Karen Docter's Blog, page 264

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Donna Michaels

 Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with DONNA MICHAELS!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, DONNA MICHAELS, and her favorite recipe for POTATO SALAD!

HER FOREVER COWBOY
Harland County Series: Book Four, Kevin

By DONNA MICHAELS

Book Blurb

Single mother, Shayla Ryan, longs to put down roots to create a stable environment for her baby girl and her younger sister, but the threat of her abusive, ex-con father finding them has made that almost impossible. Her newest residence in Harland County, however, holds a lot of appeal, especially in the form of a Casanova cowboy with eye-catching good looks and easy charm. Those two qualities took her down the wrong road before, and though the sexy cowboy interferes with her pulse, she can’t let her heart get in the way of the safety of her family, or give it to someone who doesn’t believe in forever.

If there’s one thing software company vice president, Kevin Dalton, loves more than puzzles, it’s women. Size, shape, race doesn’t matter as long as they don’t want a relationship—he’s not looking to repeat the past, and more than happy to remain single. Until two beautiful redheads drop him to his knees—one with her cutie-pie smile, the other with her elbow. Too bad the elbow-toting beauty is both hot and puzzling. A killer combination too strong to resist. And without realizing it, the redheads slowly rewrite the code around his heart.

But when the danger from Shayla’s past shows up, can he rise to the challenge to keep them safe…and really be what they need? A forever cowboy?

HER FOREVER COWBOY
Harland County Series: Book Four, Kevin

By DONNA MICHAELS

Excerpt

     “Why are you always on the defensive around me?” he asked. “You’re not like that with Kade or Cole or Connor.”
        She opened her mouth to protest, then stilled. He was right. Shoot. “I…don’t know.”
        Frowning, he cocked his head. “Do you have something against having fun?”
        “No.” she laughed. “Fun is a good thing.”
        “And yet, you don’t like me because I have fun.”
        “That’s not true.”
        “Liar.”
        “I’m not lying.” She shook her head, doing her best to be truthful without revealing too much. “I don’t like you because you’re dangerous.”
        He reeled back and stared at her. “Me, dangerous? No, darlin’. I’m a lover, not a fighter.”
        She blew out a breath. “And that’s exactly why you’re dangerous.”
        His brows disappeared under his hat. “Oh, now I’m really curious,” he said. “Does that make me irresponsible, or irresistible?”
        Tempting as hell.
        “Both.”
        Heaven help her, a wicked gleam entered his eyes and turned them positively electric.
        “So this is probably a bad idea.” Placing his hands on either side of her head, he leaned in and inhaled near her ear.
        Breath caught in her throat while goose bumps raced down her right side, perking her already perky nipples. “Yeah.” It wasn’t smart at all. And neither was she because he hadn’t touched her. He was giving her the opportunity to protest. To move.
        She didn’t.
        Yeah…stupid.
        “And this,” he said, against her neck, knocking his hat off, but he didn’t stop, just continued to blaze a trail to her shoulder, giving her eyes a real good reason to roll back in her head.
        “V-very bad.” Her legs were about to buckle.
        Push him away.
        She needed to push him away. Now.
        “Then I definitely shouldn’t do this.”
        Thrusting his hand in her hair, he cupped the back of her head and kissed her full on the lips, and deep, very deep. That was it. She was done. To hell with pushing him away.
        Shayla dropped the jacket, reached around his back and yanked him close, her perky nipples rejoicing at the contact with his hard, hot body. And he was hard and hot. All of him. A very impressive erection pressed impressively against her belly as his hips rocked against hers.
        Someone moaned. Probably her. Didn’t matter. He felt so damn good, plastering her against the wall, dipping and drinking as if he couldn’t get enough. Or was that her? Again, it didn’t matter. Her whole body was alive and on fire and wanted. It had been so very long since someone had wanted her. Not since that cowboy in Amarillo. Amelia’s father.
        Shoot.
        Shayla drew back and sucked in air. “This…is…”
        “Bad, I know,” he said, breath ragged, gaze as dazed as she felt.
        “It can’t happen again.”
        He nodded.
        “We’re too…”
        “Combustible,” he correctly supplied.
        “Exactly. We lead two different lives.” She inhaled deeply. “You should go.”
        “I know.”
        He didn’t move. Why didn’t he move? She didn’t have the strength, or willpower, to resist him if he initiated another killer kiss.
        “You need to leave,” she tried again.
        Amusement chased away some of the haze from his gaze. “I will…as soon as you let go of me, darlin’.”

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KFRWNWQ

Find the rest of the Harland County Series here:
http://www.donnamichaelsauthor.com/index_files/Page3317.htm

REVIEW:

“If you love series and hot cowboys and sassy women, this series is for you, every story just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next one and the spin-off series out in September. This is well written and fun and you fall in love with all the characters! Cole, Connor, Kade and Kevin are great cowboys! Their “women” are just as wonderful! I am an avid reader reading over 350 books in the last year and this series is in my top five.”

About the author…Donna Michaels.

I live in Northeast Pa where we experience all four seasons, although, I wouldn’t mind hanging onto summer a bit more and winter a bit less. I’m married to a career military man and we have four children, and an assortment of rescued cats. Voted most likely to succeed in high school, I took that title to heart and set my sights on a writing career. Winner of eHarlequin’s Round Robin Writer Contest, I turned to the internet and now have several titles published through The Wild Rose Press, one with Whimsical Publications, and released my first self-published novel this past November: Captive Hero which was a 2012 RONE Awards Finalist and also a 2013 Reader’s Choice Finalist. Since then, I released four titles in my Harland County Series: Her Fated Cowboy, Her Unbridled Cowboy, Her Uniform Cowboy, and Her Forever Cowboy which is currently on Amazon’s Best Sellers list and Amazon’s Highest Rated list.

~~~

Links to Donna’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaMichaelsAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donna_Michaels

Blog: http://donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnamichaels/

I hope you enjoy the recipe Donna is sharing with us today on  Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 152 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note from Donna: Since it’s picnic/barbeque season, I’d like to share my recipe for the potato salad that I’m always asked to bring to a party.

DONNA’S POTATO SALAD

4 lbs. potatoes
Large jar of Mayo
3 hard boiled eggs
4 stalks of celery chopped
½ diced onion
1 tbs. vinegar
1 tbs. mustard
paprika

Preparation:

Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil until soft. Rinse in hot water, and then put aside to cool. Mix the mayo, vinegar and mustard in a bowl, add celery and onion. Add cooled potatoes then sprinkle with paprika and serve.

Enjoy.

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Reflection by Kim Cresswell

  KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

REFLECTION by KIM CRESSWELL

~~~

  REFLECTION
A Whitney Steel Novel by Kim Cresswell

Book Blurb

Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the “Big” story.

