Cooking by the Book
2
Desert Breeze Publishing
'Cooking by the Book' is a collection of recipes and excerpts inspired by
the authors of Desert Breeze Publishing, and the stories they created to
entertain us.
We hope you enjoy this free e-book.
Every book referenced in this cookbook can be purchased upon
publication at:
www.DesertBreezePublishing.com
as well as Amazon's Kindle Store
AllRomanceeBooks.com
And
BooksOnBoard.com
Cooking by the Book
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Great Beginnings to the Day…
Aunt May's Blueberry Muffins
Page 9
The Gamble
By: Lyncee Shillard
Breakfast Enchiladas
Page 11
Secrets of Old Santa Fe
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Michael's Short Stack
Page 13
The Phoenix Rebellion Book One: Revolution
By: Gail R. Delaney
Old fashioned Apple Fritters
Page 15
Listen With Your Heart
By: Barbara Scott
Vanilla Coconut Chai
Page 17
Seasons A Tabor Heights, Ohio Anthology
By: Michelle Levigne
Cooking by the Book
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Bring on the Main Course…
Brunswick Stew
Page 21
Laura Kate Plantation Series Book One: When Serpents Die
By: Gerrie Ferris
Chicken and Dumplings
Page 23
Christmas Stranger
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Easy Chicken Casserole
Page 25
Whitney in Charge
By: Diane Craver
Fried Pork Chops
Page 27
Pretend Mom
By: Rita Hestand
Grandma Frazier's Sausage and Beans
Page 29
Christmas Stranger
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Mom's Amazing Cheesy Chicken
Page 31
Something Better
By: Gail R. Delaney
Pelmini – Russian Dumplings
Page 33
Winner Takes All
By: Sandra Sookoo
Picadillo
Page 35
Angel with a Backhoe
By: Deborah Kinnard
Uncle Nicolo's Favorite Pizza
Page 37
Tabor Heights, Ohio Series
By: Michelle Levigne
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Savor the Sides…
Creamy Tomato Soup
Page 41
Not Just Make Believe
By: Sandra Sookoo
Pickled Green Tomatoes
Page 43
Christmas Stranger
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Sophisticated Stir Fry Rice
Page 45
Future Imperfect Book One: Crucifying Angel
By: P.I. Barrington
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Save Room for Dessert…
Almond Biscotti
Page 49
Beyond Africia
By: Carie Lawson
Aunt Vickie's Ginger Cookies
Page 51
Christmas Stranger
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Belle's Apple Pie
Page 53
Search for Paradise
By: Barri Bryan
Cake for What Ails You
Page 55
Listen With Your Heart
By: Barbara Scott
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Page 57
Marrying Mallory
By: Diane Craver
Mama's Bread Pudding
Page 59
Christmas Stranger
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Mocha Cake
Page 61
The Family Way
By: Michelle Levigne
Pavlova and Kiwifruit
Page 63
Three Hearts
By: Sue Perkins
Sopapillas
Page 65
Secrets of Old Santa Fe
By: Marion Kelley Bullock
Cooking by the Book
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Great Beginnings to the Day
Cooking by the Book
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Cooking by the Book
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AUNT MAY'S BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Description:
They were extremely moist and the slightly crunchy topping was marvelous. AND chocolate!
Ingredients
For streusel topping
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
For batter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon, rind of
1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries
Preparation
Step one:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. and grease muffin pan.
Step two:
Make streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour and ground cinnamon. Cut in butter
or margarine with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step three:
Make muffin batter. Combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in
large bowl. Stir in milk, egg, butter and lemon peel. Stir in 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips and
blueberries. Spoon into prepared pan, filling almost full. Sprinkle with Streusel Topping.
Step four:
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Step five:
Cool in pans for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool. Melt remaining chip in microwave and drizzle over
the muffins.
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Lyncee Shillard
A tall lean woman with wild orange curls walked into the kitchen. Ryder guessed her to be a couple of
years younger than him. She carried a basket with a thermos and muffins. “Heard Duck was in the hospital
and figured you wouldn’t be eating. So I brought you some of Aunt May’s muffins and hot cocoa. Knew you
couldn’t refuse something people come back from the grave to have just another bite and sip of.”
Callie smiled. “Thank you so much, Brenda. And thank Aunt May for me.”
Ryder watched as Callie poured the coffee in the sink and walked over to the table. “Have you ever had
Aunt May’s muffins and cocoa?” Callie asked him.
“No, can’t say I have.” Ryder felt a feeling of discomfort creep through him as the woman Callie called
Brenda stared at him. Her narrow blue eyes focused sharp on him, reminding him of a weasel’s, and bore into
him.
“You don’t know what you’ve missed. Brenda’s not lying about people returning from the dead for
another bite. Here, try one. The blueberry chocolate is my favorite.” Callie held a jumbo muffin out in
Ryder’s direction. “And pour out that sludge you called coffee.”
Ryder felt himself bristled at her slam to his coffee. Like I have ever cooked on a wood stove, he
grumbled to himself and walked over to the table where he filled his mug with cocoa. While he wasn’t sure
what about the woman put him on edge, Ryder did agree the muffin was the best he had ever had.
“How is your granddad doing?”
“Ryder called about thirty minutes ago,” she said with a nod in his direction. “And they just started
cutting back on his pain medication. He seems to be doing well all things considered.”
“What happened?”
“I’m not sure. Earl found him but he had left the hospital by the time I arrived,” Callie replied between
bites of the muffin. Ryder caught the fact she hadn’t told Brenda everything.
“I’ll be in the barn.” He muttered as walking out of the kitchen.
“I stopped by Lola’s on my way out, she told me to let you know she’s called around and will be
bringing some casseroles out for you and Duck. I hadn’t realized you had a house guest or would have told her
to make everything for three.”
Ryder watched Callie tense. “No, Ryder is just here to help me move Thunder Bay.”
Brenda’s eyebrow arched, “Without a shirt on? And did you know there is a huge ass bed in your living
room?”
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BREAKFAST ENCHILADAS
Description:
Mouth-watering dish, if it's not made too hot for your palate. When Elise first ate it at Castillo de los
Castillos, Consuela had rolled each tortilla separately, but Elise later learned this is often made as a
casserole (as in this recipe). Either way, it's muy deliciouso.
Ingredients
1 dozen corn tortillas
1 medium onion, chopped
Grated longhorn cheese
Sauce:
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 4-oz can green chilies, or 4 fresh chilies
1/4 t. garlic powder
Preparation
Step One:
In saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and stir until well blended. Add about 1/2 can water, if needed.
Stir on medium heat until the soup begins to boil. Remove from heat.
Step Two:
Tear tortillas in pieces. Layer tortillas, then grated cheese, onion and sauce in a casserole dish (2 or 3
layers until all the tortillas are used up (ending with the sauce). Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350*.
Step Three:
Alternate recipe (This is the way Consuela made it):
If you are serving a large group, you may want to fry tortillas until they soften, and drain them. Roll
each tortilla with a small amount of cheese, onion and sauce on the inside and place in baking pan.
Cover all with more cheese, onion and generous amount of sauce. Cover with foil and keep warm in
oven (250*)
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
Elise looked out at giant cottonwoods, through which she glimpsed shifting patches of brilliant New
Mexico sky. It was heady, this feeling in her chest. In spite of the gruesomeness of her task, she could still
relate to beauty. Loveliness lay all about her.
She sighed. Santa Fe fed her soul, but not her stomach.
“So, now for some food.” She turned toward the massive sideboard, between the dining room and
kitchen. A large pottery chafing dish warmed over a burner, and beside it stood a pot of coffee. One place
setting graced the table. Elise assumed it was hers, and the others had eaten, or perhaps they hadn't yet gotten
up. She knew nothing of their customs. Her stomach growled. She lifted the lid of the decorated dish. Inside
it, she saw some kind of filled tortillas.
“Um-m-m, smells good.” Elise helped herself and poured a cup of coffee. While she was enjoying it,
Ramón came in. “This is delicious,” she said. She smiled up at him, determined to begin the day in a good
mood, in spite of his gloom. While she couldn’t control what transpired later, she could try to get off to the
right start.
She took another bite. Then she noticed he still stood there, peering down at her. When her eyes met
his, he squinted and glanced at the bright windows. His silent message spoke louder than any words. A frown
hovered on his brow, reminding her of heavy storm clouds that warned of rainy weather.
Uh-oh. No doubt, she wasn’t supposed to let in any light. Men love darkness rather than light, because
their deeds are evil. Now where did that come from? She couldn’t remember, but she knew it was from
somewhere in the Bible. She must have learned it in Sunday school long years ago. And it fit the present
situation. Oh, how it fit. Strange how scripture kept creeping into her mind since she’d arrived here. She
wished she had the nerve to quote this verse du jour that had popped unbidden into her mind. Right to his face.
Instead, she chose to ignore his bad humor. “What?” She hoped to diffuse the negative vibes pulsing in
on her. “Aren’t you eating?”
“Hours ago.” His abruptness verged on rudeness. But that was no surprise. Rudeness was his specialty.
Of course, to do him justice, he had shown a more human side at times. She reluctantly recalled his tenderness
with Ceesco. And with her when she fell. His behavior swung back and forth like a pendulum. She never
knew what to expect. One minute she couldn’t stand him and the next...
He looked at his watch and frowned again. “We'll leave as soon as you finish eating. That will give us
time to arrange a carrier for your dog. I’ve checked with the airlines and—”
“I'm not going.” Elise abandoned her bright, cheerful mood as well as her half-finished breakfast. A
few minutes ago, she had thought how delicious it was, but now she wasn't hungry. She pushed her chair back
and stood. Somehow, she felt the need to be taller, so she could stand up to this arrogant giant with his
prepossessing ways. Why should she let him win? Didn’t she have a mind of her own? Didn’t God give her
that mind?
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MICHAEL'S SHORT STACK
Description:
The first thing Michael Tanner did after gaining his freedom was eat a hearty short stack with his father.
Butter and real maple syrup are the best toppers for these old fashioned pancakes, with a nice side of
bacon.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups All Purpose Flour
3 ½ tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp White Sugar
1 ¼ cups Whole Milk
1 egg
3 tbsp butter, melted
Preparation
Step One:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour
in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
Step Two:
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the
griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
Cooking by the Book
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THE PHOENIX REBELLION BOOK ONE: REVOLUTION
By:
Gail R. Delaney
"They're starting the switchover for lunch, so whatever is left from breakfast is put out here for us to
pick at. What do you want?"
Michael just stared. Every day for twenty-something years he had eaten cold oatmeal for breakfast, at
least on the days they remembered to bring it to him. He blinked, scanning the tables.
