Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special with Shawntelle Madison

January 24, 2014 Karen Docter 6 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SHAWNTELLE MADISON!!

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, SHAWNTELLE MADISON, and her favorite recipe for SHASHLIK (шашлык) or more famously known as kabobs-skewered meat!

REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON

Book Blurb

Supernatural matchmaker Tessa Dandridge knows a little mist here and a little magic there will help reckless werewolves and precocious pixies find love. That is, until her magical Smythe scroll is lost in her repo’ed car and she can’t contact her V.I.P. clients. To connect with an important client cavorting in the fifth dimension, Tessa must depend on handsome Rob Shin, a warlock repo man, to enter Limbo and find her Smythe scroll.

Rob has money problems of his own, thanks to the bank determined to foreclose on his elderly aunt and uncle’s home. Repossessing magic wands and cursed pianos from disgruntled warlocks isn’t the best pay, but the Navy SEAL works well as a repo man to pay off his family’s debts. Rob’s repossession jobs catch up with him when a powerful warlock seeks to end his life for his constant meddling, drawing Tessa in the middle.

REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Dating Tip #24: Witches hate warlocks who want to jump into bed after the first date. Just because you can pull a rabbit out of your hat doesn’t mean you can pull something magical out of your pants.

From behind the desk in her matchmaking agency office, Tessa Dandridge thought she’d heard it all until her client blurted, “My last date had National Geographic boobs.”

She leaned forward, praying she had a serious expression. “Liam, you’re a five hundred year-old warlock. You can’t be picky when it comes to witches. I understand some women tend to decline and often use glamour to portray themselves as something they’re not, but you shouldn’t close yourself off from perfectly fine dates.”

“Tessa, after all these years, I feel like I’ve obtained a status that should attract younger witches who aren’t hags—no offense, ladies.” He glanced to where Tessa’s assistant, Danielle, took notes.

In her line of work, too many warlocks used the wand between their legs to do all the thinking. “Don’t talk that way about the women I represent. The simple fact is that you won’t be able to relate well to most of the younger women in my club. They have a lifestyle that you don’t follow anymore. I think you’d be better suited to an older witch.”

Liam shook his head and stroked his salt-and-pepper-colored beard. The wealth and power he’d accumulated in the magical community hadn’t attracted any quality women—women who didn’t need an enchantment spell to remain in his presence. The young ones found him disgusting and the older ones weren’t going to put up with his superficial crap. Of course she couldn’t tell him that…

With enthusiasm she added, “Now, trust my professional judgment. Danielle will arrange a party in a week for you to meet eligible women. You’ll love who I have for you.”

Liam had approached her agency a few days ago claiming he was tired of the old-school witch matchmakers who weren’t hip enough to find a woman worthy of his status. He was full of it—and she didn’t mean all-power magic either. He was out for sex, plain and simple. And if she didn’t need the income so badly, she’d send him packing.

“Why can’t I just help you pick out the women you intend to invite?” he asked. “Then I’d be sure to find one I like.”

“If you connect with someone, then you’re free to go out on a personal date. But, you’re not allowed to cast any spells on her and I expect the date to be platonic. If you both have a good time, you can continue on your own from there.”

He frowned. “If you could just sprinkle in a few younger ones—”

Tessa cut him off. “Be sure to stay open-minded over the next couple of days.”

He tapped his finger on top of her desk. “About this no sex thing…I see no reason why two adults can’t have a good time together if the feeling is right.”

“Because I run a matchmaker service. If you’re looking for a call girl, there are plenty of them around town. I make marriages, not one night stands.”

Deep furrows lined his forehead in displeasure. He rose, gripping an old oak cane between long fingers. With a curt nod, he shimmered and disappeared into mist. She’d won, for now anyway.

Danielle rose and removed a piece of lint from her tweed skirt suit. Tessa had dragged her best friend from Northwestern University in Chicago to New York City to join in this venture. Over the years, she had been the optimistic, perky side to the business. From her blonde pixie haircut to her short, dainty frame, Danielle exuded sunshine. “Two or three witches we have on file fit Liam perfectly.”

Days like these made her long for weekends. “Thanks, Dani.”

She nodded and left. Most likely to take care of something Tessa always forgot to do.

Time to focus on what the day would bring. The glare of the morning sun peeking over the New York City skyline reflected against her iPhone as she confirmed her full schedule. It looked like she would have enough time to run an errand or two before a lunch with an important client. So, with a skip in her step, she left the office to enjoy a bit of the day before she had to head back to the office.

