Category Archives: Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Chicken Teriyaki

March 22, 2013 Karen Docter 2 Comments

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 CHICKEN TERIYAKI!!

I love the taste of teriyaki. If you want an easy and flavorful marinade, this is it! I like the stronger flavor so I have been known to marinade foods a LOT longer than most recipes call for, but this is a matter of taste. You do want to marinate your chicken AT LEAST two hours. Yummy!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 83 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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CHICKEN TERIYAKI [Serves 4]

2 chicken breasts, whole, split in half
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup dry sherry
1 T. sugar
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ tsp. ground ginger

Arrange chicken, skin side up, in a single layer in a shallow dish. Combine soy sauce, sherry, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously and pour over chicken. Marinate in refrigerator 2 hours, turning once or twice. Preheat broiler. Remove chicken from marinade. Spray rack in broiler pan with vegetable spray. Transfer chicken to rack. Broil about 10 minutes about 6 inches from heat, turning once and basting with marinade. Serve with rice or salad.

NOTE: A variation of this would be Skewered Chicken Teriyaki! Cut the chicken breasts into chunks big enough to skewer with wooden picks and marinade the chunks. In a separate bowl, make more of the marinade to soak chunks of pineapple, onions, green and/or red peppers, and mushrooms. Cook on the grill or under the oven broiler. Serve with salad and hot bread, or on a bed of rice.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Mari Collier

March 15, 2013 Karen Docter 6 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with MARI COLLIER

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, MARI COLLIER, and her favorite recipe for HUCK FINN CHEESE PIE!

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About the author, Mari Collier….

Mari Collier was born in Iowa and grew up on a farm. She’s lived in Arizona, Washington, and now resides in Twentynine Palms, CA. She’s a Director on the Board or the Twentynine Palms Historical Society and Coordinator for the Desert Writers Guild. Previous employment includes bookkeeper, collector, receptionist, and Advanced Super Agent for Nintendo of America. Earthbound is the prequel to Gather the Children, and available online. Several short stories have been published and she pens two columns for the Old Schoolhouse Journal.

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BOOK PEEK – EARTHBOUND by Mari Collier

A man with Thalian-Justine genes is marooned on the planet Earth. He has the spaceship and has hidden it in the wilds of Texas. He must survive on this violent planet and return to destroy the Justines and avenge his mother and Thalia. He takes the name of MacDonald and rescues Rolfe during a barroom brawl. He joins Rolfe in the fur trade until it ends. They become traders until a Kiowa raid destroys their goods. MacDonald admits he has gold hidden away. A trip to the spaceship provides funds for a land grant from the state of Texas. MacDonald becomes a Scout for the 2^nd Dragoons. During a raid on a Comanche camp, he rescues Anna, a woman tall enough and warrior enough to match him. Will MacDonald and Anna survive plaque, the enmity of their Southern neighbors, a raid on Schmidt’s Corner, and the Civil War?

EXCERPT – EARTHBOUND by Mari Collier

Outside a whoop cut through her thoughts and she snapped the last diaper pin into place and put Auggie back into the crib. Auggie promptly resumed his screams.

His screams were covered by the whooping going on outside and the whinny of a horse. Anna ran for the front door ready to face whatever was out there and yet she knew.

She looked upward over the door to two empty gun racks and knew it was futile. Mr. Lawrence had taken both the rifle and the shotgun. She grabbed the broom set by the door and rushed out. Three Comanche warriors sat there looking at the small ranch house and buildings. It was as if they knew there was no one inside but a woman. Comanche women didn’t fight. They were trained to grab their children and then run and hide.

As Anna ran out the door one of the men slid down from his horse and started up the one step onto the porch. She was holding the bottom end of the broom and swung the hard hickory shaft against his knees. They had not expected her to fight; nor had they expected a woman taller than they were. The man’s knees buckled and he went down. Anna swung the broom again with all her strength and smashed it into his head. Her next blow was straight down into the ribs and she heard one crack. She whirled to face the next man coming toward her.

The first man’s horse had reared and fled toward the cornfield. It wanted no part of the flailing broom. The horse next to it began to rear and back away, but his rider had it back under control. He was grinning as though this were some sort of fluke; a woman downing a Comanche warrior. The other man was up on the porch. He was watching her, waiting for her to swing the broom again. Anna realized he was waiting to catch it, sure that his masculine strength was more than hers.

