M.A. Church's Blog, page 86

Finicky Friday - Super Bowl Style

Warm Blue Cheese Dip with Garlic and BaconEven people that don't like blue cheese love this wonderful hot dip. It can be served with vegetables or French bread.




Prep 30 mCook 30 mReady In 1 h1 h 14 servings 155 cals

Ingredients
7 slices bacon 
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 
1/4 cup half-and-half 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 

Directions
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove bacon from skillet, drain on paper towels and crumble.
Place garlic in hot bacon grease. Cook and stir until soft, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place cream cheese and half-and-half in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until blended. Stir in bacon, garlic, blue cheese and chives. Transfer mixture to a medium baking dish.

Bake covered in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.

link: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/24732/warm-blue-cheese-dip-with-garlic-and-bacon/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringId=16423&referringContentType=recipe%20hub

Tuesday Teaser

Okay, y'all we're still in Chapter One. Things are getting interesting. I'm introducing a new character in this chapter by the name of Rhett. Hope y'all like him as much as I do. He's gonna be a hoot to write later, I can tell. His book may be the next I since I find him so damn cool. ;)~M





A hair-raising roar sounded not far from the shack, and Alpha Hogan paled. “Wheaton, get that piece of shit taken care of now and—”There was a scuffle outside, another terrifying roar, and the door to the shack flew open again. Bert blinked against the afternoon light. Backlit by the sunlight was a male he’d never seen before. He squinted, trying to clear his wavering vision, but it did no good. Please, please, be here to help. Goddess, please.“I am Enforcer Rhett Carrick from the Shifter Council. I scented Alpha Hogan was in here and—holy mother of the goddess, what the fuck is going on here? What the hell has been done to this male and why?”“I am Alpha Hogan.” Hogan stalked forward. “How dare you just show up here with no warning? This isn’t how it’s done—no notice or anything. Step outside, and we’ll—”Wheaton eased off to the right as Hogan stood in front of the enforcer. Bert watched helplessly. He was all too familiar with that move.“No one is going anywhere until I get answers. That male”—Rhett pointed at Bert—“has been severely beaten from the looks of it. I want him untied and treated. Then I want to speak with him. Such abuse isn’t tolerated. I—”Bert whined desperately. Help was so close. He watched as Wheaton jumped at Rhett. Rhett spun and caught Wheaton in the air. In. The. Air. Bert gulped at the sudden spike of power that spread through the room. Good goddess, that had to be from Rhett. It was unlike anything he’d ever felt. Even Alphas didn’t feel like this. The hair on his neck stood up. Rhett growled as he held Wheaton suspended by the throat. With a flick of his wrist, Rhett snapped Wheaton’s neck, and one-handedly, tossed Wheaton away from him. Hogan snarled, but to Bert it sounds more fearful than angry. Hogan rushed forward and, claws bared, swiped at Rhett. Amazed, Bert watched Rhett take a direct hit to the midsection from Hogan’s claws. Shit. Rhett didn’t so much as flinch. Blood seeped through the four slashes in the shirt.Nonchalantly, Rhett looked at the damage then glanced at Hogan. Brett gulped. Terror spread through him. Holy hell, Rhett’s eyes were back… as in the whole eye was nothing but back. What the fuck was that? Fear flooded the room, and this time it wasn’t only from Bert. Hogan turned as pale as milk, his eyes wide. Calmly, Rhett backhand Hogan, sending him flying into one of the walls… and then through it. Rhett stepped through the man-size hole and followed Hogan outside. Desperately Bert jerked his wrists, trying to loosen the rope around them. He couldn’t see what was happening, but he wanted out of there. Now. Rhett was… he didn’t what Rhett was and didn’t want to find out.
A sharp pain pierced his mind, a ‘pop’ that left him reeling. Oh fuck. Dizziness swamped him as the pain receded. Holy shit, his connection to his Alpha just broke. Only way that happened was when an Alpha voluntarily stepped down or died. The power radiating off the enforcer choked Bert, and his mind threatened to shut down. Now that Hogan’s command not to shift wasn’t holding him back, his animal roared to the front. 

