Sloane Taylor's Blog, page 124
July 17, 2013
GOOD SUMMER EATING
Summer is here and it's time to eat gobs of ice cream and not feel guilty. So today HL Carpenter shares the delicious recipe for No Bake Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. Take it away, HL!
We wish we could say Gramma shared the recipe for this scrumptious dessert with us while we were writing The SkyHorse. After all, what better way for her granddaughter, Tovi, to stay cool on a sweltering summer day while tending a horse hatched from an egg? But we must admit the sweet treat was around long before The SkyHorse trotted into our lives.
If you like to have dessert on hand for those daily ice cream cravings guests, this cake keeps well in the freezer. It’s expandable, too. Just use a bigger pan, more ice cream and extra whipped topping. When it comes to ice cream, more is better, right?
No Bake Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
What you’ll need:
One package (12 bars) of ice cream sandwiches
One container (8 ounces or larger) of whipped topping (or make your own with a pint of whipping cream and 3 tablespoons of sugar)
Garnish of your choice: Sprinkles; chopped nuts; caramel, chocolate or other syrup
Glass or plastic pan with a lid
Directions:
Arrange six ice cream bars in a crisscross pattern in the bottom of the pan. (You may have to cut the bars to make them fit. Of course, then you’ll need to eat those little left-over pieces—who said chefs have an easy life?)
Spread a layer of whipped cream over the bars.*
Crisscross the remaining six ice cream bars on top of the whipped cream.
Slather another layer of whipped cream over the top and sides.
Decorate with sprinkles or chopped nuts, or drizzle with caramel or chocolate syrup.
Cover and freeze 2-3 hours or overnight.
Remove from freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to soften.
*For a richer cake, add a layer of syrup and/or chopped nuts over the whipped cream.
While your delicious cake is chilling, how about settling in with a good book?
Tovi thinks finding a flying horse is fabulous luck - until a mysterious stranger says finders aren’t always keepers.
When fourteen year old Tovi Taggert moves to Honeysuckle Hollow to take care of her grandmother, she has a hard time fitting in. For one thing, she’s been tagged with the hated nickname Too-Tall Tovi. For another, everyone at Honeysuckle Hollow High believes Tovi played the Choking Game with someone else’s boyfriend – and made out with him besides.
As if she doesn’t have enough problems, after the latest stand-off in the school hallway, Tovi finds a gorgeous speckled egg nestled in a feather lined nest.
She takes the egg home – and mysterious visitors begin appearing almost immediately. Even more worrisome, whatever is inside the egg starts chipping its way out.
When the egg hatches, revealing a winged horse, Tovi’s troubles multiply.
As she struggles to return the horse to the magical land where he belongs, Tovi must make a courageous decision – and accept what that decision will cost her.
To read the first chapter of The SkyHorse , please click HERE .
BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon
HL Carpenter is a mother/daughter writing team. Their young adult novel, The SkyHorse , is available on Amazon and at Musa Publishing . Learn more about HL Carpenter on their website .
I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane Taylor
We wish we could say Gramma shared the recipe for this scrumptious dessert with us while we were writing The SkyHorse. After all, what better way for her granddaughter, Tovi, to stay cool on a sweltering summer day while tending a horse hatched from an egg? But we must admit the sweet treat was around long before The SkyHorse trotted into our lives.
If you like to have dessert on hand for those daily ice cream cravings guests, this cake keeps well in the freezer. It’s expandable, too. Just use a bigger pan, more ice cream and extra whipped topping. When it comes to ice cream, more is better, right?
No Bake Ice Cream Sandwich CakeWhat you’ll need:
One package (12 bars) of ice cream sandwiches
One container (8 ounces or larger) of whipped topping (or make your own with a pint of whipping cream and 3 tablespoons of sugar)
Garnish of your choice: Sprinkles; chopped nuts; caramel, chocolate or other syrup
Glass or plastic pan with a lid
Directions:
Arrange six ice cream bars in a crisscross pattern in the bottom of the pan. (You may have to cut the bars to make them fit. Of course, then you’ll need to eat those little left-over pieces—who said chefs have an easy life?)
Spread a layer of whipped cream over the bars.*
Crisscross the remaining six ice cream bars on top of the whipped cream.
Slather another layer of whipped cream over the top and sides.
Decorate with sprinkles or chopped nuts, or drizzle with caramel or chocolate syrup.
Cover and freeze 2-3 hours or overnight.
Remove from freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to soften.
*For a richer cake, add a layer of syrup and/or chopped nuts over the whipped cream.
While your delicious cake is chilling, how about settling in with a good book?
Tovi thinks finding a flying horse is fabulous luck - until a mysterious stranger says finders aren’t always keepers.When fourteen year old Tovi Taggert moves to Honeysuckle Hollow to take care of her grandmother, she has a hard time fitting in. For one thing, she’s been tagged with the hated nickname Too-Tall Tovi. For another, everyone at Honeysuckle Hollow High believes Tovi played the Choking Game with someone else’s boyfriend – and made out with him besides.
As if she doesn’t have enough problems, after the latest stand-off in the school hallway, Tovi finds a gorgeous speckled egg nestled in a feather lined nest.
She takes the egg home – and mysterious visitors begin appearing almost immediately. Even more worrisome, whatever is inside the egg starts chipping its way out.
When the egg hatches, revealing a winged horse, Tovi’s troubles multiply.
As she struggles to return the horse to the magical land where he belongs, Tovi must make a courageous decision – and accept what that decision will cost her.
To read the first chapter of The SkyHorse , please click HERE .
BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon
HL Carpenter is a mother/daughter writing team. Their young adult novel, The SkyHorse , is available on Amazon and at Musa Publishing . Learn more about HL Carpenter on their website .
I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane Taylor
July 14, 2013
New Release for Sam Cheever
If you're into dark fantasy, magic, and erotic romance, you're going to adore Demon's Mate, a new novel from Sam Cheever.
Book 1: Royals of Sheoldris
What if real love began in the pages of a paranormal novel? And what if that love leapt off those pages, and into an avid reader’s arms?
Terra fell in love with Jacobin when he was the hero in a sexy paranormal novel, but when he showed up at her door she thought she was losing her mind. Imagine how she felt to learn her fate had been scribed onto magic pages and could just as easily be erased. Would she be willing to give up everything, just to hold onto a love she never dreamed she’d have?
~~*~~They left her alone for hours. At some point someone brought her a meal of fruit and cheeses with a dark, sweet wine but other than that she saw nobody except the two big men wearing diapers who guarded her door.
