Nancy J. Cohen's Blog: Nancy's Notes from Florida, page 30

Cozy Up With Kathy

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Cooking Class – Steakhouses

I enjoy attending Aprons Cooking School classes at Publix not only for what I might learn, but also for the pageantry, the recipes, the food tastings and the wine pairings. Tonight’s class, Steakhouses Around the World, began with a welcome drink. I liked the Lunetta Prosecco enough to put it on my buy list.

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Our first course was a Mushroom and Gruyere Tart paired with a Barone Fini Pinot Grigio. This wine was good but not exceptional enough to replace another favorite of ours. The tart, while very tasty, was cheesier than I’d expected. Again, I liked it, but I like my own vegetable quiches and zucchini pies better.

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Next came a Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette and Candied Walnuts. This salad was delicious but probably too labor-intensive for me to make at home. The wine pairing, 19 Crimes Chardonnay, is one of my favorites. Each cork in this series denotes a different crime. They’re fun to collect. It’s also fun to use the Living Wine Labels app and see the faces on the bottle labels come alive and talk to you.

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The meats were served on a plate together as our entrée. I’m not a big steak person, so I wouldn’t make the New York Strip Steak with Smoky Bacon Port Sauce at home. I preferred the tender Slow Roasted Prime Rib with Horseradish Chantilly Cream. These were served with a glass of Stag’s Leap The Investor. I like this Napa Valley Red Wine and would get it again. As for the meats, I’ll stick with making brisket at home and eating prime ribs or beef filet when I go out.

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Almond Tuile Cups with Key Lime Sorbet was our dessert offered along with a fruity Mohua Sauvignon Blanc, which is not my favorite variety. The sorbet was refreshing but I liked the edible tuile cups better. I’m more of an ice cream fan than a follower of sorbet, sherbet, or gelato.

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Overall, it was a fun evening whether or not I make any of the recipes. The classes are still a good buy. You get entertainment in the form of a cooking demonstration, a meal with several courses, accompanying wines, and recipes to take home. You also may meet some nice people to chat with between chef demos.

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Disclaimer: Any errors are due to my misinterpretation.

GIVEAWAYS  

Kitchen Gift Box Giveaway Nov. 18 – Dec. 4 

Enter Now to win a Kitchen Gift Basket including a signed copy of A BAD HAIR DAY COOKBOOK, novelty kitchen utensils, pumpkin pie recipe dishtowel, Hawaiian apron, sparkly sponge, fall harvest pasta. https://nancyjcohen.com/contest/

$400 Amazon Black Friday Shopping Spree, Nov. 4 – 23 

Enter to win a $400 Amazon eGift Card just in time for BLACK FRIDAY from The Kindle Book Review. If you scroll down, you might see my latest book. https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/400-black-friday-shopping-spree/

 

 

New Book Release – A Bad Hair Day Cookbook

I am proud to announce the release of A Bad Hair Day Cookbook featuring over 160 quick and easy recipes from my home kitchen to yours!

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This cookbook was a labor of love. I’ve enjoyed posting on my social media sites about my cooking classes, food tastings, kitchen experiments, and other adventures in dining. My list of recipes grew until the idea came to me to compile them into a cookbook. I hope you enjoy making the recipes for your friends and family as much as I enjoyed sharing them.

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY tonight from 7:00 – 8:30 EST. Fun & Games! Join us online at https://www.facebook.com/NewReleaseParty/

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Book Description

Are you having a bad hair day? Whip out your whisk, snatch up your spoon, and prepare your palate. Inside the pages of this cookbook are recipes that will bring you good cheer.

Enjoy 160+ tasty recipes from Nancy J. Cohen’s popular Bad Hair Day cozy mystery series. Included in this cookbook are excerpts, cooking tips, and anecdotes written by hairstylist and savvy sleuth Marla Vail. From appetizers to desserts, Marla offers cooking tips and tricks along with commentary about the dishes she prepares for her family. Whether you’re a skilled cook or an eager novice, this cookbook will unravel the mystery of cooking. Put on your apron and plan to make some killer recipes! Bonuses Include:

• Meet the Sleuth

• Introduction by Marla Vail

• Cooking Tips

• Excerpts from Series Titles

• Themed Menu Suggestions

• “A Sabbath Dinner” by Nancy’s Mother

For Home Cooks, Mystery Fans, and Cookbook Collectors

Digital ISBN: 978-0-9997932-4-4, Orange Grove Press, $4.99

Print ISBN: 978-0-9997932-5-1, Orange Grove Press, $15.99

“Reading through this cookbook has revived my interest in getting back in the kitchen.” Rhonda Gilliland, Author and Editor of the Cooked to Death Series

“Mysteries and cookbooks belong side by side on readers’ shelves. A Bad Hair Day Cookbook serves up both food and justice.” Christine A. Jackson, Ph.D., Author of Myth and Ritual in Women’s Detective Fiction

“A BAD HAIR DAY COOKBOOK brings to readers the amazingly delicious recipes from the series of the same name. Easy, fancy, and favorite standbys, they’re all covered, making this book packed with something for everyone!” Lisa K’s Book Reviews

“Designed for busy cooks who may not be out solving crimes, but whose time is equally challenged.” Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

“This book is not only a treasure to add to any cookbook collection, but a pleasure to read.” Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers’ Favorite

ORDER NOW

Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/2mgwoTZ

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2mlIR8W (Coming Soon!)

