago where we lived in Nagoya for two years. That trip was especially memorable because it was the first time our children experienced Japan with us. After we returned, my kids and I were homesick for Japan. Not that we don’t like living back in Georgia (which we love), but reverse culture shock can be harder than regular ol’ culture shock.

One way I dealt with our reverse homesickness was to create a blog — The ExPat Returneth ( http://theexpatreturneth.blogspot.com/ )– to share what I missed with other expats. What proved most popular was when I shared the Japanese recipes I cook at home. I’ve been cooking Japanese food regularly for many years. I don’t cook Japanese food because I’m a foodie. I’m a lazy cook and find it easier than meals. It’s fast, the prep is easy, and the ingredients are usually cheap. Plus we miss eating out in Japan, so there’s the nostalgia factor. And we just like it. If you have 5 key ingredients in your cupboard — soy sauce, mirin, cooking sake, vinegar, and sugar — you can make most dishes.

Oyakodon literally translates as parent and child (oyoko) rice bowl (don), but the basic translation is chicken and egg on rice. A very traditional meal that you can find in many restaurants and homes in Japan, this is a simple and delicious Japanese dish that’s easy to make anywhere. This is my go-to meal when I don’t feel like cooking (which is a lot of the time), but have to anyway. (These kids and their constant need to be fed!)

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Photos, LEFT TO RIGHT

1.  Adding beaten egg
2.  Cooking the chicken & onion in the sauce
3.  Letting the egg set
4.  Oyakodon

[[These pictures are from my blog post on oyakodon: http://theexpatreturneth.blogspot.com/search/label/Oyakodon]]

OYAKODON
[Serves 4]

Ratios are easy to double.

*3-4 chicken thighs: deboned, deskinned and cut into bite-size pieces
1 onion, sliced thin
4 T. soy sauce
4 T. mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine, easy to find now in major supermarkets)
3 tsp. sugar
1 cup water
3 beaten eggs

Hot cooked rice (3-4 cups). Japanese rice is short grain, stickier and less dry than long grain. But use what you’ve got. That’s my motto.

Combine all ingredients in a skillet except the egg and rice. Boil for about 4 minutes (until chicken no longer looks pink).  Add the beaten egg in a thin stream, turning the pan, so that it covers the cooked mixture.  Continue to cook until eggs are almost firm.  Scoop rice into individual bowls and ladle chicken and egg mixture on top of the rice.

You can’t get much easier than that!

*To make it healthier, you could use chicken breast meat. Japanese people generally use thigh meat, but we’ve cooked with breast. Just be sure not to over cook it.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Mandarin Chicken

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  It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me.  I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy.  It might be a main course recipe.  A cookie or baked item.  Candy.  Salads.  Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is MANDARIN CHICKEN.

I love this recipe!  It fulfills my need for something with an Asian flair. It’s quick and easy to make, and zips with savory flavor.  Did I mention it’s easy to make? 🙂 It’s good to have recipes we enjoy that don’t take forever to prepare. This one’s for that time when the day was long, your energy is short, and you want to place a meal  on the table that the family sighs over!

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 38 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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MANDARIN CHICKEN

[Serves 4]

 

2 tsp. sesame oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 red bell pepper
1 T. prepared hoisin sauce
2 cups instant brown rice
¼ cup chopped green onions

 

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken and sauté 3 minutes, until golden.  Add salt and black pepper and stir to coat chicken.  Add mandarin slices, bell pepper and hoisin sauce and bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through, sauce is thick and oranges have broken down.  Meanwhile, bring 2¼ cups of water to boil in medium saucepan.  Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover and cook 10 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.  Remove chicken mixture from heat and stir in green onions.  Serve over rice.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Alexa Grace

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, ALEXA GRACE, and her favorite recipe for Alexa’s Pumpkin Bars!

BOOK PEEK ~ Deadly Offerings

Passion with a generous dose of suspense makes DEADLY OFFERINGS a must read at 99¢.

