Moira Keith's Blog, page 320

Living Pink Raspberry Mojito

Yes I’m pinked out! October is breast cancer awareness month and it seems as though we all know someone who has been touched by this disease. I have many friends who are either currently fighting or who’ve fought the battle and are living pink! Everyone celebrates and shows their support in their own way. My girls and I do it through food and of course….drink (you expect nothing less from someone with Scots-Irish in her blood). So in honor of all the women out there, fighters and survivors alike, I raise this glass to you!

THE LIVING PINK RASPBERRY MOJITO

Ingredients:

2 oz rum

.5 oz Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

6-8 fresh mint leaves

2 lime wedges

1/2 tsp sugar

club soda

Directions:

Add sugar, mint leaves, lime wedges and a splash of club soda to a tall glass. Muddle until sugar is dissolved. Add ice to glass. Add rum and Chambord. Stir to mix. Top with a splash of soda.

Remember to always celebrate life, to remember those who’ve gone before us, and support and offer strength to one another…and most of all, remember to LIVE PINK AND ALWAYS FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!  Slàinte!

Please stop on in and see some of my fellow authors and their fantastic and delectable pink recipes!

Thinking Pink in the Kitchen – Simple Salmon by Selena Robins – : http://selenarobinsmusings.com/2012/10/15/thinking-pink-in-the-kitchen

Get yer Basil Buzz by PG Forte - http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.ca/2012/10/get-yer-basil-buzz-on.html

Think Pink Lemonade Pie by Nancy Lauzon - http://chickdickmysteries.com/2012/10/16/tasty-tuesday-think-pink-lemonade-pie-3/

Pretty in Pink Pancakes by Kimberley Troutte - http://kimberleytroutte.blogspot.ca/2012/10/pretty-in-pink-pancakes.html

 

A Nod to the Masters~

There is just something about the works of the past. Greats like Edgar Allan Poe, William Blake, Oscar Wilde, along with countless others. Their words draw you in, painting pictures that leave a lasting impression. For this Monday, since my brain is tired and I’m steeped in research, I thought I would share a few of my favorite lines from those who came before us.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before. ~ The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe

Cruelty has a human heart, And Jealousy a human face;

Terror the human form divine, And Secrecy the human dress. ~A Divine Image, William Blake 

Ambition, love and all the thoughts that burn, We lose too soon, and only find delight, In withered husks of some dead memory. ~Desespoir, Oscar Wilde

Most of the themes of the past seemed steeped in darkness. Morbid…I think that was the word one of my friends used when I was discussing some of the above quotes. I guess I can see where one would see that as a commonality between them. Still, the words paint a picture. There is a poetic beauty to them regardless of their tone that really appeals to me. So tell me, who are some of your favorites from the past and are there any particular lines that really stick out to you?

Flirting with Vicki Pettersson

Yeah she doesn’t know it and I’m not actually flirting with ‘her’, but I slacked Was busy reading The Taken) and didn’t put together my post in time so I’m flirting with lines from her  books. Can’t help myself. When I list authors that inspire me with the stories they write and the interactions they have with readers and fellow authors alike, she totally makes the list for me. Readers might know her for her Zodiac Series, but she also has a new series called Celestial Blue which is proving to be just as awesome as Zodiac was. I ask that you please forgive my horrible photography, but look how awesome the book looks on my Kindle. Oh I think I’m getting off topic-back to the flirt, here are some favorites from the books I’ve read!

“Just because someone tried to make you into a victim didn’t mean that’s what you had to be.” ~ The Scent of Shadows

“ ‘Being single…is about hope. It’s about the future…the person you might meet at Starbucks or online or in the next aisle at the grocery store.’ ” ~The Taken 

“Next time,” I said wryly, swinging open the door, “just give me a knife and ask for a vein.”  
~ The Taste of Night
“ ‘Sex drives us, love or no love. Power or no power. Money or no money. It’s the most powerful drug in the world. Some pay for it. Some die for it.’ ” ~ The Taken


“But no life was without it’s strain & strife, not if it was fully lived. Opening up to experience, even the good ones like trust & love, was to open yourself up to the pain.” ~ The Neon Graveyard

So there you have it, a few lines to flirt and tempt you into reading one of my all time favorite authors if you haven’t yet embraced her. I was tempted to post a lot more because she is made of awesome, but if I did that you would never go discover her for yourselves and you really want to. Trust me!  You can learn more about Vicki Pettersson over here.

Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup

As a lover of the fall season, one thing I look forward to is the soups. I had a disappointment over the weekend though when I went to dish up some Bear Creek Potato and Cheddar Chowder and realized that I just wasn’t in the mood for a thick soup.  I really wanted something that didn’t feel so heavy. So I tossed out the cream soup and went to work creating a soup that really made my tummy happy.

1 lb ground Hot Italian Sausage (You can use Mild if that is your preference)
1/2 bulb of Fennel sliced
3 – 4 stalks of celerey
2 – 3 zucchini sliced into large pieces
2 – 3 yellow crook neck squash sliced into large pieces
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
3 large cloves of garlic minced
1 bell pepper chopped
1/2 head of cauliflower
2 – 3 handfuls of washed and trimmed spinach leaves
1 – 2 carrots (sliced or shredded)
red or white wine (I know there are some die hard wine enthusiasts that will say you should use white since we are using a pork product and a chicken base, but I say go with what you feel like or have on hand)
5 – 6 cups of Chicken broth (or enough to cover the vegetables)
I Tbsp Italian Seasoning
1 – 2 Bay leaves
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large pot add the sliced fennel, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and the Italian Sausage. Cook on low, stirring frequently, allowing the vegetables to soften and the sausage to lose most of it’s pink, adding up to a 1/2 cup of wine to give added moisture and flavor, breaking apart the sausage with each stirring of ingredients. Once the sausage has cooked all the way through, add all the remaining vegetables to the pot, reserving the spinach for last. Add your seasoning (I usually omit the salt as I feel the sausage provides enough salt for my liking). Cover with chicken broth and allow to simmer until the vegetables start to soften. Be careful not to over cook, unless you like mushy vegetables. Add the spinach and simmer until the leaves wilted. It is ready to serve!

Now go hunt down these ladies and see what they are offering up at their tables for Tasty Tuesday!

Where did the Peanut Go? by Selena Robins - http://selenarobinsmusings.com/

Pavlova to Die For by Nancy Lauzon http://chickdickmysteries.com/2012/10/09/tasty-tuesday-pavlova-to-die-for/

The Besto Pesto Biscuits by PG Forte http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-besto-pesto-biscuits.html

Zombies Ate My Plot

I’m not kidding. There’s a big chunk missing. It’s the only realistic explanation to this problem. That’s right. I said ZOMBIES! Other people may call them plot bunnies, however I think zombies is a far more appropriate label. After all, you know they are there. Waiting in the wings for you to demolish them. And if you aren’t quick enough at offering up zombie destruction on a silver platter…well then it will be too late because the zombies will be sucking the remaining juicy morsels of your plot right from your brains.

Luckily, I might have caught this one in time. Or I’m hoping I did. Seems so simple that I’m slapping myself for not recognizing it sooner. So as I set back to work sending plot zombies back to the pits of hell, I must ask my fellow writers how in the world do you deal with the moments when zombies attack? (And yes for those who are wondering, I am a bit delirious right now)

Getting My Flirt On!

Come tumbling down the rabbit hole with me as we delve into my first installment of Friday Flirts! My flirts will vary. Sometimes I will be ‘flirting’ with little tidbits about an author (think of it as a speed date with an author) or even interviews, and other days, I will turn the floor over to my fellow authors to flirt with my readers. Today, I am going to flirt with Denise A Agnew and PG Forte! Why? Well why the hell not?! My blog, my prerogative.

First up in my Flirt Hot Seat…Denise A Agnew ~ She is a red-headed vixen who has penned over thirty five novels and counting! Genres she writes in? Romantic suspense, erotic, historical, fantasy, contemporary and paranormal romance - wait is there a genre she hasn’t written in? Perhaps that would have been easier to address.  As an author, I love to read. It kind of comes with the territory. A few fun facts about Denise that you may or may not know are that she is a paranormal investigator (watch out all you ghosts because Denise is on the prowl), she likes archery, and archaeology.