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2kS12mf

BN Nook: https://bit.ly/2kvrySl

BN Print: https://bit.ly/2QpGu1W

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2kixIVN

Books2Read:  https://books2read.com/ABadHairDayCookbook

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2lSUAvw

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2mezSpQ

New Release! A BAD HAIR DAY COOKBOOK - Enjoy 160+ quick & easy recipes plus holiday menus. #recipes #cookbook
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VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

Please follow my blog tour Nov. 20 – 30 with guest posts, interviews, excerpts and giveaways.

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GIVEAWAYS

Enter Here Nov. 18 – Dec. 4 to win a Kitchen Gift Box including a signed copy of A Bad Hair Day Cookbook.

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Enter Here Nov. 4 – 23 to win a $400 Amazon Shopping Spree from The Kindle Book Review.

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Kitchen Gift Box

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Blog Tour for A Bad Hair Day Cookbook

Please join me on a virtual book tour to celebrate the release of A Bad Hair Day Cookbook! Enter the contests as you visit each site and leave a comment to support my hosts. Looking forward to seeing you there! Scroll down for more giveaways.

Nov. 17 – Dru’s Book Musings – “Marla’s Kitchen Capers” Guest Post & Giveaway

Nov. 19 – LAUNCH PARTY for A Bad Hair Day Cookbook on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 – 8:30 pm EST. Fun & Prizes! 

Nov. 20 – 30 – Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour

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November 20 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – GUEST POST

https://paranormalromanticsuspensereviews.blogspot.com/

November 20 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

https://mahinastate.org/blog/

November 21 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE, SPOTLIGHT

https://debbiedelouise.com/

November 21 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

https://mjbreviewers.wordpress.com/

November 21 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

http://www.birdhouse-books.com/

November 22 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

https://baronessbooktrove.com/

November 22 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

https://jenniferfaye.com/hearts-scribbles

November 22 – The Book Diva’s Reads – SPOTLIGHT

https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/

November 23 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

https://www.mysteryshelf.com/

November 23 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

https://cassidysalem.wordpress.com/

November 24 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST

https://ireadwhatyouwrite.wordpress.com/

November 24 – Nadaness In Motion – SPOTLIGHT

http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/

November 25 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT

https://dogsmomvisits.blogspot.com/

November 25 – This Is My Truth Now – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

https://thisismytruthnow.com/

November 26 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW, RECIPE

https://storeybookreviews.com/

November 26 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

https://readingismysuperpower.org/

November 26 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

http://achickwhoreads.blogspot.com/

November 27 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

https://www.literaryau.com/

November 27 – eBook addicts – REVIEW

https://ebookaddicts.net/

November 27 – Diary of a Book Fiend – REVIEW

https://bookfiendsite.wordpress.com/

November 29 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, RECIPE

http://myreadingjourneys.blogspot.com/

November 29 – Celticlady’s Reviews – REVIEW

https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/

November 30 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogspot.com/

November 30 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

http://www.fundinmental.com/

December 10 – Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers, “Fun and Fumbles in the Kitchen” Guest Post & Giveaway

https://anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/  

Follow Nancy J. Cohen's virtual book tour for A BAD HAIR DAY COOKBOOK. #newrelease #cookbook #recipes
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Booklover’s Bench Giveaway Nov. 1 – 18

Enter Here to win a free book from Booklover’s Bench.

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Kitchen Gift Box GIVEAWAY Nov. 18 – Dec. 4

Enter Here to win a kitchen gift box including a signed copy of A Bad Hair Day Cookbook.

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$400 Amazon Black Friday Shopping Spree Nov. 4 – 23

Enter Here to win a $400 Amazon Shopping Spree from The Kindle Book Review

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Spirited Cake

The original recipe I used called for Crème de Menthe, but you really could use any type of liqueur you have sitting in your liquor cabinet. This cake is great for a party. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Ingredients

15.25 oz. box white cake mix

3 eggs

½ cup canola oil

1 cup water

3 Tbsp. flavored liqueur

16 oz. can Ghirardelli chocolate syrup

8 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 Tbsp. flavored liqueur

Directions

Prepare cake mix according to package directions, but substitute 3 Tbsp. liqueur for the same amount of water. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake according to package directions. When cake is done, remove from oven and place pan on wire rack. While cake is still hot, pierce in several places with a fork. Pour chocolate syrup over cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Fold 2 Tbsp. liqueur gently into whipped topping to blend. Spread whipped topping over cake, slice and serve. Serves 12.

