Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Ella Quinn

April 4, 2014 Karen Docter 10 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with ELLA QUINN!

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, ELLA QUINN , and her favorite recipe for TIRAMISU!

DESIRING LADY CARO by ELLA QUINN

Book Blurb

Ella Quinn’s bachelors are clever, charismatic—and determined to remain single. Yet one by one, they find that fate—and certain irresistible women—cast doubt on even the best laid plans…

Haunted by her past, Lady Caroline Martindale fled England for the solace of her godmother’s palazzo in Venice. But if Caro was hoping to escape the charms of marriage-minded men, she’s come to the wrong place. And she’ll resort to extreme measures to spurn the advances of a dangerously determined Venetian marquis…

Though most of his friends have married off, Gervais, Earl of Huntley, remains bent on eluding the parson’s mousetrap. But his convictions begin to falter when he arrives in Venice and meets his match in the alluring Lady Caro. What began as a hastily concocted lie to save her from the marquis may become a chance for them both to relinquish their fear—and embrace what they can no longer deny…

DESIRING LADY CARO by ELLA QUINN

My heroine, Lady Caro, has a weakness for chocolate. Something my hero discovers.

EXCERPT Continue reading Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Ella Quinn →

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Layered Éclair

March 28, 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 LAYERED ÉCLAIR!

Who’s ready for something decadent and yummy? Me! Me! This is such a treat and so easily made. Change up the flavored puddings for variations on this fun dessert.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 136 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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LAYERED ÉCLAIR
[Serves 8]

1 cup milk
1 small box French vanilla instant pudding
1 carton (8 oz.) whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, defrosted if frozen
½ box graham crackers
1 cup milk chocolate frosting, room temp

Mix milk and pudding in medium bowl. Stir in whipped topping and set mixture aside. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in bottom of 8-inch square glass baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of pudding mixture over crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and another layer of pudding mixture. Continued layering until all pudding mixture is used. Top with a final layer of crackers. Spread chocolate frosting over top layer of crackers, spreading all the way to edges. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Pepper Pot Stew

March 21, 2014 Karen Docter 2 Comments

I love a peppery beef stew. This one isn’t made in a crock pot but it’s still tender and delicious!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 135 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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PEPPER POT STEW
[Serves 6-8]

2 lb. lean stewing beef
1 cup sliced carrots
¼ cup flour
1 onion, chopped
2 T. oil
1 lg. potato, diced
3 cups beef stock
½ tsp. black pepper
1 ½ tsp. salt
2 T. parsley, chopped
mushrooms

Cut beef into 1” cubes. Cover with flour and brown in hot oil. Add salt and stock and cook, covered about 2 hours until meat is tender. Add vegetables, pepper, and parsley and cook until vegetables are tender.

Announcement, Novel GEM, Specials & Giveaways

Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter #ARCs Available!

March 18, 2014 Karen Docter 2 Comments

KILLING SECRETS by K.L. DOCTER
(A Thorne’s Thorns Series Novel)

Squeeeee! I’m excited to announce that Killing Secrets, the first of my romantic suspense Thorne’s Thorns series novels is releasing on April 17th!!

But, you can get a Sneak Peek! I will have complimentary copies (PDF) of Killing Secrets available by this weekend for an honest review of the book on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. The book is already up for review at Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5754902.Karen_Docter so please click on Want to Read. Then, you can post your review there before the launch date or wait until launch date and post the review everywhere sometime that week. Posting on release week helps tremendously to get the word out, so thanks for your help!!

To get your complimentary copy of Killing Secrets to review, please send your email address to kldocter@yahoo.com or private message me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karen.docter.

Thank you for your support. I do appreciate my readers!

Short Stats: Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter (copyright 2014)
                    Publisher: Karen Docter
                    Romantic Suspense (Approx. 100,000+ words)
                    Heat Level: Spicy, 1 descriptive love scene (not erotic)
                    Language & Violence: Psychological Woman-in-jeopardy,
                         not graphic, some language

Book Blurb:

Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — his key to the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.

Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.

There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.

Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter
(copyright 2014)
A Thorne’s Thorns Novel
Excerpt

Prologue

Four weeks….
Two days….
Sixteen hours….
…’Til death

The first time he laid eyes on her, he stood on the threshold of a doorway he dare not cross. He fell into her fathomless dark gaze, unable, unwilling to shake his soul free and, in that one moment, he knew.

She was meant for him to love.

Untouched by the sordid life that flourished around her, she was sunlight in a gray existence. A smile in a dingy room. A joy such as he’d never known. She was a gift from a cold, unforgiving God. Forever innocent.