She edged to the side. Perhaps she could draw them away from the house. Her teeth were set, the lips drawn tight. She would stop them somehow and she started to swing and then hurriedly pulled the broom handle back. The Comanche grabbed air and she swung the broom into his arm, side-stepped, and slammed the hickory handle into the man’s head. He went down to his knees.

The other Comanche stepped out of the house carrying the squalling Auggie by one heel, swinging him back and forth. Anna’s mouth dropped and her eyes widened. The man looked ready to bash Auggie’s head into the doorframe. All the while he was looking at her, his head cocked to one side.

Anna dropped the broom and held out her arms for her baby. The Comanche stepped up to her and started to let Auggie drop. She grabbed him and held him tight. The other one had risen and approached with a knife, but the man that had held Auggie shook his head and said something in their language. He directed the man to go inside. He motioned Anna to walk over to the other one. He nudged him with one foot. To Anna his words had no meaning.

The one with the broken rib pulled himself up and looked for his horse. It was gone. His voice rose in anger. The one in charge said something to him. Anna was able to understand the contempt in his voice. There was no pity for a warrior bested by a woman.

She saw movement coming from the field. Was Mr. Lawrence coming to rescue them? Her heart sank. It was two more Comanche warriors and Daniel was riding in front of one.

CONNECT WITH MARI AND HER SERIES:

You will find me online at: http://www.maricollier.com/

Earthbound Kindle edition: http://www.amazon.com/Earthbound-Volume-1-ebook/dp/B00BEM4OZA/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Earthbound paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Earthbound-Volume-1-Mari-Collier/dp/061576133X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Gather The Children: http://www.amazon.com/Gather-Children-Mari-Collier/dp/1604417374/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236400448&sr=8-1

Gather The Children: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gather-the-children-mari-collier/1100095269?ean=9781604417371&itm=9&

Before We Leave Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Before-We-Leave-ebook/dp/B006M3XMEK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1324219927&sr=8-3

Before We Leave Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-we-leave-mari-collier/1107928798?ean=9781618426994&itm=2&usri=mari+collier

Before We Leave iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/before-we-leave/id487907160?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Short stories on Smashwords.com can be accessed from here: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Skewedmind

Mari Collier’s Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4618494.Mari_Collier/blog?auto_login_attempted=true

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Twisted-Tales-From-A-Skewed-Mind/124947397618599

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 82 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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HUCK FINN CHEESE PIE
[An Original Recipe by Mari Collier]

2 1/2 Cups frozen blue huckleberries (Substitute frozen blueberries)
1 ½ Cups Sugar
8 Oz. Package Cream Cheese
3 Tbs. Cornstarch
½ Cup Milk
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 Tsp. Vanilla
1/2 Tsp. Salt
Dash of Cinnamon
1 Egg
1 Unbaked 9 ½ to 10 In. pie flan (high rim)

Heat oven to 400^0.

Combine huckleberries, 1 cup of the sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon of salt, lemon juice, and dash of cinnamon in three quart pan. Cook over moderate heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and clear. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

While fruit mixture is cooling soften cream cheese (30 to 40 seconds in microwave) and blend in ½ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Beat in eggs one-at-a time using an electric mixer. Blend in milk and vanilla on low speed. Pour the blue huckleberry mixture into the pie shell. Next, pour the cream cheese mixture slowly over the top. Do this in a circular motion.

Bake on lowest shelf in oven at 400⁰ for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325⁰ and bake for 40 to 50 minutes longer until top is golden brown (not burned) and center is set. Let cool before serving. It tastes best if put into the refrigerator and served cold. You can use whipping cream, but this pie is rich enough without it.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Mari will give away a Kindle (or Nook) copy of BEFORE WE LEAVE (the sequel to GATHER THE CHILDREN) to one lucky reader!! Comment on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blos for a chance to win. Winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, March 18, 2013. Thanks, Mari, for sharing your story AND your delicious recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Peppermint Stick Pie

March 8, 2013 Karen Docter 4 Comments

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

I know that most of us associate peppermint recipes with Christmas but this is a refreshing pie for every day…or a special event. I love that it can be made ahead of time and it’s easy to throw together.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 81 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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PEPPERMINT STICK PIE
[Serves 6-8]

4 ½ cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 quarts peppermint stick ice cream, softened
Chocolate syrup or Fudge topping
Crushed peppermint candies

Combine cereal and chocolate; mix well. Press into bottom and up the sides of ungreased 10-inch pie plate. Freeze for 5 minutes. Spoon ice cream into crust. Smooth and freeze until ready to serve. Garnish with chocolate syrup (or fudge) and peppermint candies.