Anne Mason thinks she’ll be safe living in the Midwest building a wind farm. She may be dead wrong. Someone is dumping bodies in her corn field and telling Anne they are gifts—for her!

As the body count rises, Anne realizes a cold-blooded serial killer is patiently waiting and watching her every move. And he won’t stop until he ends her life. It is clear there are no limits to this killer’s thirst for revenge or how far he will go to get it.

Michael Brandt, the ruggedly handsome new County Prosecutor, is the last person Anne can trust, but may offer her only chance at survival from a psychopathic killer. But will she survive the passion that rages between them?

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Deadly Offerings by Alexa Grace

EXCERPT

Anne peered into her refrigerator.  Not a piece of junk food in sight. She opened the freezer.  How could she be out of ice cream at a time like this?

She had to get out of the house.  Tonight bad memories hung over her like a thundercloud.   She relived the humiliating divorce hearing over and over, becoming angrier each time.

She tried to sleep.  No success.  She got out of bed and pulled on a pair of jean shorts, a black glittery Lady Gaga tank top and her Reeboks.  She’d go for a drive to clear her head.  It was close to midnight but with any luck, she’d find someplace open to stock up on junk food.

She backed her SUV out of the garage, shoved the gear to drive and moved down the street, windows down, the breeze whipping her ponytail about her face.  She drove down Route 40 until she reached a section of fast food restaurants, bars and a mini-mart.  The mini-mart didn’t look busy so she parked in front.

She grabbed a shopping basket and strode down an aisle of the store picking up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger candy bars, tortilla chips, a jar of salsa, and a quart of soda as she went.  She moved to the refrigerator case and eyed the selection of ice cream.  She pulled out a couple of cartons of Ben & Jerry’s Red Velvet Cake then headed to the teenaged cashier whose eyes were plastered on her long legs.

She paid for the items, whirled around and slammed into the hard chest of a tall man entering the store.  Her items tumbled from the bag.  The salsa jar rolled across the store as did the bottle of soda.  The man uttered “sorry” as he bent to help her pick up the items.  He picked up the salsa and put it in her bag.  He moved down the aisle to get the soda that had rolled under a freezer then turned toward her. In a black leather jacket and snug faded jeans, he was one of those men that radiated testosterone.  And wasn’t it just her luck, or lack of, that Michael Brandt, her jerk ex-husband’s attorney was heading toward her holding her soda, sending her a dazzling smile that sent her stupid heart racing.  She yanked the soda bottle out of his hand, thanked him and resisted the childish urge to kick him in the shin. Instead, she rushed out of the store.

She opened the back of the car to place the groceries inside.  She pulled a Butterfinger bar out of one of the bags and got into the front seat.  As she opened the candy bar, she glanced at Michael Brandt, still inside the store, who was now staring at her with an odd expression on his face, hands on his hips.

She heard movement in the back seat then felt something hard slam against her face.  The candy bar flew out of her hand and landed on the floorboard.

“Drive.”

