Irretrievably Broken - Irma Fritz, Author

Key Lime Pie

2 whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened, condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice or 1/2 cup fresh squeezed key lime juice
2 Tbl. water
1 graham cracker crust

Whisk eggs and yolk until blended. Add milk and beat until combined. Add lime juice and water, blend well. Pour into crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until almost set in the center. Cool and refrigerate 4 hours before serving.

Irretrievably Broken - Review by Martha A. Cheves

Of all the books I’ve read over the years, Irretrievably Broken is one of the few that has made me really stop and think about my life, both past and present.

The story starts out with a mother (Ruth), her daughter (Nora) and her granddaughter (Bettina) taking a cross-country trip from Seattle to DC. They stop along the way to pick up an old friend (Mary).

Ruth is of German descent and lived through the Holocaust. During her childhood she befriended a girl (Frieda) who was Jewish and helped her escape sure death at the hands of the Nazis.

Nora grew up during the Viet Nam War with its protests of which she became a participant in. After college she took a summer off to travel around Canada, living off the land.

Bettina is the daughter of Ruth’s son who fell in love with and married an African American woman. They moved to Germany and when Bettina’s mother died she came to America to live with her Aunt Nora.

Mary is an old friend of Bettina’s mother and father as well as Nora.

These are the characters. All have deep secrets that have been kept for years. These secrets are revealed throughout the trip. The stories about Ruth living in Germany during WWII are heart wrenching. She talks about how she rescued Frieda and at what expense it was to her as well as her brother who was in love with and planned to someday marry Frieda. Nora reveals the hardships of living off the land and how she was rescued by an Indian (Max) after a bear approached her. Her stories of Max becoming her soul mate, their hardships, marriage and finally divorce are painfully beautiful. Bettina is a lost young girl looking for family and family connections. Her hopes and dreams of finding at least one relative from her mother’s side of the family will bring you to tears. And then there is Mary. She joins up with the trio with plans to continue on to Germany to meet up with Bettina’s father Adam. Mary has a secret too but doesn’t want to disclose it to anyone other than Adam.

This book has taught me that life is like a chain. Everyone we meet becomes a link in our chain. Some links may be weak, but the strong ones keep the chain from breaking. And as memories and secrets are shared with those strong links, they become even stronger.

I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book that I highly recommend it to everyone.

The Chosen Few - Matthew Simon, Author

Boston baked beans:

* 1 lb. dried pinto or navy beans
* ½ lb. bacon (about 12 slices)
* 1 large onion, finely diced
* 3 tablespoons molasses
* ½ cup brown sugar
* 1 cup ketchup
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* ½ cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
* 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation:
Place dried beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover by 2-3 inches (about 8 cups). Let the beans soak overnight.

Drain and rinse the beans. Simmer beans in 8 cups of water and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar until tender, about 1 to 2 hours. Drain and set aside, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Using a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp, 7 or 8 minutes. Add the beans and all other remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Add some of the cooking liquid if the mixture is too thick.

Transfer pot to oven. Bake uncovered for 2-3 hours (or to desired thickness) until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Makes 6-8 servings.

The Chosen Few – Review by Martha A. Cheves

I do love a good mystery and that’s what I found in The Chosen Few.

The setting is in Boston, a place I’ve never been but after reading The Chosen Few I feel as if I’ve just gotten back from. Through this book you’ll find humor with the characters Cyrus the cat and the gar that refuses to eat normal fish food. So what does it eat and what happens when you put a cat and a fish in the same house?

Simon’s main character Max Lovely is a PI who is hired to find his client’s x-husband David. In doing so he finds himself coming face to face with a mob hit man who was hired to kill David. As I read I kept asking myself “Who would put out a hit on David and why?” “Who are The Chosen Few and what do they have to do with David?” And the big question – “Will Max get to David before it’s too late?”

You will have to read The Chosen Few yourself to find the answers to these questions. But I will tell you that Simon’s way of writing makes for easy reading but still keeps you spellbound all the way to the end.