She found it. Now it may kill her.

After receiving a lead pointing to the world’s first cloned human, now a small child, Whitney vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder.

When she’s nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective–at least not right away.

Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man’s thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother’s death over a decade ago…

Can they save an innocent child before it’s too late?

Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many–Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/Q7f5EtZ_gis

About the author, Kim Cresswell….

Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.

Her debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards:
*RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown Finalist (Romantic Suspense)
*InD’tale Magazine 2014 Rone Award Finalist (Suspense/Thriller)
*UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013)
*Silicon Valley’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Gotcha!” Romantic Suspense Winner (2004)
*Honourable Mention in Calgary’s (RWA) The Writer’s Voice Contest (2006).

LETHAL JOURNEY won RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown (Thriller) and was a finalist in From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003).

Her action-packed suspense thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers. As one reviewer said, “Buckle up, Hang on tight!”

Kim recently entered the true crime writing arena. Real Life Evil – A True Crime Quickie (two short stories) was published in January 2014 followed by The Killing Truth. You can read her latest true crime stories in Serial Killer Quarterly, a new quarterly e-magazine published by Grinning Man Press.

~~~~~~~

Links to Kim’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.kimcresswell.ca

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kimcresswell

The Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/kim-cresswell.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooks

AMAZON: http://bookshow.me/B00KF53SQS
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1mVXyWm
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1txg6x3
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1mCYY6C
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1hJGazD
Chapters/Indigo: http://bit.ly/T1wJpq
Smashword: http://bit.ly/1m0IzXX

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Kim will give away an eBook of her short novel thriller, LETHAL JOURNEY, and an eBook of THE KILLING TRUTH (True Crime eBook Bundle) to two separate readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read these great stories.  Thanks, Kim, for sharing your stories with us!

Congratulations Week 06-30-14 Giveaway Winners!

 

CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 06-30-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench with MARGOT JUSTES!!

Giveaway: Margot will give away an ebook copy of A HOTEL IN PARIS to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Thanks, Margot, for sharing your story with us!

WINNER!! Jennie Bohnet!!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with TIMA MARIA LACOBA!!

Giveaway: Tima Maria will give away a copy of BLOODPLEDGE to TWO readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Thanks, Tima Maria, for sharing your story with us!

WINNER!! Chriss & bn100!!

[All winners chosen by random.org. Thank you.]

**Author Peek** Character Interview with Kim Cresswell

REFLECTION by KIM CRESSWELL

**AUTHOR PEEK** Character Interview

INTRODUCING…Nathan Shaw, villain from Kim Cresswell’s REFLECTION.

About the Character:

Billionaire biotech company owner, Nathan Shaw, will do anything including murder to keep his clone (a small child) concealed from outsiders.

What one word best describes you?

Nathan: “Distinct.“

What are you passionate about these days?

Nathan: “What I have been passionate about most of my life. Genetics and cloning. I do not understand why people recoil at the idea of human copies—healthy manufactured humans.“

You were one of the first companies to clone animals almost thirty years ago. Would you consider cloning humans?

Nathan: “Of course if it was legal in this country. Hopefully, it will be one day.“

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Nathan: “I was Las Vegas Man of the Year six years running and made the cover of Time magazine, twice.“

You just won a huge lottery what is the first thing you’d buy?

Nathan: (Glances at the wall clock) “Apparently, you haven’t done any background on me. If Miss Steel was conducting this interview, at least she would have done her homework first. I own ShawBioGen, a seventy-five billion dollar Biotech company. The last thing I need is money.”

Who should play you in a film?

Nathan: “John Malkovich. Brilliant actor. I heard he gave a stellar performance portraying serial killer, Jack Unterweger, on stage in Vienna.“

Who is your favorite author?

Nathan: “Elmore Leonard. I enjoy his realism writing style.“

Do you play any sports?

Nathan: “No, I run a couple miles daily to keep in shape.“

What would we find under your bed?

Nathan: (Glances at the clock again) “If you are going to continue with this silly line of questioning, we are done here.”

Ok, then…what is something you want people to know about you?

Nathan: That I have done a lot of good in my life. I’ve donated millions of dollars a year to food banks and homeless shelters around the country and will continue to do so. I’ve also put millions into healthcare and scientific research.“

Tell us about your greatest achievement.

Nathan: “There have been so many but I can’t discuss my greatest at this point. Instead I will say…developing medications that cure diseases and improve lives. In particular, genetic illnesses and recessive disorders that devastate families. Apparently, you didn’t read my company’s press kit. You really do remind me so much of the lovely, Miss Steel.”

What was the scariest moment of your life?

Nathan: “When my sister died of Menkes Syndrome, a dreadful disorder that affects copper levels in the body, leading to copper deficiency and extensive neuro-degeneration of the brain and eventual death. Like most children with Menkes, they die within the first decade of life, usually infancy, as Katherine did. She’s the reason I began my research work into genetic disorders.“

Is there a piece of advice that you have received that has really stuck with you? If so, what was it?

Nathan: “The first rule of business. Employees are replaceable.”

If you could apologize to someone in your past, what would you say?

Nathan: I don’t apologize. I have nothing to apologize for. I do, however, have a message for FBI agent, Blake Neely (hero) and the lovely, Miss Steel (heroine).”

And what’s that?

Nathan: “Don’t get too comfortable…you are replaceable.”

That sounds like a threat.

Nathan: (Smiles)

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/Q7f5EtZ_gis

About the Author…Kim Cresswell

Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.

Her debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards:
*RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown Finalist (Romantic Suspense)
*InD’tale Magazine 2014 Rone Award Finalist (Suspense/Thriller)
*UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013)
*Silicon Valley’s Romance Writers of America (RWA) “Gotcha!” Romantic Suspense Winner (2004)
*Honourable Mention in Calgary’s (RWA) The Writer’s Voice Contest (2006).

LETHAL JOURNEY won RomCon®’s 2014 Readers’ Crown (Thriller) and was a finalist in From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003).

Her action-packed suspense thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers. As one reviewer said, “Buckle up, Hang on tight!”

Kim recently entered the true crime writing arena. Real Life Evil – A True Crime Quickie (two short stories) was published in January 2014 followed by The Killing Truth. You can read her latest true crime stories in Serial Killer Quarterly, a new quarterly e-magazine published by Grinning Man Press.