She looked in the rearview mirror and gasped; a sliver of panic cut through her.  A man in a black ski mask was slammed against her seat thrusting a gun in her face.

~~~~

About the author, Alexa Grace….

Even as a child, Alexa Grace knew she would write books. After an exciting career in Training & Development, her focus is on writing page-turning romantic suspense novels.

She currently lives in Florida with her daughter and is a member of Romance Writers of America as well as the Florida Chapter. Alexa is an avid reader of romantic suspense novels.  Her writing support team includes five miniature schnauzers, three of which are rescues. She has two degrees from Indiana State University.  As a writer, she is fueled by Starbucks lattes and chocolate.

Her first book Deadly Offerings is the first of her Deadly Trilogy.  Alexa’s next book Deadly Deception will be available in June 2012.

Connect with Alexa….

Deadly Offerings by Alexa Grace available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 37 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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ALEXA’S PUMPKIN BARS

 

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups pumpkin
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)  (Raisins are also great.)

Mix all ingredients together and bake in 9 x13 pan for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Icing:

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 (8oz) cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Icing:  Beat cream cheese and margarine. Add vanilla. Blend in powdered sugar until smooth.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Alexa will give away one ebook  copy of DEADLY OFFERINGS to the first five lucky visitors who send her a message on the “Contact Alexa” Page.  Include KAREN’S KILLER FIXIN’S in the message!

Thanks, Alexa, for sharing your story and recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Marilyn Levinson

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, MARILYN LEVINSON, and her favorite recipe for Honeyed Carrots!

BOOK PEEK ~ Giving Up The Ghost

Gabbie Meyerson moves to the sleepy town of Chrissom Harbor, Long Island, to teach English at the local high school. She settles into her rental cottage above the Long Island Sound and discovers she has a housemate–the ghost of Cameron Leeds, who used to live in the cottage. Cam insists his death was no accident, and implores Gabbie to find out who murdered him eight months ago. After she recovers from her initial shock, Gabbie agrees to investigate. She soon discovers many people had reason to want Cam dead.

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Giving Up The Ghost by Marilyn Levinson

My new mystery, GIVING UP THE GHOST, is out in e-book format. Gabbie Meyerson moves to Chrissom Harbor, a village on Long Island, to teach English at the local high school. She discovers she’s sharing her cottage with the ghost of Cameron Leeds, the previous owner. Cam, the town’s former bad-boy, romeo, and wheeler-dealer, wants Gabbie to prove his death was no accident. Trouble is, Cam has no idea who killed him. Gabbie sets out to find his murderer. She talks to his former friends and lover and learns, to her dismay, that any one of several people might have done him in.

Aside from being a whodunit, several themes course through the novel. Gabbie is embarking on a new life. She’s recently been divorced, after having helped put her ex-husband in prison for criminal misdeeds. She’s now too poor to own a cell phone, and is nervous about teaching teenagers again for the first time in years. Her students are reading THE GREAT GATSBY. Through class discussions and assignments, Gabbie encourages them to understand the novel’s universal themes and their relevancy to their own lives. She also has to deal with two bullies who torment one of her students.

Busy as she is, Gabbie finds herself drawn to the local lawman, who was Cam’s best friend. Her first hurdle is to get Darren to reopen the case. A child disappears, someone else is murdered, and Gabbie’s life in put in danger.

 

  About the author, Marilyn Levinson….

Marilyn Levinson is a former Spanish teacher who writes mysteries and novels for kids. Her debut mystery novel, A MURDERER AMONG US, was awarded a Best Indie of 2011 by Suspense Magazine. She lives on Long Island with her husband, Bernie, and their cat, Sammy.

Connect with Marilyn….

Mysteries and children’s books by Marilyn Levinson available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 36 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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HONEYED CARROTS

This is a recipe I made up.  It’s easy and there are no measurements. The carrots are yummy, and I’ve never had any leftovers.

Wash, peel and cut up carrots. Or use baby carrots. Heat in microwave until they’re cooked but still firm. In a frying pan, melt a few tablespoons of butter. Dry carrot pieces and saute in butter over low to medium heat. Add honey (I’d say a few Ts), a pinch of salt, onion powder, dried parsley, and continue stirring. If adding fresh parsley, do this a minute before removing from heat. You can add pistachios or sauteed mushrooms if you like.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Marilyn will give away one eBook or PDF copy of GIVING UP THE GHOST to one lucky reader who comments before Sunday, May 13th, at 6 PM!  Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, May 14th!  Thanks, Marilyn, for sharing your story and recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Sally Berneathy

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, SALLY BERNEATHY, and her favorite recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies!

BOOK PEEK ~ Death by Chocolate

Lindsay Powell’s only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets. Suddenly Lindsay finds herself battling poisoned chocolate, a dead man who doesn’t seem very dead and a psycho stalker.

Her best friend and co-worker, Paula, dyes her blond hair brown, hides from everybody and insists on always having an emergency exit from any room. Secrets from Paula’s past have come back to put lives in jeopardy.

Determined to help Paula and to save her own life, Lindsay enlists the reluctant aid of another neighbor, Fred, an OCD computer nerd. In spite of his mundane existence, Fred possesses tidbits of knowledge about such things as hidden microphones, guns and the inside of maximum security prisons.

Lindsay needs more than a chocolate fix to survive all this chaos.