Finally, the woman who’d put her there returned, bringing the two big men into Terra’s rooms with her. And she was demanding that Terra take a bath. With all three of them in the room. Terra of course refused.
“If you do not cooperate, I’ll have the eunuchs carry you to the bath and hold you in the water as they bathe you.”
Terra glared at the demoness she’d learned was called Gemma. “I’m not going to polish myself up like a piece of fruit for that bully.”
Gemma nodded at the two men standing behind her. They stepped forward and grasped Terra’s arms, and she shrieked in outrage.
“Leave us!”
The two eunuchs and Gemma bowed low, stepping away from Terra. “Sire. We were just trying to do as you asked.” Gemma slid Terra a look of such hatred she wondered if the woman would murder her in her sleep.
“It seems my mate needs to learn some manners. I’m the one who must handle that little chore.”
Terra gave an outraged chirp. “I need to learn manners? Me? I didn’t drag you from your house and your… planet to a strange place and turn you into a prisoner.”
The demon king glared at his three servants until they left and then turned to her, his densely muscled arms crossed over his chest. Despite her anger, Terra couldn’t help noticing how hot he looked in the tight leather pants and sheer shirt that was open to the waist, showing a perfect, golden-brown chest. “You wouldn’t be treated as a prisoner if you didn’t act like a fool.”
She gave another outraged chirp and advanced on him, her hands clenched into fists. “I’m just trying to retain some kind of freedom --”
“Freedom? By chaining yourself to a low-level demon like the lowliest concubine?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know? I don’t know anything about this stupid place. They offered to help me, and I was grateful for their help. Once I got past the gate --”
Jacobin stepped closer, lowering his angry face to hers. “Once you got past the gate he would have locked you up and tried to ransom you to me. All the while enjoying your lush body for his own pleasure.”
Terra’s mouth slammed shut on an angry retort as his words sank in. “You’re lying.”
He lowered his head until his lips hovered over hers, his hot breath sweet against her face. “You know that I am not.”
Unfortunately she realized, far too late, that he was probably right. In her desperation and ignorance she’d almost put herself in greater danger. At least there, in the castle, she was under the king’s protection. But Terra was too angry to back down. “It wouldn’t be any worse than being kept prisoner here.”
His big hands came out and grasped her arms, pulling her to her toes as he stepped closer. Terra bit her lip against a wave of lust as his heat and hardness pressed against her. “Then you shouldn’t mind that I stopped you, mate.” Without warning, he gave her a gentle shove, and she fell backward into the huge, sand-bottomed pool.
She came up sputtering with outrage, her hands skimming water out of her eyes. “You ass! Now you’re trying to drown me?”
Toeing off his soft boots, the king reached to tug the shirt off his broad chest. “It appears I will need to bathe you like a babe, since you refuse to do it yourself.”
BUY LINK
Book 1: Royals of Sheoldris
What if real love began in the pages of a paranormal novel? And what if that love leapt off those pages, and into an avid reader’s arms?
Terra fell in love with Jacobin when he was the hero in a sexy paranormal novel, but when he showed up at her door she thought she was losing her mind. Imagine how she felt to learn her fate had been scribed onto magic pages and could just as easily be erased. Would she be willing to give up everything, just to hold onto a love she never dreamed she’d have?
~~*~~They left her alone for hours. At some point someone brought her a meal of fruit and cheeses with a dark, sweet wine but other than that she saw nobody except the two big men wearing diapers who guarded her door.
Finally, the woman who’d put her there returned, bringing the two big men into Terra’s rooms with her. And she was demanding that Terra take a bath. With all three of them in the room. Terra of course refused.
“If you do not cooperate, I’ll have the eunuchs carry you to the bath and hold you in the water as they bathe you.”
Terra glared at the demoness she’d learned was called Gemma. “I’m not going to polish myself up like a piece of fruit for that bully.”
Gemma nodded at the two men standing behind her. They stepped forward and grasped Terra’s arms, and she shrieked in outrage.
“Leave us!”
The two eunuchs and Gemma bowed low, stepping away from Terra. “Sire. We were just trying to do as you asked.” Gemma slid Terra a look of such hatred she wondered if the woman would murder her in her sleep.
“It seems my mate needs to learn some manners. I’m the one who must handle that little chore.”
Terra gave an outraged chirp. “I need to learn manners? Me? I didn’t drag you from your house and your… planet to a strange place and turn you into a prisoner.”
The demon king glared at his three servants until they left and then turned to her, his densely muscled arms crossed over his chest. Despite her anger, Terra couldn’t help noticing how hot he looked in the tight leather pants and sheer shirt that was open to the waist, showing a perfect, golden-brown chest. “You wouldn’t be treated as a prisoner if you didn’t act like a fool.”
She gave another outraged chirp and advanced on him, her hands clenched into fists. “I’m just trying to retain some kind of freedom --”
“Freedom? By chaining yourself to a low-level demon like the lowliest concubine?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know? I don’t know anything about this stupid place. They offered to help me, and I was grateful for their help. Once I got past the gate --”
Jacobin stepped closer, lowering his angry face to hers. “Once you got past the gate he would have locked you up and tried to ransom you to me. All the while enjoying your lush body for his own pleasure.”
Terra’s mouth slammed shut on an angry retort as his words sank in. “You’re lying.”
He lowered his head until his lips hovered over hers, his hot breath sweet against her face. “You know that I am not.”
Unfortunately she realized, far too late, that he was probably right. In her desperation and ignorance she’d almost put herself in greater danger. At least there, in the castle, she was under the king’s protection. But Terra was too angry to back down. “It wouldn’t be any worse than being kept prisoner here.”
His big hands came out and grasped her arms, pulling her to her toes as he stepped closer. Terra bit her lip against a wave of lust as his heat and hardness pressed against her. “Then you shouldn’t mind that I stopped you, mate.” Without warning, he gave her a gentle shove, and she fell backward into the huge, sand-bottomed pool.
She came up sputtering with outrage, her hands skimming water out of her eyes. “You ass! Now you’re trying to drown me?”
Toeing off his soft boots, the king reached to tug the shirt off his broad chest. “It appears I will need to bathe you like a babe, since you refuse to do it yourself.”
BUY LINK
July 10, 2013
Super Easy BBQ
by Marci Boudreaux
Hi Everyone! I've hijacked Sloane's blog again because I have to share this family favorite recipe with you.
Though July is closely associated with barbeque pits and charred bits of meat, there is another way to get great tasting BBQ Chicken or pork…without risking the loss of facial hair.
