Kate Collins's Blog, page 77
November 3, 2017
A Simple Life?
by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett
How big is your To Be Read pile? I buy a lot of books and sometimes it's years before I get to read them. I bought a book at Barnes & Noble a while back ... it must have been QUITE a while back, because I though, "Wow -- I've never seen this book before IN MY LIFE." But I must have, because I always put the price sticker on the back of the dust jacket flap. Because my job is writing fiction, read a lot of non-fiction.
The book? Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James.
There are a lot of good ideas in this little book. Things like pay off your mortgage. (Yeah, that's an easy one.) Get out of debt. (Another easy one.) Buy in bulk. Works great for families, not so good for two people--especially if you follow her suggestion to move to a smaller house. I don't have enough closet space now? Where would I put my stuff if I moved to a smaller house? She's got the answer for that, too ... get rid of all your stuff.
Get rid of my stuff? Are you crazy?
Mind you, my Mum was a bit of a pack rat, and I don't have nearly as much stuff as she accumulated. Still, I've got a lot of stuff. I like my stuff and I have tried parting with it. But then I get more stuff.
I have this problem "rescuing" stuff at yard sales. Lots of times I find homes for the stuff. (Like teacups, teapots, etc.) Other stuff...not so easy. Earlier this summer, I posted on my Facebook Group (Lorraine's Perpetual Tea Party) some little vintage cookbooklets I got at a yard sale; did readers think it was a good giveaway. YES! So, everytime I saw one at a yard sale, I bought it. We're in week three of the giveaway and it hasn't been as successful as I would have liked. (The contest is over for this week, but join the page and enter next week's drawing!)
Back to the book.
Another helpful hint: turn off the TV. Too late. I did that back in 2003. Don't ask me if I've seen Game of Thrones, Outlander, or the Walking Dead. The last TV show I regularly watched was Fraiser. I do watch TV shows on Youtube. (well, I have it on; I'm usually doing other stuff). I think I saw about 40 gastric bypass surgeries over the summer watching Fat Doctor. (Fascinating stories.) I've seen just about every Gordon Ramsey show he's ever made (I like the Brit versions better), and watch a lot of tutorials. But network (and cable) TV. Nope.
Ms. St. James also suggests you get rid of your houseplants. WHAT? Just when my thumb has started to turn green? Listen, honey, if the plant still has life in it, I'm keeping it. Three of my late mother's violets are blooming right this minute and I can't tell you how much pleasure they give me. Nope. Not tossing them.
So, I guess the thing is that ... right now, I'm not ready to simplify my life.
How about you?
How big is your To Be Read pile? I buy a lot of books and sometimes it's years before I get to read them. I bought a book at Barnes & Noble a while back ... it must have been QUITE a while back, because I though, "Wow -- I've never seen this book before IN MY LIFE." But I must have, because I always put the price sticker on the back of the dust jacket flap. Because my job is writing fiction, read a lot of non-fiction.The book? Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James.
There are a lot of good ideas in this little book. Things like pay off your mortgage. (Yeah, that's an easy one.) Get out of debt. (Another easy one.) Buy in bulk. Works great for families, not so good for two people--especially if you follow her suggestion to move to a smaller house. I don't have enough closet space now? Where would I put my stuff if I moved to a smaller house? She's got the answer for that, too ... get rid of all your stuff.
Get rid of my stuff? Are you crazy?
Mind you, my Mum was a bit of a pack rat, and I don't have nearly as much stuff as she accumulated. Still, I've got a lot of stuff. I like my stuff and I have tried parting with it. But then I get more stuff.
I have this problem "rescuing" stuff at yard sales. Lots of times I find homes for the stuff. (Like teacups, teapots, etc.) Other stuff...not so easy. Earlier this summer, I posted on my Facebook Group (Lorraine's Perpetual Tea Party) some little vintage cookbooklets I got at a yard sale; did readers think it was a good giveaway. YES! So, everytime I saw one at a yard sale, I bought it. We're in week three of the giveaway and it hasn't been as successful as I would have liked. (The contest is over for this week, but join the page and enter next week's drawing!)Back to the book.
