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Karen's Killer Fixin's

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

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Following_RecipeSMALLER 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

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.”

“FINE!”

 èª­æ›¸    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.

~~~

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!
~~~~
**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 Killer Fixin's

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

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

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, SHAWNTELLE MADISON, and her favorite recipe for SHASHLIK (шашлык) or more famously known as kabobs-skewered meat!

SM_Repossessed_375w

REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON

Book Blurb

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

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

REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON

Excerpt

Chapter 1

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Whoa!” Tessa said.

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

Just another day in NYC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 èª­æ›¸    About the author, Shawntelle Madison….

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

~~~

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

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

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

http://www.facebook.com/shawntellemadisonauthor

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

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

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

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 127 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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SHASHLIK (шашлык)
Kabobs-skewered meat

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

ingredients_shaslik

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

I can smell the food already:

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

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

cooking_shaslik

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

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

newswagpack

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

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

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

Karen's Killer Fixin's

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

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

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, SHERI WHITEFEATHER, and her favorite recipe for INDIAN FRY BREAD!

SheriWhitefeather_BeautifulMusician_2500px.Amazon

BEAUTIFUL MUSICIAN by SHERI WHITEFEATHER

Book Blurb

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

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

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

 ~~~

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

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

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

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Sheri Whitefeather     About the author, Sheri Whitefeather….

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

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

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

~~~

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

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

Website:  www.SheriWhitefeather.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/swhitefeather

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 126 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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

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

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

~~~

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

Karen's Killer Fixin's

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

11 Comments

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

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, DONNA MICHAELS, and her favorite recipe for STUFFED STRAWBERRIES WITH YUMMY CREAM CHEESE FILLING!

HerUniformCowboy 200x300

HER UNIFORM COWBOY by DONNA MICHAELS

Book Blurb

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

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

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

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HER UNIFORM COWBOY
By Donna Michaels

EXCERPT

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh. I hope everything is okay.”

He shrugged. “More tests.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Brandi, look at me.”

She opened one eye.

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

The other eye opened.

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

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

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

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

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

Donna_Michaels_062012_sm     About the author, Donna Michaels….

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

~~~

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

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

Available now at Amazon:

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

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

Donna’s Links:

Website:  www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Donna_Michaels

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

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

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 125 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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

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

~~~~

STUFFED STRAWBERRIES with YUMMY CREAM CHEESE FILLING

Main Ingredient:

30 fresh whole strawberries, large

Preparation:

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

Beat together until light and fluffy:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Gently fold in:

2 tablespoons semisweet or milk chocolate, grated

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

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

 ~~~

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

~~~

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

Karen's Killer Fixin's

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

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

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, JENNIFER ZANE, and her favorite recipe for NO CLEAN-UP CARAMEL! 

liar_liar_hearts_on_fire_72dpi_200x300

LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE by JENNIFER ZANE

Book Blurb

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

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

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

Everything.

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

~~~~

読書     About the author, Jennifer Zane….

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

I love to hear from readers!

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

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

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

 ~~~

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

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

Contact Jennifer Zane:

Website:  jennifer@jenniferzane.com

Twitter: @jenniferzane

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

http://www.jenniferzane.com

~~~

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

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 121 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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

NO CLEAN-UP CARAMEL

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

~~~

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

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Cate Beauman

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with CATE BEAUMAN!!

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, CATE BEAUMAN, and her favorite recipe for EASY APPLE BRAID! 

~~~

Hi, Karen!  Thanks so much for having me on Karen’s Killer Fixins.  I love connecting with readers of romantic suspense and the idea of blending killer recipes with suspenseful reading is fantastic! I would love to celebrate my first visit to your blog by offering one of my favorite fall recipes to go along with my latest best seller – Waiting For Wren!

It’s great to meet all of you,

~Cate

Cate Beauman’s newest best seller is available now through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  Visit www.catebeauman.com for more information and to read excerpts from her romantic suspense series The Bodyguards of L.A. County.

Cate profile pic    About the author, Cate Beauman….

Cate currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernard, Bear. She is the author of the best selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County.  Before her career as an author, Cate worked in special education for 12 years.

“I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, two years later, I’m working on my sixth novel, Justice for Abby, and I’m an Amazon best selling author.  I’m very grateful for the support and success I have had.  – Cate “

~~~~

05 - Waiting for Wren Cover reveal and Promotional

WAITING FOR WREN by CATE BEAUMAN

Book Blurb

When the past and present collide…

Wren Cooke has everything she’s ever wanted—a thriving career as one of LA’s top interior designers and a home she loves. Business trips, mockups, and her demanding clientele keep her busy, almost too busy to notice Ethan Cooke Security’s gorgeous Close Protection Agent, Tucker Campbell.

