RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE AMAZING eBOOKS!

SATURDAY'S SALACIOUS SUGGESTIONS

I know a LOT of you have a new (or old) eReader that you just need books for! If you're looking for an AMAZING book for your eReader, check these out!  I'm sure you'll find one or two or a dozen!

Holiday Cheer - Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings

Here's a good recipe for New Year's Eve or Day or football play-offs/Super Bowl.


Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings

Ingredients

3 lb chicken wings
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp chili sauce or ketchup or barbecue sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic minced
¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

Separate wings at joints and put into a glass pan or plastic baggie. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour (or overnight) turning occasionally to coat all chicken.

Heat oven to 375°. Drain chicken, reserving marinade. Place chicken on rack in foil-lined broiler pan. Bake 30 minutes. Brush chicken with reserved marinade and turn chicken. Bake for another 30 minutes.

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

Holiday Cheer - Baked French Toast

Wow, only two days left in 2011, can you believe that?  On New Year's Day I'm hosting a brunch for 18-20 people.  My family is holding its Christmas gathering this weekend, so lots of in-town and out-of-town people. I fixed this recipe earlier this year, when I hosted a similar brunch. It was a big hit and will make a nice addition to your brunch menu.

Baked French toast

Ingredients

• 1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut diagonally in 1 inch slices
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Directions

1.  Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of bread in the bottom. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

2.  The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup; heat until bubbling. Pour over bread and egg mixture.

3.  Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes. 

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Holiday Cheer - Ebooks for your new eReader

Raise your hand if you got an ebook for Christmas.  I didn't. I have a nook already, given to me last year for my 50th birthday...it's one of the first ones out and doesn't have all the bells and whistles the new nook and Kindle Fire have, but it still works great!  But if YOU received a new nook or kindle or some other ebook this holiday season, then you need to fill it up with good reads! And as it happens, I have a few ebooks out there.  So, of you haven't downloaded one of my stories, yet....now is the time:
THE PRICELESS GIFT:

The last thing Christina Scott expects Santa to bring her is a sexy—and very familiar—cowboy. Gavin Holloway’s just as shocked to discover she’s the woman he’s sent to pick up from the airport for a Christmas visit with her brother.  They'd spent one hot week together months ago—a week where they both left their identities and individual problems behind.  Neither ever expected a reunion.

Little do they know, Santa's elf has more than coal up his sleeve. Ho ho ho and a badgering we'll go before reindeer two-step on their rooftop and deliver THE PRICELESS GIFT that will leave their snowy days sizzling.

Links to buy: http://www.annakathrynlanier.com/id33.html

A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE:

Arriving home for Christmas, the last thing Jacob Scott expects in his house is a sexy, shotgun-toting stranger. Worse, his attraction to her bothers him even more than the gun. Still reeling from the deception of his long-time girlfriend, he’s not looking for romance.

Tessa Jones has learned one hard lesson—when everyone in your life has failed you the only one you can trust is yourself. Facing the whispers of the townsfolk and an arson charge, Tessa unexpectedly finds herself trusting Jacob with more than her legal troubles.

Struggling between the promise of the present and the hurts of the past, can these two lost souls overcome their pain long enough to discover a gift beyond all measure?


For links to buy: http://www.annakathrynlanier.com/id35.html

SALVATION BRIDE:

The hot dusty town of Salvation, Texas has more than its share of secrets in 1873 when Laura Ashton's stage rolls into town. Sheriff David Slade has no idea what baggage his mail-order bride is bringing into his life. Throw in the nightmares from his Civil War days and he's got more than courting to contend with. Laura's a woman ahead of her time, a woman trained in medicine. And she's got a will that could move mountains. Unfortunately, the only mountains in Salvation are in Sheriff Slade's memory. Can the determined doctor heal his pain, or will the dark secret in her past turn up to steal his Salvation Bride?

Links to buy it: http://www.annakathrynlanier.com/id31.html

A COWBOY'S DREAM:

Author Leah Smith has fantasized about her neighbor, Houston’s pro baseball player Marcus Slade, for years, but thinks it’s unlikely she’d catch the cowboy’s interest since her IQ is bigger than her bra size. Having already been hurt by a man who wanted size over substance, she’s not in a hurry to play in that ball field again. When an unexpected opportunity gets Marcus inside his favorite author’s apartment, he’s not about to let a second chance at love pass him by. Their attraction is quick and electric and has him instantly thinking about something more long-term. But when a woman from his past intrudes, his hopes of a cozy Christmas with Leah are buried beneath her cold shoulder. Risking a strikeout, Marcus has one chance left...go for the grand slam of his life and crash Leah's annual Christmas Eve party in hopes of convincing her she’s this Cowboy’s Dream.

