Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with JUDY KENTRUS!
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, JUDY KENTRUS and her favorite recipe for CHICKEN POT PIE!
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THE ASSOCIATION: FOOTLIGHT THEATER BOOK 1
Beacon Pointe
BY JUDY KENTRUS
Blurb
Laura Davis has been the wardrobe coordinator at the Footlight Theater since she was twenty-five years old. A mother and a grandmother, her life has been fulfilling, but now the only man she ever loved is coming home, to stay. Everett Troy is a fan of the people, but at one time, was hers alone. Would she be able to work alongside him and hide her love and secrets?
Confronted by unforeseen challenges, their newly awakened love is tested, not only through personal doubts, but by the unknown enemy that wants to prevent their happily-ever after.
Everett Troy, returns to Beacon Pointe, to fulfill a life-long dream – produce and direct the musical play he’s written. Smoke and mirrors has played a big part in his life since he was forced to leave home when he was eighteen, breaking the heart of the only woman he ever loved.
The carefree lives of four sixteen-year-olds were changed forever when they witness a cold blooded murder. Everett, Jackson, Mason and Ryder, The Association, have shared dark secrets since they were in high school.
As teenagers they suffered threats to themselves and their families. Blackmail was a reminder their lives were under close scrutiny while they achieved success in their chosen professions. As adults they decide ‘no more.’ As they start their investigation into the murder, they have no idea how their lives have been manipulated by their unknown enemy.
THE ASSOCIATION: FOOTLIGHT THEATER BOOK 1
Beacon Pointe
BY JUDY KENTRUS
Excerpt
The moment Everett Troy stepped into the building, the richness enveloped him in welcome. The newly refurbished lobby of the Footlight Theater looked magnificent and confirmed he’d made the right decision. It was the theatre that had drawn him through its doors and helped bring his talent to life. This is where he belonged.
He needed to see the house and moved quietly over the thick carpeting that led to three entrance doors. The only lights were the thumb-nail spots at the end of each pew. The stage was dark and that wouldn’t do. He knew the layout of the interior like the back of his hand and headed for the production booth. The switches on the control panel were clearly marked. He flipped the one that said center stage spot and grinned. Directly under the beam was a baby grand piano backed by a red velvet curtain. With all that had been going on the past few weeks, he hadn’t found time to sit down and play for his own enjoyment. No time like the present.
Everett moved to the stage and sat on the wooden bench, adjusted his legs under the keyboard. Like an experienced maestro, he lifted his pointer finger and slowly depressed the key of “C”.
The acoustics in the old theater had always been spectacular and the one note reverberated and echoed off the high ceiling and walls.
“You always did know the right key to play. In music and my life.”
The sound of her voice cut right through him and he lowered his hands to his lap. She was the first reason he had to return home. He turned his head and gave her a genuine smile.
“Laura”
“Troy”
Everett moved off the piano bench, folded his arms across his chest and rested his hip against the side of the piano. “You and my grandmother always called me by my last name. I once asked her why she called me Troy. She confessed to loving Troy Donohue.”
“I didn’t have anyone famous in mind. I always called you that so you would remember who you were.”
He nodded in approval of her reasoning. “There were times during my career I got close to losing my identity. Too bad you weren’t around. What’s it been, five years?” He knew exactly how long it had been since he’d set eyes on the only woman he’d ever loved.
“Five years, since you came home for the film festival and gala held in your honor. You were so mobbed by all your fans and the people who wanted to kiss your ass we never got a chance to talk like normal human beings.”
Everett’s cheeks lifted in a smile at her honesty. “You were never cowed by my popularity.”
“No, I knew you as a person first, but I’m very proud of what you’ve accomplished. Hell, my boyfriend is an Oscar winning movie star and Tony award winner.”
He always wondered why she never sold their teenage love-story to the media. “How come you never capitalized on how well you really knew me?”
“What we had was no one’s business and I didn’t want to bring notoriety to myself and my family. You look distinguished with the silver in your black hair.”
“You’re the second woman to tell me that today.”
“The one you kissed goodbye?”
Everett ignored the facetious tone in Laura’s voice. It would be too much to hope it was jealousy. “No, the stewardess on my flight home. You still look like the teenager who wore my high school ring. Technically, you’re still my girlfriend since you never gave it back to me.”
He appreciated she was still small in stature and the well-worn jeans hugged very nice legs. Her bulky sweatshirt bore a picture of Barry Manilow in Concert.
“I hate to burst your bubble, but I believe there is a statute of limitations on boyfriend- girlfriend status. Thank L’Oreal for my golden brown hair and contacts so I don’t walk into anything. My daughter Noreen had another baby two months ago and helping to raise Marion, her 10 year old, keeps me hopping.
She took a few steps closer. “So is it true? You’re really home to stay?”
Everett, too, moved a little closer. He really wanted to pull her into his arms and find out if her kisses were still as sweet, but that too, would come in time, he hoped. He had a lot of years to make up for.