~~~~~~~

Links to Kim’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.kimcresswell.ca

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kimcresswell

The Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/kim-cresswell.html

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooks

AMAZON: http://bookshow.me/B00KF53SQS
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1mVXyWm
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1txg6x3
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1mCYY6C
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1hJGazD
Chapters/Indigo: http://bit.ly/T1wJpq
Smashword: http://bit.ly/1m0IzXX

~~~~

BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Kim and her new release, REFLECTION, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench.  Happy Reading!

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Kim will give away an eBook of her short novel thriller, LETHAL JOURNEY, and an eBook of THE KILLING TRUTH (True Crime eBook Bundle) to two separate readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read these great stories.  Thanks, Kim, for sharing your stories with us!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Tima Maria Lacoba

 Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with TIMA MARIA LACOBA!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, TIMA MARIA LACOBA, and her favorite recipe for RED VELVET MUD CAKE!

Introducing The Dantonville Legacy!!

BLOODGIFTED (Book 1)
BLOODPLEDGE (Book 2)

By TIMA MARIA LACOBA

Book Blurbs

Bloodgifted:

What’s a girl to do when she learns she’s descended from a vampire? Being unable to age is only the beginning…

Laura Dantonville is a Primary school teacher with one wish—to marry her boyfriend, Detective Matt Sommers. When her aunt Judy reveals a frightening family secret that explains her rare genetic mutation, it threatens to propel her into a dark underworld where her true family waits.

Laura’s future with Matt hangs in the balance.

Alec Munro never wanted to become guardian to a Dantonville regardless that her blood is coveted by his vampire-kind. But his sire, Lucien Lebrettan, gave him no choice. Now he’s faced with not only protecting the girl, but fathering a child with her in order to end his servitude—and a centuries-old curse.

 … which some among his kind will do anything to prevent.

Bloodpledge:

Bloodpledge continues Alec and Laura’s story from Bloodgifted. Having undergone the Ritual and induction into the vampire community, Laura takes her place as Alec’s consort and First Lady of the Brethren.

But resentment and anger grow at Alec’s privileged position as daywalker. Among a powerful few, alliances are made and conspiracies formed, threatening a war that could destroy them all and endanger every human on Earth. Now Alec and Laura must invoke the Pledge, an ancient ceremony that enforces Brethren loyalty to the Principate.

When Laura’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Inspector Matt Sommers, turns up with a threat that could expose Alec, the battle for their world and their lives begins.

BLOODPLEDGE

Excerpt

In Alec’s room, a single tall, metal lamp gave off a weak light. There were no windows to allow in deadly sunrays, so presumably it predated the time when he became Princeps. The four-poster, wrought iron bed and I were well acquainted, since we’d made love in it several times.

Alec wrapped his arm around my waist and held me close. With his other hand, he tucked my hair behind my ear. ‘We have a little over an hour before the Prefects start arriving.’

‘Let’s not waste it.’ Every minute with him was precious. Three nights ago, Jean-Philippe nearly murdered us both and, even though he was now dead, the danger was not entirely over—tonight’s incident a stark reminder.

He lowered his head and kissed me with a fervency that left me breathless. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. Our tongues meshed in a delicious tangle of desire and passion.

‘What happened?’ I asked between kisses.

‘We had a disagreement ….’

I knew what he meant by that. ‘You had a fight.’

‘No avoiding it. Two of them are caged down in the cellar. Cal and Karl are keeping an eye on them till the Pledging.’

‘How many were there?’

‘Five—three men, two women.’

My stomach dropped. ‘You could have been killed!’

‘But I wasn’t.’

‘What if Luc hadn’t arrived—’

‘Shhh’, he sealed his lips over mine and, as always, I melted in his arms. A while later, he murmured against my mouth, ‘I probably could’ve handled it alone. After the Pledging tonight there should be no more incidents.’ His lips grazed my throat.

‘Promise?’

‘Cross my heart.’ He drew the figure of a cross over his heart. ‘Luc told you about the powers of the rings. If anyone tries anything, they’re ash.’

I nodded. After a previous rebellion, centuries ago, my father forced the surviving Brethren to swear an oath on the Serpent Rings. Those who defied it were killed when the rings flashed fire and destroyed them.

I didn’t want to think about it, let alone witness something like that.

Alec could probably see the anxiety in my eyes, for he smoothed the hair from my face and said, ‘The Pledge worked in the past. No reason why it shouldn’t do so again.’ His confidence was comforting and I released the breath I’d been holding.

‘Besides,’ he said, ‘Pledge or no Pledge, I’ll kill anyone who dares try and harm you.’ A deadly edge to his voice both frightened and excited me. He lowered his head, and took complete possession of my mouth with such passion it ignited a painful throbbing in my core that only he could relieve.

His hands slid down to my waist, untied my sash. Gently he eased my robe off my shoulders. It dropped to the floor, where my camisole soon joined it. He touched the crimson vial Luc gave me, which was nestled between my breasts. It contained three drops of Marcus’s, Antonia’s and Luc’s blood, and it would render the drinker immortal.

‘Luc explained?’

I nodded.

‘Would you take it?’

‘Yes.’ I breathed.

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his eyes. They were filled with such love, such intensity of longing I almost wished the curse wouldn’t be lifted so there’d be no chance of my blood becoming normal. Yet, our children, the future….

About the author…Tima Maria Lacoba.

My name is Tima Maria Lacoba and my background is in archaeology and Ancient Roman History, especially Roman Britain. I was a practicing archaeologist for many years before taking up high school teaching. It gave me the opportunity to take my students on overseas excursions to visit the amazing archaeological sites they’ve only seen in books.

One day, I surrendered to the itch of writing. After many years reading and correcting my students’ creative writing tasks and essays, I decided it was time to write my own. I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Bloodgifted is the result.

In 2011, it was shortlisted in the Atlas Award – sponsored by a boutique Brisbane publisher – and eventually came fourth.

In 2012, it was listed among the top ten in the Choclit, Search for an Aussie Star Competition. (They told me I missed out being in the final six by two points!)

In 2013, I was offered a publishing contract, but declined in favour of going indie. Heaven help me, but I like the idea of being in charge of my own creation!

Bloodgifted is just the start of a three part series I’ve entitled, The Dantonville Legacy. Later, I intend writing individual books on the other characters in the series, for they all have their own story.

Currently, I live on the Central Coast, an hour’s drive north of Sydney, surrounded by wooded hills, possums and seed-dropping rosellas. Between bouts of writing, I teach English and History, enjoy long walks while dodging the nesting magpies and plot the next series of books I’d like to write.