~~~~

Death by Chocolate by Sally Berneathy

EXCERPT

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” I asked Paula. “Tell me, damn it! I’m your friend. Let me help you.”

She shook her head, chewed her thumbnail and looked across the room.

“Did your husband beat you?”

The crude question got her attention. Her head spun toward me so fast, I was afraid it would keep on going and we’d find ourselves in the middle of a scene from The Exorcist. Two pink spots stood out like clown makeup on her cheeks.

“Please don’t do this, Lindsay,” she said.

“Well, that answers that question! Since I already know he put that scar on your face and that you’re hiding from him, you might as well tell me the rest.”

Again she confirmed my speculation by failing to deny it. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am that you gave me a job and a place to live. You saved my life and Zach’s. You’ve always been there for me, and I’ll always be there for you. I’ll do anything you ask me to do, except tell you about my past.”

“Well, we’ve made some progress. This is the first time you’ve admitted you have a past and didn’t spring fully grown, from the front seat of that rolling wreck you used to drive.”

Paula bit her lip as if she regretted saying that much. Her blue-gray eyes clouded, and I realized the subject was closed.

I pushed myself up from the sofa. “I guess I’ll go see what I can do to get Rick out of the house with minimal damage to what’s left of my emotions.” I leaned over to Zach. “Give Aunt Lindsay a hug.” He reached up and hugged my neck then planted a kiss on my cheek. A bonus.

“I want you to know I’m not mad at you,” I told Paula, “just because you’re supposed to be my friend but you won’t even tell me the intimate details of your sex life.”

She relaxed enough to smile.

I ruffled Zach’s hair then crossed the room and unlocked the door. I turned back to say goodbye and wasn’t surprised that Paula had followed me. She’d have that door locked again before I was across the porch. “Time to touch up those blond roots,” I said, just to let her know I’d noticed. “And those blond brows and lashes are a dead giveaway.”

Paula blanched, losing what little color she’d regained. “Do you think they noticed?” The question came out in a desperate whisper, and I immediately regretted adding to her fear.

“I don’t know. Men can be pretty unobservant about stuff like that.” But I didn’t for one minute believe Trent had failed to notice. “Any time you need help, you know where I live,” I said.

Paula nodded, that jerky motion again, and twisted her lips in an imitation smile. “Thanks.”

I left her house feeling like a jerk for the blond roots remark and like I ought to do something to help her, but clueless what that something might be.

I wasn’t even sure I could help myself. I took my time going back toward my house. I wasn’t in any hurry to face the task of dealing with the man that one part of me wanted gone from my life and the other part wanted back. In a different way, I was every bit as terrified of him as Paula was of the abusive man, I was now positive, she’d known in her past.

I slapped the fender of Rick’s SUV as I went past, deliberately leaving fingerprints. He hated that.

I stepped up onto my porch and saw another problem. The cat was still there, lying on my door mat, draped over Taz, creating a perfect border for the Go Away! part. Obviously he couldn’t read.

But then, neither could Rick who had stood on that same mat last night and paid just as much attention to the message as the cat did.

“Go home,” I ordered.

He stood up and stretched, arching his back.

I picked up the newspaper, opened the door, and he darted inside.

Yes, it was pretty obvious this cat was a male. He ignored me just like Rick did.

“What’s that cat doing here?” Rick demanded as the feline leapt gracefully onto my faded rose-colored recliner. He was a big cat, completely filling the seat and draping his head and front paws over one arm of the chair. He looked up with those killer blue eyes and gave a contented meow before settling down, completely at home.