This year will be known (at least in my family) as the year I discovered the glorious wonders of a slow cooker. Yes, my friends, I no longer stand over a hot stove (or pit) for hours cooking for my starving family. Our home cooked meals are now done slowly, with minimal effort from me.
And this recipe is one of my personal favorites!
Marci’s BBQ Chicken
4-6 uncooked boneless chicken breasts (or small pork roast)
1 bottle of your favorite bbq sauce (Hey, this still counts as homemade!)
¼ cup white vinegar
1tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ cup brown sugar
1tsp. minced garlic
½ small onion diced
Mix bbq sauce, vinegar, pepper flakes, brown sugar, garlic and small onion in medium sized bowl. Place meat in slow cooker. Pour bbq sauce mixture over meat. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Done!
Seriously?? YES! And it is delicious!
I shred mine and put it on a bun with coleslaw, but my kids eat it straight up with a side of baked beans
This is a great way to have summer flavor without adding to the summer heat. And it’s so easy!
Here's a little from Unforgettable You, my latest contemporary romance, for your reading pleasure while you sit back with a glass of chilled wine and wait for that terrific chicken to slow cook.
Is their love strong enough to survive their real lives?
Desperate to keep her ailing mother-in-law Doreen in the family home, Carrie Gable agrees to board a few of Hollywood’s elite actors. Despite her resentment of their demands, she can’t stop her attraction to actor Will Walker.
Will, out to save his failing career, agrees to a project that bores him. The more time he spends with his egotistical co-stars, the more drawn he is to their hostess. Long nights talking with Carrie make him realize he wants a simpler life, but his ties to L.A. refuse to let him go.
The temptation to regain stardom pulls Will in one direction while the obligation to family tugs Carrie in another. Against all odds, the couple struggles for a solution to save their new found happiness.
To read an excerpt from Unforgettable You, please click HERE .
Check out the trailer for Unforgettable You HERE .
Hi Everyone! I've hijacked Sloane's blog again because I have to share this family favorite recipe with you. Though July is closely associated with barbeque pits and charred bits of meat, there is another way to get great tasting BBQ Chicken or pork…without risking the loss of facial hair.
This year will be known (at least in my family) as the year I discovered the glorious wonders of a slow cooker. Yes, my friends, I no longer stand over a hot stove (or pit) for hours cooking for my starving family. Our home cooked meals are now done slowly, with minimal effort from me.
And this recipe is one of my personal favorites!
Marci’s BBQ Chicken4-6 uncooked boneless chicken breasts (or small pork roast)
1 bottle of your favorite bbq sauce (Hey, this still counts as homemade!)
¼ cup white vinegar
1tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ cup brown sugar
1tsp. minced garlic
½ small onion diced
Mix bbq sauce, vinegar, pepper flakes, brown sugar, garlic and small onion in medium sized bowl. Place meat in slow cooker. Pour bbq sauce mixture over meat. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Done!
Seriously?? YES! And it is delicious!
I shred mine and put it on a bun with coleslaw, but my kids eat it straight up with a side of baked beans
This is a great way to have summer flavor without adding to the summer heat. And it’s so easy!
Here's a little from Unforgettable You, my latest contemporary romance, for your reading pleasure while you sit back with a glass of chilled wine and wait for that terrific chicken to slow cook.
Is their love strong enough to survive their real lives?Desperate to keep her ailing mother-in-law Doreen in the family home, Carrie Gable agrees to board a few of Hollywood’s elite actors. Despite her resentment of their demands, she can’t stop her attraction to actor Will Walker.
Will, out to save his failing career, agrees to a project that bores him. The more time he spends with his egotistical co-stars, the more drawn he is to their hostess. Long nights talking with Carrie make him realize he wants a simpler life, but his ties to L.A. refuse to let him go.
The temptation to regain stardom pulls Will in one direction while the obligation to family tugs Carrie in another. Against all odds, the couple struggles for a solution to save their new found happiness.
To read an excerpt from Unforgettable You, please click HERE .
Check out the trailer for Unforgettable You HERE .
July 7, 2013
SARA DANIEL is on a ROLL
with another new release! I'm elated to share that Love Him or Leave Him a Small Town Big Dreams novel by Sara Daniel released today from Entangled Publishing. I've had the great pleasure of reading Love Him or Leave Him and fell in love. This is definitely a novel you'll want at the top of your summer reading list. Also, below the blurb is info on a cool contest.
Here's a little from Sara's new release for your reading pleasure.
Sometimes dreams are where you least expect them.
Connor O’Malley and Becca Sanders were once high school sweethearts, ripped apart by rumors in the small town of Kortville, Illinois. Connor left to join the military, and Becca stayed, waiting for her younger brother to graduate so she could live her dreams of traveling the world. But now that Connor's back as the town sheriff, Becca finds herself struggling to resist the too-handsome man who once broke her heart.
Connor loves Kortville—its quaintness keeps at bay the painful memories of Afghanistan he’s sure make him unworthy of any woman, particularly the beautiful brunette he’s always secretly dreamed of a future with. But when a scandal rocks the town, suddenly Connor and Becca must trust in each other if they want to weather this storm…and come out on the other side of it together.
To read an excerpt from Love Him or Leave Him, please click HERE.
BUY LINKS:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iBookstore
Kobo
Please click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter the Release Day Launch Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Rafflecopter code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For those of you not familiar with Sara Daniel, she writes what she loves—irresistible romance, from sweet to erotic and everything in between. On the personal side, she's a frazzled maid, chauffeur, and slave to her wonderful children. She was once a landlord of two uninvited squirrels. (The children's book
The Bravest Squirrel Ever
by her alter-ego
Sara Shafer
is the squirrel's fictionalized version of that experience!) She's crazy about country music and the drama of NASCAR. And has her very own happily-ever-after romance with her hero husband.
Learn more about Sara Daniel on her blog , like her on Facebook or email her for the latest updates on her books and writing projects or to debate the best race car drivers!
Sara is only a tweet away via Twitter , and is always available on
Goodreads .
I'll be back Wednesday with a new recipe. Until then...
Happy Reading!
Sloane
Here's a little from Sara's new release for your reading pleasure.
Sometimes dreams are where you least expect them.Connor O’Malley and Becca Sanders were once high school sweethearts, ripped apart by rumors in the small town of Kortville, Illinois. Connor left to join the military, and Becca stayed, waiting for her younger brother to graduate so she could live her dreams of traveling the world. But now that Connor's back as the town sheriff, Becca finds herself struggling to resist the too-handsome man who once broke her heart.