"What smells so good?"
Nick drew in a long breath. "Bacon. Okay, what do you want with it? Eggs? Pancakes?"
"Pancakes?" He'd meant it as a question.
"Pancakes it is."
Nick took a dish from the end of the table and took the lid from one of the stainless steel bins. Using the
tongs inside, he piled four large, round, golden brown cakes on Michael's plate. Beside it, he served several
strips of what Michael guessed to be bacon, having only ever heard of the food in books.
"Here you go."
He handed the plate to Michael, the sheer weight of it bringing his hands down several degrees. Michael
leaned over the food, inhaling the steam as it curled up under his nose as Nick filled his own plate.
"Go find a seat," Nick said, handing Michael his plate with a matching meal. "I'll get us some coffee
and be right there. Coffee okay?"
Michael nodded. "Yes."
"How do you like it?"
"Any way I can get it," Michael answered automatically.
Nick gave him a strange look, but turned away to the large carafes at the far end of the table. Michael
walked to the nearest empty seats and set the plates down, standing behind his chair until Nick came back.
"Go ahead and sit," Nick said, motioning to the chair after he set down their coffees. He pulled out his
own chair and sat across from Michael.
Michael watched surreptitiously as Nick cut thin squares of butter and slid them between each pancake,
flipping the pancakes around so the bottom one was on top when the butter on the very top began to melt. He
mimicked each step, hoping he didn't look the fool for not knowing how to eat a simple meal. With the butter
spread, Nick picked up a small stainless steel decanter and poured thick, brown liquid over the stack until it ran
over the edges and spread across the plate to partially coat the bacon strips. When finished, he set the decanter
down and slid it across the tabletop toward Michael.
"Syrup is my favorite part," Nick said, grinning.
The sweet smell of the syrup mingled with the bacon and pancakes, only heightening the ache in
Michael's gut and he drained the last drops of syrup over his plate. As he finished, Nick picked up his fork and
met Michael's gaze over the table.
"Enjoy."
They both cut into the pancakes with the sides of their forks, and Michael speared it with the tines. As
he shoved the mouthful past his lips, he couldn't help the groan that escaped his throat. The blend of sweet
syrup, rich butter and warm pancake melted on his tongue and slid down his throat with barely any effort, but
the effect was intense and beyond anything his imagination could have conjured from reading a book. He cut
another piece and ate again. Closing his eyes, he slowly chewed to allow each flavor to dance through his
mouth.
Nick chuckled softly. "I can see mealtime with you is going to be interesting."
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
OLD FASHIONED APPLE FRITTERS
Description:
This recipe is adapted from an old cookbook that belonged to my Mom. The same batter could be used
with peaches or pears. Great for breakfast or a side dish with pork.
Ingredients
1 ⅔ cups flour, sifted
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 tbl sugar
1 egg
⅔ cup milk
tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
oil for frying
Preparation
Step One:
Sift dry ingredients. Add well-beaten egg and milk. The batter should be just thick enough to coat the
apple slices. Add more flour or milk if it is too thin or thick.
Step Two:
Dip sliced apples in batter, covering each slice. Fry in deep oil (365*) for 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper
towel. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar and serve warm.
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Barbara Scott
Daniel and Ronan cooked with a gusto that left the kitchen in shambles, every pot and pan scattered on
the floor and counter, and not a wooden spoon or measuring cup unscathed. Apple fritters were decided upon,
with sausage on the side, and Dutch cocoa for all. Morgan sliced the apples and watched the patchwork of
gestures, facial expressions, and words that formed the communication between father and son.
Put in charge of sifting the flour, Ronan did a commendable job of it, until he decided to scoot from his
stool to retrieve a spoon and pulled the pastry sheet with its mountain of flour on top of himself. Red hair,
lashes, cheeks and shoulders were dusted with white. Squinching his face in surprise, Ronan resembled a
wizened elf.
He wavered on the brink between crying and laughing until Daniel gave him his cue. Going down on
one knee next to his son, he collected flour from his shoulders on the tips of his gloves then puffed it in the air
with the force of his lips as he practiced, "Pa pa pa." He invited Ronan to do the same, his perfect pronunciation
written in the air in tiny clouds of flour.
"Cookin’ a great meal is like winnin’ a battle," Daniel said when they sat at the kitchen table at last.
"I can tell," Morgan nodded, surveying the devastation that surrounded them. But the fritters were crisp
and sweet, drizzled with w⁄arm honey. The sausages tempted with their aroma and delivered on their promise.
And the cocoa was rich and chocolaty and cooled to just the right temperature.
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VANILLA COCONUT CHAI
Description:
Sweet, satisfying and refreshing no matter what time of the year. Except for the milk, the ingredients
keep forever, so you can always have it on hand for when you need a pick-me-up. Make a single cup for
a quiet evening of reading, or a pot to share with friends. This is a favorite at Stay-a-While, a café in
Tabor Hts.
Ingredients
1 bag of Celestial Seasonings Coconut Thai Chai per serving (can substitute other brands/flavors
of chai tea)
Hot water
Sugar-free vanilla coffee flavoring syrup – DaVinci brand, preferably
(can substitute other flavors of syrup, such as coconut, chocolate, amaretto …)
Milk or cream
Preparation
Step One:
Let the tea bag(s) steep at least ten minutes in the hot water to get all the flavor. Use 1 cup of hot water
per serving. Let the tea get good and strong!
Step Two:
3 T vanilla syrup per serving
Add milk in the same proportions as the tea. Slightly less if using cream.
Step Three:
Serve hot, or chill and serve over a few ice cubes, with a squirt of whipped cream on top.
Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies are especially good with this when served hot. When served cold, you don't
need anything else, except time to sit in the shade and relax and enjoy!
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Desert Breeze Publishing
SEASONS: A TABOR HEIGHTS ANTHOLOGY
In the Air, On the Air
By:
Michelle Levigne
Why had she never turned around and talked to Riley in class? True, he usually sat somewhere near the
back and she usually sat closer to the front, but that was no real excuse.
"I don't think so. You don't strike me as a malicious Pharisee or kill-joy."
"Thank you, gracious lady." He swept a deep bow, earning a squeak from her as more laughter fought
to escape. "Actually he's not such a bad guy. In private, he's a regular guy. I guess. It's just that when he's
around, he's always on stage, and nobody ever sees me."
"Well, people don't know what they're missing, Riley." She patted his arm. "I certainly like what I see."
Gina froze as the last vowel left her throat. Her face burned as she realized just what she had said. Couldn't the
malicious gossips in town, especially the old crones and Pharisees in church, have a field day with that remark?
She quickly yanked her hand back and took a step further into the doorway of Stay-a-while – and nearly hit the
door as Max Randolph tentatively swung it open.
"Hey, Gina. Riley!" Max balanced a long tray of drink containers between her chest and her arm and
glanced back over her shoulder at Tony Martin, her fiancé, as he came out of the coffee shop, lugging a bag of
bakery.
"Sorry," Gina muttered, and hurried to get the door so Max wouldn't risk dropping her load.
"You are on the way over to Homespun, aren't you?" Max continued, after giving Gina a grin and nod of
thanks. "You didn't forget?"
"On my way right now," Riley said, and reached to take the tray from Max.
Score one point for the gentleman, Gina silently commented.
"Great. Mom gave us refreshment duty. Hey, Gina, can we get you interested in helping with the
Christmas pageant?" Max continued, reaching out to loop her arm through Gina's, as if she could drag her along
down the street, back to Homespun Theater.
Cooking by the Book
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Bring on the Main Course
Cooking by the Book
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Cooking by the Book
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BRUNSWICK STEW
Description:
A hearty winter stew which Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia claim to have originated, but most
likely all borrowed some version from Native Americans. Early cooks used game from the hunt: rabbit,
squirrel, large birds, venison. Today, chicken is preferred in some parts of the South, while in the
Carolinas and Georgia beef and venison are the meats of choice, with a hen thrown in for good measure.
Ingredients
3 pounds stewing venison (beef)
3 pounds cut up pork
1 good-size hen
Salt and pepper
2 quarts each: tomatoes, spring corn, butter beans or limas
4 green peppers
2 pounds each, okra and onions, sliced
10 pounds white potatoes, sliced
1 clove garlic if desired
10 basil leaves
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Preparation
Boil venison, chicken and pork until tender in enough water to cover the meat. Season with salt and pepper.
Skin and de-bone chicken and return to other meats. Add tomatoes, corn, butter beans, green pepper, okra,
onions and potatoes. Simmer until meat cooks to shreds. Add garlic, basil, cinnamon last two minutes. Add
Tabasco in serving bowl .
Serves 25
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Desert Breeze Publishing
LAURA KATE PLANTATION SERIES BOOK ONE:
By:
Gerrie Ferris
The menu was another meal for a man.
After he spread his napkin on his lap, while Brewster poured each a glass of Rocking
Horse Zinfandel, Jack looked up and said, “Don’t go, just yet, Mr. Brewster.” A wary look came into
Brewster’s eyes. Hoisting his wine, Jack said, “To you, Samuel Brewster, you saved my butt today.”
Brewster let a small smile spread on his face. “Glad to be of service, Mr. Rhodes.”
Quin came in with two ironstone bowls of the best Brunswick stew in South Georgia. “In winter,
Brewster puts venison in his stew instead of beef,” Laura Kate said with a smile.
“I’m going to relish it.”
As Jack spooned into the stew, she wasn’t sure what to say next. His mannerism told her hewasn’t about
to begin a new thread, so she charged right in. “You’ll never know, will you, whether Ben would have floated
that shocker about Kevin?”
Buttering cornbread, Jack said, “He would have, make no mistake. He had to finagle it in.
Donald was a juvey. There wasn’t even a proper police investigation.”
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Desert Breeze Publishing
MELINDA'S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Description:
Zeke's favorite of the meals Melinda prepares. But she may never be willing to prepare it for him again!
Ingredients
1 fat chicken
salt
water to cover
For Dumplings:
Flour (no set amount)
Preparation
Step One:
Stew the chicken in water with a little salt and pepper until done. Then take out 1 ½ cups broth to make
dumplings with.
Set broth aside to cool.
Step Two:
Take the bones out of the chicken. Beware of tiny bones that someone could choke on.
Make a small mound of flour on a breadboard or in a bowl. Put a hole in the top of the mound. Pour in
the cool chicken broth and stir with a fork until the dough holds together. Don't overwork the flour or
the dumplings will be tough.
Step Three:
Roll out the dough like you'd roll out a piecrust. Cut into wide strips. Drop dumplings into the boiling
broth that was left in the pit after the chicken has been removed and boned. Cook 15 – 20 minutes.
