Kate Collins's Blog, page 96
March 5, 2017
WHY I LOVE WRITING COZIES
By Mary Kennedy
This started out being one of those "let-me-count-the-ways" blog and then I realized it would probably take me a dozen blogs to explain why I love writing cozies. (I feel the same way about reading them, in case you're wondering. I'm an avid cozy reader, keep up with my favorite series and am always on the lookout for new ones) I also subscribe to several book review sites and the reviewers do a wonderful job, alerting me to new releases. Here are just a few reasons I love writing cozies. I can set the books any place my heart desires.
The Talk Radio Mysteries are set in Florida, one of my favorite spots on earth! This is book one, DEAD AIR. I wanted to give my main character, Dr. Maggie, a really different environment from Manhattan, where she practiced as a clinical psychologist. (which happens to be my day job). Dr. Maggie closes up her practice in Manhattan to be a radio talk show host (like Frasier.) And south Florida seemed ideal because Dr. Maggie's mom, Lola, is a fifty-something actress, always looking for "her big break." South Florida is known as "Hollywood East" because of their thriving film business, so I figured that would give me some plot opportunities for Lola Walsh. In fact, book two in the series, REEL MURDER, revolves around a murder on a movie set.
I can investigate subjects that interest me. Almost any topic is okay in a cozy, unless it's really gory or upsetting. I found myself interested in "phony psychics" and decided to build a plot around Chantal, who comes to Florida, trying to take over Dr. Maggie's radio show.
I can create fun, vibrant characters who do things I'd like to do. I always thought it would be fun to start a Dream Club, for example, so I created the Dream Club Mysteries. In the first book, Nightmares Can Be Murder, Ali and Taylor Blake host a dream club in Savannah that meets once a week. A dream club is like a book club, except instead of discussing books, you talk about and analyze your dreams. The group quickly discovers clues in their dreams that unmask killers! Real or just a coincidence? I leave it to the reader to decide.
As the series continues, the sisters become well known--not only for Oldies But Goodies, their vintage candy store, but for their work with the Savannah police.
In Dream a Little Scream, a celebrity chef is murdered during a book signing, and in A Premonition of Murder, a reclusive southern heiress is found dead in her mansion.
I hope you've enjoyed this little look at cozies and I'll write more next week! Be sure to sign up for our Cozy Chicks blog and you'll get an e-mail five days a week from one of our Cozy Chicks! By Mary Kennedy
This started out being one of those "let-me-count-the-ways" blog and then I realized it would probably take me a dozen blogs to explain why I love writing cozies. (I feel the same way about reading them, in case you're wondering. I'm an avid cozy reader, keep up with my favorite series and am always on the lookout for new ones) I also subscribe to several book review sites and the reviewers do a wonderful job, alerting me to new releases. Here are just a few reasons I love writing cozies. I can set the books any place my heart desires.
The Talk Radio Mysteries are set in Florida, one of my favorite spots on earth! This is book one, DEAD AIR. I wanted to give my main character, Dr. Maggie, a really different environment from Manhattan, where she practiced as a clinical psychologist. (which happens to be my day job). Dr. Maggie closes up her practice in Manhattan to be a radio talk show host (like Frasier.) And south Florida seemed ideal because Dr. Maggie's mom, Lola, is a fifty-something actress, always looking for "her big break." South Florida is known as "Hollywood East" because of their thriving film business, so I figured that would give me some plot opportunities for Lola Walsh. In fact, book two in the series, REEL MURDER, revolves around a murder on a movie set.
I can investigate subjects that interest me. Almost any topic is okay in a cozy, unless it's really gory or upsetting. I found myself interested in "phony psychics" and decided to build a plot around Chantal, who comes to Florida, trying to take over Dr. Maggie's radio show.
I can create fun, vibrant characters who do things I'd like to do. I always thought it would be fun to start a Dream Club, for example, so I created the Dream Club Mysteries. In the first book, Nightmares Can Be Murder, Ali and Taylor Blake host a dream club in Savannah that meets once a week. A dream club is like a book club, except instead of discussing books, you talk about and analyze your dreams. The group quickly discovers clues in their dreams that unmask killers! Real or just a coincidence? I leave it to the reader to decide.
As the series continues, the sisters become well known--not only for Oldies But Goodies, their vintage candy store, but for their work with the Savannah police.
In Dream a Little Scream, a celebrity chef is murdered during a book signing, and in A Premonition of Murder, a reclusive southern heiress is found dead in her mansion.
I hope you've enjoyed this little look at cozies and I'll write more next week! Be sure to sign up for our Cozy Chicks blog and you'll get an e-mail five days a week from one of our Cozy Chicks! By Mary Kennedy
March 4, 2017
A Glorious Saturday Sunrise
by Maggie SeftonPlease forgive the tardiness of my Spotlight Saturday post this morning. I was at a concert
last night that was performed by the local chorale that I was a member of for years and years here in Fort Collins, Colorado. Plus a reception afterwards, and I simply forgot to post. Mea culpa, mea culpa.