Rick sprawled on my sofa, making himself as much at home as the cat. I’d been gone long enough for him to shower, blow dry his hair with my dryer, shave with my razor, and slip back into his khaki Docker slacks, Italian loafers and white Polo shirt that enhanced his tan. To top it all off, he was drinking from my favorite mug, the one that said “Life is uncertain. Eat chocolate now.”

“Go home,” I repeated.

“Yeah, cat, go home.”

“I was talking to you. This is—” I looked at the regal creature in my chair— “this is King Henry, my new cat. He’s staying and you’re going.”

 

  About the author, Sally Berneathy….

I grew up in pre-television days in a small rural town in Oklahoma. Our favorite entertainment on summer evenings was to sit outside under the stars and tell stories. When I went to bed at night, instead of a lullaby, I got a story. That could be due to the fact that everybody in my family had the singing voice of a bullfrog with a cold, but they sure could tell stories—ghost stories, funny stories, happy stories, scary stories.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a storyteller. Thank goodness for computers so I can write down my stories. It’s hard to make listeners sit still for the length of a book! Like my family’s tales, my stories are funny, scary, dramatic, romantic, paranormal, magic.

I have sold fifteen romance novels ranging from comedy to dark suspense. For these novels, I won several awards including National Readers’ Choice, Romantic Times Best Silhouette Romance and two Rita finalist slots.

“Death by Chocolate,” available as an e-book, is a cozy mystery with lots of humor and chocolate. My heroine, Lindsay, is a chocoholic who just wants to enjoy her brownies in peace and quiet, but her neighbor’s secrets put her life in danger. I’ve included some of Lindsay’s favorite recipes at the end of the book.

Connect with Sally….

Death by Chocolate by Sally Berneathy is available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 35 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

 

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 T. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
dash of salt (bigger dash if you use unsalted butter)
1-1/2 cups flour
(optional) 1/4 cup finely ground nuts or nut meal (I love hazelnut or walnut)
1/4 cup oat flour (can be purchased or made in blender using oats)
10 (or more) oz. chocolate chips (I like to combine semi-sweet, dark and white)
1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans (or other nuts)

 

Cream butter with sugar. Add egg and vanilla and stir determinedly until well mixed. Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Dough should be very stiff and just a tiny bit sticky. Add more flour (wheat, oat or nut) or butter if necessary to achieve this state.

Form dough into balls and lay on cookie sheet. Bake at 375º for 8-10 minutes (depending on the size of the spoon and how crisp a cookie is desired).

Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies, depending on how big that spoon was and how many samples were tested before baking.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As an extra special treat, Sally will give away a copy of DEATH BY CHOCOLATE  to one lucky reader who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog post!  Multiple comments only count as one entry. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, May 7th.  Good luck!  Thanks, Sally, for sharing your recipe and story with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Cher’ley Grogg

2 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, CHER’LEY GROGG, and her favorite recipe for Linda’s World Famous Chicken Enchiladas!

BOOK PEEK ~ Stamp Out Murder

An amateur stamp collector and antique enthusiast, James Freeman, takes a vacation from his Washington DC accounting firm to acquire an exquisite French Armoire that he located on the internet. With his Mapquest print-out in hand, he leaves the comforts of the city and heads into the mountains of West Virginia.

He travels to the village of Wanton, where he ventures down the wrong road, and becomes the prime suspect in the drowning of Sam Austin. The locals believe The Cheat River Ghosts are responsible for this murder and the cold case murders from the past. Nevertheless, the Sheriff, who doesn’t believe in ghosts, is convinced that James came to his town for more than a piece of furniture.

The Cheat River has claimed one life from the McKeel clan for the last three generations. With steadfast determination, James fights with all of his might to break the curse, before the river claims the life of his newly found love, Carolyn McKeel.

Because of his meddling into the mysteries of Wanton, James wakes up battered, beaten and bruised in the hospital. This warning for him to get out of town only makes him more determined to find out who is responsible for his injuries, the death of Sam Austin, and the recent shenanigans in Wanton.