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
"Well, if you two can quit your fussing, I think we'd better eat our chicken and dumplings before they
take wings and fly away." Melinda headed for the kitchen.
Zeke and Timothy washed up and took their places at the table.
"We thank Thee, Lord, for the food You bless us with. And help us to get along with each other.
Amen." Melinda raised her head and looked at Zeke.
He grinned back at her and then dug into his food. He took great pleasure in the chicken and dumplings,
just about his favorite of the meals she cooked. This was soul food, meant to fill a man up and make him
happy, all at the same time.
"This is the bestest chicken and dumplings I ever ate." Timothy closed his eyes, patted his stomach, and
licked his lips.
Melinda laughed. "You'll have me believing it if you keep that up."
"He's right. It is awful good." Zeke took a deep breath. "You know…"
"Pa, did you know that mean ol' rooster that used to bite me when I got the eggs ain't out there any
more?"
"Uh…"
"Where is he?" Melinda stared at Zeke, her eyes wide.
"Well, I guess — I mean I reckon he's in rooster heaven."
"What?" Melinda's face reddened.
"Well, I know there prob'ly ain't no rooster heaven. It was just an expression."
"Zeke, stop beating around the bush."
Timothy patted Zeke on the arm. "Pa, you're doin' what you told me not to do. You're avoidin' the
question."
"Guess I am. Sorry, Linda." He gulped.
"Sorry doesn't get me back my best rooster."
"Well, he's been terrorizing the chicken house — and he's scared Timothy half to death on occasion."
He shot a beseeching look at his son.
"Oh?" Melinda's eyebrows raised, she glanced at Timothy. "Did he scare you?"
"Yes, ma'am. He was always chasin' me and bitin' me."
Zeke widened his eyes, hoping to look innocent. "So I decided he was due for a fryin'."
"I'll have you to know, this chicken wasn't fried. It was stewed."
"Well, then…" Looked to him like he might be able to absolve himself, yet. Might come out smellin'
like a rose.
He should have known Melinda wouldn't let that happen.
"Same difference. Dead is dead." She stood and started gathering up the dirty dishes.
Zeke motioned to Timothy and the two of them helped clear the table. "You want us to wash 'em?"
"No, go on and do your work. Just don't go murdering any more of my roosters.""
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Desert Breeze Publishing
EASY CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Description:
A bit of soup, some vegetables, Ritz crackers, and sour cream make a nice little sauce for baked chicken,
and it's really easy to prepare. It's very tasty, and kids love it.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup of milk
Large can of mixed vegetables (optional)
1 cup sour cream
1 tube or sleeve of Ritz crackers (crushed into crumbs)
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
1/4 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
Preparation
Step One:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step Two:
Boil chicken breasts until white and tender.
Tear or chop into bite size pieces. Or Quick Method:
To cut back on time, Whitney uses chicken that's
already cooked.
Mix soup, milk, sour cream, onion, large can of vegetables and mushrooms in large bowl. Mix chicken
with soup mixture. Whitney didn't put onion in her casserole because she thought Ben's young son might
not like onion.
Crush crackers in tube.
Melt butter and mix in crushed crackers. Place chicken mixture into a casserole dish, top with Ritz
mixture.
Step Three:
Cook for 20 minutes on 350 degrees or until hot and bubbling. This is also good served over rice.
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Diane Craver
Later the same day, Whitney stared at her casserole before putting it away into the refrigerator. She'd
made it to give it to Ben to welcome him to the neighborhood. Glancing out her window, she saw Ben driving
into his garage in a nice, late model sedan. Perfect timing. Although she worried that Ben would think she
wanted more than to be a friendly neighbor. She wasn't looking for a romantic relationship, but it'd be nice to
have a guy friend. Discussing sports and news events with the men on the set while working in New York had
been interesting. She liked hearing their perspective on things, and guy friendships were a lot of fun.
Since she made it for Ben and Adam, she might as well deliver it now. She tore off a sheet of plastic
wrap to cover the casserole before picking it up. While walking across her yard, she thought of calling Jack
sometime instead of waiting for him to call her again.
Funny how she was thinking about Jack when she had a hot guy living in the neighborhood. The whole
meeting him in person eventually might work, but she'd hoped to keep it to phone conversations for a longer
period. Chatting with Jack was fascinating and easier on her emotions than remembering what had happened to
her husband and mother. She needed this type of diversion in her life. Jack had to be a wonderful person.
Casey was a good judge of character.
After she rang the doorbell, Ben opened the door and smiled at her. "Hi. Come in.
Whitney stepped inside and looked round at the boxes cluttering his floor in the foyer.
He shoved his hands in his pockets. "I was able to leave the hospital early, so thought I’d come straight
home to finish unpacking."
"I’m glad you did because I just made you a casserole. I hope you and Adam like chicken."
"We love chicken," Ben said. "Thank you. I won’t have to quit working now to cook dinner."
She handed him the casserole. "You can heat it up in the microwave when you’re ready to eat."
"It’d be nice if you could join us."
"I’m sorry. I have other plans." She didn’t but felt like she should stick to her plan of not getting involved.
A guy friendship needed to be developed slowly.
"Well, maybe you could visit now for a bit. How about something cold to drink? I have pop, beer and iced
tea."
"Sure I can stay for a little while. And iced tea sounds good."
She followed him into the kitchen and sat on a high stool next to the counter while he put the casserole away.
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FRIED PORK CHOPS
Description:
Pork is a regular meat in the south, and fried pork chops is on every southern lady's menu, served with
fresh veggies from the garden, nothing can be as delicious.
Ingredients
1 1/2-2 lbs of pork chops
1/2 cup of self rising flour
1 teaspoon of salt, or sea salt
Black pepper to taste
Bottom of frying pan filled with oil
Preparation
Step One:
Salt pepper and flour the pork chops, shaking off excess flour before frying
Step Two:
Heat the frying pan with the oil, until it's hot
Step Three:
Fry until golden brown on both sides
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By:
Rita Hestand
"Well listen, if we're going frog giggin' tonight, I'd better get supper started right away. Mom left, said
something about being down at the church again. Boy, she really is getting into this social thing. I'm glad she's
not sitting home alone every night." Dixie headed for the kitchen.
"Me, too." Tom sighed, turning on the TV. "Hey, I'm starved, and if I know Mom, she'll be gone half the night.
Let's don't wait for her."
Searching the refrigerator, Dixie smiled. "Okay." She glanced behind her in time to see Will standing
just behind her, watching her. "How about some of Mom's canned black-eyed peas, with fried pork chops and
some cornbread? You think that will be enough, or do you want potatoes, too?"
Will headed for the back door, but yelled over his shoulder at her, "Yeah, fix some potatoes. We're talkin' high
cholesterol, but heck, who cares? A fella needs to keep up his strength. I'll go pick us some green onions and
see if there's any mush-melons ripe enough to eat. We're pretty hungry. We just finished a ball game, you
know."
Boy, it feels good being home with these two chow hounds, she thought. "Good, I was hoping you'd do
that for me, Will. Say, while you're out there, you might as well bring in some of those tomatoes on the porch
table and see if there are any cucumbers in the garden. I peeled the last cold one last night. You don't know how
good it is to have so many fresh vegetables available to you."
Will stuck his head through the doorway and gave her a tight-lipped grin. "Want me to bring in the whole
garden, while I'm at it?"
Dixie recognized the old bantering that had become familiar around the twins. "Cute, really cute,
Kincaid." She tossed a damp dishtowel at him and giggled. He caught it without a blink and set it on top of the
counter as he went out the door.
Things haven't changed, she thought with a sigh. Will still liked helping out in the kitchen area, whereas
Tom wouldn't be caught dead doing women's work. Thank God, the twins would never change. Different as
night and day, and yet, so alike in other ways. Twins could be an experience to live with, Dixie assured herself
with another giggle. They were growing up so fast.
Minutes later, Will helped her prepare the fresh vegetables and talked to her all the while. If she didn't
know better, she would have sworn he had missed her this past few years. It seemed as though he was trying to
make up in one night for three very long years. It was good, being home!
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GRANDMA FRAZIER'S SAUSAGE AND BEANS
Description:
Melinda makes this "pot of beans" recipe when she's serving a crowd. It can easily be enlarged to feed
any number of people. It was Grandma Frazier's recipe and Papa loved it.
Ingredients
2 lbs pinto beans, soaked overnight in 3 times as much water as beans
1 carrot
2 to four loops of German sausage, cut into bites
2 or 3 large onions cut in hunks
Preparation
Step One:
Combine all three and simmer 8 hours or more, until tender
Step Two:
Add 2 qts. Stewed tomatoes (only after beans are tender)
Step Three:
Simmer with lid off 'till it reaches desired consistency.
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By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
Brownie barked her excited 'somebody's here' bark and Melinda looked out the kitchen window. The
first wagon to arrive rattled into the yard. It drew up near where the old barn had stood. J.W. Barber motioned
for Zeke to help him and they lifted out lumber he was donating and stacked it nearby.
Melinda hurried outside and greeted Chloe and J.W. "Where's Patsy?"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "She's hiding from you-know-who in the w-a-g-o-n."
"Who is you know who, Miss Melinda?" Timothy climbed up on the wagon, not waiting for an answer,
and peeked under one of the benches. "There she is." He pointed to Patsy.
She shrieked, jumped over the side of the wagon and ran. Timothy laughed and chased her around the
house.
Melinda shook her head and laughed. "What a couple of monkeys. I was going to get Timothy to help
carry in the food."
"Not to worry. They're just acting their age," Chloe said. "You and I can manage." She handed
Melinda a basket and took another one herself. Inside the kitchen, they set about arranging the food. Melinda's
pot of beans and sausage had simmered on the stove since six o'clock that morning. The other food could warm
in the oven, if needed.
Just then, Patsy uttered a shrill cry they could hear clear in the kitchen. "They brought the baby!"
"She's been talking for a week about taking care of Benjamin. I told her she'd better not count on it 'til
Annabel tells her she can. But once that girl gets a bee in her bonnet, she won't let it go." Chloe shook her
head. "Of course, when the Bodines get here with their girls, we may have a fight on our hands."
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MOM'S 'AMAZING' CHEESY CHICKEN
Description:
Made on a whim one night when there wasn't much else in the house to eat, this meal is a favorite of
children and adults alike. Serve with a cheesy broccoli rice and a vegetable, and it's sure to please.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Preparation
Step One:
Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken breasts – both sides – and lay out in casserole dish.