“Yes, it’s what I’ve wanted for a long time.”
“Why now, after all these years?”
“Think of why you call me Troy. I’ve lived under the thumb of agents, publicists, scrutinized by my fans. Everyone wants to run my life or demands something from me. I’ve been engaged a half dozen times to women I’ve never met, suffered through a paternity suit, been called a play-boy womanizer and I’m a drunken lush. You know I don’t drink. It’s time to take my life back.”
Everett moved past Laura and took a determined step to a canvas director’s chair close to the curtain. His arm and hand swung out in a sweeping motion. “This is what I am ready for.”
His speech came out strong and he really wanted her to understand his sincerity and what he was feeling. “Only the principal of the high school and the drama teacher know I’ve agreed to help out with the high school production of West Side Story. I’m not looking for notoriety. I want to influence others, teach them what I’ve painstakingly learned through trial and error, help them become better actors. I want these kids to feel the words, let the music live within their bodies, become the person they are portraying.”
When his staunch soliloquy ended, Laura clapped. “Well done. Is that from one of your movies?”
Everett was surprised by the callousness in her question. What had he ever done to deserve her hostility? He didn’t try to hide the disappointment in his voice. “No, it isn’t. I thought you, of all people, would understand what’s inside me.”
“I apologize. With your help and guidance it will be a wonderful show.”
He watched her walk over the director’s chair and pick up a gold mask. He was confused when Laura brought it to his face and held it in front of his eyes. She was so much shorter, but he held perfectly still.
“Does this symbolize the secrets you’re keeping?”
She couldn’t know, he told himself and lifted the mask from her hand. He tapped her on the tip of her nose that was still covered in delightful freckles. He liked that she didn’t try to cover them up with makeup. At one time, he’d tried to count everyone with kisses.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out.”
Meet Author Judy Kentrus…
Judy Kentrus, Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense.
I’ve always been a romantic at heart and married my high school sweetheart. I make my home in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. After raising our two children, I followed my dream to publish my books. When I’m not at my computer making couples fall in love and give them their happily-ever-after, you can find me in the kitchen, baking, especially cookies. I’ve been dubbed the cookie queen by my family and friends. My stories are fun, sexy, romances with a hint of suspense that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. Enjoy!
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Links to Judy’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2n7Ir1u
Website: http://www.judykentrus.com
Facebook: Judy Kentrus, Author
I hope you enjoy the recipe Judy is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 332 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 POT PIE
Pre-heat your oven to 400.
Filling
3 TBS butter
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 whole onion, chopped
2 whole potatoes chopped and boiled
1 bag frozen mixed Veggies (corn, peas, green beans, carrots)
1/2 pound chopped fresh mushroom
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken or store bought rotisserie,
2 TBS flour
1/8th tsp Sage
1/8 tsp poultry seasoning
Salt
Pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Saute celery and onions in the butter until clear and cooked. Add the flour and the seasonings and make a Roux. While that is cooking (make sure your heat is on low. It should always be on low with a Roux, otherwise it will burn), in a mixing bowl, mix the chicken broth, half and half, cream of mushroom soup, whisk them together. If it seems too thick, add a bit of milk, or extra, the half and half. But remember you’re putting the frozen vegetables in so you’ll get some water off from them. Add the potatoes and chicken. Throw in the “soup” mixture, and the frozen veggies, stir, and let it cook until it’s nice and thick and bubbly.
Pie Crusts
To save time, I use two pre-made pie crusts. Of course you can make your own but you will need two crusts for an 8 by 8 glass plate (deep dish). Split your dough in half, and roll it out so it fits the bottom of the pan and comes up the sides (spray it or grease it first). Line the pan with the dough. Then pour your mixture in. Roll out the second half, and cover the filling.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or so, until the crust is nice and brown. Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes, as ovens vary.
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Judy will give away a print copy of Book 1 and Book 2 (US only) OR an E-Book copy of Book 1 and Book 2 to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
Good morning, Judy, and welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Loved your excerpt. You write rich descriptions. Thanks for sharing your book with us today.
Loved the recipe, too. Chicken pot pie is a favorite around our house so I can’t wait to try your version. Thanks again!
Thanks for inviting me Karen. The pot pie is really delicious, the perfect comfort food.
Love the title and premise of your book, Judy. I love anything play related.
Your chicken pot pie recipe looks delicious and something I could manage!
Hi Helen, the pot pie is really delicious.
As for the storyline, I too love the theater and have enjoyed writing this series.
Now that I’m here, thanks Karen, I’m glad I got to this. (No newsletter Saturday-today-) This sounds like a very good read, Judy, and I like the setup/age range.
The recipe sounds good, too! 😉
The blogs still appear on my website. They’re just not going out to my subscribers. No newsletter yesterday. I’ll post winners for giveaway winners and manually send them until the problem is resolved.
Your books sound really good. Thanks for sharing them with us. I’m not one much for cooking either but those pot pies sound great and easy. 😃 Thanks 😍