tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93604932024-03-07T00:53:06.308-05:00Eating My WordsThe thoughts, recipes and musings of author Shirley JumpShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.comBlogger620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-27192734841972058852013-06-23T11:25:00.001-04:002013-06-23T11:25:15.911-04:00Blog has Moved!My blog has moved to its own domain :-)<br />
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Please visit me at <a href="http://www.eating-my-words.com/">www.eating-my-words.com</a> where I have even more goodies, recipes and info for you!<br />
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ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-2480395764457611942013-02-13T16:30:00.002-05:002013-02-13T16:30:49.423-05:00Entire Collection, .99 Special, Limited Time!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFDl8JHwu203G0bwrDZuw-3jivn98xUSzksvP5RWeC57u5XlM33LDq1oTCjY5EcT0UVmEPsS8EO7O5TxV2N6LK48Q2agQZGiiiBnRXSBHYEMraDRmsiHKDxuv8tFY_oaESLSsjQ/s1600/176140926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFDl8JHwu203G0bwrDZuw-3jivn98xUSzksvP5RWeC57u5XlM33LDq1oTCjY5EcT0UVmEPsS8EO7O5TxV2N6LK48Q2agQZGiiiBnRXSBHYEMraDRmsiHKDxuv8tFY_oaESLSsjQ/s200/176140926.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFUYngVb3S6-_QPn9kQLLcMHDHijKiYLoXZO1ouL6bhRw2aBdJdKyIku_fg4tvTffsIpjd0CZoymMO325TV1qKPwSF7j1SCGyKmH6msODaH0enHRStjQ0pJV2JLajKXrCBEO8iA/s1600/ShirleyJump_DevilServedDesire_2500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFUYngVb3S6-_QPn9kQLLcMHDHijKiYLoXZO1ouL6bhRw2aBdJdKyIku_fg4tvTffsIpjd0CZoymMO325TV1qKPwSF7j1SCGyKmH6msODaH0enHRStjQ0pJV2JLajKXrCBEO8iA/s200/ShirleyJump_DevilServedDesire_2500px.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfWDbsL8dbzGdyLqEGJCRX0eKJzb3NCQucGixTh886izvRmv0wE9NPgOWbZngQSSTR6kqT3uITPe2erUNUroLVq50ByMakA_rW9LGSwX5OrO8H6r1fXg35khiI5TnJogp5qPAuw/s1600/ShirleyJump_theAngelTastedTemptation_HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfWDbsL8dbzGdyLqEGJCRX0eKJzb3NCQucGixTh886izvRmv0wE9NPgOWbZngQSSTR6kqT3uITPe2erUNUroLVq50ByMakA_rW9LGSwX5OrO8H6r1fXg35khiI5TnJogp5qPAuw/s200/ShirleyJump_theAngelTastedTemptation_HR.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s200/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
To celebrate Valentine's Day, I wanted
to let you all know about two very cool things--I'm having a .99 cent sale on
the ENTIRE Sweet and Savory Romance collection! That means:<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Chocolate-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B008G3JY3W/ref=pd_cp_kstore_0" target="_blank">THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Served-Desire-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B0087Q5DBU/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank">THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tasted-Temptation-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B0087QBNX2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank">THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Seconds-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=pd_sim_kstore_6" target="_blank">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Charmed-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00AM0FWMY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4" target="_blank">THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s200/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglWiGrfoxL3KUgAKVd9GW83p9Qiks4mdXr_lI6Vq3VJUF2eFaAusmguSp02DQeNnVn1QfO1kPWQbkGxLSe9696BinKGbbMasClt-FVy1TosycTG0Mt-zzetMOCnwF4n-sy-_S2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheBeautyCharmedSanta+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglWiGrfoxL3KUgAKVd9GW83p9Qiks4mdXr_lI6Vq3VJUF2eFaAusmguSp02DQeNnVn1QfO1kPWQbkGxLSe9696BinKGbbMasClt-FVy1TosycTG0Mt-zzetMOCnwF4n-sy-_S2Q/s200/ShirleyJump_TheBeautyCharmedSanta+sm.jpg" width="133" /></a>and the all-new novella, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/" target="_blank">THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE</a>, are all available for less than a dollar each!<br />
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The sale also applies to Amazon UK and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=811254" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble Nook</a> editions, so
whatever eReader you have, you can take advantage of this sale!<br />
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Also, check out the new <a href="http://www.sweetandsavoryromance.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.SweetandSavoryRomance.com</span></a>
website, for more info on the books! We'll be adding extras and more content
over the coming weeks!<br />
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And one more cool thing--I'm part of the new site, <a href="http://www.chocolateboxwriters.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.chocolateboxwriters.com</span></a> and
we're launching tomorrow with prizes and fun! Like us on Facebook (The
Chocolate Box) or visit the site for more info!<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day to all!</div>
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Shirley<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--~-|**|PrettyHtmlStart|**|-~-->Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-45324770065387137792013-02-10T17:36:00.001-05:002013-02-10T17:36:21.130-05:00Day Nine: Tell Him It's Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9IHPBeqwIITZTjEWp02hEuJ9Qk4PO3r_4yHRX2ny3NAAwt-lJ5Jd_zHONM7947mFaFUFfo6WbopwSvgpmVAOH0Po25tDB6xQunX2a7ovkclA5ZpSVgiSWsAIxig5Tttllkh3vA/s1600/day_nine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9IHPBeqwIITZTjEWp02hEuJ9Qk4PO3r_4yHRX2ny3NAAwt-lJ5Jd_zHONM7947mFaFUFfo6WbopwSvgpmVAOH0Po25tDB6xQunX2a7ovkclA5ZpSVgiSWsAIxig5Tttllkh3vA/s1600/day_nine.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s320/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
For Angie, telling her best friend that their relationship is completely over is the only way to protect her heart. Her ten-day plan to win his heart hits major bumps in the road, and in THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE, Angie's forced to admit that maybe she and Max aren't meant to be. Read the book to see if they get their own happy ending by Valentine's Day! Only .99 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, Nook and iBooks! <br />
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ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-6980197811787036882013-02-05T18:43:00.001-05:002013-02-05T18:43:36.220-05:00Day Two in Angie's Quest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG21vkl7niDaMkhL_LqErgfPEZPWIgnp1wnWg7jc8YwC0pXjx0lbNQ3MuSR71Lk4QrXFeYQ0ChCEz-Fpt6dUVCCCOl-MePnMINRd9Y9YoMZrGD4AEqSfNsqUrNoXsoHjtdZ-SOg/s1600/day_two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG21vkl7niDaMkhL_LqErgfPEZPWIgnp1wnWg7jc8YwC0pXjx0lbNQ3MuSR71Lk4QrXFeYQ0ChCEz-Fpt6dUVCCCOl-MePnMINRd9Y9YoMZrGD4AEqSfNsqUrNoXsoHjtdZ-SOg/s1600/day_two.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s320/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" width="213" /></a>Angie isn't much of a cook, but she does her best to try to show Max her domestic skills in THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE. Grab this all-new novella today to see how one night goes horribly awry--and yet still changes everything between them. Also, check out the <a href="http://www.sweetandsavoryromance.com/">www.SweetandSavoryRomance.com</a> website! I'll be adding recipes, words of wisdom and all kinds of fun stuff over there!<br />
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And don't forget to get your copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/" target="_blank">THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE</a>. Available on <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-millionaire-tempted-fate-shirley-jump/1114286620?ean=2940015978322" target="_blank">Nook</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/" target="_blank">Kindle</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8" target="_blank">iBooks</a>!<br /><br />ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-10406210536246806752013-02-04T20:04:00.000-05:002013-02-04T20:04:19.325-05:00Ten Days to Win His Heart: New Book, Day One!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOolzVl6pKicHGQIw2IuKzQ8a9Zv8B-bS3s4PWC_x2FXDsqOw8vd5Jf4gh5kRbAKQOErfRkXrk4aN0cTQqps3R62E4ZrhjeNkNwQZBELV9CqjYrhgGzYEVh6l8inmGlM3h-8Stfg/s1600/day_one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOolzVl6pKicHGQIw2IuKzQ8a9Zv8B-bS3s4PWC_x2FXDsqOw8vd5Jf4gh5kRbAKQOErfRkXrk4aN0cTQqps3R62E4ZrhjeNkNwQZBELV9CqjYrhgGzYEVh6l8inmGlM3h-8Stfg/s1600/day_one.jpg" /></a>I've got an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359987473&sr=8-1&keywords=the+millionaire+tempted+fate" target="_blank">all new book</a> out this week, and I'm going to give you all a little snippet each day to promote it. It's part of the Sweet and Savory Romances series, and is a whole new linked series, spinning off from the shop in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Chocolate-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B008G3JY3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360026232&sr=1-1&keywords=the+bride+wore+chocolate" target="_blank">THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFrlxVep08EYo3_qmYXzuJLwd8NAfpfGaoWnXjbRQUXt9-8bN4cqkPQKtGw5XkFwJQR0hFWIjET1e6sETou6Sj-NxEfOArr7SUCVoNuOT9YGLahXrt6S-sR5QrBs4rwmyzYyi2Q/s320/ShirleyJump_The+MillionaireTemptedFate2500.jpg" width="213" /></a>Today is Day One in the ten-day quest for Angie Wilson to win Max Blackwell's heart. They've been friends forever but now she wants more. Trouble is, Max is picking out a ring for another woman. <br />
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Angie embarks on the first of several inventive methods to get Max's attention, and to see her as a woman, not just his best friend. Day One?<br />
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Send him a special gift--and pray he's paying attention!<br />
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Buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359987473&sr=8-1&keywords=the+millionaire+tempted+fate" target="_blank">THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE</a> today--an all new novella for just .99! <br />
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Shirley<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Tempted-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00B9MABG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359987473&sr=8-1&keywords=the+millionaire+tempted+fate" target="_blank"></a>Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-22379284361896105312013-01-19T18:42:00.002-05:002013-01-19T18:42:26.075-05:00SUMMERSET ABBEY by TJ Brown and Mustard Roasted Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6c5rj8c8nnM/UPsuH2YC0oI/AAAAAAAABfc/RIhxOwgX1yM/s1600/Summerset+Abbey+Cover+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6c5rj8c8nnM/UPsuH2YC0oI/AAAAAAAABfc/RIhxOwgX1yM/s320/Summerset+Abbey+Cover+%25282%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Today I welcome author <a href="http://www.tjbrownbooks.com/" target="_blank">T.J. Brown</a>, who has an incredible personal story about overcoming cancer, and an incredible debut novel. If you like Downton Abbey, you're going to love her new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summerset-Abbey-T-J-Brown/dp/1451698984" target="_blank">SUMMERSET ABBEY</a>! <br />
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She's also a great cook, so read below for a recipe that I'm definitely going to try!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><a href="http://www.tjbrownbooks.com/" target="_blank">TJ Brown's</a> Recipe: Mustard Roasted Potatoes</strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have found an absolute passion for cooking now that my
children are grown…no more picky eaters to please and I get to make what I
want! This recipe is originally from the Barefoot Contessa, but I modified it
to suit our tastes. These are perfect for a party because you can make them
ahead of time and then put them under the broiler for a few minutes to
reheat. </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 1/2 pounds small red potatoes (or any potatoes really) </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">tablespoons good olive oil </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt to taste<o:p></o:p></span> </div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fresh ground black pepper to taste</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Preheat the oven
to 425 degrees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Cut the potatoes
into bite sized chunks, and place them on a sheet pan. Mix together the
olive oil, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a bowl and pour over
the potatoes. Mix together well with your hands. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour,
until the potatoes are lightly browned on the outside and tender on the inside.