I woke up early this morning to a glorious sunrise greeting me in the skies over my entire backyard. I'm fortunate because I have sunrises in my backyard and I have sunsets over my front yard. :) I love it.
But. . .this is our Cozy Chicks SPOTLIGHT Saturday, so I thought I'd do something a little different. I'm spotlighting a character that hasn't appeared in the Kelly Flynn novels yet. And I'd love to see if some of our faithful Cozy Chicks readers can guess who it is. This character makes his/her debut on the page in the upcoming Kelly Flynn mystery #15---ONLY SKEIN DEEP. Hint: There's a BIG clue in last year's Kelly Flynn mystery---KNIT TO BE TIED. So-----those of you who have kept up with Kelly and the Gang will already know who I'm talking about. I know, I know. . .I'm deliberately teasing you, but I just couldn't help doing it this beautiful Colorado morning. The sunrise made me do it.
March 3, 2017
He won't SHUT UP!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Fred helps me work.I love my cat Fred. He's probably the most affectionate cat that's ever owned me. He loves to be petted. He loves to be brushed. He loves to be picked up and thrown over my shoulder and kissed and hugged. He's just the nicest cat in the world.
Except for one thing.
HE WON'T SHUT UP.
Fred talks. Not so much during the day. Then he's quiet, except for a steady purr. But around 3 am, he starts to talk. Not even talk ... HOWL. He walks around the house making the most ungodly noises. Sometimes he yips. Sometimes he yowls. Sometimes he just hollers.
Why? WHY? WHYYYYYYY?
Is it any wonder I have perpetual dark circles under my eyes?
He'll settle down for while and then start up again. Sometimes two or three times. I'll call him. He'll jump in bed with me and purr and be happy ... for about a minute. Then off he goes. Sometimes he's quiet, sometimes he isn't.
After a particularly bad night, I'll try and keep him awake during the day. Then I know I'll get some sleep. (Worked for most of last night.)
This has been going on for thirteen years, only lately it seems to be getting worse. I keep thinking about that song ... The Things We Do For Love. Yep. I love my boy, but I sure wish he wasn't a nocturnal animal.
What does your pet do that drives you crazy?
Fred helps me work.I love my cat Fred. He's probably the most affectionate cat that's ever owned me. He loves to be petted. He loves to be brushed. He loves to be picked up and thrown over my shoulder and kissed and hugged. He's just the nicest cat in the world.Except for one thing.
HE WON'T SHUT UP.
Fred talks. Not so much during the day. Then he's quiet, except for a steady purr. But around 3 am, he starts to talk. Not even talk ... HOWL. He walks around the house making the most ungodly noises. Sometimes he yips. Sometimes he yowls. Sometimes he just hollers.
Why? WHY? WHYYYYYYY?
Is it any wonder I have perpetual dark circles under my eyes?
He'll settle down for while and then start up again. Sometimes two or three times. I'll call him. He'll jump in bed with me and purr and be happy ... for about a minute. Then off he goes. Sometimes he's quiet, sometimes he isn't.After a particularly bad night, I'll try and keep him awake during the day. Then I know I'll get some sleep. (Worked for most of last night.)
This has been going on for thirteen years, only lately it seems to be getting worse. I keep thinking about that song ... The Things We Do For Love. Yep. I love my boy, but I sure wish he wasn't a nocturnal animal.
What does your pet do that drives you crazy?
March 2, 2017
Soup For A Crazy Winter
by Karen Rose Smith
In the winter, I cook the most. Last weekend, we had the craziest February storm in Pennsylvania. Usually this time of year, snow is on the ground. But Saturday we had an afternoon of tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, sheets of rain that made a stream in our backyard and hail to boot! On top of that, our heat pump stopped working. When the cold front moved in, we fortunately could use our emergency heating back up.
One of my ways to handle stress is to cook. So I decided a batch of Minestrone Soup was just the food we needed for comfort and to have leftovers. My sleuth Caprice likes to cook too. She often makes this soup that is her Nana's recipe. It appeared in the first book in my cozy mystery series, STAGED TO DEATH, along with other recipes.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Nana's Minestrone Soup
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil1 lb ground beef1 cup medium pasta shells1 cup onion (medium), chopped1 clove of garlic, grated1 teaspoon salt (Salt to taste, depending on the type of broth you use)1/2 teaspoon oreganoA pinch to 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper2 cans diced tomatoes with juice (14–16 oz. each)1 cup tomato juice1 quart chicken broth1 quart beef stock (If using your own, make sure it's full-bodied. You can add bouillon cubes to make it richer.)1/2 – 1 lb fresh endive or escarole, snipped or cut into 1/2 inch pieces (leafy green part only)1 can Great Northern beans (drained)1 cup celery1 cup shredded carrots (I buy this way)1 cup shredded cabbage (I buy cole slaw mixture)1 cup sliced zucchini1 cup cut green beans (fresh or frozen)1 bay leafRomano cheese to sprinkle on top
Brown ground beef on medium in olive oil in 8 quart soup pot. When browned (no pink remaining), add chopped onion, grated garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper. Stir for a minute to mix flavors. Add tomato juice, tomatoes, salt and stir. Add beef stock and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Stir in Northern beans, celery, carrots, zucchini, cabbage and green beans. (If using frozen green beans, bring soup to a boil again before adding endive.) Add endive last.