Connor loves Kortville—its quaintness keeps at bay the painful memories of Afghanistan he’s sure make him unworthy of any woman, particularly the beautiful brunette he’s always secretly dreamed of a future with. But when a scandal rocks the town, suddenly Connor and Becca must trust in each other if they want to weather this storm…and come out on the other side of it together.
To read an excerpt from Love Him or Leave Him, please click HERE.
BUY LINKS:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iBookstore
Kobo
Please click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter the Release Day Launch Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Rafflecopter code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For those of you not familiar with Sara Daniel, she writes what she loves—irresistible romance, from sweet to erotic and everything in between. On the personal side, she's a frazzled maid, chauffeur, and slave to her wonderful children. She was once a landlord of two uninvited squirrels. (The children's book
The Bravest Squirrel Ever
by her alter-ego
Sara Shafer
is the squirrel's fictionalized version of that experience!) She's crazy about country music and the drama of NASCAR. And has her very own happily-ever-after romance with her hero husband.Learn more about Sara Daniel on her blog , like her on Facebook or email her for the latest updates on her books and writing projects or to debate the best race car drivers!
Sara is only a tweet away via Twitter , and is always available on
Goodreads .
I'll be back Wednesday with a new recipe. Until then...
Happy Reading!
Sloane
July 3, 2013
The Tattered Flag
HAPPY FOURTH of JULY, Everyone! Author friend Dusty Crabtree is here to share a few words about the holiday.
What do you get when you cross a patriotic idealist and writer like myself with the sad vision of a tattered flag? A sad, patriotic poem about a tattered flag, of course. Through the sadness I hope I can spark some pride in our country and the flag that represents it.
“The Tattered Flag”
It flaps in the wind limply at one corner. The other is ripped to shreds, caught, hanging on a wire, dejectedly. Unable to break free.
It’s been windy. It’s raining. It’s nobody’s fault.
And yet…it just feels wrong. The moment I see it from my car, a whimper escapes my lips. A pain shoots through my chest. It aches. I want to cry. I might as well have witnessed a young kid being pushed down by a bully. How could someone treat the flag this way? A sense of injustice burns inside so strong that my world turns upside down.
Such a strong emotion for such a simple inanimate object. But it’s not simple, is it? It represents our country’s life. Our freedom. Us. So, I guess...in a way...it isn’t just an object treated with disrespect. It’s a living and breathing representation of hope. And if that’s torn and tattered, then what do we have left?
**************************************Now that I've got you all warm and fuzzy, how about another riddle. What do you get when you cross an idealist writer like myself with a passion for teenagers and young adults? A YA urban fantasy called Shadow Eyes . For those of you (teens and adults alike) who love a good hope-filled, inspirational read but also love paranormal, romance, suspense, and mystery, check out Shadow Eyes this summer.
Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.
Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.
As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.
Check out Dusty's blog. Find her on facebook and follow her on twitter.
Buy Shadow Eyes and/or read its reviews at Musa Publishing or Amazon. The book is also available at all major online bookstores.
View the book trailer.
Have a happy and safe holiday. I'll be back Monday with Sara Daniel. Until then...
Party On but take at least a minute to remember what today is all about.
Sloane
What do you get when you cross a patriotic idealist and writer like myself with the sad vision of a tattered flag? A sad, patriotic poem about a tattered flag, of course. Through the sadness I hope I can spark some pride in our country and the flag that represents it.
“The Tattered Flag”
It flaps in the wind limply at one corner. The other is ripped to shreds, caught, hanging on a wire, dejectedly. Unable to break free.
It’s been windy. It’s raining. It’s nobody’s fault.
And yet…it just feels wrong. The moment I see it from my car, a whimper escapes my lips. A pain shoots through my chest. It aches. I want to cry. I might as well have witnessed a young kid being pushed down by a bully. How could someone treat the flag this way? A sense of injustice burns inside so strong that my world turns upside down.
Such a strong emotion for such a simple inanimate object. But it’s not simple, is it? It represents our country’s life. Our freedom. Us. So, I guess...in a way...it isn’t just an object treated with disrespect. It’s a living and breathing representation of hope. And if that’s torn and tattered, then what do we have left?
**************************************Now that I've got you all warm and fuzzy, how about another riddle. What do you get when you cross an idealist writer like myself with a passion for teenagers and young adults? A YA urban fantasy called Shadow Eyes . For those of you (teens and adults alike) who love a good hope-filled, inspirational read but also love paranormal, romance, suspense, and mystery, check out Shadow Eyes this summer.
Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.
Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.
As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.
Check out Dusty's blog. Find her on facebook and follow her on twitter.
Buy Shadow Eyes and/or read its reviews at Musa Publishing or Amazon. The book is also available at all major online bookstores.
View the book trailer.
Have a happy and safe holiday. I'll be back Monday with Sara Daniel. Until then...
Party On but take at least a minute to remember what today is all about.
Sloane
July 2, 2013
Easy Veggies with Style
Author Leigh Daley and I were talking last week about cooking. I mentioned how tired I was of the same old green beans and Leigh shared her recipe. Of course, I had to try her recipe. This is absolutely delicious! Now I'll turn the blog over to Leigh so she can tell you what all is involved.
This is one of those cook by feel recipes, but every time I make it the entire family is in raptures. When time is short I easily turn the creamy green beans into a complete meal, directions are, and my family loves that version, too.
Creamy Green Beans
Fresh green beans, cleaned and snapped
1 pkg pancetta, thick bacon, or ham seasoning pieces, chopped
3-5 shallots, thinly sliced
Garlic minced extra fine to taste
Pine nuts
8 oz. package of cream cheese or goat cheese or mix
White wine
Coconut oil
Melt about two tablespoons of coconut oil in a large deep skillet. Fry up the pancetta, bacon, or ham pieces for a few minutes until they start to crisp. Remove them to drain on a paper towel. If you prefer crunchier, keep the pieces in the pan and continue.
Toss the pine nuts in to toast and remove to the paper towel.
Fry the shallots in the drippings until they start to turn. Add garlic and green beans. Sauté until the beans are as tenderness you prefer. I generally put the lid on the skillet and let them steam/fry, stirring them often. I like my green beans fairly tender, so that part takes about 15 minutes.
Once the green beans are tender, toss in the cream cheese/goat cheese and melt it into the beans. A splash of white wine at this point is a very good thing. Top with the crunchy pine nuts and pancetta/bacon/ham.