Step Two:
Cover chicken breasts with shredded cheese. If your family likes 'toasted' cheese, make sure some of the
cheese ends up on the pan and not the chicken. It'll crisp up nice.
Step Three:
Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes… longer if breasts are thicker.
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SOMETHING BETTER
By:
Gail R. Delaney
(Coming March 2010)
David scraped his fork across his plate, picking up the final remains of his dinner. He had to remind
himself it was bad manners to lick a plate and fork clean as he took the last bite. "This is great," he declared,
finally setting down his utensil. "What's it called?"
"Mom's chicken," Jake said with a wide smile, looking at his mom. "She made it up."
"Mom's chicken," David repeated. "I don't suppose it'd work to tell my mom I want 'mom's chicken' the
next time I'm home."
Jake shook his head. "Secret family recipe. Only Mom can make it this good."
David looked across the table, and let the now-familiar feeling of warmth settle in his chest when he saw
the smile on Andi's face as she looked at her son. A tint of pink stained her cheeks, making David wonder if
even her son's compliments were enough to make her blush. She caught him watching her, and paused to
glance back, her smile ticking up just a little more.
"Did you save room for dessert, boyo?" Maggie asked, pushing her plate away.
"Dessert? No one said there was dessert!" David declared, throwing up his hands. "I'm about to bust
now."
"That's okay," Jake said quickly. "We have a rule. We have to wait half an hour after dinner before we
eat dessert."
David leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach. "Good. What's for dessert?"
"Home made chocolate cream pie," Jake answered, his eyes practically sparking. "Mom makes that, too.
Real chocolate pudding she makes on the stove, not from a box. And Maggie makes fresh whipped cream."
David arched his eyebrows and looked at Andi. "Real chocolate pudding, huh?"
"Just wait until you try it, David. It's awesome."
He smiled at Jake and set his hands on the boy's shoulder. "Let's say I beat you at Mario in the
meantime."
"Not gonna happen."
"Oh, brother… the boys are ready to play," Maggie grumbled with a playful grin as she stood. "Time
for the womenfolk to do the dishes."
David stood quickly, taking the plate from Maggie as he picked up his own and stacked it on Jake's.
"Let me help. Jake and I can play after."
"Nope." Andi walked around the table and added her plate to his stake, taking them all from him. "You
two have fun. This is why we have a dishwasher."
David followed her into the kitchen anyway, grabbing the empty casserole pan and rice dish as he
walked. The table sat near the front of the house, tucked into a dining area off the open living room and
kitchen. Much of the main floor was open, one space leading into the next. Maggie and Jake stayed at the
table, gathering the last of the dishes as Andi set the ones she carried in the sink, turning on the water to rinse
them.
He stepped behind her, bracketing her body with his arms as he braced his hands on the counter edge.
He shifted to rest his chin on her shoulder, kissing her quickly on the side of her throat.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say this is Jake's favorite meal."
Andi laughed. "What gave him away? The way he devoured it, or the way he wouldn't stop saying 'this
is my favorite meal'?"
"Tough call. He's very subtle." He caught her glancing toward Maggie and Jake, then quickly at him
before picking up a plate to rinse off
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PELMINI (Russian Dumplings)
Description:
Filled with savory meats, these light dumplings will instantly transport you around the globe to a café in
Red Square and warm your belly with happiness, leaving you with plenty of energy for your next
adventure.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
Preparation
Step One:
To make the dough, combine the flour, eggs, water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Knead mixture.
Let rest for 30 minutes.
Step Two:
Mix the ground beef, ground pork, onions, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and garlic together.
Roll the dough into a thin layer and cut into small circles with a biscuit cutter or juice glass.
Step Three:
Place a small amount of meat in the center of each circle of dough. Fold the edges of the
dough over the meat to form a ravioli-shaped dumpling.
Step Four:
Boil the Pelmeni in salted water for seven minutes, or until they float to the surface. Serve them in
shallow plates or bowls with sour cream or in broth.
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By:
Sandra Sookoo
“I make you pelmeni.” Her dark eyes twinkled as she bustled about the kitchen, preparing ingredients.
“Pelmeni mean ears of dough.” She pushed a white porcelain bowl toward Lily. “Eat. I make real food.”
Lily sighed in contentment as she examined the offering. Vinegar and spice soaked cucumber slices.
“Did you grow these last summer?” She took a bite from one of the crisp green disks, grimacing when the sour
taste gripped the back of her jaws.
Sonya nodded then pulled a pot of gently simmering chicken stock to the front burner. “For enjoying
when no fresh vegetables.” She added ground pork, chopped onions, and garlic, and a tiny bit of shredded
cabbage to a bowl then stirred the mixture until combined. “Why you mope about? No young man for kisses?”
Lily’s cheeks warmed but she chose to ignore that curiosity. “No young man and certainly no kisses.”
She sucked on another cucumber chip, enjoying the tart treat. “Why did you never marry, Sonya? It must be
lonely being here in this country with no one from home.”
“Ya, it vas in beginning.” In another bowl, she stirred flour, salt, and milk until it formed a ball of
dough. “When I leave St. Petersburg, there vas a man.”
Lily sat up straighter, surprised at the new information. “Did he come with you? What happened?” She
accepted a cup of tea the cook slipped her and inhaled the sweet, pungent aroma of mint. The cook always gave
her mint tea when she was agitated.
Sonya chuckled as she rolled the dough ball out then cut circles with a tin biscuit cutter. “Always
questions, young one.” When cut circles covered the dough sheet, the cook placed a teaspoon of the meat
mixture in the middle of each circle. “Sergei did come, but he died on boat over ocean.”
“I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me years ago?” Lily’s heart went out to the woman who had
been like a second mother to her. “Why did you still come to America?”
“Already on ship. Can’t stop.” Sonya shrugged. “Better life in America. Not so good things in
Russia.” She folded each circle then crimped the edges with a fork. “I vas sad for Sergei. He vas good
kisser and good man.”
“The milk man is sweet on you, Sonya. Will you ever marry?”
The cook shot her an intense look. “Vill you?”
Annoyed at the returning warmth in her cheeks, Lily pouted as she sipped her tea. “How could I possibly
know the answer to that?” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “I mean, of course I’ll never marry
because…” She stopped then floundered for further explanation.
“Because of stubbornness.”
“No, it’s not that. Marriage is…” Lily cast a helpless glance about the kitchen, but when she didn’t find
inspiration in the homey environment, she gave up the argument altogether.
The cook dropped the dough pillows into the pot of simmering chicken stock. “In my village, there vas
fortune-teller. She read tea leaves and matched young girls to their destiny man.” She pulled Lily’s cup toward
her and poked around the leaves with her finger. “Destiny man cloudy.”
Lily frowned. “What does that mean?” Of course, the logical part of her brain knew there was
no concrete evidence that said the business of telling fortunes was accurate. But the fanciful part of her brain
was fascinated by the art.
As she fished the pelmeni out of the stock, Sonya grinned. “Who can say? Maybe you already meet
destiny man?” She slid the plate to Lily then handed her a fork. “When the time comes, this will decide.” She
laid a hand over her heart. “Not this.” She tapped her temple with a finger. “Love does not ask brain for
knowledge or permission, only heart.”
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PICADILLO
Description:
A traditional Cuban delight, and one of the best warm-your-soul recipes around. A special favorite of
my Dad’s on a cool autumn night. I serve it with scratch-made corn bread.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 small can tomato sauce
1/4 cup dry white wine
Pimiento stuffed olives
Raisins
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step One:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, onions and garlic. If meat is not too lean, pour out whatever fat
you render.
Step Two:
Turn heat down to medium-low. Add the tomato sauce and wine. While it simmers, chop up the
pimiento stuffed olives and add to meat mixture. Add a little bit of the brine, if you wish. Add the raisins
and adjust the seasonings.
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By:
Deborah Kinnard
"I'll be down in a minute."
Diane zapped Gabriela's casserole to fragrant warmth. Paul sniffed appreciatively on entering his
kitchen. He'd thrown a red flannel shirt over the tee-shirt. With his sturdy legs exposed in shorts, he looked
unconventional and a little dangerous. She found refuge in setting plates and flatware on the table. "I was
right," he said contentedly, "guessing what Gabriela would make."
"It smells great. What is it?"
"Have you ever had picadillo?" He sniffed deeply, closing his eyes. "Yum. Hope you like meat and
tomatoes and olives and spices. This is one of the best Cuban ideas around."
"Cuban comfort food." Diane set glasses out. "What do you drink?"
"There's iced tea in the fridge. Thanks, by the way. I oughta wait on you. You shouldn't have to serve
me in my own house."
"Some better day you can return the favor." She took bread and butter and dill pickles from the
refrigerator to the table. "Will you ask the blessing?"
He flushed. "I've been alone too long. I've got out of the habit."
"Carry on, then." Surprising her, he reached for her hand. She suppressed a shudder at how large and
warm his fingers felt interlacing with hers. But she found it ever more difficult not to notice a man so very
male. Of all the men she'd met, this one seemed the most comfortable in his own skin. "Amen," she echoed.
Lost in her foolish imaginings, she'd heard no word of his prayer.
"Dig in." He served her first with a deft grace. Though they'd never shared a meal before, he seemed
strangely at ease with her in his kitchen. More so than she was. Many times as he refilled her glass with tea or
passed her the bread, he seemed not to mind if their hands bumped. Was he being deliberately provocative, or
did touching come as second nature?
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Uncle Nicolo's Favorite Pizza
Mancuso's Pizza
Tabor Hts., Ohio series
Description:
Simple is best. Calling this a cheese pizza does it a disservice, because as Uncle Nicolo says, there's
more to the pizza than the cheese!
Ingredients
Crust:
3/4 tsp salt
4 cups flour – can use 1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 white flour
3 T olive oil
3 T sugar
1-1/2 C warm water
3T Italian seasoning mix – or 2 tsp each oregano, basil, rosemary, garlic powder
Sauce:
1 cup diced onions
3 garlic cloves
1 cup sliced mushrooms
Olive oil
1 large can crushed tomatoes
10 large, fresh basil leaves
1/2 can black olives, sliced into rings
1/4 C sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Shredded mozzarella
Preparation
Crust:
Easy way: Use a bread machine on the dough setting
Luddite way: (anti-machines!) Mix ingredients and knead for at least 5 minutes on a floured board. Put
into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean dishtowel and set in a warm place for 1/2 hour. (Make
the sauce while you're letting the dough rise) Dump out on the floured board and knead for 5 more
minutes. Cover and let rise again for 1/2 hour.
Divide the crust into 2 balls and spread evenly on 2 round, oiled pizza pans. For extra flavor, sprinkle
garlic powder lightly on the pans before spreading the dough. Let rise for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to
400 degrees.