Another helpful hint: turn off the TV. Too late. I did that back in 2003. Don't ask me if I've seen Game of Thrones, Outlander, or the Walking Dead. The last TV show I regularly watched was Fraiser. I do watch TV shows on Youtube. (well, I have it on; I'm usually doing other stuff). I think I saw about 40 gastric bypass surgeries over the summer watching Fat Doctor. (Fascinating stories.) I've seen just about every Gordon Ramsey show he's ever made (I like the Brit versions better), and watch a lot of tutorials. But network (and cable) TV. Nope.
Ms. St. James also suggests you get rid of your houseplants. WHAT? Just when my thumb has started to turn green? Listen, honey, if the plant still has life in it, I'm keeping it. Three of my late mother's violets are blooming right this minute and I can't tell you how much pleasure they give me. Nope. Not tossing them.So, I guess the thing is that ... right now, I'm not ready to simplify my life.
How about you?
November 2, 2017
SLAY BELLS RING
by Karen Rose Smith
I'm so excited to announce my new release to you. SLAY BELLS RING, my seventh Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery is a holiday cozy. It is available in print and ebook. I hope I have captured the warmth of the holidays and multi-faceted characters, as well as sentiments of the season.
The Santa cabin in SLAY BELLS RING is based on the cabin in Hanover, PA where both my husband and son visited Santa when they were children.
The Merriweather's house that Caprice stages looks something like this!
The dog in SLAY BELLS RING plays an important role. His name is BLITZ and he's a white Malamute.
Preview of SLAY BELLS RING
Christopher and Sara Merriweather have the perfect life. They are selling their beautiful historic home that Caprice De Luca stages with the theme Christmas Delight. They plan to downsize. Their grown children are in the vicinity and their craft shop is doing well. Blitz, the white Malamute Chris rescued, is always by his side. A Vietnam veteran, Chris has come to terms with his PTSD and even plays Santa Claus. When he is murdered at the sleigh on Santa Lane not far from Santa's cabin, everyone is shocked. (Blitz may have seen the murderer.) As Caprice delves into the Merriweathers' lives, she discovers more than one secret.
I'm so excited to announce my new release to you. SLAY BELLS RING, my seventh Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery is a holiday cozy. It is available in print and ebook. I hope I have captured the warmth of the holidays and multi-faceted characters, as well as sentiments of the season.
The Santa cabin in SLAY BELLS RING is based on the cabin in Hanover, PA where both my husband and son visited Santa when they were children.The Merriweather's house that Caprice stages looks something like this!
The dog in SLAY BELLS RING plays an important role. His name is BLITZ and he's a white Malamute.
Preview of SLAY BELLS RING
Christopher and Sara Merriweather have the perfect life. They are selling their beautiful historic home that Caprice De Luca stages with the theme Christmas Delight. They plan to downsize. Their grown children are in the vicinity and their craft shop is doing well. Blitz, the white Malamute Chris rescued, is always by his side. A Vietnam veteran, Chris has come to terms with his PTSD and even plays Santa Claus. When he is murdered at the sleigh on Santa Lane not far from Santa's cabin, everyone is shocked. (Blitz may have seen the murderer.) As Caprice delves into the Merriweathers' lives, she discovers more than one secret.
October 31, 2017
National Authors Day
Guess what...it really is National Authors Day. I love this day not just because I am lucky enough to be an author but long before that I was awe of them.I remember the first time I met a member of the family who wrote a book. He was upset because the publisher turned him down but I was flabbergasted that this guy I knew wrote a whole book! Wow! That it was on the concrete industry might have had a little of why it never got published but I didn’t care about that. He wrote a book!
When I was in high school I really did want to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. Okay I finally got real and faced that he was a fictional character and Author Conan Doyle was dead in the ground so I tried for Maurice Syndak author of Where the Wild Things Are. I looooove that book and thought that Maurice would be a great date.He declined.
