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Karen's Killer Fixin's

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

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

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

Cooper's Folly

COOPER’S FOLLY by MARY STRAND

Book Blurb

He took a dare.  She took a chance.

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

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COOPER’S FOLLY
By Mary Strand

EXCERPT

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

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

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

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

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

“Ms. Perrell, it’s a resounding yes.”

MES author photo    About the author, Mary Strand….

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

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

COOPER’S FOLLY is available now at Amazon:

http://amzn.com/B00I3OAFZ0

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

Mary’s Links:

Website:  www.marystrand.com

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Mary_Strand

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 129 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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

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MOM’S COFFEE CAKE

Coffee cake ingredients:

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

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. milk.

 

Topping ingredients;

1 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 T. flour

2 T. butter

 

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

 ~~~

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

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Turtle Cheesecake Bars

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Following_RecipeSMALLER   It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is TURTLE CHEESECAKE BARS!

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

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 123 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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TURTLE CHEESECAKE BARS

[Makes 1 dozen bars]

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

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

Karen's Killer Fixin's

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

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Following_Recipe

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.

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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
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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.

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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: Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

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Following_RecipeSMALLER It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is HOT FUDGE SUNDAE CAKE!

Hot Fudge Sundae? Cake? How can y0u go wrong with this cake?!  You can’t!  It’s even easy to make because it uses a box cake mix.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 113 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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HOT FUDGE SUNDAE CAKE
[Serves 12-16]

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
½ gallon brick vanilla ice cream

FUDGE SAUCE:

1 can evaporated milk
1¾ cups sugar
4 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate
¼ cup butter or margarine
1½ tsp. vanilla
¼ tsp. salt

Whipped cream, for garnish
Maraschino Cherries, for garnish

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour 13x9x 2-inch pan.  Prepare, bake and cool cake following package directions.
  2. Remove cake from pan.  Split cake in half horizontally.  Place bottom layer back in pan.  Cut ice cream into even slices and place evenly over bottom cake layer (use all ice cream).  Place remaining cake layer over ice cream.  Cover and freeze.
  3. For sauce, combine evaporative milk and sugar in medium saucepan.  Stir constantly on medium heat until mixture comes to a rolling boil.  Boil and stir for 1 minute.  Add unsweetened chocolate and stir until melted.  Beat over heat until smooth.  Remove from heat.  Stir in butter, vanilla and salt.
  4. Cut cake into serving squares.  Spoon hot fudge sauce on top of each cake square.  Garnish with whipped cream and maraschino cherry.

 

Tip:  Fudge sauce may be prepared ahead and refrigerated in tightly sealed jar.  Reheat when ready to serve.

NOTE: Change up the flavor by changing your ice cream flavors…Hot Fudge Strawberry Sundae Cake, anyone? Coffee?  Cherry?

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Blueberry Buckle

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It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is BLUEBERRY BUCKLE!!