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Sauce:
Saute onions, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil. When soft, add the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Turn
heat down to medium/low. Snip the basil leaves into small pieces with cooking scissors and stir into the
tomatoes. Add olives. When the sauce starts to bubble, turn down to low/simmer and add sugar, salt and
pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and let simmer while the dough is rising. Stir occasionally.
Let the sauce cool a little before spooning onto the dough.
Sprinkle with mozzarella, as heavy or as light as you want it.
BAKE:
400 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese starts to get bubbly brown.
Presentation Suggestions:
Presentation? What presentation? You're lucky if you can get it to the table before the kids are snagging
pieces.
Cut with kitchen/cooking scissors, and serve from the pan. Hey, Uncle Nicolo isn't the kind of guy to
stand on ceremony.
Some people like a nice, casual wine or a good beer with their pizza – Uncle Nicolo prefers 50/50 or
Squirt.
By:
Michelle Levigne
"Why isn't Hannah eating with us?" Joan Archer asked, pausing midway through her first slice of pizza.
She laughed when her question caught Xander Finley taking a big bite of pizza.
He grimaced and chewed. She would just have to wait until he finished. When Joan had called from the
road, saying she wanted to meet with him before she headed home to Akron, Xander had chosen to work later
than usual and picked up pizza from Mancuso's before he headed home to meet Joan. Mancuso's pizza was not
to be hurried, even for an old friend.
The ringing phone stopped Xander in mid-chew. He rolled his eyes and stumbled away from the tiny
bistro table set up on the plain hardwood floor in the middle of his echoing dining room. After three years in
his condo, he still hadn't bought a dining room set. Or living room furniture. Or a frame for the mattress he
slept on. He never thought about furniture until he had guests, like now.
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Savor the Sides…
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MAX’S CREAMY TOMATO SOUP
Description:
Make this soup, set the table with your best linen, add the glow of candlelight, and don’t be surprised if you find
your romantic dinner ends with a spicy kick at the end. Enjoy with grilled cheese or with croutons. This soup
freezes wonderfully well.
Ingredients
4 cups of milk (you can use whole, 2% or 1%. I wouldn’t try it with skim)
2 14 ounce cans of diced tomatoes-drained
1 14 ounce can of tomato puree
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Teaspoon of dried basil.
4 tablespoons of all purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 generous tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons of white sugar (only add to finished product if you need to sweeten the soup)
Preparation
Step One:
In a sauté pan, put butter (or olive oil) and heat on medium. Add onion, celery, garlic and carrot. Add salt,
pepper, and basil. Cook until veggies are soft and tender.
Step Two:
In sauce pot, gently warm milk, but don’t boil.
Step Three:
Sprinkle flour over veggies and cook for a minute until flour turns golden brown. Add tomato paste and
incorporate. You’re essentially making a roux here to thicken the soup.
Step Four:
Add mixture to a blender or food processor (I prefer a blender).
Add half the milk and half the tomato products. Blend thoroughly.
Step Five:
Add the rest of the milk and tomato products. Be careful because liquid is hot and can explore. Do not over
fill the blender. Do in 3 batches if you’d like. Add the whole soup to a large saucepot and warm through.
You can add it to a crock-pot to keep warm as well.
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By:
Sandra Sookoo
With one last cough, he sat beside me with a reproachful glance. "You could have helped me. I was
choking, and I could have died."
My lips twitched. "I could have, but you got that fur ball up by yourself." I wanted to laugh so badly.
But, I managed to behave like a lady, right up until the time I crossed my legs. The slit of the dress rode up to
expose the top of one of the stockings. All bets at being a lady were off! "Are we ready to eat now or did you
have other plans first?" I swear I didn't mean that comment to come out sounding the way it did. I wasn't
skilled in the art of flirting or talking with innuendos. I was just me. Mouthy, sarcastic, and romantically
clueless. Chances are one of those stockings would fall down during the evening. Stay tuned.
Max's jaw dropped open as he stared at my thigh. "Andrea, I…you…" He stumbled to a halt. The tips
of his ears turned red, and then he sighed and yanked his gaze up to my face. "I'm sorry. I can't remember what
I wanted to say."
Oh the power and vindication of being a woman!
"Let's start again." For safety's sake, I adjusted my dress to cover all temptation. "You're looking very
GQ tonight, Maxwell. I think I like the grey suit better than your usual black."
"Thank you, and you're looking, well you're looking…" Apparently, the man had developed a speech
impediment in the last hour. He gestured at me with his hands but no words came from his mouth. Taking a
deep breath, he tried again. "Andrea, you're gorgeous." He took a gigantic gulp of water and stared. "It's been
a long time since I've been with someone who made me feel like I'm about to be consumed by flames." To
emphasize his point, he downed the entire contents of his water glass. "Damn."
I decided to put him out of his misery. "Maybe we should begin with dinner. You worked hard to make
this a romantic evening, and I'm proving to be a distraction." I ladled the steaming soup from the white enamel
serving tureen, aware Max's eyes followed my every move. Okay, at the beginning, I admit I enjoyed the power
I held. Now, it was just annoying.
Yes, I cleaned up well, and yes, I could rock the look out when I wanted to, but enough was enough.
Talk man!
When the silence stretched into oblivion, I threw my napkin onto the table and stood. "That's it. This is
exactly why I hate getting dressed up. Either it turns into an enormous mess or I become the object of ridicule
and scorn. I'm going to change. I don't need this sort of treatment." Damn, I was going to cry.
After this night was over, I was going to throw the dress into the incinerator down in the basement after
cutting it into little squares.
"Andrea, stay." He was on his feet behind me. "Please." He turned me around to face him and laced
his fingers through mine.
"Why should I? You're acting like a thirteen year old boy who stumbled into a girl's locker room." I
looked up, still shorter than him, even in my heels. "I don't like to be ogled. I put this outfit on to feel good,
and you're making me feel cheap."
"I'm sorry." He brought my hand to his lips to kiss my palm. "I was surprised to see you dressed up. I
guess living with you everyday, I get used to you appearing like an assistant manager. I wasn't expecting this."
He looked at me again and his eyes grew dark with longing.
I crossed my arms over my stomach. "Well, I guess that's a good apology, but I still feel weird."
"You look amazing, Andrea, and I'm the one feeling weird. You are suddenly way out of my league,
and I don't know what to do about it." He smiled, his teeth flashing under the dim lights. "Please stay for
dinner. If you can't stand my company after that, I'll understand, but I must warn you. Dinner is only a third of
the romance of the evening."
I wavered. I hated myself for being weak, but I was also hungry and curious. "Fine. No more teenage
behavior." I allowed him to lead me back to the table and hoped to quell the nervous twinge in my stomach.
"I promise to be a perfect gentleman."
He was true to his word.
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PICKLED GREEN TOMATOES
Description:
A condiment to accompany roast, chicken or any other main dish. A way to use the last tomatoes on the
vine before the frost gets them. Melinda used to help her mother with pickling and canning these and
other fruits and vegetables they grew on the farm.
Ingredients
3 cups vinegar
1 cup water
1 gallon green tomatoes
1cup sugar
2 or 3 sliced onions
Spices:
2 T. dry mustard
2 T. whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon
2 T. powdered ginger
1 T. salt
1 T. celery seed
Preparation
Step One:
Wash tomatoes and onions, slice thin. Sprinkle with salt and let stand overnight. Wash in clear water
and drain.
Heat vinegar and sugar to the boiling point, add tomatoes and onions. Tie spices in a cloth bag and add.
Step Two:
Simmer all ingredients in large stewpot until tomatoes are transparent, about 1 hour. Stir frequently.
Step Three:
Place pickles in sterile jars and seal.
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By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
Melinda sighed. She'd been cooking since before breakfast. Her feet and back — and even her arms and
shoulders — ached from standing and lifting. But she had to admit, gathering with her friends for a church
Christmas party was worth all this trouble and then some. She finished frying the chicken and packed it in a
sturdy box. She added a bowl of potato salad, a loaf of bread, deviled eggs, jars of her pickled green tomatoes,
and pies. She placed plates, cups and cutlery for herself, Timothy and Zeke in a basket. Then she added
enough for one extra person, just in case it was needed. Timothy watched her, looking as hungry as if he hadn't
been fed in a month. She couldn't very well blame him. The delicious aromas made her ravenous, too. But she
had the will power to enable her to wait 'till the party. She pulled up a corner of the cloth that covered the
chicken and liberated a drumstick. "Here." She handed it to him. Her stomach would have to wait.
Cooking by the Book
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SOPHISTICATED STIR FRY RICE
Description:
Provide a brief description of the food… such as… Hearty and satisfying, this Hungarian Goulash is
sure to stick to your ribs and fill the house with succulent, mouthwatering aromas. (Think of it as a
'blurb' for the recipe)
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups water
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
2 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (corn oil is best)
4 eggs beaten to blend
2 carrots thinly sliced, diagonally optional
3 cups thinly sliced bok choy (stems and leaves)
4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms (optional) stems removed, cap sliced
1/4 lb. snow peas, trimmed (slivered and stringed optional)
1 1/2 tablespoons asian sesame oil
3-6 green onions sliced
Preparation
Bring water to boil in medium saucepan (or steamed if you have a steamer), add rice and bring to boil again.
Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with fork, transfer to bowl
and cool completely (Personally, I leave it hot). This can be prepared a day ahead--cover and refrigerate.
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in wok or large, heavy skillet over high heat until hot buy not smoking.
Add eggs until puffed around the edges--this is done by using a spatula to push the cooked part of eggs toward
the back of the pan while tipping pan forward, allowing uncooked eggs to flow forward. (Note: You are not
scrambling or making an omelette--keep reading) Continue to cook like this until eggs are no longer runny but
still soft and fluffy. Cut the eggs with the edge of the spatula until they have a crumbled-like appearance and
then transfer eggs to a platter or large plate..
Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Add carrots and stir fry for a minute. Add
bok choy, mushrooms, and snow peas. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (I use plain salt and pepper) and stir fry
until vegetables begin to soften, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add the sesame oil and heat vegetables again and
then add the rice and stir fry until mixture is cooked through. Stir in eggs and green onions. Serve.
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
FUTURE IMPREFECT BOOK ONE: CRUCIFYING ANGEL
By:
P.I. Barrington
"Why don't you stay for dinner?" Payce said before she had a chance to reconsider. She's bit his head
off, the least she could do was feed him. "We can order pizza — or I can cook something — your choice." She
smiled at him.
"All right. What's your specialty?" He smiled back, folding his arms over his chest as he leaned on the
counter.
