Victoria Adams's Blog, page 43

OMG! I have discovered Cookie Butter

Whoever invented this heavenly delight - should be sainted - knighted - something.
What am I talking about - cookie butter????? Yes - COOKIE BUTTER!!!!


The first ingredient is cookies - Speculoos cookies - which are fabulous all by themsleves. Then magic happens and they are turned into cookie butter. Which has a similar consistency as peanut butter.

When I saw the photo I had to use it as that's how most of the cookie butter in my jar has disappeared. By the spoonful. Mmmmmm.

I love this stuff.  So what actually is cookie butter - here's a recipe I got from the Betty Crocker site

Ingredients 2 packages (8.8 oz each) decorative caramelized biscuit cookies- Speculoos 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 5 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon molasses 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup water Directions  In large food processor, process cookies into fine crumbs. Turn off processor. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla; process until blended. Continue to process while adding molasses and oil through spout.  With processor running, add just enough water so mixture becomes a creamy consistency (you might not use all the water). Add more water as needed until you reach desired texture (it should be about the same as peanut butter).  Pour cookie butter into airtight container; seal. Store in refrigerator.

If you're wondering what the heck you can do with a jar of sweet butter. Aside from simply eating it by the spoonful, there are a number of recipes that incorporate cookie butter, including milkshakes and cheesecakes online. Do a search and enjoy for fabulousness.

There was a question at one site - Is Cookie Butter the new Nutella? My answer is
YES 


What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance4 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets5 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday6 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday7 – author spotlight – T.A. Belshaw – Out of Control8 – author spotlight – Tilly Tennant – The Accidental Guest9 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks10 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts11 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets12 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday13 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday14 – author spotlight15 – author spotlight16 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks17 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts18 –Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets19 – Christmas Treats Blog Hop Dec 19 to 2520 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday21 – author spotlight22 – author spotlight23 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks24 – closed25 – for26 – Christmas27 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday28 – author spotlight29 – author spotlight30 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks31 – closed for New Years

If you see an Author Spotlight place that is available and would like to post on that day - leave a comment with your email and I'll get back to you ASAP.

A writer's ramblings on the Insecure Writer's Support Group #IWSG

Link Back to IWSG

Welcome to my December posting for ISWG. Where we: post our thoughts, talk about our doubts, any fears we may have conquered, discuss our struggles and triumphs, and offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling.

This month - being the holiday season - I'm going to discuss a recent triumph. I just completed teaching a beginner's fiction writing course. It was a great experience and from the comments on the course reviews the students benefited as much as I enjoyed teaching it.

We wandered off track on occasion as the students (all adults) asked questions about what a writer's life is like and how do I find the time to write and do promotion and still have time for my real life. I answered honestly - that there are days when no I can't do it all. The writing slides. The vacuuming slides.

I'll remember the puzzled looks on their faces as I discussed POV and passive verbs. And I will be forever grateful to all those other authors who Facebook post those little funny sayings - so I could have one up at the start of each class. It was often a jumping off point for the class.

I've included one - just 'cuz. (although it is painfully true.)




Here's hoping everyone's holiday season is not too stressful and see you in the new year. 




What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance3 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts4 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets5 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday6 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday7 – author spotlight – T.A. Belshaw – Out of Control8 – author spotlight – Tilly Tennant – The Accidental Guest9 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks10 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts11 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets12 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday13 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday14 – author spotlight15 – author spotlight16 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks17 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts18 –Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets19 – Christmas Treats Blog Hop Dec 19 to 2520 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday21 – author spotlight22 – author spotlight23 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks24 – closed25 – for26 – Christmas27 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday28 – author spotlight29 – author spotlight30 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks31 – closed for New Years

If you see an Author Spotlight place that is available and would like to post on that day - leave a comment with your email and I'll get back to you ASAP.

 

Why I'm using The Dove of Peace

At the end of each post I preview what is coming up for the rest of the month. I use a clipart to state the month. This would have been the one for December.


But this year with the horrors that have been happening on Planet Earth - I decided to send out some peace vibes - in the hopes that when the holiday season is over - instead of hate and bigotry festering - PEACE is what will rule on Earth. 