Finicky Friday

Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad

Prep 45 mCook 8 mReady In 53 m6 servings425 cal

Ingredients1 teaspoon finely chopped, peeled fresh ginger1/3 cup rice vinegar1/4 cup orange juice1/4 cup vegetable oil1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil2 teaspoons white sugar1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix1 clove garlic, pressed1 (8 ounce) package bow tie (farfalle) pasta1/2 cucumber - scored, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced1/2 cup diced red bell pepper1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion2 diced Roma tomatoes1 carrot, shredded1 (6 ounce) bag fresh spinach1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained2 cups diced cooked chicken1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted


DirectionsTo make the dressing, whisk together the ginger root, rice vinegar, orange juice, vegetable oil, sesame oil, soup mix, sugar, and garlic until well blended. Cover, and refrigerate until needed.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, and rinse under cold water. Place pasta in a large bowl.To make the salad, toss the cucumber, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, carrot, spinach, mandarin oranges, chicken, and almonds with the pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss again to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Tuesday Teaser

Hey y'all! Now that Courtney has gone home, I'm back to writing. Keep in mind there are gonna be chunks missing because I''m going back and doing rewrites as I go. So if it seems choppy, that's why. Plus, I ended up changing the direction of the story. I didn't like where it was going.

I also may change the title, so heads up on that. Fangs and Fur is a little too close to the series name of my werecat books with Dreamspinner. You know what I'm taking about? (Trouble, Eight Ball, Tango, and Sixes and Sevens.) I hate changing title in midstream, so to speak, but I may. Still thinking on that, though. Anyway, on to the story!





“You’ll be happy to know that your mate finally saw reason.” Alpha Hogan smirked, puffing on his cigar.Bert closed his eyes, defeated. He’d been afraid Alvin would betray his Alpha and kidnap Cade. He and Alvin were damned no matter what happened now. Bert ignored the jovial comments from his Alpha and the betas. Inside he grieved for Alvin. What must this have done to him—to choose between his mate and betraying his Alpha? To lose his honor this way? Bert wasn’t worth this. The door to the shack slammed open, and one of the other betas rushed inside. “Alpha! A white stretch limousine was spotted five minutes out from the jamboree house. There’s huge white SUVs following it too.”Bert’s heart beat faster. Oh, thank all that was holy. “What?” Alpha Hogan bellowed, his smirky attitude vanishing. “What the fuck are theydoing here?”“Fuck.” Dun glanced at Bert. “Bad timing, that’s for sure.” “Why the hell is the Shifter Council coming here?” Wheaton growled. “And with no advance notice? Oh goddess, if they find out what we’ve done, they’re going to—”“Fuck! Fuck!” Alpha Hogan rounded on Wheaton and backhanded him, sending him skidding across the dirt floor. “I’m aware of what they’ll do, you fool.”Bert flinched, even though he thoroughly enjoyed seeing Wheaton on the receiving end of his Alpha’s temper.Wheaton wiped the blood off his mouth but didn’t get off the floor. “What do we do?”“Greet the assholes, what the fuck else, you useless dick?” Alpha Hogan snarled, then pointed at Bert. “Gag him and knocked his ass out.”Oh hell no. Bert yanked frantically at the ropes binding him. He had a horrible feeling that this time he might not wake up. He started to yell for help, but Dun punched him in the mouth. More pain exploded in his jaw as his head snapped back, and the momentum sent him crashing to the floor. The voices around him faded in and out, and this time he struggled not to give in the encroaching darkness. “The last thing I need is for them questioning why I’m disciplining one of my—” Alpha Hogan froze, his eyes wide. He shuddered. “Feel that? That spike of power? Son of a bitch. They’re here.” He glared at the beta who brought the news. “I thought you said they were five minutes out!”  “T-that’s what I was told, Alpha!” The beta backed toward the door then rushed out. “Fuck me! I’m surrounded by morons!” Alpha Hogan yelled. “I don’t have time for the Council’s fucking games. Not now.”Trembling, Wheaton slowly picked himself off the floor. “Um, why don’t I go meet them?”“Oh, I don’t think so. Dun will go. He can hide his nervousness better than you,” Alpha Hogan snapped. Dun smirked at Wheaton. “Go, Dun. And dammit, delay them as long as possible. We have a mess to clean up here. If they ask for me, tell them I’ll be there shortly.”“Yes, Alpha.” Dun bobbed his head, then sent Wheaton one more pointed look before rushing out the door. “Wheaton, fucking find something to gag this pathetic excuse of a delta with,” Hogan snarled. “Then knock his ass out. I need him quiet now.” Alpha Hogan ran his hands through his hair and cussed soundly.Bert shook his head, trying to get his vision to stop jumping. “Like what?” Wheaton asked, looking around nervously.