Jaded by love and relationships in general, Wren wants nothing to do with the hazel-eyed stunner and his heart-stopping grins, but Tucker is always in her way. When Wren suddenly finds herself bombarded by a mysterious man’s unwanted affections, she’s forced to turn to Tucker for help.

As Wren’s case turns from disturbing to deadly, Tucker whisks her away to his mountain home in Utah. Haunted by memories and long-ago tragedies, Tucker soon realizes his past and Wren’s present are colliding. With a killer on the loose and time running out, Tucker must discover a madman’s motives before Wren becomes his next victim.

WAITING FOR WREN by CATE BEAUMAN

EXCERPT

She pulled in her drive, dropped her phone, and gripped the wheel with trembling hands as heat from the vents rushed over her. She stared at her darkened front steps in the shadows cast about from the neighbors’ tall trees. What if he was here? His texts weren’t threatening, and technically neither were the flowers, but Rex wasn’t healthy. In the two years she’d owned her home, she’d never been terrified to get out of her car and go inside like she was now.

This is what he wants. He wants you to be afraid while he plays his games. Steeling herself, she grabbed her phone and got out with her key fob clutched in her unsteady hand. The cool rush of wind tossed her hair in her face, and she swiped wavy locks behind her ear as she strained to hear over the rustling leaves. She walked quickly, her eyes darting everywhere.

She just had to get to the door and step inside. The panic button was in the entryway if she needed it. The police would come help her, along with whoever was fielding calls at Ethan’s company tonight. “I’m almost there. I’m almost there,” she whispered, flinching, blinking, startled as the sensor lights flashed on to brighten the walkway. The security lights. It was just the security lights. She forgot she reactivated the feature the night of the gala. She took another step forward and saw the blood by the pretty pot of red mums. “Oh my god. Oh my god.” A black cat lay on her step, decapitated and bloated in a pool of dark, congealed crimson. “Oh my…”

Her breath rushed in and out as she stumbled back. The cellphone in her clammy hand rang, and she screamed. Blindly, she pressed “talk.” “Hell—hello?”

“Do you like it?” someone whispered.

She whirled, scanning, searching for Rex. He was here, somewhere. He had to be.

“Why won’t you call me?” The whisper turned into a pathetic whine. “Why won’t you call me, Wren?”

“Stop,” she shuddered out as she hurried to her car, looking over her shoulder from time to time, sure he was waiting to pounce. “Stop doing this. I’m calling the police.”

The whining stopped abruptly and turned into mad, riotous laughter. “They won’t believe you! They won’t believe you!”

“Leave me alone!” She hung up, gasping for air. Tears poured down her cheeks, and her hand shook as she opened her door, took her seat, and locked herself in. She had to get out of here. She had to get away. It took her two tries to shove the key in the ignition as she glanced at the bloodstained step once more and backed out with a squeal of tires. She sped off, heading toward Ethan’s until she remembered he was gone and a quarter of his house had been gutted for the new edition. All of them were gone—Ethan, Hunter, and Austin. She pressed ‘one’ on her speed dial, listening to the repetitive ringing. Ethan’s smooth voice told her to leave a message, but she hung up instead. She turned down another street, taking her farther from her home, and punched in Ethan Cooke Security’s twenty-four hour assistance line.

“Ethan Cooke Security. This is Mia.”

“Mia, it’s Wren.”

“Wren, are you okay?”

“Yes.” Her voice broke, and she shook her head as she clutched the wheel with one hand. “No. No, I’m not. There’s a dead cat on my porch.”

“Oh.”

That didn’t exactly describe the horror she’d just backed away from. “Someone killed a cat and left it on my front step.”

“Oh my god. Where are you?”

“In my car.” She sniffed. “Driving around. I don’t want to go back to my house alone.”

“Of course not. Let me patch you through to Tucker Campbell. He’s on call.”

Tucker? “No, wait—” But it was too late. Soothing music played in her ear.

“Wren?” Tucker’s deep voice hummed with concern.

Her lip wobbled, and tears began to fall again. “Yeah, I’m here.”

“What’s going on? Mia said something about a dead cat?”

“Someone chopped some sweet cat’s head off and put the body on my front step.”

He muttered a swear. “Are you there now?”

“No, I’m in my car, driving around. It freaked me out. I don’t want to be at the house by myself.”

“I don’t want you there either. Come to my place until we get this figured out.”

If choking fingers of terror didn’t have her by the throat, she would’ve refused, but Tucker was offering his help. She needed help. “I don’t—I don’t know where you live.”

“Ocean View Apartments, off Highway One.”

“What if he follows me? He might be following me right now.” She glanced in the rearview mirror and cringed as headlights trailed behind her.

“Who?”

“Rex.”

“Who the hell is Rex?”

“The crazy bastard who left the dead cat on my porch.”

