I Used to Make These! So Good!

Hi, my name is Matt McCallum.  Elaine told my and my wife's story in her book A New Dream.  We wanted to give her a break, so we've taken over her blog during the month of December.  We've designated this week as recipe week.  We contacted some of Elaine's author friends who've kindly agreed to provide a recipe for us. Today's recipe is from Chris Redding.

And I'm Violet McCallum.  I operate a catering company, and I've used a similiar recipe many times.  Do try these.  You won't be sorry if you do!  They'd be great for Super Bowl parties too.  My husband used to play for the Green Bay Packers, so Super Bowl celebrations are big at our house.  Anyway, here's Chris's recipe.

Cheese Puff Appetizers

I bring these to potluck parties. They are usually a big hit.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded low fat cheddar cheese

1 cup butter (I sometimes use Smart Balance)

2 cups all purpose flour

2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce (You can substitute Chipotle Tabasco Sauce)

2 (5 oz) jars of green olives (Kalamata olives work well also.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cheese, butter , flour, and Worcestershire sauce. Knead the dough. Pinch the dough into small balls, flatten them in the palm ofyour hand, then roll each circle of dough around one olive. Arrange the wrapped olives on the prepared cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly brown.

Enjoy either warm or cold.

And now let's have an excerpt from Chris's book Blonde Demolition. You can buy the book at

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blonde+demolition+by+chris+redding&x=24&y=28

Mallory Sage's heart raced at the sight before her—a bomb.

It had all the parts necessary to blow up the beer trailer and everything nearby—including her fellow firefighters at the Coleville Volunteer Fire Company.

Adrenaline and anger streaked through her.

She called to her chief. "Jesse, get out."

I won't lose you. Not now. Not like this.

Jesse Moran backed away from her, licked his lips and then moved in her direction. "Get out of here, Mal."

Her heart sank. Even in the face of a bomb, her lover was willing to protect her. She clenched and unclenched her fists, her breath coming out in pants. "Not without you, Jesse."

Without taking her eyes off Jesse, she shouted to another firefighter" Call 911. Tell them we need the bomb squad."

When Jesse reached her, she yanked him out. He had a hundred pounds on her. She had the element of surprise. "Get me wire cutters."

Jesse looked at her as though she had three heads.

"Do it."

He shook his head. "No, you don't know what you're doing."

She made eye contact with one of the bystanders. "Get me wire cutters and clear everyone out of here. Make sure no workers are on the fairgrounds."

The last thing the struggling fire company needed was to lose this fair. It was their sole fund raising effort. These guys missed dinners and family events to put out fires and some jerk with a penchant for bombs couldn't be allowed to do that to them.

What if this is just the beginning?

Oh, wow, that's so exciting!  Chris, thanks for sharing.  Matt and I are putting it on our to be read list.  I hope each and every one of you has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mudejan Cuisine by Jenny

Welcome to Elaine's blog.  My name is Violet McCallum, and this handsome man beside me is my husband Matt.  Elaine told our story in her book A New Dream, so we decided to give her the month of December off.  We've done a good job too, haven't we, Matt?

I think so.  Readers, you've stopped by at just the right time.  With Christmas coming, I bet you'd like a new recipe to try, so this entire week we'll be posting recipes supplied by Elaine's author friends. Violet, who's up today?

Today's recipe is supplied by Jenny Twist.  It's a Mudejan recipe, and it sounds good.  Jenny told me that they eat a lot of Moorish cuisine in her part of Spain.  It was ruled by the Moors for hundreds of years, and those who weren't kicked out by the Christians were known as the Mudejans - 'The Ones Who Stayed Behind.'  Here's the recipe.

