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Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid {Book Review}

Title:   Gimme Some Sugar Author:   Kimberly Kincaid Genre:   Contemporary Romance Pages:   352 Published:   June 2014 Publisher:   Zebra Source:   Netgalley via Author’s Pal for Book Tour Synopsis: Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire! Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she's running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter... Jackson Carter wasn't looking for love. But he's not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits... It's the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that J...

The 3-Day Reset by Pooja Mottl {Book Tour & Giveaway}

“Whole and minimally processed foods are the best foods for our health. But why don’t we crave them? There’s a good reason, and with The 3-Day Reset you’ll get ten food epiphanies that will reset the way you know, choose, and enjoy foods, putting you on the path to healthy eating and helping you stay there for good.” Eating healthy can be a struggle. It’s hard to choose broccoli and brown rice instead of hot, cheesy pizza. And diets often ask you to cut out different foods all at once, leaving you feeling deprived. In The 3-Day Reset , Pooja Mottl outlines 10 simple ways you can change your cravings and start eating whole, healthy, delicious foods—three days at a time. Each reset takes only 72 hours to complete, which means you’ll be able to stay focused on healthy eating from start to finish. Resets include: sugar, wheat, salt, chocolate, yogurt, chicken, beverages, breakfast, salad, and takeout. Accessible, fun, engaging, and packed with over 30 delicious recipes, pantry...

Review: Into the Fire by Amanda Usen

Title:   Into the Fire Author:   Amanda Usen Genre:   Contemporary Romance Pages:   201 Published:   June 2013 Publisher:   Entangled Source:   Publisher Synopsis: Jackson Calabrese has a lot of nerve. He beat Lila Grant in the Culinary Academy competition using her recipes. Now, he’s opening a restaurant and wants her help? Fine, she'll fix his menu, but it's going to cost him. Heir to the Calabrese restaurant empire, Jackson can buy anything he wants, except creativity, so he buys Lila's instead. He can craft perfect paella, but to take New York by storm he needs her innovative spark. Skillets aren't the only things hot in the kitchen, and an uneasy truce ignites into passion. They’re great in bed, but Jackson doesn't trust her, and Lila is contemplating revenge. The restaurant opening approaches, the menu is completed, and the tables are set for one final act of betrayal. How can love bloom in the midst of such a hot mess? One night changed the...

Recipe: “Ultimate” Tortellini Stew

I stumbled on this recipe a year or two ago, and it’s easily become one of my favorites!  The original recipe can be found HERE .  It’s from The Pioneer Woman’s Tasty Kitchen site.. I’ve made a few modifications (subtractions) from the original.  Here is my version!         Ingredients: 3 whole mild italian sausages, crumbled 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 whole onion, diced 3 bell peppers (any colour), diced 1 whole zucchini, cubed 1 package of frozen spinach (chopped kind) 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can sliced mushrooms (or 4 fresh large mushrooms) 1 jar of spaghetti sauce 2 cans of chicken stock/broth 2 whole chicken breasts parmesan cheese Preparation: In a very large stock pot, saute onion and sausage in olive oil until onions turn clear. Add all other veggies and the spinach.  Saute until tender Add all the other ingredients, except the tortellini and parmesan cheese. Simmer until chicken is completely cooked, shred chicken. Bring to a boi...

Guest Post: Isalys Recipe for Ropa Vieja

For those of you who don't know Isalys one half of Book Soulmates ... Let me introduce you! Hi, I'm Isalys *waves enthusiastically* In case you're wondering how to pronounce my name...it's [ee-sa-lees]. I was made in America with Cuban parts, lol. My culture has always been a big part of my life so I consider myself as much Cuban as I am American. I'm a tax baby...born on April 15. I am a passionate person.  I try to never half-ass things and believe that hard-work pays off. I also believe that laughter is the best medicine. I love all things British, I am a self-proclaimed Grammarian (like you didn't know that) and have a deeply rooted love for History. I have twin brothers who are 9 yrs younger than me. They've cost me a lot of money over the years, after all what else are big sisters for other than bailing you out of whatever shenanigans you get yourself into...but I love 'em anyway! On Oct 24, 2004 I married my gringo, Philip....