Toss the potatoes from time to time with a metal spatula so they brown evenly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Serve hot
sprinkled with chopped parsley and a little extra salt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now, about the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summerset-Abbey-T-J-Brown/dp/1451698984" target="_blank">SUMMERSET ABBEY</a> (available in bookstores nationwide):</span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6c5rj8c8nnM/UPsuH2YC0oI/AAAAAAAABfc/RIhxOwgX1yM/s1600/Summerset+Abbey+Cover+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6c5rj8c8nnM/UPsuH2YC0oI/AAAAAAAABfc/RIhxOwgX1yM/s320/Summerset+Abbey+Cover+%25282%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a><br />
1913: In a sprawling manor on the outskirts of London, three young women
seek to fulfill their destinies and desires amidst the unspoken rules of society
and the distant rumblings of war. . . .<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #4a344e;">Rowena Buxton</span></b><br />
<br />
Sir Philip Buxton raised three girls into beautiful and capable young women
in a bohemian household that defied Edwardian tradition. Eldest sister Rowena
was taught to value people, not wealth or status. But everything she believes
will be tested when Sir Philip dies, and the girls must live under their
uncle’s guardianship at the vast family estate, Summerset Abbey. Standing up
for a beloved family member sequestered to the “under class” in this privileged
new world, and drawn into the Cunning Coterie, an exclusive social circle of
aristocratic “rebels,” Rowena must decide where her true passions—and
loyalties—lie.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #4a344e;">Victoria Buxton</span></b><br />
<br />
Frail in body but filled with an audacious spirit, Victoria secretly dreams
of attending university to become a botanist like her father. But this most
unladylike wish is not her only secret. Now, Victoria has stumbled upon a
family scandal that, if revealed, has the potential to change lives forever…<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #4a344e;">Prudence Tate</span></b><br />
<br />
Prudence was lovingly brought up alongside Victoria and Rowena, and their
bond is as strong as blood. But by birth she is a governess’s daughter, and to
the lord of Summerset Abbey, that makes her a commoner who must take her true
place in society—as ladies maid to her beloved “sisters.” But Pru doesn’t
belong in the downstairs world of the household staff any more than she belongs
upstairs with the Buxton girls. And when a young lord catches her eye,
she begins to wonder if she’ll ever truly carve out a place for herself at
Summerset Abbey…<br />
<br />
<strong><i><span style="color: #4a344e;">Other books in the series:</span></i></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4a344e;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15802718-summerset-abbey" target="_blank" title="A Bloom in Winter on Goodreads"><strong><span style="color: #4a344e;">A BLOOM IN WINTER</span></strong></a> </span>(<em>Summerset
Abbey #2</em>) March 5, 2013<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4a344e;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130248-summerset-abbey" target="_blank" title="Spring Awakening on Goodreads"><strong><span style="color: #4a344e;">SPRING AWAKENING</span></strong></a></span> (<em>Summerset
Abbey #3</em>) August 6, 2013<br />
<br />
Thanks for visiting, <a href="http://www.tjbrownbooks.com/" target="_blank">T.J.!</a> This book looks awesome!! For more about the book, the series or TJ herself, <a href="http://www.tjbrownbooks.com/" target="_blank">visit her website!</a><br />
<br />
ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-46669650645491568942013-01-08T19:02:00.002-05:002013-01-08T19:03:43.632-05:00The BEST Lasagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5xaM0NnYDC4FwrYUoFKmnx3-zPfKbhWDQpTRWvp1GU_ON8_dm3ymHjfWYbQVat3KbgtzQ-uq8azYglyGSlKbUx0R6oB8caF-T1Rj8tNs6TVuS23WhYES-XDazcMsofM-Stc8aA/s1600/giada+lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5xaM0NnYDC4FwrYUoFKmnx3-zPfKbhWDQpTRWvp1GU_ON8_dm3ymHjfWYbQVat3KbgtzQ-uq8azYglyGSlKbUx0R6oB8caF-T1Rj8tNs6TVuS23WhYES-XDazcMsofM-Stc8aA/s320/giada+lasagna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I love pasta. If I could, I'd eat nothing but pasta for the rest of my life (and any kind of cake or cookie or cupcake...yes, I am a junk food lover!). Heck, I run because it lets me eat pasta. Carbo-loading anyone?<br />
<br />
Lasagna is one of those always awesome dishes. I've had about seven gazillion different versions, but come back to this one as my favorite. It's G<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/classic-italian-lasagna-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">iada DeLaurentis's recipe</a> (and let me just say that life is totally unfair when someone can cook and eat like this, and stay as tiny as she is). I've taken what I like about her recipe and then added my own little spin.<br />
<br />
I'm not wild about spinach or ground beef in my lasagna--so I take those out and substitute sausage instead. I keep everything else pretty much the same. This is one of those dishes that takes a lot of time, more than even your normal lasagna, so plan ahead. The bechamel sauce and fresh tomato sauce need to be made earlier in the day, so account for that when you plan for this (total time for this dish, complete with cooling of the sauces, is about 2 to 2 1/2 hours). It's not a throw-it-together kind of meal. Then again, eating lasagna is one of those things that SHOULD take time, not to mention the carbo-nap you'll need afterwards ;-)<br />
<br />
<h2 class="kv-ingred">
Giada's Classic Lasagna--Shirley's Version</h2>
<h3>
Bechamel Sauce:</h3>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li itemprop="ingredients">5 tablespoons unsalted butter</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">4 cups whole milk at room temperature</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">Pinch freshly grated nutmeg</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, recipe follows<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Simple Tomato Sauce:</b></span><br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 small onion, chopped</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 cloves garlic, chopped</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 stalk celery, chopped</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 carrot, chopped</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 dried bay leaves</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lasagna Assembly Ingredients</b></span> <br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 pound ground Italian sausage</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">Salt and pepper</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 pounds ricotta cheese</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3 large eggs</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 pound lasagna sheets, cooked al dente</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3 cups shredded mozzarella </li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan</li>
</ul>
First, make the Bechamel sauce. Melt the butter in a large saucepan, then whisk in the flour (I add a bit of salt and pepper here too). Add the milk, whisking as you add it, then cook over medium heat, whisking, until it comes to a boil and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. That takes about 10 minutes, so just keep whisking. Add a dash of nutmeg (you should always add nutmeg to a white sauce; it helps bring out the flavor). I actually grate the nutmeg in--a little nutmeg nut lasts forever, so it's a good investment and tastes way better than the canned stuff.<br />
<br />
To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil, then add the vegetables and cook until softened. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves. Simmer for 15 minutes. Cool. Then use either an immersion blender or a regular blender, and blend the sauce until smooth.<br />
<br />
Mix 1 1/2 cups of the tomato sauce into the bechamel. You'll have extra tomato sauce, so save that for another dinner. It freezes well, and also lasts several days in the fridge.<br />
<br />
Brown the sausage and cool. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and eggs. Set aside. Now you're ready to assemble. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.<br />
<br />
Place 1/3 of the bechamel sauce in the bottom of the lasagna pan. Layer on noodles. Add the sausage, and the ricotta mixture, more noodles, bechamel, rest of the ricottta (and sausage if you have more) and half the mozzarella. Another layer of pasta, then top with bechamel and remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan. Giada has you put the lasagna pan on top of a cookie sheet lined with foil. A good idea if your lasagna might boil over out of the pan.<br />
<br />
Bake, covered, for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. I found, however, that I needed to cook it longer than this--45 minutes with foil on, then 20 minutes with it off. Might have been my grumpy oven that day, which every once in a while doesn't cooperate with me. Anyway, this is DELISH, and yeah, it's fattening, but not every day is a diet ;-) Speaking of fattening, I have made it both with the extra butter she recommends, and without, and saw no difference, so I took the butter out here. I'd rather eat more cheese ;-)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Shirley<br />
<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-75636322259079542942012-12-27T10:19:00.002-05:002012-12-27T10:19:26.228-05:00Last day to get a FREE book from me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s320/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
December 27th is the last day you can download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Seconds-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356535523&sr=1-1&keywords=the+groom+wanted+seconds" target="_blank">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS</a> for free from Amazon! Even if you don't have an eReader, you can download the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sv_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771" target="_blank">free Kindle app</a> and read it on your computer or your smartphone. It's the prequel to the USA Today bestselling <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Chocolate-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B008G3JY3W/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3" target="_blank">THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE</a>, part of my special <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savory-Romances-Holiday-Collection-ebook/dp/B00AM2KK5Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356621459&sr=1-1&keywords=sweet+and+savory+romances" target="_blank">Holiday Bundle!</a><br />
<br />
And, I'm guesting on the Heroes and Heartbreakers blog today, so stop on by and chat with me, for a chance to win the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savory-Romances-Holiday-Collection-ebook/dp/B00AM2KK5Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356621459&sr=1-1&keywords=sweet+and+savory+romances" target="_blank">Holiday bundle</a>!<br /><br />ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-14551196491615239172012-12-26T16:13:00.000-05:002012-12-26T16:13:00.330-05:00FREE book, until Dec. 27th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s320/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