Then there’s the the incredible Carolyn Keene. When I was a kid I thought she was a person who wrote the Nancy Drew books, the true inspiration of my life. Only when I was in college did I realize Carolyn Keene was a pen name for a bunch of authors. I really didn’t care all that much because I thought all those people were great authors.Then it was on to hero worship for Janet Evanovich! I tell you this author made me want to write mysteries with humor. I love her Stephanie Plum character and the fun I had when reading the stories. A mini vacation to Jersey.
Okay so these are some of my fave authors so what about you? What author did you just fall in love with as a kid? Couldn’t wait to get your hands on the next book they wrote?Thanks to all the authors! You inspire, you teach, you console and you bring fun to our lives.
October 30, 2017
by Maggie SeftonThis is perfect timing for me to mention ...
by Maggie SeftonThis is perfect timing for me to mention my Halloween -based short, short story that I wrote a while ago called HALLOWEEN SCARE. It features the Kelly Flynn characters and is centered in Lambspun, where shop owner Mimi plus Lambspun staff and friends are holding a Halloween party for Lambspun customers and friends. There's food, fun, and an honest-to-goodness Halloween scary incident happening with the characters. :) Check it out at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
October 29, 2017
CHEESE STRAWS TO DIE FOR!
By Mary Kennedy
It doesn't matter how you shape them, cheese straws are a delicious treat and go with everything from iced tea to minosas. I first learned about cheese straws when I lived down south, and I included them in my Dream Club mysteries. When the ladies in the Dream Club meet to discuss their dreams (and solve a murder or two), they often nibble on cheese straws. Taylor and Ali Blake (who host the meetings in their apartment above the vintage candy shop) know how to put on a spread, and in Savannah, that's saying a lot. As one of my friends says, you don't have to be a foodie to live in Savannah, but it helps!
So here goes with the recipe, it is incredibly easy!
Cheddar Cheese Straws
2 sticks of butter1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated by hand2 cups all purpose flour1 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper2 cups Rice Krispies
Mix first 5 ingredients with a fork, then add Rice Krispies. Use your hands to make sure the Rice Krispies are distributed evenly. Now, cover the bowl and chill for 2 hours.
Roll into small balls, then flatten them on an ungreased cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Flatten then with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 60 of these delicious treats.
You can also make a rolled out version and cut in strips or straw, but this version is easier.
My version actually looks like cookies.
Bon appetit!
Mary Kennedy
It doesn't matter how you shape them, cheese straws are a delicious treat and go with everything from iced tea to minosas. I first learned about cheese straws when I lived down south, and I included them in my Dream Club mysteries. When the ladies in the Dream Club meet to discuss their dreams (and solve a murder or two), they often nibble on cheese straws. Taylor and Ali Blake (who host the meetings in their apartment above the vintage candy shop) know how to put on a spread, and in Savannah, that's saying a lot. As one of my friends says, you don't have to be a foodie to live in Savannah, but it helps!
So here goes with the recipe, it is incredibly easy!
Cheddar Cheese Straws
2 sticks of butter1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated by hand2 cups all purpose flour1 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper2 cups Rice Krispies
Mix first 5 ingredients with a fork, then add Rice Krispies. Use your hands to make sure the Rice Krispies are distributed evenly. Now, cover the bowl and chill for 2 hours.
Roll into small balls, then flatten them on an ungreased cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Flatten then with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 60 of these delicious treats.
You can also make a rolled out version and cut in strips or straw, but this version is easier.
My version actually looks like cookies.
Bon appetit!
Mary Kennedy
October 27, 2017
Spotlight on Dr. Maggie Walsh
by Mary Kennedy
writing as Dr. Maggie Walsh
As a psychologist, I should know that life is full of surprises. When I closed up my Manhattan practice and moved to sunny south Florida to host a radio talk show, I took a leap of faith. It all came about quite by chance. I read an ad posted by the manager of WYME Radio, who was looking for a daytime talk show host. I auditioned, got the job and I figured it would be a hoot. My show was called "On the Couch with Dr. Maggie." (I didn't pick the name, the station manager did) It doesn't sound too professional, does it? He thought it was "cute and catchy." Oh well. You can't win them all.