Guest Post: Chrystal’s Garlic Lime Chicken

My name is Chrystal and I am a bookaholic, a wannabe photographer, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a notorious list maker, a DIY gal, a jeopardy fanatic, a kitty mommy, a proud Canadian, a crafter, and a dreamer. Blog – Twitter – Facebook   I recently found these amazing Spice & Recipe Cards by Club House in the seasoning/spice section of the grocery store. There are so many great options, but so far my favourite is the Garlic Lime Chicken  Fajitas. The funny thing is that last two times I have made it, I didn't make fajitas. I actually made up the marinade and put chicken thighs in it to soak up the juices. Then I put them into the oven to bake – they turn out much juicier and very flavourful compared to the fajitas. So here is how you make it, you can either pick up the little pre-measured spice pack or follow these directions for the way I make it. 1 tsp. Dehydrated Minced Garlic 1 tsp. Dehydrated Minced Onion 3/4 tsp. Ground Cumin 3/4 tsp. Oregano Leaves ...

Review: Treasured Mennonite & Amish Receipes

Title:   Treasured Amish & Mennonite Recipes Author:   Mennonite Central Committee Genre:   Cookbook Published:   October 2011 Publisher:   Chapel Hill Source:   NetGalley Synopsis: The Pennsylvania Dutch are known for their unique traditional foods—recipes that reflect their German heritage and agricultural roots. Experience PA Dutch cooking with the authentic Amish and Mennonite recipes found in the pages of this cookbook. Inside, are recipes for everything from apple butter to chicken pot-pie, ham loaf to classic mashed potatoes. The book is also filled with interesting facts and fun stories about many of the recipes, sure to surprise and delight any cook. Bringing these delicious recipes into the kitchen will please any family! I was really looking forward to digging into this cookbook and experimenting with some of the 600 or so recipes this book has.  It has some pretty unique recipes from pies, cakes, casseroles to meat...

Favorite Cookbooks

I LOVE to cook, and I love cookbooks!  Here are a few of my favorites that are well used and most definitely loved!  Enjoy!! The Pioneer Woman Cooks:  Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl By:  Ree Drummond The Pioneer Woman Cooks is a homespun collection of photography, rural stories, and scrumptious recipes that have defined my experience in the country. I share many of the delicious cowboy-tested recipes I've learned to make during my years as an accidental ranch wife—including Rib-Eye Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce, Lasagna, Fried Chicken, Patsy's Blackberry Cobbler, and Cinnamon Rolls—not to mention several "cowgirl-friendly" dishes, such as Sherried Tomato Soup, Olive Cheese Bread, and Creme Brulee. I show my recipes in full color, step-by-step detail, so it's as easy as pie to follow along.You'll also find colorful images of rural life: cows, horses, country kids, and plenty of chaps-wearing cowboys.I hope you get a kick out of th...

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Caesar Salad Dressing Receipe via. www.cooks.com 3/4 cup of oil ( I used grapeseed oil ) 1/4 cup of lemon juice 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese 1 tbsp of worcestershire sauce 1 tsp of salt ( I only used a 1/2 tsp ) 1 tsp of pepper ( again I only used a 1/2 tsp ) 2 cloves of garlic minced ( we used 3 ) 1 egg ( cooked ) finely chopped Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight jar and refrigerate.  Make sure to shake well before use. * I purred all the ingredients in the food processor to give it a nice creamy smooth texture . Add dressing to romaine lettuce, topped with croutons, bacon bits and a slice of lemon and enjoy! -~-

Easy Veal Parmesan with Pasta & Salad

This is one of my favorite meals!  Really anything with pasta is in my top 10. Easy Veal Parmesan Ingredients: Veal cutlets Flour 1 egg Bread crumbs 1 small can of tomato sauce Mozzarella cheese Pasta of choice Butter Parmesan cheese Dash of salt & pepper Lettuce of choice Cherry tomatoes Cucumber Salad dressing of choice Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350F Coat veal in a light layer of flour. Beat an egg and add a drop of milk.  Dip coated veal in egg mixture. Sprinkle bread crumbs (I usually add some spices to it) on a plate.  Place veal in crumb mixture until coated. In a lightly oiled frying pan, sear coated veal cutlets until slightly browned. Place in a glass baking dish and top with cheese and pasta sauce. And bake for 30-40 mins (or until cooked all the way through) While your veal is cooking, cook your preferred pasta & prepare your salad fixings. Strain and top with butter, cheese and a dash of salt & pepper. Enjo...

