Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 23
November 17, 2020
November Update
If you have been keeping up with all my posts, Thank you!
I’ve been so busy working on my novel that I’ve barely had time to do much else. I usually try to update my blog and post book reviews, but I’m sad to say they have been far and in between. I want to update you on what I’m up to. Below you will find the blub and cover of my upcoming novel. 
November 2, 2020
Author Interview with Rachel Caine
In honor of her passing, I’m putting up the interview I did with her. She was so kind and lovely.
October 29, 2020
Sandwich, Coffee, and Conversation
https://shewearsmanyhats.com/monte-cristo/INGREDIENTS
2 eggs pinches of salt and pepper 4 slices sturdy white bread (or white bread of preference) 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1/2 pound thick sliced baked ham 1/2 ounce, weight shredded gruyere cheese additional salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Beat eggs in a shallow dish (large enough to fit a sandwich) along with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Set aside.Assemble sandwiches, with mustard, mayonnaise, ham, cheese, salt and pepper to personal preference. Slightly compress sandwich.Heat skillet over medium heat. Add butter; allow to melt.Dip and coat each sandwich in beaten egg, and place in skillet. Cook sandwiches 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned to liking and cheese has melted.
Mocha
https://addapinch.com/homemade-mocha-recipe/Ingredients
1 cup brewed coffee1 – 2 tablespoons homemade hot chocolatehalf-and-half
Instructions
Brew coffee. While hot, stir in hot chocolate mix until completely dissolved.Add half-and-half.Top with whipped cream and cocoa sprinkles (optional).
Conversation
What is your favorite sandwich to sit down and eat? Is it a creamy and warm sandwich like the Monte Cristo? Or do you prefer a cold-cut sandwich with the works? What about Coffee? Do you enjoy a warm hot Mocha or an iced coffee? What’s your favorite flavor?
I’m a sucker for warm sandwiches that take a long time to eat because it’s steaming in your mouth. And I love hot coffee over cold. I really love the feeling of my belly being warm and full.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. I’d love to hear concoctions that I’ve never had. Share your ideas now.
October 20, 2020
Wisconsin Famous Recipes
Ingredients
https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/beef/fork-tender-pot-roast/Ingredients
½ cup all-purpose flour½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon ground white pepper½ teaspoon dry mustard½ teaspoon dried marjoram or basil, crushed½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed½ teaspoon dried parsley½ teaspoon paprika¼ teaspoon ground black pepper1 2.5 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast¼ cup butter2 carrots, coarsely chopped (1 cup)2 stalks celery, sliced into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)1 large onion, coarsely chopped (1 cup)1 clove garlic, minced½ cup dry red wine or cranberry juice1 14 ounce can lower-sodium beef broth1 bay leafBeef broth (optional)
Directions
Step 1 In a small bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, white pepper, mustard, marjoram, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, and black pepper. Trim fat from meat. Coat all sides of meat with flour mixture, reserving flour mixture that doesn’t cling to the meat.
Step 2 In a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven, brown meat on all sides in 2 tablespoons of the hot butter. Remove meat and set aside.
Step 3 In the same Dutch oven, cook carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, covered, for 10 minutes or until just beginning to brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in reserved flour mixture; mix well. Add wine, stirring and scraping up browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Add one 14-ounce can beef broth and bay leaf; cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Return meat to pan.
Step 4 Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until meat is very tender. Transfer meat to a platter; slice. Remove bay leaf; discard. If you like, thin gravy with a little additional beef broth to desired consistency. Serve gravy with meat. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Wisconsin Honey Bee and Vanilla Bean Pudding
https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/pudding/wisconsin-honey-bee-and-vanilla-bean-pudding-otu/Ingredients
2 cups whole milk1 cup whipping cream or heavy cream1 – 2 4 inch vanilla beans or 2 teaspoons vanilla*3 egg yolks½ cup sugar¼ cup mild-flavored Wisconsin honey or other honey3 tablespoons cornstarch⅛ teaspoon salt1 tablespoon butter or unsalted butterStrawberries, blueberries and/or raspberriesWhipped cream
Directions
Step 1 In a heavy medium saucepan, bring the milk to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally (milk may foam up so watch carefully). Remove from heat. Using the tip of a paring knife, slit the vanilla beans down the center. Scrape the seeds into the hot milk and add the pods. Cool 15 minutes. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Remove the vanilla pods; using two fingers, press the milk out of the pods into the milk mixture to extract all the seeds; discard pods.
Step 2 In the same saucepan, heat the milk and 1 cup whipping cream over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Step 3 Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks with an electric mixer for 1 minute on medium speed. Beat in sugar, honey, cornstarch and salt until well combined. Gradually beat in about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture until well combined.
Step 4 Add the egg yolk mixture to the remaining milk mixture in the saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted. If necessary, strain mixture to remove any lumps.
