Kate Collins's Blog, page 16
January 31, 2020
Welcome Cozy Chick Gayle Leeson
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I'm so happy to announce that the wonderful Gayle Leeson is joining us as our newest Cozy Chick.
If you haven't read her cozy mysteries (and other works of fiction), you're in for a treat! And like me, Gayle writes under three names. (Yes, it's complicated.)
Writing as Gayle Leeson
The Ghostly Fashionista Mysteries
The Down South Cafe Mysteries
The Kinsey Falls Chick-Lit series
Co-Author of two (soon to be three) Victoria Square Mysteries (with yours truly)
Writing as Gayle Trent
The Cake Decorating Mysteries
The Myrtle Crumb Mysteries
Stand-Alone Novels: In Her Blood, The Flame, The Perfect Woman
Writing as Amanda Lee
the Embroidery Mysteries
Gayle will be introducing herself next Thursday (February 6th), so mark that on your calendar.
And please help us welcome Gayle to our ranks. We're going to have fun!
I'm so happy to announce that the wonderful Gayle Leeson is joining us as our newest Cozy Chick.
If you haven't read her cozy mysteries (and other works of fiction), you're in for a treat! And like me, Gayle writes under three names. (Yes, it's complicated.)
Writing as Gayle Leeson
The Ghostly Fashionista Mysteries
The Down South Cafe Mysteries
The Kinsey Falls Chick-Lit series
Co-Author of two (soon to be three) Victoria Square Mysteries (with yours truly)
Writing as Gayle Trent
The Cake Decorating Mysteries
The Myrtle Crumb Mysteries
Stand-Alone Novels: In Her Blood, The Flame, The Perfect Woman
Writing as Amanda Lee
the Embroidery Mysteries
Gayle will be introducing herself next Thursday (February 6th), so mark that on your calendar.
And please help us welcome Gayle to our ranks. We're going to have fun!
January 29, 2020
A Purr-fect Farewell
by Karen Rose Smith
This will be my last blog as a Cozy Chick. I’ve enjoyed the past two years blogging weekly, interacting with readers and hearing what you think about cozy mysteries. I’m going to devote more time to writing my Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries...visiting tea rooms...and interacting with readers at those book signings. Every once in a while I make a shift in my career and this is one of those times. I’ll still be chatting with you on my personal and author Facebook pages and Twitter as well as posting photos on Instagram.
Miss Paddington A huge part of my life is spent caring for our seven cats. My husband and I adopted five rescues (Paddy, Halo, Zoie Joy, Zander and Freya) who are inside and we are still trying to socialize Bonnie and Clyde who spend their evenings and nights in our basement. I believe being a cat mom involves more than feeding and caring for them takes up a large part of my time. I try to give each of our fur kids petting, conversation and affection every day.
Halo
Zoie Joy
Freya and Zander
BonnieandClyde
I want to wish all of you the best year of your lives, as well as health and success in all your endeavors. I also want to give every one of you a big Cozy Chicks hug. Thank you for being part of my life.
Best,Karen
This will be my last blog as a Cozy Chick. I’ve enjoyed the past two years blogging weekly, interacting with readers and hearing what you think about cozy mysteries. I’m going to devote more time to writing my Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries...visiting tea rooms...and interacting with readers at those book signings. Every once in a while I make a shift in my career and this is one of those times. I’ll still be chatting with you on my personal and author Facebook pages and Twitter as well as posting photos on Instagram.
Miss Paddington A huge part of my life is spent caring for our seven cats. My husband and I adopted five rescues (Paddy, Halo, Zoie Joy, Zander and Freya) who are inside and we are still trying to socialize Bonnie and Clyde who spend their evenings and nights in our basement. I believe being a cat mom involves more than feeding and caring for them takes up a large part of my time. I try to give each of our fur kids petting, conversation and affection every day. 
Halo
Zoie Joy 
Freya and Zander 
BonnieandClyde
I want to wish all of you the best year of your lives, as well as health and success in all your endeavors. I also want to give every one of you a big Cozy Chicks hug. Thank you for being part of my life.