 It isn't a wish for only December 25. It is a wish for everyday from now and into the future.





What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance 2 – Insecure Writer’s Support Group - #IWSG 3 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 4 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets 5 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday 6 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday 7 – author spotlight – T.A. Belshaw – Out of Control 8 – author spotlight – Tilly Tennant – The Accidental Guest 9 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 10 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 11 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets 12 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday 13 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday 14 – author spotlight 15 – author spotlight 16 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 17 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts 18 –Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets 19 – Christmas Treats Blog Hop Dec 19 to 25 20 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday 21 – author spotlight 22 – author spotlight 23 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 24 – closed 25 – for 26 – Christmas 27 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday 28 – author spotlight 29 – author spotlight 30 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks 31 – closed for New Years     If you see an Author Spotlight place that is available and would like to post on that day - leave a comment with your email and I'll get back to you ASAP.

RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BY SUSAN BUCHANAN

RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BY SUSAN BUCHANAN

Genre: Contemporary FictionRelease Date: 29th Nov 2015
Christmas is just around the corner when Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season. Sixteen-year-old Arianna’s mock exams are looming and she’s feeling under pressure. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs, she doesn’t have much support at home.The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he’s going to get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want.Patricia’s cliché of a husband, after 23 years of marriage, has announced he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary.Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, as well as looking after his kids and his wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he’s feeling stressed out.Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas?

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ABOUT SUSAN BUCHANAN
Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her partner, Tony, and their two children. She is the author of three other novels: The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game, and Sign of the Times. Return of the Christmas Spirit is her fourth book. She is currently working on her fifth book, What If.
Susan is also a proofreader, editor, and translator, and when not working, writing, or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows, and eating out - not necessarily in that order!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.authorTwitter: susan_buchananGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...Website: www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk



GIVEAWAYThere are 2 giveaways associated with this tourVisit Susan’s blog at www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk , where there will be a Rafflecopter giveaway for a £10/$15 Amazon voucher for the duration of the tour and the launch day itself.PlusEnter the tour giveaway to win an ecopy (x2) of Susan’s book THE DATING GAME
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What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance1 – author spotlight2 – Insecure Writer’s Support Group - #IWSG3 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts4 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets5 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday6 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday7 – author spotlight – T.A. Belshaw – Out of Control8 – author spotlight – Tilly Tennant – The Accidental Guest9 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks10 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts11 – Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets12 – My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday13 – Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday14 – author spotlight15 – author spotlight16 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks17 – Thursday  Thoughts  - #ThursThoughts18 –Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets19 – Christmas Treats Blog Hop Dec 19 to 2520 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday21 – author spotlight22 – author spotlight23 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks24 – closed 25 – for26 – Christmas27 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday28 – author spotlight29 – author spotlight30 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks31 – Closed for New Years

If you see an Author Spotlight place that is available and would like to post on that day - leave a comment with your email and I'll get back to you ASAP.

From Dancing in Circles - Julie speaks her mind on Weekend Writing Warriors #8Sunday

Link back to WWW
From Dancing in Circles - NA contemporary romance. Enraged by the unfairness of the position Robert has been put in - Julie's temper rises and she speaks her mind.




Her cheeks flushed as she could feel the heat of her nerves and indignation rising. She clenched and unclenched her hands, trying to calm herself. "He's been humiliated twice. At least. One, he was hauled out of class by police officers and two, forced to agree to a search. All for nothing. There's no knife, is there?"She glared at both officers.




Blurb – One born into privilege and a charmed life surrounded by love and family. The other born to a life of violence on the streets as the solemn gang leader of the notorious Shoresmen. A young, idealistic co-ed, Julie, meets a jaded, cold gang member, Robert, and cracks his icy shell, allowing the warmth of her love to awaken his soul.
Amazon






5 Stars - Author Victoria Adams does an excellent job at bringing characters to life. I really enjoyed living through Julie's dream of becoming a dancer and her connection with Robert. Yeah, Robert may have gotten himself in the wrong crowd, but he really does portray a compassionate person and in the end he really does grow on you. Can't wait to see the next one in the series!



What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance
30 – author spotlight – Susan Buchanan -

Start the holiday season with a moment of fun and music.