I love blueberry pie for a change once in a while but I haven’t nearly the time I used to have to make pie crust.  I’m more inclined to throw together a buckle or crisp because it’s easier.  Not to mention delicious ~ I’m a crumb topping lover!!  This is a great special dessert for your next summer picnic!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 100 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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BLUEBERRY BUCKLE
[Serves 6]

 ½ cup butter, room temperature
½ cup sugar
1 egg, beaten to blend
1 cup flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup milk
2 cup fresh or frozen, thawed blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Butter 9-inch square baking pan.  Cream butter with sugar three minutes.  Add egg and beat 1 minute.  Combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Add to butter mixture in 4 batches, alternating with milk.  Turn into pan, spread evenly.  Top with berries.

Crumble Topping:

¼ cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
½ cup flour
½ tsp. cinnamon
Whipped cream

Cream butter with sugar, add flour and cinnamon and blend until crumbly.  Sprinkle over blueberries.  Bake @ 45 minutes (brown & bubbly).  Serve immediately with whipped cream.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Jennie Marts

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Following_Recipe

   Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with JENNIE MARTS

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, JENNIE MARTS, and her favorite recipe for BETTER THAN SEX CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Jen Profile Pic

About the author, Jennie Marts….

Jennie Marts has been dreaming about writing a novel since she was in fifth grade and self-published her first Nancy Drew style mystery to a small readership of family, teachers, and two friends.

She lives in Colorado with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. Tucker, her golden retriever, was the inspiration for the dog, Beau, in this story.

Jennie enjoys being a member of (RWA) Romance Writers of America, the Pikes Peak Chapter of RWA, and Pikes Peak Writers.

Jennie spends her spare time playing volleyball and reading and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes or friends.

Jennie loves to hear from readers. Visit her website at www.jenniemarts.com or follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books.

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JennieMarts_AnotherSaturdayNight_200

 ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AND I AIN’T GOT NO BODY by Jennie Marts

Hi, my name is Jennie Marts and I am excited to share a little bit with you about my recently released romantic comedy, Another Saturday Night and I Ain’t Got No Body. My story features an ordinary school teacher named Sunny Vale whose well-meaning friends decide to help her find her Mr. Right.

Sunny considers herself a dog-loving, romance-reading, homebody. But her life goes from dull to deadly when her book club fires her from her own love life and sets her up on six blind dates- one of whom might be with a murderer. More trouble arrives in the dead of night, in the form of Jake Landon, a mysterious stranger, who breaks into her neighbor’s house and possibly her heart. But Jake is packing more than a loaded gun in his well-fitting Levi’s. He brings an arsenal of secrets and plenty of heat to Sunny’s ho-hum summer.

Jake Landon finds himself caught up in the capers of the sexy blonde in the house next door. But he has his own agenda which doesn’t involve playing hero to a curvy second-grade teacher and babysitting her panty-puking puppy. He’s got other problems like fiery explosions, a missing person…and a parade of jerks Sunny insists on dating.

Could Sunny’s Mr. Right be right under her nose? Even though Jake is gorgeous, likes her dog, and has abs she can crack an egg on, can she really go out with him if he’s just murdered her next door neighbor?

 JAKE’S COFEESHOP INTERVIEW

Today, I am sharing with you a little inside scoop not available in the book. Let’s take a peek into the small town of Pleasant Valley, CO, where Janice Tuttlebaum, local reporter has just cornered Jake in the coffeeshop. The whole town is talking about Walter’s disappearance and this handsome stranger who has moved into Walter’s home. Nobody’s nosier than Janice, except maybe Edna, Sunny’s 80-year-old neighbor, friend and fellow book club member. Edna has been suspicious of Jake from the start, ever since she saw him sneaking around the night of the — but I’m giving too much away.

I think Janice is trying to interview Jake now. She certainly has her chair pulled close enough to his to smell his aftershave or sneak a bite of his danish. Let’s listen in…..

“This is Janice Tuttlebaum from the Pleasant Valley Times,” she says into a small handheld recorder. She also has a steno pad on the table and is scribbling notes whiles she talks. “I am here today interviewing Jake Landon, the witness who reported our local townsmen, Walter Mead, missing. Jake, what do you know about Mr. Mead’s disappearance?”