NOTE: Pie may be made ahead and frozen. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Artichoke Dip on Bread Croutons

March 1, 2013 Karen Docter 2 Comments

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

I don’t know how I grew up never tasting an artichoke. Well, yes, I do. I don’t think I even saw one in a grocery store until I was an adult and started shopping on my own and, even then, they were “exotic”…which translates to expensive. My husband introduced me to artichokes and I fell in love…for a second time. 🙂 When we lived in California near where most artichokes are grown, we couldn’t get enough of them. We’d go with the kids to a vegetable stand near our favorite beach and buy cases of “culls” — marred or otherwise difficult to sell — and eat artichokes for breakfast, lunch and dinner until they were all gone. Needless to say, I still can’t get enough artichokes even though we’re no longer in California. All of my favorite party dips include artichokes. I could make an entire meal out of this recipe!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 80 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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ARTICHOKE DIP ON BREAD CROUTONS

1 can chopped artichoke hearts
1 cup Parmesan cheese
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ tsp. dill
1-2 cloves garlic (crushed)
Splash of Worcestershire Sauce
Splash of Tobasco Sauce
1 tsp. lemon juice (leave out if using marinated artichoke hearts)

**NOTE: I prefer using marinated artichoke hearts for the additional zip of flavor.

Mix by hand. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Serve with party sized bread croutons or toasted French bread wedges.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Busy Day Cookies

February 22, 2013 Karen Docter 1 Comment

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Sometimes, you simply don’t have time to make cookies…which is why I love this recipe. Takes less than 15 minutes to make, everyone likes them, and it’s another vehicle for chocolate. And we can’t have enough chocolate recipes, right?! 🙂

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 79 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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BUSY DAY COOKIES

2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup powdered cocoa
1 stick (1/2 cup) margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Measure sugar, margarine, salt, milk and cocoa into saucepan. Stir until sugars are dissolved. Bring to rolling boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well. Add oats. Mix until oats are covered. Spoon onto waxed paper, cool and store.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Million-Dollar Pound Cake

February 15, 2013 Karen Docter 2 Comments

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

I don’t eat a lot of cake…well, depending on what kind of cake! The one I cannot resist is pound cake. I remember buying Sara Lee pound cake in college and sitting down to eat the entire thing in one sitting…my version of Chunky Monkey ice cream when I was down in the dumps. Anyway, entirely too much information! 🙂 I’ve learned not to be greedy in adulthood (okay, maybe I’ve learned to moderate my greediness) but I still list pound cake as my #1 favorite. Of course, I had to have a good recipe that I can make whenever the mood strikes me. This is the best I’ve ever found. It’s dense and moist and richly flavored.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 78 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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MILLION-DOLLAR POUND CAKE
[Serves 20]

¾ cup milk
6 lg. eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. butter, softened
3 cups sugar
4 cups unsifted flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan. In small glass mixing bowl, combined milk with almond and vanilla extract. In large bowl, at high speed, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add one fourth of flour with one third milk mixture; place in prepared pan. Bake 1 hour and forty minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack in pan, 15 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool thoroughly on rack. Serve plain or sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Traditional Southern Biscuits

February 8, 2013 Karen Docter 2 Comments

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

There seems to be more than one “traditional” southern biscuit recipe out there so I guess it depends on where you live in the South. So, if this isn’t the “traditional” you’re used to just chalk it up to my Yankee upbringing. 🙂 I’m not sure where I picked up this version. I just know I’ve had this recipe for ages and these biscuits are pretty darned tasty.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 77 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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TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN BISCUITS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 T butter, cold
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup solid vegetable shortening, cold
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 cup milk

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Add 1 T of the cold butter and the cold shortening and work into the dry ingredients, using your hands, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (I use a pastry cutter, or you can use a couple of forks and cut it in.) Stir in milk. Dough will be sticky. Dust work surface with flour. Turn dough onto floured surface. Gently fold each side toward center. Pick up the dough and dust the work surface with additional flour. Return dough to floured surface and fold each side towards center again. Turn the dough over and press it out to 1” thickness. Cut biscuits, straight down, do not twist the cutter, with a 2 ¼-inch round cookie cutter. Melt remaining tablespoon of butter and add to 10-inch round cake pan. Place biscuits in pan, turning once (to coat both sides with butter), about ¼-inch apart. Let biscuits rest 15 minutes before baking. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Chocolate Cheese Mousse