For two days only (Dec. 26 and 27th), you can download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Seconds-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356535523&sr=1-1&keywords=the+groom+wanted+seconds" target="_blank">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS</a> for FREE! If you have an eReader, or just download the free Kindle app to your smartphone or computer, grab this free novella, the prequel to the USA Today bestselling THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE series! This is one of my Sweet and Savory novels, fun, flirty reads with recipes written by the characters!<br />
<br />
What'd you serve for Christmas dinner? I made Ina Garten's Prime Rib Roast...and it was OMG to-die-for. It's my second year making it, and I swear it gets better every year! Leftovers today, and it just makes me wish I bought a bigger roast ;-)<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful Boxing Day!<br /><br />ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-50428375035496963042012-12-24T11:42:00.003-05:002012-12-26T10:46:27.380-05:00Merry Christmas! Free Book & Holiday Bundle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s320/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
First off, I want to wish all my readers a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I'm always like a little kid on the holiday--I absolutely can't wait for the day to arrive! And of course, the meal...this year, it's rib roast. I am literally drooling, anticipating that tomorrow!<br />
<br />
For all you who get Kindles or Nooks or iTunes cards for Christmas, I wanted to let you know that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Seconds-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356535523&sr=1-1&keywords=the+groom+wanted+seconds" target="_blank">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS</a> will be FREE for two days only, December 26th and 27th! If you download it, you get a taste of the Christmas season, along with some great recipes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-1GXPDaQtX3MJy-TVUxWMPOW6uSUOP-TgLpzqyQHNLvA-o1LEU3P7gvV4IwEKlMnDZO4XYi6DJZQn4UN0WbbgclF7Pkq6L5AQduzrozCRHMvGYGPHC5PAzuWF1cw4zCVzHPLOg/s1600/bundle-s-r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-1GXPDaQtX3MJy-TVUxWMPOW6uSUOP-TgLpzqyQHNLvA-o1LEU3P7gvV4IwEKlMnDZO4XYi6DJZQn4UN0WbbgclF7Pkq6L5AQduzrozCRHMvGYGPHC5PAzuWF1cw4zCVzHPLOg/s320/bundle-s-r.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
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<span class="swSprite s_expandChevron"></span><a class="showMore" href="http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Charmed-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00AM0FWMY/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1#">Show More</a> </div>
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<span class="swSprite s_collapseChevron"></span><a class="showLess" href="http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Charmed-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00AM0FWMY/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1#">Show Less</a> </div>
About the book: Nothing like a little breakup to remind a man why he loves a woman and what an
idiot he’s been. After a clunky marriage proposal, Rebecca Wilson breaks up with
Jeremy Hamilton, an engineer lacking a romance chromosome. She goes away for the
summer and thinks she has found true love. When she returns with a broken heart,
Jeremy seizes the opportunity to convince her to give him a second
chance.<br /><br />But it isn’t until he brings out his wild and fun side that
Jeremy sees a dim flicker of hope for a future with Rebecca. His determination
drives Rebecca to break into her secret cookie stash, hoping Thin Mints can make
her forget Mr. Wrong. She’s already been burned twice before—is she ready to
take a second chance on love?<br /><br />The Sweet and Savory Romances will make you
laugh, cry, and rev up your appetite with their hunky heroes. As a special
addition, satiate your hunger—for food that is— with tried-and-true recipes
written by the characters inside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFDl8JHwu203G0bwrDZuw-3jivn98xUSzksvP5RWeC57u5XlM33LDq1oTCjY5EcT0UVmEPsS8EO7O5TxV2N6LK48Q2agQZGiiiBnRXSBHYEMraDRmsiHKDxuv8tFY_oaESLSsjQ/s1600/176140926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFDl8JHwu203G0bwrDZuw-3jivn98xUSzksvP5RWeC57u5XlM33LDq1oTCjY5EcT0UVmEPsS8EO7O5TxV2N6LK48Q2agQZGiiiBnRXSBHYEMraDRmsiHKDxuv8tFY_oaESLSsjQ/s320/176140926.jpg" width="213" /></a>If you want to gift yourself, you can download my all new, limited edition <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savory-Romances-Holiday-Collection-ebook/dp/B00AM2KK5Q/ref=sr_1_26?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356365063&sr=1-26&keywords=shirley+jump" target="_blank">Holiday Bundle of Sweet and Savory Romances</a>, starting with the USA Today bestseller, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Chocolate-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B008G3JY3W/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_2" target="_blank">THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE</a>! Four books in one, plenty of reading for that holiday break!</div>
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Merry Christmas to you and yours. I'm grateful and blessed to be surrounded by those I love, and I hope you are, too. </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Shirley</span></em></strong></div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-18993933350151472502012-12-21T04:00:00.000-05:002012-12-21T04:00:01.308-05:00Guest Post: Aurelia B Rowl with a New Book and Mushroom Soup!<br />
Today, I welcome author <a href="http://www.aureliabrowl.com/" target="_blank">Aurelia B Rowl</a>, with a quick and easy Mushroom Soup recipe and a new book with an awesome cover (and I love that title, too!). <br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><em>About <a href="http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=407" target="_blank">CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED:</a> </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matilda 'Tilly' Carter didn't think her day
could get any worse, but even Christmas had just been cancelled.<br />
<br />
The one girl Dean Watson has sworn never to have—never even expected to see again—just
flared back into his life and into his home—his sanctuary—like she belonged
there. Christmas would certainly be more bearable with Tilly around though…<br />
<br />
As the chinks in Dean's armor appear, Tilly seizes the chance to win her knight
once and for all. She's not about to take no for answer—not this time—but Dean
must resist, even as his heart rebels and temptation threatens to undermine his
resolve.<br />
<br />
Win or lose? Love or honor? Which will Dean choose? Assuming he gets a choice…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FROM <a href="http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=407" target="_blank">CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED</a>:</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Tears welled in her
eyes, clouding her vision. She turned and wandered blindly toward the exit as
the first tear escaped, forging a track down her cheek for the rest to follow.
Tilly took in a lungful of air and then another. Having made a spectacle of
herself once already, she really didn't want to be the cause of yet another scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The crowds swarmed
around her, with students and family members heading home for the holidays only
adding to the usual rush-hour melee of commuters. They jostled past,
threatening to swallow her whole, as they rushed en mass in the opposite
direction, using their briefcases and suitcases as a battering ram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">It was suffocating. She
had to get out of there. Breaking into a run, broken heel or not, she raced
through the doors and out into the biting December chill. Her waterlogged eyes
struggled to adjust to the dark, dreary sky after the bright station lights,
but she didn't dare slow down, desperate to escape the throng of festivities
and merriment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Carol singers assembled
outside burst into a jovial rendition of "We Wish You a Merry
Christmas," full of joy and happiness. Didn't they know Christmas had just
been cancelled?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">"Ooof!" Tilly
smacked her shin against the edge of a low bench, too dark to see as she tried
to dodge the growing audience. She ended up sprawled across the bench, dropping
the handle of her suitcase with a loud clatter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">At least the pain
shooting down her leg gave her an excuse to be crying. Unfortunately, it meant
she had to stop running too. Not good. Whenever things got too tough, too
intimate, or too confrontational, you could rely on her to make a run for it.
Running away was what she did best...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">A tall figure loomed in
the edge of her vision, something vaguely familiar about the man's loping gait.
In an effort to see him more clearly, she wiped her eyes with the back of her
hands, then cringed inwardly at the black streaks now etched all over them.
Great. She could add impersonating a panda to her day from hell as well then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The mascara stung her
eyes, rendering her unable to focus properly. She blinked furiously as the man
strode past her, talking into a mobile phone in a deep voice that resonated
throughout her body and made the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on
end. A surge of adrenaline rushed to her legs, numbing the pain as her
subconscious told her to run. Now!</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The cloaked figure
stopped mid-stride as if he'd heard her gasp. "Mike, I've gotta go,"
he barked into the phone, hanging up instantly. He backtracked until he was
standing right in front of her, his tone changing from a growl to one of
surprise. "Basmati?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Great. She hadn't heard
the nickname for years—nine years, four months and...sixteen days, to be
exact—and even then, only one person had ever actually used it. She screwed her
eyes tightly shut, shaking her head from side to side. No. No way. There was
absolutely no way this could be happening to her. Not now. Not today of all
days... Talk about kicking a girl when she was down. <a href="http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=407" target="_blank">Buy the book here!<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-iL90yxrQ9b7zQFBzdsscIDmoHtRwxVbqIdRQGGjn6Uo5ERI7_YanwvjLFBc2prdnIoOxI3x_M2r_W2ZFxEdWuS8CtSDp1KDJoodnRJ2yZF4KjibjkShKstqBeEeb9n8e97SPw/s1600/Aurelia+B+Rowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-iL90yxrQ9b7zQFBzdsscIDmoHtRwxVbqIdRQGGjn6Uo5ERI7_YanwvjLFBc2prdnIoOxI3x_M2r_W2ZFxEdWuS8CtSDp1KDJoodnRJ2yZF4KjibjkShKstqBeEeb9n8e97SPw/s320/Aurelia+B+Rowl.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aurelia’s Oh-So-Simple Creamy Mushroom Soup<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This soup is so
deliciously creamy and tasty, yet ridiculously easy to prepare. It can even be
prepared in advance, then reheated immediately prior to serving, so is ideal
for dinner parties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mushrooms 1lb or more –
chopped </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(I like to include a few field mushrooms for their colour)</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cream ¼ pint</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milk 1 pint</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Plain flour 1½oz</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Butter 2oz</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vegetable stock ½ pint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Melt the butter in a
large saucepan.