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Zucchini Dill Soup

If you can’t find pre-sliced zucchini or yellow squash in the grocery store, slice it yourself. Feel free to be creative and toss in your own ingredients to suit your tastes. This soup can be reheated the next day.  

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1-1/2 to 2 lbs. sliced zucchini and yellow squash

1 large onion, chopped

2 tsp. chopped garlic

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

5 cups low sodium chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Directions

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion, garlic, dill and parsley. Sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth and bring soup to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. When done, remove pot from heat. Let cool slightly and then blend with immersion blender. If you like a creamy soup, gently stir in the heavy cream at this stage. Ladle into individual bowls and serve. Serves 6 to 8.

Curried Deviled Eggs

Curried Deviled Eggs makes a tempting appetizer for your party menu. If you intend to refrigerate this dish until serving, be wary of what you use to cover it. You don’t want plastic wrap, for example, that might take half the topping off when you remove it. I used a microwave cover for my plated dish. Or you can buy a deviled egg carrier with a lid.

Ingredients

6 large shelled hard-boiled eggs

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. minced green onion

¾ tsp. curry powder

Paprika

Directions

Cut the eggs lengthwise in half. Scoop out yolks and put into separate bowl. Mash yolks with spoon. Add mayonnaise, minced green onion, and curry powder. Stir to blend. Fill hollows in egg whites with mixture. Sprinkle paprika on top. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Recipe may be doubled. Serves 6.

10 Steps to Publish Your Reverted Rights Titles

You’re thrilled that your publisher has returned the rights to your books. Assuming you plan to publish them independently, you’ll want to do a quick turnaround once these titles disappear from online bookstores.

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I’ve already discussed the process for revising a backlist title that needs a serious facelift. You can read my earlier Reviving Your Backlist Titles blog series for that advice. But what if these books are fairly recent and you don’t feel the need for another line edit? Here are my suggestions on how to proceed:

Obtain the most up-to-date digital file available. Clean it up by removing headers and footers and deleting proprietary publisher language. If you need to change a pdf file into an editable doc file, use a site like Zamzar and carefully check through your new file for formatting issues.


Check to see if all the corrections you’d requested from the publisher for the advance reading copy had been done. Don’t assume that any errors you’d reported in the past got fixed. Also, note if any readers had written to you with further corrections. Now’s your chance to make amends. Do a thorough proofread. Doubtless you’ll always find new things to correct.


Add a copyright page. Did your publisher acquire the original copyright in your name? You can do a search at the online copyright office to find your title and registration number. It’s good to have this for your files. The copyright date for your reissued book will be the same as the original unless you’ve made substantial changes to the story. Include the book’s publishing history so readers will know this is a reissue.


Decide if you’ll be publishing these works under an LLC or fictitious name, in which case your company name will be listed as publisher.


Buy a set of ISBN numbers at Bowker. You need a different ISBN for each format. My previous article discusses how to assign an ISBN number to your book title. This process may have been simplified with updates at MyIdentifiers.com. However, if you simply plan to publish on Kindle and remain in KU, you may not need your own ISBNs. Distribution options are discussed in my more recent Self-Publishing Made Simple blog series.


Add your front and back material. Consider if you need to update your Author’s Note and Bio, remove the Dedication page, add Social Media Links, a contact Email, and a Call to Action for a Review or Newsletter Sign-Up. Will you include an excerpt for the next book? In the back matter, you can also offer bonus materials such as family trees, research notes, reader discussion questions, or articles from your original blog tour for this book.


Decide how you will format the digital book. Will you hire a professional formatter, do it yourself, or use a third-party aggregator such as Draft2Digital? Will you upload it yourself direct to distributors, in which case you’ll need to establish accounts at each one, or will you use an aggregator for this step as well?


Hire a cover artist. The design should reflect your current brand and other books in the series. You may need to get a new logo. Consider color schemes, image style, text fonts, placement of author name and book title, and specific genre expectations. Also add award seals if the book has won a significant contest.


For paperback editions, rewrite your back cover copy. You should change it from the publisher’s version, even if only slightly. Add review quotes that you might not have had when the original book was published.


Decide if you’ll link this edition to prior editions at bookstore sites to keep the reviews and to keep your series intact. Will you distinguish these books from the originals by calling them Author’s Editions? After publication, remember to claim your new editions at Amazon Author Central, BookBub and Goodreads.

10 Steps to Publish Your Reverted Rights Titles #indieauthor #indiepub
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GIVEAWAYS

Booklover’s Bench, Nov. 1 – 18

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Enter to win a free mystery novel from Booklover’s Bench https://bookloversbench.com/win-a-free-book-november-2019/

$400 Amazon Black Friday Shopping Spree, Nov. 4 – 23  

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Enter to win a $400 Amazon eGift Card just in time for BLACK FRIDAY from The No. 1 Site for Reader Giveaways~~The Kindle Book Review. Contest ends Nov. 23, 2019. If you scroll down, you might see my latest book. https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/400-black-friday-shopping-spree/

Black Friday Amazon Giveaway