Thicker Than Water - D. C. Jennings, Author

Italian Chicken and Peppers
>
> 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
> 1 1/2lb. boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
> 2 medium green peppers, cut into strips
> 2 medium onions, chopped
> 2 cloves garlic, minced
> 1 jar (28 oz.) traditional style pasta sauce
> 6 cups hot cooked spaghetti
>
> Prep/cook time: 25 minutes
>
> Heat oil in saucepot. Add chicken and cook until browned and done, stirring
> often. Add peppers, onions and garlic and cook until tender. Add pasta sauce and heat
> through. Serve over spaghetti. Serves 6.

Thicker Than Water - Review by Martha A. Cheves


From the very beginning of this book I've enjoyed feeling as if I'm a part of the "family." It was truly a joy to read. It has everything that makes up a great Romance novel… pain, happiness, anger, love and a happy ending. Plus, D. C. Jennings’ way of writing makes you feel all of these emotions. She even has you seeing the scenery, feeling the grass and smelling the dust.

As D. C. Jennings unfolds her story about a family torn apart by circumstances beyond their control, I couldn't help but put myself in each character’s place. I felt the confusion of both the father and the son. The sense of loss felt by the son after the desertion of his father. The confusion of the father when the wife demanded a divorce. But I also felt the sacrifice of the wife as she did what she felt was best for her husband and her son.

Read Thicker than Water and ask yourself these questions. Did the wife make the right choice? Was her decision worth 15 years of her family’s life? Would you have made the same decision?

I highly recommend Thicker than Water. As I said, it was a joy to read.

Bertha Speaks Out - Fran Lewis Author

Homemade Chocolate Pudding
(Serves 6)

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Combine the cornstarch, sugar and salt in the top of a double boiler. Slowly whisk in the milk, scraping the bottom and sides with a heatproof spatula to incorporate the dry ingredients. Place over gently simmering water and stir occasionally, scraping the bottom and sides. Use a whisk as necessary should lumps begin to form. After 15 to 20 minutes, when the mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of the spoon, add the chocolate. Continue stirring for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until the pudding is smooth and thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a serving bowl or into a large measuring cup with a spout and pour into individual serving dishes.

3. If you like pudding skin, pull plastic wrap over the top of the serving dish(es) before refrigerating. If you dislike pudding skin, place plastic wrap on top of the pudding and smooth it gently against the surface before refrigerating. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days.

Bertha Speaks Out - Review by Martha A. Cheves

n Fran Lewis’ first book My Name is Bertha you meet Bertha who is an overweight young lady that is teased, laughed at and hurt by both her peers and some of the adults in her life.

In Bertha Speaks Out, she learns to take up for herself by speaking out and expressing her feelings. When a child is not “perfect” other children as well as adults can be cruel. As adults we sometimes ignore the hurt that our own children may inflict upon a child that is not “perfect”. If a child has a handicap, kids may mock them. If they have a speech problem, they may mimic them. If they are overweight, they may call them names and exclude them. All of these actions damage the child that is not “perfect” as well as the child doing the hurting. We as parents need to teach them that this is wrong and how their actions hurt.

Bertha Speaks Out is a very enjoyable book to read. Bertha finds herself in positions that will make you laugh and cry. You will feel her pain but also feel her pride when she stands up for what is right. It’s a must read for children as well as adults.

Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

My Name is Bertha - Fran Lewis, Author

CHARLOTTE RUSSE
(Bertha's Favorite)

1 env. unflavored gelatin
1/4 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. milk
2 beaten egg yolks
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 egg whites, beaten stiff
1 pt. heavy cream, whipped
1 pkg. ladyfingers
Maraschino cherries

Soak the gelatin in the water. Combine the sugar, milk and egg yolks and cook to a custard sauce. Add the water/gelatin to the custard. When the mixture is cold and beginning to stiffen, add the vanilla, beaten egg whites, and the whipped cream.

Line the bottom and sides of a serving dish (or a springform pan with a removable bottom) with the ladyfingers and pour in the Charlotte Russe mixture. Chill until firm. Decorate with maraschino cherries.

My Name is Bertha - Review by Martha A. Cheves

My Name is Bertha is about an overweight young girl. The teasing, name calling and problems that are associated with her weight problem are typical for a young person in her position. But the real problem isn’t just her peers teasing her it’s also the lack of help from some of the adults she encounters.

