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FABULOUS FOOD & FANTASTIC FICTION +Giveaway!
FABULOUS FOOD & FANTASTIC FICTION
by Virginia Campbell
This holiday season is a very different one for me. My life has undergone tremendous changes in these last few years, and since I often have to think fast on my feet and go with the flow, my holidays are also a work in progress. I guess that wisdom comes with maturity, and I have learned to relax a little more and accept that life happens, with or without me. The wonderful holidays of my childhood and young adult life are forever available as cherished memories. My immediate family is gone, so I celebrate the holidays with my close friends and my cat-children. I will always hold dear the traditions of holidays spent with my mother and grandparents, and I have made a few traditions of my own. I am one of the most old-fashioned, “hearth & home” people you’d ever meet, but I am leaving open the door for new ideas and experiences. I am very thankful that I have never lost my joy of living. I am still just a big kid at heart. Thank goodness!
One of my favorite holiday stories involves a pie that took a beating, but was still worth eating. I have always loved to cook, and I began preparing the meals for my family when I was just ten years old. By that time, my grandmother was no longer able to grocery shop and cook our meals. She taught me how to cook, and we managed pretty well. My mom and grandfather worked full-time and I went to school. We each did what we could to keep it all together. My grandfather’s favorite pie was mincemeat, and I decided to make him a pie one Christmas. It was a beautiful mincemeat pie with a golden, fluted-edge crust. I wanted to be just like my grandmother, and I sat my pie on a chair on the back porch so that it would cool more quickly. My grandfather could hardly wait for a taste of that pie. It was a wonderfully clear and cold December day with a bright blue sky. Not a cloud in sight. A great day for birds! When I went back to get my prize-worthy pie, birds had completely pecked away the carefully fluted edge of the pie crust. They left a perfect ring of crumbs around the pie pan. I was devastated! My grandfather loved to tease me, and he told me that since there were no dead birds in sight, the pie was probably safe to eat! I cried, but he gave me a hug and took over that pie. He brushed off the top and cut away a narrow ring around the edge. Over the next few days, he managed to consume the whole pie. No one else would touch it! He told me many times that it was the best mincemeat pie he ever ate. It was the only one I ever made!
It really is okay to be different, and that includes our reading choices. Variety is the spice of reading life! The more variety that I read, the more I appreciate my favorite authors and books. We are truly fortunate to live in a world with such an amazing array of awesome authors and bodacious books, and so many people who share our same love of reading. The varied life experiences and observations of the authors combine with the individual interpretations of the readers and reviewers, and it all adds up to a marvelous mix!
I recently read a very lovely book that touched on the theme of allowing your heart to take chances and giving yourself the opportunity to experience the wonders to be found in this great world. “A Summer in Europe”, by Marilyn Brant, is a beautifully written story of a young woman’s self-renaissance. As Gwendolyn Reese turns thirty and contemplates her life experiences, she considers the orderly manner in which she goes through each day to be her safety net. Her mother’s sudden death at age forty had left Gwen shaken and in need of the pedestrian reliability of a structured existence. With her mother’s passing, Gwen assumed the responsibility of caring for her father and two younger brothers. Later, she finds some sense of satisfaction in her teaching career, and her love of music is a source of pleasure. Expecting her boyfriend, Richard, to propose, she is taken aback when he postpones making the commitment. Gwen’s lively Aunt Bea, sister of Gwen’s late mother, offers her a chance of a lifetime–to join her and the members of her S&M Club for a summer-long tour of Europe. “S&M” stands for sudoku and mahjongg, and Aunt Bea and her friends are die-hard devotees of the games. At first, Gwen feels awkward and out-of-place, intimidated by the timeless culture of her surroundings and the intellect and sophistication of some of the fellow travelers she meets along the way. However, as time passes, Gwen begins to absorb the sights and sounds and tastes and textures of each place that they visit. The more she takes in, the lighter she begins to feel, shedding the repression of her inhibitions. Her attention is captured and held by two charming and intelligent brothers, Emerson and Thoreau, whose main goal in life seems to be one-upping each other at every opportunity. It is Emerson to whom she is most drawn, and when he makes it clear that he returns her interest, her emotions take an unexpected turn. Still involved with Richard, she is not free to begin a relationship with Emerson, but her heart speaks a different language. When Richard unexpectedly joins her near the end of her grand tour, she must face her real feelings about life and love. Will she learn to let go and take a leap of faith, or will she return to the known comfort of the cocoon of her orderly world? The author’s great love of Europe and her extensive travels there are evident in her delightful, irresistible descriptions of the beauty and bountiful offerings to be found throughout the European continent. The subtle, insightful way with which Marilyn Brant has crafted Gwen’s story will make you feel as if you are experiencing everything right beside Gwen. You will breathe the air, inhale the intoxicating aromas, and be enchanted by the art and music and flow of languages. You will taste all the fantastic flavors of gelato, savor the linguine with meat sauce and the variety of quiches, and feel lust in your heart for the fabulous pastries and artisan chocolates. Perhaps the Sachertorte will be your undoing. A layered chocolate cake is filled with apricot jam, coated in chocolate ganache, and then finished with a chocolate glaze. The flavors are then immeasurably enhanced by the giving and receiving of forkfuls of said cake between two people caught up in the spell of the love of a lifetime. Like me, you may never see your travel dreams come to fruition, but thanks to Marilyn Brant, you will always have the pleasure of “A Summer in Europe”.