I recently read Hot Pursuit which is one of the aforementioned thirty-five and counting novels, and the one thing that I really loved about her writing was the character building. Some characters pull you in, some leave you feeling lukewarm, and others you plain can’t connect with. Lucy and Vic definitely were characters that pulled me and left me feeling for them. It was my first introduction to her writing and with a story that deals with a hot military man and a jaded woman looking for a one night stand…what more could you possibly want?

Second (but surely not least)… PG Forte! This hot California blonde might be a Jersey Girl by birth, but we won’t hold that against her. Since she was penning scandalous and sexy stories while attending an all girls Catholic High School, you can imagine the type of trouble this woman is likely to stir up in her novels. She has written over twenty novels and counting (watch out Denise, she is hot on your tail). Her genre preferences for her stories are romantic suspense, psychic fiction, erotic romance and paranormal. Whew, it’s getting very hot in here. Fun facts about PG? She likes to hold the whip. Get your minds out of the gutter. I totally meant for writing challenges (of course we might see if we can’t get in touch with Mr. Forte to be sure).

Currently, I am reading one of PG’s books – Old Sins, Long Shadows. As usual, I selected a book that is part of a series having not read any of the other books first. Thankfully, due to the writing quality of the book, I do not feel lost and am enjoying the poor tortured (and I do mean TORTURED) souls that are struggling to find their happy moments. I can not wait to share with you my thoughts on this lovely read when all is said and done.

There you have it. If you haven’t had the pleasure of indulging in a reading date with Denise A Agnew or PG Forte, might I suggest that you pick up one of their books and schedule that date for this weekend? Just click on the book cover to be whisked off to Amazon. You never know, you just might find yourself dating them quite frequently!

Lentil & Sausage Soup

I love the fall. It’s when the deadly temperatures of the Vegas Valley become bearable again. The evenings start to cool. I start to daydream about witches, ghosts, goblins, and shapeshifters even more than usual. It’s also when I start craving soup on a nightly basis. So, today, I will share with you my Lentil & Sausage Soup. It’s perfect for warming up your favorite cowboy!

1 lb smoked kielbasa 

1 lb of lentils rinsed

medium onion

carrots

celery

garlic

chicken broth

bay leaves

salt

pepper

italian seasoning

tabasco

(Yes I come from the school of eyeballing my ingredients)

Dice the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Quarter and slice the sausage. Place in a pot and saute till onion is transparent and the carrots and celery begin to soften. Pour in the rinsed lentils. Add bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Cover with chicken broth until it is about two inches or so above the ingredients. Cook until the lentils begin to pop and are soft, adding liquid as needed and to adjust to desired thickness. Serve and enjoy with or without a little tobasco for an extra little kick!

Don’t forget to check out my fellow partners in this installment of Tasty Tuesday!

Selena Robins ~ Dinner a La Leftovers  http://selenarobinsmusings.com/2012/09/17/dinner-a-la-leftovers/

PG Forte ~ Red Flannel FTW  http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/red-flannel-ftw.html

Nancy Lauzon ~ Men are from Mars Bars  http://chickdickmysteries.com/2012/09/18/men-are-from-mars-bars-squares/

 

Idols and Inspirations

We all have them. The people we admire and look up to. Our heroes and heroines that drive us to move forward, pursue our dreams, and reach beyond where we ever imagined was possible. I have several authors that inspire me every day. And I thought I would share some random quotes from a few of them this fine Monday morning, to inspire me and remind me why I write the way I do and what I do.

At its best reading is a connection between the author and reader … between people, but in romance we get to see that human connection played out on the page.~ Vicki Pettersson

 

Vicki Pettersson was a fairly new discovery for me when I first started writing seriously in 2009. I often wonder how I hadn’t discovered her a few years earlier when her first book was released. I love her tortured characters, the depth of her writing, and her personality. If you ever get a chance to sit in on a chat or go to a signing, I would highly suggest you do!

Like anything else that happens on its own, the act of writing is beyond currency. Money is great stuff to have, but when it comes to the act of creation, the best thing is not to think of money too much. It constipates the whole process. ~ Stephen King

 

How can one think of writing and not think of a man who has really stood out in his field. One thing about Stephen King that draws me in are his descriptions. He paints such a vivid picture. It’s really hard to envision his world any differently than he does as a result. I admire that.

