All posts by Karen Docter

Karen's Drop-In Diary

Karen’s Killer Drop-In Diary ~ 12-27-12 ~ A Year in Review & Looking Forward!

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[[Welcome to my weekly writer’s diary where I’ll share my “Woot Woot!” moments and the not so “woot woot” moments of my writing world. And, yes, I might even share the occasional musing or two about reading and writing, two of my favorite things!]]

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Dear Diary,

            It’s Thursday ~ 12/27/12 ~ and…

…this is my last entry for 2012. Wow. Where did the year go?! Weren’t we just celebrating Independence Day? 🙂

Maybe not. But time sure has flown the past year and, looking back, I have a lot to be grateful for, both in my professional and personal life. The year hasn’t been all sun and roses but the good things so far outweigh the bad that I can’t help but focus today’s list on the good.

A Year in Review….

1.  I finally launched my writing career and place my stories in reader hands.  I had been focused solely on my romantic suspense series — which I’m still working on — but my wonderful critique partners convinced me that I had stories on both the light and dark sides of romance that readers would enjoy.  So, on Valentine’s Day, I debuted my first romantic comedy, SATIN PLEASURES, on Amazon. This book was one that did well in the traditional markets, even won a few impressive accolades in writing contests, but there was never an open spot for it with traditional publishers.  It made sense to give new life to one of my favorite contemporary stories. One, BTW, that was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist!

2.  The decision to release SATIN PLEASURES exclusively on Amazon turned out to be a good one. Although I did get the story into other formats for a time, I ended up coming back to Amazon because that’s where I found my readers.  I sponsored three separate FREE days on Amazon over the year so that readers could sample my work. One of those times, I hit Amazon’s Best Selling list at #1 for two consecutive days. I can’t tell you how it felt knowing my story had been downloaded to so many Kindles. It was like hitting the jackpot. I ran around the house in a state of stunned confusion for nearly a week. Things like that just don’t happen to me. Now, if even half of those readers actually read it — we all know how many download books never to read them — I’ll be a happy writer.

3.  I’ve learned a LOT about social media and being my own boss this past year. Nothing like jumping into the deep end, feet first, and then learning to swim!  This was quite a shock to me.  I’d aimed at the traditional markets for years and thought I was prepared for the concept of self-publishing — I do have over 30 years in business management, being my own boss, too — but I didn’t have a clue what it would entail to connect with readers on my own. But, decision made, I waded into the fray and built a reader base on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Triberr, my blog and website. I have to admit there were days I railed at the necessity because it takes so much time from my writing, which is really what I’d love to do all day, every day, but it’s getting easier. It only takes me the morning to get through my social media, eight emails, nine Yahoo Groups lists, and a partriiiidge in a pear tree! 🙂

4.  Another first for me this year was my attempt to write a shorter story. Those who know me know that I write lonnnnnnng. My romantic suspense is going to top out at 90,000 plus…I think.  Even the thought of writing anything shorter than 50,000 words gave me hives. My romantic comedies are around that word count. So, I could never envision myself writing shorter, and you know what they say about saying “never”! I had a Christmas story pop into my head at the end of October and decided to aim for a short story…or allow it to tear at my psyche for an entire ‘nother year. CATCH THAT SANTA ended up being longer than I intended, almost a full novella length, but it was the shortest story I’ve ever told and it released the day after Thanksgiving. It was exciting to know that I could actually do it. I’ve decided to try to write Holiday Shorts periodically, just for the fun of shaking things up a bit.   I already have a Valentine’s Day story niggling at my brain so we’ll see how it goes!

5.  On the personal front, I’m getting my health ducks in a row. Been working on losing weight and getting back on my feet. Literally.  Spending the past two years essentially shutting down my activities prompted me and my docs into working harder to get my health back. I was fortunate to connect with superb orthopedic surgeon who gave me a whole new left knee for Christmas. I’m in physical therapy for next month or so, then it’s time to do the other knee. By springtime, this woman’s going to be as close to dancing as she can get!  If nothing else, I’ll be on the back of a motorcyle with my dear husband and able to do some exploring again.  🙂

Looking forward into 2013….

1.  I HAVE to finish KILLING SECRETS!!!! Soon. It may mean I have to put off writing the Valentine’s short story, but I need to turn my complete attention to finishing this first romantic suspense in the Thorne’s Thorns series.  Like my readers, I’m eager to see it completed. I finally opened up the file last night for first time in two months and read the first seven chapters through. I LOVE this story and think you will, too.  I’m setting a personal deadline of January 31st to get it done. I doubt I’ll have my second knee surgery before then so I’d like to finish it and get it published before I get sidetracked by health issues again. Cross your fingers!

2. If I have the time around KILLING SECRETS, I want to write my Valentine’s Day romantic comedy short story. But, if it comes to making a choice, my time’s going to belong to the suspense story. So, we’ll see.

3.  I figure my next knee surgery will  be scheduled around mid-February. This one is liable to lay me up a bit longer since it’s my right knee and the one that’s kept me mobile for past 5 years. Guess we’ll see how much rehab I can get into my left knee, huh?

4.  After KILLING SECRETS is done, I already have KILLING PROOF queued up.  Ben and Cynthia’s story is already started so picking it up next just makes sense. Ben is the second brother of the six who will get their own stories.