“Son of a bitch, Cooke. Don’t stop. Don’t’ pull over. Drive on a flat tire if you have to. Just get here. I’ll be waiting outside.”

“Okay,” she sniffed, too afraid to be prideful. “I’m about ten minutes away.”

 ~~~

Did you enjoy the excerpt?  You can read the first three chapters on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book here!

~~~~

All-Book-Covers-Side-by-Side-Promotional

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

Amazon Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM/

Social links:

Twitter: @CateBeauman

www.catebeauman.com

www.facebook.com/CateBeauman

www.goodreads.com/catebeauman

~~~~

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 118 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.

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

EASY APPLE BRAID

 

Ingredients for apple mixture

3 medium granny smith apples

3/8 cups of brown sugar (1/4+1/8 cups)

1/8 cups flour

1/8 t cinnamon

2 Crescent roll tubes

Ingredients for glaze (mix together)

1/3 cups confectioner’s sugar

5 t milk

½ t vanilla

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Peel apples and cut into small chunks.
  3. Mix apples with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon and bake covered in a pie plate for 15-20 minutes until apples are tender.
  4. While mixture is baking, roll crescent rolls out flat (length-to-length), using a rolling pin to smooth junction between the two rolls so that you have one long piece to work with. Cut two-inch slits evenly along the length of the dough (to create flaps to braid).
  5. Pour hot mixture over center of crescent rolls, then braid the flaps over the mixture.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Top with glaze while still warm and enjoy.

~~~

 **SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Cate will give away an ebook (Kindle or Nook) copy of her novel, WAITING FOR WREN, to three of her lucky readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!!  Don’t miss this chance to read this bestselling new release!!  Thanks, Cate, for sharing your stories with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Kelsey Browning & Nancy Naigle

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

With Kelsey Browning & Nancy Naigle

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 co-authors, KELSEY BROWNING & NANCY NAIGLE, and their favorite recipe for CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE!

kelsey      Nancy squareJPG

  About the authors, Kelsey Browning & Nancy Naigle….

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy suspense. Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series. For info on her upcoming single title releases, drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.

Nancy Naigle writes love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Nancy now calls a small farm in southern Virginia home. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Adams Grove series and The Granny Series. Stay in touch with Nancy on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to her newsletter on her website ~ www.NancyNaigle.com.

The Granny Series story…

We’re often asked how we decided to co-write The Granny Series. Well, we didn’t so much as decide on it as it decided on us. In early 2012, we were attending the Romantic Times conference in Chicago. Often at events like that, writer roommates invariably stay up late chatting about their latest projects, the industry, and chocolate. Since we’re both Southern gals, we also talked about our home states and our families.

One of Kelsey’s family stories was about a (hypothetical) threat her mom made against a former family member. Of course, it was all a joke, but they decided Kelsey’s mom would have to be the one to make good on the (hypothetical) threat because in prison, she’d get three square meals a day and free health care. Besides, Kelsey looks horrible in orange.

We laughed and laughed about that silly story. But in the morning, Nan woke up and said, “I think we should write that book.” By the end of the weekend, we’d brainstormed a variety of scenarios and laughed until we cried. But the idea stuck, and we began plotting the story that would become In For a Penny.