Best,KarenFor the love of Sherlock.
I do love Sherlock Holmes as do many others. In fact I’d say my love of Sherlock Holmes is one of the reasons I write mysteries. My author bio reads in part... While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy Brown longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. My license plate is Shrlok 1and the frame around it reads Come Watson come the game as afoot.
My daughter-in-law once felt the need to reminded me that Sherlock Holmes was indeed a fictional character and not a real person...how dare she. And wanting to get my VW Beetle shrink-wrapped in hunter-cap tweed complete with earflaps was a bit of obsession.Okay, this may all seem a bit over the top even for a Sherlock lover but...as they say...you ain’t seen nothing yet. I bought a Sherlock bear. Not just any bear but a seven-foot Sherlock bear and I take him everywhere. He just fits in the back of my SUV if I lay the seats down and wedge him kiddywampus. And I had to buy him his own cart to wheel him around.
Then I needed to tie him to the cart so he wouldn’t flip over. At times Sherlock Bears looks a bit like Sherlock in bondage but some things can’t be helped. I added to Sherlock Bear’s already dapper attire by buying him his very own bright yellow crime scene tape scarf that reads Crime Scene Do Not Cross. He looks so dashing!Sherlock Bear serves a lot of purposes. He fuels my love of Sherlock and I got by BFF with me and he draws a ton of attention. Pushing Sherlock Bear across the skywalk in downtown Cincinnati had cars stopping on 6thStreet and people pointing.
Sherlock does tend to steal the show! Crowds gather, selfies are taken, lots of chatter about the love of Sherlock, favorite Sherlock mystery and who ever best portrayed Sherlock in film. Personally, I do love Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock but all Sherlocks are amazing. Hands down Martin Freeman has to be the best Watson ever.One of the most exciting places I’ve taken Sherlock Bear is on a riverboat. A paddle wheeler, no less. He accompanied me on a reader/writer Two Dames Mystery Weekend that I do annually with Tonya Kappes and seventy-five readers. Getting Sherlock onboard the boat was a real challenge he almost didn’t fit down the gangplank!!I know this is a lot of Sherlockmania but there is a reason for my great love of the guy. He’s smart, he’s handsome, and he solves mysteries in unique ways that I just love. And now I have him wherever I go. My only regret is that Sherlock Bear’s legs don’t bend and I can’t have him ride shotgun in my VW convertible! So here’s to all things Sherlock Homes and those of us who think he is best detective ever. I wish you a Sherlock Bear of your own someday or a selfie with him. Happy reading and always remember... Life’s a mystery. Enjoy!Hugs, Duffy Brown
January 27, 2020
DYEING UP LOOSE ENDS
by Maggie SeftoFor those of you Cozy Chicks Blog readers and friends, you may just now be learning about some of the Cozy Chicks' murder mysteries. So I thought I'd post a description of the June 2016 Kelly Flynn murder mystery---DYEING UP LOOSE ENDS.
Four years have sped swiftly by, and Kelly Flynn and friends are all busy with children and careers. Baby Jack is now a rambunctious four-year old pre-schooler. The folks at Lambspun knitting shop are all immersed in the wonderful world of fiber until they are shocked by the murder of one of the café’s lovable staff. Kelly’s sleuthing instincts immediately go on alert, and she starts asking questions. But the answers are even more surprising.
January 26, 2020
WHY DOES MY CAT DROWN HER TOYS?
By Mary Kennedy
This is Calpurnia, looking rather somber at the question. Does she look guilty, ashamed, or maybe just thoughtful? She reminded me that the last time I asked about weird cat behavior I implied that the cat in question was clinically insane. (and yes, she found this suggestion offensive!) Her siblings are off somewhere sleeping and couldn't be bothered to join the discussion.
Since many of us have and love cats, I thought I'd reveal an odd behavior. When I buy my cats new catnip mice they invariably drown them in their water dish. Eww. Why, I wondered.