Add the mushrooms and cook for three minutes.<br />
Sprinkle over the flour, then stir to coat the mushrooms. Stir in the vegetable stock and the milk, then bring slowly to the boil.Simmer for five-to-ten minutes.</span></div>
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<br />
Allow to cool, then blend – if you like your soup chunky, only blend half. </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(At
this point you can store soup in the fridge to reheat later) </span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Return to the pan, then add the cream and reheat.<br />
Serve immediately. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Delicious with fresh, warm crusty bread).</span></i></div>
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<em>Thanks so much for visiting, Aurelia! Love the recipe!<br /><br />Shirley</em></div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-80296135102322436762012-12-20T11:02:00.000-05:002012-12-20T11:02:16.709-05:00All New Holiday Reads!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8Q9Ww9AfgAf9BHVU3q8hI4FcCdBHmlpjNGY2XyvuGm9GoU0fMQKhL-Y74Y1ZAF1sSe-LN7cXN3_PZXp-VP77_RrbvvJgKjU2OKJ6b1DzF04pez-27EfpppWXVYw3FIxg5y6mpg/s1600/Mistletoe+Kisses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8Q9Ww9AfgAf9BHVU3q8hI4FcCdBHmlpjNGY2XyvuGm9GoU0fMQKhL-Y74Y1ZAF1sSe-LN7cXN3_PZXp-VP77_RrbvvJgKjU2OKJ6b1DzF04pez-27EfpppWXVYw3FIxg5y6mpg/s320/Mistletoe+Kisses.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<br />
Just in time for Christmas, I've got two new holiday reads and a cool Holiday bundle of my books! In stores now is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Kisses-Billionaire-Harlequin-Romance/dp/0373178492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355159435&sr=1-1&keywords=mistletoe+kisses+with+the+billionaire" target="_blank">MISTLETOE KISSES WITH THE BILLIONAIRE</a>, the final story in the Holiday Miracles trilogy! Take a trip to Beckett's Run for a Christmas to remember!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglWiGrfoxL3KUgAKVd9GW83p9Qiks4mdXr_lI6Vq3VJUF2eFaAusmguSp02DQeNnVn1QfO1kPWQbkGxLSe9696BinKGbbMasClt-FVy1TosycTG0Mt-zzetMOCnwF4n-sy-_S2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheBeautyCharmedSanta+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglWiGrfoxL3KUgAKVd9GW83p9Qiks4mdXr_lI6Vq3VJUF2eFaAusmguSp02DQeNnVn1QfO1kPWQbkGxLSe9696BinKGbbMasClt-FVy1TosycTG0Mt-zzetMOCnwF4n-sy-_S2Q/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheBeautyCharmedSanta+sm.jpg" /></a>And in my Sweet and Savory Romances series (romances with delicious recipes written by the characters), I've got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Charmed-Novella-Romances-ebook/dp/B00AM0FWMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356019157&sr=1-1" target="_blank">THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA</a>, an all-new novella featuring a few of your favorites from THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-1GXPDaQtX3MJy-TVUxWMPOW6uSUOP-TgLpzqyQHNLvA-o1LEU3P7gvV4IwEKlMnDZO4XYi6DJZQn4UN0WbbgclF7Pkq6L5AQduzrozCRHMvGYGPHC5PAzuWF1cw4zCVzHPLOg/s1600/bundle-s-r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-1GXPDaQtX3MJy-TVUxWMPOW6uSUOP-TgLpzqyQHNLvA-o1LEU3P7gvV4IwEKlMnDZO4XYi6DJZQn4UN0WbbgclF7Pkq6L5AQduzrozCRHMvGYGPHC5PAzuWF1cw4zCVzHPLOg/s320/bundle-s-r.jpg" width="248" /></a>For readers new to my books or those looking for a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savory-Romances-Holiday-Collection-ebook/dp/B00AM2KK5Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356019157&sr=1-2" target="_blank">great bundle</a> of books to load onto your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savory-Romances-Holiday-Collection-ebook/dp/B00AM2KK5Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356019157&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Kindle</a> or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-and-savory-romances-holiday-collection-shirley-jump/1113939447?ean=2940015734607" target="_blank">Nook</a>, try my limited-edition Holiday Bundle, FOUR books in one! See why readers are raving about this fun, flirty series!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas to all!<br /><br />ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-69793352773023877592012-12-18T21:06:00.000-05:002012-12-18T21:08:49.925-05:00Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc-uZ4V_lE3RLAReBWmxnMQLdGGKK0FldAM9gILFdXEAAKAKkAISagWVbiMY0Ycyh5R7HPzwpTYGucMgqmNFHLXcpbTdbTF4kxEPU_fA_mS_01aF2_SMuIkWOeCQRh9xblmaJTw/s1600/Peanut+Butter+Pretzel+Bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc-uZ4V_lE3RLAReBWmxnMQLdGGKK0FldAM9gILFdXEAAKAKkAISagWVbiMY0Ycyh5R7HPzwpTYGucMgqmNFHLXcpbTdbTF4kxEPU_fA_mS_01aF2_SMuIkWOeCQRh9xblmaJTw/s320/Peanut+Butter+Pretzel+Bars.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love cookies. I mean LOVE cookies (and cupcakes, and brownies and fudge...okay, any dessert, LOL). I try not to make cookies the rest of the year, because then I'll EAT them, but at the holidays, I go on a baking spree :-) This week, I made White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints, <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/peanut-butter-pretzel-bars/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars</a>, and Melted Snowmen cookies.<br />
<br />
First up was the <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/peanut-butter-pretzel-bars/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars</a>, a request from a friend after I saw it on <a href="http://cookiesandcups.com/peanut-butter-pretzel-bars/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. They were delicious, and really easy! I bought the Peanut Butter Pretzels at Meijer--there was a plastic jar of them on the potato chip aisle, by the pretzels. I used Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookie dough. I ate all the crumbs :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WptvcCI1BD1isQkIu8ZMWVqWP_8RSWEzGY987Ogq9H4gwZNV0BN61eqla8q1UiT0VDVq4cIIDZ4n6K88lGfZDC4-Gkf8rgfqZ_xbuZ4vlrYf-jaUgL2gNem15nmRppHwOuCAMA/s1600/white+chocolate+raspberry+thumprints2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WptvcCI1BD1isQkIu8ZMWVqWP_8RSWEzGY987Ogq9H4gwZNV0BN61eqla8q1UiT0VDVq4cIIDZ4n6K88lGfZDC4-Gkf8rgfqZ_xbuZ4vlrYf-jaUgL2gNem15nmRppHwOuCAMA/s320/white+chocolate+raspberry+thumprints2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Next up is my White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints, which is one of my own recipes (and is featured in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Spice-Fern-Michaels/dp/0821780476/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355882451&sr=8-3&keywords=sugar+and+spice+book" target="_blank">Sugar and Spice</a>). It's a favorite with my whole family, and an annually requested recipe. The kids have already eaten all the extras :-) They freeze super well, and are quick and easy. See below for the recipe.<br />
<br />
Then I made my Melted Snowman cookies. They weren't as pretty as<a href="http://shirleyjump.blogspot.com/2011/11/melted-snowman-cookies.html" target="_blank"> last year's,</a> and that's because I used the canned Betty Crocker frosting instead of buying the pro tips at the candy and cake decorating store. I almost always forget I've got those metal cake decorating tips in the sink and grind one or more up in the garbage disposal, LOL. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpBmqJYJkEAE-2SxPji6qtZprnxsqc_8QCpzWdRh3bALiqHR7O1EtHDCaM1qiK95-JT1ICtQudovIRXql7xL2JZqRUoQznk1jS6AZyeNCmvd0zLWrINn_ZbGgr6uzl4CWmG-HA/s1600/Snowmen+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpBmqJYJkEAE-2SxPji6qtZprnxsqc_8QCpzWdRh3bALiqHR7O1EtHDCaM1qiK95-JT1ICtQudovIRXql7xL2JZqRUoQznk1jS6AZyeNCmvd0zLWrINn_ZbGgr6uzl4CWmG-HA/s320/Snowmen+2012.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melted Snowman Cookies<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These ones are pretty easy. I use <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank">the recipe from The Somewhat Simple blog.</a> I use Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix (I find that works better than the refrigerated, already made kind), Then I buy the Royal Icing mix, add enough water to make it at "flood" stage, and do the decorating on top of waxed paper. <br />
<br />
I bought the Betty Crocker black, green, orange and red icing cans this year, but would definitely recommend pro decorating tips if you can get them. It takes a little practice, but overall, the decorating is pretty easy, especially for non-crafter like me :-)<br />
<br />
I assembled them all on a tray for a party I'm going to tomorrow night. I was going to decorate the tray, then figured the cookies were enough decoration :-)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITJ6PEPgxAT4OOTnBlB3LnVc3Nb8lNXIqPU_wCQk6sgVdub1SKt8Npk-5WFpBbBwfzPjNOysL_CtlKUBpgRv21UXNdagh0RRwLaR77sdlpFQNKOXfle43FP7pkH2OA_VVdqCv3w/s1600/Dessert+tray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITJ6PEPgxAT4OOTnBlB3LnVc3Nb8lNXIqPU_wCQk6sgVdub1SKt8Npk-5WFpBbBwfzPjNOysL_CtlKUBpgRv21UXNdagh0RRwLaR77sdlpFQNKOXfle43FP7pkH2OA_VVdqCv3w/s320/Dessert+tray.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints</strong><br />
(from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Spice-Fern-Michaels/dp/0821780476/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355882451&sr=8-3&keywords=sugar+and+spice+book" target="_blank">Sugar and Spice</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1/2 cup butter</div>
1/2 cup shortening<br />
1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (I always
use real vanilla)<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam<br />
1 cup white chocolate chips <br />
Red sugar sprinkles<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGQzaAFYFYApIoYgGtfmEGsVY0l_8dE9TlzIx1EvvKuXWvGpgo1l5VzO0H-TV3e8JSHxi961QU9diZyQjCd5T2iIDhiMKX9C5NEkgK5KFjo7KUx_vOeRkpp6FepZVyQQWbkRZ-g/s1600/SUGAR+AND+SPICE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Spice-Fern-Michaels/dp/0821780476/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355882451&sr=8-3&keywords=sugar+and+spice+book" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGQzaAFYFYApIoYgGtfmEGsVY0l_8dE9TlzIx1EvvKuXWvGpgo1l5VzO0H-TV3e8JSHxi961QU9diZyQjCd5T2iIDhiMKX9C5NEkgK5KFjo7KUx_vOeRkpp6FepZVyQQWbkRZ-g/s320/SUGAR+AND+SPICE.jpg" title="" width="198" /></a>Trust me, these ones are so good,
you won’t have any left for guests (and whoever invented that rule about
sharing your cookies, anyhow? It’s Christmas, indulge yourself a little). In a
large mixing bowl, beat the butter and the shortening with an electric mixer
(or use a stand mixer and let the machine do the work), then add the sugar,
powdered sugar, baking soda, cream of tarter, and the salt. Beat just until
combined.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Add the egg and vanilla, then mix
in the flour gradually. Cover the dough and refrigerate for three hours. I
know, it’s a long wait, but it’ll be worth it later. Heat the oven to 375
degrees. Roll the dough into 3/4-inch balls and put them on an ungreased cookie
sheet. With your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon, press a circular
indentation into the center of each cookie. Drop a 1/4 teaspoon of jam into