Links to buy A COWBOY'S DREAM: http://www.annakathrynlanier.com/id32.html

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I also invite any of my friends to post their blurbs and links for their own ebooks....those ereaders can hold A LOT of books!

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Holiday Cheer - Black-Eyed Peas

Many of you may know that Black-eyed Peas on New Year's Day are supposed to bring you luck. Growing up, we had peas out of a can and they were NOT my favorite. So, for many years we didn't have them as tradition said we should. Then I found this recipe in a newspaper and tried it. I love it, as do my family.  

Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients:

1 1-pound pkg dried black-eyed peas

2 quarts water

1 onion, chopped

¼ green pepper, chopped

1 rib celery, chopped

Ham bone, piece of salt pork or several slices of bacon

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Wash the peas; soak overnight or at least 5-6 hours.

Pour off soaking water; put peas into a large sauce pan with at least 2 quarts water.  Add remaining ingredients.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Cook about 2 hours or until peas are tender and mash easily.  Add water as needed while cooking.

Serve with fresh cooked rice and cornbread.

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The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months! -- Edward Payson Powell

What HOME means to me

by Calisa Rhose

Hi Anna! I’m so happy to be here. I visit so many friends who are hosted by you and I’m honored that today is MY turn! You can find all of the HOME TOUR blogs on my website in the News/Blogging News tab.

This is a special post for me. It begins the countdown to my BIG SALE PARTY on my own blog on January 1, 2012! Whistle! Confetti! Streamers!

Even though HOME releases on Wednesday, December 28^th from The Wild Rose Press, starting today I will keep track of commenters. The day following the New Years Day party, on my blog, I will be giving away the first copy of HOME to one lucky commenter! The more you comment this week, the greater your chance to win! Don’t forget to leave your EMAIL ADDRESS in your comment!

So let’s get this countdown started!!!!

DAY SIX!!!

BLURB:

What could a gypsy and a Vietnam veteran have in common?

Silvertown’s outcast, Poppy Tippen, has loved football hero Sam “The Force” Callahan forever. But he never seemed to know she was alive. Now he’s home from the war and she suddenly finds herself comforting him from the demons of “that damn war.” Is his attention merely an escape from the haunting nightmares? Or does she hold the interest of the only man she’s ever truly loved?

Sam Callahan’s only solace from the war nightmares wrecking his life comes in the unlikely form of a gypsy girl with stigmas of her own. He’s known Poppy his entire life, but there’s something different about her now. Something special he desperately wants to hold on to. Can he convince her she’s the only thing he needs to put the past behind him?

Excerpt:

“I’ll always want you, Poppy.”

Her head shook in automatic denial. “You’ll want a girl who fits your life. Not some gypsy with no family lineage to brag about. Your momma won’t accept that, either. She’ll make you choose someone like Connie, someone who fits into your world. Not the girl everyone avoids and whispers about behind her back. You’re gonna be the town’s doctor. You need an uppity wife who will make you proud.”

When Sam laughed, his chest shuddered against her back. Deep, husky, real. He turned her in his arms and looked down at her, smiling. “Poppy, do you honestly think I give a damn what people think? Look at me! I’m the town outcast, the survivor who should have died saving the others, not be here planning a future that includes a wife, a medical practice. “I shimmy under park benches, run from my mother’s lipstick, for God’s sake. I wake up screaming and crying over nothing in the middle of the night, crawl under my bed and hide, shaking,

until morning. Hell, I can’t even be a doctor because I haven’t finished school yet.”

“I didn’t know. It must be awful for you.” No matter how it hurt Poppy to know he used her, it felt much worse to know how he hurt alone. “The only time it isn’t awful is when I’m with you. When I think of you.”

*****************************************

Get your copy of HOME on December 28^th at The Wild Rose Press.

Find Calisa at her website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com

On twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook @Calisa Rhose

She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com 

Holiday Cheer - BBQ Sausage

Great for that New Year's buffet.