I've tried to come up with an explanation and have talked to some cat behaviorists. My own theory is that "nature is cruel," but here's what the experts say.
1. It's instinct to hide prey. Since cats don't have a den or lair to drag their prey back to, they bring it back to somewhere they know is theirs--the water dish. They figure it will be safe there.
2.Another possibility is that it's gathering or collecting behavior. Just like mother cats collect their kittens and bring them back to the nest.
3. Some experts believe that cats do this to remove the scent of their prey. They don't want their prey to be stolen by other predators.
Whatever the reason, this is probably one of those cat behaviors we will never understand! After all, who can understand the mind of a cat?
Mary Kennedy
This is Calpurnia, looking rather somber at the question. Does she look guilty, ashamed, or maybe just thoughtful? She reminded me that the last time I asked about weird cat behavior I implied that the cat in question was clinically insane. (and yes, she found this suggestion offensive!) Her siblings are off somewhere sleeping and couldn't be bothered to join the discussion.
Since many of us have and love cats, I thought I'd reveal an odd behavior. When I buy my cats new catnip mice they invariably drown them in their water dish. Eww. Why, I wondered.
I've tried to come up with an explanation and have talked to some cat behaviorists. My own theory is that "nature is cruel," but here's what the experts say.
1. It's instinct to hide prey. Since cats don't have a den or lair to drag their prey back to, they bring it back to somewhere they know is theirs--the water dish. They figure it will be safe there.
2.Another possibility is that it's gathering or collecting behavior. Just like mother cats collect their kittens and bring them back to the nest.
3. Some experts believe that cats do this to remove the scent of their prey. They don't want their prey to be stolen by other predators.
Whatever the reason, this is probably one of those cat behaviors we will never understand! After all, who can understand the mind of a cat?
Mary Kennedy
WHAT DOES MY CAT DROWN HER TOYS?
By Mary Kennedy
This is Calpurnia, looking rather somber at the question. Does she look guilty, ashamed, or maybe just thoughtful? She reminded me that the last time I asked about weird cat behavior I implied that the cat in question was clinically insane. (and yes, she found this suggestion offensive!) Her siblings are off somewhere sleeping and couldn't be bothered to join the discussion.
Since many of us have and love cats, I thought I'd reveal an odd behavior. When I buy my cats new catnip mice they invariably drown them in their water dish. Eww. Why, I wondered.
I've tried to come up with an explanation and have talked to some cat behaviorists. My own theory is that "nature is cruel," but here's what the experts say.
1. It's instinct to hide prey. Since cats don't have a den or lair to drag their prey back to, they bring it back to somewhere they know is theirs--the water dish. They figure it will be safe there.
2.Another possibility is that it's gathering or collecting behavior. Just like mother cats collect their kittens and bring them back to the nest.
3. Some experts believe that cats do this to remove the scent of their prey. They don't want their prey to be stolen by other predators.
Whatever the reason, this is probably one of those cat behaviors we will never understand! After all, who can understand the mind of a cat?
Mary Kennedy
This is Calpurnia, looking rather somber at the question. Does she look guilty, ashamed, or maybe just thoughtful? She reminded me that the last time I asked about weird cat behavior I implied that the cat in question was clinically insane. (and yes, she found this suggestion offensive!) Her siblings are off somewhere sleeping and couldn't be bothered to join the discussion.
Since many of us have and love cats, I thought I'd reveal an odd behavior. When I buy my cats new catnip mice they invariably drown them in their water dish. Eww. Why, I wondered.
I've tried to come up with an explanation and have talked to some cat behaviorists. My own theory is that "nature is cruel," but here's what the experts say.
1. It's instinct to hide prey. Since cats don't have a den or lair to drag their prey back to, they bring it back to somewhere they know is theirs--the water dish. They figure it will be safe there.
2.Another possibility is that it's gathering or collecting behavior. Just like mother cats collect their kittens and bring them back to the nest.