Why God would give him such a precious angel, he didn’t know. But he suddenly knew what he was willing to die for. What he’d kill for.

In that instant of clarity the monster that lurked in the dark recesses of his mind was freed. A creature designed to kill. To live and die. Over and over again. Until his angel ascended once more to her place in Heaven at God’s feet where he couldn’t reach her.

‘Til death parted them, she was his and his alone.

Certain she’d been lost to him, the shock of spotting her again in LoDo, a lower downtown section of Denver, nearly brought him to his knees. His brain tried to tell him he was mistaken. She had more curves than he remembered. Her hairstyle and clothes were different.

The others were different, too.

He shook his head against the monster’s treacherous whisper. He refused to listen. Couldn’t listen. His angel smiled at him. His soul recognized her. Somehow, some way, his fractious God had been appeased and given him yet another chance.

The past seven days were hell. Watching her. Wanting to take her. Knowing he couldn’t screw up and lose her again. Tonight, his preparations in place, she’d return to his side where she belonged.

Breathing slow and measured through the full-face ski mask he’d bought at a thrift store, he sucked in a lungful of musty stench. In this uncommon late-May heat wave, he was sweating bullets but the wool soaked it up before it could sting his eyes. The itching would drive him insane, though, if she didn’t come home from work soon.

The LoDo sports bar where she waited tables closed almost an hour ago. She couldn’t have gone on a date at two o’clock on a Thursday morning, could she?

Three times he’d entered her ground floor apartment after she’d left for work, and he’d seen no sign she was involved with anyone. No jockey shorts mixed with her panties in the hamper. No extra razor. The food in the refrigerator wasn’t enough to feed a cat, let alone her and a boyfriend, and the only scent on her pillows was floral. The sole message from a male on her answering machine had identified himself as a special research librarian from the Denver Public Library reminding her to pick up the copy of “The Warwick Genealogy” she’d requested.

That doesn’t mean she isn’t still involved with him, the almighty scion of Thorne Enterprises. She’s probably crawling into his bed like a whore right this minute, letting him do things to her, making her scream….

Screams.

Blood.

Death.

“No! Stop!” he whispered. “That was a mistake!”

Was it? The insidious question lashed him from the dark place in his pounding skull.

He rejected the smirking voice, the vivid images. Think of something else. Anything else. Forgetforgetfor—

A car alarm screamed at an outlying parking lot and dragged him out of his fugue. His eyes cleared. The pain behind them eased to a level he’d learned to carry over the years. He took a deep breath to smother his panic.

Soon, he would kill the nightmares forever. Patrick Thorne would die and the secrets with him. But the contractor hadn’t been punished enough yet. Before he finished, he’d ruin Thorne’s reputation, his livelihood, and destroy everything he loved most in the world.

Just as Thorne destroyed our lives. The man must die! Now!

Restless to escape its bonds the monster thrust knife-hot pain into his brain, but he wrestled it back into the shadows and locked it down. Retribution was almost at hand, but not tonight. This night was about her.

Where was she?

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Sabrina Sims McAfee

March 14, 2014 Karen Docter Leave a comment

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SABRINA SIMS McAFEE!

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, SABRINA SIMS McAFEE , and her favorite recipe for SABRINA’S SEAFOOD SALAD!

TIME TO DIE by SABRINA SIMS McAFEE

Book Blurb

Tick Tock! The Killing Begins

A vicious serial killer is murdering wealthy elite men in the thriving city of Miami, when suddenly, the deranged killer sets his eye on his first female victim—SERGEANT GINGER McCORMICK.

Being on Probation Sucks

Internal Affairs of Miami Police Department (MPD) is monitoring GINGER’s every move, causing her to have many sleepless nights. Just when she feels she’ll never get the promotion she’s worked so hard for, she receives a chilling phone call. The Chief regretfully tells her a prominent business tycoon has been found hung in his million dollar estate and she’s assigned to the high profile case.

Turn Up the Heat

Retired Army Officer GRAYLIN GRAINGER returns home after battling in a disastrous war. Haunted by his mother’s death, he’s eager to open his own private investigation firm to assist him with capturing her killer. But his focus changes when he finds his uncle murdered in his home, and he becomes the prime suspect.

The Plot Thickens

As Ginger races against time to find the killer she finds herself in a whirlwind affair with Graylin, the only man she’s ever loved. Problem is—evidence suggest he’s the killer!