Step 5 Pour pudding into 4 or 5, 6- to 8-ounce individual dessert dishes or a 3-1/2- to 4-cup serving bowl. Cover surface of pudding with plastic wrap. Chill at least 1 hour for individual dishes or at least 3 hours for the large serving bowl or until pudding is completely chilled. (Do not stir during chilling). Serve pudding with fresh berries and whipped cream. Makes 4 or 5 servings.
*If using the vanilla, prepare as above except skip step 1. Add the vanilla with the butter in step 4.
October 6, 2020
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a49563/slow-cooker-red-wine-beef-stew-recipe/3 lb. beef chuck, cut into 2″ pieces
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper2 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp.
butter1 2/3 c.
dry red wine3 tbsp.
tomato paste2
Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1″ cubes3
carrots, chopped into 1″ pieces3
celery stalks, chopped into 1″ pieces2
onions, chopped into quarters1 c.
chopped sun-dried tomatoes4
cloves garlic, minced1
large rosemary sprig2 c.
low-sodium beef broth1
(28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
In a large mixing bowl, pat beef dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Sear meat on all sides until golden brown with a crust, working in batches if necessary, about 10 minutes. Transfer meat to slow cooker. Add butter and scrape pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all browned meat bits. Stir in red wine and tomato paste; simmer for 1 minute, then transfer to slow cooker.Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes to slow cooker. Season with salt and cook on high until meat is tender, 4 to 5 hours. Remove stalk of rosemary. Garnish with parsley before serving.
September 28, 2020
Keto Steak and Pastrami Bombs
https://www.wickedstuffed.com/keto-recipes/low-carb-steak-pastrami-bomb-keto/1/2 chopped onion2 tbsp ghee (or olive oil, coconut oil)A pinch of rosemary or a tsp of rosemary olive/grapeseed oil (optional – a nice touch)1 lb shaved beef steak1/2 lb red pastrami (cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
Steps:
Turn oven to 350 degrees, place green peppers (either top cut off standing up, or leave the tops on and cut in half like shown in the photo) on a baking sheet and put in the oven.
In a large frying pan, melt ghee (or oil) and cook onion until translucent on medium (5 minutes or so).Add a pinch of rosemary or a tsp of rosemary olive/grapeseed oil (optional)Add steak and continue to cook on medium until browned.Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the steak as it cooks. I used grapevine smoked salt.Once cooked, add pastrami and cook for another 5 mins.Remove green peppers from the oven.Turn off burner, strain grease from meat and return to pan.Add mustard and mayo then mix everything up so it’s coated evenly.Fill green peppers with meat and top with a slice of cheese.
Turn oven to broil at 500 degrees and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.Enjoy!
September 25, 2020
I moved to Wisconsin! Weight loss Setback and Adjustments.
I moved to Wisconsin this past weekend with my kids and my dogs. My sister was great by flying down and riding along with me as we drove back.
I’m incredibly proud of myself for driving across country and having the guts to do most of the driving. If you don’t know, I’ve had traumatic experiences being in cars since my childhood. It was one of my phobias for a long time. I stepped up and drove most of the way and it felt amazing afterward. My dogs were so good, it really surprised me. They were in the way back of my Tahoe and they didn’t make much noise or relieve themselves. I was so proud of them. The kids were great troopers riding along with my parents, who decided to tag along. Normally, trips wear them out and they become extremely irritated and act out. This trip, they were excited and behaved fairly well. My nephew is 2 years old and he was an absolute angel. There were a couple of–understandable breakdowns–but he was just a doll. No child wants to stay in a carseat for that long. He did really well. It helped that we took him out to walk around at each stop we made. The trip was enjoyable with my sister, nephews, and dogs. I enjoyed the sights that I did get to see. My favorite place to drive through was Oklahoma and Iowa. I love seeing all the ranches, cattle, and open land. It’s just gorgeous. Not to mention, where my sister lives, the environment is the same. Fields, open land, and greenery.
While we were driving, I’ll admit to eating trash the entire way. I threw my diet completely out the window. I don’t feel guilty because my weight loss journey has been going very well since I started. Since July 22, I’ve lost a total of 18.3 pounds. I gained 2.1 pounds on this trip. I’m not bothered by it. I know I can start again with my exercise and healthy eating and I’ll get right back on track. I’ll be more active here. So, yay!
The kids are being enrolled in a local school and I’m looking forward to seeing them thrive and adapt to the cold weather. It will soon be winter and I’m looking forward to spending a snowy winter in a place that is unfamiliar to me. The kids and I will keep you updated on our journey. You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see what we’re up to and the pictures we’ll be posting.
Until next time,
Ruth Anne
September 2, 2020
Book Review: Rocky Mountain Haven by Vivian Arend
It’s the quiet ones that take you by surprise.
Six Pack Ranch, Book 2
Beth Danube’s emotionally abusive husband is dead and buried. So is her heart. It’s no big deal, she has all she wants: her three little boys and a fresh start in a small Alberta town. What she doesn’t want is another man in her life—not now, maybe not ever.
After ten years of unsatisfactory, missionary-position sex, she never expected her libido to reawaken. One look at sex-in-boots Daniel Coleman in a Calgary bar, though, blows the dust off her sexuality.