Payce hesitated. She wanted something impressive but nothing she'd shared with Ethaniel. She
inwardly shook herself. Don't think about him, Payce. You're making dinner, not cheating on him.
"Hmmm," she said. "That depends on what I have in the fridge." She turned and pulled open the
refrigerator door. After inspecting the contents for a minute, she called over her shoulder,
"You're in luck, McAllister. One of my specialties is Spicy Fried Rice."
"Let's hope its better than take-out," he said, smirking.
"It's better than anything. At least, better than anything you've eaten." She smirked right back.
"Oh, I don't know. I've… tasted quite a lot." He stared directly into Payce's eyes. She pursed her lips
primly and turned back to the refrigerator, refusing to take the bait. Damn it, Payce, don't lead him on. And for
God's sake don't let him do it to you!
"Well, you haven't tasted this," she said in a tight voice, pulling out ingredients. "So, please reserve
judgment until you have."
"Okay. If it's as good as you say, I might even forgive you."
Payce whirled around.
"Forgive me? For what?"
"I'll tell you after dinner. If I enjoy it that is,"
"Okay, that does it! Get out of my kitchen!" Payce tossed a hand towel in his face. "Go in there and…
watch television or read a book or something. Just get out!"
Gavin made a small bow.
"As you wish."
Cooking by the Book
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Save Room for Dessert
Cooking by the Book
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Cooking by the Book
49
Desert Breeze Publishing
ALMOND BISCOTTI
Description:
Sit down with a cup of tea, your best friend and this crunchy, chocolaty treat.
Ingredients
¾ C. Slivered Almonds
1 ¼ C. Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
¼ tsp. Salt
6 Tbsp. Butter
½ C. Sugar
1 Egg
1 Yolk
¼ tsp. Almond Extract
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
½ C. Chocolate Chips
Preparation
Step One:
Preheat oven to 375°. Toast almonds 4 to 5 minutes.
Step Two:
Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the egg,
yolk and extracts. Stir in the flour mixture and almonds. Shape into an 11 inch by 4 inch log. Bake 15
to 18 minutes.
Step Three:
Slice to ½ inch thickness, lay cut side up, then bake again at 325° for 15 to 20 minutes. Drizzle with
chocolate chips melted in a small sauce pan over medium low heat.
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Desert Breeze Publishing
BEYOND AFRICA
By:
Carie Lawson
(Coming March 2010)
(The following excerpt is unedited at the time of cookbook release, and may vary at the time of
actual book publication. Thank you)
“Are you girls ready?” Lilly heard Haven’s call as she whipped lip gloss on. She hated running late.
Stopping at the top of the stairs, she put a hand on her belly judging. Hmm. No need for an antacid.
“Let’s just have a cup of coffee before we go.” In the kitchen, Grace poured three cups and set them
down on the table. “Haven, grab the biscotti on the counter.”
“I can’t wait till you marry Case, and we’re actually sisters.” The words tripped delighted out of
Haven’s mouth.
Lilly’s surprised gasp lodged a piece of crumb in her throat. Sputtering and coughing, she grabbed her
coffee and took a sip, trying to rinse the offending sweet away. Ooh, too hot. The coffee singed her tongue.
Now her mouth burned and her throat scratched. Worse, Grace and Haven were staring at her.
Picking up her napkin, she wiped her mouth, hoping the right words might spring into her head. “We’re
not getting married, Haven.” The smile she offered couldn’t undo her little choking incident.
“Of course you are, Lilly.”
“We’re just friends.” The memory of Case’s mouth on hers snickered “liar” in her head. But that had
only been once, and after she’d explained, it had never happened again. Now it was just those chaste kisses on
the cheek, like a sister. Except Case didn’t kiss Haven’s cheek every night.
“Haven. This is none of our business. Case would string you up for embarrassing Lilly like this.”
Grace glared across the table. But it was too late. Now Lilly understood why they’d been so kind to her, why
they included her in their family discussions and even their girl time. Because they thought one day she would
be an actual part of the family. Oh, well. For a brief time, she’d known what belonging could feel like.
“Sorry, Lilly.” Haven traced the rim of her coffee cup with her index finger.
Lilly patted her friend’s arm. “Don’t be sorry. I never thought about how we must look to you and
everyone else.”
“Looks downright cozy from here.” Haven’s wink made Lilly smile despite Grace’s finger wag.
Time to set the record straight. “He thinks of me as a sister.”
Lilly couldn’t be sure, but thought, “not likely” floated out of Haven’s mouth from behind her coffee
cup.
“When it’s safe, I’m going back to Africa. I guess I thought everyone knew that.” Lilly’s voice faded
away. If she racked her brain, maybe she could come up with a plausible reason not to go with them today.
They wouldn’t want her to come now that they knew the truth.
“Let’s get going.” Grace pointed to the once full plate that now held one biscotti and crumbs. “That
one’s yours, Lilly.”
She picked up the cookie obediently. “If it’s okay, I think I’ll stay here today. Sam’s enjoying the
tricycle.”
Grace’s hand came down firmly on hers and gave her a bolstering squeeze. “Don’t be silly. My girls
and I are going shopping today. We’ve got things do.” The raised eyebrows left no room for argument. “I’m
going to get Sam. Fetch your purses and meet me at the truck.”
Grace’s words chased away Lilly’s fears and brought tears to her eyes. It wouldn’t be just Case she’d
miss when she went back home, but the whole McCord clan.
Cooking by the Book
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AUNT VICKIE'S GINGER COOKIES
Description:
Aunt Vickie used to make this recipe when she visited. She let Melinda help her.
Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup light molasses
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 t.salt
3/4 t. soda
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 cup boiling water
Preparation
Step One:
Stir shortening to soften. Gradually add sugar, creaming 'till light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses;
Beat thoroughly.
Step Two:
Sift together dry ingredients; add to molasses mixture alternately with boiling water, beating after each
addition.
Step Three:
Bake in well-greased 8x8x2-inch pan in moderate oven (350) 35 to 40 minutes or until done. Serve
warm.
Cooking by the Book
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By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
"Look what I found out in the barn!" He nestled a tiny yellow-striped kitten against his coat. "There's
more of 'em." His eyes shone with the miracle.
"I know."
"I always wanted a little cat."
Melinda smiled. "Tell you what. It can be yours while you're here."
"Oh, boy, wait'll I tell Pa!" He sniffed the air. "Gingerbread… Oh, Grandma used to make
gingerbread."
"You can have some if you take the kitten back to the barn and wash your hands."
"Yes, ma'am." He hurried out the door.
"You've gotten attached to him. I can see it in your eyes."
"I suppose I have…"
"Well, you'd better not get attached to his papa. You know, you ought to find you a good, settled man,
maybe a farmer, and get married."
"Where am I gonna find this good man?"
Susanna clucked. "Well, as I recollect, you've passed up a couple. Did you happen to notice Abe
looking at you like you were the snow queen? If you don't hustle, you're liable to end up an old maid.”
Melinda laughed. "I already am an old maid." She might as well admit it. She'd be thirty in May.
Twenty-nine years should have been enough time for her to marry and raise a passel of kids. Why, Susanna and
Jacob had four. She'd probably never get to leave the house if Jacob's mother didn't live with them and help
with the children.
Much as she'd dreamed of marriage and children, she hadn't been able to leave Papa after Mama died all
those years ago. Now, with Papa gone, she figured it was too late. Besides, she wasn't pretty like Susanna and
Chloe. She pulled her mind back to what Susanna was saying.
"But about the Chris—"
Timothy and Zeke rushed into the kitchen, laughing. Brownie tagged along. "This boy tells me there's
gingerbr—" Zeke's handsome, weathered face glowed from the cold and his hard work. "Oh, please excuse
me." He smiled at Susanna.
"Susanna Overby, this is Zeke Porter. And this is his son, Timothy."
"How do you do?" Susanna looked from one to the other of them.
"Pleased to meet you." Zeke bowed slightly and nodded to Timothy.
"Yes, ma'am. Me, too." Timothy turned to Melinda. "I told Pa you said the little cat can be mine while
we're here. He said, 'don't get too 'tached to it, though'." Timothy looked down at the floor. The joy had
drained out of his face.
"Well, you both need some gingerbread." Melinda turned away to hide her brimming eyes. She wiped
them on her sleeve and poured coffee for Zeke and milk for Timothy.
"Reminds me, I need some milk," Susanna said.
Melinda got out another glass and started to pour the milk.
"No, no. I mean I need to buy some." Susanna laughed. "I need butter and eggs, too."
"I'm gonna name it Tiger." Timothy's mouth turned down slightly at the corners.
"Good name." Melinda managed to smile at him as she set out Susanna's order.
.
Cooking by the Book
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BELLE'S APPLE PIE
Description:
This old fashioned apple pie is simple to make, juicy, plump, and delicious.
Ingredients:
Pastry for a two crust pie — I use the ready-made pastry from my grocer's dairy case.
3/4 to one cup of sugar – The amount of sugar you will need varies with the tartness of the apples you
use. If you choose a sweeter delicious apple, ¾ cup of sugar is fine. If you use a tart apple like Granny
Smith, add a cup of sugar.
2 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
¼ teaspoon of salt
6 to 7 peeled apples
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine
Preparation:
Step one: Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly through the apples.
Step two: Place ½ of the pastry in a 9 inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork. (This is to let steam
escape.)
Step three: Heap the apple mixture into the pie pan. Dot with butter, put the top crust in place, flute the
edges and cut slashes in the top crust. (Again, this to let steam escape.)
Step four: Bake in a hot oven (425degrees) for 50-60 minutes.
Cool and serve
Presentation suggestions:
This pie makes a wonderful dessert served warm or cold. It's great topped with a scoop of ice cream or a
slice of sharp cheese.
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SEARCH FOR PARADISE
By:
Barri Bryan
(Coming March 2010)
(The following excerpt is unedited at the time of cookbook release, and may vary at the time of
actual book publication. Thank you)
Belle chatted with Hank is if he were a welcome guest, not an uninvited intruder. "Would you like a
piece of apple pie? I made it yesterday."
"Pie sounds great." Hank looked down at his hands. "Could I wash up first?"
Remembering where those hands had been, and what they had done, made Kate blush. "There's mud in
your hair, too." The anger she felt at his bold intrusion crept into her voice.
Over the running water, Hank asked, "Belle, could I talk to Kate for a few minutes? We have some
unfinished business to discuss."
"Don't mind me." Belle helped herself to a generous slice of pie. "I'm not a butinsky."
As unsettled as she was, Kate couldn’t help smiling. Belle could aggravate a saint.
