Tag Archives: **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Alexa Grace

1 Comment

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, ALEXA GRACE, and her favorite recipe for Alexa’s Pumpkin Bars!

BOOK PEEK ~ Deadly Offerings

Passion with a generous dose of suspense makes DEADLY OFFERINGS a must read at 99¢.

Anne Mason thinks she’ll be safe living in the Midwest building a wind farm. She may be dead wrong. Someone is dumping bodies in her corn field and telling Anne they are gifts—for her!

As the body count rises, Anne realizes a cold-blooded serial killer is patiently waiting and watching her every move. And he won’t stop until he ends her life. It is clear there are no limits to this killer’s thirst for revenge or how far he will go to get it.

Michael Brandt, the ruggedly handsome new County Prosecutor, is the last person Anne can trust, but may offer her only chance at survival from a psychopathic killer. But will she survive the passion that rages between them?

~~~~

Deadly Offerings by Alexa Grace

EXCERPT

Anne peered into her refrigerator.  Not a piece of junk food in sight. She opened the freezer.  How could she be out of ice cream at a time like this?

She had to get out of the house.  Tonight bad memories hung over her like a thundercloud.   She relived the humiliating divorce hearing over and over, becoming angrier each time.

She tried to sleep.  No success.  She got out of bed and pulled on a pair of jean shorts, a black glittery Lady Gaga tank top and her Reeboks.  She’d go for a drive to clear her head.  It was close to midnight but with any luck, she’d find someplace open to stock up on junk food.

She backed her SUV out of the garage, shoved the gear to drive and moved down the street, windows down, the breeze whipping her ponytail about her face.  She drove down Route 40 until she reached a section of fast food restaurants, bars and a mini-mart.  The mini-mart didn’t look busy so she parked in front.

She grabbed a shopping basket and strode down an aisle of the store picking up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger candy bars, tortilla chips, a jar of salsa, and a quart of soda as she went.  She moved to the refrigerator case and eyed the selection of ice cream.  She pulled out a couple of cartons of Ben & Jerry’s Red Velvet Cake then headed to the teenaged cashier whose eyes were plastered on her long legs.

She paid for the items, whirled around and slammed into the hard chest of a tall man entering the store.  Her items tumbled from the bag.  The salsa jar rolled across the store as did the bottle of soda.  The man uttered “sorry” as he bent to help her pick up the items.  He picked up the salsa and put it in her bag.  He moved down the aisle to get the soda that had rolled under a freezer then turned toward her. In a black leather jacket and snug faded jeans, he was one of those men that radiated testosterone.  And wasn’t it just her luck, or lack of, that Michael Brandt, her jerk ex-husband’s attorney was heading toward her holding her soda, sending her a dazzling smile that sent her stupid heart racing.  She yanked the soda bottle out of his hand, thanked him and resisted the childish urge to kick him in the shin. Instead, she rushed out of the store.

She opened the back of the car to place the groceries inside.  She pulled a Butterfinger bar out of one of the bags and got into the front seat.  As she opened the candy bar, she glanced at Michael Brandt, still inside the store, who was now staring at her with an odd expression on his face, hands on his hips.

She heard movement in the back seat then felt something hard slam against her face.  The candy bar flew out of her hand and landed on the floorboard.

“Drive.”

She looked in the rearview mirror and gasped; a sliver of panic cut through her.  A man in a black ski mask was slammed against her seat thrusting a gun in her face.

~~~~

About the author, Alexa Grace….

Even as a child, Alexa Grace knew she would write books. After an exciting career in Training & Development, her focus is on writing page-turning romantic suspense novels.

She currently lives in Florida with her daughter and is a member of Romance Writers of America as well as the Florida Chapter. Alexa is an avid reader of romantic suspense novels.  Her writing support team includes five miniature schnauzers, three of which are rescues. She has two degrees from Indiana State University.  As a writer, she is fueled by Starbucks lattes and chocolate.

Her first book Deadly Offerings is the first of her Deadly Trilogy.  Alexa’s next book Deadly Deception will be available in June 2012.

Connect with Alexa….

Deadly Offerings by Alexa Grace available at:

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 37 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.

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

ALEXA’S PUMPKIN BARS

 

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups pumpkin
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)  (Raisins are also great.)

Mix all ingredients together and bake in 9 x13 pan for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Icing:

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 (8oz) cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Icing:  Beat cream cheese and margarine. Add vanilla. Blend in powdered sugar until smooth.

~~~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Alexa will give away one ebook  copy of DEADLY OFFERINGS to the first five lucky visitors who send her a message on the “Contact Alexa” Page.  Include KAREN’S KILLER FIXIN’S in the message!

Thanks, Alexa, for sharing your story and recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Marilyn Levinson

15 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, MARILYN LEVINSON, and her favorite recipe for Honeyed Carrots!

BOOK PEEK ~ Giving Up The Ghost

Gabbie Meyerson moves to the sleepy town of Chrissom Harbor, Long Island, to teach English at the local high school. She settles into her rental cottage above the Long Island Sound and discovers she has a housemate–the ghost of Cameron Leeds, who used to live in the cottage. Cam insists his death was no accident, and implores Gabbie to find out who murdered him eight months ago. After she recovers from her initial shock, Gabbie agrees to investigate. She soon discovers many people had reason to want Cam dead.

~~~~

Giving Up The Ghost by Marilyn Levinson

My new mystery, GIVING UP THE GHOST, is out in e-book format. Gabbie Meyerson moves to Chrissom Harbor, a village on Long Island, to teach English at the local high school. She discovers she’s sharing her cottage with the ghost of Cameron Leeds, the previous owner. Cam, the town’s former bad-boy, romeo, and wheeler-dealer, wants Gabbie to prove his death was no accident. Trouble is, Cam has no idea who killed him. Gabbie sets out to find his murderer. She talks to his former friends and lover and learns, to her dismay, that any one of several people might have done him in.

Aside from being a whodunit, several themes course through the novel. Gabbie is embarking on a new life. She’s recently been divorced, after having helped put her ex-husband in prison for criminal misdeeds. She’s now too poor to own a cell phone, and is nervous about teaching teenagers again for the first time in years. Her students are reading THE GREAT GATSBY. Through class discussions and assignments, Gabbie encourages them to understand the novel’s universal themes and their relevancy to their own lives. She also has to deal with two bullies who torment one of her students.

Busy as she is, Gabbie finds herself drawn to the local lawman, who was Cam’s best friend. Her first hurdle is to get Darren to reopen the case. A child disappears, someone else is murdered, and Gabbie’s life in put in danger.

 

  About the author, Marilyn Levinson….

Marilyn Levinson is a former Spanish teacher who writes mysteries and novels for kids. Her debut mystery novel, A MURDERER AMONG US, was awarded a Best Indie of 2011 by Suspense Magazine. She lives on Long Island with her husband, Bernie, and their cat, Sammy.

Connect with Marilyn….

Mysteries and children’s books by Marilyn Levinson available at:

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 36 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.

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

HONEYED CARROTS

This is a recipe I made up.  It’s easy and there are no measurements. The carrots are yummy, and I’ve never had any leftovers.

Wash, peel and cut up carrots. Or use baby carrots. Heat in microwave until they’re cooked but still firm. In a frying pan, melt a few tablespoons of butter. Dry carrot pieces and saute in butter over low to medium heat. Add honey (I’d say a few Ts), a pinch of salt, onion powder, dried parsley, and continue stirring. If adding fresh parsley, do this a minute before removing from heat. You can add pistachios or sauteed mushrooms if you like.

~~~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Marilyn will give away one eBook or PDF copy of GIVING UP THE GHOST to one lucky reader who comments before Sunday, May 13th, at 6 PM!  Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, May 14th!  Thanks, Marilyn, for sharing your story and recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Sally Berneathy

6 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, SALLY BERNEATHY, and her favorite recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies!

BOOK PEEK ~ Death by Chocolate

Lindsay Powell’s only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets. Suddenly Lindsay finds herself battling poisoned chocolate, a dead man who doesn’t seem very dead and a psycho stalker.

Her best friend and co-worker, Paula, dyes her blond hair brown, hides from everybody and insists on always having an emergency exit from any room. Secrets from Paula’s past have come back to put lives in jeopardy.

Determined to help Paula and to save her own life, Lindsay enlists the reluctant aid of another neighbor, Fred, an OCD computer nerd. In spite of his mundane existence, Fred possesses tidbits of knowledge about such things as hidden microphones, guns and the inside of maximum security prisons.

Lindsay needs more than a chocolate fix to survive all this chaos.

