Monday, October 7, 2019

The Hawk's Nest -

Campfire Spam Hash

Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
1 spam cut into chunks
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

Directions
In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, cook and stir onion in oil under tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add potatoes. Cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add spam cook and stir until meat and potatoes are tender and browned, 10-15 minutes. Stir in chiles and corn; heat through.



The Hawk's Nest - Review by Martha A. Cheves

The first thing you saw when you walked into the Hawk's Nest was our outdoor living room.  There was a table and a couch near the fire pit, and more chairs scattered for people to sit and visit.  Our tents were set up in a row on either side of our shared space.  The freeway above was our shelter from the weather.

When I started to write this review it came to me that I knew nothing, nor have bothered to learn anything about the homeless.  I see them on the streets asking for money, selling their bodies and now and then asking for food.  I've never bothered to even think about where they came from, who they are, what they may have done in another life, nor even why they are homeless.  I just saw them as people who lived on the streets.

After reading Hawk's Nest I stopped and realized these are 'real' people.  They have their hard times just like we do but in their case worse.  Yes, they may steal to stay alive and do drugs to forget.  But they are human and this book helped me realize that.  I'll admit that the language is rough but the story is even rougher and a true eye opener.  So my question is, could we put ourselves in their position and live their lives?  I hope I never have to find out.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

The Dinner Party - Richard Jay Parker, Author


Parmesan Eggplant Appetiser

This is a very easy but delicious appetiser to throw together for a dinner party. Vegetarians skip the bresaola!

1 Eggplant
Parmessan Shavings
Chilli Flakes
Couple Slices Of Bresaola
1 Fresh Mozzarella
Pack Of Arugula
Pesto
Olive Oil

Cut the egg plant into lengthways strips about quarter of an inch thick and griddle them in a little oil for five minutes. Make sure you get some bar marks on the flesh and that it softens up sufficiently.

Next spread a little pesto on each slice, sprinkle with chilli flakes and some parmesan shavings. Add a slice of bresaola and a then a slice of mozzarella at one end. Season and then roll the eggplant slice around the mozzarella.

Put into a baking tray and allow two rolls for each guest.

Bake for fifteen minutes on a medium heat or until the mozzarella had melted.


Drizzle with olive oil and serve with arugula and basil leaves.    


The Dinner Party - Review by Martha A. Cheves

Have you ever heard of a 'trust game?"  I never had until I read this book.  Here is the way it works:

It's especially for couples who have been married longer than seven years.  To any couple who feel they've amassed too much baggage, the game is designed to expunge guilt and wipe the slate clean for the sake of their futures.  Each person in a couple has to write down their deepest, darkest secret on a piece of paper, something that has happened since they took their vows - something they've never told their partner about.  Then they fold the piece of paper, put it into a n envelope and give it to their partner.  It can be anything, minor or major.  Then their partner, without opening the envelope, tells them that they forgive them and set fire to it.  It's symbolic and it means they can move on.  Whatever secret they had has been forgiven and destroyed by their partner.

So, when this game is put into play at a dinner party given by Juliette and Ted, the feelings vary between the 8 people present.  But, what could it hurt.  They would play, get it over with and continue with the party.  What could go wrong.  Turns out a lot went wrong and if you're like me, you will never figure it out until the end.  This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end.  I never saw it coming.  So, if you want a truly suspenseful book, this book is for you.  So mark your calendar for October 18, 2019 to make sure you don't miss out on this one!


Friday, September 13, 2019

Glastonbury - Brian L. Porter, Author


Somerset chicken

6 boneless chicken breasts, skin on
salt and freshly ground black pepper 
75g/2½oz butter, plus extra to serve
3 tbsp olive oil 
2 onions, peeled, sliced
4 tbsp plain flour 
2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
2 dessert apples, peeled, cores removed, sliced into batons
110g/4oz button mushrooms,  sliced
250ml/9fl oz chicken stock 
300ml/10½fl oz cider 
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage 
250ml/9fl oz double cream 
300g/10½oz cheddar cheese, grated
6 baked potatoes, to serve
butter, to serve

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large frying pan until smoking, then add half of the butter and oil. Fry the chicken breasts in batches, skin-side down first, for 1-2 minutes on both sides, or until golden-brown all over.
Transfer the chicken breast to a deep-sided roasting tray and roast in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (NB: the chicken is cooked through when the juices run clear when the thickest part is pierced with a skewer.) Keep warm.
Return the pan to the heat and add the remaining butter and oil. Add the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened but not coloured. Stir in the flour and the mustard and cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Add the apples and mushrooms and cook for a further minute, then pour over the chicken stock.
Bring to the boil, then add the cider and return to the boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then lower the heat, add the sage and stir in the cream. Simmer for a further 5-6 minutes, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Pour the sauce over the chicken so that it is completely covered.
Preheat the grill to high.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the chicken and place under the grill for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden-brown and bubbling.
To serve, place a baked potato topped with a knob of butter on each serving plate. Spoon the chicken alongside and serve.