Of course, In For a Penny is only the start of what we have planned for Lillian, Maggie, Abby Ruth and Sera. Join us and the grannies on the first of their many adventures!

~~~~

In For a Penny

IN FOR A PENNY by KELSEY BROWNING & NANCY NAIGLE

Book Blurb

Honey, these are not your momma’s grannies…

When Lillian Summer Fairview’s husband up and dies on her, it leaves the last living member of the most prestigious family in Summer Shoals, Georgia, in a hot mess. While Lil was busy being a proper Southern lady, Harlan squandered dang near the whole family fortune on lottery tickets. To keep her financial skeletons in the closet and give him a decent burial, Lil made a deal that has now landed her in prison.

Desperate to keep her troubles a secret and the family estate from falling down while she pays her debt to society, Lil entrusts Summer Haven’s care to her best friend, Maggie, who recruits two more over-fifty ladies to live at Summer Haven and help keep it afloat.

But when Maggie discovers that Lil’s restitution is ten times the amount she “borrowed” from the federal government, she’s convinced Lil has taken the fall for someone else’s crime. And these gals will use every trick in their little-old-lady bags to prove it.

IN FOR A PENNY by KELSEY BROWNING & NANCY NAIGLE

THE GRANNY TAKEOVER

Where did the idea for The Granny Series come from?

Kelsey and I shared a hotel room at a conference and one evening we were relaxing in our jammies – me in my scotty-dog jammies and Kelsey in her moose pants – and we got to talking about my ex-husband. That spawned a conversation about a former family member that Kelsey and her momma had once thought about “taking care of.” As she chronicled the details that she and her mom had brainstormed, I couldn’t help but laugh. Then, she said that her Mom said she should do it because then she could get three square meals and free health care in prison. Kelsey’s response to her mom was, “Good, because I’ve got some more things I want to do.” We went to bed late, late, late that night after hours of silly girl talk and giggles, but the next morning I just couldn’t quit thinking about that story and her momma, a granny, going to jail. We both knew we had to write a story like that…and The Granny Series began.

Each of you also writes romance. Why start a cozy suspense series?

All of my books always have a little suspense in them. The grannies leant themselves to the storyline. Vigilante grannies just sprang to life.

I never expected to be writing cozy (because in my contemporary romances, I write rather…ahem…hottish love scenes). But this idea just grabbed us. Anything that makes me laugh this much HAD to be written. By me 🙂 .

Do you have plans for more Grannies in future books?

Absolutely!! We’ve got five scoped out, but we’ll let the readers guide the pace and frequency. We’ve also talked about doing some novellas where Kelsey can bring her sassy sexy writing style to the page and “Make Teague’s day!”

How many more books in The Granny Series?

At least five, but the number really depends on reader response.

I noticed there’s some strong language in In For a Penny. That’s not normal for Nancy’s work – what’s up?

Blame it all on Kelsey. She has an incurable potty mouth. However, hopefully you noticed the language used in In For a Penny fit the voice of the character using it.

What’s next for the Grannies?

Oh, we can’t keep these gals off the page for long. It’s likely you’ll meet a new granny in the second book and she’ll be a big ole part of their next adventure!

Do you have a website for the series?

Sure do. www.TheGrannySeries.com

How do I get The Granny Series swag?

You can request granny swag through the grannies website www.TheGrannySeries.com or at Nancy’s online store at www.readrelaxrepeat.com.

~~~~

Links to Kelsey and Nancy’s websites, blogs, books, etc.