each thumbprint. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack for 5
minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Meanwhile, pour yourself a glass
of milk and get into serious cookie-eating mode. Skip lunch if you have
to-there’s no way a tuna on rye can compete.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Put the white chocolate chips in
a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring each
time, until the chips are melted. Pour the white chocolate into a resealable
plastic bag and snip off a tiny bit of one corner. Drizzle the white chocolate
over the cookies. Sprinkle cookies with red sugar to add that festive flair.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Now you’re ready to indulge-don’t
worry about the calories until January 1st. Makes three dozen, just enough for
you and a friend!</div>
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</div>
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Did you catch my post on the <a href="http://www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-treats.html" target="_blank">cupcakes</a> and the <a href="http://www.shirleyjump.blogspot.com/2012/12/salted-caramel-shortbread.html" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Shortbread </a>I made the other week? Tell me, what cookies are you making this year? Which ones are your MUST HAVE cookies for the holidays?</div>
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Shirley</div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-85594550908843894862012-12-17T04:00:00.000-05:002012-12-17T11:22:36.644-05:00Terri Rochenski's new book and an Easy Appetizer!<span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv60ef3X06vZ8ILhZdmYSuYuNR0ai3XH3ZMYwVeI7hUIa1h-aM57haGp73GqKhtTU4CfD917RTqzpcxMIqSzl2muN049yQDX_aIjsKNopuDexZbgkOzTEUE57pFo-5XqDLcKIJw/s1600/Terri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv60ef3X06vZ8ILhZdmYSuYuNR0ai3XH3ZMYwVeI7hUIa1h-aM57haGp73GqKhtTU4CfD917RTqzpcxMIqSzl2muN049yQDX_aIjsKNopuDexZbgkOzTEUE57pFo-5XqDLcKIJw/s320/Terri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first saw Ms. Jump’s blog I was thrilled. She posts
about two of my passions – books and cooking. And then she offered to let me
guest post … well. Beyond thrilled to say the least!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Rather than blather on about writing or my process I decided
to share one thought and a little about my newest release.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
As a stay-at-home mom I often get bogged down in the details
of life – kids, cleaning, laundry, cooking (even thought I love it!). I’ve
found it’s easy for a woman’s identity to fade, oftentimes disappear altogether
into the new one of mommy, wife, and housekeeper.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Writing has always been a passion of mine – my hobby – it’s
the one thing I cling to that is all mine. M.I.N.E. It’s my escape, and I nab a
few minutes wherever and whenever my children allow.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Because let’s face it … they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> come first.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
And one of the things I enjoy doing for them, the most besides
hugs and kisses of course is cooking yummy food. Seeing as how the holiday
season is upon us, I decided to share my favorite go-to party recipe.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
#</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u>Dried Beef Cheese Ball<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4oz. packages of
dried beef, broken up</div>
<br />
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3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8oz. softened cream
cheese</div>
<br />
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1 small onion, chopped</div>
<br />
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2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce</div>
<br />
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1 Tbs. Accent Season Salt</div>
<br />
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Mix all ingredence in a bowl. Shape into a ball, cover and
refrigerate. (I like making it the night before to let all the flavors mingle
together.)</div>
<br />
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Easy peasy! Slap some on a cracker and yums with a capital
Y. </div>
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#</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Now on to my newest release. </div>
<br />
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My short story, Beginning of Forever, is in <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4087213" target="_blank">Still MomentsPublishing’s Christmas Magic Anthology</a> which released on December 4<sup>th</sup>.
It’s a collection of my historical romance and three other contemporary
stories. For now it is only available as an ebook.</div>
Here's an excerpt from Terri's new book! <br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPxMvWkgxtj-slDUwLm7XTZ3Wz0ouL1jaqeX-ESasetZ2k7h9oz85Q7UqI_mRSPdDeFITvHW3IAB1_Q9vMGE0TZouogkJtldvs5W93QwUvjkBRe6lqb1lIwn2DbJ0koCkEWJvNQ/s1600/Terri+Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPxMvWkgxtj-slDUwLm7XTZ3Wz0ouL1jaqeX-ESasetZ2k7h9oz85Q7UqI_mRSPdDeFITvHW3IAB1_Q9vMGE0TZouogkJtldvs5W93QwUvjkBRe6lqb1lIwn2DbJ0koCkEWJvNQ/s1600/Terri+Book.jpg" /></a><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;">Beginning of Forever by Terri
Rochenski</span><span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13pt;">When Wayne Edwards moves to town, Lillian Davis experiences
stirrings she thought were long dead. Guilt ridden over betraying her deceased
husband and the feelings Wayne inspires, Lillian reluctantly lets him in.
Secrets of the past – an old promise emerges, but will it threaten their
forever?<br />
<br />
</span><strong><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Excerpt:</span></u></strong><span style="color: #606060; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><br />
<br />
I rubbed my fussing son’s back and stumbled down the hall to grab the
phone. “Hello?”<br />
“Mrs. Douglas?”<br />
A glance at the clock and my stomach clenched. Ronnie was an hour late for our
Christmas Eve dinner. “Y-yes?”<br />
“There’s been an accident.”<br />
Through Steven’s heightened cries and the ringing in my ears I heard my
husband’s name and Anna Jacques hospital.<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This isn’t real. I need to wake
up.</span></em><br />
“Mrs. Douglas?”<br />
I swayed and slumped to my knees on the linoleum floor, struggling to keep
Steven in my grasp.<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The floor is cold. I’m not
dreaming.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
A big thanks to Shirley for inviting me. I hope you’ll try
the drool-inducing cheese ball AND my book!<br />
<br />
<em>Terri</em><br />
<br />
Here's her <a href="http://terrirochenski.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and <a href="http://www.terrirochenski.com/index.html" target="_blank">website</a>, for more about Terri!<br />
<br />
Thanks for visiting, Terri!<br />
<br />
Shirley</div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-36442116575388068552012-12-07T14:44:00.002-05:002012-12-07T19:29:45.176-05:00Salted Caramel Shortbread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4kfbJcUOVSPBXTsyu3-jjkaEBbTksb-GbBsZ6t5GIhYv6qIQ-ytblJ77AOEtn9pt8iX7gaJNFF_j4iamrpvNMjBpgR1HClznyypDqUXG47DVNSW5oCZ6adqGF44TcZqOxf_Yug/s1600/Salted+Caramel+Shortbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4kfbJcUOVSPBXTsyu3-jjkaEBbTksb-GbBsZ6t5GIhYv6qIQ-ytblJ77AOEtn9pt8iX7gaJNFF_j4iamrpvNMjBpgR1HClznyypDqUXG47DVNSW5oCZ6adqGF44TcZqOxf_Yug/s320/Salted+Caramel+Shortbread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I may never eat another vegetable again. I think I'm going to go the rest of my life, eating these every single meal. They are that good. Just awesomeness, in every bite.<br />
<br />
<strong>Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies</strong><br />
<br />
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br />
kosher salt<br />
<br />
3 sticks butter (3/4 pound), unsalted, room temperature<br />
1 cup sugar, plus extra<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
3 1/2 cups flour<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
First, make the caramel. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Pour the milk into a pie plate, stir in 1/4 teaspooon kosher salt, and cover it tightly with foil. Put the pie plate in a big roasting pan, and fill it halfway up the pie plate with hot water. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, adding more water if necessary. Let cool, then whisk until smooth.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, make the cookies.Set the oven at 350 degrees. The butter has to be room temp for this to work well, so what I did was set the butter out first thing in the morning, make the caramel, then about 15 minutes before that was done, I made the cookies.<br />
<br />
Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer. Add the vanilla. Mix the salt with the flour, then add the dry ingredients a little at a time and mix until the dough comes together. I formed the dough into square logs (though you can make it into a plate shape and roll it out; I just hate doing cut-out cookies). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Slice or cut the dough into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick cookies (mine were like 1/3 an inch). They don't spread much, so you can get quite a few on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with reserved sugar. Bake for 20-24 minutes, switching the cookie sheets halfway through to get even cooking. Keep an eye on them because they go from perfect to burned fast.<br />
<br />
Put wax paper under your cooling rack. Remove cookies from the oven, place on the cooling racks. Heat the caramel for 30 seconds in the microwave, then put it in a Ziploc bag and snip one end (to make a homemade pastry bag). Drizzle cookies with caramel, then sprinkle with kosher salt. <br />
Eat. Repeat ;-)<br />
<br />
ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-27838296814683010232012-12-06T22:31:00.003-05:002012-12-06T22:31:49.441-05:00Christmas Treats :-)<div style="text-align: left;">