BBQ Sausage

Ingredients:

1 pkg little smoked sausage
1 bottle bbq sauce
1 (12 oz) jar chili sauce
1 (10 oz) jar grape jelly

Directions:

Mix sausage with bbq sauce, chili sauce and jelly in crockpot or sauce pan. If in crockpot, put on low and heat until hot. In sauce pan, heat over medium heat, simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.


"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other." —Anonymous

Merry Christmas!

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. 
- Augusta E. Rundel


I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 
- Longfellow

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Holiday Cheer - Veggie and Chip Dips

Did you forget you need to bring something to the Christmas Eve gathering?  Here's two easy recipes for any occasion. 

Merry Christmas! If you haven't watched this 'digital Nativity' video yet, you're missing out. The Digital Story of the Nativity

Herb Veggie Dip Mix

Ingredients:

1 tbsp parsley

1 tbsp thyme

1 ½ tsp dried tarragon

1 ½ tsp minced onion

¾ tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

2 cups sour cream

2 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and mix until well blended.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.  Serve with assorted fresh vegetables.

NOTE:  To make a gift of this recipe, combine all the herbs together and store in a ziplock bag.  Attach a gift tag onto the bag with instructions to add herb mix with 2 cups sour cream and 2 tsp lemon juice.

Layered Taco Dip

Ingredients:

1 can (16-oz) refried beans
1 pkg. dry taco seasoning
1 (6-oz) carton avocado dip
1 (8-oz) carton sour cream
1 (4 ½-oz) can chopped ripe olives
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (16-oz) jar picante sauce

Directions:

Combine beans and dry seasoning mix. Spread bean mixture evenly in a 12X8X2-inch dish. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Serve with chips. 

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Holiday Cheer - Jewel Fudge

Oh, yummy!  Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of both THE PRICELESS GIFT and A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE.

Jewel Fudge

Ingredients:

3 cups (18 oz) premium white chocolate chips

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

½ cup chopped green candied cherries

½ cup chopped red candied cherries

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, combine chips, milk, vanilla and salt; stir until chips are melted and ingredients are well mixed.  Remove from heat and add cherries. Spread into a foil-lined 8- or 9- inch pan.  Chill 2 hours until firm.

Turn fudge onto a cutting board and peel off foil.  Cut into squares.  Store covered in refrigerate.

Makes 2 ½ pounds of fudge.

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Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. - Author unknown

Holiday Cheer - Pistachio Cake

First things first, I have to send out a BIG kudos to the U. S. Post Office and in particular, the Deer Park, TX branch.  On Monday, my granddaughter, aged 4, scribbled on a piece of paper and proclaimed it a letter for Santa. She insisted we put the letter in the mailbox.  I folded the paper in half and wrote, For Santa.  She didn't sign it and we didn't have our address on it.  I saw the mailman come to our mailbox and take the mail.  Then Lacey and I went out to check the mail.  She was upset that the letter was gone, but I explained that the mailman was taking it to Santa, that was his job (I guess she thought Santa would pick it up himself). Anyway, today, in the mail, Lacey received a letter from Santa, thanking her for her letter. Since we didn't put her name on the letter, it was addressed to "Dear Friend," but it had our address on the envelope.  In all the years I've sent letters to Santa, I don't recall getting an answer back, so this was a huge surprise and let me tell you, Lacey is a Santa FAN! (For proof, check out this youtube video of her taken last year, while waiting for the Deer Park Fire Dept.'s Santa Visit)  She was excited by the letter! So, thank you, Post Office, for making a little girl very happy!

Secondly, congrats to Jerrica for winning last week's drawing.  This week's prize a copy of my two related Christmas Stories: THE PRICELESS GIFT and A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE. These will be sent as PDF books.  So be sure to leave your comments to be eligible. I'll draw a winner next Wednesday, December 28th.

Pistachio Cake

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 large box instant pistachio pudding

4 eggs

1 cup sour cream

¼ cup oil

Cinnamon/sugar mixed to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a Bundt pan.

Mix together cake mix, pistachio pudding, eggs, sour cream and oil.

Pour 1/3 batter into pan. Sprinkle heavily with cinnamon/sugar mixture. Repeat layers.

Lightly sprinkle top with cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Bake 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

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Hanukkah is about the spark of the divine in all of us made in God's image. ~Suzanne Fields

Holiday Cheer - Italian Cream Cake

I've uploaded A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE COOKBOOK, 'published' last year as a companion to my story A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE.  Below is one of the many mouth-watering recipes, as well as the link to download this FREE PDF cookbook.  Get yours today.