SOLOMILLO MUDEJAR (MUDEJAR-STYLE PORK FILLET)

2-3 Pork fillets (depending on size)

20 Rashers streaky bacon or pancetta

Walnuts, roughly chopped

Dates, pitted and roughly chopped

2 Large tomatoes, skinned and diced

1 Carrot, diced

1 Stick celery, diced

1 Onion, diced

250 ml white wine

500 ml meat stock

Black pepper, salt, sprigs of rosemary and thyme

Serves 6 as a main course

Slit each fillet lengthways almost all the way through. Turn over and beat flat. Turn back again and lay a line of walnut down the centre, then a line of dates. Roll up the fillet and wrap with 4 or 5 rashers of bacon\pancetta.

Bake in a medium oven (180 deg. C) for about 45 min. or in a barbecue with a lid. (If the latter, keep the centre of the BBQ clear of coals and place a drip tray there.)

For the sauce, sweat the diced vegetables in olive oil until soft. Now add a handful each of chopped dates and walnuts, the herbs, salt and pepper, wine, stock and the remaining bacon\pancetta, and simmer for ½ hour. Take out the bacon and any woody bits of herb and blend the rest. Put the puree back in the pan and reduce until the thickness and flavour are to your liking. Sieve for a smoother finish if prefered

When the meat is done let it rest a few minutes and remove the bacon. (You can leave it on if you prefer but it´s given up a lot of its flavour and makes carving more difficult.) Slice the fillets at a slant about 1 -2 cm thick. This dish is good hot or cold.

Wow, Violet, that sounds great.  Maybe we should try this for Christmas.

(Violet frowns.)  You don't want my turkey and stuffing?

Oh, yeah, it's great.  (Aside to readers: But I like pork better.  Shh.  Don't tell her I said so.)  Honey, let's share an excerpt from Jenny's book.

Good idea.  Here goes.

G Rated Excerpt from Domingo's Angel - Jenny Twist

CHAPTER 1

The next day he took his goats to the top of the ridge near the pass and looked down on the smallest casita of Guillermo the mayor. There was a mule tethered outside and a string of washing had been hung between two almond trees. Otherwise there was no sign of life. Halfway down the slope was a large algarrobo tree. He decided it would be an ideal place for lunch.

But although he sat and watched the little house all the time as he ate his bread and cheese and olives and drank his wine, nobody came out and nothing happened. Only the mule moved along the side of the house to keep in the shade as the sun moved round. So he went to sleep.

When he woke up, someone was calling him. “Hola, goatherd!”

He squinted up into the sun and there, standing before him was an angel. It was very tall and thin and there was a fiery halo round its head. “Hello,” it said, "Soy Ángela - I am angel. I am delighted to meet you! Who are you?”

In absolute panic, Domingo shot up into a sitting position and shuffled backwards into the algarrobo tree. His head hit the hard trunk with a resounding crack and he subsided and slumped back down, feeling a little stunned.

The angel came forward into the shadow of the algarrobo tree and he realised that the halo was, in fact, hair - very long hair - falling in waves down beyond her shoulders and almost to her waist. It was exactly the colour of oranges that have dried on the tree. Her skin was so white it was almost blue and her eyes were so pale they had no colour at all. “How could they think she was a dead person?” he thought in a confused fashion. “She is obviously an angel.”

http://www.melange-books.com/authors/jennytwist/twistdomingosangel.html

Happy reading

Jenny Twist

https://sites.google.com/site/jennytwistauthor/

Readers, you can buy Jenny's book at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Domingo%27s+Angel+by+jenny+twist&x=16&y=21

Let's Eat!

Hi, folks, Matt McCallum here.  Elaine told my story in her book A New Dream.  My wife and I decided to hijack her blog during the month of December so Elaine could have a break.  This week I've talked to some of Elaine's author friends and persuaded them to share their favorite holiday recipes with us.  Today's recipe comes from Rebecca Gomez Farrell who stopped by to say hello to us. 

Hi, Matt.  Merry Christmas.  I think it's so sweet for you and Violet to help Elaine this way.

Oh, we were glad to do it.  What recipe are you sharing today?