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I love baking at Christmas. It's a nice excuse to have a few thousand extra calories, all in the name of a holiday, of course ;-) I know I'll be running off these calories for the rest of winter, but hey, these desserts are worth it. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG9dU28y-H8e-cZnfvQ43GDWfIQJnf79NEF8w7LKs8JpOSFZk23NJCRtZQcU5Txe-rwMXEZNUDOSEC1TB7YP_wQCeVAzdpRDzU2Yf29YiXN2komyx3vBRb8l4JLJvWUGUuiZ43Q/s1600/PB+surprise+Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuG9dU28y-H8e-cZnfvQ43GDWfIQJnf79NEF8w7LKs8JpOSFZk23NJCRtZQcU5Txe-rwMXEZNUDOSEC1TB7YP_wQCeVAzdpRDzU2Yf29YiXN2komyx3vBRb8l4JLJvWUGUuiZ43Q/s320/PB+surprise+Cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK17Y_lnxL9UGaXNRztuCmw3FpK3gyEQKhY_TPmNHQtkN2kW283zVjR_X2Q6Iap3W72DTucH89jzsQ0bZyhyMRNA5w2SHs2y9sUf6ddihCeadBLldQ6YoM6_zFk0OPsU9oRVGRmQ/s1600/PB+Surprise+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK17Y_lnxL9UGaXNRztuCmw3FpK3gyEQKhY_TPmNHQtkN2kW283zVjR_X2Q6Iap3W72DTucH89jzsQ0bZyhyMRNA5w2SHs2y9sUf6ddihCeadBLldQ6YoM6_zFk0OPsU9oRVGRmQ/s320/PB+Surprise+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've been spending WAY too much time on <a href="http://pinterest.com/shirleyjump/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> lately, pinning cupcakes and cookies and all kinds of dessert ideas. I saw these Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes and HAD to have them. Reese's are, after all, my favorite candy eva, and these were like big Reese's. They're cupcakes with buckeyes in the center, and Reese's on top. </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean, really, what more does one need? </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL5E09Zc7QartcMem1_8KRLGm5U8tEHBcxAcT-QmwcRDUUhNZfgSGBDdWFRN8bxAa2VsJqnigroLjXWFu9yLHB8ebMfaXRFpJD0aj0gxin0ahMhMs4JdEph6viGT0ldJ1jaQ8mQ/s1600/PB+surprise+Cupcakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL5E09Zc7QartcMem1_8KRLGm5U8tEHBcxAcT-QmwcRDUUhNZfgSGBDdWFRN8bxAa2VsJqnigroLjXWFu9yLHB8ebMfaXRFpJD0aj0gxin0ahMhMs4JdEph6viGT0ldJ1jaQ8mQ/s320/PB+surprise+Cupcakes2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Not to mention, they were EASY. </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>PEANUT BUTTER SURPRISE CUPCAKES</strong></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Center: 1 1/2 cups Peanut butter</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup butter, softened</div>
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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6 cups confectionary sugar</div>
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Mix all in a mixer (my trusty <a href="http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home" target="_blank">Kitchen Aid</a> was busy tonight!) then form into balls a little smaller than 1-inch around.</div>
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</div>
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For the cupcakes, I mixed up <a href="http://www.duncanhines.com/products/cakes/classic-devils-food-cake-mix" target="_blank">Devil's Food cake mix</a>. Line your cupcake pans with liners, add a little cake mix on the bottom, put in a peanut butter ball, then top with enough cake mix to cover. Bake as directed on the box.</div>
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The frosting is a <strong><em>Peanut Butter Buttercream</em></strong> (I know, the calories in this...I can't even think about them!)</div>
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3/4 cup butter, room temperature</div>
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1/2 cup shortening</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter</div>
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1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream (I used half-and-half)</div>
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4-5 cups confectionary sugar</div>
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</div>
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Blend all in the mixer, whipping on high speed until fluffy. Add more or less cream and confectionary sugar to get the consistency you want. Frost, top with a mini Reese's, and eat!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSp6ZZxJCNbsB8reBVh7yObWqCmTLD4DrraH7omTwE66kjfjk2pT_5vpOiwQud-ZtJmsc-ft-GtqzSay4d3nWnn5UTSRYvlk0r-aWoMHfHafBRNQuHk9QirdPIFCkW5st6ur4Bw/s1600/Treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSp6ZZxJCNbsB8reBVh7yObWqCmTLD4DrraH7omTwE66kjfjk2pT_5vpOiwQud-ZtJmsc-ft-GtqzSay4d3nWnn5UTSRYvlk0r-aWoMHfHafBRNQuHk9QirdPIFCkW5st6ur4Bw/s320/Treats.jpg" width="320" /></a>These are the ones I made for my husband's company (along with some Kiss cookies).</div>
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<br />Then I made these fun Santa cupcakes. It's a basic yellow cake cupcake (from my trusty Betty Crocker), topped with white buttercream (what I did was double the above recipe for buttercream, but left out the peanut butter. Frosted the Santa ones first, then mixed in the PB and frosted the Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDCxTkkIdNgyZBsYT1f4fbSdtmYSVzbCBTgx2PQ_Dn9vSdrPVg33cLKr3xnLpGxI3OLVNAQ1ky4MPR7wT7sDkcUvPPIm5B2K7qB37wGe1mXYlI-0C31gD6nT_uircuwwrmnWAJA/s1600/Santa+Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDCxTkkIdNgyZBsYT1f4fbSdtmYSVzbCBTgx2PQ_Dn9vSdrPVg33cLKr3xnLpGxI3OLVNAQ1ky4MPR7wT7sDkcUvPPIm5B2K7qB37wGe1mXYlI-0C31gD6nT_uircuwwrmnWAJA/s320/Santa+Cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The legs are Twizzlers, cut in thirds. Dip in frosting, then top with black frosting boots. I sprinkled the cupcakes with white sparkles. Easy and cute!!</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/shirleyjump/" target="_blank">Follow me on Pinterest</a>, or let me know if you're a foodie like me and I'll follow you! Also, look for info soon about a new book!</div>
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I'm off to have cupcakes and milk! :-)</div>
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</div>
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Shirley</div>
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<br /></div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-15973291121320253182012-12-03T09:25:00.000-05:002012-12-03T09:25:10.245-05:00Welcome Vicki Bateman and Not Your Grandma's Fruit Cake recipe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHGWiSSDqfKzn1Lb4mshZ79utL2N3ny0lBMcqeYB1PG3xsd3eMdjaabEQ98o0v6ORoATriLJS6S2u-ltLbOrrsWP1CjoWnm26kGvXXQds9h0NI5aywFJ4ApSWhqtcj0V5yvM1yA/s1600/Twinkle_Lights333x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHGWiSSDqfKzn1Lb4mshZ79utL2N3ny0lBMcqeYB1PG3xsd3eMdjaabEQ98o0v6ORoATriLJS6S2u-ltLbOrrsWP1CjoWnm26kGvXXQds9h0NI5aywFJ4ApSWhqtcj0V5yvM1yA/s320/Twinkle_Lights333x500.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Today, I'm thrilled to have Vicki Bateman on my blog, along with her recipe for Not Your Grandma's Fruit Cake (this one sounds so yummy, I'm going to have to try it for sure! I mean, how can you go wrong dipping ANYTHING in chocolate?) Welcome, Vicki!<br />
She's also got a Christmas release, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/B005AY5ZN8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1342624559&sr=1-2-ent" target="_blank">Twinkle Lights</a>, out now!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recipe: <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">It Ain't
Your Grandma's Fruit Cake</span></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fruit
cake is maligned. And I'm here to make it delectable for everyone (and they
won't even know it is fruitcake). </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A good
fruit cake (I use Collin Street Bakery)</span></em><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wilton
Dark Cocoa Candy Melts</span></em><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wax
paper</span></em><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drying
rack</span></em><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cut the
cake into bite-sized chunks. (Be sure to occasionally clean your knife).</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a
microwavable bowl, pour in candy melts. Prepare according to directions. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set
cooling rack on top of sheet of waxed paper. Take a chunk of cake and dip into
melted cocoa. Be sure all sides are coated. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once
cake is covered in cocoa, set on rack for cocoa to solidfy.<br id="ecxFontBreak" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
cocoa is hardened, remove from rack and store in airtight container. Set in
fridge. Will keep for a while. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Makes a
lot of treats. Don't tell your guests what it is. They think they're eating an
exotic dessert.</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
Look for her book at any major etailer, and also find out more about Vicki at:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Website: <a href="http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://vickibatman.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction/133506590074451?ref=hl"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction/133506590074451?ref=hl</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/vickibatman"><span style="color: blue;">https://twitter.com/vickibatman</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Pinterest: <a href="http://pinterest.com/vickibatman"><span style="color: blue;">http://pinterest.com/vickibatman</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Goodreads: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Author Central: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/B005AY5ZN8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1343929464&sr=1-2-ent"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/B005AY5ZN8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1343929464&sr=1-2-ent</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Thanks for visiting, Vicki!<br /><br />ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-55996230073251190562012-11-16T14:43:00.000-05:002012-11-22T17:36:22.917-05:00Alton Brown's Brining Recipe<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyfTjykOKlW_2uQR_v4kMzrvunzZLpY-HbiXWltHnxZYAm16CTYWJO0heIKkroZ2lgxeBBS0Kxy3t31Rj7EUEwxOWyxt7L2ul8NhEg7tOqC6Qbgh-Gk0K-kOmtsaHPv-XLr93zw/s1600/Turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyfTjykOKlW_2uQR_v4kMzrvunzZLpY-HbiXWltHnxZYAm16CTYWJO0heIKkroZ2lgxeBBS0Kxy3t31Rj7EUEwxOWyxt7L2ul8NhEg7tOqC6Qbgh-Gk0K-kOmtsaHPv-XLr93zw/s320/Turkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brined turkey, literally falling off the bone after roasting :-)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you google Alton Brown and brining, you get a few different results that aren't this one. I don't like the one he has on Good Eats as much as I do this one, from I'm Just Here for the Food. This one has yet to let me down :-) I've added a few adaptations to it, based on other brines I've used:<br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups kosher salt<br />
1/2 cup dark brown sugar<br />
10-14 peppercorns (whole)<br />
2-4 whole bay leaves<br />
1 6-ounce container frozen OJ<br />
1 gallon water<br />
1 16-18 pound turkey<br />
1 gallon ice cubes<br />
canola oil<br />
<br />
Dissolve the salt, sugar, and juice in 1 quart of hot water. Cool with the remaining 3 quarts of water. Remove the guts and stuff from inside the turkey and put it in the brining bag or container. Cover with the liquid. If it doesn't completely cover the bird, add more liquid (he uses chicken broth). Cover wtih ice and soak for at least 5-6 hours.<br />
<br />
Alton dries off the bird, rubs it down with canola oil, then starts cooking the bird on high (500) then after a half hour, turns it down to 350 degrees. I've found that works pretty well. He covers the breast with a tent of foil, removes it at the end to get a little browning. <br />