~~~~

Death by Chocolate by Sally Berneathy

EXCERPT

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” I asked Paula. “Tell me, damn it! I’m your friend. Let me help you.”

She shook her head, chewed her thumbnail and looked across the room.

“Did your husband beat you?”

The crude question got her attention. Her head spun toward me so fast, I was afraid it would keep on going and we’d find ourselves in the middle of a scene from The Exorcist. Two pink spots stood out like clown makeup on her cheeks.

“Please don’t do this, Lindsay,” she said.

“Well, that answers that question! Since I already know he put that scar on your face and that you’re hiding from him, you might as well tell me the rest.”

Again she confirmed my speculation by failing to deny it. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am that you gave me a job and a place to live. You saved my life and Zach’s. You’ve always been there for me, and I’ll always be there for you. I’ll do anything you ask me to do, except tell you about my past.”

“Well, we’ve made some progress. This is the first time you’ve admitted you have a past and didn’t spring fully grown, from the front seat of that rolling wreck you used to drive.”

Paula bit her lip as if she regretted saying that much. Her blue-gray eyes clouded, and I realized the subject was closed.

I pushed myself up from the sofa. “I guess I’ll go see what I can do to get Rick out of the house with minimal damage to what’s left of my emotions.” I leaned over to Zach. “Give Aunt Lindsay a hug.” He reached up and hugged my neck then planted a kiss on my cheek. A bonus.

“I want you to know I’m not mad at you,” I told Paula, “just because you’re supposed to be my friend but you won’t even tell me the intimate details of your sex life.”

She relaxed enough to smile.

I ruffled Zach’s hair then crossed the room and unlocked the door. I turned back to say goodbye and wasn’t surprised that Paula had followed me. She’d have that door locked again before I was across the porch. “Time to touch up those blond roots,” I said, just to let her know I’d noticed. “And those blond brows and lashes are a dead giveaway.”

Paula blanched, losing what little color she’d regained. “Do you think they noticed?” The question came out in a desperate whisper, and I immediately regretted adding to her fear.

“I don’t know. Men can be pretty unobservant about stuff like that.” But I didn’t for one minute believe Trent had failed to notice. “Any time you need help, you know where I live,” I said.

Paula nodded, that jerky motion again, and twisted her lips in an imitation smile. “Thanks.”

I left her house feeling like a jerk for the blond roots remark and like I ought to do something to help her, but clueless what that something might be.

I wasn’t even sure I could help myself. I took my time going back toward my house. I wasn’t in any hurry to face the task of dealing with the man that one part of me wanted gone from my life and the other part wanted back. In a different way, I was every bit as terrified of him as Paula was of the abusive man, I was now positive, she’d known in her past.

I slapped the fender of Rick’s SUV as I went past, deliberately leaving fingerprints. He hated that.

I stepped up onto my porch and saw another problem. The cat was still there, lying on my door mat, draped over Taz, creating a perfect border for the Go Away! part. Obviously he couldn’t read.

But then, neither could Rick who had stood on that same mat last night and paid just as much attention to the message as the cat did.

“Go home,” I ordered.

He stood up and stretched, arching his back.

I picked up the newspaper, opened the door, and he darted inside.

Yes, it was pretty obvious this cat was a male. He ignored me just like Rick did.

“What’s that cat doing here?” Rick demanded as the feline leapt gracefully onto my faded rose-colored recliner. He was a big cat, completely filling the seat and draping his head and front paws over one arm of the chair. He looked up with those killer blue eyes and gave a contented meow before settling down, completely at home.

Rick sprawled on my sofa, making himself as much at home as the cat. I’d been gone long enough for him to shower, blow dry his hair with my dryer, shave with my razor, and slip back into his khaki Docker slacks, Italian loafers and white Polo shirt that enhanced his tan. To top it all off, he was drinking from my favorite mug, the one that said “Life is uncertain. Eat chocolate now.”

“Go home,” I repeated.

“Yeah, cat, go home.”

“I was talking to you. This is—” I looked at the regal creature in my chair— “this is King Henry, my new cat. He’s staying and you’re going.”

 

  About the author, Sally Berneathy….

I grew up in pre-television days in a small rural town in Oklahoma. Our favorite entertainment on summer evenings was to sit outside under the stars and tell stories. When I went to bed at night, instead of a lullaby, I got a story. That could be due to the fact that everybody in my family had the singing voice of a bullfrog with a cold, but they sure could tell stories—ghost stories, funny stories, happy stories, scary stories.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a storyteller. Thank goodness for computers so I can write down my stories. It’s hard to make listeners sit still for the length of a book! Like my family’s tales, my stories are funny, scary, dramatic, romantic, paranormal, magic.

I have sold fifteen romance novels ranging from comedy to dark suspense. For these novels, I won several awards including National Readers’ Choice, Romantic Times Best Silhouette Romance and two Rita finalist slots.

“Death by Chocolate,” available as an e-book, is a cozy mystery with lots of humor and chocolate. My heroine, Lindsay, is a chocoholic who just wants to enjoy her brownies in peace and quiet, but her neighbor’s secrets put her life in danger. I’ve included some of Lindsay’s favorite recipes at the end of the book.

Connect with Sally….

Death by Chocolate by Sally Berneathy is available at:

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 35 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.

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

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

 

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 T. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
dash of salt (bigger dash if you use unsalted butter)
1-1/2 cups flour
(optional) 1/4 cup finely ground nuts or nut meal (I love hazelnut or walnut)
1/4 cup oat flour (can be purchased or made in blender using oats)
10 (or more) oz. chocolate chips (I like to combine semi-sweet, dark and white)
1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans (or other nuts)

 

Cream butter with sugar. Add egg and vanilla and stir determinedly until well mixed. Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Dough should be very stiff and just a tiny bit sticky. Add more flour (wheat, oat or nut) or butter if necessary to achieve this state.

Form dough into balls and lay on cookie sheet. Bake at 375º for 8-10 minutes (depending on the size of the spoon and how crisp a cookie is desired).

Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies, depending on how big that spoon was and how many samples were tested before baking.

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As an extra special treat, Sally will give away a copy of DEATH BY CHOCOLATE  to one lucky reader who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog post!  Multiple comments only count as one entry. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, May 7th.  Good luck!  Thanks, Sally, for sharing your recipe and story with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Cher’ley Grogg

2 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, CHER’LEY GROGG, and her favorite recipe for Linda’s World Famous Chicken Enchiladas!

BOOK PEEK ~ Stamp Out Murder

An amateur stamp collector and antique enthusiast, James Freeman, takes a vacation from his Washington DC accounting firm to acquire an exquisite French Armoire that he located on the internet. With his Mapquest print-out in hand, he leaves the comforts of the city and heads into the mountains of West Virginia.

He travels to the village of Wanton, where he ventures down the wrong road, and becomes the prime suspect in the drowning of Sam Austin. The locals believe The Cheat River Ghosts are responsible for this murder and the cold case murders from the past. Nevertheless, the Sheriff, who doesn’t believe in ghosts, is convinced that James came to his town for more than a piece of furniture.

The Cheat River has claimed one life from the McKeel clan for the last three generations. With steadfast determination, James fights with all of his might to break the curse, before the river claims the life of his newly found love, Carolyn McKeel.