Hank sat down again, this time much too near Kate. "The business is of a personal nature. Do you
mind?"
Belle shrugged. "I don't mind at all."
Hank's fingers drummed on the table. “It’s also private."
Belle pushed her fork into the crust of her pie. "I'm not a blabbermouth, either."
"Damn it, Belle, will you get out of here and let me talk to Kate alone?"
Belle stood. "All you had to do was ask. I can take a hint."
As Belle disappeared into the living room carrying a cup of coffee in one hand, and her slice of pie in
the other, Hank shook his head from side to side. "She did that on purpose, just to irritate me."
"You don't know the half of it.’ Kate said. “But feel flattered, she only does it to people that she cares
about."
"While you're explaining motives and behavior,” Hank's voice was light, but through that bantering tone
ran a note of sincerity, "tell me why you took me to my own line shack, ravished me, and then rode off into the
sunset without waking me to say thanks." He made a helpless little gesture with his hands. "I never before felt
so compromised."
"You're not funny." Kate studied her coffee cup. "I didn't want to disturb you."
"You've been disturbing me since the morning I walked in here and found you asleep on a bale of hay.
Why did you run away?"
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
CAKE FOR WHAT AILS YOU
Description:
Sometimes there's no better medicine than chocolate. This cake provides a good delivery system when
intravenous is just not an option.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
⅔ cup buttermilk
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
3 (1 ounce ea.) squares unsweetened
2 cups flour, sifted
chocolate, melted in ⅔ boiling water
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp soda
Preparation
Step One:
Preheat oven to 325*. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
Step Two:
Cream butter and sugar until flight and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
sift flour and salt together. Mix soda and buttermilk and add alternating with flour to the creamed butter
and sugar. Start and end with the flour. Add vanilla and melted chocolate and water. Stir until smooth.
Pour batter into baking pan.
Step Three:
Bake 50-55 minutes. Cool in the pan. Frost with Chocolate frosting while still slightly warm.
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Barbara Scott
Twice each day, Daniel took the buggy and rode into town to send or pick up telegrams. Several times a
week, he'd have trunks or bundles to drop off at the freight office to be shipped to the townhouse. On those
days, he invariably returned scowling.
It wasn't difficult to determine the source of his irritability, and Morgan quickly learned the common
sense of distracting him from it. "Did Trixie have trouble in the snow, dear?" she asked, meeting him on the
porch one afternoon of swirling flurries.
"No. No problems." Daniel jumped out of the buggy and tossed the reins to the Áwaiting Barnard. He
clomped the snow off his boots and unwound his scarf before giving Morgan a distracted kiss.
"I commandeered the kitchen this afternoon, and Ronan helped me bake a cake," she said, following him
in through the back door with more cheer than the kiss had inspired.
Daniel tossed his handful of mail and telegrams on the table and yanked off his coat, dropping it in a
heap on the bench.
Morgan picked up his coat and shook out the snowflakes before hanging it over a chair near the stove to
dry. "It's chocolate. I was going to save it for supper. But wouldn't a piece be good with some coffee right
now?"
All she got from him was a grunt. She sliced the cake anyway, served up a generous wedges for Daniel
and herself, and poured them both coffee. Daniel shuffled the mail into piles then picked up each pile and
divided it again. When she placed his plate in the middle of the stacks, he looked up. "Thanks. Smells
delicious."
"Why don't you sit down and enjoy it? Chocolate is always the best medicine."
"Medicine? For what?"
"For whatever ails you."
Daniel slumped into a chair and took a deep drink of the strong, hot coffee. Taking up his fork, he
stabbed at the cake. "That damn fool, Falkner," he muttered, confirming her diagnosis. "He's as tough to shake
as a tic on a hound's hind leg. I swear he's stayed in town just to provoke me."
"You'll just have to learn to put him out of your mind," Morgan said. "That's what I had to do."
"Do you know what he asked me? Do you know what that blatherin’ fool asked me today? He asked
me what my intentions are regardin’ you. Intentions, for Chrissake, I shouted, I married the lass." Daniel
pushed a bite of cake in his mouth, chewing and swallowing before he continued.
"'You're not married in the eyes of God and the Church' Falkner says, looking down his nose at me like
he was my God blessed confessor, like I was some bounder who'd use you and cast you aside."
Morgan choked on her cake but recovered quickly with a big gulp of coffee. She watched him over the
rim of her cup as he shoved three more forkfuls of cake in his mouth and chewed them angrily.
"It isn't goin’ to work," Daniel growled.
"What?"
"Your chocolate remedy."
"Oh," she said, expelling the breath that had caught in her throat. "Is that all? You have to give it a
moment to circulate."
Cooking by the Book
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DULCE DE LECHE CHEESECAKE
Description:
An incredibly delicious dessert to enjoy and very easy to prepare.
Ingredients
No bake cheesecake dessert (buy the box kind with crust and cheesecake included)
Might vary with different brands but with the Jell-O No Bake Real Cheesecake Dessert, you need 2
Tbsp. sugar and 5 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted – for crust
1 ½ cups cold milk – for filling
Can of Nestle La Lechera Dulce de Leche (can be buy it at Wal-Mart, Kroger's or
Meijer's in the international aisle. It should be with the Hispanic/Mexican products.
Werther's original candy
Preparation
Step One:
Follow directions on cheesecake box for the graham cracker pie crust.
Next make filling according to box directions.
Add 1 cup of La Lechera Dulce de Leche into the cheesecake mix.
Step Two:
Crush up pieces of Werther's original candy and sprinkle it on top of cheesecake after it has set.
Step Three:
Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Diane Craver
(Coming January 2010)
(The following excerpt is unedited at the time of cookbook release, and may vary at the time of
actual book publication. Thank you)
While the others wished him a happy birthday, she thought how Seth had never mentioned before that it
was his birthday. Why would he want to spend his birthday here with her and her friends? Granted, Seth was
right how they’d connected quickly but to spend a birthday with strangers instead of family seemed weird. "I
wish you’d told me because I would’ve baked you a birthday cake."
"But you made your delicious caramel cheesecake," Heather said. "Stick some candles in it."
Elizabeth chimed in, "Oh, Heather’s right. Mallory makes her own version of the Cheesecake Factory’s
Dulce De Leche Caramel Cheesecake, and hers is even better."
"No candles, please," Seth said.
Mallory leaned closer to Seth. "You aren’t getting out of telling us your age. Let me guess." She touched
her chin and stared at him. "You don’t look a day over thirty-three, but you went to medical school and you’ve
been practicing for some time. I mean Jeremy heard of you a few years ago. I’ll guess you’re thirty-nine years
old today."
Seth frowned. "You’re kidding. That old."
She rolled her eyes. "Come on. I can’t be that far off. And I did say you look younger than that."
"Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m thirty-eight years old." Seth gave her a broad smile. "You’re a good guesser."
A cell phone rang, and Jeremy said, "It’s mine. I better answer it. Excuse me."
After Jeremy flipped his phone and walked off the patio, Mallory said, "Is everyone ready for some
birthday cheesecake?"
Seth wiped his lips with a napkin. "Cheesecake sounds delicious."
"Bring it on, Mallory. I can always eat your dessert," Derek said.
Elizabeth and Heather followed her into the house. She took the cheesecake out of the refrigerator and set
it on the countertop. She moaned. "I don’t even want to know how many calories are in this dessert. Or I’ll be
doing crunches all night."
While Heather got small plates out of the cupboard, Elizabeth opened the silverware drawer. "You two
look so cute. I’m sure Jeremy and Seth noticed, too."
Heather smiled. "I’ve enjoyed talking to Jeremy. I’m not sure he has Mallory out of his system though."
She raised her eyebrows. "Are you kidding? He’s hardly talked to me. He’s all yours, girl."
Heather winked at her. "It might be because you’ve been very engrossed in whatever Seth has to say to
you. It’s amazing how you two find so much to talk about."
"I can’t believe how you and Seth just met a week ago." Elizabeth waved her hand at Heather and Mallory.
"I’m excited for both of you. I can see Heather bringing Jeremy as a guest to my wedding. And I’m sure Seth
will be attending if you ask him, Mallory. Seth’s even better looking in person."
Cooking by the Book
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Desert Breeze Publishing
MAMA'S BREAD PUDDING
Description:
Melinda remembers her mama making this homey dessert with biscuits left over from breakfast. She
loved to smell the vanilla, cinnamony scent wafting through the house. Sooo good!
Ingredients
4 or 5 biscuits
1 cup sugar
¼ cup butter
2 t. vanilla
2 cups milk
2 eggs
cinnamon (optional)
pinch of salt
Preparation
Step One:
Mash ingredients 'till well-mixed and lumpy.
Step Two:
Grease oven-safe baking dish and pour mixture in.
Step Three:
Bake in 350* oven for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking by the Book
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By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
"Eat your breakfast, son. You're talkin' overmuch." Zeke glared at him.
"But, Pa "
"Timothy " Zeke shot his son a baleful look. "You'll have to forgive him, Miss Melinda. It was his
first train ride." Amusement lit his eyes.
She got up to pour him more coffee. "Nothing to forgive. It must have been exciting."
"Yes, ma'am." Timothy's voice was chock full of wonder. "First off, there was this fierce whistle and
all this long bunch of train cars came up and when we got on they went klickety-klack, klickety-klack." He
paused for a quick breath. "And this man told us we might have a 'splosion in the boiler — but we didn't and
"
"Timothy, you're wearin' out Miss Melinda's ears." A faint light twinkled in the depths of Zeke's gray-
blue eyes.
Timothy spared a puzzled glance at her ears. "But "
"Eat your breakfast, son." Zeke sounded stern.
Melinda masked her amusement and passed more bacon and eggs to Zeke.
"No, thanks. I've had plenty."
She started to ask Timothy if he wanted more, but realized he hadn't eaten what was on his plate.
Zeke must have noticed that, too. "You better eat your food, boy. We've got work to do."
"I thought I'd save this for Brownie…" His blue eyes pleaded.
Zeke stood and loomed over the boy. "You heard what Miss Melinda said. That dog'll get fed without
you giving up your food. Now, get busy."
Timothy turned back to his breakfast, finished it and downed his glass of milk.
Zeke sat back in his chair and swigged down the rest of his coffee. "Mighty fine breakfast, Miss
Melinda."
"Um hmm." Timothy echoed him.
Melinda smiled her thanks and got up.
Zeke and Timothy carried dishes to the dry sink and Melinda washed them, declining Zeke's offer to
help. "You're company," she said.
"Well, I can feed animals and gather eggs, milk the cow. Don't want to be beholden to you."
"All right." Melinda hung her apron on a peg. "I've got to get to work."