Spring had arrived in New York City, and the streets buzzed with pedestrians flowing down the streets. April sunshine wasn’t too hot or cold, the perfect time to enjoy the city. Tessa hailed a cab to the curb. A sexy businessman in a tailored suit emerged and grinned. His emerald-green eyes glanced at her legs and ran up her skirt. Before settling on her hazel-colored eyes, his gaze lingered on her chest. If Tessa didn’t have a limited amount of time to get things done, a brief conversation might’ve been in order. Her gaze drifted to his ring finger. Not married. But he wasn’t supernatural either, so she smiled and tried to enter the cab, only to find out she wasn’t the only one eager to reach her destination.

An older woman, dressed in a dark red coat, swept in like a vulture on a kill and slid into the seat.

“Whoa!” Tessa said.

One would expect the cab driver, or even the gentleman in the suit, to say something, but the woman gave Tessa a rude gesture, grabbed the door, then slammed it shut. Everyone left her standing on the curb gaping.

Just another day in NYC.

The man in the suit shrugged and offered a half-assed apology, then walked away. Wow. Good thing she didn’t do matchmaking for herself.

She glanced at her iPhone. Since she didn’t have much time left, she’d have to walk until she caught another cab. The exercise wouldn’t kill her.

The first stoplight she reached took forever so she checked her cell for any new messages. She got through a few before a strange sensation stirred her stomach. It was that feeling of being watched. A long shadow extended toward hers, showing the profile of someone tall and lean. Long legs. Wide shoulders. Even though he stood a few feet behind her, she could practically sense his heated gaze as it traveled from her high heels up to her calves. Caressed her inner thighs then rested on her ass.

She shifted her weight while the light remained red. Enough time had passed for him to take in her favorite black skirt which showed off her hips. His gaze then tickled the nape of her neck beneath her shoulder-length brown hair. For a moment, she was self-conscious that he could see through her and take in the opening of her shirt.

The desire to lick her dry lips intensified, and the urge to turn around to see the man grew stronger. Was he attractive? Would she be horrified to know he was checking his phone instead of checking her out?

Hell, wasn’t she usually spot on with this kind of thing?

She slowly turned around to see a gorgeous Asian man staring at her. Most of the time—like earlier—she would’ve glanced at his ring finger, but her gaze left his to linger on muscular legs wrapped in jeans before moving up to his intimidating chest. His shadow hadn’t lied. Matter of fact, it had held quite a bit back from her. This dark-haired guy was hot as hell and had bedroom eyes to boot.

A buzzer sounded, the light turned green, and a few pedestrians began to walk across. For a second, she wasn’t sure what to do. Yeah, a shocker. Most men just spoke up and tried to strike up a conversation. This one simply walked around her and strolled across the street and this time, Tessa took in his backside. She would’ve watched the view even longer if she hadn’t stared so long the light changed yellow. She prepared to dart across, but gave up since she didn’t want a free ticket to the emergency room.

Now separated by a busy street, Tessa lost the mystery man as he disappeared down the street into a parking garage.

***

Rob Shin rarely used his magic in public—especially for something as childish as messing with stoplights—but he couldn’t help himself. He was practically on the clock with a time limit imposed by his employer: Repossess the vehicle at the 12th Street parking garage by noon. No pit stops, no coffee breaks, and most certainly, he shouldn’t have held up all those humans so he could undress that witch with his eyes. He made a beeline for the elevator. He could practically hear his boss busting his chops. “You keep messing around and sooner or later, the wrong person will see you doing that shit, Rob. If you really want to get paid, play by my rules.”

There really weren’t many rules to be honest. Just one in particular for his line of business: Don’t get caught.

He couldn’t afford to break the rules right now. Not with others he had to be financially responsible for.

His target, a Honda Coupe Civic, sat between two other smaller cars. Everything was squeezed in nice and tight, but he had more than enough room to work. He opened his worn satchel and reached into the folds.

A whisper, followed by an old man’s chuckle, emerged from the satchel. “I’ve never seen you do that in public before, Doryeonim. What was so special about that one?”

Rob sighed. “Oh hush and pass me what I need, Harabeuji.”

Magic brushed against his hand like layers of electrified silk. Between the layers, his hand encountered wands, bolt cutters, and other tools. So many toys to play with—the tools of the trade for a warlock who needed to collect on the debt of others.

The restless spirit woven into the old leather bag harrumphed. “You don’t see me casting spells to charm the Gucci bags off 5th Street.”

Rob chuckled. “Every man has his weakness. Mine happens to involve beautiful women with long legs. You have no room to talk. You almost convinced me to let you spend the night in a leather outlet.”

“The craftsmanship in that place was impeccable. Almost as fine as what you’d find in a Goryeo marketplace. Have I ever told you about the time I armed my handler with a grand ice staff? He stood proud against ten fire demons!”