www.TheGrannySeries.com

www.KelseyBrowning.com

www.NancyNaigle.com

Nancy’s online store at www.readrelaxrepeat.com

Buy Links
Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/17qDnf2
~~~~

I hope you enjoy the recipe Nancy & Kelsey are sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 117 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 PECAN PIE

Butter Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour (refrigerated)

⅛ teaspoon salt

½ cup cold butter

6–8 tablespoons cold water

  1. The trick is in keeping the dough cold. Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until mixture becomes pebbly. Stir in enough water with a fork, just until flour is moistened. Don’t overwork the mixture.
  3. Shape dough into a ball and flatten slightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters and place in a pie pan. Unfold, pressing dough firmly against the bottom and sides. Crimp edges.
  5. Prick the crust with a fork. Butter the bottom of a smaller cake pan and set it inside the pie crust in your pie pan. Heat for 8–10 minutes in a 475-degree oven until lightly browned.

Pie Filling:

4 Hershey’s chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounce size)

2 tablespoons margarine

3 large brown eggs

⅓ cup sugar

1 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 handfuls of pecan halves

1 handful of coconut (optional)

Just a tap of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg

  1. Put your butter crust in your favorite pie dish—Pearl was partial to ceramic pie plates.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. In a double boiler, melt only 3.5 of the chocolate bars and the 2 tablespoons of margarine. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly while you eat that leftover half of a chocolate bar.
  4. Whisk eggs lightly in medium bowl. Add sugar, corn syrup, chocolate mixture, and vanilla; stir until well blended. Mix pecans into chocolate mixture and then combine with the egg mixture.
  5. Set pie shell on heavy-duty baking sheet and pour in filling. Sprinkle the coconut across the top.
  6. Bake 50–55 minutes. The crust will be golden and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Cool pie on wire rack to room temperature before cutting. Serve with whipped topping and a few shavings from the last bit of the chocolate bar if you haven’t already eaten it.

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Nancy and Kelsey will give away THE GRANNY SERIES swag pack of a drink huggy, ink pen & an autographed Keeper Kase Card to one of their lucky readers who comments on Friday’s Karen’s Killer Fixin’ blog!!  Thanks, ladies, for sharing your story with us!

 

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Ava Miles

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with Ava Miles

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, AVA MILES, and her favorite recipe for GINGERBREAD MEN!

ava-Book Cover-color-high res    About the author, Ava Miles….

Ava Miles burst onto the contemporary romance scene after receiving Nora Roberts’ blessing for her use of Ms. Roberts’ name in her debut novel, NORA ROBERTS LAND, which kicked off The Dare Valley Series and brought praise from reviewers and readers alike. Much to Ava’s delight, BlogCritics says “It [NORA ROBERTS LAND] captures the best of…a Nora Roberts novel,” while USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog praises the series noting its “wonderful, idyllic setting… [and] great characters.” Ava continued The Dare Valley Series in FRENCH ROAST, which Tome Tender says “raised the entertainment bar again” and then THE GRAND OPENING, which reviewer Mary J. Gramlich says “is a continuation of love, family, and relationships.” Now, Ava releases the fourth book in the series, THE HOLIDAY SERENADE, with her recognized wit and charm, creating happy endings with humor and heart. A descendant of generations of journalists, Ava—a writer since childhood—now lives in her own porch-swinging-friendly community with an old-fashioned Main Street lined with small businesses. Much like Dare Valley.

THE HOLIDAY SERENADE, Book 4, The Dare Valley Series, by Ava Miles

Contemporary Romance/Fiction/Original

October 2013/On Sale 10-21-13/$2.99 (eBook), ISBN: 9781940565026

www.avamiles.com   www.facebook.com/AuthorAvaMiles   www.facebook.com/NoraRobertsLand

www.twitter.com/authoravamiles   www.pinterest.com/authoravamiles    

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AvaMiles_TheHolidaySerenade200

THE HOLIDAY SERENADE by AVA MILES

Book Blurb

Professional gambler Rhett Butler Blaylock is everything Abbie Maven doesn’t want in a man—flamboyant, flashy, and unreserved. After a horrible experience in her youth, she has spent her life trying to make all the right choices, pouring her energy into being the best possible single mother to her son. But though Rhett doesn’t seem to be husband and stepfather material, he awakens emotions in her that are as frightening as they are powerful. They had a fling she’s never forgotten, and now he has followed her to Dare Valley, Colorado with the intention of winning back her heart…this time, forever.

Rhett’s determined to show Abbie he can be the man of her dreams. He’ll do whatever it takes for the woman he loves, including giving up his flamboyant lifestyle and bad-boy image. As Christmas approaches, he prepares a special surprise for her, hoping the holiday will work its magic and grant him a miracle. Will his holiday serenade heal Abbie’s heart and convince her to give love a second chance?

What Happens When Rhett Butler Wants Martha Stewart?

So, hi there. I’m Ava Miles, a contemporary romance writer of the new Christmas story called THE HOLIDAY SERENADE, part of my Dare Valley series. I want to thank Karen for hosting me today to talk about the heroine of my newest novel, Abbie Maven, who really wants to be Martha Stewart when she grows up.

Abbie loves Christmas, and she loves baking. In fact, she even bakes my family’s gingerbread men recipe, which gets her into a little trouble with the hero, who teases her about only making men.  Well, let me give a little more background here. My hero, Rhett Butler Blaylock (yes, you heard me right), is a professional poker player, and he’s carefully crafted a bad-boy image, which includes these two women who serve as his scouts disguised as well…poker babes. They wear beauty pageant wigs and lots of sequins, and they’re beyond embarrassing to Abbie. I mean, she’s a single mother and Rhett’s…well, Rhett. Here’s an excerpt.

THE HOLIDAY SERENADE by AVA MILES

EXCERPT

Instead she gestured toward the remaining dough in the bowl, which gave off that special gingerbread scent she loved, redolent of coffee and spice. “Since your poker babes have such remarkable attributes, perhaps you should be the one to shape some female cookies?”

He must have caught the challenge in her eyes. Their ongoing battle over his poker entourage was one of the main reasons why she’d refused to renew their relationship when he moved to her new town of Dare Valley, Colorado, months ago with the sole purpose of getting her to agree to marry him. He’d played poker in overseas venues for a year after she broke off their secret relationship. He’d returned six months ago, declaring his love for her and saying he wouldn’t ever leave her again. And, shockingly, he’d stuck by that vow.

Dustin angled his head to the right and flashed a smile at their ongoing banter, and suddenly he reminded her of his father, a man whom she’d believed to be sincere and kind until he’d blown that illusion to smithereens.

Trusting men hadn’t been her strong suit since then. Add in the fact that she and Rhett were still ill-suited beyond words, and she hadn’t caved to Rhett’s dogged pursuit.

If there was one thing Abbie had learned to value in life, it was order. Okay, and control, but that made her sound like a control freak, which she was so not. Mostly.

“I just might do that,” Rhett replied, pinching some of the dough out of her holiday Christmas bowl and rolling it into a ball.

“Sweet!” her son cried, jumping up from the bar stool right in front of her kitchen island like he was preparing to make Playboy centerfold gingerbread cookies, a teenager’s Christmas fantasy.

Like she would ever allow that to happen in her home.

Rhett put a hand on Dustin’s shoulder, and he eased back into his chair, about as deflated as an undercooked soufflé.

“Maybe we can just put a dress on them,” Rhett said. “That way your mama can still maintain her dignity, Dustin.”

The compliment did little to diffuse her. As a poker player, and a flamboyant one at that, Rhett had created a rough-and-tumble image for his act. Every time he played poker, he was accompanied by his poker babes—two women clad in tight, low-cut, often sequined gowns, with death-defying cleavage.

Few knew these women were total brainiacs who worked as his scouts. Frankly, she didn’t care that they both had MBAs from Harvard and that he’d never been anything but professional with them.

They were embarr-a-ssing, and she didn’t want them anywhere near her son.

Plus, how could Rhett expect her to walk into a poker tournament with him if his poker babes were flanking them? Abbie wore conservative Ann Taylor suits most days. She was a single mother. Being respected and respectable was important to her, and she’d fought hard for it. She wasn’t about to give it up.

Especially after the horrible way in which Dustin had been conceived when she was just eighteen. Why couldn’t he understand that?

Peggy dropped a plastic container filled with the silver balls in front of Rhett. “If you’re going to make women with dresses, this might work for sequins.”

Abbie gave her future sister-in-law a smile of genuine appreciation. Though there had been some bumps in their relationship, she and Peggy got along pretty well now. True, they didn’t always understand one another. As Dare Valley’s deputy sheriff, Peggy was a cop to the core, and Abbie really did aspire to be Martha Stewart. But they shared a more important commonality—they were both single mothers.

“What a great idea!” Rhett agreed with his usual aw-shucks ease. “Do you have any of these bells in gold? I don’t always like my poker babes to wear the same outfits.”