(Rebecca laughs.) It's the Gomez family broccoli casserole.  I swear I could eat a whole pan of it by myself.

I bet Violet will want it for her catering business.  Say, Rebecca, I hear you have a new book out.

Oh, I do.  It's called Maya's Vacation, and guss what?  It's about food.

(Matt laughts.)  How perfect is that?  Why don't you share the recipe and then let us read an excerpt?

I can do that.  Merry Christmas, Matt.  I hope you and Violet have a wonderful time.  It is your first Christmas as man and wife.  Readers, I hope you have wonderful holidays too.

Gomez Family Broccoli Casserole

20 ounces chopped broccoli

14 ounces cream of celery or mushroom soup

2 tablespoons chopped onion

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers

4 tablespoons melted butter

1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil the broccoli until tender and drain. Mix together all the ingredients and pour into a greased 8 x 8 square pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Maya's Vacation-excerpt.

“Where are we going?” she asked after a few minutes of silent walking. She stopped to catch her breath, not knowing if the pace, the wine, or the proximity of Dean were responsible for her short-windedness.

            “Just a little spot I saw earlier today. It's on the other side of the bed cabins. I think you'll love it.”

            “Okay, but slow down a little? I'm not exactly nineteen anymore.”

            “No,” he agreed while lessening his speed, “you're better.”

            Around the next bend, she smelled a sweet, heady scent that nearly overwhelmed her wine-dimmed senses. “Lilac!” she exclaimed. “You remembered!” She had always loved that flower. She’d insisted Chuck wear a bunch for his boutonniere on their wedding day. Chuck . . . who’d brought her a bouquet of them on the day he'd made his first million dollar sale, who’d bought her lilac perfume every Christmas they were together, though she never wore it because it smelled so strongly of alcohol. The sinking feeling in her gut that had dulled over the course of dinner came back.

            Dean didn't notice. “Of course I remember! You tried to paint lilac blossoms for a month straight before you gave up and shredded the canvases to pieces. You are so—so sexy when you're frustrated, do you know that?” He kissed her forehead suddenly then snaked his arm around her waist.

            “I—I can't do this,” she heard herself say, though her body wanted nothing more than to touch his skin, kiss his brow.

            “What? Can't do what?” He kissed her neck.

            “This—you—Dean, I'm with Chuck.”

You can buy your copy of Maya's Vacation at http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662249&mode=product&product=3028832

Christmas is Coming!

Hello, folks, Matt and Violet Emerson here.  Elaine told our story in her book A New Dream.  We've taken over Elaine's blog for the month of December so she can have a break. 

Matt: I don't know if you guys know or not, but Violet operates a catering company.  I thought since Christmas was coming soon, it would be nice if she'd share one of her favorite recipes with you.

Violet: I'd love to!  I got this recipe from Elaine's friend Bobbi Groover.  Have you read Bobbi's book?

Matt: What's it called?

Violet: The Inn at Little Bend.

Matt: Sounds good.  Share the recipe, and then we'll read an excerpt.

Violet:  Okay, here's Bobbi's recipe.

SCOTCH EGGS

Heat oven to 350

1 lb. pork sausage

12 hard boiled eggs, peeled

2 eggs, beaten

1 12oz. can beer

1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs

one bunch parsley

Using wet hands work about 1 1/2 Tbsps. of sausage around each egg to encase completely.

Dip in beaten eggs, then in beer. Roll in breadcrumbs. Place eggs on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

Bake 45-60 minutes or until sausage is browned. Cut in halves or quarters and serve on a bed of parsley.

serves 12

 

And now for that excerpt!

 

The music swirled again in her mind, teasing and caressing her soul as masterfully as a lover.

Her lagging spirit, that vital force which usually sustained her, felt renewed when the notes

purled around her like a wraith sent to guide her through the maze of turmoil.

He came from the shadows and took her hand. "Come with me," he whispered.

She went with him willingly, knowing in her core that he understood the complexities of her soul.