I always treated writing as a profession, never as a hobby. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. ~ Laurell K Hamilton

 

The first book I ever picked up of Laurell K Hamilton’s made me fall in love with her. She writes what she wants and she does it well. She writes for the story and for herself. She has not always pleased her readers. But she’s stayed true to her characters. I think that is admirable in any writer. It’s hard not to be tempted by outside forces. To take your story where the rest of the world thinks you should take it. In the end you just have to believe that you are being true to yourself, your characters, and the overall story.

I could go on about the authors that drive me every day. Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, Kelly Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost, Sherrilyn Kenyon…need I continue? Every author I enjoy brings something to the table when I need a little inspiration. When I need an idol to look up to, honor, or worship, they are just a book (a tweet, facebook post, or blog spot) away.

Tell me, who are some of the authors that inspire you? Or perhaps a quote that pushes you forward? Think about it and have a great Monday!

 

Devilishly Sweet Red Velvet Cookies

Tasty Tuesday is upon us again! Join my fellow authors and I as we indulge and share recipes that we love and sometimes a little something extra to go along with our tempting and delicious recipes.

 

Much like I blame my obsession with Guinness on my Irish heritage, I blame my obsession with red velvet on my love of the south. I also adore cookies nearly as much as I do cupcakes. I made these little devils for my kids and took some to work. They were a huge hit. I hope you enjoy!

 

Ingredients:




2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate,
broken into pieces
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup white sugar
1 large egg


1 tablespoon red food coloring
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted




Directions:



1.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) with the rack in the middle position. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.


2.
Break the chocolate squares into chunks, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High until the chocolate melts, about 90 seconds. Stir the chocolate until smooth and set aside to cool.


3.
In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy; pour in the egg and beat until smooth. Mix in the red food coloring and chocolate, scraping the bowl down regularly, until evenly blended, about 30 seconds. Add half of the sifted dry ingredients, stirring until well incorporated. Beat in the sour cream and mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.


4.
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven until they spring back when pressed, about 9 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.


5.
For the cream cheese frosting, whip 1/4 cup butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Blend in the powdered sugar in half cup portions until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.Stop by these fantastic blogs and see what they are cooking up…I Heart NY Cheesecake by PG Forte – http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-heart-ny-cheesecake.html
Soups On by Selena Robins http://selenarobinsmusings.com

“The Allure of Ice”, by A ACatherine Noon – http://taurusandtaurus.blogspot.com/2012/09/tasty-tuesday-allure-of-ice.html

I died and went to Italy by Nancy Lauzon - http://chickdickmysteries.com/2012/09/11/tasty-tuesday-i-died-and-went-to-italy/

Have a great Tuesday Everyone and enjoy the week!

 

Monday Morning Blues

Mondays come a lot faster than they used to. Or perhaps my weekends are flying by at an accelerated rate now that I’m older and have those dreadful things called ‘responsibilities’. I don’t truly find Mondays to be a cause of the blues. It’s not Mondays fault after all. It’s ours. We try to cram everything that we should be doing all week long into two days. Those two days are spent doing ‘catch up’ instead of relaxing. At times, we can find our off days to be more stressful than our work days. I know I find this to be true. Then this morning I read a post by my dear crit partner, Debora Dennis, about routines. It got me to thinking.

 

I know thinking, on a Monday too! Seriously though, maybe Mondays wouldn’t be so loathed by the masses if things weren’t put off until the weekend. What if we did the laundry every other evening while watching our favorite show? Or perhaps we sat down and read with our children while they were doing their assigned reading time for school, if you go to college like I do…then do your homework while the kids are doing theirs and you have dinner cooking, or as Debora suggests- utilize that morning coffee routine to get some things done. For me it’s not so much a thing of routine, but of time management and procrastination.

I can change these things. So can you. Then perhaps we won’t loathe Mondays anymore. Perhaps when the weekends roll around we will actually have a chance to sit back and enjoy them. Then when Monday’s come, we can bound out of bed with joy and perhaps even look forward to facing the day instead of dwelling on what we could have gotten done over the weekend if we just had one more day…

Now go out and celebrate the start of a new week. A chance to show your world who the boss is and that you are taking no prisoners! Go forth and enjoy the day and make it what you want it to be!