~~~

And that’s pretty much the push-pull relationship Martha (oops Abbie) and Rhett have.

So, if you could have Abbie bake your favorite holiday treat, what would it be?

And now, here’s the gingerbread men recipe (or gingerbread women). And FYI, my own church-going mother makes both sexes, which makes all of us sometimes uncomfortable. But I can tell you this: they are definitely a conversation piece. 🙂 Enjoy!

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

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZ5H8Q4

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-holiday-serenade-ava-miles/1117165589?ean=2940045327824

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id725314543

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-holiday-serenade-dare-valley-series-4

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/366988

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 114 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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GINGERBREAD MEN (& WOMEN)

Recipe by Ava Miles’ Great-great Grandma Miles, circa 1900
Baked by Abbie Maven at Christmas

Gingerbread

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar

Cream these two ingredients.

Add ½ c. hot coffee
¾ c. molasses
5 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
¼ tsp. nutmeg
1 ½ tsp. ginger
½ tsp. cloves

Mix the ingredients. Chill for at least 1 hour. Overnight is best.

Form them into gingerbread men or other shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Then decorate to your heart’s content.

Icing

4 egg whites
5 c. sifted powdered sugar

Beat egg whites until stiff and slowly add the powdered sugar. Keep covered when not using since the icing dries quickly.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Elizabeth Allen

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   Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with Elizabeth Allen

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, ELIZABETH ALLEN, and her favorite recipe for HOMEMADE TOM GAI SOUP (Thai Coconut Soup) or what Elizabeth likes to call, THAI ONE ON!

Elizabeth Allen portrait    About the author, Elizabeth Allen….

Liz is a Florida girl – born and raised in the Sunshine State. Her career path has spanned from physical to fiscal to literary starting in nutrition, then riding the roller coaster we call the stock market as a financial advisor and ultimately penning her first book at age 49. Before meeting her husband and marrying in 1992 Liz lived in New York City and Los Angeles. In 1995 she had a child but fear and impatience with unpredictable earthquakes in California motivated her to move back to Florida in 1999 – just in time for that y2k scare….

Liz’ debut novel “Who Got Liz Gardner” was published in April 2009 as the result of an international contest and is now enjoying tremendous popularity in book clubs around the world. Recently, some critics have called her novel “the intelligent and better-written ‘Fifty Shades of Grey'”. She was also reviewed and highly recommended by USA Today in April 2012. The sequel to WGLG – Discovering Arugula – was released January 2011. She recently released her third novel “Ima Pigg” a young adult/scifi tale which has been described as “Charlotte’s Web” meets “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”.

Liz has been a contributing writer for several women’s magazines as well as a popular speaker for women’s groups.

Liz lives with her husband, daughter and Catahoula Leopard dog. Her unrealized dream is to ride horseback across the fields of Provence for one week. In the meantime, she rides dressage once a week and goes to Epcot. She will not ride Mission Space. She does, however,practice her high school French when she orders crepes.

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WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER by ELIZABETH ALLEN

Book Blurb

When Liz, a married financial advisor and mother of one, logs on to her high school website in an attempt to generate business leads, she inadvertently lands in a chat room made up of her male classmates (and former lovers) from 30 years before. There she witnesses a testosterone-laden discussion and a much unexpected question, “Does anyone know who got Liz Gardner?” The sheer irony that she would be a topic of this world wide circle jerk on her one and only visit catapults her into a graphic and relentless exploration of her life’s journey–with all the erotic, tragic, and hilarious affairs, lessons, and detours that inevitably led to the one “who got her.”