Because of his meddling into the mysteries of Wanton, James wakes up battered, beaten and bruised in the hospital. This warning for him to get out of town only makes him more determined to find out who is responsible for his injuries, the death of Sam Austin, and the recent shenanigans in Wanton.

James has the life he’s always desired in Washington—A high paying career, a big, antiques-filled house, the freedom to pursue his stamp-collection hobby, and his solitude. Will he give it all up for love and the quirky friendships he makes in Wanton?

~~~~

Stamp Out Murder by Cher’ley Grogg

EXCERPT

“Just hold on, Mrs. Franklin.” Clay rose to his feet. “Mr. Freeman is a suspect in a murder investigation. He can’t just walk out of here.”

“Harry?” Linda glared at the mayor. She crossed her arms over her amble bosom. Her face appeared emotionless, smooth. The only thing she moved was her eyelids. Her majestic attitude showed a lack of patience.

Harry stood, moved close to Linda, turning his back to Clay and said, “I’m working on it, Vinnie. Don’t get your undergarments bunched up.”

Linda slapped Harry’s face.

He backed away, “Sorry. No offense intended.”

Linda glared at him for a couple of seconds and then turned back to the sheriff. Clay Talbert turned sideways to watch Mrs. Franklin and Harold Benson square off. James had a clear view of all three.

   About the author, Cher’ley Grogg….

Cher’ley Grogg first wants to greet you, “Howdy”.

Cher’ley writes different genres. “Stamp Out Murder” is her first novel to be published; however, she has many poems, short stories and articles published online and in print books. She has a children’s mystery book and a picture book completed, and a YA novel and a suspense novel that are waiting for editing.  Some of her hobbies are photography, and painting fine art. She has received awards in both mediums and she has art is in collections throughout the United States and foreign countries. She enjoys fishing, reading, walking, dancing, and long, long baths.

She loves the Lord, her husband, children and grandchildren, and loves spending time with each of them. Lizzie, her boxer is a true joy.

Cher’ley and her husband, Del, have seen the country through the windshield of a big yellow Kenworth Commercial truck, which they named Penelope, because with its blue fenders and spoiler, it reminded her of Penelope on Criminal Minds (the Blonde hair and heavy blue eye-shadow).  There are many beautiful and fascinating states, but none as pretty (to them), as West Virginia.

The Kanawha River is in their front yard and sometimes (not often enough), Cher’ley heads over the bank with her fishing pole, a few worms and Lizzie to see if they can catch supper.

Her very favorite thing to do is laugh. She looks for every opportunity to share in something fun and interesting. She also likes to apply different Bible verses to her life. During the publication process of her novel, the one that speaks to her the most is found in Philippians 4:8. She likes to close with that verse. ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’

She’d like to say, “Ya’ll come back to see me when you can.”

Connect with Cher’ley….

Stamp Out Murder by Cher’ley Grogg is available at:

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 34 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.

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

Linda’s World Famous Chicken Enchiladas

by Linda McKeel

 

This make enough to feed a small army.  You’ll probably have some left over for yourself too!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Large glass baking dish

Small glass baking dish

Large mixing bowl

Skillet or frying pan

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Wooden toothpicks (optional)

 

INGREDIENTS:

3 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)

1 can chicken broth (10.5 oz)

3 small cans CHOPPED green chilis

1/4 cup diced onion (I use a lot more)

3 lbs. chicken breast

20ish soft yellow CORN tortilla shells

4 cups mild cheddar or Mexican style cheese  (I usually use more. You almost literally can’t have too much)

Pinch of pepper

Vegetable oil

 

STEP 1

a.  Cut the chicken into small cubes; think about the size of a sugar cube. Helpful hint: partially frozen chicken is easier to cut in small pieces than thawed chicken.

b.  Use the vegetable oil (or non-stick cooking spray) to very lightly coat the pan — just enough to prevent the chicken from sticking to it.

c.  Combine the onions and the chicken in the frying pan, and cook over medium heat until thoroughly done. (Like you would do if you were browning ground beef.)

d.  Drain any excess grease or fat.

e.  Set aside for now.

STEP 2

a.  Clean the frying pan and dry THOROUGHLY.  (Or use another one.)

b.  Pour in a small amount of cooking oil (just enough to allow submerging the shells) and place over medium heat until oil is warm.

c.  Soften tortillas by dipping each one in warm oil for just a few seconds.  Too little time leaves them tough, too much makes them fall apart.   It may take a few attempts to get the hang of it.

STEP 3

a.  Place the first tortilla shell in the large baking pan, and spoon in some of the cooked chicken and onions.  Try to gauge the amount of chicken you have so you can place an equal amount in each tortilla.

b.  Sprinkle some cheese in each tortilla, but just a little.  The majority is to be used later.

c.  Roll the tortilla shell shut.  (I use a toothpick to help keep it closed)

d.  Continue filling tortilla shells with chicken, onions and cheese until both baking dishes are full.  If you have any chicken left over, it can be used later.  If you have any tortillas shells left over, you can discard.

STEP 4

a.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

b.  Combine the 3 cans cream o’ chicken soup, the 1 can chicken broth, the 3 small cans CHOPPED green chilis and the pinch of pepper (to taste) in large mixing bowl.  Any leftover cooked chicken can be added as well.  Mix thoroughly.

c.  Once mixed, pour evenly over all the enchiladas in both baking dishes.  The goal is to have all the tortillas covered as much as possible.

d.  IMPORTANT!  Remove toothpicks if you used them.

e.  Sprinkle the cheese evenly over all the enchiladas in both baking dishes.

d.  Place one or both dishes in preheated oven, and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the contents are piping hot.

Serve with your favorite side dishes.

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: **Author Special** Elaine Raco Chase

7 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, ELAINE RACO CHASE, and her Devil of a Chili Recipe!

BOOK PEEK ~ Dare The Devil

Welcome to Glacier Country! Luthor Devlin and his ranch hands were out tracking 20th century rustlers when they stepped into a time warp!

There on the jagged cliffs was a woolly mammoth, a sabre-toothed tiger and her – a tawny, near-naked savage. She was a primal fantasy come true – that left him stunned!

His gaze was locked onto hers. “I’d really appreciate an explanation of all this. You, the hairy elephant, and the cat with the overbite are not the norm in Montana. And I know you can understand my every word. So anytime you’d like to begin.”

Her relaxed appraisal hadn’t gone unnoticed by either the man or the large tiger. The latter proved her undoing. His mouth opened not to snarl again but to emit a long, loud, kittenish yawn. The tiger rolled over, rubbed his back and shoulders into the ground, his hind legs spread-eagle, yawned again, and pawed sleepily at his face. To the amazement of everyone, his sword-like teeth fell out.

“Damn it, Pumpkin, why couldn’t you have just growled!” She extended her hand. “Cam Stirling, action technician.” At his confused expression, she sighed. “Stunt woman.”

She was wild, irresistible – and he was the man to tame her. She dared the devil every day – why not Luthor Devlin!

~~~~

Dare The Devil by Elaine Raco Chase

 EXCERPT

The men were now only twenty feet away.  A silent battle ensued.  She stared at them.  They stared at her.  Astonishment, incredulity, and intrigue chased themselves over assorted sun-bronzed masculine faces.

She decided to play dumb.  Let them make the first move.  Perhaps keep them guessing, keep them wondering, keep them off-balance – just until the others arrived.

Her inherent sense of self-preservation and survival took over.  She judged each man individually, assessing her own odds.  The three teenage boys were quickly dismissed.  Her eyes gauged the others.  They varied in age from mid-twenties to sixties.  Bodies matched faces – tough and strong, courtesy of hard, physical labor.  She knew she could disable six of the wranglers rather quickly.