February 1, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

We all have those times when company arrives unannounced and we haven’t had time to think about making dinner, let alone dessert. Or we’ve made dinner plans and have no time after work to spend a lot of time whipping up a fancy dessert. This recipe is quick and easy, while still having that cache that says “special”.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 76 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 CHEESE MOUSSE [Serves 6]

3 square (3 oz.) semisweet chocolate
½ cup sifted powdered sugar
1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese
2 cups whipped cream
3 T. milk

In 1-quart glass measure, combine chocolate, cream cheese and milk. Cook on high 60 seconds, or until chocolate is melted; stir until smooth. Blend in sugar, cool. Stir about ½ cup of the whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining whipped cream. Spoon into dessert dishes; refrigerate or freeze until serving time.

Note: To dress it up even more, sprinkle top of each dessert with shaved sweetened chocolate or mini-chocolate chips.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Southwestern Bean Chili

January 25, 2013 Karen Docter 2 Comments

It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

It’s winter and I tend to think of chili a LOT when I’m feeling chilled. Nothing is more satisfying, and warming, than a bowl of chili. The problem is when I think of chili when it’s close to dinner time. I don’t have time to prepare the long-cooking version, and I certainly don’t want to wait until the next night to eat what I’m craving NOW. This chili recipe is quick, delicious and easy to change up the flavor with just a few additional ingredients.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 75 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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SOUTHWESTERN BEAN CHILI [Serves 4]

2 medium onions, minced

1 medium garlic clove, minced

1 can (7 oz.) tomatoes, drained & chopped coarse

1/3 cup canned green chilis, drained & chopped coarse

1 T. chili powder

2 tsp. dried oregano

½ T. ground cumin

2 cans (16 oz. each) red kidney beans, undrained

Bring ¼ cup water to boil in large skillet. Add onions, garlic; cover and simmer about 2 minutes. Stir in next five (5) ingredients; bring to boil and simmer about 10 minutes. Add beans; simmer until heated through about 3 minutes.

* Serve sprinkled with your favorite shredded/grated cheese and hot bread. Yummy!

** Add cooked ground beef if you prefer your chili with beans AND meat. If you like a little oomph, add cooked chorizo or sausage.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Triple Author Special with Cynthia Woolf

January 18, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with CYNTHIA WOOLF

Introducing author, CYNTHIA WOOLF, and her favorite recipe for MONSTER COOKIES!

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About the author, Cynthia Woolf….

Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.

Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.

Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.

She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write. Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates. She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories. In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America. Unfortunately, the loss of her job demanded she not renew her memberships and her writing stagnated for many years.

In 2001, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she’d attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter’s table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn’t looked back.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she’s made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.

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BOOK PEEK – THE SWORDS OF GREGARA – JENALA by Cynthia Woolf

Jenala Delasa is alone and in trouble. Someone wants her kalcion mine. They’ll stop at nothing, even murder. Jenala needs help.

Santro Baltin is just what the beautiful red-head needs. He’s huge, a master swordsman, and has a heart big enough to give her the room she needs to heal. When it comes to Jenala’s enemy however, he has his own agenda.

To defeat the notorious Zlaten Vandalar, they have to work together, mind to mind, shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart.

EXCERPT – THE SWORDS OF GREGARA – JENALA by Cynthia Woolf

Swords clashed. Jenala Delasa fought savagely for her life against the man who would dare try to get her kalcion mine. And claim her. The bastard Zlaten Vandalar. The man she believed murdered her father six months ago. He attacked her with the intention of kidnapping and raping her, giving her no choice but to be claimed under the law. She’d fall on her own sword before she’d allow him to claim her. No, he attacked her in the narrow alleyway with every intention of kidnapping and raping her.

A passerby, having heard the gray metal swords clanging off of each other, sparks flying, and her shouts of rage, rushed to watch the spectacle. Jenala dared him a quick glance when he yelled and ran toward them. Momentarily startled, she missed her jab. Zlaten sidestepped, turned and flayed open her back from the left shoulder to the bottom of her ribcage on the right side. Jenala fell to the ground. Zlaten looked up at the stranger approaching and visibly paled. He sneered at her as he ran a finger through her blood that dripped from the tip of his sword. “You’re not fit now. I’ll come when you’re healed then you’ll be mine.” He looked up at the stranger getting closer, turned and ran.