<br />
I highly recommend brining if you've never tried it before. Easy and quick, and the most tender bird ever!<br />
<br />
ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-42745238421739747222012-11-15T13:17:00.003-05:002012-11-16T14:44:28.815-05:00The Thanksgiving Plan<div id="ms__id2480">
This has been my Thanksgiving plan for four years in a row,
so I thought I'd rerun the tips. I have changed this slightly--in that I bought
the brining bags at the store instead of using a pail (Farberware makes them and
they were in the aisle with the roasters and kitchen twine, etc.). I have had
success every time I use this recipe. Buying a fresh bird makes life ten times
easier, but I have in a pinch defrosted a frozen bird and then brined
it.</div>
<br />
(and as an aside, for those of you who are friends with me on
Facebook, on Monday I posted a link to my blog and a friend who is a
professional chef shared his tips for brining, so check that
out!)<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving was a HUGE success in my house. Brining the bird was
DA BOMB and I highly recommend it. I mean, HIGHLY recommend it. I have never had
a juicier, more delicious turkey--it was beyond simple to cook, and twelve
people devoured nearly an entire 21-pound bird. Lots of going back for seconds
and thirds that day!<br />
<br />
Take notes if you want for next year, because here's
how I did it (and managed to have a LOT of relaxation time on the big day,
too):<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Wednesday Night:</em></strong> Brine the Bird (in the
fridge by 8pm)<br />
Equipment needed: 5-gallon pail from Lowe's or Home
Depot<br />
<a href="http://shirleyjump.blogspot.com/2012/11/alton-browns-brining-recipe.html" target="_blank">My version of Alton Brown's recipe for Brining from I'm Just Here for the Food</a><br />
(which involves essentially cooking some water, brown sugar,
peppercorns, bay leaves and kosher salt, then cooling and adding to the
bucket).<br />
Plus: 3 gallons ice water and 1 1/2 cups kosher
salt<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Thursday Timeline:</em></strong><br />
7:00 a.m.: Remove
bird from Brining Liquid<br />
Preheat oven<br />
Dry bird, stuff with an onion,
celery sticks. Brush whole bird with melted butter, then tent with foil, stick a
meat thermometer in it, then put the bird in the oven.<br />
<br />
8:00 a.m.: Cook
sausage for stuffing, chop vegetables for stuffing (celery, carrots and onions),
then cook when sausage is done. Add dried cranberries, leave to cool and set
aside<br />
<br />
8:15 a.m.: Peel 8 pounds of potatoes and start boiling them for
mashed potatoes<br />
<br />
8:45 a.m.: Start simple syrup for kids' <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Floating-Island-Punch/Detail.aspx"><span style="color: #d50060;">Floating
Island Punch </span></a><br />
Put Frozen raspberries, pink lemonade and sugar in bowl to
thaw for <a href="http://www.fineliving.com/fine/entertaining/article/0,2498,FINE_22197_5687171,00.html"><span style="color: #d50060;">Poinsettia
Punch</span></a> for grownups :-)<br />
<br />
9:30 a.m.: Mash potatoes and put in
crock-pot--done till 11:15 a.m. (take a nap, read the ads for Black Friday
shopping...I do all my house cleaning on Wednesday, so I'm chilling for these
two hours)<br />
<br />
11:30 a.m.: remove foil tent from turkey, baste with more
butter and turn oven temp up to 425 degrees<br />
Start green beans (I made a
healthy version, which I can post later)<br />
Start Citrus-Glazed
Carrots<br />
<br />
12:15 p.m.: Assemble stuffing<br />
<br />
12:30 p.m.: Remove turkey
from oven and let set<br />
Put rolls in oven<br />
Put stuffing in oven<br />
Make
gravy<br />
<br />
1:00 p.m.: Serve and eat ;-)<br />
<br />
My MIL made the pies, and I had
baked cookies on Wednesday night, so all the rest was done ahead of time. I
usually make the pies a day or two ahead of time, but this time someone else did
them, so I was saved that chore. This turkey was SO SO good, though. I just
can't even tell you ;-)<br />
<br />
How was your Thanksgiving? Was it a huge success?
I do dishes as I go, and run the dishwasher about halfway through so that
everyone can eat on real plates. Clean-up is still a lot of work, but it's not
AS bad as it could be.<br />
<br />
And if you want to read about my <a href="http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/2008/12/02/the-lines-aren%e2%80%99t-so-bad%e2%80%a6/"><span style="color: #d50060;">Black
Friday adventures</span></a>, I posted on RTB today about them!<br />
<br />
Shirley Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-86376645366975677662012-10-12T09:47:00.000-04:002012-10-12T10:05:50.250-04:00FREE! This weekend only!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s320/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS<br />
a Sweet and Savory Romance Prequel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A limited time offer--you can get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Groom-Wanted-Seconds-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350048410&sr=1-1&keywords=the+groom+wanted+seconds#_" target="_blank">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS</a> for FREE! Pop on over to Amazon and grab this deal before it's gone! And FYI for those in the UK, it's free there too! Here's the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Groom-Wanted-Seconds-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350050543&sr=1-1" target="_blank">UK link!</a><br />
<br />
About the book:<br />
<br />
<div class="content">
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Nothing like a little breakup to remind a man why he loves a
woman and what an idiot he’s been. After a clunky marriage proposal, Rebecca
Wilson breaks up with Jeremy Hamilton, an engineer lacking a romance chromosome.
She goes away for the summer and thinks she has found true love. When she
returns with a broken heart, Jeremy seizes the opportunity to convince her to
give him a second chance.<br />
<br />
But it isn’t until he brings out his wild and
fun side that Jeremy sees a dim flicker of hope for a future with Rebecca. His
determination drives Rebecca to break into her secret cookie stash, hoping Thin
Mints can make her forget Mr. Wrong. She’s already been burned twice before—is
she ready to take a second chance on love?<br />
<br />
The Sweet and Savory Romances
will make you laugh, cry, and rev up your appetite with their hunky heroes. As a
special addition, satiate your hunger—for food that is— with tried-and-true
recipes written by the characters inside.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Look for the other books in the series, too: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Chocolate-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B008G3JY3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1350049505&sr=1-1&keywords=the+bride+wore+chocolate" target="_blank">THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Served-Desire-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B0087Q5DBU/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3" target="_blank">THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tasted-Temptation-Savory-Romances-ebook/dp/B0087QBNX2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION</a>. Available for your favorite eReader!</div>
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-23177414460163541442012-10-10T13:26:00.000-04:002012-10-10T13:26:06.274-04:00Easiest Crock-Pot Roast Beef Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoZrogMOgPtyCAtg7Ndx7DjkCIdwJnv7s2o8hBWr33_uXbvyy1m_2COZq1BZVNQr3QcHMH-Fd0l1lnqQL32DrWMXK1uyvRijWUe_CHO2fH6hLjU7VXtgmUqRfhbWChDvPU2CVGA/s1600/Easiest+Crock+Pot+Roast+Beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoZrogMOgPtyCAtg7Ndx7DjkCIdwJnv7s2o8hBWr33_uXbvyy1m_2COZq1BZVNQr3QcHMH-Fd0l1lnqQL32DrWMXK1uyvRijWUe_CHO2fH6hLjU7VXtgmUqRfhbWChDvPU2CVGA/s320/Easiest+Crock+Pot+Roast+Beef.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I love an easy recipe. Even better, one that requires almost no effort on my part, yet still gets rave reviews from my family. This roast beef fit the bill on all levels. <br />
<br />
<strong>Easiest Crock-Pot Roast Beef Ever</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
1 chuck roast, 3-4 pounds<br />
1 package Italian dressing mix<br />
1 package Brown gravy mix<br />
1 package Ranch dressing mix<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons corn starch<br />
1/4 cup cold water<br />
<br />
Put the roast in the crock-pot (browning beforehand is optional). Mix the three mixes and the 1/2 cup water, then pour over the roast. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. When done, remove the roast and put on a cutting board, allowing it to rest before slicing. Meanwhile, mix the corn starch and cold water in a bowl, then add to the gravy in the crock-pot. Turn crock-pot to High and stir, until gravy thickens. <br />
<br />
This was so tender, you could cut it with a fork. The gravy was AWESOME and definitely made the beef way more flavorful. Easy and quick, my favorite kind of cooking!<br />
<br />
ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-83732834948082464502012-10-09T14:39:00.000-04:002012-10-09T14:39:50.752-04:00A Behind the Scenes Peek at a Trilogy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8Q9Ww9AfgAf9BHVU3q8hI4FcCdBHmlpjNGY2XyvuGm9GoU0fMQKhL-Y74Y1ZAF1sSe-LN7cXN3_PZXp-VP77_RrbvvJgKjU2OKJ6b1DzF04pez-27EfpppWXVYw3FIxg5y6mpg/s1600/Mistletoe+Kisses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8Q9Ww9AfgAf9BHVU3q8hI4FcCdBHmlpjNGY2XyvuGm9GoU0fMQKhL-Y74Y1ZAF1sSe-LN7cXN3_PZXp-VP77_RrbvvJgKjU2OKJ6b1DzF04pez-27EfpppWXVYw3FIxg5y6mpg/s320/Mistletoe+Kisses.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
Last year, two of my author friends and I pitched and sold a trilogy to Harlequin. It was so much fun to work with Donna Alward and Fiona Harper, and to create three sisters who had a troubled past. We set the story in a fictional town in Massachusetts, and created three strong heroes for these amazing sisters. Read all about how this worked on this thread on eHarlequin, and pick up the first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snowbound-Earls-Castle-Harlequin-Romance/dp/0373178379/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349807823&sr=8-2&keywords=snowbound+in+the+earl%27s+castle" target="_blank">Snowbound in the Earl's Castle</a>, in stores now! Look for Donna Alward's story, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleigh-Ride-Rancher-Harlequin-Romance/dp/0373178433/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1" target="_blank">Sleigh Ride with the Rancher</a> at the end of the month. My story (the third one) will be out at the end of November--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Kisses-Billionaire-Harlequin-Romance/dp/0373178492/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2" target="_blank">Mistletoe Kisses with the Billionaire</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.harlequin.com/showthread.php/676-Holiday-Miracles-Trilogy-from-Harlequin-Romance-and-Three-Lovely-Authors?p=25937#post25937" target="_blank">Read our thread here</a>, and add your comments or questions for any one of us, or the group!<br />