Rob couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile. Harabeuji had constant tales from medieval Korea to tell him, but he had work to do. First things first, he needed to disable the spell protecting the vehicle. A pretty powerful one, but he’d faced stronger ones before. After that, the hardest thing he’d have to face was the parking brake. He tried to focus on the mission at hand, but frowned when he smelled perfume. The scent was probably from the car beside this one.

The feminine perfume filled his nostrils and then settled into his tightening groin. He couldn’t help but think about the woman he passed on the street. Damn, she was beautiful. She’d satisfied his curiosity easily enough when she peered at him.

Rob had been too long without a woman. He should remedy that when he got some spare time which, unfortunately, he didn’t have much of. Just one month of medical leave and then he’d have to report back to base.

His commanding officer had been kind, yet firm. “You’re too good of a SEAL to stay down for long, Shin. Don’t get too comfortable.”

He returned his attention back to the task at hand. Finish the mission and get paid.

About the author, Shawntelle Madison….

Shawntelle Madison is a web developer who loves to weave words as well as code. She’d never admit it, but if asked she’d say she covets and collects source code. After losing her first summer job detasseling corn, Shawntelle performed various jobs—from fast-food clerk to grunt programmer to university webmaster. Writing eccentric characters is her most favorite job of them all. On any particular day when she’s not surgically attached to her computer, she can be found watching cheesy horror movies or the latest action-packed anime. She lives in Missouri with her husband and children.

~~~

Links to Shawntelle’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website Information: http://www.shawntellemadison.com

Social Media Links: http://www.twitter.com/shawntelle

http://www.facebook.com/shawntellemadisonauthor

https://plus.google.com/+ShawntelleMadison/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shawntelle-Madison/e/B005GF4YTM/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Shawntelle-Madison?store=allproducts&keyword=Shawntelle+Madison

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 127 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.

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

SHASHLIK (шашлык)
Kabobs-skewered meat

I think I was a carnivore in another life. Take me to a steakhouse and I’m in heaven. Fire up a grill and I will do a victory dance. I would have preferred to make galbi, or Korean barbecue in honor of the Korean hero in my latest release Repossessed, but I’ll show a dish I love just as much: kebobs! Shashlik (шашлык) is more famously known as kabobs–skewered meat. The food is usually marinated overnight with spices (which I prefer) and then it’s cooked on a grill over wood or charcoal. For this recipe I used a stovetop grill.

http://coveted-series.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ingredients_shaslik.jpg

I can smell the food already:

1 lb of beef cut into cubes (You can use lamb or seafood like fish if you like.)
1 small onion chopped up
1 tablespoon of parsley
1 cup of pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
1 dash of salt
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for cooking)
1 dash of pepper

Gather your ingredients. I actually like to marinate this kind of meat inside an old ice cream container. You don’t need to, but hey, after eating a gallon of ice cream it’s always good to feel like you’re doing something responsible. 😉 Add the meat, parsley, pomegranate juice, salt, pepper, and the onion into the bowl. Mix together and then leave in your fridge overnight to marinate. Or let it sit in the fridge for an hour or two if you don’t have time. But it’s best when marinated.

http://coveted-series.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cooking_shaslik.jpg

Now comes the fun part. Remove the meat from the marinade and make sure they’re dry. Skewer the meat and then brush them with oil. Set your grill to medium high heat. When it’s ready, cook the meat until done. A little over ten minutes will get you slightly pink meat in the middle. Twenty minutes or so and the meat is nice and well done. This is a great dish to eat all by itself or with some rice. The meat is so succulent and that slightly tart flavor is absolutely delicious!

http://www.shawntellemadison.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/newswagpack.jpg

Do you love kebobs? Maybe galbi? Let me know how you love it. As thanks for stopping by I’m offering a Coveted swag pack to a winner. Just leave a comment to enter.

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As noted, Shawntelle is giving away a COVETED swag pack to a reader who comments on her blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Shawntelle, for sharing your book and recipe (with mouth-watering photos!!) with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Sheri Whitefeather

January 17, 2014 Karen Docter 4 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SHERI WHITEFEATHER!!

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, SHERI WHITEFEATHER, and her favorite recipe for INDIAN FRY BREAD!

BEAUTIFUL MUSICIAN by SHERI WHITEFEATHER

Book Blurb

My name is Seven, and I’m an up-and-coming musician, a so-called bad boy. I’m also madly, painfully in love with Abby Winston. Every wild-hearted song I write is for her. Currently she lives in a psychiatric treatment center, and I slip secretly into her room. Abby is schizophrenic, and I’m a romantic figment of her troubled mind. She created me when she was a child, and now we’re both adults and on the verge of losing each other. I know I’m not real, but that doesn’t change how I feel about her. Nor does it solve the dilemma of how we’re going to survive the ache of not being together for the rest of our lives.

Beautiful Musician is the prequel in the highly romantic, emotionally charged Room 105 series, books intended for readers 17 and older.

This is a free e-book, available anytime! You can grab it on Amazon, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.