Did she make the same desperate mistakes as her mother, or worse? Was she destined to become her mother?

Her journey takes her from Florida to New York to California with a spicy layover in Denver. She grows and evolves from dealings with divorced parents, abortion, love triangles, infidelity, confused intentions, homeless junkies, aliens, vegetarians, stalkers, past life lesbians, ghosts and angels. Oh, and men. Definitely men.Who Got Liz Gardner is a complete meal with flavors, textures and ingredients reminiscent of “50 Shades of Grey”, and “Sex and the City” combined with a dash of “Fear of Flying”. Readers who enjoy feasts of this caliber will want to indulge in this extraordinary repast and encourage others to take a taste! However, be warned – while some like it hot, this meal hits the top of the Scoville scale. Muy caliente!

WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER

Excerpt

Chapter 1
Atticus Finch

Accolades of “Brilliant! Fantastic!” could be heard amidst the applause usually reserved for rock stars, but this wasn’t a concert. It was a psychiatric convention and Mike Gardner was a key speaker. A celebrity in the ambiguous world of mental health, his psychiatric observations were legend having been published in the most prominent journals. His evaluations were sought on the highest profile criminal cases and his conclusions were instrumental in verdicts. That was the public Mike.

And he was very generous with his sperm. Enthusiastic, some might say.
His given name was Melvyn, but he hated it and went by Mike. A slim, stunning man, he bore an uncanny resemblance to Gregory Peck. The facial arrangement of a sexy smile and deep soulful eyes was magnetic to men and women alike. He was a hugger; no one could escape his warm embrace as he bellowed “hellooo!” in lieu of handshakes. Every crushing squeeze was accompanied by that unique whiff of Brylcreem.

He had conformed and married his college sweetie.  Realizing the American dream with a thriving practice and four young children was within his reach when he hired Radiance as his receptionist.

Radiance was a four-time divorcee and had a ten-year-old daughter, Bobbie, from the second marriage. She was a diminutive spitfire and like the saying goes—dynamite comes in small packages. Radiance was explosive. What she lacked in stature, she more than made up in attitude. She maintained a knock-out body, shamelessly tempted men with indigo eyes and used her sex appeal brilliantly. She could shift into an adorable Betty Boop voice while thrusting her perfect B cup breasts toward any man she wanted—the way her mother had taught her. She also bore a remarkable likeness to Ann Margret.

Her life had not been easy, especially starting off with a moniker like Radiance.  Her father, Louis, died when she was ten years old. She never recovered from the loss and was traumatized into believing men were unreliable and would always leave her—and they always did.

Radiance may have let four husbands get away, but she hadn’t lost her touch. Within two months of employment, Mike left his wife and kids for her and for two years, Mike was in orbit around this red-haired vixen. He severed all ties to his first family, never returning sobbing calls from his children. In 1956, he married Radiance and adopted Bobbie, her daughter. Less than nine months later, my brother David came along. Fifteen months after that, I landed on the planet.

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

www.elizabeth-allen.com

http://www.amazon.com/Who-Got-Gardner-Elizabeth-Allen/dp/184923888X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373293746&sr=8-1&keywords=who+got+liz+gardner

http://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Arugula-Book-GARDNER-Series/dp/1432766627/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17664477-ima-pigg

http://www.amazon.com/Ima-Pigg-ebook/dp/B00BUVDMEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373293623&sr=8-1&keywords=ima+pigg

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 101 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.

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

HOMEMADE TOM KA GAI SOUP
(Thai Coconut Soup aka Thai One On)

1 can coconut milk
Thai fish sauce
lemongrass stalk
lime
brown sugar
ground garlic powder
toasted sesame oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup chopped vegetables ( broccoli and napa cabbage work nicely)
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup cooked chicken tenders (or shrimp)
Bring coconut milk to low simmer and add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, the cup of chicken broth, 3 teaspoons of fish sauce, the lemongrass stalk, the juice of one lime, the garlic powder and a touch of sesame oil. Bring back to low simmer and add vegetables for five minutes. Turn down heat and add cooked chicken.
Can be served over rice or Thai rice noodles. If you like it spicy, add a dash of cayenne to taste!

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 **SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Elizabeth will give away a Kindle version of both of her releases, WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER and DISCOVERING ARUGULA, to one of her lucky readers who comments on Friday Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** blog!!  Winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, July 29, 2013.  Thanks, Elizabeth, for sharing your stories with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Christine Warner

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   Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with CHRISTINE WARNER

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, CHRISTINE WARNER, and her favorite recipe for THE JUICY LUCY!

christine9SMALLER    About the author, Christine Warner….

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic.  A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities.  She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website.

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    BS COVER  Bachelors Special SMALLER

[Editor’s Note: Entangled Publishing is revamping their Indulgence Line covers and Christine’s cover will be replaced July 15th. To avoid confusion, I’m placing both covers here so you, my wonderful readers, know what you’re looking for.]