Bring soup to a boil again, add bay leaf, then simmer covered on low for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil again, remove bay leaf, add pasta, stir once more and cook until pasta is the way you like it, usually 10–12 minutes, without lid. Stir a few times while pasta is cooking. Sprinkle each serving with Romano cheese and serve with crusty bread. Makes 12-15 servings.
© Karen Rose Smith
In the winter, I cook the most. Last weekend, we had the craziest February storm in Pennsylvania. Usually this time of year, snow is on the ground. But Saturday we had an afternoon of tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, sheets of rain that made a stream in our backyard and hail to boot! On top of that, our heat pump stopped working. When the cold front moved in, we fortunately could use our emergency heating back up.
One of my ways to handle stress is to cook. So I decided a batch of Minestrone Soup was just the food we needed for comfort and to have leftovers. My sleuth Caprice likes to cook too. She often makes this soup that is her Nana's recipe. It appeared in the first book in my cozy mystery series, STAGED TO DEATH, along with other recipes.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Nana's Minestrone Soup
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil1 lb ground beef1 cup medium pasta shells1 cup onion (medium), chopped1 clove of garlic, grated1 teaspoon salt (Salt to taste, depending on the type of broth you use)1/2 teaspoon oreganoA pinch to 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper2 cans diced tomatoes with juice (14–16 oz. each)1 cup tomato juice1 quart chicken broth1 quart beef stock (If using your own, make sure it's full-bodied. You can add bouillon cubes to make it richer.)1/2 – 1 lb fresh endive or escarole, snipped or cut into 1/2 inch pieces (leafy green part only)1 can Great Northern beans (drained)1 cup celery1 cup shredded carrots (I buy this way)1 cup shredded cabbage (I buy cole slaw mixture)1 cup sliced zucchini1 cup cut green beans (fresh or frozen)1 bay leafRomano cheese to sprinkle on top
Brown ground beef on medium in olive oil in 8 quart soup pot. When browned (no pink remaining), add chopped onion, grated garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper. Stir for a minute to mix flavors. Add tomato juice, tomatoes, salt and stir. Add beef stock and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Stir in Northern beans, celery, carrots, zucchini, cabbage and green beans. (If using frozen green beans, bring soup to a boil again before adding endive.) Add endive last.
Bring soup to a boil again, add bay leaf, then simmer covered on low for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil again, remove bay leaf, add pasta, stir once more and cook until pasta is the way you like it, usually 10–12 minutes, without lid. Stir a few times while pasta is cooking. Sprinkle each serving with Romano cheese and serve with crusty bread. Makes 12-15 servings.
© Karen Rose Smith
February 28, 2017
Planning the Family Reunion...
Its time to plan for the summer and that includes Family Reunions. I’d like to do this every year but the planning gets crazy and like they say, getting that many people together and agreeing on a spot is like herding cats.But you do have to plan early to reserve the location and so people will put it on their calendar or some even plan their vacation around the reunion if we have it in some neat destination.
This is the year for our family and it’s a dandy. My husband was one of 8 kids and they each had four kids and now their kids are having big families too. There will be a ton of people at this reunion!
We all bring food and have one massive potluck dinner. That is one of the things I love best because it gets everyone talking. Sometimes we don’t really see each other for years and this is a great way to pick up where we left off. 
And I have to say I just love reunions. The kids change so much and are off to schools, getting married or having adventures. Some of the families have matching t-shirts, some have matching hats. One year we had matching bandanas. That was fun and different.Of course the family is not always growing we lose people too. If you can think of one positive from that it’s that losing someone makes you appreciate the family all the more. We realize we will not all be together forever.
So what about you? Is your family planning a reunion this year? Will they come from all over or are you mostly in town?
February 27, 2017
Catching Up With Old Friends
by Maggie SeftonTaken during a family Christmas visit to Fort Collins a few years ago.
Last night I met an old friend for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Jay's Bistro, here in Fort Collins. The Kelly Flynn Mysteries are set in "Fort Connor, Colorado" which is based on Fort Collins, as most of the Cozy Chicks readers know. I include that old favorite cafe in the Kelly Flynn books by referring to it as the "Jazz Bistro."
My friend, Diane Elizabeth, is finally returning to Fort Collins after several years in the Sacramento, California area. We met here in Fort Collins at
the Lambspun knitting shop many years ago and have been good friends ever since---enjoying dinners at various cafes around town. Diane Elizabeth and I had something else in common other than fiber pursuits in that she had spent several years as a successful businesswoman in the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area, my old hometown.Several devoted Kelly Flynn readers. :)
A few years ago, Diane Elizabeth moved to Sacramento where she had grown up and lived for several years. While she was still in California, I paid her a visit after I had attended a writers' conference in Sacramento one year. Diane Elizabeth and I had a great time roaming around Sacramento and went on a marvelous road trip north of Sacramento into some of the smaller old mountain towns. The scenery was beautiful, and Diane Elizabeth and I even found a great knitting shop in one of those mountain towns that was filled with friendly chatty knitters. :)
A family photo in Summer 2014
Family---a daughter and three grandsons---have drawn my friend back to Fort Collins to stay. I told her she's lucky. I have to fly all the way back to Northern Virginia to see my four grandchildren. That's why the Cozy Chicks Blog readers see me sending a post from Back East so frequently. Family is important and so are Old Friends. Do any of you have old friends that you make time to visit with regularly?