This recipe was submitted by Paisley Kirkpatrick, one of the contributing chefs.

To get your FREE COOKBOOK- get your copy of A GIFT BEYOND ALL MEASURE COOKBOOK, click HERE.

Italian Cream Cake

Paisley Kirkpatrick

Ingredients:

½ cup shortening

1 stick margarine

2 cups sugar

5 eggs, separated

2 cups flour, sifted

1 teaspoon soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon butter pecan flavoring

½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained

2 cups coconut

1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts/pecans)

Directions:

Mix together the cherries, coconut and nuts and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, put the shortening, margarine, sugar, flavoring, egg yolks, salt and soda; set aside. Sift flour and set aside. Place the egg whites in a medium sized mixing bowl and with mixer on high speed beat stiff, but not dry. Set whites aside. With same beaters, cream together the sugar mixture with mixer on high speed. Beat until very light and fluffy. Add flour and buttermilk and beat on low speed until flour is moistened, then on medium speed until batter is smooth and well mixed. Stir in the coconut mixture and mix well. Fold in the beaten egg whites. Bake in three 8 inch or 9 inch layers, well greased and floured. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes until cake tests done. Cool before frosting.

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese

1 pound powdered sugar

½ stick margarine

1 teaspoon butter pecan flavoring (or maple)

In medium sized mixing bowl, mix together the icing ingredients; beat on low speed first, gradually increasing mixer speed until well blended.

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As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same. - Donald E. Westlake

Holiday Cheer - Reindeer Chow and Reindeer Food

Need something to do with the kiddos? Here's another quick and delicious recipe (I seem to like that word, delicious, a lot these days).  

Reindeer Chow

Ingredients

1 stick butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
7 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Melt the butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in a pan over medium; stirring to blend. Put cereal in a large bowl and add mixture. Mix well. Add powdered sugar and stir until well coated. Keep in a sealed container.


Oh, and we want Santa to come by the house Christmas Eve, so here's a recipe to help the Reindeer find the way:


Reindeer Food

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
¼ cup sugar
3 tbsp red colored sugar
3 tbsp green colored sugar

Directions:

Mix together and place in a plastic bag. Sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve. The smell of the oats and the glitter of the sugar will help the Santa’s reindeer find YOUR HOME!





Don't forget to leave a comment and your email to be eligible for this week's prize: ALL FOR LOVE: A Romantic Anthology by Laura Stoddard, quotes and drawings about the pangs and pleasures of love. I'll draw a winner on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

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What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. ~Agnes M. Pharo

Cooking for Christmas

I'll confess that cooking food isn't my favorite past time. However, I do like to bake, and the holidays--with the cool weather and happy atmosphere--put me in the right frame of mind for creating not only yummy holiday treats, but also sweet stories.

Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with spice, both in cooking and in writing. Anyone who's read any of my erotica titles: Twice is Not Enough (Regency), Riding Rodeo (contemporary cowboy menage), Slave to Innocence (ancient Greece F/F), Tempting Terms (contemporary) or Not Just Friends (contemporary) can tell you I don't mind heat. However, there's still something special about a sweet story.

And just in time for Christmas, Time-lost Love, has been released. Like the Mates of the Guardians series-- which includes His Ship, Her Fantasy and His Hope, Her Salvation with His Capture, Her Rescue due out in 2012--Time-lost Love crosses the genre boundary. There's a little science fiction, a little fantasy, a little mystery and a little romance packed into this holiday short story.

Winter delivers a mystery into Sarah's lap when she finds the diary of a young woman who once lived in the renovated farmhouse Sarah and her husband, Robert, recently moved into. The diary hints at a lost love and further research reveals an untimely death.

But when Nisse, the Norwegian spirit of Christmas, gets his due, all things are possible, and time's lost love might be found anew.

Now, for a recipe, Banana Nut Bread, a holiday favorite around my house.

2/3 cup sugar (Can use 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 1/3 cup white sugar)
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
1 tsp vanilla
4 bananas, mashed
1 cup nuts, chopped (I use pecans or walnuts)

 Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 9 x 5 loaf pan or 4 small loaf pans and set aside.

Sift together the dry ingredients (not including nuts). In separate bowl, combine wet ingredients (not including bananas). Set mixer on low and pour wet ingredients into dry. Mix. As the batter thickens into dough, add bananas. Beat until everything is combined then add nuts. Bake for 45 minutes or until lightly brown.