Did I miss Manhattan?
No way! I was sick of the cold, sick of the traffic and the sky-high real estate problems. And...dare I say it? I was sick of listening to people's problems all day long.
So I was off to sunny south Florida ready to start a new life in paradise. My own radio show? The bottom rungs of show business to be sure, but I was excited at the prospect.
But I was in for a surprise right off the bat. One of my first guests, a self-styled guru, was murdered right after he appeared on my show. And worst of all, my dear roommate Lark was a suspect. So I had to leap in and try to solve the crime, didn’t I? You can read about the guru and his untimely demise in DEAD AIR.
Another surprise: I found I had a knack for solving murders!
Later. a glitzy fundraiser at a south Florida mansion sounded like fun. I never expected to stumble over a dead body. Luckily Mom and my producer, Vera Mae, were there to help me look for the killer. You can read all about it in A Deadly Fundraiser.
I don't know what I'd do without Mom (a starstruck woman in her late fifties who thinks she's 35) or Vera Mae, my fabulous WYME Radio producer. They are as different as chalk and cheese but are equally loveable and excellent amateur sleuths. Lola is a "force of nature" and never gives up on scoring a movie role even though she ruefully admits, parts are hard to come by for a woman "of a certain age." Vera Mae, on the other hand, is happy with her life at WYME, keeps us all on our toes, regales us with her southern expressions and is a first rate producer. If I could change one thing about her, it would be her hairdo. It reminds me of Marge Simpson and I can't get her to change it. She really believes that "the higher the hairdo, the closer to God."
And my sweet little Pugsley. He's helped me solve crimes and showers me with unconditional love and lots of doggie kisses. .
So it’s all been a surprising and wonderful journey here in Cypress Grove. Hope you enjoy the Talk Radio series and watch for a new release, Death of a Shady Shrink.
About the Author:Mary Kennedy is a practicing psychologist and the author of the Talk Radio Mysteries and the Dream Club Mysteries. She's written nearly 50 novels, including both mysteries and young adult fiction and has sold over four million books worldwide. Mary lives with her husband and six neurotic cats in the northeast. She has tried unsuccessfully to psychoanalyze both husband and cats, but she remains optimistic. You can visit her at www.marykennedy.net or at the Cozy Chicks www.cozychicksblog.com where she blogs every Monday
writing as Dr. Maggie Walsh
As a psychologist, I should know that life is full of surprises. When I closed up my Manhattan practice and moved to sunny south Florida to host a radio talk show, I took a leap of faith. It all came about quite by chance. I read an ad posted by the manager of WYME Radio, who was looking for a daytime talk show host. I auditioned, got the job and I figured it would be a hoot. My show was called "On the Couch with Dr. Maggie." (I didn't pick the name, the station manager did) It doesn't sound too professional, does it? He thought it was "cute and catchy." Oh well. You can't win them all.
Did I miss Manhattan?
No way! I was sick of the cold, sick of the traffic and the sky-high real estate problems. And...dare I say it? I was sick of listening to people's problems all day long.
So I was off to sunny south Florida ready to start a new life in paradise. My own radio show? The bottom rungs of show business to be sure, but I was excited at the prospect.
But I was in for a surprise right off the bat. One of my first guests, a self-styled guru, was murdered right after he appeared on my show. And worst of all, my dear roommate Lark was a suspect. So I had to leap in and try to solve the crime, didn’t I? You can read about the guru and his untimely demise in DEAD AIR.
Another surprise: I found I had a knack for solving murders!
Later. a glitzy fundraiser at a south Florida mansion sounded like fun. I never expected to stumble over a dead body. Luckily Mom and my producer, Vera Mae, were there to help me look for the killer. You can read all about it in A Deadly Fundraiser.