Jake sighs and folds his newspaper in half. “Not much. I expected him to be here when I arrived in town. It’s been several weeks and we really have no idea what happened to him.” He takes a sip of his coffee, then turns the questions to Janice. “How well do you know Walter? What can you tell me about him?”

“Well, he was just the sweetest old man. He fixed my front gate last summer and wouldn’t let me pay him a thing. He said his only payment was to have me bake him one of my cherry pies. My pies are prize winning at the county fair every summer. I mean, er…..I will be conducting this interview, Mr. Landon.” Flustered by the attention of this handsome rogue, Janice pats her chest and tries to take back control of the interview. “Exactly what is your relationship with Walter, er…Mr. Mead?”

Jake gives her a mischievous grin. “I’d rather talk about this cherry pie of yours….”

A bell tinkles as the front door opens, and in walks Edna, fanning herself from the summer heat. “Whoo-ee, it’s hotter than two rats — What are you doing here, Mr. Froofroo Coffee? Do you think you have enough whipped cream on that drink?”

Another sigh escapes Jake. “I ran into Ms. Tuttlebaum here while I was getting my coffee, and she asked to interview me for the local paper.”

“Why are you sitting so close together?” Edna asks, as she squeezes a chair in between them. Fluffing her hair, she turns to Janice. “Now, let me tell you, I have been neighbors with Walter for almost twenty years, and I am telling you, I suspect foul play. You work for the paper, what are you doing to find Walter?”

“Well, we…uh…we certainly would cooperate or try to help….wait a minute….doesn’t anyone understand I am the reporter here. I ask the questions.”

“Geez, touchy.” Edna turns to Jake. “What did you do to make her mad?”

“Nothing! I don’t even know her. I was just sitting here drinking my coffee, trying to read the paper…”

“Why is she all grouchy then?” Edna asks in a not-so-subtle whisper.

Janice huffs. “I am most certainly not grouchy. Now if you will excuse us, I was trying to conduct an interview, Ms……?”

“Allen. That’s with two L’s.” Edna looks pointedly at her steno pad, and gives her a conspiratorial wink. “In case you want to quote me.”

The bell tinkles again and Sunny marches in, eyes scanning the store for her neighbor. “Edna, what is taking so long? I’ve been in the car for 10 minutes…… Oh, hi, Jake. What are you doing here?”

“Evidently NOT drinking coffee, OR reading the paper. I think I’ll just take my coffee to go. Bye, Sunny.” Jake nods his goodbye at the women. “See you around. Edna. Nice to meet you, Janice.”

Janice and Sunny watch him walk out the door, both obviously appreciating the view.

Edna taps on the reporter’s notebook. “Alright Janice, now we can get down to the real story. If you two could peel your eyes off the man’s bum for a minute, I am telling you this guy, Jake, is the real trouble. We don’t know where he came from or what he does. I think he’s dangerous.”

Sunny scoffs. “Oh Edna, you are always exaggerating! Don’t start rumors.”

Janice, now all ears, flips to a new page in her steno notepad, clicks her pen several times then begins taking notes. “Now, Ms Allen, with two L’s, you said. What exactly do you mean by danger?”

“Well, now I’ve got your attention. You might want to wipe that drool off your chin, Janice. Let me tell you about this Jake character….”

“Alright, that’s enough.” Sunny says. “Sorry, we don’t really know anything about the man.”

“Oh, she’s just saying that because she has the hotsie-totsie’s for him! If you know what I mean, Janice.” Edna winks at the reporter again, but Janice doesn’t notice as she continues to write furiously.

“What? I do not! What are you writing there?” Sunny cranes her neck to see Janice’s pad. “Quit writing! Edna, I am leaving, so if you want a ride home, you better get your hotsie-totsie out to the car! I don’t even want coffee anymore!” She pulls on Edna’s purse strap while Edna is making ‘call me’ miming motions with her hand up to her ear to Janice.

“I gotta go, Janice. But mark my words, this guy might be booty-licious, but there is trouble brewing in Pleasant Valley…”

Well, that’s a small dose of life in Pleasant Valley. For more of the antics of Sunny and her pals, the Pleasant Valley Page Turners, check out ‘Another Saturday Night and I Ain’t Got No Body, available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle editions.

I am often told that Edna is a favorite character in my book, due to her fun and quirky personality. I would love it if you left a comment about a favorite character you love, in fiction or in real life, that makes you laugh just by thinking about them. Edna is a composite character made up of several older women in my life, but especially, my own grandmother, who always had me stitches.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free Kindle copy of Another Saturday Night and I Ain’t Got No Body. And I have included one of Edna’s favorite recipes- Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake- it is easy and so yummy! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the book.