If you eat pasta, some cooked penne is a wonderful thing to add to this. I’ve also added in some sautéed chicken breast as well and Voila! I have a complete dinner.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt as needed. And definitely enjoy!
Here's a little from my latest book to satisfy another of your senses,
Their careers drove them apart--could disaster bring them back together?
BLURB:
In the aftermath of a series of tornadoes, Kyle Mathis just wants to guide his linemen to restore power to the devastated town of Milton. When reinforcements in the form of corporate deskjockeys come to work storm duty, he's glad for the extra bodies to help serve food and support the crews working eighteen hour days.
But Kyle is not prepared to face one of the latest arrivals, his ex-wife Jenna. Jenna left him years ago, choosing her career over their marriage. However, being back together in their home town brings back memories and desire--for both Kyle and Jenna.
Can Kyle and Jenna find each other again in the midst of the devastation? Or will their jobs pull them apart and leave not only their homes but their hearts shattered?
To read an excerpt from Storm Duty, please click HERE .
Leigh Daley lives with her husband and kids in the wilds of West Alabama along with her dogs Bruno and Jack. Now on her fourth career, she has spent most of her life writing for other people, but these days she is writing for herself. She eats like a cavewoman, posts crazy fanfic as Arcole, and tries to meet her creative needs by writing romance as Leigh Daley and fantasy as Arley Cole. She’s a really big fan of happily ever after.
Learn more about Leigh Daley on her blog . Stay connected on Facebook .
I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane
This is one of those cook by feel recipes, but every time I make it the entire family is in raptures. When time is short I easily turn the creamy green beans into a complete meal, directions are, and my family loves that version, too.
Creamy Green BeansFresh green beans, cleaned and snapped
1 pkg pancetta, thick bacon, or ham seasoning pieces, chopped
3-5 shallots, thinly sliced
Garlic minced extra fine to taste
Pine nuts
8 oz. package of cream cheese or goat cheese or mix
White wine
Coconut oil
Melt about two tablespoons of coconut oil in a large deep skillet. Fry up the pancetta, bacon, or ham pieces for a few minutes until they start to crisp. Remove them to drain on a paper towel. If you prefer crunchier, keep the pieces in the pan and continue.
Toss the pine nuts in to toast and remove to the paper towel.
Fry the shallots in the drippings until they start to turn. Add garlic and green beans. Sauté until the beans are as tenderness you prefer. I generally put the lid on the skillet and let them steam/fry, stirring them often. I like my green beans fairly tender, so that part takes about 15 minutes.
Once the green beans are tender, toss in the cream cheese/goat cheese and melt it into the beans. A splash of white wine at this point is a very good thing. Top with the crunchy pine nuts and pancetta/bacon/ham.
If you eat pasta, some cooked penne is a wonderful thing to add to this. I’ve also added in some sautéed chicken breast as well and Voila! I have a complete dinner.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt as needed. And definitely enjoy!
Here's a little from my latest book to satisfy another of your senses,
Their careers drove them apart--could disaster bring them back together? BLURB:
In the aftermath of a series of tornadoes, Kyle Mathis just wants to guide his linemen to restore power to the devastated town of Milton. When reinforcements in the form of corporate deskjockeys come to work storm duty, he's glad for the extra bodies to help serve food and support the crews working eighteen hour days.
But Kyle is not prepared to face one of the latest arrivals, his ex-wife Jenna. Jenna left him years ago, choosing her career over their marriage. However, being back together in their home town brings back memories and desire--for both Kyle and Jenna.
Can Kyle and Jenna find each other again in the midst of the devastation? Or will their jobs pull them apart and leave not only their homes but their hearts shattered?
To read an excerpt from Storm Duty, please click HERE .
Leigh Daley lives with her husband and kids in the wilds of West Alabama along with her dogs Bruno and Jack. Now on her fourth career, she has spent most of her life writing for other people, but these days she is writing for herself. She eats like a cavewoman, posts crazy fanfic as Arcole, and tries to meet her creative needs by writing romance as Leigh Daley and fantasy as Arley Cole. She’s a really big fan of happily ever after.
Learn more about Leigh Daley on her blog . Stay connected on Facebook .
I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane
June 30, 2013
My Canada…more than Maple Syrup and Mounties
My dear friend author Sharon Ledwith is a proud Canadian. Since today is Canada Day, I'm turning the blog over to her.
Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians! Hope you’re kick-starting your holiday by planning to attend one of the many events July 1st has to offer around the area where you live. Most of the day, we usually hang out with family and friends on our dock until dusk—eat, drink, and be merry—then go watch the fireworks display in town. Note to self—bring the bug spray.
So what about you? Don’t know how you’re going to celebrate Canada’s 146th Birthday? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Sit down, grab a cup of whatever you please (hey, it’s a holiday after all), and check out the list of activities to choose from below:
• Go to the beach. Use the holiday to bake in the sun (don’t forget the SPF), enjoy the warm weather and cool water.
• Go to the park, fly a kite or walk your dog. Most Canucks spend this holiday outdoors so you’ll be able to take advantage of the summer heat and maybe make a new friend.
• Have your family and friends over for an old fashioned barbecue. Sip on your favorite brand of beer and appreciate what it means to be Canadian.
• Go to your town’s local parade. Show your pride by dressing up in all red and white—the Canada flag or maple leaf temporary tattoos are a favorite among celebrants!
• Go to a carnival. Eat fried dough, snack on cotton candy, drink beer, go on all your favorite rides (you may want to bring a puke bag) and play all the games.
• Look up local concerts in your area. Many cities and towns hold festivals where bands will play music at outdoor venues.
• Go for a ride in a hot air balloon. This fun activity lets you admire our beautiful country from thousands of feet in the air.
• Go to your local brewery. Canadians love beer, so there is no better way to celebrate our birthday than to take a tour of your favorite brewery. Many of these tours are free and come with samples. Lake of Bays Brewing Company and Muskoka Brewery are my top picks!
• Go camping. Take a couple days off work, and enjoy everything that the Canadian wilderness has to offer. Tons of provincial parks to choose from!
• There is nothing more Canadian than hockey. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame . Take an exhibit tour and honor your favorite players.
• Go to a citizenship ceremony. There is nothing more patriotic than watching new citizens take an oath to love, honor, and respect our country.
• Go to your local fireworks show. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the colorful explosions light up the sky. Plus saying ‘ohhh—ahhh’ is always fun.
• Go fishing. Canada is famous for their awesome bass (and pickerel) fishing and this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Canada.