5.  I’ve purchased a Dragon Writer program for my computer so I can save my hands and wrists. I intend to upload and master this program as soon as possible. It’s going to be weird reading my story out loud into a computer and I’m a bit intimidated at the thought of my husband or kids or grandkids walking into my office in the middle of a racy or murder scene. Maybe I need to have a clock on the door with hands that point to the kind of scene I’m writing telling them to walk in at their own risk! LOL

6.  I’m going to explore new ways to connect with my readers. I’ve been essentially doing my promo solo, and I need to look into what a publicist might be able to help me with. After all, I’m a writer, not an advertising exec! (Do you hear Bones talking in your heads? I do! 🙂 ) The more time I can devote to my writing, the happier this writer will be.

7.  I do have another full-length romantic comedy in my head that I’d like to finish in 2013, too. I want to get the first two suspense books out first, though, so don’t know the timing on the comedy.  Aiming for early/mid summer.

I wish I could see past the summer months in 2013, but I’m still trying to get a handle on the current writing schedule around my personal and health things. I do know I’ll publish at least three stories in 2013. Four would be gravy.  Five? Not completely out of bounds if I write a couple of shorts and wrestle my schedule into line.

Ack! Who am I kidding? If my schedule could be wrestled, it would be. I’m just happy to HAVE a schedule I can manage for now.

I would like to wish every one of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope it’s everything you want it to be, that you realize your dreams and find the happiness you all deserve.

See you next Thursday — and a New Year — for another rousing entry in Karen’s Diary Drop-In….

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Potato Chowder

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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 POTATO CHOWDER!!

I love winter when I can finally break out my soup recipes! There’s something about coming inside out of the cold and smelling soup that’s been cooking in the crockpot or soup pot all day.  Nothing like slipping that first spoonful into your mouth and swallowing flavorful heat right down to your core. Giving me goosebumps just thinking about it! 🙂

Those who know me know I don’t do weak soups. My soups tend to be more like stews, than soup. No weak broth need apply! I especially love chowders that are quick to make and satisfying. This is one of my favorite chowders. Enjoy!

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 70 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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POTATO CHOWDER [Makes 2 quarts]

1 T. butter
5 cups cubed baking potatoes
¾ cup chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup diced celery
1 tsp. dried basil
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp. thyme
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/8 tsp. celery seeds
¼ cup flour
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 cups skim milk
1/8 tsp. pepper
¼ cup evaporated milk
1 T. cider vinegar
3 (10½ oz) cans chicken broth

Melt butter in large Dutch oven over medium heat; add chopped onion, celery and bay leaf.  Cook 5 minutes until tender.  Add garlic; cook one minute.  Stir in flour.  Gradually add milks and broths; bring to boil, stirring constantly.  Add potato and next six (6) ingredients.  Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 25 minutes or until tender.  Stir frequently.  Stir in vinegar; discard bay leaf.  Place 3 cups potato mixture in electric blender; cover and process until smooth.  Add puree back in Dutch oven; stir well.

Serve with steaming hot bread.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Savory Chicken Pot Pie

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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 SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE!!

Who doesn’t like pot pie? I know I’ve never known anyone who didn’t keep a secret stash of pot pie  boxes in their freezer at one time or another.  You know, for that occasional craving or that night when there’s absolutely nothing in the packed fridge you want to eat.  Yeah, depending on which brand you buy, they sometimes don’t seem to have enough “stuff” inside to really fill the little tin bowl.  But it’s the combination of flavors that appeal so you look for the best brand and hope for the best.  You can stop looking now. You can make your own fairly easily and fill that pie crust to the brim with flavor. I have several variations for homemade pot pie but this is one of my favorite chicken recipes. 

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 69 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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SAVORY CHICKEN POT PIE
[Serves 6]

 

3 T. butter, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, trimmed & chopped
1 lb. cooked chicken, chopped
1 lb. frozen mixed vegetables
½ cup chicken broth
1 can (10-1/2 oz.) cream of chicken soup
½ pkg. (15 oz.) refrigerated piecrust

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion, red pepper and celery.  Saute vegetables, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add chicken, mixed vegetables, broth and soup to pot. Bring mixture to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Transfer mixture to a deep-dish pie plate.  Lay piecrust over pie plate and trim using a sharp knife.  Seal edge using back of a fork.  Cut slits in crust using a sharp knife.  Melt remaining butter; brush over top of piecrust.  Bake until crust is golden brown, 10-12 minutes.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

* A great way to use up leftover chicken…or turkey!

** To change the flavors up once in a while, use cream of asparagus soup and a Chinese veggie mix.  Or you can use cream of mushroom soup and a winter veggie mix.

*** You can make your own crust but using refrigerated makes this a quick option to get it into the oven fast when you don’t have much time.

Karen's Drop-In Diary

Karen’s Diary Drop-In ~ 12-13-12 ~ Introducing JM Kline & The Christmas Shift

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[[Welcome to my weekly writer’s diary where I’ll share my “Woot Woot!” moments and the not so “woot woot” moments of my writing world. And, yes, I might even share the occasional musing or two about reading and writing, two of my favorite things!]]

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Dear Diary,

            It’s Thursday ~ 12/13/12 ~ and…

I’ve had an exciting and fun filled couple of weeks.  If you’re a regular reader, you know I didn’t post a diary entry last week because I was in the hospital getting a new knee.  Now, one week later I’m doing extremely well, using a cane, and wondering why in the world I waited so long to do this. 🙂 I’m already looking forward to getting the other knee done in about six weeks. But, that isn’t even the best part of what’s happened since my last diary entry.