3. Some experts believe that cats do this to remove the scent of their prey. They don't want their prey to be stolen by other predators.
Whatever the reason, this is probably one of those cat behaviors we will never understand! After all, who can understand the mind of a cat?
Mary Kennedy
Happy National Peanut Brittle Day!
Are you a brittle fan, be it peanut, walnut, sunflower seeds, etc?
January 24, 2020
Love that Loaded Spud
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
A few weeks ago, Mr. L and I tried a new-to-us restaurant for lunch. I ordered a Cuban sandwich on our first visit. It wasn't the best I'd tasted. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed. Mr. L chose a brisket sandwich and he raved about it. He wanted to go back. Me? Not so much. But before we went last week, I went through the menu at least three times and could not find anything I wanted. The only thing that vaguely interested me was a loaded potato. I love baked potatoes and when I'm at home, I usually only have butter and a lot of fresh-ground black pepper. Because I'm trying to lose weight, I ordered it with the grilled chicken, but without the sour cream and cheese ... but that's mainly because I don't care for sour cream or cheese. (Okay, I'm a bit of a picky eater.)
It was GOOD . So good, that days later, I was still thinking about it. And so this past Tuesday, we went back for our third try. (Mr. L and I go out to lunch twice a week. Yeah, not really a good thing if you're trying to lose weight, but I'm down six pounds with intermittent fasting, so...it could be worse.)
The bartender messed up my martini (ick--he made it dirty, dumping in olive juice), not a good omen but they replaced it right away. And when it was time to order, I had made up my mind that I would try the potato topped with pulled pork instead of grilled chicken. (Just to try it out, you understand.) But when it came my turn to order I found myself blurting "with prime rib."
Where did that come from?
It's been more than a year since I had prime rib. Besides ground beef in a burger, taco, or a burrito, I'm just not a fan of beef and if I eat it once a month, that's a lot. EXCEPT for prime rib. I really LOVE it, but it's so expensive, we only have it once a year, usually on my Mum's birthday--even though she's been gone for nearly five years. We used to invite her (and Dad) over for supper on her birthday and always served prime rib. (We always had lobster on Dad's birthday.)
OMG -- that loaded potato was even better then the one the week before. The beef was cooked to perfection, and though there wasn't a lot of it, it was the perfect amount and beautifully seasoned.
We're planning on going back next week and guess what I intend to order?
P.S. These pictures don't do it justice. I will have to take a photo the next time we go.
What do you like on your loaded spud?
A few weeks ago, Mr. L and I tried a new-to-us restaurant for lunch. I ordered a Cuban sandwich on our first visit. It wasn't the best I'd tasted. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed. Mr. L chose a brisket sandwich and he raved about it. He wanted to go back. Me? Not so much. But before we went last week, I went through the menu at least three times and could not find anything I wanted. The only thing that vaguely interested me was a loaded potato. I love baked potatoes and when I'm at home, I usually only have butter and a lot of fresh-ground black pepper. Because I'm trying to lose weight, I ordered it with the grilled chicken, but without the sour cream and cheese ... but that's mainly because I don't care for sour cream or cheese. (Okay, I'm a bit of a picky eater.)
It was GOOD . So good, that days later, I was still thinking about it. And so this past Tuesday, we went back for our third try. (Mr. L and I go out to lunch twice a week. Yeah, not really a good thing if you're trying to lose weight, but I'm down six pounds with intermittent fasting, so...it could be worse.)
The bartender messed up my martini (ick--he made it dirty, dumping in olive juice), not a good omen but they replaced it right away. And when it was time to order, I had made up my mind that I would try the potato topped with pulled pork instead of grilled chicken. (Just to try it out, you understand.) But when it came my turn to order I found myself blurting "with prime rib."Where did that come from?