~~~

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Musician-Romance-prequel-novella-ebook/dp/B00GOGAJ1E/temptationauthor

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beautiful-musician

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-musician-sheri-whitefeather/1117496655?ean=2940045462600

~~~~

About the author, Sheri Whitefeather….

Sheri Whitefeather is a national bestselling author. She pens a variety of romance novels and has earned prestigious awards.

Her writing career began in 1998. Prior to that, she worked as a make-up artist and leather artisan. One of her first professional make-up jobs was at the Playboy Mansion for a photo shoot that featured Hugh Hefner. As a leather artisan, she painted jackets and guitar straps for a host of musicians, including legendary bad boys, Motley Crue, and country legend, Waylon Jennings.

She lives in Southern California and enjoys ethnic dining, shopping in vintage stores, and visiting art galleries and museums. She has two grown children who are tribally enrolled members of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

~~~

Links to Sheri’s website, blog, books, etc.

Sheri loves to connect with readers. You can reach her at:

Website: www.SheriWhitefeather.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-Whitefeather-Author/204439682948104

Twitter: https://twitter.com/swhitefeather

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 126 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.

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

INDIAN FRY BREAD
(A Native American dish from various sources)

Cornmeal or flour for dusting board
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup instant dry milk
¾ cup water
Oil for deep frying

Dust pastry board. In a mixing bowl, stir flour, baking powder, salt and powdered milk. Add water in small amounts, stirring until the mixture reaches the consistency of bread dough. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for ten minutes. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Pull off a palm-size mound of dough, roll into a ball, then flatten into a 6-inch disc. Fry one at a time on both sides until golden brown. Serve hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey or covered with taco fixings. Makes about 4 servings.

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As noted above, BEAUTIFUL MUSICIAN is the prequel in the highly romantic, emotionally charged Room 105 series, books intended for readers 17 and older. This is a free e-book, available anytime! You can grab it on Amazon, Kobo or Barnes and Noble. Please do comment, but then click on one of her free links above. Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Sheri, for sharing your book and recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Donna Michaels

January 10, 2014 Karen Docter 11 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with DONNA MICHAELS!!

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, DONNA MICHAELS, and her favorite recipe for STUFFED STRAWBERRIES WITH YUMMY CREAM CHEESE FILLING!

HER UNIFORM COWBOY by DONNA MICHAELS

Book Blurb

Desperate for change after a verbally abusive relationship, Brandi Wyne leaves a symphony career, her family, and the Poconos to fall back on a designing degree and a chance to renovate a restaurant/pub in Texas. Even though part of a National Guard family, she’d sworn off military men when the last one proved less than supportive of her thyroid condition and subsequent weight gain. Too bad her body seems to forget that fact whenever she’s near the very hot, very military local sheriff.

Texas Army National Guard First Sergeant Kade Dalton never planned on becoming Harland County Sheriff or the attraction to a curvy, military-hating designer from Pennsylvania. Heavy with guilt from the death of a soldier under his command during a recent deployment, and dealing with his co-owned horse ranch and a bungling young deputy, it’s hard most days just to keep his sanity. But it’s the Yankee bombshell who threatens not only his sanity, but tempts his body…and his heart.