Zeke frowned. "I'll be happy to help with all the outside work, ma'am."
"Oh, I mean my job." She grinned. "I'm the postmistress."
"Where?" His eyebrows rose in surprise.
"I have my office right here in my parlor." She laughed and pointed to the closed roll-top desk near the
front door. "See those cubbyholes by the desk? Folks just knock and I let them in so they can get their mail.
Some of them buy my milk, butter, and eggs, too."
"Well, I never." Zeke's dusky blue eyes rounded and he seemed at a loss for words.
"Day like this, I may not have any customers, so I can catch up on making bread or butter or maybe a
bread pudding for dinner." She glanced at Timothy.
"D'ya hear that?" Timothy's eyes danced. "Pudding!"
Cooking by the Book
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THE MONTGOMERY GIRLS MOCHA MICROWAVE CAKE
Description:
Some of us need comfort food more than others. And as you'll find out in The Family Way, the
February Tabor Heights, Ohio release, the Montgomery girls need a lot of it. When you need chocolate,
you need it fast – and this is about as fast as you can get it without a time machine.
Ingredients
Big enough for two, but why share when you're in need of comfort? Let them get their own mugs!
1 jumbo-size, microwavable coffee mug
3 T flour
3 T sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 T instant coffee crystals
1 egg, beaten
2 T oil
1/4 C milk
2 T chocolate syrup
3 T chocolate morsels
Preparation
Step One:
Mix all ingredients together in the mug, in the order listed.
Chocolate morsels are optional – but you don't want to leave them out!
Step Two:
Microwave for 1 minute on highest power. The batter will rise out of the mug – do not panic. (Unless of
course you used too small a mug, and the batter spills over the sides…)
Let the cake sit for 30 seconds, to settle down.
Microwave for 30 more seconds. Check consistency – microwaves vary in power, so you might need to
microwave more, or less.
Presentation Suggestions:
Dump the cake into a bowl.
Top with more chocolate syrup or whipped cream or both. Or ice cream. Or whatever you want to add.
Or if you're especially in need of comfort and indulgence, dump on a few tablespoons of sour cream
and sprinkle the whole thing with sugar.
Eat hot!
It won't take your troubles away, but it will put you into a coma, so you forget your problems for a while!
Cooking by the Book
62
Desert Breeze Publishing
THE FAMILY WAY
By:
Michelle Levigne
(Coming February 2010)
The following excerpt is unedited at the time of cookbook release, and may vary at the time of
actual book publication. Thank you)
"Hi. You're being kidnapped," Lindsey announced the moment Lisa opened the door. Lanie stood
behind her, grinning ear to ear. Both sisters wore blue jeans, plaid flannel shirts and vest jackets.
"Huh?" Lisa found it a little difficult pulling her mind away from Katie and Bob's arguments to focus on
the present.
"You need a night out with the girls and we are the girls to do it," Lanie said. "Where's that brat, Todd?"
"Todd, we're kidnapping Lisa and you can't do anything about it," Lindsey called, stepping further into
the apartment.
"Denver." Lisa sighed as she said it.
"What?" Lanie's mouth dropped open. "Todd went out of town without telling our father?"
"How do you know that?" Lisa would have laughed if she didn't feel so strangely out of step.
"Father always complains to at least one of us about how badly the company mistreats Todd, sending
him everywhere around the country. Then in the same breath he gloats about how important he is."
"So," Lindsey continued, taking up the narration, "if Father didn't gripe, then he didn't know Todd was
away. When did he go?"
"Yesterday." Her voice caught. "The coward left a note that I didn't even find until last night," she
added, and didn't care what it sounded like.
Lisa was tired of supporting Todd and making him look good, swallowing her pride and hurt feelings a
dozen times a week for his sake. If the whole world knew she wished she had never married him, that was fine
with her.
"Uh oh," Lanie whispered. "Girlfriend, you definitely need a night out. Come on, change your clothes.
We're going to the cabin. Bring a sleeping bag and warm pjs while you're at it."
"But -- " She stopped short and shook her head. Lisa realized she had been about to say no, that she had
to wait for Todd to call or come home. Why should she? "Okay," she said before she lost her momentum. "Give
me two minutes. Should I bring anything along?"
"We could use some more marshmallows and hot chocolate mix," Lanie said.
"Ransack the cupboards and take anything you want," Lisa said as she stepped down the hall to the
bedroom.
Cooking by the Book
63
Desert Breeze Publishing
PAVLOVA AND KIWIFRUIT
Description:
Desert which is light and sweet, tastes like meringue but with a difference.
Ingredients
3 standard egg whites
3 tablespoons cold water
1 cup caster sugar (Superfine sugar)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3 teaspoons Cornflour (Cornstarch)
Kiwifruit for decoration
Preparation
Step One:
Preheat oven to 150 degrees C or 300 degrees F or number 2 gas. Grease pan and placed paper into pan,
then grease paper.
Step Two:
Beat egg whites until stiff then add cold water and resume beating.
Gradually add caster sugar while beating.
Slow the beater down and add vinegar, cornflour and vanilla essence.
Spoon onto greased paper on a greased tray
Step Three:
Bake at 150 degrees C or 300 degrees F for approx 45 minutes.
DO NOT REMOVE FROM OVEN. Allow to cool in the oven.
Cooking by the Book
64
Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Sue Perkins
Tonight he'd also made an effort with his appearance. His tan glowed against a white polo shirt tucked
into dark blue moleskins, and his feet were clad in bright white trainers. With his dark golden hair and grey
eyes, he looked like a movie star, a make-believe person who couldn't have any real feelings.
The image shattered as his head bent over the book while he helped Brooke with some of the bigger
words, pointing out several things of interest at the same time he read. One thing Darcy was sure of, he wasn't
the type of man to play with a child's heart, even if he made her own throb at a much higher rate.
"Time for dinner."
She hated to interrupt them, but after taking the time to prepare this meal, she wasn't going to let it be
spoilt by leaving it too long in the oven.
"We're having Chicken Kiev tonight, and for dessert there's pavlova, kiwifruit and cream." Brooke led
Travis the way into the dining room. "So why are you going away? Don't you like New Zealand?"
"I love it here, but I have business to attend to in San Diego." Travis held out Brooke's chair for her.
"When I've got it sorted out, I'll come back and whisk you both off your feet."
"Silly." Brooke giggled, being treated as a young lady amused her. "They only do that in the movies."
"Would you open the wine for me please?" Darcy offered him the bottle and corkscrew, but a shiver
passed through her as he took them from her gazing intently at her as he did so.
"I hope you're not driving." Brooke sounded more like a middle-aged mother than an eight year old.
"Luckily I'm not." Travis's lips twitched. "I've got an early start in the morning, so I took my rental car
back this afternoon and came by taxi tonight."
"Good!" Brooke nodded sagely, and Darcy found it hard to suppress her laughter as she caught a
corresponding glint in Travis' eyes.
After placing the dishes on the table, Darcy moved to sit down, but Travis got there before her, and held
out her chair.
"Thank you." She tried to hide her discomfort by fiddling with her napkin. Quickly she helped Brooke
with the salad, then silence hung over the table for a few moments as everyone began to eat.
"This is delicious."
Darcy blushed at the compliment and bent her head to her plate when she saw the intensely suggestive
gleam in Travis' eyes.
"Thank you."
"Darcy only makes things like this when it's a special occasion." Brooke seemed at ease talking to
Travis.
"I'm flattered you went to all this trouble for me." Travis frowned as he looked across the table at
Darcy.
"It's no trouble. I felt like cooking something unusual." Darcy tried to hide how flustered she felt.
"Your health, ladies." Travis held up his glass in a toast to them, and Brooke solemnly followed her
aunt's lead and raised her glass of lemonade.
Brooke kept them amused with her constant chatter throughout the meal, and they reached dessert before
the child returned to the topic of Travis going to America.
"When are you coming back?"
Cooking by the Book
65
Desert Breeze Publishing
SOPAPILLAS
Description:
A light, deep-fried traditional dessert often served with authentic Mexican food.
Ingredients
4 cups sifted flour
4 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 T. shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 cup water
Fat for deep fat frying
Preparation
Step One:
Sift flour, baking powder and salt together
Mix shortening with flour, using hands. Add egg and water to flour mixture to form stiff dough.
Step Two:
Knead well. Divide dough in 4 parts. Roll 1/8 inch thick. Cut into pieces 3 inches square.
Step Three:
Fry in hot deep fat (360*F.) Drain on absorbent paper. Makes 3 dozen.
Serve with honey
Cooking by the Book
66
Desert Breeze Publishing
By:
Marion Kelley Bullock
When their food came, Elise gave herself over to enjoyment of the meal. “This is wonderful,” she said.
“Well worth waiting for. How did you know what I’d like?”
“This is a standard meal. You just say, ‘bring us the usual’. It’s a sampling of everything.”
“It’s perfect.”
Ramón gave her his wry, one-sided smile again. But this time, he declined to comment on perfection.
Instead, he changed the subject again. He told her of some of the ancient customs and she let herself be
transported back in time as she heard a legend about a gang of bandits who decided to take the riches of
Monterey, among them the jeweled eyes of a priceless image of the Virgin Mary.
At the end of the meal, when the waiter brought sopapillas and honey, Elise was distracted enough to
remember to tell Ramón about the books she had discovered. “I was looking through them at legends much like
the one you just told me about. Then I found my mother's diary, and—”
“We're taking tonight off, remember?”
“I know. But the books disappeared off my bed.”
“When?” Ramón's eyes veiled. He had turned back into the handsome stranger, the man she distrusted.
The man who was sheathed in mystery
“When I got sick and was taken to the hospital,” Elise said. “But no matter. You're right. I did
promise.”
The food was still excellent, but the enchantment of the evening was ruined. Talk was stilted, polite. It
was just as well, Elise thought. It had seemed, for a few moments, that she and Ramón were beginning to draw
closer together — mentally, not physically. It was frightening, really. She didn't want things to get out of hand.
They drove back to Castillo de los Castillos in a strained silence. Ramón parked the car and came
around to open Elise's door.
She felt his tension as he helped her from the Suburban. Uh-oh, he was going to change his mind again
and tell her to go upstairs and pack and the fighting would begin all over again. She took a deep breath and
steeled herself for the struggle ahead. What should she say? Should she keep fighting or should she give in
gracefully?
Cooking by the Book
67
Desert Breeze Publishing
We hope you enjoyed some
if not all
of the delicious and varied
recipes in our cookbook.
Keep watch at
www.DesertBreezePublishing.com
in the future for more
recipes so you can…
Cook by the Book
~ The Staff and Authors of Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
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