I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons, and I am offering some scrumptious recipes and recommending some terrific reads. Please share some of your own holiday traditions and favorite books and authors. Let’s cook up something good together!
In “The Nine Lives of Christmas”, a matchmaking cat named Ambrose decides to play matchmaker for the fireman who saved his life. Written with Sheila Roberts trademark involving characters and charming story line, this is a perfectly heartwarming holiday read. My cats gave this book an enthusiastic “two paws up”!
Outspoken, opinionated, handsome, funny, charming and talented, James Garner is an American icon. In “The Garner Files”, he pulls no punches and gives us an eye-opening look at his own life and insights into the entertainment world he knows so well.
Debbie Macomber’s “Christmas Cookbook” is so beautifully presented, the book itself looks good enough to eat! This delightful book is filled with amazing recipes, craft ideas, and Debbie’s own personal stories. You will reach for this book again and again, all throughout the year!
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A basket of puppies, holiday hopes and hearts, and the wonderfully romantic storytelling of Debbie Macomber all come together at “1225 Christmas Tree Lane”. The final book in Debbie’s “Cedar Cove” series is sweet, funny, touching and terrific!
In “Lions of the West”, acclaimed author Robert Morgan offers a grand treat for lovers of American History and Old West lore. Ten amazing Americans and their contributions to the expansion and evolution of the American continent from ocean to ocean are brought once again to vivid life. Here are the titanic ten men: Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman, David Crockett, Sam Houston, James K. Polk, Winfield Scott, Kit Carson, Nicholas Trist, and John Quincy Adams.
What a delicious book! “Comfort Food Fix”, by Ellie Krieger, painlessly makes over favorite recipes into healthier alternatives. The beauty of this book is that the recipes still use regular, readily-available ingredients, many of which you already have in your kitchen. This is real food–not unpleasant diet food filled with artificial ingredients and strange substitutions. Rock-the-house recipes for all occasions!
Actor Kevin Sorbo rose to fame as TV’s “Hercules”. In his candid, inspiring, and self-effacing new book, “True Strength”, Kevin reveals what viewers didn’t know: he suffered three strokes from an aneurysm in his shoulder that had radiated blood clots throughout his body. He was left partially blind and entirely incapacitated at just thirty-eight years old. How he fought his way back from intense pain and depression, and gained new perspective and appreciation for life is remarkable and reaffirming. A true hero’s story indeed!
Savory Sauced Turkey Cutlets with Wild Rice
1 1/2 cups apple juice
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolve in a small amount of cold water before adding)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds turkey cutlets
1 small green apple, unpeeled, sliced thin
1 small yellow onion, sliced thin
Combine apple juice, mustard, honey, and cornstarch; set aside. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet until hot. Cook turkey until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Add apple and onion; cook and stir 5 minutes. Stir in reserved sauce. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring often, about 2 minutes until sauce thickens. If sauce becomes too thick, thin it with additional apple juice. Serve over hot cooked wild rice.