Glastonbury - Review by Martha A. Cheves

The same sun that brought light to the day in Stratford-on-Avon broke through the curtains that had held back the night in Joe's room, some eighty-three miles, or 134 kilometres distance from Capshaw's mansion.  The room felt warmer than it had for the last few days, and Joe himself felt a cheerfulness that came from a good night's sleep.  The previous evening's conversation and the brandy had helped, but somehow Joe knew the presence of Lucius Doberman had made a difference to his overall mood.  He wasn't sure exactly how the learned professor was going to make a difference to their quest in solving the riddle posed by Capshaw and Graves; he just instinctively knew that he would.

Joe Cutler is the owner of Strata Survey Company.  He and his employees Winston Fortune and Sally Corbett have been hired by millionaire Malcolm Capshaw to find non other than the sword which was fabled to be owned by King Author.  In other words, the Excalibur.  Capshaw has provided them with a map that is 'supposed' to show the general area of where the sword was buried.  He has also supplied them with a noted historian professor who goes by the name of Walter Graves.

So, does King Author and his sword Excalibur really exist or is this just a wild goose chase?  Or - is it truly just a myth?

Except for a clue and hint here and there, this author kept me in the dark until the end.  It has more twists and turns than a roller coaster.  And if I read the end of the book correctly, there will be a second book coming out with some of the main characters and of course a story full of suspense.

Glastonbury Order Link 

Monday, September 2, 2019

Scammed (Revenge is Fun #5) -


Easy Mexican Casserole

One 16 ounce can of refried beans
Three-quarters of a medium onion, diced
Five 10 inch flour tortillas
One cup of salsa - mild, medium or hot to taste
Two cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
You can also add corn kernels and if you want this to be a meat dish, sautéed ground beef to cover the second bean layer.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 9-inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a saucepan, cook refried beans and onions (to soften them) on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
Place one tortilla in the bottom of the greased pan. Spread about 1/3 cup of the bean mixture over it. Layer a few tablespoons of salsa over this. Then, place another tortilla over the salsa, and add more of the bean mixture. Follow the beans with a big handful of cheese, spreading evenly. repeat layers, spreading the ingredients evenly over the tortillas. On the top layer, make sure to use lots of salsa and cheese!
Bake until the cheese is melted, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Garnish with chopped scallions and slices of avocado

Scammed (Revenge is Fun #5) - Review by Martha A. Cheves

Struggling to keep her voice level she said, Don't worry.  I'm fine.  Just a little exhausted.  You know we had the HOA Board meeting last night.  Well, Al Shady didn't show up and his wife was concerned so she left early to check on him.  When the meeting was over, we still hadn't heard anything from either of them.  The Colonel brought one of our neighbors to the meeting and we all walked home together.  He's a former FBI guy turned author.  We passed the Shady house and decided to check on them to make sure everything was okay.  It wasn't.  The front door was ajar and the place looked like it was ransacked.  Both of the Shadys are missing and the cops are on it.  

Cameron's boyfriend Milton has concerns for her safety.  It seems that crime seems to follow her and her friends Kate and Kim, constantly putting them in harm's way.  So, when the HOA vice president Al and his wife Barbara turn up missing, there is no doubt that the trio will find themselves trying to solve yet another mystery.  But, this one hits home not only with Cameron but also with a few other members from the HOA.  It turns out that Barbara was the treasurer and due to a settlement the HOA had recently received, they are afraid the money has something to do with the missing couple.

As always, Scammed kept me turning the pages.  With each book in this series that I've read, I can't help but wish someone would pick them up for a TV series.  They are an update and upgrade for the Murder She Wrote series.  I love them and can't wait for more.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Payback (Revenge is Fun Book 3) - Morgan St. James, Author

Chocolate Decadence
(Just one of the girl's favorite dishes)

For the raspberry sauce:
2 1/2 cups fresh raspberries or thawed frozen unsweetened raspberries
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1/4 cup framboise or other raspberry-flavored liqueur (optional)

For the cake:
1 lb. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
10 Tbs. (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream, whipped


To make the raspberry sauce, place the raspberries, sugar and framboise, if using, in a blender or in a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Puree until smooth. If you prefer a seedless sauce, pass the puree through a sieve.