An Interview with Sergeant, Ginger McCormick:

Hi. My name is Ginger. If you have a little time, I’d like to tell you a little about myself. Okay, so I’ve already said my name is Ginger, but my close friends and cop buddies call me Storm. My ex-partner, Homicide Detective, Skitch, gave me the nickname Storm after I caught a ruthless killer during a hellified rainstorm in Miami, FL. That was one of the happiest days of my life. But… Continue reading Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Sabrina Sims McAfee →

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Deb Julienne

March 7, 2014 Karen Docter 4 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with DEB JULIENNE!

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, DEB JULIENNE, and her favorite recipe for SEX IN A PAN!

SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES by DEB JULIENNE

Book Blurb

Sex, lies, and beauty aids finally earn the girl next door a little respect.

Sabrina Thompson, editor of Skin Deep Magazine’s successful Natural Beauty Secrets column, is handed the challenge of her life. Take over the Love and Sex column or lose her job. What does a twenty-four year old virgin know about love or sex when she’s never been on a third date? To complicate matters, there’s a new guy at the helm. Her only crush’s clone is issuing orders. While his pompous and ambitious twin dries out, playboy and ne’er-do-well Trent Wellington must assume his identity and save his family’s flailing magazine. The bright spot amid staff cuts and content restructuring is the plucky editor he once made a fool of himself in front of at a family gathering. Fooling everyone isn’t easy, especially when Sabrina inspires his true self to be more than he ever has.

Years of hearing she’s too nice to date have left Sabrina’s frustration simmering. It boils over when she discovers Trent’s deceit and she vows to make him pay. Getting even has never been so much fun.

CONTENT WARNING: mature language, sexual situations

A Lyrical Press/Kensington Books Contemporary Romance

ISBN-13: 978-1-61650-516-5

SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES by DEB JULIENNE
Twisted Sisters Series: Book One

EXCERPT Continue reading Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Deb Julienne →

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Vicki Essex

February 28, 2014 Karen Docter 4 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with VICKI ESSEX!

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, VICKI ESSEX, and her favorite recipe for DOUBLE CHOCOLATEY-CHIP COOKIES!

IN HER CORNER by VICKI ESSEX

Book Blurb

More than just a sparring partner…

Bella Fiore has a lot to prove. For three generations her family has dominated the world of mixed martial arts—a tradition Bella dreams of carrying on. Her family, on the other hand, doesn’t agree. Without their support, she’s relying on the coaching of medal-winning Kyle Peters.

Training with Kyle is not what Bella expects. They’re constantly butting heads. And with the body of a Greek Adonis, Kyle’s mat technique isn’t her only focus. Not that this attraction can go any further. She has a title to win! Yet when Kyle proves Bella can always rely on him, a championship may not be the only thing worth fighting for….

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IN HER CORNER by VICKI ESSEX

EXCERPT Continue reading Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Vicki Essex →

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

February 14, 2014 Karen Docter 5 Comments

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

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 FASANO, and her favorite recipe for NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S OATMEAL COOKIES!

RECLAIM MY HEART by DONNA FASANO

Book Blurb

USA Today Bestseller

Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law, and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined.

Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn’t rip them apart.

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RECLAIM MY HEART by DONNA FASANO

EXCERPT

http://donnafasano.blogspot.com/p/reclaim-my-heart-excerpt.html

About the author, Donna Fasano….