CONNECT WITH JENNIE AND HER BOOK:

Website: www.jenniemarts.com

Facebook:   Jennie Marts Books

Email:   jenniemarts@yahoo.com

Amazon buy links for Another Saturday Night and I Ain’t Got No Body:

Kindle

Paperback

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 86 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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BETTER THAN SEX CHOCOLATE CAKE

From the kitchen of Jennie Marts – Author of Another Saturday Night and I Ain’t Got No Body

1 German Chocolate Cake Mix

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup butterscotch ice cream topping

2 Heath candy bars, crushed (or crushed toffee pieces)

1 carton of Cool Whip

Mix and bake cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan, according to package directions. Remove cake and while hot, poke several holes in the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake. Then pour the butterscotch topping over the top of the cake. Let stand until cool. Spread Cool Whip over the top of the cake then sprinkle with toffee pieces. Enjoy!

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jennie will give away a Kindle copy of her book, ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AND I AIN’T GOT NO BODY, to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog!!  Winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, April 15, 2013.  Thanks, Jennie, for sharing your stories with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Mari Collier

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Following_Recipe

   Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with MARI COLLIER

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, MARI COLLIER, and her favorite recipe for HUCK FINN CHEESE PIE!

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 Portrait-1 mari collier

About the author, Mari Collier….

Mari Collier was born in Iowa and grew up on a farm.  She’s lived in Arizona, Washington, and now resides in Twentynine Palms, CA. She’s a Director on the Board or the Twentynine Palms Historical Society and Coordinator for the Desert Writers Guild.  Previous employment includes bookkeeper, collector, receptionist, and Advanced Super Agent for Nintendo of America.  Earthbound is the prequel to Gather the Children, and available online.  Several short stories have been published and she pens two columns for the Old Schoolhouse Journal.

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proof4 Earthbound

BOOK PEEK – EARTHBOUND by Mari Collier

A man with Thalian-Justine genes is marooned on the planet Earth. He has the spaceship and has hidden it in the wilds of Texas. He must survive on this violent planet and return to destroy the Justines and avenge his mother and Thalia. He takes the name of MacDonald and rescues Rolfe during a barroom brawl.  He joins Rolfe in the fur trade until it ends. They become traders until a Kiowa raid destroys their goods.  MacDonald admits he has gold hidden away. A trip to the spaceship provides funds for a land grant from the state of Texas. MacDonald becomes a Scout for the 2nd Dragoons. During a raid on a Comanche camp, he rescues Anna, a woman tall enough and warrior enough to match him. Will MacDonald and Anna survive plaque, the enmity of their Southern neighbors, a raid on Schmidt’s Corner, and the Civil War?

EXCERPT – EARTHBOUND by Mari Collier

Outside a whoop cut through her thoughts and she snapped the last diaper pin into place and put Auggie back into the crib. Auggie promptly resumed his screams.
His screams were covered by the whooping going on outside and the whinny of a horse. Anna ran for the front door ready to face whatever was out there and yet she knew.
She looked upward over the door to two empty gun racks and knew it was futile. Mr. Lawrence had taken both the rifle and the shotgun. She grabbed the broom set by the door and rushed out. Three Comanche warriors sat there looking at the small ranch house and buildings. It was as if they knew there was no one inside but a woman. Comanche women didn’t fight. They were trained to grab their children and then run and hide.
As Anna ran out the door one of the men slid down from his horse and started up the one step onto the porch. She was holding the bottom end of the broom and swung the hard hickory shaft against his knees. They had not expected her to fight; nor had they expected a woman taller than they were. The man’s knees buckled and he went down. Anna swung the broom again with all her strength and smashed it into his head. Her next blow was straight down into the ribs and she heard one crack. She whirled to face the next man coming toward her.