February 25, 2017
MY MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS, PART TWO
By Mary Kennedy
Here's a work-related embarrassing moment. I still remember my cheeks turning tomato-red when I think about it. Like many things in life, it's only funny in "hindsight." By the way, if you're a fan of embarrassing moments, you might want to check out my earlier blog on this subject. http://www.cozychicksblog.com/2017/02/my-most-embarrassing-moments-part-one.html Now, on to a cringe-making moment. I was working at an outpatient mental health unit at a busy inner-city hospital, doing evaluations and running "groups." One group--my favorite--was the Phobia Group.
It's important to screen people carefully for inclusion in a therapy group. Some people just aren't ready to "share" with other clients and they do better in individual therapy. And some people have such serious psychiatric issues, or drug and alcohol issues, that they are better served in specialized groups as well. So I had a long checklist of questions for anyone requesting entry into the hospital phobia group. I was required to go through the list, even though the questions might seem annoying or even a bit intrusive. A pleasant looking woman in her forties approached me as I was scanning some charts into the computer. "I had a four-thirty appointment with you," she said timidly. "But the buses were running late." "No problem," I told her. "Let's just get some paperwork out of the way." She dutifully handed over the insurance card and photo ID which I copied. "Now, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. Some of them seem a bit personal, but please just answer them as honestly as you can." "Okay." She looked nervous and her eyebrows inched up. "Can you tell me about any drug or alcohol history," I asked pleasantly. "Drug and--what? Of course not," she said indignantly. "What kind of question is that! I don't even smoke." "That's good to know," I said, putting on my most reassuring voice. "But I had to ask. The hospital requires it." I shuffled some papers. "Now, can you tell me if you've ever had an anxiety or panic attack, and can you describe it for me?" Uh-oh. She looked like she was seething. "I don't get panic attacks!" she said, her voice inching up an octave. "Now, it's nothing to get concerned about," I said, trying to be reassuring. "And certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety and panic often go along with phobias. Most of our clients have experienced them." "Well, they must all be head cases!" she said forcefully. She began to look around the room, as if searching for an exit. "Why are you treating me like a head case?" .
"But I'm not," I protested weakly. "Just a few more questions. Please," I added when her lips tightened into a thin line. She nodded her head and I took a deep breath. "Have you ever experienced PTSD?" "I don't even know what that is," she snapped. She glanced at her watch, I was sure she was ready to bolt. "And I have to catch my bus in twenty minutes." I could see I was losing control of the interview. "PTSD," I told her, "is often brought about by a traumatic event. For example, you might have had some sexual trauma in your life..." "Sexual trauma?" She shook her head vehemently. "Never!" "Or domestic abuse, emotional abuse..." She half-rose from her chair. "Is it really necessary to ask me these questions?" she asked in an angry tone. "If you want me to help you, it is," I said calmly. "Please sit back down and we'll get through this more quickly." "I just don't see what this has to do with getting a flu shot," she said angrily. I stopped, pen poised. "A flu shot?" I was flummoxed. If this was a cartoon, a light bulb would go off over my head. "You're not here for the Phobia group?"
"I'm here for the free flu shot." She dug into a voluminous purse and dragged out a scrap of paper. "Room 41, fourth floor," she said, jabbing the paper with her fingers. I couldn't help but notice her fingers were stained with nicotine. So much for the "I don't smoke" claim. "This is the fifth floor," I told her. "You can take the elevator or the stairwell is right outside. The flu vaccine clinic is the first door on the right as you step off the elevator." "Hah, I'll probably have to make another appointment since you made me so late with those stupid questions!" And with that, she was gone. And my face was red with embarrassment. Note to self. Always ask patients why they are visiting the clinic! By Mary Kennedy
Here's a work-related embarrassing moment. I still remember my cheeks turning tomato-red when I think about it. Like many things in life, it's only funny in "hindsight." By the way, if you're a fan of embarrassing moments, you might want to check out my earlier blog on this subject. http://www.cozychicksblog.com/2017/02/my-most-embarrassing-moments-part-one.html Now, on to a cringe-making moment. I was working at an outpatient mental health unit at a busy inner-city hospital, doing evaluations and running "groups." One group--my favorite--was the Phobia Group.