To make the cake, position a rack in the middle of an oven and preheat to 425ºF. Butter an 8 or 9-inch springform pan or a layer cake pan. Line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper or waxed paper cut to fit precisely. Butter the paper and dust with flour; tap out any excess.

Place the chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl or the top pan of a double boiler. Set over a pan of gently simmering water but not touching the water. Stir occasionally until melted and combined completely. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Place the eggs and sugar in a bowl. Using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat until light, fluffy and tripled in volume, 5 to 10 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour. Using a rubber spatula, fold one-third of the egg mixture into the chocolate to lighten it, then fold in the remaining egg mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter. Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for exactly 15 minutes. Let cool completely to room temperature. Do not refrigerate or the cake will stick to the pan. Invert the cake onto a flat serving plate and peel off the paper.

Cut into small wedges and serve each wedge atop some of the raspberry sauce. Top with whipped cream.



Payback (Revenge is Fun Book 3) - Review by Martha A. Cheves

"I was pretty far away, but it looked like she was going toward her car when - and I swear this is what I saw - that idiot just speeded up and smacked right into her.  Saw the body fly up in the air even though I was a ways away.  Whoever it was kept driving like the wind.  Outta sight in a flash."... Kate was standing beside us.  She whispered, "I'm afraid that's the woman I was supposed to meet.  She left before I got there.  She called me.  I'll tell you what happened, but I think we still have to cover ourselves.  Follow my lead in case anyone is watching us."

Meet Cameron Harsen, Kimberly Martin and Kate Steele.  They were all part of a marketing arm of the Federal Association of Corrections Reform (FACR).  All three made a fortune when they uncovered a massive embezzlement ripoff.  Kim stayed with FACR and became the Director of Marketing and married the US Attorney General.  Cameron started her own advertising company.  And Kate formed a website she called FraudBusters, plus she has a movie in the works that will show the world how these three made it to where they are today.

This book is full of mystery, suspense, plus as always with this author, humor.  These three women seem to just fall into trouble, even without looking for it.  But when someone Cameron used to work with is murdered and the US Government has an informant within their wiretapping headquarters, the girls take action and bring the bad guys, and gals, to justice.  I loved the story, as much as the way it's written.  This book is a stand alone but for the fun of it, go back and read the first two books in the series, Getting Even and Ripoff, to bring these characters into their true lights.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Vengeance on Tyneside - Eileen Thornton, Author



Hungarian Goulash
(A special dish from Agnes)

Serves 4
Pre-heat oven to 275F (140C)

1lb braising steak cut into cubes
1 large onion, chopped
Slight dash of garlic granules or 1 garlic clove crushed.
Tablespoon cooking oil
1 tablespoon plain flour
1 tablespoon Paprika - or a little more to taste
14oz tin tomatoes
Salt & Pepper

Heat oil in flameproof casserole then add the cubes of meat, turning frequently to brown on all sides.
Lower the heat and add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes - Stirring occasionally
Add the garlic, the flour and the paprika and stir to soak up the juices.
Then add the tin of tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and bring everything up to simmering point.
Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven (Middle shelf) and cook for about two and a half hours.

Serve with boiled rice.


Vengeance on Tyneside - Review by Martha A. Cheves

Perhaps she was allowing her over-active mind to take control.  She had done that twice before in recent months and both times it had almost taken her to the point of being murdered.  Maybe this time she should walk away.  But when she heard the cry again, she knew she couldn't do that.  Someone needed help.  Looking around, she realized the sound was coming from the row of rubbish bins lined up by a wall, not too far from where she was standing... having reached the rubbish bins, she took a deep breath before peering behind them.  For a moment, despite having prepared herself for the worst, Agnes was stunned at the sight of a young woman lying there.  Her hands were clutched to her chest, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood streaming from her body and pooling on the concrete ground beneath her.

Agnes Lockwood has just returned from a trip to the coast.  Her plans are to meet with DCI Alan Johnson for a nice quiet evening.  Well, she soon finds out that the nice quiet evening won't be so quiet after all.  She ends up finding herself in the middle of not one murder but 3 plus an attempt.  What do these people have in common?  Can she and the DCI find out and stop them before more occur?