Her gaze shifted to the man leading a wild-eyed buckskin stallion.  Despite the fact that no one had violated the silence, she did not doubt that he was the boss.  While the black hat he was wearing cast a shadow on his face, she easily recognized an unmistakable air of self-confidence and authority.  It showed in his powerful build, in his walk and his impressive carriage.

And if such nicely packaged masculine charms had been displayed in any other place and under any other circumstances, she would have been the first one to show appropriate feminine appreciation.  But this was not the right time or the right place.

She did, however, notice a subtle change in a few of the younger cowboys.  It was her fault, she quickly acknowledged.  The silence had gone on too long.  While she had been assessing them, they had been assessing her.  Caution and disbelief had been replaced by that old hormonal curse – lust.

When she saw leers slant half-dozen lips, her thumb, and forefinger pressed into the cat’s neck.  His wide mouthed, fanged snarl immediately sent the horses into hysterics and restored more respectful expressions on the men’s’ faces.

Her victory, however, was brief.  One minute later, she heard the distinct snap of a bolt-action repeating rifle and found three of them aimed at the cat and a fourth at her.

“Hold it, boys.”  Devlin stepped between the guns and their targets.  “Let’s keep calm.  Buck, pull the horse’s way back.  All right, relax, everybody.  There’s no need to get trigger happy.”

“Maybe she doesn’t understand English,”  Nate piped, observing her moccasins.  “Let me try some Blackfeet.”  He cleared his throat and offered, “Kokipi sni menuah.”

Devlin exhaled a painful groan.  “Nate!  I don’t think ‘do not fear, let’s take a bath’ is very appropriate!”

With one eye on the men, she lowered her chin and tried hard to control the laughter that threatened to bubble forth.  Her left hand made a graceful gesture that shielded her smile and then moved on to straighten the bear-claw necklace at her throat.

The instant the man called Devlin advanced two more steps toward her, she stiffened in wary attention.  Fingers tightened on the cat’s leather collar, her left hand dropping against the ivory handle of the knife sheathed in her loincloth.

Suddenly, he found himself facing two predators.  He didn’t miss the lethal quality in her taut, ready-for-combat stance.  Neither had the saber-toothed tiger.  A growl rolled in his throat; powerful haunches were tensed for attack.

  About the author, Elaine Raco Chase….

I write sassy, sexy, LOL contemporary romance novels. Often they start with “love at first sight.” I was thrilled read some wonderful stats:

According to match.com – 59% of men believe in love at first sight!
Prevention Mag. says 60% of Americans believe in love at first sight!
Prevention also noted that women see brooding men as significantly more
sexually attractive than happy fellows! (is this the “bad-boy?”)
Prevention again recorded the world’s longest kiss: 46 hrs/24 min/9 sec!

Fabulous! My dad fell for my mom – as he watched her chase her dog! I told him that was the silliest thing I ever heard, they hadn’t even said a word to each other. He winked and said “sometimes you just know”..they were married for 57 years.

Hubby and I are headed for 43 years this October..he said it was “lust at first sight” – yeah! That works too!

I am originally print published, with over 3 million books in print and just about all my romances were #1 bestsellers – currently 8 of my contemporary romances have all been updated, expanded and enhanced (most are explicit) with four more romances to come as well as updating, enhancing, expanding my best-selling mystery series featuring Roman Cantrell and Nikki Holden.

Connect with Elaine ….

Website: http://www.elaineracochase.com

Dare The Devil by Elaine Raco Chase is available at:

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 33 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.

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

DEVIL OF A CHILI RECIPE

1 lb of rough ground (chili ground)  top sirloin, bison meat or even ground turkey
2 cans of dark red kidney beans – rinsed
1 can of Progresso Soup – your choice:  Tomato Parmesan OR Creamy tomato basil
I usually add in mushrooms and chopped onions
Season as spicy as you like it with chili powder Or red pepper flakes

*  I don’t use any salt at all.

*  Also fun add-ons:  sour cream, chopped onions for toppings
It’s heart healthy (low salt/high fiber). Can be ramped up with spices for ‘heat’ and increased for a crowd but upping the meat/beans/soup proportions.

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Elaine will give away copies of her novel, DARE THE DEVIL, to four (4) lucky readers who comment!  Winners will be randomly selected and announced at 12:00 PM (Noon) MDT on Monday!  Thanks, Elaine, for sharing your story and your fabulous recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** Cynthia Woolf

10 Comments

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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, CYNTHIA WOOLF, and the recipe for Basic Slimming Soup she discovered in First Magazine for Women!