Fighting their attraction becomes a losing battle, and Kade soon finds sanctuary in the arms of the beautiful designer. But their changing relationship only brings more pressure to his guilt-ridden life…does he really have the right to saddle Brandi with his stress issues? And if so, can he take a chance on the town’s newest resident not abandoning him like others in his past?

~~~~

HER UNIFORM COWBOY
By Donna Michaels

EXCERPT

By the time he pulled up to the cottage, he had his emotions under control and hoped to God he could say the same about his body. A few good, solid inhales on his way to her door helped to firm his resolve. He was not, under any circumstances, going to throw her on the couch and pick up where they’d left off on Thursday. He was not.

Knocking a little louder than necessary, he stood back and waited.

The sexy designer opened the door, and her eyes widened while color rushed to her face. “Kade?”

The blush deepened the brown of her mesmerizing gaze, and his gut took an invisible blow.

“I…what…” She drew in a breath. “Why are you here?”

Apparently she didn’t get the memo. “Jen’s tied up at the hospital. She called me at drill and asked if I could fetch Cody.”

“Oh. I hope everything is okay.”

He shrugged. “More tests.”

She stepped back to let him in. “Cody’s asleep on my bed. We had a great day on the beach. He’s tuckered out. Do you want me to wake him?”

Once his brain caught up to her questions, he shook his head. “No. Unless you’d like me to leave.” He had no idea why he was acting and feeling so strange around her.

Probably because he wanted to throw her on the couch and pick up where they’d left off last Thursday.

She shook her head, the pretty blush deepening as she turned and began to pick plastic dinosaurs up off the floor. “No, of course not. Why would I want you to do that?” Dropping the toys onto the coffee table, she avoided his gaze and bent to pick up some more. “I mean, it’s not like I have anything to be embarrassed about. Oh, wait…yeah…yeah, I do.”

A strange giggle-hiccup followed her words along with inaudible mumbles and head shaking. He wondered briefly if she was having some sort of seizure until she stood and brushed past him to shove a box of crackers from the coffee table into a kitchen cupboard.

“And the award for biggest poopyhead goes to…yours truly.” She slapped a hand over her chest and laughed.

God, she was adorable. He knew he should stop her, but he honestly couldn’t get enough of the ruffled unrufflable woman.

She swiped the salt shaker from the table and cradled it to her chest with both hands. “I’d like to thank the academy, and a stupid ex-boyfriend for making me the idiot I am today.”

“Okay, enough.” He sprang into action, removing the shaker from her hand and cornering her against the fridge when she stepped back. “Hey…hey. It’s all right. Calm down.”

She shook her head and closed her eyes. “God, I’m so embarrassed, Kade. And so, so sorry for what I said…and did to you…”

“Brandi, look at me.”

She opened one eye.

“Both eyes, Brandi,” he said, a smile tugging at his mouth.

The other eye opened.

“That’s better. Now, listen to me. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.”

The snort that left her throat caused her head to jerk back and hit the refrigerator. “Yes, I do. A good number of things. But I am really sor—”

He pressed a finger to her lips, intending to stop her apology, but…ah hell, he hadn’t expected the instant awareness that spread through his body, heating his spine. She must’ve felt it too, because her brown eyes widened, and she trembled against him.

That’s all it took to send him to the same state he was in last Thursday on the couch. Just one touch. That was it. One miniscule touch. He had no defense. He was done. His brain shut down and need, fierce and consuming, took over.

Cupping her face, he closed the distance between them and covered her mouth with his.

About the author, Donna Michaels….

Donna Michaels lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania with her military husband, three of their four children, and several rescued cats. Although she’s been published since 2006, Donna only recently wrote her battle with Hashimoto Thyroiditis into a book. Her latest heroine, Brandi Wyne (HER UNIFORM COWBOY) suffers with the affliction, and Brandi’s battle with the disease was based on Donna’s own experiences. She hopes to spread awareness of thyroid disease. If you suffer from fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and are constantly cold, discuss it with your physician and ask to have a simple blood test to check your thyroid. Boy, does she wish she’d asked years earlier.

~~~

Links to Donna’s website, blog, books, etc.

HER UNIFORM COWBOY released December 15^th, and has already collected over 29 Five Star Reviews!

Available now at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HBWQCAC

*Join my mailing list on my web site: www.donnamichaelsauthor.com and keep current with the latest book updates, events, book signings as well as special giveaways!*

Donna’s Links:

Website: www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaMichaelsAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donna_Michaels

Blog: http://donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnamichaels/

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 125 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.

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

Donna shares…I’d like to share a recipe my hero and heroine, Kade and Brandi, encountered in both, Book 2 (Her Unbridled Cowboy), and Book 3 (Her Uniform Cowboy) of my Harland County Series. Too bad both times the couple never got to taste the decadent dessert: Stuffed Strawberries. Yum. While writing the second book, Her Unbridled Cowboy, I searched the internet for a delicious dessert my hero and heroine could enjoy together. I came across the stuffed strawberry on several sites and modified it slightly, finding that less strawberries and extra chocolate tasted best. (The original recipes can be found on Food.com, allrecipes.com and aboutfood.com.)

~~~~

STUFFED STRAWBERRIES with YUMMY CREAM CHEESE FILLING

Main Ingredient:

30 fresh whole strawberries, large

Preparation:

Slice off the stem of each strawberry so the berries stand upright. Carefully cut each berry into 4 wedges, cutting almost to, but not through, the bottoms. (If you’re a klutz like me, you may want to ask someone else to do that part.) Fan wedges slightly, taking care not to break; set berries aside.

Beat together until light and fluffy:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Gently fold in:

2 tablespoons semisweet or milk chocolate, grated

(I’m partial to the milk chocolate and use a ‘heavy’ hand)

Fill the strawberries using a teaspoon or decorating bag with decorative tip if you’re proficient. Sprinkle them with a little more grated chocolate, if desired. (Okay, I desire and sprinkle with a lot more grated chocolate.)