~~~

Links to Tima Maria’s website, blog, books, etc.

Blogspot: http://timamarialacoba.blogspot.com

Facebook – http://facebook.com/TimaMariaLacoba  
Twitter -  http://twitter.com/TimaMariaLacoba

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads/TimaMariaLacoba

Bloodgifted trailer – Bloodgifted@Youtube (there are two trailers)

~~~~

I hope you enjoy the recipe Tima Maria is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 151 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note from Tima Maria: What else for a vampire story, than Red Velvet Mud Cake?

RED VELVET MUD CAKE

Ingredients:

1 packet mud cake mix (I make things easy for myself)

Frosting (This is the simple bit)

1 icing sugar
1/4 milk
1/4 teaspoon melted bitter
2 drops red food colouring

Method:

Follow the instructions and bake according to the directions.

For the frosting, mix the icing sugar with the butter and milk until you get a nice, thick consistency then add 2-3 drops of red food colouring (depending on how dark a red frosting you’d like).

After removing the cake from the oven, let it stand for about 20 minutes or until it’s cool enough to smooth on the frosting.

Voila! A cake Dracula would be tempted to eat.

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Karen.
Happy reading everyone, and Happy Fourth of July.

 

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Tima Maria will give away a copy of BLOODPLEDGE to TWO readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this story.  Thanks, Tima Maria, for sharing your story with us!

 

Congratulations Week 06-16-14 Giveaway Winner!

 

CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 06-16-14 GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with THERESA SEDERHOLT!!

Giveaway: Theresa will give away an ebook copy of THE UNRAVELING OF RAVEN to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** blog. Thanks, Theresa, for sharing with us!

WINNER!! bn100!!

[All winners chosen by random.org. Thank you.]

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: A Hotel in Paris by Margot Justes

  KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

A HOTEL IN PARIS by MARGOT JUSTES

~~~

A Hotel in Paris by Margot Justes

Book Blurb

At a professional and emotional crossroad in her life, Minola Grey, an American painter, decides that an extended trip to Paris is just what she needs to re-capture her muse. She dreams of romance, but a murder in the hotel disrupts her peaceful contemplation. She is soon faced with an international murder mystery.

Quick on the case is Interpol Captain Peter Riley, who suspects Minola of holding the oldest profession known to man. Despite his rudeness and hostility, the needless loss of life impacts her deeply and forces her to take action.

With an eye for details, Minola’s ability to observe the casual occurrences of everyday life instilled in her as an artist, and her equally impressive talent to putting it on paper could help bring the case to closure.

But when the murderer realizes she knows too much, can Peter Riley keep her safe?

A Hotel in Paris by Margot Justes

Periodically, and lately rather frequently, I get a hankering to go back to Paris. I spent a year in that incredible city, and have gone back a few time, but it always beckons me back. The city is my first love, it was a time of my youth and extreme freedom. It was the stuff of dreams.

I write about art, travel and romance. My novel A Hotel in Paris is set in the most romantic city in the world, and since summer and the travel season is almost upon us, I would like to offer a few tips to the city of light and romance that may be a bit off the beaten path.

By all means go to all must see places, and there are so many, but save some time for the other-must see places-go to the intimate and magnificent Rodin museum, it was his home, and his presence can still be felt in every piece exhibited, inside and in his gardens.

It is by far my most favorite museum that I have ever visited. His work is passionate, ardent, and profound. Every muscle strained, every sinew defined. Agony, joy, and in the case of the Balzac work, arrogance masterfully portrayed. Walk through the gardens, stop in the café in the garden and savor your brew in quiet serenity.

Don’t neglect a stroll in the contemplative Luxembourg Gardens, find the Medici Fountain and the reflective pool, sit down on a bench and ponder…

For a taste of local wonder, lose yourself in the back streets of the left bank, start with Rue De La Huchette off Blvd St. Michel, pick a narrow cobble stoned street and start walking-do wear comfortable shoes. Aromas from many ethnic restaurants beckon you in, you can explore one narrow street after another.

For a romantic stroll, walk along the Seine, see the front and back of Notre Dame, enjoy the books stalls. Do so in the early morning, before the crowds and the stalls open, just when the city starts to wake, stop in a café and enjoy a respite. It is so quiet and peaceful and so incredibly romantic. It is equally enchanting late in the evening as the bookstalls start to close; a pervasive hush comes with dusk.