Born in Elkton, Maryland, Donna Fasano met her knight in shining armor—a logical scientist type—when she was still a teen. They married, raised two children, and currently live in Northern Delaware with their wild-dingo-of-a-dog, Roo. Donna loves to read and has an eclectic taste when it comes to fiction. She collects cookbooks and loves to use them. She hikes, bikes, and kayaks (physical activity is necessary due to her love affair with food). Donna has been writing romance novels and women’s fiction since 1989. Her books have sold nearly four million copies worldwide, and she is pleased to be able to say she’s a USA Today bestselling author.

~~~

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

Donna Fasano loves to hear from readers.

Contact her through her website.

Visit her on Facebook.

Her latest release – Reclaim My Heart – recently made it to #5 on the Kindle Top 100 List.

http://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-My-Heart-Donna-Fasano-ebook/dp/B00FAH87JO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390683341&sr=8-1&keywords=reclaim+my+heart+by+donna+fasano

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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 130 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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NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S OATMEAL COOKIES
[Makes 4 dozen cookies}

I don’t know where in the world you live, but here on the east coast of the US we are frozen—right smack in the middle of winter. There is one delectable treat I always make when cold weather hits. You got it. Oatmeal cookies. Sweet, chewy rounds of goodness that go perfectly with hot tea or steaming apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. Mmmm! However, these cookies aren’t like any your grandmother made—not unless she was privy to my secret ingredient, that is.

What’s the secret ingredient? Shredded coconut. That’s what makes these mouth-watering morsels of oaty goodness so moist and delicious.

So heat up the oven, pull out your best mixing bowl, and let’s bake up a batch of cookies.

RAISIN OAT COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups raisins
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350º. Cream the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Stir in raisins, oats, and coconut. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a light greased baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes (or until golden around the edges). Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Donna will give away one copy of RECLAIM MY HEART to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this novel!! Thanks, Donna, for sharing your release and your fabulous cookie recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Mary Strand

February 7, 2014 Karen Docter 6 Comments

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with MARY STRAND!!

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, MARY STRAND, and her favorite recipe for MOM’S COFFEE CAKE!

COOPER’S FOLLY by MARY STRAND

Book Blurb

He took a dare. She took a chance.

Burned-out lawyer Cooper Meredith decides success isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Trading his ties for T-shirts, he chucks it all and becomes nanny to a wild pair of four-year-olds … and the four-year-olds win every time. The kids’ mom, Molly Perrell, a stressed-to-the-max retail exec, just wants someone she can count on. It doesn’t appear to be Cooper, who turns out to be the world’s worst nanny. Their clashes, and their undeniable attraction, turn Cooper’s summer folly into the chance of a lifetime.

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COOPER’S FOLLY
By Mary Strand

EXCERPT

Molly reviewed her options one last time. Unfortunately, she had just one. This man. This—okay—tall, very attractive, very blond, very tempting man. The guy had the most beautiful blue eyes, with flecks of gold, reminding her of the sky on a hazy August day at the lake. Hips slim enough to slide her arms around. The hint of contoured muscles under his shirt that gave him an indefinable sense of power. Of strength. The type of man her next-door neighbor, Brooke, would eat for lunch. And dinner, and most definitely breakfast.

Molly had neither the time nor the tolerance for casual or even not-so-casual flings, but she appreciated a gorgeous man when she saw one. She wasn’t dead yet. Cooper Meredith was clearly not dead yet, either. What had Emma said? Oh, yeah—cute. Very cute. More Saturday-night-date material than nanny material, but maybe she could make this work until she got home from New York. With a little help from her sister-in-law and a little luck.

She drew in a long breath and slowly let it out. Paused. Made her decision. “If, and I mean if, your references check out, you’ve gotten yourself a temporary job. I’ll just have to pray nothing goes wrong.”

After she described the hours, salary, and benefits, which she knew were standard, he replied with just a slight tilt of his eyebrows. Silence. Molly tried to wait him out but couldn’t stand the suspense. She needed him. She steeled herself for the inevitable refusal but asked anyway.

“Well, Mr. Meredith? What’s your answer?”

“Ms. Perrell, it’s a resounding yes.”

About the author, Mary Strand….

Mary Strand practiced corporate law in a large Minneapolis law firm for 16 years until the day she set aside her pointy-toed shoes (or most of them!) and escaped the land of mergers and acquisitions to write novels. Her first novel, Cooper’s Folly, won Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. Cooper’s Folly, published by Bell Bridge Books, is her debut novel. Mary lives on a lake in Minneapolis with her husband, two cute kidlets, and a stuffed monkey named Philip. When not writing, she loves traveling, live music, and playing sports with reckless abandon and a high probability of injury.

~~~

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

COOPER’S FOLLY is available now at Amazon:

http://amzn.com/B00I3OAFZ0

Join her mailing list on her website: www.marystrand.com and keep current with the latest book updates, events, book signings, and other news.

Mary’s Links:

Website: www.marystrand.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mary_Strand

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 129 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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Mary shares…When Karen asked me to stop in here and share a favorite recipe, my first thought was: But I don’t cook!! (When I mentioned it to my husband, that was also his first thought, accompanied by hysterical laughter.) My mom didn’t cook if she could help it, either, but she made a few things that were major winners. (If you could overlook her hamburgers, which we referred to as hockey pucks.) Her coffee cake was definitely a winner: the ultimate in yummy comfort food.

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MOM’S COFFEE CAKE

Coffee cake ingredients:

1/2 c. shortening (Crisco, etc.)

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. milk.