It's important to screen people carefully for inclusion in a therapy group. Some people just aren't ready to "share" with other clients and they do better in individual therapy. And some people have such serious psychiatric issues, or drug and alcohol issues, that they are better served in specialized groups as well. So I had a long checklist of questions for anyone requesting entry into the hospital phobia group. I was required to go through the list, even though the questions might seem annoying or even a bit intrusive. A pleasant looking woman in her forties approached me as I was scanning some charts into the computer. "I had a four-thirty appointment with you," she said timidly. "But the buses were running late." "No problem," I told her. "Let's just get some paperwork out of the way." She dutifully handed over the insurance card and photo ID which I copied. "Now, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. Some of them seem a bit personal, but please just answer them as honestly as you can." "Okay." She looked nervous and her eyebrows inched up. "Can you tell me about any drug or alcohol history," I asked pleasantly. "Drug and--what? Of course not," she said indignantly. "What kind of question is that! I don't even smoke." "That's good to know," I said, putting on my most reassuring voice. "But I had to ask. The hospital requires it." I shuffled some papers. "Now, can you tell me if you've ever had an anxiety or panic attack, and can you describe it for me?" Uh-oh. She looked like she was seething. "I don't get panic attacks!" she said, her voice inching up an octave. "Now, it's nothing to get concerned about," I said, trying to be reassuring. "And certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety and panic often go along with phobias. Most of our clients have experienced them." "Well, they must all be head cases!" she said forcefully. She began to look around the room, as if searching for an exit. "Why are you treating me like a head case?" .
"But I'm not," I protested weakly. "Just a few more questions. Please," I added when her lips tightened into a thin line. She nodded her head and I took a deep breath. "Have you ever experienced PTSD?" "I don't even know what that is," she snapped. She glanced at her watch, I was sure she was ready to bolt. "And I have to catch my bus in twenty minutes." I could see I was losing control of the interview. "PTSD," I told her, "is often brought about by a traumatic event. For example, you might have had some sexual trauma in your life..." "Sexual trauma?" She shook her head vehemently. "Never!" "Or domestic abuse, emotional abuse..." She half-rose from her chair. "Is it really necessary to ask me these questions?" she asked in an angry tone. "If you want me to help you, it is," I said calmly. "Please sit back down and we'll get through this more quickly." "I just don't see what this has to do with getting a flu shot," she said angrily. I stopped, pen poised. "A flu shot?" I was flummoxed. If this was a cartoon, a light bulb would go off over my head. "You're not here for the Phobia group?"
"I'm here for the free flu shot." She dug into a voluminous purse and dragged out a scrap of paper. "Room 41, fourth floor," she said, jabbing the paper with her fingers. I couldn't help but notice her fingers were stained with nicotine. So much for the "I don't smoke" claim. "This is the fifth floor," I told her. "You can take the elevator or the stairwell is right outside. The flu vaccine clinic is the first door on the right as you step off the elevator." "Hah, I'll probably have to make another appointment since you made me so late with those stupid questions!" And with that, she was gone. And my face was red with embarrassment. Note to self. Always ask patients why they are visiting the clinic! By Mary KennedyFebruary 24, 2017
A NEW RECIPE from OLDIES BUT GOODIES
By Mary Kennedy
Today Ali Blake (from the Dream Club Mysteries) is sharing some thoughts on what makes a "keeper" in her recipe files at Oldies But Goodies. Hi everyone, as you know, we added a little café to Oldies But Goodies, our vintage candy store in Savannah. Customers love to sit outside on the back patio and enjoy a glass of sweet tea with one of our famous pimento cheese sandwiches or a delicious pastry. We got the idea of serving lunch and snacks from a wonderful hotel in Rehoboth Beach, DE called the Bellmoor.
Our pastries and snacks have become so popular that some Savannah hostesses have asked us to provide goodies for their parties. Luckily, I have some terrific recipes (and the Dream Club members always act as my beta-tasters) but I like to try new recipes and shake things up a bit. Here's my latest addition, see what you think. (hint: if you like Vidalia onions, I know you will like this!) They're super-easy and a big hit with our customers. Hostesses love them and buy them by the dozens. Onion tartlets!
Ingredients one box Pillsbury pie crust 2 tablespoons butter 3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion 
2 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 teas salt 3/4 cup finely chopped cheddar cheese Directions: defrost frozen pie crust, let it come to room temp on the counter (do not put it in the microwave!) Use 3 inch biscuit cutter, make rounds and put them in 24 muffin cups. (use the small muffin cup pans). Now melt the butter and cook the onion very slowly, it take about 5 or 10 minutes. You don't want them brown, just translucent. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Beat eggs, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked onion. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese. Spoon mixture into the crusts. Now sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Bake 10 or 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown. You can top them with a little chopped fresh basil, if you want. These are delicious, hope you try them! And I hope you try the Dream Club Mysteries, if you haven't already. Southern charm and a group of avid sleuths who solve murders by searching their dreams for clues.
By Mary Kennedy .
Today Ali Blake (from the Dream Club Mysteries) is sharing some thoughts on what makes a "keeper" in her recipe files at Oldies But Goodies. Hi everyone, as you know, we added a little café to Oldies But Goodies, our vintage candy store in Savannah. Customers love to sit outside on the back patio and enjoy a glass of sweet tea with one of our famous pimento cheese sandwiches or a delicious pastry. We got the idea of serving lunch and snacks from a wonderful hotel in Rehoboth Beach, DE called the Bellmoor.