• Go white water rafting (still want to do this one). Canada’s rivers offer a variety of different difficulty levels so whether you’re a rafting pro or a rookie in search of an adventure, rafting is always a fun activity.
• Last, but not least, lounge by the pool (or on a beach) and read a good book.
May I make a suggestion? The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis is a popular, family read, ready to download on your ereader at your pleasure. Take a peek:
Children are the keys to our future. And now, children are the only hope for our past.
When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis , please click HERE .
Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page .
BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, The Last Timekeepers, available through Musa Publishing. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
I'll be back Wednesday with a new recipe. Until then...
Happy Reading!
Sloane
Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians! Hope you’re kick-starting your holiday by planning to attend one of the many events July 1st has to offer around the area where you live. Most of the day, we usually hang out with family and friends on our dock until dusk—eat, drink, and be merry—then go watch the fireworks display in town. Note to self—bring the bug spray.So what about you? Don’t know how you’re going to celebrate Canada’s 146th Birthday? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Sit down, grab a cup of whatever you please (hey, it’s a holiday after all), and check out the list of activities to choose from below:
• Go to the beach. Use the holiday to bake in the sun (don’t forget the SPF), enjoy the warm weather and cool water.
• Go to the park, fly a kite or walk your dog. Most Canucks spend this holiday outdoors so you’ll be able to take advantage of the summer heat and maybe make a new friend.
• Have your family and friends over for an old fashioned barbecue. Sip on your favorite brand of beer and appreciate what it means to be Canadian.
• Go to your town’s local parade. Show your pride by dressing up in all red and white—the Canada flag or maple leaf temporary tattoos are a favorite among celebrants!
• Go to a carnival. Eat fried dough, snack on cotton candy, drink beer, go on all your favorite rides (you may want to bring a puke bag) and play all the games.
• Look up local concerts in your area. Many cities and towns hold festivals where bands will play music at outdoor venues.
• Go for a ride in a hot air balloon. This fun activity lets you admire our beautiful country from thousands of feet in the air.
• Go to your local brewery. Canadians love beer, so there is no better way to celebrate our birthday than to take a tour of your favorite brewery. Many of these tours are free and come with samples. Lake of Bays Brewing Company and Muskoka Brewery are my top picks!
• Go camping. Take a couple days off work, and enjoy everything that the Canadian wilderness has to offer. Tons of provincial parks to choose from!
• There is nothing more Canadian than hockey. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame . Take an exhibit tour and honor your favorite players.
• Go to a citizenship ceremony. There is nothing more patriotic than watching new citizens take an oath to love, honor, and respect our country.
• Go to your local fireworks show. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the colorful explosions light up the sky. Plus saying ‘ohhh—ahhh’ is always fun.
• Go fishing. Canada is famous for their awesome bass (and pickerel) fishing and this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Canada.
• Go white water rafting (still want to do this one). Canada’s rivers offer a variety of different difficulty levels so whether you’re a rafting pro or a rookie in search of an adventure, rafting is always a fun activity.
• Last, but not least, lounge by the pool (or on a beach) and read a good book.
May I make a suggestion? The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis is a popular, family read, ready to download on your ereader at your pleasure. Take a peek:
Children are the keys to our future. And now, children are the only hope for our past.When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis , please click HERE .
Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page .
BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, The Last Timekeepers, available through Musa Publishing. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
I'll be back Wednesday with a new recipe. Until then...
Happy Reading!
Sloane
June 27, 2013
American Flag Cake
Not only is my author friend Sara Daniel a terrific writer, she's also one dynamite baker. Sara is sharing her special Fourth of July dessert. I guarantee you'll love it!
Nothing beats Independence Day for showing our pride in our country. Flags wave proudly, and red, white and blue are suddenly displayed on every piece of merchandise in the local discount store.
While I don’t have flag plates, napkins or—God forbid—a star-spangled bikini, I love bringing out my once-a-year crafty side to make an American Flag Cake for a cool patriotic treat.
So to satisfy your sweet-tooth I offer you my easy and delicious recipe.
American Flag Cake
Pound cake
8oz Cool Whip
Blueberries
Strawberries, sliced
Pound cake can be store bought or made from scratch. Here’s a quick recipe:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. nutmeg
Preheat oven to 325°
Beat sugar into butter 2 tablespoons at a time until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, then eggs one at a time. Mix in remaining ingredients.
Bake in a greased and floured 9 X 5 pan for 1 hour. Cool completely.
To Assemble American Flag Cake
Cut pound cake into slices and lay across the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan.
Cover cake with a smooth layer of Cool Whip.
Turn pan horizontal. In upper left corner, fill an approximately 3-4 inch by 3-4 inch square with blueberries.
Make seven horizontal lines of strawberry slices. The first four lines should begin from the blueberry section to the far right edge. The bottom three lines should span the entire length of the pan. The top and bottom lines should be touching the top and bottom of the pan respectively to create 13 alternating red and white stripes.
The last step is very important - Thank a member of our Armed Forces and/or a Veteran, and share a piece of patriotic cake.
Enjoy.
Here is a look at my wounded military hero from the Wiccan Haus series:
He has nothing left to offer. She's determined to show him just how much he's worth.
Shot by a member of his military team, Justin Lawson retreats to the Wiccan Haus. Holly Walters refuses to accept her boyfriend's out-of-the-blue rejection without an explanation, even if getting the answers forces her to be trapped on a bizarre island for an entire week. She's going to use every minute to work Justin out of her system once and for all. Justin's body and spirit begin to heal under Holly's loving ministrations. As she talks about never seeing each other again, he realizes he never wants to let her go. But the rogue assassin who had gone after Justin before is after him again. Before he can fight to make Holly believe in their love, he'll have to fight for both their lives.
EXCERPT:
“How did you hurt your knee?” Holly asked.
“Occupational hazard,” Justin muttered.
That wasn’t very comforting, considering he was in the military and always going off on missions that he couldn’t give her any details about. “Did you fall and break it?”
“Bullet shattered it.” His words were clipped.
She flinched, wanting desperately to reach for him, hating to think of the pain he’d been in, the pain she’d known nothing about. “And how long before or after this happened did you send me an eight word break-up text?”
“About seventy-two hours after.”
She immediately knew she’d been right not to take his text at face value. The self-destruction of a client and the week of lost work were worth it. She’d needed this explanation. More than that, it proved there was still hope for them. “So you conceivably could have still been under the effects of anesthesia.”
“I wasn’t.”
“But you were on pain medication for sure.”
“Don’t make excuses for me. I was an ass. I broke up with you, and you deserve better.”