You will see a different Paris, an enchanting Paris; different from the hassle of the tour buses and the rush to get from one point to another without ever savoring the essence of the city. Take the time and delight in the city of lights. Don’t be afraid to get lost, carry a map with you. Paris is a walking city filled with treasures, and you will always find your way back to the next monument.

Cheers,

Margot Justes

Blood Art
A Fire Within
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com

About the author, Margot Justes….

Born in Poland, Margot Justes has lived in some of the world’s most wonderful places, including Israel, France and South Africa. Currently living in the Midwest, she has taken her love of art and travel and cultivated it into unique settings and stories for her writing, 2007 brought her a contract for her first novel A Hotel in Paris .

A Hotel in Bath was released in February 2013, and Margot is currently working on her third book in the hotel series, set in Venice, Italy. She is also hard at work on a sequel to Blood Art . Her other projects include a novella set in Chicago, Dazzling Ghouls. She also writes travel blogs and articles.

A Fire Within, also set in Chicago was released in February, 2014. The story first appeared in the Hearts and Daggers anthology.

Margot Justes is a Member of Romance Writers of America, and is a past president of the Chicago North RWA Chapter and the Chicago Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

She loves to hear from readers.

www.mjustes.com
mjustes@earthlink.net

~~~~~~~

Links to Margot’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.mjustes.com

Blog: http://margotsmuse.blogspot.com

A Hotel in Paris
http://www.amazon.com/Hotel-Paris-Margot-Justes-ebook/dp/B007KLPEU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404071077&sr=8-1&keywords=a+hotel+in+paris

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Margot will give away an ebook copy of A HOTEL IN PARIS to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story.  Thanks, Margot, for sharing your story with us!

 

**Author Peek** with Margot Justes

A HOTEL IN PARIS by MARGOT JUSTES

**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview

INTRODUCING…Margot Justes.

Karen, thank you for the opportunity.

I was born in Poland, and have travelled a bit. I retired from my paying job in Human Resources last year, and am now a full time writer. I can honestly say I love my new job. Travel and reading would have to top my hobby list, as well as writing about travel. I don’t know if drinking coffee is considered a hobby or a dire necessity. I’d go with dire necessity

Q: How did you start writing?

I had a tough day in the office, and needed total escape, a totally unfamiliar escape. I decided to jot down a few incidents, and somehow I had a murder on my hands and an artist living in Paris. Many years ago I lived in Paris for a year, and the city was always dear to my heart. The setting was not a surprise, as was the profession of my heroine and amateur sleuth. I’m a mystery fan and I wrote a few pages seemingly out of nowhere-of course it was pure rubbish. As my first editor told me afterward, and I quote. “Dickens could afford to muse, you cannot.” I took his advice to heart and kept going.

Q. How many genre(s) do you in and why?

I write romantic mysteries set internationally, and my first paranormal vampire attempt, Blood Art. The paranormal was more of a dare, but once I got into the story I loved the characters and the endless possibilities with perceived immortality. There is a sequel in the works with my secondary characters, who demanded their own story.

Q. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

First I need to preface with-I dislike driving-intensely. As my family puts it I have one comfortable speed which is usually 45-50mph, no matter the speed limit-therefore I concentrate on driving.

Q. What is your favorite part of writing?

That is easy, the solitude, the perfect escape in a story, action and characters of my own choosing.

Q. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Also easy, writer’s block. The dry as dust moments, hours, and sometimes weeks when nothing is happening to move the story forward and I’m stuck.

Q. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?

That is difficult, I’m not a celebrity follower, but the instant reaction was Luciano Pavarotti, because of his sublime voice, but of course that would be rather difficult…and a scientist, because to them science and the universe makes sense, and to me it’s pure magic. I’d choose Dr. Neil Tyson as the second parent, because of his Cosmos series he has become a wonderful and an inspiring celebrity.

Q. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

I stayed in a hotel for a while when I lived in Paris, and of course when I travel; a lot happens behind the scenes in hotels; there is romance, the occasional theft, vandalism, brawls, and even murder. I love art, and letting my heroine be an artist allowed me to live vicariously through her-I possess no such talents. The news has never ending stories about murders, and the romance just sort of happened. The characters decided for me.

Q. Tell me about your ideal reader?

That is an excellent and a rather difficult question. I’ve been told I fall in the niche market, because I write about romance, mystery and art; art plays an important part in my stories. To get back to the question, someone who likes to travel or reading about travel, likes art, or at least is willing to be introduced to art, and who likes mysteries and romance. Someone who loves an escape to a different world with a happy ending.

Q. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.

Coffee. There is a reason my heroine is addicted to the brew. Music occasionally, when I was working on A Hotel in Paris, it was a retro trip for me, and I listened to Tom Jones, and as a result, my favorite songs are mentioned in the book.

Q. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

I’m working on A Hotel in Venice, scheduled for a 2015 release, and a novella set in Chicago sometime this year. Secondary characters from the hotel series somehow are winding up with their own stories. I seem to have created a family of close friends.

Cheers,

Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Fire Within
Blood Art
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks

About the Author…

Born in Poland, Margot Justes has lived in some of the world’s most wonderful places, including Israel, France and South Africa. Currently living in the Midwest, she has taken her love of art and travel and cultivated it into unique settings and stories for her writing, 2007 brought her a contract for her first novel A Hotel in Paris .

A Hotel in Bath was released in February 2013, and Margot is currently working on her third book in the hotel series, set in Venice, Italy. She is also hard at work on a sequel to Blood Art . Her other projects include a novella set in Chicago, Dazzling Ghouls. She also writes travel blogs and articles.

A Fire Within, also set in Chicago was released in February, 2014. The story first appeared in the Hearts and Daggers anthology.

Margot Justes is a Member of Romance Writers of America, and is a past president of the Chicago North RWA Chapter and the Chicago Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

She loves to hear from readers.

www.mjustes.com
mjustes@earthlink.net