I am happy to introduce my daughter, JM Kline, and her first YA (Young Adult) story!!!  She’s working on a complete paranormal (shape shifter) series that promises to be spectacular but, for the holiday, she’s releasing a short Christmas story that will give you a taste of the world she’s creating. And, yes, I may be biased, but I think you’re going to love her stories.

THE CHRISTMAS SHIFT, Now Available on Amazon!!!

The Christmas Shift by JM Kline
Book Blurb

It’s Christmas Eve, and Holly Barry’s seventeenth birthday. This is the year she will shape-shift for the first time, and she is terrified of what she may change into. The holidays are already a hard time for her, missing her mother’s Christmas cheer. Her embarrassing seasonal name doesn’t help matters. Her dad doesn’t seem to understand Holly’s reluctance, and decorates to his heart’s content.

When Holly shifts into something truly grotesque, she has to find the Christmas spirit. Will she discover it in time to make dreams come true?

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Meet the author,  JM Kline

JM Kline was born in Colorado, and was raised to love books by her mom, a published author. While she grew up reading many different genres, anything with paranormal or fantasy elements caught her eye most often. She grew up writing fantastic stories about Rindercella and her Prince, talking monkeys, and fairy princesses. 

JM Kline brings a fresh voice to the Young Adult scene. She writes paranormal stories about shape-shifters living in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Colorado. Her first publication is a Christmas short story, full of love, laughter, and holiday spirit. The Christmas Shift is available on amazon.com for Kindle only. Look for her first full-length publication, Changing Destiny, early in 2013.

When she isn’t writing, JM spends her time with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two rambunctious dogs. She enjoys reading and crocheting in her spare time.
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The Christmas Shift by JM Kline
Excerpt

There was something on the roof.

I sat up in bed and held my breath. I waited to hear the noise again.

Thump. Thump. Jingle.

Yup, that was it. I got out of bed and pulled my curtains back. The sun was just beginning to come up from behind downtown Denver in the east.

Thump. Thump. Jingle.

“Seriously, what is that?” I threw my fuzzy pink slippers on my feet and ran downstairs. I opened the front door and walked sideways down the walk so I could see the roof.

Nothing there.

Then my dad’s head poked up over the peak. “Good morning, Holly! Did I wake you?”

I rolled my eyes. Dad loved Christmas. He was constantly moving the decorations around and adding new ones. Last year, he added a giant snowflake on the roof on Christmas Eve. Apparently this year wasn’t going to be an exception. It looked like he had a new life-sized Santa to go with the almost life-sized reindeer and sleigh.

“Geez, Dad! It’s not even light yet! What is it, like six-thirty?”

Dad checked his watch and grinned. “No, it’s six forty-five already. Early bird catches the worm!”

“Very funny.” I rubbed my hands on my arms.

The last few years, I just couldn’t get into Christmas. Not like Dad did. The decorations and songs and everything just seemed so pointless.

I guess it had something to do with Mom. I remember how she used to decorate the whole house with twinkling lights. Our tree always sparkled more than anything I’d ever seen.

Every year, hundreds of people would drive by our house. Mom would always hand out candy canes to the kids who came up to see her handmade Polar Express train.

She loved the holidays – the sparkling lights against fresh snow, the looks on the kids’ faces when they watched the moving elves on the train. I missed her so much. She was always so generous with her time and love.

I didn’t mind Christmas back then. I probably even enjoyed it a little. But now, I was just reminded of how my mom was gone.

Dad took over decorating after she died. I think it made him feel like she was still around.

He stood up and looked around. He saw something he didn’t like and reached down to grab the lights to re-arrange them. As I watched, his foot hit a patch of ice and he slipped. His arms flailed around and around. His upper body rocked back and forth. Finally, he just fell over the side of the roof.

I crossed my arms and sighed as the air around him shimmered and he changed into a little black bird with white-tipped wings. Lark Bunting-Dad flew to land on the sidewalk in front of me.

“Seriously, Dad. It’s a good thing we don’t live in town. You would get into so much trouble, changing like that in public,” I said. “Sometimes I wonder if you have wings just because you can never stay on your feet.”

The bird shimmered into Dad again. “Thanks for the concern, Holl, I’m fine.” He kissed my forehead. “I guess I’m done up there for now anyway, huh? Why don’t we head inside and get some breakfast?”

I followed Dad through the front door. I hadn’t realized it would be so cold outside, and I sat on the heating vent in the living room to warm up. I stared at the over-stuffed brown armchair Dad loved and thought about what my life might be like after I turned seventeen tomorrow.

This was one birthday I’d be happy to skip.

Dad didn’t tell me that we were shape shifters until I started high school. Dad had changed into a bird so many times over the last two years, I’d kind of gotten used to the idea. I wish I’d had a chance to see my mom change. Dad always told me she was the most beautiful swan he had ever seen. It was part of why he’d fallen in love with her.

Really, it wasn’t the shape-changing that scared me. The truth is, I was terrified I’d change into something weird.

I’d been thinking about the worst case scenarios for a while. What if I changed into a shark or something and I suddenly couldn’t breathe? I know they have precautions, like having a nearby pool or something, but what if they didn’t get me there in time? I moved through other terrible possibilities. A cow – I can imagine the taunts now. A vulture – has to be the ugliest bird on the planet. A giant snake. I shuddered at that one. I know a couple of snakes. One of my teachers is a rattlesnake, but they still give me the creeps.