James has the life he’s always desired in Washington—A high paying career, a big, antiques-filled house, the freedom to pursue his stamp-collection hobby, and his solitude. Will he give it all up for love and the quirky friendships he makes in Wanton?

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Stamp Out Murder by Cher’ley Grogg

EXCERPT

“Just hold on, Mrs. Franklin.” Clay rose to his feet. “Mr. Freeman is a suspect in a murder investigation. He can’t just walk out of here.”

“Harry?” Linda glared at the mayor. She crossed her arms over her amble bosom. Her face appeared emotionless, smooth. The only thing she moved was her eyelids. Her majestic attitude showed a lack of patience.

Harry stood, moved close to Linda, turning his back to Clay and said, “I’m working on it, Vinnie. Don’t get your undergarments bunched up.”

Linda slapped Harry’s face.

He backed away, “Sorry. No offense intended.”

Linda glared at him for a couple of seconds and then turned back to the sheriff. Clay Talbert turned sideways to watch Mrs. Franklin and Harold Benson square off. James had a clear view of all three.

   About the author, Cher’ley Grogg….

Cher’ley Grogg first wants to greet you, “Howdy”.

Cher’ley writes different genres. “Stamp Out Murder” is her first novel to be published; however, she has many poems, short stories and articles published online and in print books. She has a children’s mystery book and a picture book completed, and a YA novel and a suspense novel that are waiting for editing.  Some of her hobbies are photography, and painting fine art. She has received awards in both mediums and she has art is in collections throughout the United States and foreign countries. She enjoys fishing, reading, walking, dancing, and long, long baths.

She loves the Lord, her husband, children and grandchildren, and loves spending time with each of them. Lizzie, her boxer is a true joy.

Cher’ley and her husband, Del, have seen the country through the windshield of a big yellow Kenworth Commercial truck, which they named Penelope, because with its blue fenders and spoiler, it reminded her of Penelope on Criminal Minds (the Blonde hair and heavy blue eye-shadow).  There are many beautiful and fascinating states, but none as pretty (to them), as West Virginia.

The Kanawha River is in their front yard and sometimes (not often enough), Cher’ley heads over the bank with her fishing pole, a few worms and Lizzie to see if they can catch supper.

Her very favorite thing to do is laugh. She looks for every opportunity to share in something fun and interesting. She also likes to apply different Bible verses to her life. During the publication process of her novel, the one that speaks to her the most is found in Philippians 4:8. She likes to close with that verse. ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’

She’d like to say, “Ya’ll come back to see me when you can.”

Connect with Cher’ley….

Stamp Out Murder by Cher’ley Grogg is available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 34 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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Linda’s World Famous Chicken Enchiladas

by Linda McKeel

 

This make enough to feed a small army.  You’ll probably have some left over for yourself too!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Large glass baking dish

Small glass baking dish

Large mixing bowl

Skillet or frying pan

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Wooden toothpicks (optional)

 

INGREDIENTS:

3 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)

1 can chicken broth (10.5 oz)

3 small cans CHOPPED green chilis

1/4 cup diced onion (I use a lot more)

3 lbs. chicken breast

20ish soft yellow CORN tortilla shells

4 cups mild cheddar or Mexican style cheese  (I usually use more. You almost literally can’t have too much)

Pinch of pepper

Vegetable oil

 

STEP 1

a.  Cut the chicken into small cubes; think about the size of a sugar cube. Helpful hint: partially frozen chicken is easier to cut in small pieces than thawed chicken.

b.  Use the vegetable oil (or non-stick cooking spray) to very lightly coat the pan — just enough to prevent the chicken from sticking to it.

c.  Combine the onions and the chicken in the frying pan, and cook over medium heat until thoroughly done. (Like you would do if you were browning ground beef.)

d.  Drain any excess grease or fat.

e.  Set aside for now.