I don't know what I'd do without Mom (a starstruck woman in her late fifties who thinks she's 35) or Vera Mae, my fabulous WYME Radio producer. They are as different as chalk and cheese but are equally loveable and excellent amateur sleuths. Lola is a "force of nature" and never gives up on scoring a movie role even though she ruefully admits, parts are hard to come by for a woman "of a certain age." Vera Mae, on the other hand, is happy with her life at WYME, keeps us all on our toes, regales us with her southern expressions and is a first rate producer. If I could change one thing about her, it would be her hairdo. It reminds me of Marge Simpson and I can't get her to change it. She really believes that "the higher the hairdo, the closer to God."
And my sweet little Pugsley. He's helped me solve crimes and showers me with unconditional love and lots of doggie kisses. .
So it’s all been a surprising and wonderful journey here in Cypress Grove. Hope you enjoy the Talk Radio series and watch for a new release, Death of a Shady Shrink.
About the Author:Mary Kennedy is a practicing psychologist and the author of the Talk Radio Mysteries and the Dream Club Mysteries. She's written nearly 50 novels, including both mysteries and young adult fiction and has sold over four million books worldwide. Mary lives with her husband and six neurotic cats in the northeast. She has tried unsuccessfully to psychoanalyze both husband and cats, but she remains optimistic. You can visit her at www.marykennedy.net or at the Cozy Chicks www.cozychicksblog.com where she blogs every Monday
Spotlight on Dr. Maqgie Walsh
by Mary Kennedy
writing as Dr. Maggie Walsh
As a psychologist, I should know that life is full of surprises. When I closed up my Manhattan practice and moved to sunny south Florida to host a radio talk show, I took a leap of faith. It all came about quite by chance. I read an ad posted by the manager of WYME Radio, who was looking for a daytime talk show host. I auditioned, got the job and I figured it would be a hoot. My show was called "On the Couch with Dr. Maggie." (I didn't pick the name, the station manager did) It doesn't sound too professional, does it? He thought it was "cute and catchy." Oh well. You can't win them all.
Did I miss Manhattan?
No way! I was sick of the cold, sick of the traffic and the sky-high real estate problems. And...dare I say it? I was sick of listening to people's problems all day long.
So I was off to sunny south Florida ready to start a new life in paradise. My own radio show? The bottom rungs of show business to be sure, but I was excited at the prospect.
But I was in for a surprise right off the bat. One of my first guests, a self-styled guru, was murdered right after he appeared on my show. And worst of all, my dear roommate Lark was a suspect. So I had to leap in and try to solve the crime, didn’t I? You can read about the guru and his untimely demise in DEAD AIR.
Another surprise: I found I had a knack for solving murders!
Later. a glitzy fundraiser at a south Florida mansion sounded like fun. I never expected to stumble over a dead body. Luckily Mom and my producer, Vera Mae, were there to help me look for the killer. You can read all about it in A Deadly Fundraiser.
I don't know what I'd do without Mom (a starstruck woman in her late fifties who thinks she's 35) or Vera Mae, my fabulous WYME Radio producer. They are as different as chalk and cheese but are equally loveable and excellent amateur sleuths. Lola is a "force of nature" and never gives up on scoring a movie role even though she ruefully admits, parts are hard to come by for a woman "of a certain age." Vera Mae, on the other hand, is happy with her life at WYME, keeps us all on our toes, regales us with her southern expressions and is a first rate producer. If I could change one thing about her, it would be her hairdo. It reminds me of Marge Simpson and I can't get her to change it. She really believes that "the higher the hairdo, the closer to God."
And my sweet little Pugsley. He's helped me solve crimes and showers me with unconditional love and lots of doggie kisses. Here's the picture of the "real" Pugsley who belongs to a neighbor. She filled me in on how to win a Pug's heart and I followed her advice.
So it’s all been a surprising and wonderful journey with many more books to come! Hope you enjoy the Talk Radio series as much as I enjoy writing it.