The stranger came to her, her sword still tightly gripped in her right hand. She dropped to her knees, never releasing her sword. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth from where she’d bitten her tongue. She looked up with pain bleary eyes, expecting to see reproach or perhaps opportunity. If this man decided to claim her as Zlaten had, she could not fight him off. Instead she saw compassion. He removed his shirt and took great care to wrap her back to staunch the flow of blood. Jenala hissed at the contact, white flashing light blurred her vision. She knew he tried his best to cause her as little pain as possible, but it didn’t matter Jenala didn’t know if she could handle the searing pain another moment. He picked her up and carried her toward town. The only person who could help was the town nupenian, who cared for animals. The quack they had for a doctor would surely kill her and she wasn’t taking the chance. Brenton could sew her up as well as the doctor could.

“Take me to the nupenian,” she said, her voice little more than a croak.

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BOOK PEEK ~ THE SWORDS OF GREGARA – RIZA by Cynthia Woolf

Dr. Riza Lamrona is on the run from a notorious space pirate. She knows his secrets and he wants her dead.

Darick Remaul was a Star Patrol detective who’s trained in trouble and sees it in Riza. He also sees beneath the baggy clothes and glasses to the beautiful woman underneath. Will he be able to get beneath her defenses before the pirate accomplishes his deadly task?

EXCERPT ~ THE SWORDS OF GREGARA – RIZA by Cynthia Woolf

“Ow! Are you trying to kill me, Doc?”

The man was understandably nervous, but he had to allow her to set his leg. She knew he was in a lot of pain. The bone stuck out through the skin and he had lost a lot of blood, but he needed to relax so she could set the leg.

“I haven’t even started yet. Stop being a baby. Here we go. You’ll feel a little pinch in your neck, then count backwards from one hundred.”

“Ouch! Little pinch!”

“Count, now!”

“One hundred, ninety-nine, ninety-eight, ninety-seven, ninety….”

“Finally.” Riza worked quickly, not sure just how long he would stay out. She opened his leg, surgically implanted two kalcion rods and several screws to secure them to the bones. It would have been so much easier with a med-tech unit. But there were none on Gregara. They weren’t allowed. There were many things on the other civilized planets that weren’t allowed here, like blasters, but for some reason blasters always seemed to make it through the customs process. In Ruciem it seemed that as many people carried blasters as carried the traditional kalcion sword.

Most of the planet preferred to keep their customs, barbaric as they were. They used swords, not blasters and preferred the body to heal itself without help from technology. It made her work much more difficult. A broken leg like this one could have been healed in a few hours in a med-tech unit.

She stitched everything closed. Doing surgeries like this one allowed her to keep her skills sharp. It may not be necessary, but this man would have the smallest stitches ever put on a leg repair. Her skills as a plastic surgeon might not be usable here, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t keep her stitching up to par.

With her patient now awake and groggy, Riza went to talk to the next of kin. There was only one man in the waiting room. An extremely attractive man, if you liked handsome in a rugged sort of way. He hadn’t shaved recently and his inky black hair was on the long side, tied back with a leather strap. It suited him.

He stood as she approached. Well over six feet tall, he towered over her own five feet, ten inch height.

“Mr. Remaul?” she said holding out her hand.

“Yes.” His hand engulfed hers.

“I’m Riza Lamrona.”

“Doctor. How is Tarin?”

“He’ll be fine, but he’s going to have to stay in bed for a week or so before he’s ready to travel. I want to make sure the bones start to mend properly. Can you arrange that?”

“Of course. We have rooms at Wardson’s Bedstay.”

She nodded. “I wish there was a hospital here. A med-tech unit would be even better but….”

“I guess they don’t think they need one.”

“Well, he will heal fine, but it could be so much faster and better. You’re not from around here, are you?”

“No. I came from Alerkan a couple of years ago. And you, where are you from?”

“I’m from many places. Alerkan is one of them.” Riza retreated to her work. She didn’t want to make small talk. Her secrets were too dangerous. “Here are some pills to help with the pain. Have Tarin take them. Don’t let him try to ‘tough’ it out. Sarina Wardson is used to my sending her patients to care for. I’ll check on him in the morning.”

“What time do you want him here?”

“Oh, I’m staying with Sarina myself until I find a place of my own. I’ll come by before I head to work.”

“Good.”

“Yes. Um. Well. It was nice to meet you.” Riza wasn’t usually tongue-tied but she seemed to be with this man.

“You, too. Perhaps, since you are staying at Wardson’s, I’ll see you at dinner tonight.”

“Unless I get an emergency call, you can count on it.”