~~~

If you’ve read either book, then you know the dessert is best when shared with a hunky cowboy…I mean, your significant other. 😉 Although, unfortunately, poor Kade and Brandi missed out twice. Maybe they’ll finally get their just desserts in Book 4 (HER FOREVER COWBOY) due out this April. 🙂

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Donna will give away a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this book!! Thanks, Donna, for sharing your upcoming release and scrumptious recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Oriental Steak

January 3, 2014 Karen Docter Leave a comment

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 ORIENTAL STEAK!

With the holidays behind us, I know I’m ready for a hearty beef dish. This steak is savory and comforting in cold weather.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 124 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.

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

ORIENTAL STEAK
[Serves 8]

2 lb. round steak, cut in strips
4 T. butter
2 cans cream of mushroom/or celery soup
½ cup water
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tsp. garlic salt
¼ tsp. pepper
2 cups sliced celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups green peppers
3 cups instant rice
2 T. slivered almonds
18 whole almonds
6 sprigs parsley

Brown steak in butter quickly. Add water, soup, garlic salt, pepper and soy sauce. Bring to boil and simmer until tender, 10-15 minutes. Add celery, chopped onion, green pepper and cook about 5-10 minutes. Prepare rice and arrange on serving dish. Pour steak mixture over rice and garnish with almonds and parsley. Put slivered almonds over the steak mixture and arrange the whole almonds a few inches apart on the outside ring of rice. Arrange parsley on dish outside the ring of rice. Cooking time-1 hour.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Turtle Cheesecake Bars

December 27, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

Christmas may be behind us but there are still reasons to celebrate the holidays with New Year’s parties to enjoy. This recipe is great for parties, easy to pull together, and yummy! Who can resist the unique flavor of Turtles and cheesecake? It’s up to you whether you call it a cookie, a bar, or a pie!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 123 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.

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

TURTLE CHEESECAKE BARS

[Makes 1 dozen bars]

1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup pecan pieces
1 frozen regular piecrust
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
¼ cup sugar

In small bowl, combine caramel topping, chocolate chips and pecans. Spread in bottom of frozen crust. In small bowl, beat together cream cheese, egg and sugar until smooth. Gently spread over caramel mixture. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven on preheated baking sheet 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate

December 20, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

With the arrival of winter, many of us began making hot chocolate to warm our spirits and bodies. Now that Christmas is right around the corner I know I’m ready to explore new variations of this heartwarming drink. This recipe fills both needs! Yummy. Warm. Special. Impress your tastebuds with this fun version of hot chocolate!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 122 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.

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

FROZEN CARAMEL HOT CHOCOLATE [Serves 6-8]

8 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
½ cup sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups whole milk
½ cup caramel sauce, warmed
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp. powdered sugar
4 cups ice cubes

In small saucepan, combine chocolate, sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk in 1 cup milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, whisk in remaining 1 cup of milk and refrigerate for 1 hour. Pour warm caramel sauce into a squeeze bottle and drizzle about half in the mugs or goblets so that it sticks to the sides. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until it forms soft peaks. Using a blender, process the ice and chilled chocolate mixture until smooth. Pour into the glasses. Top with whipped cream and the remaining caramel sauce. Serve with straws and spoons.

Karen's Killer BOOK BENCH

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Christmas Shift & Shifting Dreams by JM Kline

December 18, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

THE CHRISTMAS SHIFT by JM KLINE

A Shadow Hills Shifter Story

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?