Our pastries and snacks have become so popular that some Savannah hostesses have asked us to provide goodies for their parties. Luckily, I have some terrific recipes (and the Dream Club members always act as my beta-tasters) but I like to try new recipes and shake things up a bit. Here's my latest addition, see what you think. (hint: if you like Vidalia onions, I know you will like this!) They're super-easy and a big hit with our customers. Hostesses love them and buy them by the dozens. Onion tartlets!
Ingredients one box Pillsbury pie crust 2 tablespoons butter 3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 teas salt 3/4 cup finely chopped cheddar cheese Directions: defrost frozen pie crust, let it come to room temp on the counter (do not put it in the microwave!) Use 3 inch biscuit cutter, make rounds and put them in 24 muffin cups. (use the small muffin cup pans). Now melt the butter and cook the onion very slowly, it take about 5 or 10 minutes. You don't want them brown, just translucent. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Beat eggs, sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked onion. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese. Spoon mixture into the crusts. Now sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Bake 10 or 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown. You can top them with a little chopped fresh basil, if you want. These are delicious, hope you try them! And I hope you try the Dream Club Mysteries, if you haven't already. Southern charm and a group of avid sleuths who solve murders by searching their dreams for clues.
By Mary Kennedy .
A Junking I Will Go
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
One of the things I enjoy most about the summer and early fall is going junking on a Saturday morning with Mr. L. Since he's a mapmaker, he knows where he's going, and I just look at the scenery between our jaunts to yard sales and thrift stores.
Now that it's winter, it's the thrift stores that have me coming back. The truth is, I don't enjoy going to thrift stores as much as yard sales because their prices are a lot higher (which is understandable; they've got overhead). But this time of year, it's either thrift stores or NOTHING.
I have a few favorites, and even though times are lean (because A) I'm cheap, and B) do I really need more stuff?), I only buy stuff I think I will actually use or can find a good home for. Take this pretty cup. That was a find. It'snot bone china (which is what I collect), but I'm pretty sure I can find a home for this Made In Japan cup, which I estimate to be 50+ years old and with no chips. The doily was a dime--A DIME! The store must have really wanted to get rid of them. There was a whole basket of them for a dime each.
Of course, I have a doily problem. I look at all the work that went into them, and can't bear to leave them behind, especially if I think nobody will love them. This creates a problem when you have tubs and tubs of doilies. It's come to the point where I'm going to have to do something about them. Maybe open an Etsy store? But that takes a lot of time. Time I could be writing (or otherwise known as gainfully employed). I'm going to pull a Scarlett O'Hara and "think about it another day."
What I got on another foray was a tiny jewelry box for a buck that's covered with sweet angels. Isn't it adorable?
The top opens, and it's got a little drawer. The truth is, I really don't need a new-to-me jewelry box ... at least at home, but I thought it might look cute at our family's summer cottage. I have a jewelry box there (a yard sale find), but it's not nearly as cute and ... who says they have to live in the same room?
Here's another shot of it open with a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry.
When entering a shop, I'm often asked ... what are you looking for? I'm first drawn to dishes, not that I buy many. But I recently acquired a brown transferware bowl (which I was too lazy to photograph). I love brown transferware, and it's not as common (or at least that's my experience) as one might think. I'm also drawn to jewelry ... bracelets in particular. I must have acquired 20 bracelets in the past few years. They don't take up a lot of room, and that's one reason why I like them.
So, what is it you're looking for when the "thrill of the hunt" overtakes you?
One of the things I enjoy most about the summer and early fall is going junking on a Saturday morning with Mr. L. Since he's a mapmaker, he knows where he's going, and I just look at the scenery between our jaunts to yard sales and thrift stores.
Now that it's winter, it's the thrift stores that have me coming back. The truth is, I don't enjoy going to thrift stores as much as yard sales because their prices are a lot higher (which is understandable; they've got overhead). But this time of year, it's either thrift stores or NOTHING.
I have a few favorites, and even though times are lean (because A) I'm cheap, and B) do I really need more stuff?), I only buy stuff I think I will actually use or can find a good home for. Take this pretty cup. That was a find. It'snot bone china (which is what I collect), but I'm pretty sure I can find a home for this Made In Japan cup, which I estimate to be 50+ years old and with no chips. The doily was a dime--A DIME! The store must have really wanted to get rid of them. There was a whole basket of them for a dime each.Of course, I have a doily problem. I look at all the work that went into them, and can't bear to leave them behind, especially if I think nobody will love them. This creates a problem when you have tubs and tubs of doilies. It's come to the point where I'm going to have to do something about them. Maybe open an Etsy store? But that takes a lot of time. Time I could be writing (or otherwise known as gainfully employed). I'm going to pull a Scarlett O'Hara and "think about it another day."