It's the start of the Holiday season - so here's a little holiday delight
and another






What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance29 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday30 – author spotlight – Susan Buchanan – Return of the Christmas Spirit

A Snippet from NA contemporary Circles Divided on this week's Friday Snippets.

 From book 2 of Circles Trilogy - Circles Divided - NA contemporary.
Scene set - Julie and Robert return from a  family wedding. Julie has something on her mind and needs to talk. Robert's worried.



Julie slid across the seat. She glanced at the rear view mirror and saw Robert watching her drive away. A cold shudder slithered through her.What did she have to be worried about? Robert had told her he loved her and had made love to her. The weekend at her aunt's had been crazy, with her audition and her cousin's wedding. A pang of sadness rippled through her at the reminder of her failed attempt at her first professional dance audition. No, don't think about it. Wait until Robert gets home.She tightened her hold on the steering wheel and forced her thoughts to switch to her cousin's wedding. Robert looked so handsome in his tuxedo. She was so proud of him. When they danced at the reception, she melted against his strong body and felt secure in the protection of his arms.Making love had been wonderful. He was compassionate both towards her, but also her family. When her mother suddenly felt ill, he suggested her grandparents drive her mother and father home, and he offered to drive her and her siblings. He was going to make a good husband and a good father. Julie's felt her eyebrows raise. Marry Robert?Before she had time to ponder the implication, she turned into the driveway. Her brother and sisters piled out of the car. She called them back and had them help unload. Loaded with luggage, everyone hurried into the house to find out how their mother was.Julie's mother explained that because of her pregnancy and the stress of the trip, the doctor ordered her into bed for a rest. Julie's father called for pizza then suggested everyone unpack and take their laundry downstairs. After supper, Julie picked up her mother's keys. "I'm going to get Robert. It's pouring rain out and he'll probably try to hitch hike back from the ranch rather than call for a ride." She zipped her raincoat and raced to the car.Halfway between her house and the Estate she saw him, soaking wet standing on the side of the road, thumb up. She turned the car around and stopped. "Hi.""Hi." He slammed the door."I thought you'd try and hitch a ride home instead of calling.""How's your Mom?""Doctor ordered her into bed for a few days." She tapped her fingernail on the steering wheel. "When we get home and you dry off, can we talk?""'Bout what?""Let it wait, please?""Did I do something wrong?" He wiped the water from his face.Julie shook her head."You mad 'cause I didn't call for a ride? I figured everyone would be busy."Julie kept her focus on the road. Robert chewed his thumbnail and watched the window wipers swish across the glass.





Is the love of a girl from wealthy Westland and a street punk from the slums of the Shore strong enough to surpass all that life will throw at them and forge a life together? Is Julie willing to sacrifice her childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer for the man she loves? Is Robert willing to lay down his ties to the gang in order to hold onto his new found love?
Sacrifices must be made, but will they be enough?
Amazon 

What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance

28 – Surprise Post as My Sexy Saturday is cancelled this week29 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday30 – author spotlight – Susan Buchanan - Return of the Christmas Spirit

Thursday Thoughts - Strawberry Ice Cream - a summertime delight

In the summer, late June around here in Eastern Ontario, I go to our local strawberry farm and pick my fill of strawberries.  I make jam and other delights to store for winter. But I always save enough for 2 treats – Strawberry shortcake and Strawberry Ice Cream. Nothing tasty like a creamy bit of heaven as ice cream made with fresh homemade with real cream and fresh picked strawberries.
This is the full work method. As I share recipes, you will notice I don’t take a lot of shortcuts. I find the results are worth the work.
This is a 2 part recipe. First you make the base. Then you use it to make the ice cream. Sorry – no – you can’t cheat and mix the berries in as you are preparing the base.  Have some patience. The results are fabulous!
Notice when you devour the ice cream – that there are bits of strawberry in the ice cream. It isn’t just pink sweetness.
This treat is made with an ice cream maker. I've tried several. Liked some - others not so much. If you don't have one - perfect request for Christmas. :-) Strawberry Ice Cream
Custard Ice Cream Base
¾ c heavy cream (whipping cream, 35% fat cream)¾ c whole milk (4% - could go to 10%)1 egg yolk½ c sugar (cane)1 tbsp vanilla
Heat the cream, milk in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until mixture almostboils.  Reduce heat to low.  Place the egg yolk, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and whisk briefly.  Still whisking, slowly pour in about 1/4 c of the hot liquid.  When the mixture is smooth, slowly pour it into the liquid in the saucepan, whisking constantly.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes.  Be sure not to let the mixture boil at any time or it will curdle. Let cool. This base will keep for 3 to 4 days if kept in the refrigerator in a tightly-covered jar.  It is important that the jar be well sealed or the base will pick up flavours from other foods. 
To make Strawberry Ice Cream
Custard Base¾ c chopped berries
Mash the strawberries with a fork.  Stir berries into custard base and pour into  ice cream maker and let it do it’s magic. Makes about 3 1/2cups.