About the Author:Mary Kennedy is a practicing psychologist and the author of the Talk Radio Mysteries and the Dream Club Mysteries. She's written nearly 50 novels, including both mysteries and young adult fiction and has sold over four million books worldwide. Mary lives with her husband and six neurotic cats in the northeast. She has tried unsuccessfully to psychoanalyze both husband and cats, but she remains optimistic. You can visit her at www.marykennedy.net or at the Cozy Chicks www.cozychicksblog.com where she blogs every Monday
writing as Dr. Maggie Walsh
As a psychologist, I should know that life is full of surprises. When I closed up my Manhattan practice and moved to sunny south Florida to host a radio talk show, I took a leap of faith. It all came about quite by chance. I read an ad posted by the manager of WYME Radio, who was looking for a daytime talk show host. I auditioned, got the job and I figured it would be a hoot. My show was called "On the Couch with Dr. Maggie." (I didn't pick the name, the station manager did) It doesn't sound too professional, does it? He thought it was "cute and catchy." Oh well. You can't win them all.
Did I miss Manhattan?
No way! I was sick of the cold, sick of the traffic and the sky-high real estate problems. And...dare I say it? I was sick of listening to people's problems all day long.
So I was off to sunny south Florida ready to start a new life in paradise. My own radio show? The bottom rungs of show business to be sure, but I was excited at the prospect.
But I was in for a surprise right off the bat. One of my first guests, a self-styled guru, was murdered right after he appeared on my show. And worst of all, my dear roommate Lark was a suspect. So I had to leap in and try to solve the crime, didn’t I? You can read about the guru and his untimely demise in DEAD AIR.
Another surprise: I found I had a knack for solving murders!
Later. a glitzy fundraiser at a south Florida mansion sounded like fun. I never expected to stumble over a dead body. Luckily Mom and my producer, Vera Mae, were there to help me look for the killer. You can read all about it in A Deadly Fundraiser.
I don't know what I'd do without Mom (a starstruck woman in her late fifties who thinks she's 35) or Vera Mae, my fabulous WYME Radio producer. They are as different as chalk and cheese but are equally loveable and excellent amateur sleuths. Lola is a "force of nature" and never gives up on scoring a movie role even though she ruefully admits, parts are hard to come by for a woman "of a certain age." Vera Mae, on the other hand, is happy with her life at WYME, keeps us all on our toes, regales us with her southern expressions and is a first rate producer. If I could change one thing about her, it would be her hairdo. It reminds me of Marge Simpson and I can't get her to change it. She really believes that "the higher the hairdo, the closer to God."
And my sweet little Pugsley. He's helped me solve crimes and showers me with unconditional love and lots of doggie kisses. Here's the picture of the "real" Pugsley who belongs to a neighbor. She filled me in on how to win a Pug's heart and I followed her advice.
So it’s all been a surprising and wonderful journey with many more books to come! Hope you enjoy the Talk Radio series as much as I enjoy writing it.
About the Author:Mary Kennedy is a practicing psychologist and the author of the Talk Radio Mysteries and the Dream Club Mysteries. She's written nearly 50 novels, including both mysteries and young adult fiction and has sold over four million books worldwide. Mary lives with her husband and six neurotic cats in the northeast. She has tried unsuccessfully to psychoanalyze both husband and cats, but she remains optimistic. You can visit her at www.marykennedy.net or at the Cozy Chicks www.cozychicksblog.com where she blogs every Monday
Soup Time!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
It's that time of year ... Soup Time.
When the weather turns colder, is there anything more comforting than a nice, hot bowl of soup. (Don't answer right now) A few years ago, I made my very first turkey vegetable soup. It wasn't very good. But I made a huge vat so I had a LOT of servings, which I froze. Then I discovered that eating soup for lunch made it possible to lose a couple of pounds. Yes, soup is good food.
So I started making soup on a regular basis. I'd save the chicken carcasses and make chicken soup, but some of the bones on a chicken are really small and no matter how much I sieved it, and picked through the remains, a few little bones got through. Mr. L will NOT eat my chicken soup, so I quit saving the carcasses and, after a reader's suggestion, started buying turkey parts to make soup. Turkey's have much bigger bones, and seldom does one get through. (But Mr. L still won't eat my turkey soup. Go figure! Ah, well. More for me!)