<br />
ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-45114652491696694582012-10-08T14:15:00.003-04:002012-10-08T14:15:44.012-04:00Perfect for Fall's Chill: Oven Baked Beef Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuta2JpWp89GOdPHa-hz3cBHVnDqeuQCqQt2Cm59KucdO59trpt2iKHhq-noo1ihp_GqZb72oJ6iHlPY5pLfa9R_-s-kNKSyGuG_rt90KHQY32m_r0K_pNgpZqvbIUqVfkflTtGg/s1600/oven+baked+beef+stew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuta2JpWp89GOdPHa-hz3cBHVnDqeuQCqQt2Cm59KucdO59trpt2iKHhq-noo1ihp_GqZb72oJ6iHlPY5pLfa9R_-s-kNKSyGuG_rt90KHQY32m_r0K_pNgpZqvbIUqVfkflTtGg/s320/oven+baked+beef+stew.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
There's just something about fall that has me in the kitchen, cooking. I love the smells of things in the oven, love hunkering down with my loved ones and enjoying a dish I've made myself. This oven-baked Beef Stew is one of my all-time favorites and one of those things I crave as soon as the temperatures dip. I've made it a couple dozen times (which is a miracle in my house, because I'm always trying something new!).<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Oven-Baked Beef
Stew</strong></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 pound round steak, cut into 1-inch
cubes</span></div>
2-<span style="color: #990000;">3 cups red wine (I use a Shiraz, or a Merlot,
something we would normally drink; enough to marinate the beef)</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1 tablespoon olive oil</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1 teaspoon garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch
cubes</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1/2 pound carrots, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">2 small onions, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1/4 cup butter</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1/4 cup flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">2 cups red wine (same wine; but NOT the wine in the marinade; I basically dump the rest of the bottle in)</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">3 cups chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">2 tablespoons tomato paste</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1/2 cup cold water</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">3 tablespoons corn starch</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">Marinate the beef in a zip-lock bag for 1 to 3 hours, depending
on when you remember to start this ;-). Remove from marinade, then heat olive
oil and cook beef until browned. Remove from pan. Cook garlic and vegetables
until browned, remove from pan. Melt butter, add flour and make a roux (the base
for a sauce, if you don't know what this is, you can go </span><a href="http://www.cookinglouisiana.com/Cooking/Making-a-Roux.htm"><span style="color: #990000;">here for the basics</span></a><span style="color: #990000;">). Add the wine gradually, stirring with a whisk. Then
the chicken stock and tomato paste. Put the beef, vegetables and liquid into an
oven-safe Dutch Oven or other large pot/pan and bake at 375 for two hours (you
can also put this in the Crock-pot). </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">Just before you're ready to serve, you can
thicken the stew. I like a really thick stew, so I mix the water and the corn
starch, then stir this into the hot stew. It makes it nice and thick, really
yummy <g>. I serve it with biscuits and that's enough for a mega meal. Okay,
this is totally not Weight Watchers friendly but when it's 25 below outside, I
really don't care ;-)</g></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><g></g></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><g><span style="color: black;">Enjoy! </span></g></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><g><span style="color: black;"></span></g></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><g><span style="color: black;">Shirley</span></g></span></div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-30763411057513100872012-10-03T11:27:00.001-04:002012-10-03T11:27:33.957-04:00Book News, Trilogy Behind the Scenes Peek and JSWI news!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s1600/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCeTyuyMqXncwp5InAPpZ32CGUepSI0r403JHyxfikBXJ8fswcd_2cZpdutoh5q-6Ubn5M7_QNxKFbS02uBc-MZqtEwWYXAShJrktQMLvPaLVClrHGdFZ7KmSgZege3J4P_kaKA/s320/ShirleyJump_TheGroomWantedSeconds.jpg" width="213" /></a>It has been a BUSY few weeks here! I've been writing my fingers off, trying to make a lot of deadlines that just sort of ran together. Not much cooking going on in my house--mainly just dump something in the crock-pot or fix something fast ;-) But I'll get back to it soon, these colder temperatures have me craving comfort foods!<br />
<br />
Lots of writing news--first, I wanted to announce the release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Groom-Wanted-Seconds-ebook/dp/B009L333YC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349277839&sr=8-1&keywords=the+groom+wanted+seconds" target="_blank">THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS</a>, the prequel to the Sweet and Savory Romance series (with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Chocolate-Sweet-Savory-ebook/dp/B008G3JY3W/ref=pd_ys_sf_s_154606011_a1_3_p" target="_blank">THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Served-Desire-Savory-ebook/dp/B0087Q5DBU/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4" target="_blank">THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Tasted-Temptation-Savory-ebook/dp/B0087QBNX2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION</a>). This all-new book is a fun, sexy novella that features Rebecca and Jeremy's story--read all about how they almost didn't make it to the altar! And at only .99 cents, it's a bargain!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HqNNwBKhb6JY1N5c-ZMxjfF5TBLYm8sZqWXC_ATJc-nljfH0aL4sMCzBCdrBIcHfLR4Uuoq8rhaHJaKOSFIvs-9mpLTCz3ei9ezBwfJ9ONMahW_ki-VtLgxmitgPcQqIZSIzHQ/s1600/page0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HqNNwBKhb6JY1N5c-ZMxjfF5TBLYm8sZqWXC_ATJc-nljfH0aL4sMCzBCdrBIcHfLR4Uuoq8rhaHJaKOSFIvs-9mpLTCz3ei9ezBwfJ9ONMahW_ki-VtLgxmitgPcQqIZSIzHQ/s400/page0001.jpg" width="308" /></a>Second, if you're interested in how a trilogy comes together, stop by the <a href="http://t.co/nUkldNs7" target="_blank">Romantic Times blog</a> and read how Donna Alward, Fiona Harper and myself wrote our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Kisses-Billionaire-Harlequin-Romance/dp/0373178492/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349277988&sr=1-1&keywords=mistletoe+kisses+with+the+billionaire" target="_blank">Holiday Miracles trilogy</a> together. Three friends, working together to tell the story of three sisters. It was a blast and so is our in-real-time interview!<br />
Third, the <a href="http://www.jumpstartwritinginstitute.com/" target="_blank">JumpStart Writing Institute</a> is offering LOTS of awesomeness for writers! Those who join get access to regular motivational posts, writing information and first dibs as well as lower prices on all my classes. From now until October 12th, midnight, there's a special price for signing up! Stop by the membership page for details!<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and local people who pick up Glo magazine, look for Part One of my six-part novella, "Fools Rush In," a Glo exclusive! You can also read it <a href="http://www.glo-mag.com/" target="_blank">online</a> (turn to page 30). <br />
<br />
Happy reading! <br />
<br />
ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9360493.post-22366993471985712672012-09-27T11:00:00.001-04:002012-09-27T11:00:23.101-04:00White Chicken Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a9YOUrq_e_IFRxuiibE4huKb3le3vwVVhxXYzzV2BKxgAe_Uh_TJV-59QIWVLrShsFe_kO_YFVckXnCd1rDq_rCy_oBYQ0oGDdOlwdUELD9JW6FN66_OMGsSnORJCVwCLiLxRg/s1600/White+chicken+chili2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a9YOUrq_e_IFRxuiibE4huKb3le3vwVVhxXYzzV2BKxgAe_Uh_TJV-59QIWVLrShsFe_kO_YFVckXnCd1rDq_rCy_oBYQ0oGDdOlwdUELD9JW6FN66_OMGsSnORJCVwCLiLxRg/s320/White+chicken+chili2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div id="ms__id1421">
<span style="color: #663300;"><span style="color: black;">This is one of my favorite dinners. I usually poach extra chicken when I'm making stock or a soup or something else that requires cooked chicken, then make this quick dinner on a busy weekday. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #663300;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: #663300;"><span style="color: black;">When I made it this week, I used fresh peppers and jalapenos from the garden, instead of the pickled jalapeno. It made it hotter, for sure, but still delicious! :-)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #663300;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: #663300;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: #663300;"><strong>White Chicken
Chili</strong></span></div>
<br />
<div id="ms__id1422">
<span style="color: #663300;">2 tablespoons olive
oil</span></div>
<span style="color: #663300;">1 cup onions,
chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #663300;">1 cup green pepper,
chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #663300;">2 tablespoons </span><a href="http://www.meijergroceryexpress.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=4600085281(GEBase)"><span style="color: #663300;">pickled jalapeno </span></a><span style="color: #663300;">(comes in a jar in the Mexican food aisle),
chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #663300;">4 cloves garlic,
minced</span><br />
<span style="color: #663300;">2 tablespoons chili
powder</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">2 teaspoons cumin</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">1 teaspoon kosher salt (or regular; I just prefer to cook
with kosher)</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">2 cups chicken broth (I used
the broth I made from the </span><a href="http://shirleyjump.blogspot.com/2008/10/worth-effort-ricotta-gnocchi.html"><span style="color: #663300;">chickens I roasted </span></a><span style="color: #663300;">the other day)</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">2
15-ounce cans Great Northern beans, drained</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (again, from those
chickens I roasted; I just made two instead of one)</span><br /><span style="color: #663300;">1/2 cup whipping cream (I rarely have that on hand so I used half and half)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #663300;">Heat oil in a
large pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add onion, green pepper and
jalapeno. Saute about 4 minutes, until soft and onion is translucent. Add garlic
and spices. Cook for one minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add vegetables,
then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender. Add beans and
chicken and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and cook until heated through.
Serve.</span><br /><br />ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395507850821188923noreply@blogger.com0