Sensing an edge of desperation, even fear, beneath Beth’s come-on, Daniel finds himself giving in to the powerful urge to let his normally subdued desires run wild. The lady wants non-judgmental, non-vanilla sex? She’s got it—in and out of the bedroom.
At first, friends with blazing-hot benefits is more than enough. Then she realizes Daniel is burning away the protective fortress around her heart…and the guilty secret she dare not reveal.
Warning: One woman determined to retake control of her life, a man with the single-minded purpose of offering her—and her body—everything she needs. Inappropriate behavior in barns, change rooms, and oh-my-gawd phone sex with a cowboy.
My Thoughts
Beth goes to a bar one night with her sister to blow off steam and have a night away from her boys. When she meets a sexy cowboy, she thinks she could be bold. But when things go beyond what she thought would be brazen, she’s disappointed.
Moved into a new town, she wants to start fresh and put the past behind her. Who knew the man who rented the house to her would be the father of said sexy cowboy.
Daniel is a man of integrity, hard work, and loyalty. He works with his family and has ambitions. He’s also got eyes for Beth and doesn’t care if he has to move slow to get it.
A very slow burn and sexy story with heartfelt meanings and incredibly sweet moments. I’m looking forward to checking out more of the Six Pack Ranch books. This was lovely.
September 1, 2020
Book Review: Tall, Dark, and Irresistible by Erika Wilde
A complete stand-alone story, TALL, DARK & IRRESISTIBLE is a fun, flirty swoon-worthy romance!
When it comes to love and happily ever after, Leo Stone is a disbeliever. Having been left at the altar by the one woman he thought he’d spend the rest of his life with, he’s vowed to keep his heart to himself and enjoy the one thing he knows won’t affect his emotions… hot, dirty sex. Except, what’s a guy to do when a gorgeous woman asks him to be her stand-in boyfriend for two weeks — with benefits? Sign him up, please!
A drunken night one year ago, Peyton Bishop used Leo Stone’s name and photograph to convince her overly-protective parents that she was safe living in New York City — in part thanks to a boyfriend she adored. Except Leo, the hot guy she’s had a secret crush on since college, has no idea he’s been cast in the role of her lover. With her cousin’s wedding coming up, and her parent’s expecting to meet this mysterious boyfriend, Peyton is forced to come clean and ask Leo a huge favor.
Leo agrees to be her stand-in boyfriend, but what’s a pretend couple to do when their fake feelings start to become oh-so-real?
My Thoughts
I loved this. It was super cute. Fake boyfriend romance.
Peyton Bishop lives in New York and she loves her life there. Her parents like to hover and think that she’s not safe. So, she concocted a plan and made it look convincing. She told them she had a boyfriend and even photoshopped pictures of them in the city. Who did she choose? A sexy guy she crushed hard on in college.
Leo Stone owns his own car service and is surprised when he has to pick up a client. When he sees her, he’s amused that it was his old lab partner. He’s even more amused by her proposition. Why not get something enjoyable out of the deal? Hot sex? Enjoyable times? Why not?
This story was really enjoyable. It had banter, it had awkward moments, and it had funny moments. I enjoyed the characters and I loved the ending.
August 31, 2020
Book Review: A Taste of Sweetness by Kate Alexander
Zoey needed to make changes to her life. She left her controlling ex-boyfriend and an unexceptional job in Lexington and took a chance for new start. Moving Blossom Hills was the perfect way to her new life. She would be closer to her best friend, and fulfill her dream to open a bakery. She arrived in town full of hope and optimism for her future. What Zoey did not expect was to find such great new friends, immediate success for her bakery and even love in this new charming small town.
Tyler moved back home from Philadelphia after realizing he was on a self-destructive path and needed to rethink his priorities. He wanted to reconnect with his family and friends, and start his own business in software development. He wasn’t looking for love, but he also didn’t expect to be charmed by the intriguing girl who broke into his apartment and fell asleep on his couch.
Tyler and Zoey started building a loving and trusting relationship, but strange things began to happen to Zoey and her bakery. Would Zoey’s past prevent them from having the future they dream about?
My Thoughts
This is my first Kate Alexander novel and I’m not disappointed in the least.
This story is about Zoey who escapes a controlling ex-boyfriend. At the urging of her best friend Derek, she moves to Blossom Hills were she opens up a bakery. On the night she arrives, she’s so tired, she crashes on the couch of what she thinks is her place. Only to be surprised and awoken by Tyler.
Tyler moves back to Blossom Hills from Philidelphia after a bad relationship and the loss of a job. Using his software development skills, he opens a business. In his free time, he’s quiet, moody, and not a morning person. His best friend is Chase.
I really enjoyed this story, the characters, the town, and the dynamics of friendship. I found myself laughing, feeling sad, and just having the feels when it comes to the romance in this story.
Big props to the character development because when you have this many characters in a book, they often become peripheral people that are not engaging or interesting. Alexander did a great job of making sure all the characters were included and I found that I liked something about each one.
P.S. When you get to the frosting scene…Let’s just say, yum! 