STEP 2

a.  Clean the frying pan and dry THOROUGHLY.  (Or use another one.)

b.  Pour in a small amount of cooking oil (just enough to allow submerging the shells) and place over medium heat until oil is warm.

c.  Soften tortillas by dipping each one in warm oil for just a few seconds.  Too little time leaves them tough, too much makes them fall apart.   It may take a few attempts to get the hang of it.

STEP 3

a.  Place the first tortilla shell in the large baking pan, and spoon in some of the cooked chicken and onions.  Try to gauge the amount of chicken you have so you can place an equal amount in each tortilla.

b.  Sprinkle some cheese in each tortilla, but just a little.  The majority is to be used later.

c.  Roll the tortilla shell shut.  (I use a toothpick to help keep it closed)

d.  Continue filling tortilla shells with chicken, onions and cheese until both baking dishes are full.  If you have any chicken left over, it can be used later.  If you have any tortillas shells left over, you can discard.

STEP 4

a.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

b.  Combine the 3 cans cream o’ chicken soup, the 1 can chicken broth, the 3 small cans CHOPPED green chilis and the pinch of pepper (to taste) in large mixing bowl.  Any leftover cooked chicken can be added as well.  Mix thoroughly.

c.  Once mixed, pour evenly over all the enchiladas in both baking dishes.  The goal is to have all the tortillas covered as much as possible.

d.  IMPORTANT!  Remove toothpicks if you used them.

e.  Sprinkle the cheese evenly over all the enchiladas in both baking dishes.

d.  Place one or both dishes in preheated oven, and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the contents are piping hot.

Serve with your favorite side dishes.

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: **Author Special** Elaine Raco Chase

7 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, ELAINE RACO CHASE, and her Devil of a Chili Recipe!

BOOK PEEK ~ Dare The Devil

Welcome to Glacier Country! Luthor Devlin and his ranch hands were out tracking 20th century rustlers when they stepped into a time warp!

There on the jagged cliffs was a woolly mammoth, a sabre-toothed tiger and her – a tawny, near-naked savage. She was a primal fantasy come true – that left him stunned!

His gaze was locked onto hers. “I’d really appreciate an explanation of all this. You, the hairy elephant, and the cat with the overbite are not the norm in Montana. And I know you can understand my every word. So anytime you’d like to begin.”

Her relaxed appraisal hadn’t gone unnoticed by either the man or the large tiger. The latter proved her undoing. His mouth opened not to snarl again but to emit a long, loud, kittenish yawn. The tiger rolled over, rubbed his back and shoulders into the ground, his hind legs spread-eagle, yawned again, and pawed sleepily at his face. To the amazement of everyone, his sword-like teeth fell out.

“Damn it, Pumpkin, why couldn’t you have just growled!” She extended her hand. “Cam Stirling, action technician.” At his confused expression, she sighed. “Stunt woman.”