I also make a lot of 16 (or 15--depending on the package) bean soup. Before the end of summer, I visit my favorite Mennonite grocery store and stock up on ham hocks. The ones in my regular store are not only overly smoked, but virtually have no meat on them. The ones from the Mennonite store are a little more money, but man--what a great bean soup they make. (I have 6 hocks in the freezer. That's about enough for 60 bowls of soup! Yum-Yum!)
Yesterday I made one of my favorite soups: Cabbage Soup. This soup has virtually NO calories, and there's a reason it's got a reputation as a weight-loss diet in and of itself. The thing is, it tastes pretty darn good, too.
Cabbage SoupIngredients3 tablespoons olive oil½ onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 quarts water 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules1 teaspoon salt, or to taste½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste ½ head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped Cabbage 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, drained and diced4 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (optional)
In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is transparent, about 5 minutes. Stir in water, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir in cabbage. Simmer until cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and the vinegar. Return to a boil, then simmer 15 to 30 minutes, stirring often.
Yield: 6-8 servings
Okay, now spill it. What's your favorite comfort food?
It's that time of year ... Soup Time.When the weather turns colder, is there anything more comforting than a nice, hot bowl of soup. (Don't answer right now) A few years ago, I made my very first turkey vegetable soup. It wasn't very good. But I made a huge vat so I had a LOT of servings, which I froze. Then I discovered that eating soup for lunch made it possible to lose a couple of pounds. Yes, soup is good food.
So I started making soup on a regular basis. I'd save the chicken carcasses and make chicken soup, but some of the bones on a chicken are really small and no matter how much I sieved it, and picked through the remains, a few little bones got through. Mr. L will NOT eat my chicken soup, so I quit saving the carcasses and, after a reader's suggestion, started buying turkey parts to make soup. Turkey's have much bigger bones, and seldom does one get through. (But Mr. L still won't eat my turkey soup. Go figure! Ah, well. More for me!)
I also make a lot of 16 (or 15--depending on the package) bean soup. Before the end of summer, I visit my favorite Mennonite grocery store and stock up on ham hocks. The ones in my regular store are not only overly smoked, but virtually have no meat on them. The ones from the Mennonite store are a little more money, but man--what a great bean soup they make. (I have 6 hocks in the freezer. That's about enough for 60 bowls of soup! Yum-Yum!)
Yesterday I made one of my favorite soups: Cabbage Soup. This soup has virtually NO calories, and there's a reason it's got a reputation as a weight-loss diet in and of itself. The thing is, it tastes pretty darn good, too.
Cabbage SoupIngredients3 tablespoons olive oil½ onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 quarts water 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules1 teaspoon salt, or to taste½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste ½ head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped Cabbage 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, drained and diced4 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (optional)In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is transparent, about 5 minutes. Stir in water, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir in cabbage. Simmer until cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and the vinegar. Return to a boil, then simmer 15 to 30 minutes, stirring often.
Yield: 6-8 servings
Okay, now spill it. What's your favorite comfort food?
October 26, 2017
October Plant Beauties
by Karen Rose Smith
October in Pennsylvania means change, not only because of shorter days and cooler temperatures, but because the garden landscape changes too. I’m always pleased to still find color in the garden from the plants that like cooler weather, even during sunny hours.
Zinnias (I probably plant about 2000 in the spring around Memorial Day) can last until the end of October, still brilliant with color. As they end and dry, clip off the blossoms to save the seeds for the following summer. I set them in a container and let inside heat dry them more before I shake out and remove the seeds. Profusion zinnias which are shorter and bushier are at their fullest and best in the fall.
Mums are the traditional fall flower. Some of our mums we've had since we moved into our house over 20 years ago. They come up each year. We haven't been as lucky with the newer plants but they last until frost and we always hope they'll bloom again with spring.
Coleus become even more striking as they grow taller and bloom. If you take cuttings to root them, you can plant them in small containers and you will have the plant for the following spring.