It's been more than a year since I had prime rib. Besides ground beef in a burger, taco, or a burrito, I'm just not a fan of beef and if I eat it once a month, that's a lot. EXCEPT for prime rib. I really LOVE it, but it's so expensive, we only have it once a year, usually on my Mum's birthday--even though she's been gone for nearly five years. We used to invite her (and Dad) over for supper on her birthday and always served prime rib. (We always had lobster on Dad's birthday.)
OMG -- that loaded potato was even better then the one the week before. The beef was cooked to perfection, and though there wasn't a lot of it, it was the perfect amount and beautifully seasoned. We're planning on going back next week and guess what I intend to order?
P.S. These pictures don't do it justice. I will have to take a photo the next time we go.
What do you like on your loaded spud?
January 22, 2020
Can Making A Souffle Really Be "Easy"?
by Karen Rose Smith
I love souffles but have always hesitated trying to make one. Perhaps that is because of all the souffle flops I've seen on cooking competition shows. Making a souffle can be tricky. You must follow the directions carefully or your souffle will not rise. The other drawback to serving a souffle is that it must be created right before the meal you are preparing so you can serve it before it falls. I decided to try a souffle on New Year's Day since it seemed to pair well with the ham, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and green beans that I had planned to serve. A family member is on a Keto diet so this cheese souffle fit into that too.
I had great hopes since I found a recipe for an "easy" three cheese souffle. However, I had a funny feeling as I was following the recipe that I had not beaten the egg whites to stiff-enough peaks. I hoped my doubts would be alleviated with the final product. The souffle did indeed rise but not as high as I had hoped with a nice "top hat" above the rim of the pan. It spooned out of the pan nicely and was done through to the center. And it tasted yummy.
The next week, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try the recipe again...for just me and my husband. No great expectations and no need for perfection. I beat the egg whites to stiffer peaks and watched through the oven door as the souffle rose to a beautiful height with a distinctive "top hat." It was even more fluffy than my first attempt and was cheesy delicious. Needless to say, we ate leftover souffle for the next couple of days.
Here is the recipe for EASY THREE CHEESE SOUFFLE:
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, divided
6 eggs, separated
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1. Spray a 1 1/2 quart souffle dish with cooking spray; coat evenly with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
2. Blend egg yolks, milk, cream cheese, cheddar and remaining Parmesan in blender on high speed 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into a large bowl.
3. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in separate mixer bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir into cheese mixture; pour into prepared souffle dish. With tip of spoon, make a slight indentation or "track" around the edge of the souffle to form "top hat."
4. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 40 minutes or until top is puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Then enjoy!!!
*****************
NOW AVAILABLE
Keith Rebert is homeless with a sad story that includes the death of his wife and medical bills that decimated his finances. Daisy and her friend Jonas Groft meet him through one of Daisy’s employees and offer help. But soon Keith is caught up in a murder investigation. He was supplying the shop Pirated Treasures with antiques, including Gettysburg Battlefield memorabilia. The nephew of the shop’s owner, Barry Storm, was lowballing merchandise that Keith brought in. One day Keith and Barry vehemently argued. Soon after, Barry was found dead, killed with a marble rolling pin that held Keith’s fingerprints. Daisy’s special for the month, cherry tarts, was found spilled on the floor next to him. Keith is the number one suspect.
Keith finds a job on a farm where he can live in a cabin with his daughter Mandy. A friend of Barry’s lived and worked there before the murder, then suddenly moved out. As Daisy finds clues that give insight into Barry’s life and prepares for her daughter’s wedding, she faces danger, verbally battles with the detective on the case, and tries to figure out what part Jonas Groft plays in her life. When she finds the ultimate clue that tells her exactly what Barry Storm was involved in, she almost loses her life.
MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Amazon
MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Barnes and Noble
I love souffles but have always hesitated trying to make one. Perhaps that is because of all the souffle flops I've seen on cooking competition shows. Making a souffle can be tricky. You must follow the directions carefully or your souffle will not rise. The other drawback to serving a souffle is that it must be created right before the meal you are preparing so you can serve it before it falls. I decided to try a souffle on New Year's Day since it seemed to pair well with the ham, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and green beans that I had planned to serve. A family member is on a Keto diet so this cheese souffle fit into that too.