BACHELOR’S SPECIAL by CHRISTINE WARNER

Book Blurb

Jill Adgate wants three things from life: a successful catering business, a family, and the love of an exceptional man. What she has is no job, a mounting pile of bills, and her outspoken best friend—who sets her up on a blind date with the man who inadvertently ruined Jill’s life.

Chet Castle is a businessman who has everything, except the ability to trust. Burned by a money-hungry fiancée, he refuses to get involved in any relationship that has a shelf life longer than a head of lettuce.

Intrigued by her ambition—and determined to get her in bed—Chet offers Jill the chance of a lifetime: work as his live-in chef and he’ll help her get her catering business off the ground. When sparks fly in the kitchen, Jill realizes what’s cooking is a recipe for disaster…

BACHELOR’S SPECIAL

Excerpt

Author’s Note: The excerpt I’m sharing has a little taste from both Jill and Chet’s perspective. ENJOY!

Her body hummed as his smile wavered. Although he wore sunglasses, she’d bet her last dollar his gaze swept across her chest, lingering on the betrayal of her pert nipples pushing against the fabric of her suit.

Until this moment, shyness had never been a trait she possessed. Air stalled in her lungs, her palms grew sweaty, and she itched to cover herself with a towel. Even though her replica vintage swimsuit hid more than most sets of women’s underwear, she felt too exposed. She turned to the side slightly and folded her legs up. Not that it helped, but it made her feel a bit less exposed.

Chet slid his feet from his sandals, brushing a hand through his hair. The heat from the sun wasn’t the only thing scorching her skin. She trickled several droplets of water over her arms, but she couldn’t drag her focus from his toned flesh.

Jill soaked in his ripped abs and the obvious package of goodies covered by his brown swimsuit—the same sexy brown as his hair. Damn, did a man have a right to fill out a pair of swimming trunks like that? Flecks of hair, just enough to give him a manly appeal, covered the etched muscles of his long, tan legs.

She licked her lips, hoping she could still speak. “Do you want some privacy?” Yes, say yes. She needed an excuse to make an escape without coming off like someone desperate to be making an exit.

***

Hell no, he didn’t want privacy. Through the shield of his sunglasses, he inspected her body from the tips of her pink-painted toenails to the top of her brightly flowered swimming cap. Did people still actually wear those things? “No, you look comfortable. Stay and enjoy the day.”

“Oh…are you sure?”

“Sure.”

Amazed at his own ability to talk without his tongue hitting the cement, Chet turned to throw his towel and sunglasses on a nearby lounge chair. Damn.

The red and white polka-dot halter-style suit featured a tight bodice, but her slender hips and shapely thighs hiding beneath a matching skirt grabbed his attention until all oxygen left his blood. Even showing less skin than the average girl on the beach, she far exceeded sexy and alluring.

Get a grip, Castle. She’s off limits, no matter how delectable.

He turned and stepped onto the diving board. He bounced along the surface as he made his way over the water. When he looked at Jill’s bathing cap covering her head, he held back his grin. The neon rubber flowers reminded him of something his grandmother would’ve worn, but there the similarity ended.

Everything beneath that cap was far from making him think of Grandma.

~~~~

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE AND HER BOOK:

Website:  http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under @ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

Facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763713.Christine_Warner

BUY LINKS:

Barnes & Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bachelors-special-christine-warner/1115250848?ean=9781622661312

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bachelors-Special-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00CNTSVB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369342052&sr=8-1&keywords=christine+warner

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Bachelors-Special/book-ymNN_qSIaUi8PBWwPe_JyA/page1.html?s=K2kMxRAOXE-3u7T7udMTew&r=2

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 99 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 JUICY LUCY
[Makes 1 Burger]

The recipe Christine is sharing is one that is mentioned in Bachelor’s Special. Jill is a chef, but one night Chet decides to take Jill out to the Burger Bar and give her a break from the kitchen. In the process Jill has an adventure with a new burger.

 

THE JUICY LUCY…perfect for this summer’s menu.

 

Lightly mix 6 ounces ground beef chuck with a big pinch of salt. (I use sea salt)

Form into two equal balls, and then shape into two flat patties.

Take 2 slices of your favorite prepackaged cheese. (I use American and Swiss). After I open each slice and divide into 4 smaller individual slices…so I finish with 8 tiny squares. You can also leave them whole if you prefer and just lay each slice on top of the other on one patty.

After you have your cheese on one patty, place the other patty on the top and crimp along the edges so that the cheese is hidden and you have 1 patty total. Make an indentation in the center of the patty.

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat; sprinkle the skillet with salt. Cook the burger 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve on a soft bun with your favorite toppings and enjoy the gooey cheese-filled center when you bit into your Juicy Lucy.