BOOK PEEK ~ Tame a Wild Wind

Former Texas Ranger Sam Colter isn’t looking for love.  Neither is pretty widow Cassie O’Malley.  But when a man stalking Sam for killing his brother kidnaps Cassie, Sam discovers it’s more than duty that sends him racing to her rescue.  Will Cassie realize the truth about her own feelings before it’s too late?

~~~

 Tame a Wild Wind by Cynthia Woolf

EXCERPT

PROLOGUE

Ten Years Ago

They was about to hang his brother.

Harry’s stomach roiled with nausea.  From the alley next to the saloon, he watched the Ranger, Sam Colter, march Frank up the gallows steps.  Watched the hangman put a noose around his brother’s neck and ask if he had any last words.  Watched, helpless to do a damn thing about it.

It weren’t Frank’s doin’ that Colter’s wife and kids had died in that fire.  They’d only wanted to have a bit of fun with the woman, make a little money, that was all.  They hadn’t wanted to see her and those girls die.  That was never the plan.

Fool woman.  If only she’d waited.  Her father would have paid the ransom.  A bank president could afford it.  Instead, she’d broken loose.  Thrown that lamp at his head, trying to kill him and killed herself instead.

The fire had been fierce.  It moved so fast like the house was made from kindling.  He rubbed the puckering skin on his arm, feeling the sting of the flames all over again as his flesh charred.  He couldn’t have saved them, not and gotten himself out in time.  Harry clenched his fists.  It wasn’t his fault.  And it wasn’t Frank’s either.  It wasn’t.  She was to blame.  Frank shouldn’t have to die for something she’d done to herself.

He had to stop this from happening.  He had to save Frank.

Harry shifted away from the gloom of the alley and his brother looked at him from the gallows; met him square in the eye and shook his head.  He didn’t want Harry to die too, trying to save him.  He’d always been like that.  Always looked out for him.  Even when it could have saved his own life, he hadn’t given his little brother up.  Swallowing hard, Harry slid back into the shadows, his heart pounding.

Time slowed as the hangman stepped up to the lever and gave it a sharp pull.  His brother dropped through the trap door, kicking and struggling, his neck not broke clean.  Fear strangled Harry, like he was on the end of the rope, trying to breathe, trying to live.  Hot tears tracked down his cheeks and bile rose into his throat as his brother’s face turned purple and then his eyes bulged out, legs thrashing wildly at the air.

This weren’t right.  None of it was.  Damn Colter.  Damn him to hell.

The bile in his throat burned all the way to his stomach.  He barely got himself hid behind a pile of old beer barrels before he threw his guts up into the mud.  Minutes later, shaking and sweating, Harry wiped the vile stuff from his chin.  Fury and grief gripped him, making his chest hurt.  His brother was gone.  Dead.  And Sam Colter was to blame for it.

He forced himself to look at Frank’s body, spinning almost lazily now from the end of the rope.  He never wanted to forget what had happened today.  He wanted to hold onto the icy hatred settling over him like armor–let it protect him and keep the awful feeling of helplessness away.  He wanted revenge.

“I’ll get even for you Frank,” he vowed quietly.  “Colter will pay for what he done today.  He’ll pay for hangin’ you.”

CHAPTER 1

Present Day

Cassandra ‘Cassie’ O’Malley pulled her little black buggy through the gates of the Circle M ranch, past the bunkhouse and the ice house into the yard in front of the main house.  Cassie loved the way Catherine and Duncan had laid out their spread.  Putting the house at the back of the property, away from the dust and dirt of the horse operation.  Surrounded by Ponderosa pine trees, it blended in with the landscape.  She wished her house was the same way.  As it was, in the middle of the property, she or Bridget had to dust everyday just to keep it livable.

By Cassie’s calculations, Catherine could give birth at any minute.  She and Duncan were expecting Cassie and her family for their regular overnight visit and church the next day.  They waited on the wide porch that wound around the entire house.  Their son, ten year old Ian, waited by the hitching rail to tether her horse like a pint-sized gentleman.

“Ian!” RJ, Cassie’s son, hailed his friend and jumped off before the small conveyance came to a stop, much to Cassie’s exasperation.

Ian, who had his father Duncan’s blue eyes and dark hair, grabbed the reins Cassie tossed his way and knotted them around the hitching rail, then slapped his friend on the back, much as their fathers used to do.  “RJ, good to see you.  Let’s go look at our new colt.”

Lizzie and Mary McKenzie, were not to be out done by their big brother and ran down the porch steps, their red hair bouncing.  They shouted, “Sarah!” in unison.

“Sarah Jane O’Malley!  You will not jump off this buggy.”  Cassie admonished and grabbed the little girl, who was a miniature image of herself,  before she jumped and got hurt.

Duncan stepped through the flurry of activity, always a sea of calm and took Sarah Jane in his large hands.  “Here you go, baby,” he said as he settled her on the ground and she took off running to her friends, without so much as a by-your -leave.  Then he turned and offered his hand to Cassie.

“Thank you, Duncan.  She forgets she’s only two.  Thinks she can do everything RJ does,” said Cassie.

Cassie put her palms on Duncan’s shoulders and let him lift her down.  Even though he was just a friend, it was nice to feel such corded muscles beneath her fingers and strong hands on her waist.  It was nice to remember she was still a woman.  Though not so nice to remember how lonely she was most days.

“Come on in, Cassie, before Cat has a fit,” Duncan urged.

The lady in question waddled down the steps as quickly as her bulk would take her.  Catherine “Cat” McKenzie was due to give birth to their fourth child at any time.  Cassie adored her friend, truly loved her but at times like this she was envious of her.  Though Michael seemed happy with just RJ they’d always wanted more children.  She’d been pregnant with Sarah when he died almost three years ago and would love to hold another sweet young babe of her own in her arms again.  If Michael hadn’t died she might have had another baby.  She guessed she’d have to settle for holding Catherine’s from now on.

“Cassie!  I’m so glad you’re here.  I swear I’m going to have this child tonight, I hope you brought extra work clothes,” said Catherine, delicately wiping the sweat from her lip and brow.  She was a little short of breath as she hurried her friend as best she could up the steps and into the house.

Cassie liked the house Cat and Duncan built.  It was two stories as most were these days, but it was larger than most.  Duncan wanted lots of kids and made sure to have room for them.  Four of the five bedrooms were upstairs.  She wished her bedrooms were as big.  Even the guest room on the first floor was larger than Cassie’s master bedroom at home.

“You know I always pack extra when I come.  The kids never stay clean and I don’t want them in their good clothes until we all head to church on Sunday.”  Cassie looked at her friend.  “It looks like we may miss church this week.  But we’re good to stay.  Are you all right?  I think you should go put your feet up.”

Cassie placed her arm around Catherine’s waist, feeling her slight tremor.  She guided her to the sofa.  “Now, you sit there and let me go make you some nice chamomile tea.  How does that sound?”  Cassie turned to Duncan.  “Sit here with your wife and don’t let her get up.  Why didn’t you send someone for me sooner?  The babe has dropped and I think we may have a little one soon, maybe tonight.”

Duncan’s face paled.  He was always nervous when Catherine was about to give birth.  You’d think after three, the fourth would be no problem, but it was always the same.  And at that point, he forgot  he was responsible for putting the babe there in the first place.

“Duncan, pull yourself together and get that footstool over here for her feet.  Goodness Cat,” Cassie admonished.  “You haven’t been keeping your feet up like I told you to.  Your ankles look swollen to twice the size of normal.”

Cassie rushed to the kitchen to start the kettle to boil.  She started to pump the water when she heard a deep, baritone voice coming from the back door.

“Would you like some help with that?” he said.

Cassie dropped it into the sink, spilling the small amount of water the kettle had already collected.  “Don’t sneak up on a person like that.”  It wasn’t fear she felt at seeing this mysterious, handsome stranger but instant attraction.

The man in the doorway didn’t wear a hat and had obviously been washing up on the back porch.  His damp brandy brown hair glistened in the kitchen light.  When he got closer, she looked up, way up, into amazing emerald green eyes.

She’d like to say the sudden jump in her heart rate was from surprise, but she’d never been good at lying to herself.  No, she knew the quivering spin of a sudden jolt of attraction when it hit her, even if it had been quite a while.

“Sam Colter, ma’am.  Sorry to have startled you.”  He held a fresh washed hand out to her.

His large warm hand enveloped hers.  A shock of awareness ran up her arm and straight to her stomach.  Butterflies fluttered about in her tummy, just from his touch.  A tingle she hadn’t felt in years passed between them. “Cassie O’Malley.”

“I’ve been hearing your praises, Mrs. O’Malley.  Since I arrived yesterday, Catherine has been doing nothing but talk about  you.”

Cassie felt the heat creep up her neck.  “I’m sorry I can’t say the same, Mr. Colter.”

“No problem.  I wasn’t expected, or I’m sure Cat would have been regaling you about my charms.”  He leaned over conspiratorially and whispered.  “I think Catherine fancies herself a matchmaker.  If she weren’t indisposed she’d have you and I to tea and not vice versa.”

Cassie laughed.  “That she does.  You’re not the first man she has thrown at me.  Sorry about that.”

He chuckled, a rich sound that traveled up her spine and settled in her chest.  “I don’t know if I should be flattered or insulted.”

“Flattered, Mr. Colter.  There have not been that many and only the good ones get through Catherine.  She’s fiercely protective of me.”

“Please, call me Sam.  I’m going to be here for a few days and Mr. Colter makes me think of my father.”  He ambled to the stove and stoked the embers for her before setting the burner plate back in place.

Smiling, Cassie said, “I know what you mean.  Call me Cassie.  Mrs. O’Malley is my mother-in-law.”

“I understand you are widowed.  I’m sorry for your loss.  I’m a widower myself and I know it’s not easy.”

“Thank you and no, it’s not.  I don’t know what I would have done without my kids.  I think they kept me sane.”

“That’s good.”

“What about you, Sam?  Do you have children?”

She watched as pain crossed his face.  “No.  They were murdered with my wife.”

“Oh, Sam, I’m so sorry.”  She set the kettle on the stove to boil.

“Thank you.  So,” he changed the subject.  “Are you here to help Catherine with this baby?”

“Well, it looks like I might be, but I normally come on Saturday night and we all go to church together.  It gives us and our kids some time together.  Being as spread out in the valley as we tend to be, it’s easier to just make it an overnight visit.  What are you doing in these parts?”

“Passing through and looking for work.”

Really.  Looking for work.  He’d be in the valley for a while and she might see him again.  The thought pleased her.  “Would you like to sit while I wait for the kettle to boil?  I see there’s a pot of coffee on the stove.  It may still be warm, if you’d like some.”

“Thank you, I would.”

Cassie poured them both a cup and they sat at the kitchen table.  “What kind of work do you do, Sam?”

“I do just about anything.  I was a Texas Ranger, but am…retired.  So now I do whatever comes along.”

“Have you done much ranch work?  I have a fair-sized spread.”

“I had a little ranch of my own before my family died.”

Cassie watched his eyes take on a faraway look.  The one you get when you’re seeing the past.  She knew that look only too well, having faced it in her own mirror too many times to count.

Acting on an impulse and listening to her gut, she asked, “Would you be willing to ramrod my ranch for me?  I can’t pay a lot right now, but it includes room, board and ten dollars a month.”

“Cassie, are you sure you want to offer me a job?  You don’t know me from Adam.”

“I know you’re  Catherine and Duncan’s friend.  I know you’re a former Texas Ranger and that you had your own ranch.  You’re a widower and you like kids.  That last part I’m assuming but I think it’s true nonetheless.  And that’s more than I know about anyone else that might apply for the job.”  She sipped her coffee, the hot brew burning her throat as she swallowed it too fast.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes.”

“Yes to what?”  asked Duncan from the doorway.

Cassie looked up and smiled at the big man who was her friend and her best friend’s husband.  “I’ve asked Sam to come to work for me.”

“Well.  That was fast.  I was going to suggest it at dinner.  Of course, I hadn’t expected you two to meet in the kitchen.”

“So, Cassie wasn’t the only surprise you had in store for me tonight,” said Sam.

“Duncan!”  Catherine yelled from the parlor.  “Duncan!”

All three of them jumped up and ran to the parlor.  Cat was standing, a puddle at her feet, holding her swollen belly, clearly in pain.

“I knew it.  Cat, why didn’t you send someone for me sooner?  You’ve been in labor all day haven’t you?  I swear.  Did you even tell Duncan?  You didn’t, did you?”

“Please don’t yell at me Cassie.”  Catherine stretched as best she could, pushing her hand into her lower back to relieve some of the pain.  She let out a small sigh.  “I’ve had other things on my mind and Duncan couldn’t do anything anyway, and neither can you.  Besides, you’re here now and,” Cat panted with pain, “that’s…owww…what counts.”

Cassie took a deep breath.  “I’m sorry, Cat.  I don’t mean to yell.  I’m just worried about you.”  She turned to Duncan, “Please take your stubborn wife upstairs and help her out of those clothes.  Sam, if you could keep track of the children for a bit it’d be much appreciated.  The little ones are going to be curious and want to come in, but that’s not best.  Not just yet.  Hold them off and out of my way.  I’d be beholden.”

He chuckled.  “Not a problem.  I think there’s some new kittens in the barn.  That should keep them occupied for a while, then dinner and bed.  They’ll be fine.”

“Thanks.  If you need help with the girls, RJ and Ian are both very good with them.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.  Go on now.  Get.  Catherine needs you.”

Sam followed Cassie back to the kitchen.  He took the boiling water from the stove, filled the basin for her.  She loaded up a basket full of fresh towels, then set the basin on top of the towels in the basket.  It wouldn’t hurt if they got a little wet.  They were going to get much wetter before the day was done.

“Thank you, kindly.”

“Need help carrying this upstairs?”

She smiled, but shook her head and declined.  “You just handle the children.”  She turned her back and headed up the stairs toward her friend’s moans and cries.  This baby was coming soon.

  About the author, Cynthia Woolf….

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

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

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

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

In 2000, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she’d attend.  One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker.  Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter’s table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing.  She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn’t looked back.

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

FMI about Cynthia Woolf & her books: http://www.cynthiawoolf.com/

Tame A Wild Wind is available at:

Amazon http://amzn.to/ySbtTv and Barnes &Noble http://bit.ly/zUW7DQ

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 29 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.

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

BASIC SLIMMING SOUP
[First Magazine for Women]

2 lbs. ground beef, turkey or chopped chicken
1 tsp. olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 large red, green or yellow pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large yellow squash, chopped
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 tsp. chopped garlic
1 bottle (48 oz) reduced sodium V-8 cocktail juice
1 can (15 oz) pinto, garbanzo, black, navy or white beans
1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomato
1 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup each fresh cilantro and parsley leaves, chopped
In soup pot over medium-high heat, cook beef, turkey or chicken in olive oil 5 min. or until cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from pot, drain , if desired.

In same pot, cook onions, peppers, squash, mushrooms and garlic 5 min or until vegetable are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in cocktail juice, beans, tomatoes, lime juice, cayenne and cooked meat.  Add up to 1 cup water to thin soup, if desired.  Cover; bring soup just to a simmer (Do not boil).  Reduce head to medium-low; let simmer 20 min., stirring occasionally.  Add cilantro and parsley.  Cover; let simmer 5 minutes.  Garnish with shaved parmesan or asiago cheese, if desired. (Note:  Soup can bestored in refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen.)  Makes about 5 two cup servings.

Variations:

To reduce carb cravings:

Substitute 1/2 cup grated daikon for mushrooms.  Add an additional 2 tsp. of chopped garlic.

Add 1 small peeled eggplant, chopped.  Simmer for 5-10 minutes longer until eggplant softens.

To help with depression:

Add 1 cup chopped zucchini and 2 tsp. of seaweed gomasio to basic soup

To help with stress:

Add 1/2 tsp. of pink Himalayan sea salt

4-5 cups of escarole or spinach to soup while it’s simmering

To help with bloating and colds:

Add 1 tsp. tumeric and an additional 1/4 cup of cilantro

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: **Author Special** Ashlynne Laynne

4 Comments


Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, ASHLYNNE LAYNNE, and her recipe for Applesauce Raisin Bread!

BOOK PEEK ~ The Progeny

“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher – a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.

Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.

Praise for The Progeny…

Fallen Angel Reviews

http://fallenangelreviews.com/2012/February/teresa-theprogeny.htm

Paranormal Romance Guild

http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/reviewsashlynnelaynn.htm