The first man’s horse had reared and fled toward the cornfield. It wanted no part of the flailing broom. The horse next to it began to rear and back away, but his rider had it back under control. He was grinning as though this were some sort of fluke; a woman downing a Comanche warrior.  The other man was up on the porch. He was watching her, waiting for her to swing the broom again. Anna realized he was waiting to catch it, sure that his masculine strength was more than hers.
She edged to the side. Perhaps she could draw them away from the house. Her teeth were set, the lips drawn tight.  She would stop them somehow and she started to swing and then hurriedly pulled the broom handle back. The Comanche grabbed air and she swung the broom into his arm, side-stepped, and slammed the hickory handle into the man’s head. He went down to his knees.
The other Comanche stepped out of the house carrying the squalling Auggie by one heel, swinging him back and forth. Anna’s mouth dropped and her eyes widened. The man looked ready to bash Auggie’s head into the doorframe.  All the while he was looking at her, his head cocked to one side.
Anna dropped the broom and held out her arms for her baby. The Comanche stepped up to her and started to let Auggie drop. She grabbed him and held him tight. The other one had risen and approached with a knife, but the man that had held Auggie shook his head and said something in their language. He directed the man to go inside. He motioned Anna to walk over to the other one. He nudged him with one foot. To Anna his words had no meaning.
The one with the broken rib pulled himself up and looked for his horse. It was gone. His voice rose in anger. The one in charge said something to him. Anna was able to understand the contempt in his voice. There was no pity for a warrior bested by a woman.
She saw movement coming from the field. Was Mr. Lawrence coming to rescue them?  Her heart sank. It was two more Comanche warriors and Daniel was riding in front of one.

CONNECT WITH MARI AND HER SERIES:

You will find me online at:  http://www.maricollier.com/
Short stories on Smashwords.com can be accessed from here:  https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Skewedmind
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Mari is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 82 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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HUCK FINN CHEESE PIE
[An Original Recipe by Mari Collier]

 

2 1/2 Cups frozen blue huckleberries (Substitute frozen blueberries)
1 ½ Cups Sugar
8 Oz. Package Cream Cheese
3 Tbs. Cornstarch
½ Cup Milk
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 Tsp. Vanilla
1/2   Tsp. Salt
Dash of Cinnamon
1 Egg
1 Unbaked 9 ½ to 10 In. pie flan (high rim)

Heat oven to 4000.

Combine huckleberries, 1 cup of the sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon of salt, lemon juice, and dash of cinnamon in three quart pan.  Cook over moderate heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and clear.  Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

While fruit mixture is cooling soften cream cheese (30 to 40 seconds in microwave) and blend in ½ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt.  Beat in eggs one-at-a time using an electric mixer.  Blend in milk and vanilla on low speed.  Pour the blue huckleberry mixture into the pie shell.  Next, pour the cream cheese mixture slowly over the top.  Do this in a circular motion.

Bake on lowest shelf in oven at 4000 for 10 minutes.  Reduce heat to 3250 and bake for 40 to 50 minutes longer until top is golden brown (not burned) and center is set.  Let cool before serving.  It tastes best if put into the refrigerator and served cold.  You can use whipping cream, but this pie is rich enough without it.

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Mari will give away a Kindle (or Nook)  copy of BEFORE WE LEAVE (the sequel to GATHER THE CHILDREN) to one lucky reader!!  Comment on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blos for a chance to win.  Winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday, March 18, 2013.  Thanks, Mari, for sharing your story AND your delicious recipe with us!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Peppermint Stick Pie

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It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is PEPPERMINT STICK PIE!!

I know that most of us associate peppermint recipes with Christmas but this is a refreshing pie for every day…or a special event. I love that it can be made ahead of time and it’s easy to throw together.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 81 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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PEPPERMINT STICK PIE
[Serves 6-8]

4 ½ cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 quarts peppermint stick ice cream, softened
Chocolate syrup or Fudge topping
Crushed peppermint candies

Combine cereal and chocolate; mix well.  Press into bottom and up the sides of ungreased 10-inch pie plate.  Freeze for 5 minutes.  Spoon ice cream into crust.  Smooth and freeze until ready to serve.  Garnish with chocolate syrup (or fudge) and peppermint candies.