I shook my head. Thinking about these things was completely pointless. There was no way of knowing what was going to happen tomorrow, so there was no point in getting worked up about it.

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FREE on Amazon December 13 & 14!!
http://www.amazon.com/Satin-Pleasures-ebook/dp/B0078VSY6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330384089&sr=8-1

Not to steal the thunder from my talented daughter, I also wanted to tell you that today and tomorrow I’m sharing some of my Christmas joy with more readers. SATIN PLEASURES will be **free** exclusively on Kindle December 13-14. If you haven’t had a chance to snag a copy, now is the time to slip this cute, romantic comedy into your Christmas stocking. If you already have a copy, I hope you’ve enjoyed Dan’s and Tess’s story.  I hope you’ll feel inclined to share the luv with a review. Tell your family and friends. This has been a spectacular, debut year for me and I’d love to share the smiles with all of my readers.

See you Thursday, December 20, 2012, for another rousing entry in Karen’s Diary Drop-In….

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special Triple* with Deborah Palumbo

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  Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL TRIPLE** with DEBORAH PALUMBO

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 favorite 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, DEBORAH PALUMBO, and her favorite recipe for SWEET POTATO & CARAMELIZED APPLES CASSEROLE!

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  About the author, Deborah Palumbo….

First let me say this is really exciting, being here again on your wonderful blog, sharing my books with you and a favorite recipe!!

I’m a self-pubbed fiction author now but I began as a young gal who from age 7 through 18 wrote poems for God, but I always wanted to write novels; it was something innate. That dream however, didn’t happen until I was unfortunately stricken with a debilitating illness; as a result, I have 9 novels published on Amazon and many more are sitting in my file waiting to be dusted off!

I spin yarns in several genres, available as ebooks and paperback: Paranormal…laced with mystery and romance, historical, and mystery/crime…you know who dunnit with frustrated detectives who are hot on the trail of some killer. The one element they all have in common is they are all mystery based.

I also co-wrote a screenplay with actor/writer Jordan Rhodes. I loved the experience immensely, but writing novels is still much preferred.

Okay so now that we’ve gotten my humble bio out of the way, we’re ready for the meat and potatoes.

You know, this was a difficult decision for me deciding which of my mystery/crime novels to spotlight, ( last time I discussed my vampire series The Undeparted) so I decided to do a little blurb about all three, but mainly focus on my crime noir with a vintage detective, When the Temperature Rises. I realize crime noir requires certain taste buds, but I just happen to love the Detective McAllister series… Book 2 is a WIP by the way….and hope you guys feel the same way!

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BOOK PEEK  1 ~  WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES by Deborah Palumbo

Before I take you for a spin in Detective Humphrey McAllister’s 1941 black Ford Sedan right up to the crime scene of Sam Santino’s murder, I want to explain some things to you about Humphrey.

Humphrey was constantly skirt chasing; blonde dames were like magnets and he had absolutely no self control. His other device was consuming too much of the funny water. Yeah, yeah he shook those nasty habits like dance hall girls doing the hoochie coochie, but it’s hard to prove you’ve got your act together. Pot bellied Captain Milroy has lost all faith in his Detective and reluctantly turns over the Santino case to Humph. Humph has 48 hours to solve it or he’s gonna be demoted from homicide to following bed jumpers at sleazy motels.

Let’s fast forward just a bit shall we. Santino got himself whacked pretty good. He’s shot up full of bullet holes so that he looks like a damn piece of swiss cheese. He’s alive when Humphrey arrives, barely alive; Humphrey dials the emergency wagon for poor Sam, but Sam expires before the wagon arrives. Before his unfortunate demise though he tries to convey some kind of message to Humphrey, but he has too much lead in him to complete a sentence. There might be a clue though but Humphrey can’t decipher it.

So, Humphrey sweeps the apartment for tangible clues and one clue leads to another and takes Humphrey on a journey to some pretty interesting people on his list; some are voluptuous blonde dames that attract the Detective like magnets, others are boxers who could lay Humphrey out with one right hook. But the most interesting suspect comes right out of left field like some fly ball: Roberta, Humphrey’s ex wife.

Now what you have to understand about Humphrey is he’s still carrying a torch for Roberta, so hauling her in is the last thing he wants to do. In fact, Humphrey’s thinking he’ll see ice skating in hell before he slaps handcuffs on her.

So anyway, he pulls up to Roberta’s quaint rancher with the green shutters and wants to see if he can shake that feeling about her guilt, but when Ro’s cat Tuna gets out of the house and dashes into the bushes, Humphrey does the gentlemanly thing and scoots down through the bushes to save Tuna. That’s when Humphrey gets the shock of his life!

Now I can’t tell you bupkis about what happened for obvious reasons. Whether or not he slaps a steel bracelet on his ex and hauls her off or not or let’s her walk into the sunset….well, you’ll have to read the novel WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES to find out!

If you do I sure hope you enjoy it!

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: “So you wanna make the bedsprings bounce?”

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES by Deborah Palumbo

EXCERPT

June eleventh 1948

All right, so he wasn’t the brightest bulb down at headquarters, and so what if his specialty was peeking between the sheets and not those fancy crimes of murder and mayhem. A crime was a crime and sheet hopping was illegal, well, when money was exchanged that is. And another thing, a man should have a second chance; he has the right to redeem himself, especially when he hasn’t had a drop of the fancy water in two years and wasn’t doll dizzy anymore. That irrepressible soft spot for the dames, well, it was repressible after all. Too bad his wife wasn’t around to congratulate him. Besides, Humphrey McAllister had his good points. He was an eager beaver, had a lot to prove, could be a class A detective only if; only if he stays sober and keeps his pants zipped up that is; so the Captain really should stop busting his chops and cut old Humphrey a break. Humph was working hard on his deficiencies. He was determined to prove he had what it takes to make it in homicide.