(Short Story)

~~~~~

A Note from JM Kline about The Christmas Shift….

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! Today is the LAST DAY you can get The Christmas Shift for free on Kindle, so head over there right now and download it! It’s about a girl on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, which happens to fall on Christmas Eve. As anyone with a December birthday will admit, holiday birthdays tend to be pretty awful. Unfortunately for Holly Barry, it’s even WORSE for her, because she’s about to have her life changed forever. She’s about to shift into an animal, and she has no idea what she’s going to be! Here’s a small excerpt of The Christmas Shift….

THE CHRISTMAS SHIFT by JM KLINE

EXCERPT

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.

SHIFTING DREAMS by JM KLINE

A Shadow Hills Shifter Story

Book Blurb

THE TOWN OF SHADOW HILLS HAS SECRETS….

Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains lays the town of Shadow Hills. Driving through, you would never suspect the town’s inhabitants are anything but normal.

SECRETS THAT CAN BE SCARY….

Tessa Brooks has lived all her life in Shadow Hills. She’s always thought she was just another ordinary girl. She is wrong.

When her parents reveal the town’s Big Secret the day before she’s supposed to start high school, she thinks it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to her…and that’s when things get even weirder.

SECRETS THAT CAN CHANGE LIVES FOREVER….

Tessa tries to balance high school, family, friends, a new maybe-sort-of-boyfriend with new powers and responsibilities she’s not ready to embrace. Her life as she knows it has ended, and a new one is beginning. Whether she’s ready or not.

SHIFTING DREAMS by JM KLINE

A Shadow Hills Shifter Story

A Note from JM Kline about Shifting Dreams….

As a birthday bash bonus, the first book in the Shadow Hills Shifters series is on sale! Get it for just $1.99 today, December 18th! The price goes up to $2.99 tomorrow, before returning to its original list price of $3.99.

Shifting Dreams is a story about Tessa Brooks, who just found out that she was born into a family of shape-shifters. They tell her she’ll shift into an animal on her seventeenth birthday, but she has no idea what she’ll turn into! Of course, as it happens, things don’t go quite as planned. Here is a short excerpt. Enjoy!

SHIFTING DREAMS by JM KLINE

A Shadow Hills Shifter Story

EXCERPT

Everyone left for school and work. Then I got myself ready and walked to the forest on the edge of town. Vin told us we shouldn’t be there, but I had this feeling I couldn’t shake.

I found the clearing, sat down, and waited. I closed my eyes to relax and hopefully get rid of my headache. I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes, it was hot and the sun was shining directly over me.

Apparently, it was all a waste of time. I stood up and brushed the pine needles off my pants. I walked back to the path, watching the ground for giant roots. I knew those suckers were just waiting to trip the unsuspecting and the clumsy. I’d just jumped over one particularly mangy-looking shrub when I noticed there was someone standing on the path.

At first, all I saw were his shoes – big, black zombie-stomping boots. His long legs were covered in dark jeans, which covered a butt that was to-die-for. He wasn’t big and built, but his arms gave me the idea that he worked out in some way. His hair was blond and scruffy and long, just like I liked it.

I must have made some noise just then, because he turned around to see me. I caught the square jaw and yummy lips before I looked up and saw his eyes. They were ringed with emerald and the bright green starburst was flecked with gold.

I knew those eyes. This was my wolf.

I suddenly didn’t know what I was doing there. What if Vin was right and this guy hurt me for coming back into his territory?

I took a step back and he smiled. Ohmygosh. He’s going to kill me and he was going to enjoy it. What was I thinking?

“Hey, I remember you.” He took a step toward me.

Could he smell my fear? Oh, I hoped he couldn’t. I could only stand there and hope he had some other trait. Maybe he could talk to bugs or….oh, why did I have to come here today?

JM Kline, Author….

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.

The Shadow Hills Shifters series is a Young Adult Paranormal series about a small town in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Shadow Hills is a small town where a pop quiz could include multiple choice, essays, or a sudden battle with your best friend!

When she isn’t writing, JM spends her time with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two rambunctious dogs.

See more about JM Kline and her books at www.jmkline.net

~~~~

Links to JM’s website, blog, books, etc.

Visit me and sign up to receive blog updates at my website, www.jmkline.net

My holiday short story, The Christmas Shift, is FREE on Kindle through December 19th 2013, so pick it up!
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Shift-Shadow-Hills-Shifters-ebook/dp/B00AN9928Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387208902&sr=8-1&keywords=jm+kline

The first book in my series, Shifting Dreams, is only $3.99 on Kindle.
http://www.amazon.com/Shifting-Dreams-Shadow-Hills-Shifters-ebook/dp/B00DHIR1VS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387208922&sr=8-2&keywords=jm+kline

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: JM will give away one #FREE signed copy of SHIFTING DREAMS to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, JM, for sharing your stories with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Jennifer Zane

December 13, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with JENNIFER ZANE!!

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, JENNIFER ZANE, and her favorite recipe for NO CLEAN-UP CARAMEL!

LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE by JENNIFER ZANE

Book Blurb

Violet Miller is a teacher savoring her summer break until she’s been called in as emergency reinforcements—of the dating kind. She volunteers to help an old flame by pretending to be his girlfriend. In Alaska. At a family reunion. Since the guy is a handsome, lumberjack-sized doctor she’s never quite forgotten, faking a relationship won’t be hard work.

Mike Ostranski is a desperate man on vacation. His mother wants grandchildren and sees a crazy Alaskan woman as a candidate for daughter-in-law. Mike needs Violet by his side to deflect the lady’s advances.

A week in Alaska as boyfriend and girlfriend should be easy for them. They grew up together, even had a brief fling. What could go wrong?

Everything.

Watch for this Romantic Comedy by Jennifer Zane ~ January 16, 2014!!!!

~~~~

About the author, Jennifer Zane….

Jennifer Zane has lived all over the country–from Georgia to Maryland, New York to Colorado, including an exciting five years in Montana. Her time in Big Sky country was the basis for this book. When she’s not writing, she savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She currently lives with her family in Colorado.

I love to hear from readers!

http://www.jenniferzane.com
http://www.facebook.com/jenniferzanewriter
http://www.twitter.com/jenniferzane
Email: jennifer@jenniferzane.com

Join my mailing list on my web site (http://www.jenniferzane.com) and keep current with the latest book updates, events, book signings as well as special giveaways!

Gnome On The Range won two RomCon Readers’ Crown awards- Best First Book and Best Contemporary!