~~~

The Progeny by Ashlynne Laynne
EXCERPT

I was eight years old when I placed third in an Optimist Oratorical Contest on Freedom in America. I accepted my shiny gold pin, read my award winning speech and marveled at how everyone hung on my every word. It was the first time I realized the power of my words.

A writer was born.

My rebellious teenage years were spent writing poetry as a sort of therapy. I dabbled in the occasional Danielle Steel novel, never realizing that I wasn’t exactly the target audience for that particular genre. This early exposure to such salacious material was the marked beginning of my love of romance novels.

I fell in and out of love, had a kid and went through many emotional changes in my twenties. The one constant was always my love of poetry and the written word. And although I lost my faith in true love, that didn’t stop me from writing about it. Some of my best love poetry actually occurred when my heart was at its most broken and fragile.

The promise and possibility of finding that one person that completes your heart spurred a fire, in me, to write about what I was almost certain didn’t exist. I took my love of writing a step further and appeared in several anthologies and poetic compilations. I loved that so much that I took to publishing a book of my original work under another pen name. While stretching my creative muscles, I ventured into songwriting. It was much like poetry set to music. Minding the rhythm and meter of music, and writing words to fit, presented an awesome challenge.

With the benefit of hindsight, I attribute my songwriting to grooming me for the task of taking an idea and characters and immersing them in a world that takes a shape of its own. Writers use their words, the varying of sentence structure and pacing to illicit emotions from readers.

So what—you might ask—possessed a poet/songwriter to consider writing a novel?

Several factors…

The Progeny wasn’t the first novel I ever wrote, even though it is my first release. My first novel had a good concept and characters but it was lacking in technique. I wrote two books of the series before I abandoned it for something else.

I’ve always loved vampires, witches and the horror genre. My next endeavor would encompass my two horror loves. With Stephen King as my favorite author, this shouldn’t be a shock.

Fast forward six years from my songwriting. Now I’m in a better place. I’ve somehow pinned the elusive cupid down and convinced him to give me another shot at corralling love. He obliged and sent me my hubby, Mark. Now I’ve got the love thing down and honestly believe that it exists.

What’s next?

October, 6 2010 started like any other day. I woke up, went to work and came home. I was tired so I took a nap that day. This is where it gets interesting. I dreamed about a gorgeous guy. He had dark hair, the weirdest blue eyes and a strange necklace around his neck. When I woke up, I immediately began sketching that necklace. I’m no artist but I had to admit that what I came up with was interesting.

The pieces of my story line slowly gelled. I researched witches, witchcraft and the Salem witch trials the next day. When I slept the next night, I dreamed about him again but this time I dreamed his name—Ascher. Now that my guy had a name, he needed a love. I’ve always loved the name Shawnette. So I shortened it and made it Shauna.