To read more about The Wiccan Haus: A Man Worth Fighting For please click HERE .
Learn more about Sara Daniel on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
Be sure to subscribe to Sara’s newsletter for updates on her latest books and contests.
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July! I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane
Nothing beats Independence Day for showing our pride in our country. Flags wave proudly, and red, white and blue are suddenly displayed on every piece of merchandise in the local discount store.
While I don’t have flag plates, napkins or—God forbid—a star-spangled bikini, I love bringing out my once-a-year crafty side to make an American Flag Cake for a cool patriotic treat.
So to satisfy your sweet-tooth I offer you my easy and delicious recipe.
American Flag Cake
Pound cake
8oz Cool Whip
Blueberries
Strawberries, sliced
Pound cake can be store bought or made from scratch. Here’s a quick recipe:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. nutmeg
Preheat oven to 325°
Beat sugar into butter 2 tablespoons at a time until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, then eggs one at a time. Mix in remaining ingredients.
Bake in a greased and floured 9 X 5 pan for 1 hour. Cool completely.
To Assemble American Flag Cake
Cut pound cake into slices and lay across the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan.
Cover cake with a smooth layer of Cool Whip.
Turn pan horizontal. In upper left corner, fill an approximately 3-4 inch by 3-4 inch square with blueberries.
Make seven horizontal lines of strawberry slices. The first four lines should begin from the blueberry section to the far right edge. The bottom three lines should span the entire length of the pan. The top and bottom lines should be touching the top and bottom of the pan respectively to create 13 alternating red and white stripes.
The last step is very important - Thank a member of our Armed Forces and/or a Veteran, and share a piece of patriotic cake.
Enjoy.
Here is a look at my wounded military hero from the Wiccan Haus series:
He has nothing left to offer. She's determined to show him just how much he's worth.Shot by a member of his military team, Justin Lawson retreats to the Wiccan Haus. Holly Walters refuses to accept her boyfriend's out-of-the-blue rejection without an explanation, even if getting the answers forces her to be trapped on a bizarre island for an entire week. She's going to use every minute to work Justin out of her system once and for all. Justin's body and spirit begin to heal under Holly's loving ministrations. As she talks about never seeing each other again, he realizes he never wants to let her go. But the rogue assassin who had gone after Justin before is after him again. Before he can fight to make Holly believe in their love, he'll have to fight for both their lives.
EXCERPT:
“How did you hurt your knee?” Holly asked.
“Occupational hazard,” Justin muttered.
That wasn’t very comforting, considering he was in the military and always going off on missions that he couldn’t give her any details about. “Did you fall and break it?”
“Bullet shattered it.” His words were clipped.
She flinched, wanting desperately to reach for him, hating to think of the pain he’d been in, the pain she’d known nothing about. “And how long before or after this happened did you send me an eight word break-up text?”
“About seventy-two hours after.”
She immediately knew she’d been right not to take his text at face value. The self-destruction of a client and the week of lost work were worth it. She’d needed this explanation. More than that, it proved there was still hope for them. “So you conceivably could have still been under the effects of anesthesia.”
“I wasn’t.”
“But you were on pain medication for sure.”
“Don’t make excuses for me. I was an ass. I broke up with you, and you deserve better.”
To read more about The Wiccan Haus: A Man Worth Fighting For please click HERE .
Learn more about Sara Daniel on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
Be sure to subscribe to Sara’s newsletter for updates on her latest books and contests.
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July! I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane
June 25, 2013
It's Wednesday. So What's Cooking?
A 4th of July feast because I've been browbeaten by my old friend Yasmine Phoenix to work up this menu. The woman is relentless. But I do love her.
Barbecued Pork Ribs
Hamburgers Sloane Style
My Mom’s Potato Salad
Baked Beans
Sweet Corn on the Grill
Snazzy Sliced Tomatoes
Ice cold lemonade
Cold beer
Barbecued Pork Ribs
Pork ribs plan 1 slab for 2 people if you make all this food
Beer
Chicken stock
Barbeque sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite
Preheat oven to 325°F
Place ribs in a pan and in a single layer. Pour in about a half inch of stock and the same amount of beer. Cover tight and bake 1 – 1½ hours. You want the meat tender but not falling off the bone.
Carefully remove ribs from pan to a cookie sheet. Discard cooking liquid. Spread barbeque sauce over ribs.
Heat grill to medium. Carefully rub vegetable or olive oil onto the grates. Lay ribs on grate and grill 10-15 minutes turning at least once and basting with sauce.
Hamburgers Sloane Style
Ground chuck about ¼ pound per adult
Ground sirloin about ¼ per two adults
Worcestershire Sauce 1 dash per adult
1 egg per 1 ½ pounds meat
chives snipped, fresh or jarred
Beat egg lightly in a small bowl. Combine the meat, Worcestershire Sauce, and handful of chives into a mixing bowl. When the mixture is well combined, break off clumps of the meat and form balls. Set them onto waxed paper, then cover with another sheet of waxed paper. Use a cake plate or large soup bowl to press the meat into a patty the thickness you like. Refrigerate until ready to grill.
On medium heat, cook patties until they are done to your preference. Be sure to turn only once.
Use any type roll that suits your fancy. Dress the burgers with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato. You can also add cheese for the topping. If you do, then lay it over the burger a minute or two before the end of the cooking time.
My Mom’s Potato Salad
1 red potato per person
1 hardboiled egg for every 2-3 potatoes
one stalk celery for every 5 potatoes chopped small
½ med onion for every 5 potatoes chopped small
Pepper
Mayonnaise – NO substitutes
Boil the potatoes in their jackets until just fork tender. Remove from pot as they are done and allow to cool. Scrape the skins off. Slice in half widthwise then lengthwise. Slice into the bite size pieces.
While the potatoes are cooking, lay the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and place a lid on the pan. Bring to a boil, then shut off the heat and allow to sit on the burner for 7 minutes. Cut into quarters, then slice. Set aside covered with plastic wrap or a paper towel to eliminate drying out.
Combine celery and onion in a large bowl. Grind in a healthy amount of fresh pepper. Stir in several large spoonfuls of mayonnaise. You have to gauge by the number of potatoes you use. Mix well.
Add the potatoes, two at a time and mix well. Continue until all the potatoes are added. Check the salad for dryness. It should be moist but not swimming in mayo. Add mayo as needed. Add the sliced eggs and stir again. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Baked Beans
1 small can Bush’s Honey Baked Beans
1 small can Bush’s Homestyle Baked Beans
2 tbsp. dried mustard
2 tbsp. maple syrup - optional
2 strips bacon
Preheat oven to 325°.