Easy Pasta & Chicken Casserole

Today at work a friend of mine and I were chatting about what to make for dinner.  We both started throwing out ideas and this is what her and I came up with! Serves: 6 Ingredients: 1 pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 pieces) 1/2 a large onion 1 can of sliced mushrooms 2 boxes of Three Cheese Kraft dinner (shell kind) - prepared as you would normally 1 medium sized head of broccoli Bread crumbs 1 cup of shredded cheese Parmesan cheese Salt & Pepper to taste Dash of Thyme Dash of Rosemary (optional) Dash of BBQ Chicken Spice Garlic Instructions: 1.  Chop chicken breasts into small chunks and put in lightly oiled frying pan 2.  Cut up onion and add to chicken - cook until chicken is thoroughly cooked.  Turn off and set aside. 3.  Add spices and mushrooms. 4.  Boil water for Kraft dinner. 5.  Prepare broccoli and add to Kraft dinner for the last 2 to 3 minutes & drain. 6.  Make Kraft dinner as you w...

Tasty Tea Biscuits

It was one of those cold and windy days today.  Perfect for a nice chicken stew and tasty homemade biscuits! This receipe is from my Mom but I found the same one on Allrecipes.com ( here it is ) Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup shortening 3/4 cup milk Directions: 1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet. 2.Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut shortening in until mixture has a fine crumb texture. Stir in milk with a fork to make a soft dough. Knead 8 to 10 times, and then roll out to a thickness of at least 1/2 inch. Cut into rounds with a cookie or biscuit cutter. Place on cookie sheet, and allow to rest for a few minutes. 3.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm. Enjoy!!

Chocolate Cake + Romance = One Sweet Day!

This is my FAVORITE Chocolate Cake receipe. I found this through All Recipes  (a site I use quite a bit when I'm looking for something new to try!) Best Moist Chocolate Cake Ingredients 1 cup margarine 1 3/4 cups white sugar 3 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups milk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool. ENJOY!!

Comfort Food - Chocolate Chip Cookies

I LOVE chocolate chip cookies.. I mean I really love chocolate chip cookies.. They are the ultimate of comfort foods.. Do you have a favorite comfort food?  Here is my favorite cookie receipe! Ingredients: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter - softened 1/3 cup dark brown sugar - firmly packed 1/3 cup of white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 cup - plus 2 tablespoons of sifted flour 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 teaspoon of salt 7-1/2 ounce package of chocolate chips (Now I mix half and half of dark chocolate chips and white chocolate chips, but that's just me) - also I have substituted 3/4 cup of walnuts and dried fruit instead of chocolate chips and they are SUPER tasty. Directions: Preheat oven to 375F.  Lightly grease two large baking sheets with butter or vegetable shortening (now I use no need to grease cookie sheets) In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and the sugars. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix well! Sift together the flour...

Tasty Chicken...

I love to cook as well as read, knit and sew. Here is a receipe that I found that my other half Mike just loves! - Pre-heat oven to 350 - Take skinless boneless chicken breasts and butterflie them - Put them in an oven save dish - Slather on some basil pesto, make sure it's spread all over! - Slice up some really nice ripe tomatoes about 1/4" thick - Top the chicken with the tomatoe slices - Shred some cheese - be it mozzeralla or another cheese of your choice - Heap the cheese on top of the chicken (I usually put on quite a bit!) - Bake until chicken is cooked all the way through! I usually serve with asparagus or brussel sprouts and pasta & alfredo sauce! Enjoy!

2011 Additions

I'm going to be adding some new elements to my blog.  one of them will be books! On top of being an avid knitter, quilter, and crocheter... I LOVE, I mean LOVE to read. Books have always been a huge part of my life, and I can't imagine a better thing to add to the blog! I also will adding food, yes food!  I enjoy creating lovely meals for Mike and baking tasty treats! I'm hoping 2011 will being some great guest posts, new projects, new receipes, giveaways and good reads!