NOTE: Pie may be made ahead and frozen.  Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Million-Dollar Pound Cake

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It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is MILLION-DOLLAR POUND CAKE!!

I don’t eat a lot of cake…well, depending on what kind of cake! The one I cannot resist is pound cake.  I remember buying Sara Lee pound cake in college and sitting down to eat the entire thing in one sitting…my version of Chunky Monkey ice cream when I was down in the dumps. Anyway, entirely too much information! 🙂 I’ve learned not to be greedy in adulthood (okay, maybe I’ve learned to moderate my greediness) but I still list pound cake as my #1 favorite.  Of course, I had to have a good recipe that I can make whenever the mood strikes me.  This is the best I’ve ever found.  It’s dense and moist and richly flavored.

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 78 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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MILLION-DOLLAR POUND CAKE
[Serves 20]

¾ cup milk
6 lg. eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. butter, softened
3 cups sugar
4 cups unsifted flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan.  In small glass mixing bowl, combined milk with almond and vanilla extract.  In large bowl, at high speed, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Alternately add one fourth of flour with one third milk mixture; place in prepared pan.  Bake 1 hour and forty minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack in pan, 15 minutes.  Remove from pan.  Cool thoroughly on rack.  Serve plain or sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Jodie Pierce

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  Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with JODIE PIERCE

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, JODIE PIERCE, and her favorite recipe for CHEESECAKE!

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About the author, Jodie Pierce….

Jodie Pierce is thirty-seven years old and lives with her hubby, John in Cleveland, Ohio along with four beautiful step-children. She has had a fascination with vampires since they were introduced to her as a child and has had a long history with them. It wasn’t until she started reading the Anne Rice vampire books that she was truly inspired. She was an exchange student in Brasil in high school so you can find some of her experiences from there in her stories. Many of her stories have historical or researched facts as she also enjoys research and learning about new places. She has published five short novels (Eternal Press), a short story in “Midnight Thirst 2”, an anthology(Melange Books), has two self-published books and has several short stories that she still works on. She’s always busy with the next great vampire story as her mind is non-stop and even plagues her dreams.

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BOOK PEEK  ~ THE DEMISE OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN by Jodie Pierce

The Queen is once again ruling her subjects only this time it is a school for the ‘different’ children in Scotland. A school full of vampires, witches, warlocks, elves and fairies, one that is feared and hated by all who attend. A new group of witches and warlocks show up to her gates and cause all kinds of havoc within the school. Vampires and witches are at odds and only a few can see the survival of the school. An ancient lover and the Queen are reunited but at what costs? A new, as well as an old lover unite to attempt to take the Queen off her throne. Will it work? Will the Queen maintain her horrendous rule over the students? Can the spells woven work and change history? All will be told in the end.

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CONNECT WITH JODIE AND HER BOOKS:

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

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 71 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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CHEESECAKE

2 8-oz packages of cream cheese

2-tubes of crescent rolls

1-cup sugar

1-egg separated

1 tsp. vanilla

Sprinkle cinnamon (Optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread out one tube of crescent roll on wax paper so it’s 11×9 size. Grease bottom of 11×9 baking pan and place crescent roll in bottom. Stretch to fit all sides. Mix together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and egg yolk until creamy. Spread mixture on top of crescent roll in pan. Spread out second crescent roll on wax paper to size of pan. Peel off and place on top of cream cheese mixture, spreading to all sides of the pan. Whip up the egg white and lightly brush it on top of crescent roll. Sprinkle sugar on top and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon on top (optional). Bake for 25 mins or until golden brown. Chill completely and serve cold. Enjoy!