I had great hopes since I found a recipe for an "easy" three cheese souffle. However, I had a funny feeling as I was following the recipe that I had not beaten the egg whites to stiff-enough peaks. I hoped my doubts would be alleviated with the final product. The souffle did indeed rise but not as high as I had hoped with a nice "top hat" above the rim of the pan. It spooned out of the pan nicely and was done through to the center. And it tasted yummy.
The next week, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try the recipe again...for just me and my husband. No great expectations and no need for perfection. I beat the egg whites to stiffer peaks and watched through the oven door as the souffle rose to a beautiful height with a distinctive "top hat." It was even more fluffy than my first attempt and was cheesy delicious. Needless to say, we ate leftover souffle for the next couple of days.
Here is the recipe for EASY THREE CHEESE SOUFFLE:
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, divided
6 eggs, separated
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1. Spray a 1 1/2 quart souffle dish with cooking spray; coat evenly with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
2. Blend egg yolks, milk, cream cheese, cheddar and remaining Parmesan in blender on high speed 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into a large bowl.
3. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in separate mixer bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir into cheese mixture; pour into prepared souffle dish. With tip of spoon, make a slight indentation or "track" around the edge of the souffle to form "top hat."
4. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 40 minutes or until top is puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Then enjoy!!!
*****************
NOW AVAILABLE
Keith Rebert is homeless with a sad story that includes the death of his wife and medical bills that decimated his finances. Daisy and her friend Jonas Groft meet him through one of Daisy’s employees and offer help. But soon Keith is caught up in a murder investigation. He was supplying the shop Pirated Treasures with antiques, including Gettysburg Battlefield memorabilia. The nephew of the shop’s owner, Barry Storm, was lowballing merchandise that Keith brought in. One day Keith and Barry vehemently argued. Soon after, Barry was found dead, killed with a marble rolling pin that held Keith’s fingerprints. Daisy’s special for the month, cherry tarts, was found spilled on the floor next to him. Keith is the number one suspect.
Keith finds a job on a farm where he can live in a cabin with his daughter Mandy. A friend of Barry’s lived and worked there before the murder, then suddenly moved out. As Daisy finds clues that give insight into Barry’s life and prepares for her daughter’s wedding, she faces danger, verbally battles with the detective on the case, and tries to figure out what part Jonas Groft plays in her life. When she finds the ultimate clue that tells her exactly what Barry Storm was involved in, she almost loses her life.
MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Amazon
MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Barnes and Noble
January 21, 2020
Pets out of nowhere
There are a lot of pet owners out there and we come to our pets in the most unusual ways. I’m a firm believer that your pet comes to you, you don’t find them. It’s something in the cosmic universe that brings you two together.Maybe you’re driving along on one of those dark and stormy nights and there, in the middle of the road is a stray just waiting for you. A friend was pregnant and driving across an icy bridge and there walking across the handrail was a kitten slipping and sliding and inches from death of falling into the river. She rescue the kitten and he was the best pet ever and best of friends with her then unborn babe.
I found Spooky in Kroger’s parking lot mixed in with the shopping cars scared and mewing for all she was worth. I went into the store and bought a can of cat food to woo her out so I could get her.My first cat, Pixel, was supposed to be for my son. Yeah, we know how those stories turn out. When he crossed the rainbow bridge I told the kids...no more cats for bit. The next week my son brings me a kitten he found in an ice cream shop parking lot. He needed a home, I had one, end of story.
So many cats and dogs wind up on our doorsteps, they seem to know instinctively who will love and care for them. God bless those who rescue animals from horrid situations and make them family. (IMHO anyone who mistreats an animal should burn in hell for all eternity and I mean it)So what about you? How did you get your first pet? How did he come into your life and save you more than you saved him?Hugs, Duffy