“Pass the Peas, Please”
1 pkg frozen sweet peas with pearl onions
1 small jar or can of sliced mushrooms, drained
4 tbsp butter, sliced
grated parmesan cheese
Cook peas per package directions. During last few minutes of cooking time, stir in mushrooms and continue cooking until mushrooms are heated through. Pour into serving bowl and top with butter slices. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
Apple-Sour Cream Bundt Cake
1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) vanilla instant Pudding
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tart green apples (1 lb.), unpeeled, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 Tbsp. sour cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. water
Heat oven to 350ºF. Beat first 8 ingredients and 1/2 cup sour cream in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Stir in apples; pour into greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup fluted tube pan. Bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 min. Loosen cake from side of pan with knife. Invert cake onto wire rack; gently remove pan. Cool cake completely.
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, remaining sour cream and 1 tsp. water until well blended. Drizzle over cake. Let stand until glaze is firm.
Marvelous Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
6 baking or all-purpose potatoes
3 tbsp butter or margarine, cut into chunks
1 3-ounce package cream cheese, cubed, room temperature
1/4 cup cream or whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Peel the potatoes and cook until tender, then mash with butter, cream cheese and cream or milk until fluffy. Beat in parmesan, salt and pepper to taste, then transfer into a casserole dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cool briefly, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use. To serve, heat at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour or until hot. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over top of potatoes, turn off oven, and let potatoes set in oven just until cheese is melted.
Turkey & Bacon Spinach Salad with Honey-Dijon Dressing
Salad:
fresh spinach leaves (washed & dried)
cooked turkey breast meat, cut in bite-sized pieces
fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
crumbled cooked bacon
small red onion, thinly sliced
cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
crumbled or shredded cheese, like Blue, Feta, or Parmesan
sliced hard-boiled eggs
croutons
Dressing:
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup olive oil
For the dressing: In a bowl whisk together garlic, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, honey and balsamic vinegar; add in olive oil slowly until blended. Adjust honey and salt to taste. Chill for several hours before using to allow flavor of dressing to develop.
For salad: In a large glass bowl, sandwich layers of spinach with turkey, sliced mushrooms, bacon, onion, tomato, and cheese. Garnish with sliced eggs and croutons. Serve with prepared dressing on the side. Store any remaining dressing covered in refrigerator.
Dilly Beef Cheese Logs
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/8 tsp prepared horseradish (jarred sauce)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
1 large dill pickle, chopped
3 cups (12 ounces) finely shredded Cheddar cheese
1 pkg (about 5 ounces) dried beef (like for chipped beef), chopped fine
1 cup (or enough to cover) finely crushed cheese-flavored crackers
In a medium bowl, allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature. Blend in mayonnaise, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. Add scallions and dill pickle and mix until combined. Blend in cheese and beef. Cover and chill for 20 to 30 minutes. On a sheet of waxed paper, shape cheese mixture into two logs. Sprinkle cracker crumbs onto waxed paper. Roll cheese logs in crumbs, covering entire surface. Place on serving plate. Serve immediately, or cover and chill.
“Bee My Honey” Snack Mix
1/4 cup honey
8 cups crispy rice, corn or wheat squares cereal
2 cups whole grain “O-Style” cereal
1/2 cup salted peanuts
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup butter
1 cup candy-coated chocolate candies
In a large microwaveable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. In 2-cup microwaveable measuring cup, microwave honey and butter uncovered on high 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until mixture comes to a full boil and butter is melted. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on high 2 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute, until mixture is well-coated and looks glazed. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Place in serving bowl. Stir in chocolate candies. Store in airtight container.
remember, 5 commenters are chosen weekly to win a FREE book — good luck!
Thanks for the great book recommendations. Debbie Macomber’s cookbook looks gorgeous. I have to agree about the going with the flow attitude towards the holidays. As my kids are older we do have to take each holiday as it comes. I don’t know that we have any great traditions but we definitely will be having the traditional turkey dinner and I (with the help of my daughter) will be making the pies.
Thanks, Maureen! Hope you have a fabulous holiday–find some time for yourself to read : )
A year or two ago I had about an hour and a half warning that I would need to host Thanksgiving dinner at my house for the entire family due to another family member’s emergency. Thankfully the turkey was already taken care of but I had to provide all the side dishes on short notice. The thing that saved me ? The night before I had a bit of insomnia and had completely reorganized my chest freezer and made an inventory. Angels on my shoulders helped go with the flow that season.
Terrific story, Gwalli : ) We all need angels!