“For the love of…. Are you a complete imbecile?” Hogan yelled. He picked a dirty rag up off the floor, bent down, and stuffed it into Bert’s mouth.

Monthly Deals in Kindle Books - Behind the Eight Ball

Behind the Eight Ball is part of the Monthly Deals in Kindle Books! For the month of January it's marked down to $1.99 at Amazon!


Link: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Eight-Ball-Fangs-Felines-ebook/dp/B016HDBVOC



Blurb:Fur, Fangs, and Felines: Book Two 

A cool morning, a yard full of birds, and a kitty on a mission. What more could a werecat want? Beta Heller Wirth has it all, except a mate—a shifter mate, that is. The last thing he wants is one of those dangerous humans who kill without remorse. Heller knows about that firsthand. So what does the goddess Bast do? She gives Heller exactly what he does not want—a human: business owner Lawson Dupre.


Lawson hasn’t a clue what just happened in his car detail shop. One minute a cute client is about to pass out, and then he perks up and starts flirting. Next thing, he runs out the door like the hounds of hell are after him. Learning that Heller is a werecat doesn’t freak out Lawson. He happens to be one of those rare humans who knows paranormals exists. He even lives with one. Watch the fur fly as Heller and Lawson battle hurt feelings, misguided beliefs, and a power shift in Heller’s clowder.

Happy New Year!

It's a new year with lots of new things come y'all's way. I have plans, lol. Lots and lots of plans. ;) And may all your troubles be as short as your New Year's resolutions! (Quote from a sign lol)

~M

Happy New Year's Eve! Hope you guys have a safe and fun o...

Happy New Year's Eve! Hope you guys have a safe and fun one! It's been an interesting year, that's for sure. Here's hoping the new year will be better!

~M

Merry Christmas!

Hope y'all have a good one!!!

Finicky Friday - Reindeer Bait

Reindeer BaitLink: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a45163/christmas-crack-recipe/
INGREDIENTS3 c. corn chex2 c. wheat chex2 c. mini pretzels2 c. mini marshmallows1 c. red and green M&Ms20 oz. white chocolateRed and green sprinkles, for garnish
DIRECTIONSIn a large bowl, mix together Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, mini marshmallows, and M&Ms.Melt white chocolate and pour over mixture. Stir until fully coated.Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or dish and top with sprinkles, then refrigerate until firm, 1 hour.
Break up into bite-size pieces and serve.

Dragon's Hoard audiobook has released!

Audio buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Hoard-Dreamspun-Beyond-Book/dp/B078F17722/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid&sr



Blurb:

To be loved by a dragon is to be treasured.

100 years ago, werewolf alpha Montgomery took a risk driven by desperation - he borrowed money from the ancient dragon Warwick Ehecatl, putting up the pack lands as collateral. Now the debt is due, and dragons don't forget - or forgive. Warwick demands Montgomery's son, Avery, and three businesses as compensation. As an omega, Avery knows he is basically useless to his pack, so he might as well agree. He soon has second thoughts, though. Warwick is fearsome, and he's free to do as he likes with Avery.

Warwick knows his race's reputation, and he even admits some of it is deserved. But he'd rather cut off his tail than let his innocent mate's light go out. It won't be easy, but buried deep, there's something between them worth safeguarding.