What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance
27 –Friday Snippets  #Friday Snippets28 – Surprise Post as My Sexy Saturday is cancelled for this week.29 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday30 – author spotlight – Susan Buchanan – Return of the Christmas Spirit

Circles Divided is on this week's Book Hooks #MFRWhooks #MFRWAuthor

 From book 2 of Circles Trilogy - Circles Divided - NA contemporary.
Scene set - Julie and Robert are returning from family wedding. Julie has a startling thought.



When they danced at the reception, she melted against his strong body and felt secure in the protection of his arms.Making love had been wonderful. He was compassionate both towards her, but also her family. When her mother suddenly felt ill, he suggested her grandparents drive her mother and father home, and he offered to drive her and her siblings. He was going to make a good husband and a good father. Julie's felt her eyebrows raise. Marry Robert?





Is the love of a girl from wealthy Westland and a street punk from the slums of the Shore strong enough to surpass all that life will throw at them and forge a life together? Is Julie willing to sacrifice her childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer for the man she loves? Is Robert willing to lay down his ties to the gang in order to hold onto his new found love?
Sacrifices must be made, but will they be enough?
Amazon 

I won't be on Book Hooks next week - first Wed of themonth is the Insecure Writers Group post :-) I'll be back the week after.

What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance
26 – Thursday  Thoughts  - Strawberry Ice Cream - #ThursThoughts27 –Friday Snippets  #Friday Snippets28 –My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday29 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday30 – author spotlight – Susan Buchanan - Return of the Christmas Spirit

What if you were trapped between two cultures? - The Lost Girl by Liz Harris

THE LOST GIRL BY LIZ HARRIS

What if you were trapped between two cultures?
Life is tough in 1870s Wyoming. But it’s tougher still when you’re a girl who looks Chinese but speaks like an American.
Orphaned as a baby and taken in by an American family, Charity Walker knows this only too well.  The mounting tensions between the new Chinese immigrants and the locals in the mining town of Carter see her shunned by both communities.
When Charity’s one friend, Joe, leaves town, she finds herself isolated. However, in his absence, a new friendship with the only other Chinese girl in Carter makes her feel like she finally belongs somewhere.
But, for a lost girl like Charity, finding a place to call home was never going to be that easy …
Genre: Historical Romantic FictionRelease Date: 16thOctober, 2015Publisher:  Choc Lit

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ABOUT LIZ HARRIS
Liz Harris lives south of Oxford. Her debut novel was THE ROAD BACK (US Coffee Time & Romance Book of 2012), followed by A BARGAIN STRUCK (shortlisted for the RoNA Historical 2013), EVIE UNDERCOVER, THE ART OF DECEPTION and A WESTERN HEART. All of her novels, which are published by Choc Lit, have been shortlisted in their categories in the Festival of Romantic Fiction. In addition, Liz has had several short stories published in anthologies. Her interests are theatre, travelling, reading, cinema and cryptic crosswords. FACEBOOK TWITTER WEBSITE GOODREADS

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1 COPY OF THE BOOK (ebook)

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What’s up and coming on Victoria’s Pages of Romance25 –Book Hooks - #MFRWhooks26 – Thursday  Thoughts  - Strawberry Ice Cream - #ThursThoughts27 –Friday Snippets  #FridaySnippets28 –My Sexy Saturday - #MySexySaturday29 –Weekend Writing Warriors - #8sunday30 – author spotlight – Susan Buchanan – Return of the Christmas Spirit