As a child, I too was overweight, so the pain that Bertha feels through her stories in this book hit home with me. I feel this is a wonderfully written book that would be helpful not just for young people who are overweight but also for those who look at a person, no matter the age, call them names, shun them and refuse to accept them as they are. This is a great book of moral teachings for young children and even some adults.

A Real Basket Case - Beth Groundwater, Author

Tarragon-Raspberry Flank Steak with Caramelized Onions, Kale and Mango Salsa

Flank steak
Dried tarragon
Low-fat raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing
1 ripe mango
16 oz jar of chipotle salsa
2 medium white onions
1 large bunch fresh kale
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Salt
Pepper

Sprinkle both sides of flank steak with ½ tsp tarragon and marinate 1-4 hours in 2/3 cup raspberry vinaigrette, turning hourly. Peel and dice mango, mix with salsa and 1 tsp tarragon and set aside. Peel onions, slice in half, then slice halves into 1/4 inch slices. Wash kale and tear into large bite-sized pieces.

Grill flank steak 5-7 minutes per side until medium-rare. While steak is grilling, heat oil over medium heat in large nonstick skillet. Add onions and stir-fry until golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add kale and 1/2 tsp tarragon, salt and pepper to taste. Mix with onions, cover and lower heat to medium-low. Let steam for about 5 minutes until kale is soft.

Let flank steak rest while the kale finishes cooking and you mound onions and kale to one side on each of 6 plates. Slice flank steak thinly on the diagonal and fan 4 slices on each plate, with the mound of kale forming the apex of the fan. Spoon a trail of salsa across the tips of the fans. Serve immediately with any leftover salsa on the table. Serves 6.

A Real Basket Case - Review by Martha A. Cheves

In reading this book I came up with something I really want to share. Some of the things I really hate to see in a book and is overkill in descriptions of the characters. Some writers go all the way to describing the lipstick that the character is wearing at the moment. I also hate to see the full description of the room that the character/characters are in at the moment. To me these are words I simply skip over. To me it feels like the author is trying to extend the length of the book. WELL, Beth Groundwater doesn't do this. I'm reading every word of her book and enjoying it very much. And the characters are REAL. As you meet them, you begin to feel as if they are people you really know.

Beth Groundwater kept me wondering who the real killer would turn out to be. Usually I have the bad guy figured out about halfway through a book. Not with this one. "A Real Basket Case" didn't reveal the killer until the last few pages. And I can't believe who it ended up being. This has been a really enjoyable book.

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Beth, don't change your way of writing! I've really enjoyed reading Basket Case and will be reading more of Beth's books.

Martha

Rovella Starr - Carol Denise Mitchell, Author

Creamy Potato Salad (pg. 104 Stir, Laugh, Repeat)

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 C. butter
1/4 C. Ranch dressing
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 boiled eggs, diced
1 small carrot, diced very small
1/4 C. mayonnaise

Martha's potato salad is so good - my advice would be to double the ingredients - because after it's gone; you're definitely going to want more. Actually - I thought the Banana Puddin' was my favorite recipe because I had never tasted a puddin' so rich, and creamy. The next day I cooked some ribs with Martha's incredible potato salad recipe. Guess what went first? You got it. Each and every recipe in Martha's new cook book will have you wanting more. In my case - I keep turning the pages - realizing that I am not going to be completely satisfied really until I have tasted them all! Anyone who buys Stir, Laugh, Repeat - is in for many good treats! Good reading and definitely good eating to all!

Carol Denise Mitchell

Rovella Starr - Book Review by Martha A. Cheves

From the 1st page of this book I felt myself stepping back into the past. The dialect of the characters, the clothes they are wearing and even their homes are described so perfectly that you feel you are standing at a window looking in.

Carol Denise Mitchell gives you the background of the woman called Rovella Starr by taking you back into the 1930s when Rovella was nothing but a 13 year old child with the body and experience of an adult. This is one child with a real problem, who becomes an adult with an even worse problem. What is her problem? She is selfish, self centered and totally evil. The terrible things she does to those who cross her are bad enough but what she does to those that really love and care about her are worse.