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BOOK PEEK ~ THE SWORDS OF GREGARA – HONORA by Cynthia Woolf

They stole her love, her life and want to steal the secrets secured in her mind. Secrets that could topple world governments and decimate quadrant security forever. Now she’s on an epic quest to find out why and make those responsible pay.

Honora Reyestat gave up everything to become a member of the esteemed Gregarian Guard. No family, no friends, no connections–nothing that can ever be used against her. Captured and enslaved, she’s become a prized gladiator for her master. Given the task of training a new slave, she recognizes a fellow Zolthor and the son of a tribal leader at that. Her mission changes from discovery of the enemy’s tactics and secrets to returning Joridan to his people.

Drawn to this fierce woman as no other, Joridan Dolana tries to explain she is wrong. He’s not Zolthor, he’s Centauri. He was raised on Centauri with his sister. Faced with proof of a father’s ultimate betrayal, he must choose between revenge and the protection of this woman who has sworn to never return his love.

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EXCERPT ~ THE SWORDS OF GREGARA – HONORA by Cynthia Woolf

“Oww” a woman’s voice awash with pain reached his ears.

“You disappoint me, Honora. You continue to try to escape me. When will you learn?” asked a whiney voiced man.

The whip struck flesh. Again the woman moaned but didn’t scream. She didn’t scream.

When he woke again he was not alone but the man with the whip was gone. Chained across the room from him, hung by her wrists, was a woman. He could see the lash marks on her back. Lash upon lash, new over old. They obstructed the beautiful tattoo of a dragon on her back. The blood hard to see within the red of the dragon.

Crawling to her he released her hands from the chains holding her up. She collapsed in a heap on the floor. He crawled back to his side of the room as darkness overtook him once more.

*****

The dried blood on her back cracked with each movement, but she worked through the pain as she stretched. Breathed deep and accepted the pain. Her sword weighed heavier in her hand than usual. More evidence of the lashing two nights ago. She looked down at the unconscious man at her feet. A new recruit. A Zolthor, like herself. Another reason Perdor punished her for her attempted escape, her sixth try in as many months.

This last punishment was the worst. Five lashes. Not enough to incapacitate her but enough to make her remember. Perdor wanted her to be able to train the new slave. He wanted them to be a team, good enough to take on all contenders. He’d be the only owner with two Zolthor fighting for him. Not just one, but a team. He was practically wetting himself in anticipation of the beras that he’ll win with a team of Zolthor fighters.

Again she looked down on the naked man. Long brown lashes lay against his cheek. A nice contrast to his golden blond hair. What color eyes did they hide? Blue? Green? Brown perhaps. She’d find out soon enough.

He was a beautiful man. Well formed. Broad shoulders. Trim waist. Long muscular legs. He looked like a warrior. Would be a good fighter. Maybe even a good lover as he appeared well endowed there as well.

He’d awakened from the drug induced sleep long enough to crawl over and release her from the chains. For that she was grateful. Her wrists didn’t hurt as much as usual because of him. Using her blades was easier than it had been after her previous punishments.

Time to wake up the sleeping man and get him trained. Time was short and she intended to make the most of it. He would learn or he would die.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA AND HER SWORDS OF GREGARA SERIES:

Website: www.cynthiawoolf.com

Blog: www.cynthiawoolf.com/blog

Jenala – http://amzn.to/JFXEQv

Riza – http://amzn.to/IQv7mp

Honora – http://amzn.com/B00AS4MOJI

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Cynthia Woolf’s CENTAURI Series

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 72 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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MONSTER COOKIES

1 pound butter

1 dozen eggs

2 pounds brown sugar

4 cups white sugar

1 large package M&M

1 large package Reeses Pieces

1 large package chocolate chips

1 large package butterscotch chips

3 pounds peanut butter

8 teaspoons baking soda

1 tablespoon white Karo syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla

18 cups oatmeal

In extra large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, vanilla and sugars. Move to extra large soup pot. Add dry ingredients then add candies. Drop by tablespoon full. Makes 22 dozen cookies. Dough freezes well and the recipe can easily be cut in half or quarters.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Cynthia will give away a kindle gift (or Nook or Smashwords coupon) of SWORDS OF GREGARA – HONORA to one lucky reader, as well as a $5 Starbucks gift to a second lucky reader!! Comment on either her Monday Interview and/or Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs for a chance to win. Winners will be randomly selected and announced Monday, January 21, 2013. Thanks, Cynthia, for sharing your stories with us!

Karen's Book Bench