Great book suggestions and recipes, Virginia! And I didn’t know that about Kevin Sorbo either. What an amazing story he must have!
Hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Hey, Renee! I am thinking that you and Kevin and I have a blog post together in our future : ) Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours, Little GB!
Thanks for the recipes and book suggestions. I can’t wait to try the apple cake – sounds yummy!
Hi, Lori! Thank you : ) I can’t begin to tell you how much I REALLY WISH that I had a piece of that cake to go with my coffee right now!!!
I too, miss my grandmother’s Mincemeat pie at the holidays;) It was like no other! Blessings to all this holiday season!
Thank you, Amanda! You’ve got some terrific things going on over at your “McIntyre’s House of Muse” blog–fabulous holiday posts–such terrific variety!
Not everyone likes mincemeat pie, but it is so spicy & good–really the flavor of the season!
Thanks for a truly inspirational holiday post!
Bee my Honey snack mix sounds like a great treat to have around the house over the holidays – and it’s one I can actually handle! Thanks, Virginia!
Hey, Jessica! I love snack mix, but I can’t stop snacking once I get started! I will see you on December 1st for our holiday get together : )
Wow–these books look great. And I love your pie story
Thank you, Deborah! I am sure those birds had a good squawk on me that day : )
Virginia, Your posts are always feasts for the mind and eyes. I saw a couple of books that will make great gifts, and others I want for myself. Your recipes sound yummy. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks, Caroline! I love to share what I find to be “feastable” : )
What a great collection of recipes, Virginia! I want to try them all.
Thank you, Sheila! Happy Holidays to you and Ambrose ; )
Kevin Sorbo has always been one of my favorite actors.I haven’t seen much of him lately,I now know why. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving Virginia.
Hi, Gail : )
I really like Kevin Sorbo–such great self-humor. He’s really very funny. I like his TV Movies for Hallmark.
As our famlies get smaller as we age, and until my children start to make it larger, it is our traditions that keep us going. We decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. The tree is purchased, My husband is still talking about fake, the kids say no way. and the cooking begins as I have family and friends during the Holiday, which is the reason we decorate so early so we can enjoy it…have a wonderful Holiday and thanks for the new book ideas. Getting a NOOK for Christmas and can’t wait. I am trying not to buy any more books till I get it…
Thank you so much, Linda! Enjoy your traditions, and make some new ones : ) Happy Holidays!
Your story about your Grandfather is wonderful.
Thank you, Gayle! He was a wonderful man–I think about him every day : )
Great post! Love the recipes – can’t wait to try them (after I adjust them to be gluten free) and the recommendation for the Kevin Sorbo book. I have to check that out!
Hi, ML : ) Thank you–hope you enjoy the book and the recipes!
Love the story about your family & pie! We have crazy dinner’s with my husband’s family all the time, and I could see something like that happening!
Hi, Candy! Crazy family dinners are the best–the memories are irreplaceable : )
Virginia, that story with your grandfather and the mincemeat pie touched my heart. What a wonderful memory, and what sign of his love for you.
As the years have gone on, our family gatherings have gotten smaller, but I’ll always cherish the times we get to spend together and I still laugh remembering some of the funny holiday dinners we had with loved ones who are no longer with us. (There was one where the decorative centerpiece caught on fire and my husband and his brother had quickly toss it outside in the snow.
Thanks for the delicious recipes and an extra-special thank you for including my new novel amongst the lovely book offerings here — I so appreciate it!
Hi, Marilyn! That flaming centerpiece sounds like a real show-stopper! Thank you for writing such a lovely romance read : )
Fantastic recipes! I look forward to making them.
Thank you, Allison! Happy Holidays : )
I would love to read Kevin Sorbo’s book, it sounds like an amazing story. The recipes look to be just awesome, can’t wait to try some of them!
Hi, Martha : ) Enjoy the book and the recipes!
Reading, cooking, and well…EATING are 3 of my favorite things to do!
Hey, Cheryl! Those three things make a terrific trio ; )
For me, the holidays are a bittersweet time of year because it is marked by several losses. However it is also a time of year that is truly steeped in tradition and while it may be a time that wrenches my heart, it also warms it when I get to share food from recipes passed down through our family and I know that as long as those recipes are continued to be used, that I still have a part of those who passed with me. Even though I am far from my own family, we are still able to get together with my husband’s family and our church family as well and it makes the holidays not so lonely for me.