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B0096CGW3W/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link

BOOK PEEK 2 ~  THE DOCTORS by Deborah Palumbo

The FBI agent, Donald P. Cobbs who wears big Stetsons and lizard boots in god awful colors can’t believe his ears. It’s the third informant from his case that died in some kind of freak accident. Now he’s gotta wait for another green horn fresh out of residency to be hired by Lanny Loch and Richard Pathroff and hope the new guy on the block will be his newest informer. Or victim? Hence Adam J. Frye.

Adam and his wife Maggie think the hard days of med school and residency are behind them; the money will start rolling in, life will be smooth working for Doctors Loch and Pathroff, but their dreams are shattered when some cowboy FBI agent pays them a visit informing Adam that his life is in grave danger. He’s the fourth associate of Loch and Pathroff. The other three are dead. As doornails.

It isn’t long after Cobbs’ visit that Adam gets suspicious over the sudden deaths of some of his healthy patients. The straw that breaks the camel’s back is a young woman who comes to Frye with suspicions of her father’s untimely death and asks him to “check things out.” That’s when Adam decides to help the FBI. He and Maggie uncover a diabolical scheme that involves the mob.

Adam having aroused suspicion unknowingly by one of the mob’s key players, is on their watch list. Suddenly the tables turn on Adam when he’s set up on his own wire. He’s guilty in everybody’s eyes. He’s got to prove his innocence to the FBI, and he’s got to do this before he’s either thrown in jail or killed by the mob; made fish bait like the last unsuspecting associate. He can’t make an error, it’s life or death.

THE DOCTORS by Deborah Palumbo

EXCERPT

His brain was numb. Who could be ringing his doorbell at 3:30 in the morning? He decided to ignore it and stay in bed, but the bell was persistent. It could be a neighbor in distress. Should he get involved? It could be some juvenile delinquent playing a prank. Come to think of it, neighbors had been complaining about the element in the neighborhood lately, delinquent kids playing jokes that weren’t so funny, like spray painting cars and breaking windows. People didn’t have enough money to buy themselves groceries let alone get a new paint job for their cars or repair broken windows. Things were tough on some of those Philadelphia streets.

The doorbell buzzed over and over again. It got on Jim’s nerves and his sleepy disposition succumbed to anger. Those nasty brats needed a good lesson and he was just the guy to give it to them too. A reformed delinquent himself, he knew how to handle punks, the kind he once was. He flung the blue swirled cover off of himself, the warmth of it gone; he was in black boxers and was bare chested with a myriad of ugly blue tattoos from those days in the gang. He stepped out of bed, grabbed the trousers he had worn only hours before, they were flung over a flea market chair next to an old bureau loaded with dust, and pulled them up around his thirty two inch waist. His wallet fell out of the pocket; he picked it up and stuffed it back in. He pulled the hoodie over his dark hair, stepped right into his carefully placed slippers by the side of his bed and shuffled to the door. He hit the intercom like a fool, knowing darn well nobody would answer him, which they didn’t. He looked out of the peephole into the hallway; the light was out so he couldn’t see anyone or anything in the inky dark. If he didn’t put an end to it then and there, scare the shit out of those numbskulls, they’d be back again, waking him up out of a sound sleep the next night. He knew they were getting off waking people up in the middle of the night. It had to end before it became habitual. But he’d have to go chase them down the flight of stairs; no doubt they ran faster than he did. Still, he had a few good sprints left in him. Besides, he was already awake, so the decision was made.

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B007WL4CRM/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link

BOOK PEEK 3 ~  EDGE OF DARKNESS by Deborah Palumbo

“Edge of darkness is a taut suspenseful Detective thriller laced with humor that reminds one of the wit displayed by the character of Lenny from Law & Order. It’s an interesting read that would easily translate to film as it conveys visuals to the reader. For every Mickey Spillane fan out there – Mickey’s back – only he’s a female and her name is Deborah Palumbo” … JORDAN RHODES Actor/writer

BLURB:  I’m not sure who I feel more sorry for: Alicia or Lieutenant Navarro. Alicia just lost her fiance to the hands of a vicious killer and is now being stalked by the same maniac who killed her boyfriend. She’s petrified because she knows he’s coming close and is determined to get her. Problem is, Lieutenant Navarro who is earnestly trying to protect her and solve the case is being accused by Alicia of being the killer. Everything sort of snowballs out of control for Navarro and suddenly he finds himself engulfed in circumstantial evidence that sure makes it seem that he is the cold blooded murderer.

He’s got to catch the killer now not only to keep Alicia and others safe but to prove his innocence.

But all he’s got is gut instinct. He’s got absolutely no proof, no evidence, no clues; not even the circumstantial garbage the DA loves to throw away in the trash.

One thing, a little hint: People aren’t what they seem.