~~~~~~~

Links to Margot’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.mjustes.com

Blog: http://margotsmuse.blogspot.com

A Hotel in Paris
http://www.amazon.com/Hotel-Paris-Margot-Justes-ebook/dp/B007KLPEU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404071077&sr=8-1&keywords=a+hotel+in+paris

~~~~

BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Margot and her release, A HOTEL IN PARIS, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench.  Happy Reading!

~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Margot will give away an ebook copy of A HOTEL IN PARIS to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story.  Thanks, Margot, for sharing your story with us!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Greg Sandora

 Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with GREG SANDORA!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of his favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, GREG SANDORA, and his favorite recipe for MY HAM RECIPE!

GABBY, ANGEL OF GOD:
GUARDIAN & MESSENGER:
Keeper of Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness and Faith
A Supernatural Romance Thriller
By GREG SANDORA

Book Blurb

Gabby, Angel of God is a Supernatural Romance Thriller that feels like falling in love!

The story starts out with a young widower, Bo, raising two small children and the three heartbeats that will change his life. Ride along as stunningly beautiful Gabby, takes this human man on the no-holds barred adventure of a lifetime!

If you’ve ever lost a loved one this story is for you!

A story of Peace, Love, Hope, Charity and the strength of Faith, you’ll love Gabby, Angel of God.

Gabby, is gorgeous, powerful, and able to take on forces that would make the most powerful armies turn and run for their lives.

When a widower who feels he has lost everything meets an angel he finds out that his life is just beginning. Gabby is an angel of God who shows him that life is always full of surprises, adventures and a lot more meaning than we can easily fathom. She shows Bo how to help others, be open to love again and find the hidden strength that lies within all of us. It is a story with heart and hope that will take you on an adventure of faith with one amazing angel.

This best-selling novel is on sale for a limited-time to introduce you to up-and-coming author, Greg Sandora We hope you enjoy Gabby, Angel of God.

Excerpt

How quickly life can change. A sixteen-year-old girl texting while driving took the best part of us away, leaving two innocent kids without their mom. The most wonderful woman to ever walk the earth, my beautiful Sally, pinned against an icy guardrail, bravely clinging to her last moments of life.

“Tell Bo I’ll miss him terribly,” and, “please, tell my precious babies, Mommy loves them so much.” Tears filled her eyes, “I won’t be there to see you grow up.”

The car severed her just above the hip. The paramedics told her the truth, pulling the car away would cost the brief time she had left. Sally laughed, nervously asking for something to write on. My beautiful wife spent her last minutes writing, “Dearest family, I love you, I have had the most wonderful life, try not to be sad. Try to hold on to the good memories.” She signed, “Mommy,” and, “I’m so sorry, Sweetheart.”

I’m welding now, for Bath Iron works, a shipbuilder based on the Portland Waterfront. It’s steady work –building Arleigh Burke class destroyers, for the U.S. Navy. I had to do something with my hands to keep busy or else lose my mind. Grief can do that. Work helps me forget.

I must have dosed off. My eyes slowly open to the blinding brightness of the noonday sun. Turning sideways I catch a glimpse of my son Brandon swinging stomach first, but there’s something else, oddly out of place. I can’t explain it. A girl, a young woman maybe, is standing too close. Who does that? No one gets that close to someone else’s kid. What is she doing? She looks over at me, as though she would like to answer. I sense her thoughts as she realizes that I see her. My heartbeat quickens, I count three quick thumps – before I figure out what to do – she’s gone. What was that? Who could she be? This is crazy – someone was there then suddenly disappears. I have to question my sanity.

“Please come back,” I plead, mentally. “Whoever you are, whatever you are, I’ll wonder for the rest of my life! That’s not fair!” Maybe she wasn’t so gentle. My mind is racing now; Brandon is still swinging peacefully – oblivious, to what I’ve witnessed.

I ask anyway, hopeful, “Hey Bran? Who was that next to you?”

“I’m swinging by myself, Daddy.” He is giggling at me, his answer so matter-of-fact. I get chills.

Okay, I’ve finally cracked. To my credit it did take a while for me to lose my mind. I’ve put up a good fight the last two and a half years, but now I’m seeing things. For months after Sally died I waited, hoping she’d show herself – to somehow let me know she was okay. Surely our love could bridge the gap between death and life. If anyone would try – it would be her. I thought the chimes were Sally, the birds chirping, butterflies – the stern rustling of the leaves; it was all just dreaming. Now I’ve really lost it; for five seconds at least, I saw the most beautiful woman, as plain as the nose on my face. Then she disappeared. No one will believe me. The guys at work don’t understand stuff like this. I can’t trust anyone with this information. I thought I was a survivor and losing my wife hadn’t made me crazy. Now I can no longer say that. What am I going to do? If I tell – I risk losing my kids. I sit up and take a series of deep breaths to clear my head.

“You have the most beautiful faith.” I hear in my mind. It’s finally happened – I’ve completely cracked. I’m seeing things and hearing voices.

“You’re not seeing things, Bo. Look beside you, I’m here.”

My God. This is real. The most amazing creature is sitting beside me speaking directly to my mind. Now of all times, I can’t talk. My lips are frozen.

“Are you real!?” I manage to ask mentally, overly stimulated.

She delicately places her hand on my arm, “Yes, I’m real.” She smiles, gently shaking her head. “You must have been so at peace. True rest is a gift from God.” When she thinks of God, I fall limp. She catches me, cradling my head in her lap.