What I got on another foray was a tiny jewelry box for a buck that's covered with sweet angels. Isn't it adorable? The top opens, and it's got a little drawer. The truth is, I really don't need a new-to-me jewelry box ... at least at home, but I thought it might look cute at our family's summer cottage. I have a jewelry box there (a yard sale find), but it's not nearly as cute and ... who says they have to live in the same room?
Here's another shot of it open with a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry.When entering a shop, I'm often asked ... what are you looking for? I'm first drawn to dishes, not that I buy many. But I recently acquired a brown transferware bowl (which I was too lazy to photograph). I love brown transferware, and it's not as common (or at least that's my experience) as one might think. I'm also drawn to jewelry ... bracelets in particular. I must have acquired 20 bracelets in the past few years. They don't take up a lot of room, and that's one reason why I like them.
So, what is it you're looking for when the "thrill of the hunt" overtakes you?
February 22, 2017
Businesses in my Cozy Town of Kismet, Pennsylvania
by Karen Rose Smith
When you take a trip or move to a new place, you want to know the best places to visit. My fictional town of Kismet in my Caprice De Luca Home Stager Mystery series is located in South Central Pennsylvania where I was born. This is a beautiful area with farmland, fields, woods and even rolling hills. The area where I've set Kismet is between York and Harrisburg which gives my sleuth Caprice De Luca access to bigger towns and cities, including Lancaster, Baltimore, Philadelphia and D.C.
If you asked a resident of Kismet to answer this question--What are the best five places to visit in Kismet--he or she would probably give you this list!
PERKY PAWS
Since my sleuth Caprice loves animals and takes in strays, PERKY PAWS is one of her favorite business in Kismet to shop in. He shop is animal friendly. The front case carries an assortment of biscuits: peanut butter nuggets, gingerbreadmen-sized ginger biscuits, pumpkin biscuits, and cheese and bacon biscuits. Colorful dog cookies also decorate the case and are adorned with yogurt icing. Her pup, Lady, notices them, too, and stands at the case as if she expects one to jump out at her so she can eat it. At PERKY PAWS, Caprice can pick up anything she needs from a kitty bed to good food for her furry friends to eat.
BLUE MOON GRILLEThe BLUE MOON GRILLE holds memories for Caprice. She shared a romantic date there with Dr. Seth Randolph. The line for seating sometimes stretches through its reception area on the first floor of an arts and crafts mall and practically out the front door. Stairs lead to the second floor dining area and the deck outside. Chatter in the main dining room is loud sometimes around the bar but there is a gas fireplace that makes it cozy on wintry nights. Sliding glass doors open to the outside deck. There is always a vase of wildflowers on the tables. Black wrought iron chairs with rounded backs have cushy cushions tied to the backs and the seats. The glass-topped tables hold white placemats, silverware and crystal. The outside deck is lovely on a moonlit night. On the night Seth and Caprice have dinner there, Seth arranges for a guitarist to play Caprice's favorite music from the 60's and 70's. The restaurant is especially known for its huge soft pretzels with crab and cheese topping.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH AND GARDENS
The De Lucas are Catholic and Caprice's faith is important to her. The family attends Mass and other services at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Behind the church there is a garden with a statue of St. Francis Assisi, who is considered the patron saint and protector of animals. Caprice's admiration for St. Francis must play a part in her love for animals. Her sister calls her a "stray animal magnet" and she finds homes for the strays she takes in. When Caprice needs to think through a situation, she sometimes sits in the St. Francis garden. The statue always has seasonal flowers planted around it from daffodils and hyacinths in the spring, to geraniums in summer to mums in the fall. It's a peaceful and relaxing spot with a cement bench that fits three.
OLDER AND BETTER ANTIQUES
Caprice is a retro girl. Her house was built in the 1950's. She has decorated her house with 1950's furniture and 1960's colors. Her Nana Celia collected Fostoria crystal through the years and handed it down to Caprice's mom when she moved in with her son and daughter-in-law. Caprice often uses antiques in staging houses which is her profession. One of her favorite shops to peruse--from furniture to antique jewelry is OLDER AND BETTER owned by Isaac Hobbs. Isaac often gives Caprice important gossip and information about collectibles that helps her solve murder cases. In his shop she can weave in and out of primitive cupboards, pie safes and hand carved rockers.
ALL ABOUT YOUALL ABOUT YOU is a unique dress shop opened by Caprice's good friend Roz Winslow. In the first book of the series, STAGED TO DEATH, Roz was a suspect in her husband's murder investigation. Once all the dust settled, she decided to use her fashion sense to open a store where all women (not just those who are a size 2) can find fashions they like. In book 3, GILT BY ASSOCIATION, Caprice finds a forties style fuchsia dress for the Valentine's Day dance at ALL ABOUT YOU. In SILENCE OF THE LAMPS she chooses this dress to wear to her high school reunion.
The dress shop is located in what Kismet residents call Restoration Row. It is a street of row houses in an older section of town. Officially a developer named the street Bristol Row when his company refurbished the houses, sand blasting brick, refacing the fronts, putting siding over clapboard, adding black shutters and making the street respectable once again. Roz rented of the houses for ALL ABOUT YOU.