His eyes were blue...like Drake's...

 

Matt: I like the sound of this.  Folks, the book is available at   http://goo.gl/HeQWt.  Don't forget to check it out, and don't forget to join Elaine at http://www.trsparties.com .  She's sharing excerpts from her work.

Violet: There's one more thing.  April, you're Elaine's winner at the Naught or Nice blog hop.  She'll be sending you a book sometimes today.

Delectable Thursday

Hello, readers.  Matt McCallum here.  Elaine told my story in her book A New Dream.  My wife and I will be your hosts through the month of December because we think Elaine needs a little time off.  Today you'll have to make do with me, though.  Violet runs a catering business, and she's swamped with work today.  I tried to swipe one of her recipes to share, but she smacked my hand and sent me on my way.

 Luckily, April Gardner said she'd help me out.  If you don't know April, she's the author of Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang which released November 15 from Astraea Press.  Here's April's recipe.  Don't tell my wife I said this, but April's recipe sounds better.

Holiday Green Beans with Bacon

1 package (16oz) frozen cut green beans

3 tbsp water

2 tbsp butter

7 tsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chicken bouillon granules

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled.

 

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Cover and microwave on high for 6 minutes or until the beans are crisp-tender. Sprinkle with bacon.

Note: Works great with canned beans too!

 

Doesn't that sound good?  Readers, I convinced her to tell us what her book's about and share an excerpt with us, so enjoy.

 

Blurb:

 

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German troops invade, she knows nothing will ever be the same again. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it. But Lizzie soon learns that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way she expects. He might actually plan for them to live under Nazi rule…forever.

Excerpt:

The Attack

I had just carved out a door for my sandcastle when a plane appeared on the horizon. Like a giant bumblebee, it hummed and buzzed toward where we’d dug a medieval village in the sand.

            The buzzing increased, and Andre pointed. “Look, here comes another one.”

            Yesterday we had seen a plane making lazy circles overhead. Bold black, crooked crosses marked its wings. It had come and gone as harmless as a butterfly.

            “If he comes close enough, let’s wave this time,” my brother suggested.

            On our feet now, we trotted down the beach toward the airplane. “There’s another. And another,” I said. “Just look at them, will you? They’re so shiny.”

            The planes raced toward us. Their droning grew louder. One broke away from the group and made a sharp turn east.

            James grabbed my arm, jerking me to a stop. “Lizzie, wait.”

            “What is it?” I asked.

            “I think we ought to go home.” His voice grew quiet and hesitant.

            Andre shaded his eyes with his hand and squinted into the sky. “Aren’t they friendly?”

            Like a hawk preparing to dive for a rabbit, moving in unison, the planes dove toward the earth. I could see their wheels now. Their noses pointed toward the ancient fort set on a nearby bluff.

            My gaze shot to James. I found fear in his eyes. One more glimpse at the planes, and I understood. At once, the whine of their powerful engines became the sound of the enemy. The sound of Germans.

            I clutched Andre’s hand and ran. James was just ahead, leading us home. He dashed over the stony ground in a straight path toward the seawall and the road just beyond.

            Rocks dug into my feet. The racket of the planes swelled behind me. From across the island, more great rumbles reached my ears.

            “They’re bombing St. Peter Port,” James cried.

            My legs picked up speed, as if trying to keep time with my heart pounding in my chest. Andre struggled to keep up, but I refused to let go or slow down.

            The seawall loomed ahead. In one leap, James mounted it. He turned and thrust out his hand. “Come on, hurry.”

            Still running, I stretched my arm toward him. A resounding blast shook the earth under my feet. With a cry, I tumbled forward and slammed into the stone wall. Disoriented, I looked for my brother. He wiggled beneath me.

            I crawled off him. “Are you hurt?” Half my words were drowned in another violent roar. Before my ears had time to stop ringing, a third deafening blast rattled my chest.