She was wild, irresistible – and he was the man to tame her. She dared the devil every day – why not Luthor Devlin!

~~~~

Dare The Devil by Elaine Raco Chase

 EXCERPT

The men were now only twenty feet away.  A silent battle ensued.  She stared at them.  They stared at her.  Astonishment, incredulity, and intrigue chased themselves over assorted sun-bronzed masculine faces.

She decided to play dumb.  Let them make the first move.  Perhaps keep them guessing, keep them wondering, keep them off-balance – just until the others arrived.

Her inherent sense of self-preservation and survival took over.  She judged each man individually, assessing her own odds.  The three teenage boys were quickly dismissed.  Her eyes gauged the others.  They varied in age from mid-twenties to sixties.  Bodies matched faces – tough and strong, courtesy of hard, physical labor.  She knew she could disable six of the wranglers rather quickly.

Her gaze shifted to the man leading a wild-eyed buckskin stallion.  Despite the fact that no one had violated the silence, she did not doubt that he was the boss.  While the black hat he was wearing cast a shadow on his face, she easily recognized an unmistakable air of self-confidence and authority.  It showed in his powerful build, in his walk and his impressive carriage.

And if such nicely packaged masculine charms had been displayed in any other place and under any other circumstances, she would have been the first one to show appropriate feminine appreciation.  But this was not the right time or the right place.

She did, however, notice a subtle change in a few of the younger cowboys.  It was her fault, she quickly acknowledged.  The silence had gone on too long.  While she had been assessing them, they had been assessing her.  Caution and disbelief had been replaced by that old hormonal curse – lust.

When she saw leers slant half-dozen lips, her thumb, and forefinger pressed into the cat’s neck.  His wide mouthed, fanged snarl immediately sent the horses into hysterics and restored more respectful expressions on the men’s’ faces.

Her victory, however, was brief.  One minute later, she heard the distinct snap of a bolt-action repeating rifle and found three of them aimed at the cat and a fourth at her.

“Hold it, boys.”  Devlin stepped between the guns and their targets.  “Let’s keep calm.  Buck, pull the horse’s way back.  All right, relax, everybody.  There’s no need to get trigger happy.”

“Maybe she doesn’t understand English,”  Nate piped, observing her moccasins.  “Let me try some Blackfeet.”  He cleared his throat and offered, “Kokipi sni menuah.”

Devlin exhaled a painful groan.  “Nate!  I don’t think ‘do not fear, let’s take a bath’ is very appropriate!”

With one eye on the men, she lowered her chin and tried hard to control the laughter that threatened to bubble forth.  Her left hand made a graceful gesture that shielded her smile and then moved on to straighten the bear-claw necklace at her throat.

The instant the man called Devlin advanced two more steps toward her, she stiffened in wary attention.  Fingers tightened on the cat’s leather collar, her left hand dropping against the ivory handle of the knife sheathed in her loincloth.

Suddenly, he found himself facing two predators.  He didn’t miss the lethal quality in her taut, ready-for-combat stance.  Neither had the saber-toothed tiger.  A growl rolled in his throat; powerful haunches were tensed for attack.

  About the author, Elaine Raco Chase….

I write sassy, sexy, LOL contemporary romance novels. Often they start with “love at first sight.” I was thrilled read some wonderful stats:

According to match.com – 59% of men believe in love at first sight!
Prevention Mag. says 60% of Americans believe in love at first sight!
Prevention also noted that women see brooding men as significantly more
sexually attractive than happy fellows! (is this the “bad-boy?”)
Prevention again recorded the world’s longest kiss: 46 hrs/24 min/9 sec!

Fabulous! My dad fell for my mom – as he watched her chase her dog! I told him that was the silliest thing I ever heard, they hadn’t even said a word to each other. He winked and said “sometimes you just know”..they were married for 57 years.

Hubby and I are headed for 43 years this October..he said it was “lust at first sight” – yeah! That works too!

I am originally print published, with over 3 million books in print and just about all my romances were #1 bestsellers – currently 8 of my contemporary romances have all been updated, expanded and enhanced (most are explicit) with four more romances to come as well as updating, enhancing, expanding my best-selling mystery series featuring Roman Cantrell and Nikki Holden.

Connect with Elaine ….

Website: http://www.elaineracochase.com

Dare The Devil by Elaine Raco Chase is available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 33 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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DEVIL OF A CHILI RECIPE

1 lb of rough ground (chili ground)  top sirloin, bison meat or even ground turkey
2 cans of dark red kidney beans – rinsed
1 can of Progresso Soup – your choice:  Tomato Parmesan OR Creamy tomato basil
I usually add in mushrooms and chopped onions
Season as spicy as you like it with chili powder Or red pepper flakes

*  I don’t use any salt at all.

*  Also fun add-ons:  sour cream, chopped onions for toppings
It’s heart healthy (low salt/high fiber). Can be ramped up with spices for ‘heat’ and increased for a crowd but upping the meat/beans/soup proportions.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Elaine will give away copies of her novel, DARE THE DEVIL, to four (4) lucky readers who comment!  Winners will be randomly selected and announced at 12:00 PM (Noon) MDT on Monday!  Thanks, Elaine, for sharing your story and your fabulous recipe with us!