~~~

Links to Jennifer’s website, blog, books, etc.

Liar, Liar, Hearts On Fire Goodreads page with pre-release reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18803814-liar-liar-hearts-on-fire?ac=1

Contact Jennifer Zane:

Website: jennifer@jenniferzane.com

Twitter: @jenniferzane

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferzanewriter

http://www.jenniferzane.com

~~~

Join my mailing list! Want to get a sneak peek of Chapter 1 of Liar, Liar, Hearts On Fire?
Join my mailing list—Go to my website, http://www.jenniferzane.com

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 121 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.

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

NO CLEAN-UP CARAMEL

Ingredients:

At least 1 can of sweetened condensed milk–(as many as you want to fit in your crockpot)
Water

Directions:

Place unopened can(s) of sweetened condensed milk in your crock-pot and cover COMPLETELY with water. Set to low and leave for 8-9 hours. You can flip the cans halfway through, but not required.

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jennifer will give away an advanced e-reader copy of LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this funny novel!! Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your upcoming release with us!

Novel GEM, Specials & Giveaways

Christmas Special ~ Wedding Vows by Karen Docter

December 10, 2013 Karen Docter Leave a comment

Wedding Vows
By Karen Docter

Dashing through the files
Looking for the perfect line
O’er the page we pore
Searching all the time
Words do sometimes bring
A smile, a sigh, a fight
A romance is a tender thing
To make things turn out right

Oh, wedding vows, wedding vows
This is what we say
Oh, what fun it is to love
That one man every day
Wedding vows, wedding vows
This is what we say
Oh, what fun it is to love
That one man every day

Our heroine just can’t see
What the hero has inside
Until we do reveal
The words he tries to hide
He may be buff and fine
A financial wiz at work
If we can’t find our line
He just sounds like a jerk

Oh, wedding vows, wedding vows
This is what we say
Oh, what fun it is to love
That one man every day
Wedding vows, wedding vows
This is what we say
Oh, what fun it is to love
That one man every day

So here we sit all day
Looking for the perfect line
That reveals a man’s true heart
A woman can’t decline
She’ll see the man beyond
The words he cannot say
We work to make their love
Turn out in just that way

Oh, wedding vows, wedding vows
This is what we say
Oh, what fun it is to love
That one man every day
Wedding vows, wedding vows
This is what we say
Oh, what fun it is to love
That one man every day, yeah!

[[Inspired by Jingle Bells carol written by James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) in 1850.]]

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Cajun Bourbon Chicken

December 6, 2013 Karen Docter 2 Comments

Looking for a new way to prepare the old chicken standby? Like the Cajun flavors, a bit of spice, and loads of flavor? This might be the chicken for you! The thing I like about this recipe is that you can throw the meat into the marinade in the morning and it will be perfectly spiced for a quick BBQ grilling when you come home from a long day. Make up a salad and dinner is on the table in less than 30 minutes!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 120 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.

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

CAJUN BOURBON CHICKEN [Serves 4-6]

1 cup bourbon
1 cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. paprika
Pinch hot red pepper flakes
1 T. molasses
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 T. freshly grated ginger
1½ tsp. onion powder
1½ tsp. garlic powder
6 each chicken thighs & drumsticks
Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients (except chicken) for marinade (may be processed in a blender). Set aside ½ cup of this marinade in a clean jar (do not use to marinate chicken-this portion will be used for basting the chicken during grilling). Keep refrigerated.

Put marinade into Ziploc bag with chicken pieces and distribute evenly. Marinate chicken for 6-12 hours in refrigerator, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from marinade and drain. Allow to sit at room temperature while grill heats up. Grill over medium high heat (grill open) for 5 minutes, and then close grill and reduce heat; continue cooking over low heat for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is done (juices will run clear when pierced with fork). Baste with fresh marinade every few minutes, turning chicken to cook both sides evenly. Season with salt & pepper, to taste.

NOTE: If you prefer white/breast meat, you may have to make more marinade. If preparing for four people, the marinade is likely to be enough to cover 4-5 chicken breasts. You can always make more marinade by making an additional 1/2 recipe of the marinade ingredients. If your partiality is chicken wings, the marinade will cover more wings. Recommend cutting off the end of the wing you don’t usually eat to stretch the marinade. Of course, BBQing the chicken wings will take less time to cook than its meatier counterparts. This would be a great football treat, both hot and cold, for the wing lovers out there!

Karen's Book Bench