Topping ingredients;

1 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 T. flour

2 T. butter

Grease bottom and sides of 9 x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Separately mix coffee cake and topping ingredients in bowls. Spread half of coffee cake batter in pan, then sprinkle half of topping evenly across that. Repeat, spreading remaining half of batter followed by remaining half of topping. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with toothpick.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Mary will give away an ebook copy of COOPER’S FOLLY to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this fun debut novel!! Thanks, Mary, for sharing your upcoming release with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Author Special with Java Davis

January 31, 2014 Karen Docter Leave a comment

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with JAVA DAVIS!!

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, JAVA DAVIS, and her favorite recipe for VEGETABLE & FETA LATKES (Jewish Pancakes)!

COMMUNE by JAVA DAVIS
****RELEASE DAY****

Book Blurb

Written by popular self-published author Java Davis, COMMUNE is the story of an apple commune and the disparate group of wanderers who end up there. The commune becomes a microcosm of conflicts: dedicated vs. slacking, honest vs. traitorous, hopeful vs. cynical, and most importantly, connected vs. disconnected. Is one woman’s vision enough to carry the apple farm to a comfortable prosperity?

The diverse cast of characters includes Momo, the founder of the commune and legal owner; Maia, a former business school roommate, who has something to hide; Linda, another college roommate, who thinks a commune would be a fun vacation; Bobby and Baz, fraternal twins who have a differing view of farming; Dan, the supplies delivery man, who loves the parade of women who come and go at the commune; Dulcie, a bitter, displaced chef; Kick, a self-styled Buddhist; and many others.

The future of the commune often hangs by a thread. Who can Momo count on for help when the going gets rough?

COMMUNE by JAVA DAVIS

Excerpt

Just before graduation from business school, Momo bought a lottery ticket. A winning ticket. A big winning ticket. She skipped the graduation ceremony in favor of visiting an apple farm in Michigan, hearing about it from one of her old Kalamazoo College connections. But Momo didn’t just see an apple farm. She envisioned, dreamed, an apple commune. Workers could move in for room and board and they would all make the apple commune a great success. On a flat plot of land near the barn, her mind’s eye could picture a new processing building, up to code and with the latest and greatest available machinery.

Momo bought the farm.

Momo raced back to Pennsylvania to gather up her things and catch Maia before she left town.

“I bought the apple farm,” she told Maia. Maia’s mouth dropped open.

“What?!” she asked in surprise.

“I’m going to turn it into an apple commune. You’re welcome to come. Free room and board, just work the land with me.”

Maia shook her head.

“You’re crazy. You’ll be destitute in a month.”

Momo was crushed but pretended to be unconcerned.

“Fine. Don’t come. Let me know when you’ve made your first million. I’ll be eating an apple.”

“Fine.”

“FINE!”

About the author, Java Davis….

BA in English, Masters work in Linguistics and Literary Research. Over ten years as a freelance typesetter doing type design, editing, marketing and PR. Currently retired/disabled, carving out a writing career by the seat of my pants, riding my La-Z-Boy recliner.

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

Website: http://www.theroadtripwriter.com

Commune ASIN: B00HYNUD12

bitly: http://amzn.to/1f8CJ4M

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Commune-Java-Davis-ebook/dp/B00HYNUD12/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390309114&sr=1-2&keywords=Commune

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 128 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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VEGETABLE & FETA LATKES
Jewish PancakesFrom Java’s Kitchen
[Serves 6 as a side dish or 3 generously as a vegetarian dinner]

2-1/2 cups grated zucchini

1 cup peeled and shredded potatoes

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 tsp. salt

3 eggs, lightly beaten

salt to taste

pepper to taste

3/4 cup matzoh meal (or flour)

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Place the zucchini, potato and carrots in a colander, place paper towels or a cheesecloth or an old dish towel saved for this purpose over the top and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Sprinkle salt over the vegetables and let them drain for 15 mins. Squeeze vegetables again.

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, vegetables, salt and pepper. Mix well. Stir in matzoh meal or flour, parsley and feta.

Spray 3 baking sheets with non-stick spray. Using a large biscuit scoop, scoop even amounts of mixture until used up. You can place them close together, but not touching each other. With the back of the scoop, push down on each latke to flatten slightly for more even baking. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 8 mins. on one side; turn and bake 6 mins. on the other side.

Serve hot with a side of sour cream or apple sauce.

NOTE: Feel free to get creative, or make the proportions of the vegetables different. This is an easy recipe to adapt. It’s also extremely diabetic-friendly!

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Java will give a #FREE copy of COMMUNE to any reader who sends a photo of having made the recipe (must look like a home photo!) to her email at javadavis@live.com. Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Java, for sharing your book and recipe with us!

Karen's Book Bench