As I read along, I remember people from my past, childhood into adulthood, that remind me of Rovella Starr. There ARE people out there like her. Rovella Starr has to be one of the most believable fiction books I’ve ever read. I’m about ¾ into Rovella Starr and don’t want to put it down. It is a must read.

I've finished this beautiful book. All I can say is that it was so wonderful. The story captured me from the beginning, the evil of Rovella never ceased to amaze me, and the love that was always there but didn't surface due to guilt made me feel the pain that I'm sure she felt. The ending was perfect. Thank you so much Carol Denise Mitchell for writing such a heart tugging story.

A Study in Red - Brian L. Porter, Author

Madras Curry Steak

2 lb. Flank or Chuck Steak
1/4 cup Ground Coriander
6 teaspoons Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Brown Mustard Seed
1/2 teaspoon Cracked Black Peppercorns
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
1 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Crushed Garlic
2 teaspoons Grated Fresh Ginger
2-3 teaspoons White Vinegar
1 tablespoon Oil or Ghee
1 medium Chopped Onion
1/4 cup Tomato Paste
1 cup Beef Stock


Trim the excess fat and sinew from the meat, and cut it into cubes.
Place the coriander, cumin, mustard seeds, peppercorn, chili powder, turmeric, salt, garlic and ginger in a small bowl. stir to combine. Add the vinegar and mix to a smooth paste.
Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and cook over medium heat until just soft.
Add the spice paste and stir for 1 minute.
Add the meat and cook. Stirring until it is coated with the spice paste.
Add tomato paste and stock.
Simmer, cover, for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

A Study in Red - Book Review by Martha A. Cheves

In reading A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack The Ripper, I came across a passage written by Porter that explained why I couldn't put this book down.... "there was a thrill attached to all the horror I was exposing myself to, not a pleasant thrill, but a thrill nonetheless." To me the "thrill" was wanting to know the full story. With the available resources for research today it just might be possible for a writer to compile all of the evidence and form a conclusion that wasn't possible 100 years ago. Was the Ripper a man sick in body as well as mind? Did he seek help from others? Did he tell someone else what he had done and not been believed? And why kill just prostitutes? Were they to blame for his illness? Or was it his own father that was to blame? Yes Porter tells you the story is fiction, but is it really? I'm not really sure anymore.

I've enjoyed reading this book. It's a cross between a "fiction" and a "true crime." So if you enjoy either genre you will enjoy A Study in Red. Do keep in mind that this book is very descriptive.
Martha A. Cheves

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - Martha A. Cheves, Author

Potato Soup

6 med. potatoes, cut into small cubes
6 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 - 3/4 cup instant potatoes
1 Tbl. dried minced onions
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese
1 can Portobella mushrooms, drained
6-8 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled

Boil potatoes until almost done. To test, stick a fork in one of the potatoes and it should still feel slightly firm. Add instant potatoes and dried onions, cook on low until potatoes are done. If the liquid is too thin, add more instant potatoes. Add sour cream, cheese, mushrooms, and bacon. Stir over low heat until cheese is melted and sour cream is blended. Serves 8-10

Stir, Laugh, Repeat Review:



Stir, Laugh, Repeat and "KEEP"
Reader Rating See Detailed Ratings

Posted March 7, 2009, 11:05 PM EST: Martha A. Cheves has written a definitive cookbook for the ages. I started reading her book today - and could not put it down, except for running to the store for some much needed ingredients. The steak and potatoes recipe literally had my mouth watering. Recipes I had not tasted in years are reborn in Stir, Laugh, Repeat. I smiled when I saw the Banana Puddin' recipe. To have such a wonderful cook guide in these financially stressed times is a much needed; stress relief resource for all families. From Martha's Meaty Mashed Potatoes - to her Breakfast Pinwheels, this is by far one of the most exceptional cook guides that I have ever read. Young cooks just starting out can be guided to great meals by Martha's easy to read directions. SLR is similar to the red and white tablecloth cookbooks Betty Crocker use to sell; that we all spotted on our grandmother's kitchen table. Martha's book has old flavor and contemporary style suitable for meat lovers and vegetarians. I commend this book to all. Thanks Martha! - (Carol Denise Mitchell, Author of Rovella Starr)

To read more reviews and purchase your own copy of Stir, Laugh, Repeat go to Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com