            My head hurt and my thoughts jumbled inside my brain. Crouching at the base of wall, I covered my ears and pressed myself against Andre. He trembled beside me, eyes squeezed shut.

            James slid down the wall and huddled beside us. “Cover your head,” he shouted into my ear as the scent of smoke reached my nose.

            I obeyed.

            Just days ago our parents had been given an opportunity to send us away to safety. Mum was even invited to follow after and join us in England. But she had refused both offers. Why? Hot tears streaked my face.

            As my head clattered, I couldn’t vanquish the thought: The Germans are coming, the Germans are coming. The Germans are coming!

            Two more concussions rocked the ground. I quaked from the inside out. Baffling thoughts assailed me. What was happening? What had we done to deserve this?

As the sounds of explosions filled the air, a new thought tumbled around in my mind—one I’d never had before. For the first time in my life, I wanted to leave my beautiful island and never look back.

This book sounds like a winner to me.  I'm going right now to buy some copies to give to my employees at Chef's Pantry.  April, thanks for all your help.  Oh, wait.  I didn't tell you where to buy the book.  You can get it at http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=7105197

Contest Winners and a Recipe. And a Contest.

During the month of December my blog has been taken over by my characters. I have no idea what they'll get into, but if they get too wild please send me an email.

Elaine

Hey, Readers, Nikki Lane here. Remember me? Elaine told my story in The Best Selling Toy Of The Season. You really ought to get my book. It's a great story. If you read it though, you have to promise not to fall for my hunky Tommy. I admit that's hard because he's so wonderful, but back off, ladies. He's mine.

Elizabeth isn't coming today. She had some party she had to go to in Washington. She's an actress, but she's married to Senator Henry Lovinggood's son, Richard. They do a lot of networking in Washington because Senator Lovinggood wants Richard to be the president one day.

So, I'm here to announce some contest winners. Sherry Gloag, you won a copy of the my wonderful book. I'll be sending it to you shortly. Judy, you won those earrings. Better send Elaine your address at elainecsc@aol.com. If she doesn't hear from you in a week she's going to pick a new winner.

Elizabeth didn't say I could do anything but announce the contest winners, but since she isn't here... Okay, here's the deal. Let's have another contest. I'm gonna share one of my favorite Christmas recipes with the group. I make it every year, and everyone just loves it. Leave a comment and share one of your favorite recipes, and I'll get Elaine to draw one name out of a hat to win... er, what would be a good prize? I know! An ornament for your Christmas tree. I'd show a picture of it, but I just thought it up and haven't bought the ornament yet. Don't worry. It'll be great. Now, here's one of my favorite recipes.


White Delight

1 8oz. pack cream cheese
½ cup lemon juice
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 large can fruit cocktail (about 20oz. well drained)
1 cup pecans
8 oz. cool whip
shredded coconut

Mix everything together and sprinkle the coconut on top


Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you about the picture. Elaine likes the retro look so I found a picture of a 1950's Christmas card for you to look at. It is kinda cool.

Darlene to the Rescue

Have you planned your menu for Christmas yet? Are you looking for something different and can't find it? If so maybe you'd like to include this recipe for chicken salad croissants. (Or maybe turkey salad.) The recipe came from my friend Darlene who's a great cook. When she brings something to a party the dish empties pretty fast. As they used to say on TV, try it you'll like it.

Darlene’s Exotic Chicken Salad

4 cups cubed cooked chicken. I use rotisserie chicken from grocery store.
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped green pepper
1 2 oz jar diced pimentos drained
½ cup margarine
1/3 cup whipped cream
¼ cup sour cream
3 Tbsp sliced green onion
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 ½ tsp. lemon juice
1 ½ tsp cider vinegar
1 clove garlic minced
salt and pepper
¾ cup salted cashew nuts

Mix together first 4 ingredients. Combine next 10 ingredients and mix well. Pour over chicken mixture. Mix and add cashews. Chill in refrigerator. Tastes good on croissants.