“Who are you?” I think to ask. She leans over, blows sweet breath into my face, breathing a message without moving her lips, communicating as if she were making love. I understand the truth. She is Gabriella, a messenger of God. A guardian sent to intervene wherever she is needed. She is not the most powerful angel. Others far greater guard the outer edges of the earth. She is here only briefly, to help change the course of events.

“Bo,” It’s funny, I’m hearing her dulcet voice aloud with my ears. “Your faith must be very strong for you to witness.”

“Well it’s going to be a lot stronger now. This is incredible…It’s amazing…You’re amazing!”

“Bo?”

“Yes, Gabriella?”

“Sally’s in a place of peace and love.”

The angel knew that’s what I’d ask. “Is she happy, does she miss us? Where is she?”

“Slow down, I can’t give you the details, but you’ll see her again. True love always finds its way in heaven. That’s all I can tell you.”

“Thank you, that’s the best thing you could have said.”

“You are blessed, Bo.”

“Your voice?”

“Yes, Bo?”

“It’s like hearing the sweetest melody, say something, anything – please, it’s beautiful.”

 “I bet you say that to all the angels.” The beautiful voice is teasing now.

“You are the first angel I have seen. Are all angels female?” I was still gazing in wonder at her beautiful face.

“I see…” Gabriella looked pensively, and then answered, “Angels can be male or female, Bo.”

“One or the other, I hope.” I said, trying to tease her back.

 “You’re funny,” she laughed. “I’m a female angel, very female, don’t worry.”

“Well, you’re lovely, ‘breathtakingly feminine!” I was trying and failing to suppress my admiration.

 She giggled, “You’re sweet, we are not learning so we angels display perfection, the ideal possible in humanity.”

“You’re beautiful in every sense, Gabriella. Your skin, your hair – you’re perfect.” She is the most desirable woman I have ever seen.

“We’re archetypes, Bo, modeled after men and women. Not the other way around.”

I have the strangest sensation, like I’m drawn to this angel. The feeling is overwhelming.

“Bo, that’s why angels never show themselves, we are irresistible to humans. It’s not your fault.”

“It’s strange, you’re reading my mind.” I can’t keep my thoughts secret from you?’

“I’m afraid not, I hear your thoughts as easily as if you were speaking them.” She began to walk, with a gentle gait that was as graceful as dancing, around me.

 “Sally would have loved to be able to hear my thoughts like that.”

 “What girl wouldn’t want to know what her man was thinking?” She continued pacing, seemingly filled with an excess of energy that she needed to vent by moving.

 “You’re funny.” Smiling, I shook my head.

“No it’s true; I hear a lot of prayers like that.” That statement brought home her angelic nature to me. Thinking of her listening to prayers and trying to help grant them was heady stuff, yet I felt remarkably focused and grounded by the thought.

 “I feel strangely clearer headed near you. Why is that?” I began to pace around in a less graceful imitation of her movements. It was a bit like being a moon that was caught in her gravity.

 “Angels can focus your mind, on what you really want.” She stopped and looked intently at me.

 “Well then I want you!” The words came bursting out of me. I didn’t censor myself and I could see disappointment in her eyes.

 “Bo, you don’t understand yet. I’m a helper, sent to aid and protect.”

Purchase Link:  http://amzn.com/B00IJA6XQS

About the author…Greg Sandora.

Originally from the Portland, Maine area and lived and worked there for years before moving to Southwest Florida. My first book, Jack Canon’s American Destiny: He’s All In, is a Presidential Thriller, or some might say White House Mystery Thriller, packed with action and adventure. I just completed the sequel to Jack Canon’s American Destiny – which is titled Jack Canon’s Women of the House: Love, Lust and Loyalty (A story of Kindness, Passion and Courage that can’t be separated. It’s has all of the same components of the first but leans toward a Presidential Romance, or White House Romance Thriller. The sequel is just as action packed, but with a bit more spice than the first, some would say it’s very sensual. Anyway both are available on Amazon now.

My next project is a Supernatural Romance Thriller, it involves an angel, Gabby, short for Gabriella – Basically, a man during a visit to Bar Harbor, Maine encounters a beautiful angel named Gabby; quite accidentally, he is told – she wasn’t supposed to make him aware of her existence. His purity of spirit, kindness and capacity for love has revealed her to him. Naturally he falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful creature, as humans can not resist angels. The book is titled Gabby, Angel of God, Guardian and Messenger (Keeper of the Peace, Love, Hope, Charity and Faith. She’s quite something and they go on a quick but exciting adventure helping people in trouble. There’s even some horror thrown into the mix. Gabby fits nicely in the Supernatural, Romantic Thriller, Paranormal and Time Travel genres. All three books have adventures and thrills, are fast paces and even some hilarious moments.

The Jack Canon series will eventually be about 7 books, book three is tentatively titled, Jack Canon’s Ghost Operative, it’s a Presidential Agent Thriller and deals heavily in the shady dealings of the CIA, Global Terrorism, and the do-what-ever it takes spy mentality. Anyway the attitude of President Jack Canon is to make things right, No matter what! My hope is to have people read the stories and let me know their thoughts. My dream is to write full time and return to beautiful Maine in the Summertime while spending winters in Florida. I probably share that goal with a lot of people.

My Dad and Mom were artists, my father painted and my mother wrote poetry and loved to garden. Most Saturdays we loaded up the 1970 Chevy Impala to trek to a one man show somewhere or other. I took a different track graduating with a business degree; owning and operating an Award Winning Franchise Fitness Center. Currently a professional manager I am living in Florida with my beautiful wife and children, and following my passion.