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B007D3SM48/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link

~~~~

CONNECT WITH DEBORAH AT THE FOLLOWING HAUNTS:

WEBSITE: www.deborahpalumbo.com

BLOG: http://deborahpalumbotheundeparted.blogspot.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/deborahpalumbo2

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6441876.Deborah_Palumbo

I hope you enjoy the recipe Deborah is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 68 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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 A NOTE FROM DEBBIE: YUMMY RECIPE, my very own concoction!

SWEET POTATO & CARAMELIZED APPLES CASSEROLE

Two large sweet potatoes
Two red delicious apples
Couple of tablespoons of butter, or as needed
1/3 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Peel potatoes and slice in rounds. Place a single layer in buttered baking dish (8×8) and top with a layer of peeled, cored and sliced apple. Drop a dollop of butter over top and sprinkle sugar/cinnamon/salt mixture. Repeat the steps until all gone. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

For variety you may add raisins and caramelized onion to layers….it’s all scrumptious!

Serve this as a side dish with ham or beef, or with lunch. I suggest a provolone grilled cheese on seven grain bread with hot and sweet mustard. The sweet potato and caramelized apple casserole is a delicious side with a grilled provolone sandwich.

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Fudge Truffle 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 a *Double Feature*  FUDGE TRUFFLE CHEESECAKE in CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST!!

It’s no big news to anyone who knows me that I can pass up cake and pies…for the most part. 🙂 But, stick a cheesecake under my nose and I’m in Nirvana. I haven’t met a cheesecake I didn’t like.  Add fudge and truffle in the title and I’m so there!! This cheesecake is rich and decadent and…okay, I am a writer and there aren’t enough words. You have to taste it and just experience the magic!

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 67 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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FUDGE TRUFFLE CHEESECAKE
[9-inch cheesecake]

 

Chocolate Crumb Crust   (recipe below)

2 cups (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1 can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 300 degrees.  Prepare Chocolate Crumb Crust; set aside.  In heavy saucepan, over very low heat, melt chips, stirring constantly.  In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy.  Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.  Add melted chocolate chips and remaining ingredients; mix well.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 1 hour and 5 minutes or until center is set.  Cool; chill.  Refrigerate leftovers.

CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST
[For Fudge Truffle Cheesecake]

In medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa and 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine.  Press firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* with Terri L. Austin

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with TERRI L. AUSTIN

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 favorite 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, TERRI L. AUSTIN, and her favorite recipe for PUMPKIN BREAD!

~~~~

BOOK PEEK ~   LAST DINER STANDING by Terri L. Austin

Henery Press
978 1938383083
Released December 3, 2012

Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner. Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year’s tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers as she searches for the truth. What she finds will leave her entrenched in a battle for freedom she might not survive.

~~~~

  About the author, Terri L. Austin….

Terri L. Austin lives in Missouri with her funny, handsome husband and a high maintenance peekapoo.  She’s the author of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends—a Rose Strickland Mystery.  “Austin’s debut kicks off her planned series by introducing a quirky, feisty heroine and a great supporting cast of characters and putting them through quite a number of interesting twists.” Kirkus Reviews

She loves to hear from readers and you can finder her on Twitter, FB, Goodreads, TerriLAustin.com, and Henery Press. Terri and some of her writer friends have a Wednesday book chat on Little Read Hens. Stop by and join the conversation.

~~~~

LAST DINER STANDING by Terri L. Austin

EXCERPT

There are some absolutes in this life that are irrefutable. If you leave the house looking like crap, you’ll see someone you know, usually an ex-boyfriend. If you’re running late for an appointment, you’ll hit every red light on the way. And a three a.m. phone call is never good news. Either someone’s dead, in the hospital, or you’re a drunken booty call. But that Saturday morning, I discovered another reason to avoid the ringing harbinger of bad news.

“’ello,” I answered, my eyes still closed.

“Rose, I’m in jail, girl.”

I sniffed and sat up on my futon. “Janelle?”

“Of course it’s Janelle. They think I tried to kill Asshat.”

Scrubbing a hand over my eyes, I glanced at the clock. “Asshat?”

Janelle lowered her voice. “Rose, wake up and listen. I’m in jail, Asshat’s in a coma, and they’re saying I tried to kill him. I need help.”

Her dilemma finally penetrated my sleep-fogged brain. “Oh my God. Where are the kids?” Janelle had two, Damon, nine, and Sherise, seven. Both so cute you wanted to pinch their little cheeks. But I wouldn’t recommend it—that Sherise was a biter.

“They’re staying with my cousin, Sondra. But I got to get out of here. If they think I’m spending Christmas in jail then I’m Halle Damn Berry.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Call that fancy lawyer you know. He’ll figure it out.”

Dane Harker. “I’ll call him and come see you in the morning. Will they let me bring you anything?”

“Cigarettes and toiletries. These bitches trade everything for cigarettes. And Rose? Thanks.”

~~~~

Connect with Terri L. Austin & her books:

 Twitter

FB

Goodreads

TerriLAustin.com

Henery Press

Terri and some of her writer friends have a Wednesday book chat on Little Read Hens

Amazon

B&N

 

I hope you enjoy the recipe Terri is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 66 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Note from Terri: Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the changing leaves, the hint of wood smoke in the air, and pumpkins. I make this delicious bread whenever my kids are home from college. The spicy pumpkin smell fills the house and makes me happy. I’ve adapted this recipe from Gifts of Good Taste published by Leisure Arts in 1989.

PUMPKIN BREAD
[Makes 2 loaves]

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour and it works beautifully)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ cups sugar
1 ½ cups brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup sour cream
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups pumpkin
2/3 cup water
1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, spices, and sugars. Add oil, sour cream, eggs, pumpkin, and water. Combine until well blended. Stir in pecans. Lightly grease two 9x5x3 inch loaf pans. Pour batter into pans and bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool before removing from pans. Enjoy!

 

Karen's Drop-In Diary

Karen’s Drop-In Diary ~ 11-22-12 ~ Catch That Santa RELEASE

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[[Welcome to my weekly writer’s diary where I’ll share my “Woot Woot!” moments and the not so “woot woot” moments of my writing world. And, yes, I might even share the occasional musing or two about reading and writing, two of my favorite things!]]