The store has an unusual layout, with two stories and separate rooms for specific types of fashions. The back entrance has an inside stairway with a chairlift for anyone disable who wants to shop there. There is a ramp out back, too, for the first floor as well as limited parking. Roz has gone to a lot of trouble to make this boutique exactly the way she wanted with woman shoppers in mind.
These are just a few of the places to visit in Kismet.
What are your favorite businesses when you read a cozy?
When you take a trip or move to a new place, you want to know the best places to visit. My fictional town of Kismet in my Caprice De Luca Home Stager Mystery series is located in South Central Pennsylvania where I was born. This is a beautiful area with farmland, fields, woods and even rolling hills. The area where I've set Kismet is between York and Harrisburg which gives my sleuth Caprice De Luca access to bigger towns and cities, including Lancaster, Baltimore, Philadelphia and D.C.
If you asked a resident of Kismet to answer this question--What are the best five places to visit in Kismet--he or she would probably give you this list!
PERKY PAWS
Since my sleuth Caprice loves animals and takes in strays, PERKY PAWS is one of her favorite business in Kismet to shop in. He shop is animal friendly. The front case carries an assortment of biscuits: peanut butter nuggets, gingerbreadmen-sized ginger biscuits, pumpkin biscuits, and cheese and bacon biscuits. Colorful dog cookies also decorate the case and are adorned with yogurt icing. Her pup, Lady, notices them, too, and stands at the case as if she expects one to jump out at her so she can eat it. At PERKY PAWS, Caprice can pick up anything she needs from a kitty bed to good food for her furry friends to eat.
BLUE MOON GRILLEThe BLUE MOON GRILLE holds memories for Caprice. She shared a romantic date there with Dr. Seth Randolph. The line for seating sometimes stretches through its reception area on the first floor of an arts and crafts mall and practically out the front door. Stairs lead to the second floor dining area and the deck outside. Chatter in the main dining room is loud sometimes around the bar but there is a gas fireplace that makes it cozy on wintry nights. Sliding glass doors open to the outside deck. There is always a vase of wildflowers on the tables. Black wrought iron chairs with rounded backs have cushy cushions tied to the backs and the seats. The glass-topped tables hold white placemats, silverware and crystal. The outside deck is lovely on a moonlit night. On the night Seth and Caprice have dinner there, Seth arranges for a guitarist to play Caprice's favorite music from the 60's and 70's. The restaurant is especially known for its huge soft pretzels with crab and cheese topping.ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH AND GARDENS
The De Lucas are Catholic and Caprice's faith is important to her. The family attends Mass and other services at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Behind the church there is a garden with a statue of St. Francis Assisi, who is considered the patron saint and protector of animals. Caprice's admiration for St. Francis must play a part in her love for animals. Her sister calls her a "stray animal magnet" and she finds homes for the strays she takes in. When Caprice needs to think through a situation, she sometimes sits in the St. Francis garden. The statue always has seasonal flowers planted around it from daffodils and hyacinths in the spring, to geraniums in summer to mums in the fall. It's a peaceful and relaxing spot with a cement bench that fits three. OLDER AND BETTER ANTIQUES
Caprice is a retro girl. Her house was built in the 1950's. She has decorated her house with 1950's furniture and 1960's colors. Her Nana Celia collected Fostoria crystal through the years and handed it down to Caprice's mom when she moved in with her son and daughter-in-law. Caprice often uses antiques in staging houses which is her profession. One of her favorite shops to peruse--from furniture to antique jewelry is OLDER AND BETTER owned by Isaac Hobbs. Isaac often gives Caprice important gossip and information about collectibles that helps her solve murder cases. In his shop she can weave in and out of primitive cupboards, pie safes and hand carved rockers.ALL ABOUT YOUALL ABOUT YOU is a unique dress shop opened by Caprice's good friend Roz Winslow. In the first book of the series, STAGED TO DEATH, Roz was a suspect in her husband's murder investigation. Once all the dust settled, she decided to use her fashion sense to open a store where all women (not just those who are a size 2) can find fashions they like. In book 3, GILT BY ASSOCIATION, Caprice finds a forties style fuchsia dress for the Valentine's Day dance at ALL ABOUT YOU. In SILENCE OF THE LAMPS she chooses this dress to wear to her high school reunion.
The dress shop is located in what Kismet residents call Restoration Row. It is a street of row houses in an older section of town. Officially a developer named the street Bristol Row when his company refurbished the houses, sand blasting brick, refacing the fronts, putting siding over clapboard, adding black shutters and making the street respectable once again. Roz rented of the houses for ALL ABOUT YOU.The store has an unusual layout, with two stories and separate rooms for specific types of fashions. The back entrance has an inside stairway with a chairlift for anyone disable who wants to shop there. There is a ramp out back, too, for the first floor as well as limited parking. Roz has gone to a lot of trouble to make this boutique exactly the way she wanted with woman shoppers in mind.
These are just a few of the places to visit in Kismet.
What are your favorite businesses when you read a cozy?