(Note: I've always had to add time for the big loaf pan...sometimes up to 30 minutes depending on altitude and oven variations.)

Holiday Cheer - Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

1 pound powdered sugar

1 stick butter or margarine, melted

8 oz peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

12 oz chocolate chips*

½ block paraffin wax*

Directions:

Mix sugar, melted butter, peanut butter and vanilla.

Roll into balls and place in refrigerator for one hour to harden

Melt chocolate chips and wax in double boiler.  Dip balls into chocolate and place on wax paper to cool.

*In place of the chocolate chips and paraffin wax, you can use the chocolate candy melts found in hobby stories in the cake decorating area. They work just as well.



Don't forget to leave a comment and your email to be eligible for this week's prize: ALL FOR LOVE: A Romantic Anthology by Laura Stoddard, quotes and drawings about the pangs and pleasures of love. I'll draw a winner on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

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Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal. ~Lenore Hershey

Holiday Cheer - Pecan Fingers

Pecan Fingers

Crust Ingredients

½ cup margarine or butter
¼ cup shortening 
¾ cup powered sugar
1 ½ cup flour

Filling Ingredients:

1 cup light or brown sugar
2 eggs
½ tsp baking powder
1 tbls flour
½ tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven 350°.

Crust: Blend margarine and shortening until creamy; add powdered sugar and mix well. Add flour, mix well. Press dough evenly in bottom of ungreased 9x13-in pan, half an inch up the sides. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown. Remove from oven.

Filling: In medium bowl, stir filling ingredients together very gently with fork until well mixed. Pour filling over hot crust, spread evenly. Bake 20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.


Don't forget to leave a comment and your email to be eligible for this week's prize: ALL FOR LOVE: A Romantic Anthology by Laura Stoddard, quotes and drawings about the pangs and pleasures of love. I'll draw a winner on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

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Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Holiday Cheer - Shrimp Sandwiches

I discovered this recipe a few years back when I needed to make some 'nice' sandwiches for a luncheon.  It's easy to do and, oh, so delicious. So, if you're having a luncheon this holiday season, give these a try.

Don't forget to leave a comment and your email to be eligible for this week's prize: ALL FOR LOVE: A Romantic Anthology by Laura Stoddard, quotes and drawings about the pangs and pleasures of love.

Shrimp Sandwiches

Ingredients

1 8-oz cans shrimp pieces
or ½ pound fresh boiled shrimp
8-oz package Swiss cheese, shredded
1 medium onion, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Mayonnaise to blend
26 pieces of bread

Directions

Chop shrimp, Swiss cheese and onion. Add seasonings and mix well. Add mayonnaise to spreading consistency. Chill for at least two hours. Spread on bread to make sandwiches. May also be spread on crackers and dusted with paprika.


A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown

Saturday's Salacious Suggestions

Well, I've forgotten to do this for the past few weeks.  Sorry about that that!  Once again, I'm opening up my blog to YOU!  Please add your blurb and links to buy in the comment section.

And if you're looking for something to read, please check out the blurbs.

Anna Kathryn

Break Into Fiction® Power Writing Day Mary Buckham

Permission to forward given 

Northwest Houston RWA presents a one-day workshop with Mary Buckham. $20 for NWH members; $25 for non-members.

Break Into Fiction® Power Writing Day

Mary Buckham

SUPER POWER OPENINGS
Can you sell your book based on your opening alone? Agents, editors and thousands of readers are going to decide to choose your book based on your opening. Is yours ready? Bring the first 150 words of your story to test its strength.

ANALYZE THIS: SCENE SURVIVAL TEST:

Test the Strength of Your Scene
Submissions live or die by the strength of scenes. Are your scenes loaded with key elements or bloated with filler? Bring a scene from your story and come prepared to test its strength.

ACTIVE SETTINGS
Setting can bog down pacing. Give your setting an active role in your story. Use Deep POV to spin boring descriptions into engaging prose. Bring a brief passage/excerpt [approximately 100 words] of setting from your manuscript for deep analysis.

HOW MANY HOOKS ARE ENOUGH?
Whether you’re a plotter or seat-of-the-pants writer, the simplest way to avoid a sagging middle is to understand how to continually build hooks into your story. So how many hooks are enough? Knowing the answer to that question can be the difference between a compelling story and one that drags.

FMI: http://nwhrwa.com/events.htm