Pour beans into a metal loaf pan or oven safe dish. Stir in mustard and syrup. Lay bacon strips on top. Bake in the center of the oven uncovered for 45 minutes or until desired consistency.
To cook on the grill:
Heat grill to medium.
Prepare as above, then place pan on top rack. Cook about 45 minutes or until desired consistency.
To serve – discard bacon.
Sweet Corn on the Grill
1 ear fresh corn per person – do not remove husk
Water
Butter or margarine
Salt
Pour cool water into a container large enough to hold the sweet corn. Soak corn still in its husk at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours.
Set grill on medium high. Remove corn from the water and lay the ears on the grill. Roast until the husk is brown on that side, then turn and repeat the process. Total cooking time is about 20 – 25 minutes.
To serve - peel back the husks. Roll the ears in butter or margarine, then sprinkle on a touch of salt, and enjoy!
Snazzy Sliced Tomatoes
1 tomato per two people
Red wine vinegar
Garlic powder or fresh garlic minced
Fresh or dried chives
Prepare this dish about an hour or so before serving.
Slice tomatoes ½” thick and arrange on a serving plate.
Drizzle vinegar over the tomatoes, then dust with garlic powder or fresh garlic. Sprinkle plenty of chives across the top.
Set on the counter away from sun or heat to flavor through.
Have a great rest of the week and weekend. I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane
Barbecued Pork Ribs
Hamburgers Sloane Style
My Mom’s Potato Salad
Baked Beans
Sweet Corn on the Grill
Snazzy Sliced Tomatoes
Ice cold lemonade
Cold beer
Barbecued Pork RibsPork ribs plan 1 slab for 2 people if you make all this food
Beer
Chicken stock
Barbeque sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite
Preheat oven to 325°F
Place ribs in a pan and in a single layer. Pour in about a half inch of stock and the same amount of beer. Cover tight and bake 1 – 1½ hours. You want the meat tender but not falling off the bone.
Carefully remove ribs from pan to a cookie sheet. Discard cooking liquid. Spread barbeque sauce over ribs.
Heat grill to medium. Carefully rub vegetable or olive oil onto the grates. Lay ribs on grate and grill 10-15 minutes turning at least once and basting with sauce.
Hamburgers Sloane Style
Ground chuck about ¼ pound per adult
Ground sirloin about ¼ per two adults
Worcestershire Sauce 1 dash per adult
1 egg per 1 ½ pounds meat
chives snipped, fresh or jarred
Beat egg lightly in a small bowl. Combine the meat, Worcestershire Sauce, and handful of chives into a mixing bowl. When the mixture is well combined, break off clumps of the meat and form balls. Set them onto waxed paper, then cover with another sheet of waxed paper. Use a cake plate or large soup bowl to press the meat into a patty the thickness you like. Refrigerate until ready to grill.
On medium heat, cook patties until they are done to your preference. Be sure to turn only once.
Use any type roll that suits your fancy. Dress the burgers with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato. You can also add cheese for the topping. If you do, then lay it over the burger a minute or two before the end of the cooking time.
My Mom’s Potato Salad
1 red potato per person1 hardboiled egg for every 2-3 potatoes
one stalk celery for every 5 potatoes chopped small
½ med onion for every 5 potatoes chopped small
Pepper
Mayonnaise – NO substitutes
Boil the potatoes in their jackets until just fork tender. Remove from pot as they are done and allow to cool. Scrape the skins off. Slice in half widthwise then lengthwise. Slice into the bite size pieces.
While the potatoes are cooking, lay the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and place a lid on the pan. Bring to a boil, then shut off the heat and allow to sit on the burner for 7 minutes. Cut into quarters, then slice. Set aside covered with plastic wrap or a paper towel to eliminate drying out.
Combine celery and onion in a large bowl. Grind in a healthy amount of fresh pepper. Stir in several large spoonfuls of mayonnaise. You have to gauge by the number of potatoes you use. Mix well.
Add the potatoes, two at a time and mix well. Continue until all the potatoes are added. Check the salad for dryness. It should be moist but not swimming in mayo. Add mayo as needed. Add the sliced eggs and stir again. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Baked Beans 1 small can Bush’s Honey Baked Beans
1 small can Bush’s Homestyle Baked Beans
2 tbsp. dried mustard
2 tbsp. maple syrup - optional
2 strips bacon
Preheat oven to 325°.
Pour beans into a metal loaf pan or oven safe dish. Stir in mustard and syrup. Lay bacon strips on top. Bake in the center of the oven uncovered for 45 minutes or until desired consistency.
To cook on the grill:
Heat grill to medium.
Prepare as above, then place pan on top rack. Cook about 45 minutes or until desired consistency.
To serve – discard bacon.
Sweet Corn on the Grill1 ear fresh corn per person – do not remove husk
Water
Butter or margarine
Salt
Pour cool water into a container large enough to hold the sweet corn. Soak corn still in its husk at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours.
Set grill on medium high. Remove corn from the water and lay the ears on the grill. Roast until the husk is brown on that side, then turn and repeat the process. Total cooking time is about 20 – 25 minutes.
To serve - peel back the husks. Roll the ears in butter or margarine, then sprinkle on a touch of salt, and enjoy!
Snazzy Sliced Tomatoes
1 tomato per two people
Red wine vinegar
Garlic powder or fresh garlic minced
Fresh or dried chives
Prepare this dish about an hour or so before serving.
Slice tomatoes ½” thick and arrange on a serving plate.
Drizzle vinegar over the tomatoes, then dust with garlic powder or fresh garlic. Sprinkle plenty of chives across the top.
Set on the counter away from sun or heat to flavor through.
Have a great rest of the week and weekend. I'll be back Monday. Until then...
Happy Eating!
Sloane
June 23, 2013
Christmas Came Early
Look at this BEAUTIFUL banner Kelly Shorten created to showcase the Magnificent Men of Munich series. The woman is an artistic genius!
Thank you, Kelly. I appreciate all your amazing support.
To see the banner in its fullness or to read an excerpt from one of the books, please click HERE.
Pop back in Wednesday to see What's Cooking. The new recipe will be posted bright and early. Until then...
Happy Reading,
Sloane
Thank you, Kelly. I appreciate all your amazing support.
To see the banner in its fullness or to read an excerpt from one of the books, please click HERE.
Pop back in Wednesday to see What's Cooking. The new recipe will be posted bright and early. Until then...
Happy Reading,
Sloane