October 8, 2010 was the day that literally changed my life. Surrounded by a stack of witch research, the vision of Ascher, Shauna’s name and sketches of a unique amulet, I decided to write a home for these two characters. I never considered myself patient enough to write a novel but the characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

I dreamed about them, thought about them and imagined different scenarios for them until my idea was 115,000 words. Shauna did the most changing during the process because I didn’t dream her in the beginning. Her physical appearance and origins evolved until she was exactly who Ascher needed.

I was ecstatic when I finally dreamed them together because I knew that it was finally right.

I fell in love with their story and felt their pain. I laughed when they laughed and cried when Shauna cried. They became my babies. My husband and I often joke that we talk about them so much that they should occupy rooms in our home. Almost a year—to the date—that I started writing these characters, J.E. Taylor at Novel Concept Publishing accepted my manuscript and confirmed what I already knew. Like love, the right publisher is out there that will believe in your work and push you to be better.

There was something there in the pages of that Word document. She now believed as much as I did.

That was only the start of my journey. The first manuscript that she saw and what the reader actually reads is very different. I eventually added three chapters to my manuscript to explain Ascher’s existence and to deepen Ursula’s character.

In the end, I think The Progeny offers the reader a different view of vampires. Though I love vampires, I’ve been disappointed at how common their portrayals have become. I think it’s time the world experiences a new breed of vampire.

In closing, and in lieu of an excerpt, I’d like to leave you with my original poem from The Progeny. Books one and two both feature my poetry as the epilogue. I wrote this poem back in 2007—before I ever thought about writing a novel. My bestie tells me that this poem’s existence is proof that The Progeny was my destiny.

I tend to agree.

 

Blessed Eternity

Envelop me in the sweet darkness of your burning light

Spin me into a web of your eternal delight

Make me yours for all to see

Cover me in kisses sweet with sinful pleasure

Transform me so that I may be yours forever

Make me yours for all to see

I am not longed for the duties of this world

Nor do I wish to be just an ordinary girl

Make me yours for all to see

One day with you is worth a thousand forevers

If this is the only way for us to be together

My soul is a mere formality

Meet me when the shadows replace the light

In the sweet darkness of the eternal night

Give me blessed eternity

About the author, Ashlynne Laynne….

Ashlynne Laynne has always had a soft spot in her heart for vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, she tends to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for her writing The Progeny. The vampire/witch pairing is unique and different when most books pair vampires with werewolves.

The infinite possibilities, for such a wickedly unique couple, intrigued her. There is no shortage of romance, steam and surprises in The Progeny. These books are for adults and contain adult sensuality and themes, but minimal profanity. She loves writing on the edge and teetering between the erotica and romance genres. She thinks of Ascher and Shauna as the damned version of Romeo and Juliet.

She’s currently working on book two of the series entitled Blood Bonds. In her spare time, Ashlynne enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family. Ashlynne juggles the hats of wife, mother, full time employee and part-time writer, hoping to write full time one day soon.

Ashlynne lives in North Carolina with her husband and teenage son.

About The Progeny….

At its core, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love, and the fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccan human are secondary factors. In the beginning, of the book, Ascher is grumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold and careless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone— and he feels conflicted about his existence.

All of that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguing and possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A war immediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as he craves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to control his urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins. His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus. Kidnapping, some steamy love scenes between our hero and heroine and Wiccan rage complete the plot.

Connect with Ashlynne….

Twitter: @qlane

Facebook: Book Page– http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Progeny-Series/129418917161599?bookmark_t=page

Author Page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ashlynne-Laynne/118945981513261

Google + https://plus.google.com/102489030801377466225#102489030801377466225/posts

Author Blog: http://ashlynnelaynne.blogspot.com/

Email: ashlynnelaynne@aol.com

The Progeny is available at:

Amazon Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328127665&sr=1-1

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-Ashlynne-Laynne/dp/1470141604/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330639326&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_2

Barnes and Noble Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-progeny-ashlynne-laynne/1108540255?ean=2940014108355&itm=1&usri=the+progeny+by+ashlynne+laynne

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128489

All Romance E-books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theprogeny-726383-139.html

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 28 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.

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

NOTE FROM ASHLYNN: This is a family recipe that has passed down from my grandmother to my mother and to me. Both my grandmother and mother have since passed away. This is a very special recipe to me and I’m thrilled to share it with your visitors and readers.

 APPLESAUCE RAISIN BREAD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a loaf pan (I usually use a one stop spray like Baker’s Joy).

Ingredients:
1 cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
1 cup raisins
1/2  cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-3/4 cup plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground clove
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Combine applesauce, sugar, egg, oil, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove together. Sift flour, salt and baking soda together then combine with wet ingredients. Fold in raisins and pecans. Place in greased loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 mins.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: *Author Special* Cathy Boyd

8 Comments


Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, CATHY BOYD, and her recipe for Angel and Devil Egg!


Meet author, Cathy Boyd….

Cathy Boyd is a writer of children’s stories. She also writes Paranormal, urban fantasy, and romances in her grown–up name, Cathy Brockman.

Born and raised a southern girl, she loves working outside in her garden and creating great new recipes with all the goodies she grows. She loves to cook, sew, garden and craft. She loves to sit outside in one of her gardens when it’s nice to read or write.

She began writing in high school study hall getting prompts from her friends and making silly stories for them. When she was bored she was busy trying to write her own Nancy Drew mysteries. She put her dreams on hold to raise two lovely children. Now that they have flown from the nest she is back to pursing her dreams of writing.

She currently lives in the mid-south with her Hubby and her four-legged children, Molly and Spudcat, and she enjoys spending time with her many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is back to chasing her dreams writing children stories, different types of Romance and mysteries, and spending too much time on Facebook!

  About Cathy’s books….

I have currently Luke’s Dragon on Amazon.com as an Ebook Published by Saga Books.  My first children’s story and I will be doing more. There will be a second in the Dreamworld series in Luke’s Adventures very soon, as well as a few other children’s stories.

I am currently working on two other projects first of which is what started me on my writing Journey, A paranormal romance/urban fantasy series I call the New Breeds— I am currently reworking the titles for the books, so I refer the first book as Blaize-The Beginning. I am hoping to create a world of new and interesting characters. Some may start out as mild and tame and they may become something entirely different as time progresses. This will all depend on the paths of each individual character and what they are actually bred from, and how they choose their destiny. Blaize sets out on a journey to see what she actually is as  she starts coming into her powers and finds out she isn’t a witch as she was raised to believe and that her Grandmother  is actually not just queen of the night and witches but  actually a true demon of the underworld-  . So she  tries to find out who her birth Father that is a Vampire,  is with the help of an Arrogant born Incubi that is supposed to be helping her not only find her father but handle her new needs. There are werewolves born and made, witches and you will have to tag along to see what else!  It is set to release sometime later this year also published by Saga Books.

I am Also working on a M/M romance that is about a Middle age man that is tired of his life as a player and decided after turning forty to move to a new town ,new job  and a new life-hoping to finally find the one true love that he wonders if really exists. He meets a young Male model at the magazine that he works for and they become very close friends.  Be Careful What You Wish For. You will get it. It just may not be exactly what you think. .

I am trying to create new romances that may seem a bit controversial but deal with real issues in a different way.  My stories will be hot and steamy ,I still want to be able to sweep you away into a fantasy, but still be able to say hey I am me and I am what I am and proud of it.  I am hoping to have this one out by mid- to late summer. It will make a great vacation read!

I am hoping to reach more than just one audience with my Romances- I have Paranormal- M/M several F/M- and several levels of heat. I want them hot enough that erotica lovers will like but also have a true meaning and touch your hearts not just your groins. Please join me at my Blog to learn more about me-

Living with a Muse or two or three or four on Tuesdays  and my Interview Inside the World of Writing on Thursdays. I also Cohost a radio blog with my friend Sian Young on Fridays.