~~~~

Dear Diary,

            It’s Thursday ~ 11/22/12 ~ and…

The ’57 Fairlane in my holiday, CATCH THAT SANTA, novelette that was supposed to make a debut appearance this morning somehow got lost on the publication highway.  Don’t you just hate when that happens?

No worries, though.  It’s just a minor malfunction.  With any luck, she’ll be pulling up to the curb tomorrow, Saturday latest.  Keep an eye out because I’m planning a blowout Black Friday weekend FREE sale so you can drive this baby right into your Christmas stocking.

In the meantime, let me officially run out the details on CATCH THAT SANTA!

CATCH THAT SANTA
Book Blurb

When widow, Sara Marks, hears her Grams has gone on the lam from Happy Acres Residence on Christmas Eve – on Santa’s arm, no less — she teams up with sexy stranger, Francisco de la Vega, to chase the couple down with one thing in mind.  Keep her Grams from becoming Mrs. Claus. Of course, Francisco’s grandfather is not really Santa Claus, but Grams did run off to Vegas to marry him and she’s obviously not in her right mind.

Sara leaves her seven-month-old baby, Lanie, with a friend and she and Cisco head west in the worst snowstorm in decades, chasing his grandfather’s ’57 Ford Fairlane over the river and through the woods.

Will they catch Santa and his crazy Mrs. Claus before it’s too late? Or will love stop them in their tracks?

CATCH THAT SANTA
Excerpt

“What do you mean, Grams ran off with Santa Claus?” Sara Marks stared at the first floor orderly, Buddy Cantor, who’d met her outside her grandmother’s room at Happy Acres Residence.  She could barely catch her breath after dashing through the facility carrying her sleeping seven-month-old.  It had taken her a full thirty minutes to drive from the church near her apartment across Denver’s snow packed streets in her crotchety, old Ford, when it should have taken ten.  Twenty minutes too long if her grandmother was truly missing.

She should never have gone to the Christmas Eve service.  She’d suspected Grams was up to something when she called and told her to come later so she could take a nap before their usual dinner together.  There was something in her voice, but Sara hadn’t paid enough attention with little Lanie fussing in her ear.  “Next thing you’ll tell me is Santa took her to the North Pole in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.”

“No.  A gold ’57 Ford Fairlane convertible.” The man shuffled uneasily in the doorway.  “And they’re headed to Vegas.  We think.”

“Vegas.” Movement in her arms made her aware Lanie was fully awake and ready to play.  She grinned up at Sara with two shiny new bottom teeth, like she’d woken up just to laugh at her great-grandma’s latest flight of fancy.

Oh, Grams, what have you done?

Sara frowned at the orderly.  “This is insane,” she said.  “She has to be here. You searched the building? She loves the arboretum.”

Buddy nodded.  “We’ve canvassed the entire building, mast to deck. Stem to stern.” The orderly fancied himself a sailor, although Sara couldn’t see how buying a bass boat gave him the chops to litter sailing terms through every conversation she’d ever had with the man.

“Could she be hiding for some reason?” There was never an inkling Grams was unhappy at Happy Acres.  Or that her faculties were failing.  The woman might be pushing eighty but she was still sharp as a tack.  It was her mobility that forced Sara to accept her grandmother’s insistence she move to this facility.

Happy Acres was a large complex with suites on the west side for more independent residents, while those who needed assistance lived in the east wing.  Grams had moved herself into the east wing after her fall four months ago, claiming it was time she move out of Sara’s tiny apartment anyway and make room for her first great-granddaughter. Sara argued until she was blue in the face but her independent Grams had already signed the papers and paid the upfront, non-refundable fees. It was a done deal by the time Grams asked Sara to help her pack.

A knot of apprehension grew in her chest, right above where little Lanie was elbowing her sternum.  Sara smothered her growing panic and laid the baby on the bed to remove her new hat and coat.  “Okay, so Grams isn’t here.”  She picked up Lanie and refocused her attention on the orderly.  “When did she leave with this Santa Claus? Did she know him?

“Of course, she had to know him, or she wouldn’t have left with him!”  She frowned.  “Why do you think they’re heading for Vegas?”

He reached into his pocket and handed her a folded piece of paper.  “Your grandmother left this note on her bed.”

Sara unfolded the paper.  Sara, baby, don’t fret. Santa’s finally come, as I told you he would. Getting married in Vegas. Your Christmas present is under the bed. Don’t wait till tomorrow to open it. You’ll need it.  Love, Grams.

There was a postscript. P.S. Didn’t have time to water my begonias. Please take care of that for me before you come? Can’t wait to see you!

Grams’ hold on reality was becoming dicey in Sara’s mind. “I don’t understand.”  She glanced around the small room at the begonias Grams babied like children – fifteen begonias to be exact, scattered on bookshelves, an antique dresser and armoire, on the floor near the sliding glass doors that led to her private patio – as if the hand-painted pots also held the answer that would end her confusion.  “How long has she been gone?” she asked.