~~~

Links to Greg’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: www.gregsandora.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gasandora

Gabby, Angel of God:  http://amzn.com/B00IJA6XQS

Greg Sandora
Author
Jack Canon’s American Destiny
Read Now – http://bit.ly/VYf6pO
Twitter – @gregsandora

~~~~

I hope you enjoy the recipe Greg is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 150 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY HAM RECIPE

My Ham Recipe.  This is for all the guys out there who really don’t cook, but want to make at least one dish over the holidays.  My ham dish is so delicious you’ll have the entire family’s mouths watering for more. See how good it looks in the pictures.

Don’t be fooled, as good as it looks, it tastes better, and it’s even easier to prepare. I call this my signature dish – my wife plays along because it means she doesn’t have to cook, at least for one holiday a year.

Here’s the plan of attack.  Visit a local supermarket. If you’ve thought ahead you’ve gone where there’s a sale. Your mission is to acquire one large ham shank, the bigger the better, do not even think of getting the spiral, spirals dry out. I am shocked that some people are too coddled to cut ham, but that’s for another day.

Step One:  Buy a precooked Ham, one can of pineapple slices in juice, and light brown sugar (one pound size). Helpful Hint: Always go with precooked, that way all you’re really doing is heating it up. No one has to know.

Step Two:  Place Ham in pan large enough to avoid spills and preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Step Three: Pour about half the juice from the pineapples and one half of the brown sugar (about a half pound) into the bottom of the pan. Place sheet of tinfoil over top of ham.

Step Four: Cook Ham in 300 degree oven for 4 hours.  That gives you plenty of time to go to church, and watch the game with only limited interruptions to check on the ham.

Step Five: Baste ham in juices.  Hint:  Whenever you get up from the TV to baste, make a really big deal of it.  There is no sense having a signature dish and cooking if you don’t get ample credit for it. Remember, you only cook once a year. The in-laws won’t complain, and your wife will keep your secret. Remember she’s the one who encouraged you to cook. Besides she knows this dish is so easy even you can’t mess it up.

Step Six: Remove tinfoil, score the top with a knife making one inch gashes in the fat.  (I’m not really sure if gashes is an official cooking term, but you get the point.)

Step Seven: Mash the remaining half pound of brown sugar into the one inch openings you made. Hint: There should be an enormous amount of brown sugar covering the top of the ham.  Pour the other half of the pineapple juice over the sugar very slowly, encouraging a thick sticky sugar mixture covering the ham.

Step Eight: Press pineapple slices into the sugar mixture covering the top of the ham.

Step Nine: Grab a cold one from the fridge, you’re almost done. Raise the temperature of the oven to 375-400 degrees and let ham cook until the top has a golden, caramelized candied look. Hint: The juice and brown sugar mixture boils for hours infusing into the first few inches of meat. This area is for preferred guests only. Note: Save most of this section for leftovers, remember how good it tastes with morning eggs. Hint: Dislodge several chunks of this area immediately, pop into mouth while nobody, especially company is looking. Reasoning: You won’t be as hungry waiting to eat.

Step Ten: Enjoy, and don’t forget to take pictures, they’re for bragging rights and to remember you cooked.

Step Eleven: Grab another cold one and dig in. You now have a signature dish.

Final note: This was my dad’s recipe.

 

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Theresa Sederholt

 Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with THERESA SEDERHOLT!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, THERESA SEDERHOLT, and her favorite recipes for WHITE CHEDDAR LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE with TRUFFLE OIL and a bonus recipe for  NUTELLA MARTINI!

THE UNRAVELING OF RAVEN
By THERESA SEDERHOLT

Book Blurb

At 27, Raven Anderson experienced more heartache then anyone would in their lifetime.  She felt she finally had her life on track when she started doing what she loved the most, teaching second grade.  The best-laid plans are not always the right path as Raven learns when fate puts her in the direct path of a mega billionaire named Jaxson James Phillips, the owner of a corporate raiding company called Raiders Inc.  With the spotlight now focused on Raven, her past is threatening her future.  So, she does what she does best, run!

The beautiful girl with the violet eyes has left Jax, who never gets rattled, totally speechless.  He has always gotten whatever he wanted.  So, why was this beautiful girl running away from him?  As time goes on he slowly unravels the many layers of Raven, but what he finds puts everyone around them in danger.

Can anyone survive?

~~~

Links to Theresa’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: http://www.theresasederholt.com

AMAZON US
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JGSH3PM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1397560911&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

AMAZON UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00JGSH3PM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1397560948&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

BARNES & NOBLE
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unraveling-of-raven-theresa-sederholt-theresa-sederholt/1119095379?ean=2940149400188

~~~~

I hope you enjoy the recipes Theresa is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 149 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHITE CHEDDAR LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE
WITH TRUFFLE OIL

1 pound      Lobster meat
2 tbsp         Canola oil
1 lb              Elbow macaroni pasta
1/2 cup       Butter (1 stick)
1 cup           Chopped white onion
2 cloves      Chopped garlic
1/2 cup       All-purpose flour
1 cup           Vegetable stock
1/2 cup       Heavy cream
2 cups         White Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
to taste       Salt
to taste       White pepper
3 tbsp         White truffle oil
1/4 cup      Chopped fresh chives

Directions:

Bring a pot of water to boiling for the pasta.
Sauté lobster meat in oil until it is no longer translucent, and set aside.
Cook the pasta until al dente and drain well.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, and add the onion and garlic, cooking until translucent, being careful not to burn it.
Add the flour a little at a time to make a roux. Do this gradually because some batches of flour absorb more than others and you may not need as much.
Add the vegetable or fish stock a little at a time to form a smooth sauce.
Simmer for a least 10 minutes to allow the flour to “cook out,”
Add the heavy cream and heat thru,
Reduce the heat and then slowly add the White Cheddar Cheese, Stirring as you go to incorporate into a smooth sauce, do not boil.
Season with salt and white pepper and taste
Gently stir the lobster meat into the cheese sauce
Fold in the pasta and transfer to a serving bowl

Drizzle sparingly with truffle oil and garnish with chopped chives.

&&&

NUTELLA MARTINI

Ingredients:

1.5 oz       Frangelico Liqueur
1.5oz        Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1.5oz        Chocolate Flavored Vodka
2tbsp       Nutella Hazelnut Spread
1tsp         Chocolate shavings for garnish

Ice
Shaker Glass

Directions:

Put the Nutella into a bowl and microwave for 15 seconds to warm
Drizzle Nutella inside your Martini Glass
Place the ice and all of the other ingredients in the Shaker Glass
And shake well
Strain gently into your Martini Glass and fill to the top.
Garnish with some shaved Chocolate, Enjoy

 **SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Theresa will give away an ebook copy of THE UNRAVELING OF RAVEN to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this new book.  Thanks, Theresa, for sharing with us!