Radio Blog:  http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com%2Fmy-writing-journey%2F2012%2F03%2F08%2Fmy-interview-with-kim-mutch-emerson-and-the-koda-conference&h=GAQFHTY97AQFZ5ZA7m5HIKEjhu_dz-E5pDYh-whOx0A8CDw

FMI about Cathy and her books: http://cathybrockman.com/
Luke’s Dragon now available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lukes-Dragon-Lightning-Dreamworld-ebook/dp/B0079PD1Q4/ref=as_li_ss_mfw?&linkCode=wey&tag=wwwtashaturne-20

~~~~

ANGEL AND DEVIL EGG
(Recipe inspired by my sweet and naughty muses.)

8-12 hardboiled eggs

½ cup of Mayonnaise-or salad dressing (divided)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp. honey Dijon mustard

2 tsp. spicy sweet hot mustard (I use Inglemeyers, hot sweet pepper mustard—or honey Dijon with tabasco if I’m out)

Dash of Smoky Hungarian Paprika (regular paprika works fine)

Optional (dash of dill)

Hard-boil 8-12 eggs (these are delicious the next day)

Halve each egg and separate onto two plate’s -8-12 halves on each plate.  Scoop the yellow yolk out into two bowls equally.  In one bowl, add ¼ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tsp. of honey Dijon mustard, a dash of salt, a dash of pepper  (optional ¼ tsp. dill)

In the other bowl mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tsps. hot and sweet pepper mustard (I use Inglmeyer’s hot sweet pepper mustard— you can substitute your favorite or just use honey mustard with a tsp. of tabasco sauce will work.)

Scoop rounded teaspoon of each mix into the egg halves.  Sprinkle the hot ones with a dash of smoked Hungarian Paprika (or regular paprika if that’s what you have.) Refrigerate.

These are easy to make and I like to keep on hand for lunch or snack since I try to eat lower carb fares.  This way, I can indulge my sweet side or spicy side! Enjoy!

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: **Author Special** Linda Rae Blair

2 Comments


Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

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 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, LINDA RAE BLAIR, and her recipe for Fruit Scones!

BOOK PEEK ~ Hard Press’d

Here’s a taste of “Hard Press’d”, the first in the series of seven currently published novellas. Number eight is due to publish in the spring of 2012. Press has just been assigned a new partner, a young cop who just made detective. Press isn’t happy about “baby-sitting” a new partner but decides to make the best out of it by having a little fun at the “kid’s” expense. He had just caught himself nearly growling. Looking at his watch he silently cursed as he realized it would still be hours before the local Starbucks down on Laskin opened.

~~~

“Throw up on me or my crime scene, Evans, and you’ll ride your desk for the next week,” Press growled in his deep voice. “Lesson #2, Evans—never, ever throw up on my crime scene.”

“Yes, sir—I mean, no sir!”

“Make up your mind, Evans! See anything else? ”

Evans took a deep, cleansing breath. “Strange the way she’s laying there. The first shot should have knocked her off her feet. Usually there’s an odd position of the body—she looks like she just lay down to take a nap.”

“Yeah, or maybe somebody laid her down.”

Another notch for the kid.

“But the girl’s very probably not a pro, Evans—at least not a street pro—there’s real money here and lots of it. Could be a high-priced pro, but I don’t think so. The clothes are too pricey. Dress is silk.” He bent over and gave a slight lift to that dress’s skirt—which had never covered more than the top third of those long, slim legs. “Lingerie is French lace.” He carefully put the skirt back in place. “And those sandals were about fifteen-hundred dollars retail.”

“Whew!”

The awe in Evans’ voice and the look on his face told Press that the kid couldn’t imagine paying that kind of money for a pair of shoes—let alone shoes that were just straps with spikes for heels.

“I’ve got a sister with expensive taste,” Andrews explained.

“How can you tell that’s French lace, sir?” Trace asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen French lace.”

Press gave the kid a crooked smile and a wink. “Once you’ve seen it up close, kid, you never forget it.” He saw Evans taking one more look, as the kid tried to figure it out.

Novels by Linda Rae Blair are available at the following retailer websites: Barnes & Noble, Sony, iTunes, Kobo. Also available on Smashwords and Amazon. Links to these sites and others are available on the author’s website: http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com/

FMI: Linda Rae Blair Author of The Preston Andrews Mysteries Sample or purchase:http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lrbauthor Web site & Blogs: http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com/

“Like” both “Linda Rae Blair, Author” and “The Preston Andrews Mysteries” on FaceBook! Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/lindaraeblair

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 26 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.

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

The Preston Andrews Mysteries
By Linda Rae Blair

The “hero” of my detective series, The Preston Andrews Mysteries, is a guy with so many good attributes besides those icy blue eyes and that thick black hair that tops off the 6’3” frame of his that I dare not try to list them all here or we’ll lose our interest in cooking altogether.

One thing that Press, as his friends call him, definitely gets from me is his love for Starbucks coffee. And, if you love your coffee, you’ve just got to love scones to go with them.

My absolute favorite recipe started out an entry in the “Flat Belly Diet Cookbook”. Of course, I couldn’t just leave it alone!   First, let me say that you don’t have to use cranberries (I use Craisins) for these wonderful scones. I’ve used dried or fresh blueberries, dried cherries, dried apricots and dried mixed fruit. So, here’s my version of:

FRUIT SCONES

Freeze and thaw for individual servings through the week!

Oven 400 degrees F  20-25 Minutes 9” round pie pan pre-treated with canola oil spray or non-stick spray.

Mix together all the dried ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. orange or lemon zest (experiment using lemon w/blueberries, orange w/cherries for example)

Slowly add in:

1 ½ cup plain or vanilla yogurt
2 T. canola oil

Once the above are mixed thoroughly (batter will be rather thick and dry) add in:

1 cup walnuts or pecans (I love walnuts) and mix well.

Then stir in:

1 6-oz. pkg. of your favorite dried fruit (by adding these last and by hand, you will avoid tearing up the fruit pieces and have larger, yummier bits of fruit in your scones).

Place the batter in prepared baking dish. Spread level with a wooden spoon or spatula. Score the dough with a knife to make 8 equal slices.

If you like your scones a little sweeter, you can sprinkle a light topping of granulated sugar over the top of the dough just before baking.   Done when toothpick or knife test in center comes out clean.

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: *Author Special* Jennifer Zane

4 Comments


Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** Jennifer Zane

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!  Today, in lieu of one of my recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her 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 recipe for Pulled Chicken Sandwiches!

BOOK PEEK  ~ Gnome On The Range

Once you get the zing you can’t go back.

Jane West has everything a woman could want. A job in a small Montana town’s only adult store, two busy young boys and one dead husband. Everything except a little excitement–a little zing. But that changes one summer morning at a garage sale when her kids buy some garden gnomes.

Now someone wants those gnomes and will let nothing get in their way. Including Jane. This new excitement for Jane spells trouble for a relationship with new neighbor–and hot fireman–Ty Strickland. Can Jane and Ty handle a relationship meddling mother-in-law, crazy kids, and stay alive while trying to solve the mystery of the garden gnomes?

Excerpt:  http://jenniferzane.com/sneak-peek/

FMI about Jennifer and her book…. http://www.jenniferzane.com
Amazon:  http://amzn.to/vrvUI3
Follow her on Twitter:  @JenniferZane

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 24 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.

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

PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES (EASY!!)

In your crockpot place boneless chicken breasts. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce in, stir around and lift meat to coat. Cook on low for at least 3 hours. When ready to eat, take chicken out, pull apart with 2 forks and return to crockpot. Scoop out chicken and sauce. Serve on rolls. I like jalapeno jack cheese and dill pickle slices with it.

** For an easy cleanup, don’t forget the crockpot liner!