Buddy shrugged.  “We’re not sure.  Last time anyone saw her was at the Christmas party before dinner.  Santa was here handing out presents to all of the residents.”  He reddened.  “She sat on his lap and whispered something into his ear, they disappeared soon after that.  No one knows when they left the building.  We weren’t even sure she’d gone off with him until we found the note a few minutes ago.”

“Did you check under the bed yet?  The note says there’s a package.  There has to be more, some reason, something to tell us what she’s doing.  Maybe it’s in there.”  Not daring to leave Lanie on the bed unattended she handed her to her favorite raspberry-blowing buddy, put a hand on the edge of the bed, and began to drop to her knees on the floor.

“Oh, no,” the orderly said, trying to hand Lanie back. “Let me do that!  You’re going to get your pretty Christmas outfit dirty.”

“I’m already down here,” she said, pushing his legs out the way so there was room for her to stick her head under the bed’s dust ruffle.

There! Just out of reach toward the wall at the top of the queen-sized bed. A large, rectangular box wrapped up in colorful images of Santa Claus and Ho-ho-ho greetings.  A muffled chortle from behind her told her Lanie was occupied by Buddy for the moment, so she tried to snag a piece of wrapping paper to pull the box toward her.

“Umph.”  She shuffled a few inches on her knees, her fanny sticking up in the air.  Undignified, but she’d worn her wool pants and heavy silk sweater to church and there was no one to see besides Buddy.

She could almost…reach…it.

Publication Details:
Make:  Amazon Kindle (Exclusive)
Model:  Novelette
Mileage: Approximately 17,000 words/50 pages

Special Features:
 1 widowed mother (comes with gurgling 7-month-old)
1 yummy architect (comes without a clue)
1  ’57 Ford Fairlane
750 mile trip to Las Vegas
1 Christmas snowstorm
Holiday travel Supplies
Santa hats
24-hour romance detailing

Test drive your own copy this holiday season!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

See you next Thursday for another rousing entry in Karen’s Diary Drop-In….

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* with Cathy Perkins

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with CATHY PERKINS

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 favorite 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, CATHY PERKINS, and her favorite recipe for SMOKEY SPICE WINTER SQUASH SOUP!

~~~~

BOOK PEEK ~   HONOR CODE by Cathy Perkins

With HONOR CODE, award-winning author Cathy Perkins delivers a mystery NOVELLA linked to her recent mystery novel, THE PROFESSOR.

In a small southern town where everyone knows each other’s business, veteran detective Larry Robbins must solve the disappearance of eighty-year-old widower George Beason.

When evidence arises that Beason may have left town on his own, it would be easy for Robbins to close the case, but his gut instinct tells him more’s at stake. As he uncovers clues about Beason’s deceased wife and his estranged daughter, Robbins must untangle conflicting motives and hidden agendas to bring Beason home alive.

  About the author, Cathy Perkins….

Cathy Perkins’ suspense writing lurks behind a financial day-job, where she learned firsthand the camouflage, hide in plain sight, skills employed by her villains. Born and raised in South Carolina, the setting for HONOR CODE and THE PROFESSOR, she now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her work-a-holic husband and a 75-pound Lab who thinks she’s still a lap-puppy. You can learn more on her website http://cperkinswrites.com

Connect with Cathy Perkins & her books:

Website http://cperkinswrites.com

Amazon http://amzn.to/QV32k6

I hope you enjoy the recipe Cathy is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 65 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Note From Cathy: Are you deep into NaNo, looking for a simple meal (time saver with the holidays right around the corner) or a hearty winter soup? Smokey Winter Squash Soup gives you all the above – and flexibility depending on what’s in your cupboard. My kids love this soup (a way to get vegetables into them!) and I love being able to toss everything into the cooker in the morning and know dinner’s taken care of for the day.

SMOKEY SPICE WINTER SQUASH SOUP
[Makes 8 generous servings]

1 medium sized winter squash (~2 – 3 pounds)
4 cups chicken stock
Red pepper – use 3 – 5 if using prepared roasted ones or 1 large fresh one
Garlic – 4 cloves minced or 3 Tbs prepared
1 large onion
¼ tsp ginger, minced (or ½ tsp ground)
½ cup peanut butter
1 can garbanzo beans (or substitute Great Northern or any white bean you prefer)
¼ tsp Chipotle pepper (this is where the ‘smokey’ comes from; substitute red pepper if you prefer)
Pinch cardamom (substitute ¼ tsp cloves or nutmeg)
¼ – ½ tsp mustard (I’ve actually substituted Dijon mustard here)
½ tsp cumin

Chop up the winter squash and either roast for 20 minutes or microwave 5 minutes. Allow to cool, then peel and place in soup pot or slow cooker

Add chicken stock and remaining ingredients. Cook low and slow until everything is tender. I set me slow cooker for 4 hours and check to see if the squash is tender. Add time as needed – don’t worry about overcooking, it just gets better the longer the soup ingredients have to mingle. Taste and add seasonings if desired.

Blend until smooth. (I use an immersion blender but a hand mixer or the old standby blender work as well)

Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.   8 generous servings

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Cathy will give away one copy of HONOR CODE to one lucky reader!!  Comment on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* blog for a chance to win.  Winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, November 19, 2012.  Thanks, Cathy, for sharing your story with us!