This book had me fooled from the beginning.  I had four suspects.  The person I had as my major suspect turned out to be innocent.  That narrowed it down to three.  I was close but still didn't come up with the real killer.  And Author Eileen Thornton didn't disclose the killer until the last few pages.  If you like a good suspense, this is one you don't want to miss. 

This book also left with an opening for the next book, which I hope makes it my way very soon.


Friday, July 12, 2019

Penny The Railway Pup (Family of Rescue Dogs Book 4)



Fish and Chips 

Ingredients

900 g potatoes
sunflower oil , for deep-frying
225 g white fish fillets , skin off, pin-boned, from sustainable sources
225 g plain flour , plus extra for dusting
285 ml cold beer
3 heaped teaspoons baking powder
MUSHY PEAS
a few sprigs of fresh mint
1 knob of unsalted butter
4 handfuls of podded peas
½ a lemonFACEBOOKTWITTEREMAILPINTEREST
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Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
Peel and slice the potatoes into chips.
To make the mushy peas, pick and finely chop the mint leaves. Place the butter in a pan over a medium-low heat, add the peas and mint, pop the lid on and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and season to taste with sea salt and black pepper – you can either mush the peas up in a food processor, or mash them by hand until stodgy, thick and perfect for dipping your fish into. Keep them warm until needed.
Pour the sunflower oil into a deep fat fryer or a large sturdy pan and heat it to 190°C/375°F.
Mix ½ a teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper together, then use it to season the fish fillets on both sides – this will help to remove any excess water, making the fish really meaty.
Whisk the flour, beer and baking powder together until nice and shiny – the texture should be like semi-whipped double cream (i.e. it should stick to whatever you're coating).
Dust each fish fillet in a little of the extra flour, then dip into the batter and allow any excess to drip off. Holding one end, gently lower the fish into the oil one by one, working carefully so you don't get splashed – it will depend on the size of your fryer or pan how many fish you can cook at once.
Cook for 4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the batter is golden and crisp, then remove to kitchen paper to drain.
Meanwhile, parboil the chips in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened but still retaining their shape, then drain and steam dry.
When the chips are nice and dry, fry in the oil that the fish were cooked in at 180°C/350°F until golden and crisp.
While the chips are frying, transfer the fish from the kitchen paper to a baking tray. Place in the oven for a few minutes to finish cooking – this way they will stay crisp while you finish off the chips.

When the chips are done, drain them on kitchen paper, season with salt, and serve with the fish and mushy peas. Other things to have on the table are some crunchy sweet pickled gherkins, some pickled onions (if your other half isn't around!) – and pickled chillies are good, too. Then you want to douse it all with some cheap malt vinegar and nothing other than Heinz tomato ketchup.


Penny The Railway Pup - Review by Martha A. Cheves

"Until recently there was a gypsy encampment on the waste ground near the railway station.  There was a knock on my door and two little girls were standing there, maybe eight to ten years old, with the older of the two holding a puppy in her arms.  You could tell they were sisters just by looking at them.   They told me they'd been out playing and saw that the gypsies had gone so they went to take a look in the field near the station where they'd camped, in case they'd left anything behind.  From the scruffy state of their clothes, their white socks covered in mud and muck, and their dirty faces, I could tell they'd had a really good time exploring the old gypsy site.  They walked towards the railway station, and on the other side of the fence, they saw something moving a few yards along the tracks.  They soon realized it was a little dog.  They followed the fence and realized that the puppy had a rope round its neck and that the rope was caught up on the track.  They knew that if a train came along the poor little puppy would probably be hit and killed by the engine.  They climbed the fence and ran to the puppy.  It took a few minutes to free it from the track and the elder girl picked her up and reassured her."  This was the rescue of the little puppy that became Penny the Railway Pup.

"The whole meaning of the word 'pet' when applied to a dog, speaks to me of a member of the family, one who shares the home and the life of their owner, not a 'thing' to be kept outdoors in all weathers and left to suffer in a freezing kennel or worse during the rages of winter.  Even working dogs, kept as guard dogs for example, need warmth and comfort in the depths of winter, otherwise how can they be expected to fulfill their role of protecting their owner's property?" - Brian L. Porter

I have read all four of the Rescue Dog books and can't help but admire Author Brian L. Porter and his family.  The love, affection and care that they provide for those that probably wouldn't make it otherwise shows me how much we forget about what we call 'our animals.'  He is totally correct in reminding us that they aren't just pets, they are members of our own family and should be treated as so.  If you're a dog lover, this is a must read book.  If you aren't a dog lover, read it anyway and maybe you'll become one.

 
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