Pampas grass is the most beautiful this time of year with its tall plumes.
These “hot lips” salvia (this was our first year planting them) grew throughout the summer and are at their tallest and brightest now. We’re hoping like traditional salvia, they will pop up again next year.
Variegated sage makes a pretty border as it always keeps some of the pink, white, and green color.
Knockout roses have been bright, full and colorful this season. They bloom throughout the summer and still have full size blooms this late in the season. Their color keeps our gardens full of vibrancy.
Double begonias (zinnias in the background)are always a pleaser for a front border. They resemble roses. They have been blooming since we planted them in the spring. Sometimes they are difficult to find at garden centers.
Marigolds last all summer and right into fall. They like both hot and cooler temperatures. There are so many varieties, a gardener can find a color he/she likes.
I'm happy to announce the release of my seventh Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery. This one is a holiday cozy. I'll be having a launch party for readers with giveaways, chat and fun on Tuesday, October 31. There will be giveaways all day and even more at the live launch party from 7-9 p.m. EST. I hope to see you there! KarenRoseSmithBooks Facebook page
October in Pennsylvania means change, not only because of shorter days and cooler temperatures, but because the garden landscape changes too. I’m always pleased to still find color in the garden from the plants that like cooler weather, even during sunny hours.
Zinnias (I probably plant about 2000 in the spring around Memorial Day) can last until the end of October, still brilliant with color. As they end and dry, clip off the blossoms to save the seeds for the following summer. I set them in a container and let inside heat dry them more before I shake out and remove the seeds. Profusion zinnias which are shorter and bushier are at their fullest and best in the fall.
Mums are the traditional fall flower. Some of our mums we've had since we moved into our house over 20 years ago. They come up each year. We haven't been as lucky with the newer plants but they last until frost and we always hope they'll bloom again with spring. Coleus become even more striking as they grow taller and bloom. If you take cuttings to root them, you can plant them in small containers and you will have the plant for the following spring.
Pampas grass is the most beautiful this time of year with its tall plumes. 
These “hot lips” salvia (this was our first year planting them) grew throughout the summer and are at their tallest and brightest now. We’re hoping like traditional salvia, they will pop up again next year. 
Variegated sage makes a pretty border as it always keeps some of the pink, white, and green color. 
Knockout roses have been bright, full and colorful this season. They bloom throughout the summer and still have full size blooms this late in the season. Their color keeps our gardens full of vibrancy. 
Double begonias (zinnias in the background)are always a pleaser for a front border. They resemble roses. They have been blooming since we planted them in the spring. Sometimes they are difficult to find at garden centers. Marigolds last all summer and right into fall. They like both hot and cooler temperatures. There are so many varieties, a gardener can find a color he/she likes.
I'm happy to announce the release of my seventh Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery. This one is a holiday cozy. I'll be having a launch party for readers with giveaways, chat and fun on Tuesday, October 31. There will be giveaways all day and even more at the live launch party from 7-9 p.m. EST. I hope to see you there! KarenRoseSmithBooks Facebook page
October 25, 2017
What’s in your trick or treat bag
Hi, Duffy Brown here and Halloween is just around the corner. I finally brought my candy because if I buy it too soon there is no candy left to pass out.
I love candy bars. I try to buy one that I don’t like but that doesn’t work as I like all of them except those almond joy thing but if I gave them out of Halloween the kids would egg my house for sure.I have an assortment of Snickers, Hershey bars, Reese’s Cups, Skittles, Kit Kat. That should keep everyone happy. I told my daughter in NYC that as soon as the trick or treaters left I was dumping all the candy in a box and sending it off to her and get it out of my house!
I love passing out the candy maybe because I enjoyed going trick or treating so much as a kid. I remember coming back home with my cousin and BFF Barbie and we’d dump all our candy out in front of us and then start trading. Something like two Smarties for a Snickers was how it went.
After a week or so the good candy got eaten and the rest sat around till Mom tossed it out.
So what are you passing out to the trick or treaters this Halloween?