Hi, Lora : ) I understand that holiday memories can be bittersweet and very poignant. I think tradition is very important. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Wonderful recipes and book recommendations!
Thank you, NJ! I know you have had your Thanksgiving in Canada, and I wish you the very best for the upcoming holidays!
These sound yummy! Food and romance tend to go nicely for me.
Hey, Na! Food & Romance–two of a girl’s best friends ; )
Another great post, Virginia. I’m craving some mashed potatoes right now. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi, Jane! Mashed potatoes have been one of my very favorite foods since I was just a baby–can’t beat them taters ; )
Wonderful blog as always, Virginia. I am definitely trying those turkey cutlets!
Sending warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends.
best,
Lynne
Thank you, Lynne! Lovely to see you–Happy Holidays : )
I just ordered the Debbie McComber Christmas Cookbook with the last story of Cedar Cove yesterday – I can hardly wait to get my hands on them!! Perhaps I can put the remainer on a Santa list for ME …while I’m doing that also plan on trying a few of the recipes…Happy Holidays!!
Hi, Ellen! You will love the books, and I am glad you found something to enjoy here as well : )
Virginia, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at your story of the mincemeat pie! Your grandfather sounds like such a loving man not to break your young heart by laughing or refusing to eat the pie.
I had a similar experience years ago with a birthday cake I made my late mother. It was a cherry and almond cake and I had it sitting on the kitchen bench top all frosted and perfect. It proved irresistible to my friend’s enormous Weimaraner dog who put his plate-sized paws up on the benchtop and proceeded to devour half the cake. I was devastated. But my mother–who adored dogs–laughed, cut away the gnawed part of the cake and cut herself a big slice. She wasn’t even cranky with the dog. I laugh about the story now, of course, and it reminds me of where I got my great love of animals from!
I love the books you have reviewed and in particular want to read A Summer in Europe, it sounds marvelous. (So does the apple sour cream cake!)
Kandy, that was the most perfect pie that I ever made–that’s why the birds couldn’t resist it ; ) Your cake sounds delicious–dogs are great recipe testers! Happy Holidays : )
Hi thanks for the great recommendations, I have the Macomber Cookbook and I’ve had the pleasure of early reading A Summer in Europe now that would make a great stocking stuffer. And oh wow about Kevin Sorbo, I loved him and that sounds very inspirational for that non-fiction lover in your life.
Thanks again for the article and the contest
deb
Hi, Debbie! I am so glad you loved the books. Have a great holiday!
Great book recommendations and I love the recipes. Thanks for the post.
Thank you, Barbara! Happy Holidays : )
I had not heard about Kevin Sorbo and his illness, how awful. I loved both his TV shows. I hope he is well now.
Cooking has never been my pleasure, I cook because I have to eat and no more.
Hi, Diane! Thank you so much for visiting! Kevin has a great outlook on life and a wonderful family : )
Loved your mincemeat pie story – horray for grandpa! Thanks for the recipes too. And love your cat pics!
Thank you, Catslady : ) Happy Holidays!
I love Kevin Sorbo. Not only is he a handsome man, but he’s also a very good man. I had seen on a morning show that he had suffered a devastating physical setback because of blood clots but recovered in such a strong and wholistic way.
As always, I love your recipes. I collect them. Some day I may actually try making them. I hate to cook.
It’s always a joy to read your blogs.
Hey, Sarah! You always make me smile : ) Thank you!
Christmas books are my favorites! I love to turn the tree lights on and curl up on the couch with a cup of hot tea, a box of tissues and a good read! My crew won’t let me get through the holidays without making potato candy!recipe as follows: bake a tater in the microwave. let cool, peel and mash. mix confectioners sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla and the potato together until its a firm dough. pat, or roll it out on top of plastic wrap to about 1/4 inch thick. spread with peanut butter and roll it up like a jelly roll. chill well and slice. yummy! keep in the fridge or it will get too soft.
Hey, Lisa : ) Yes! Potato Candy! Don’t even slice it–just eat the roll ; )
These sounds like some great recipes may have to try some of them. The potatoes sound delish.
Happy Holidays, Quilt Lady! Thanks for visiting : )
Oh my dear Lord. That post made me… hungry!
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I do love Christmas stories and cook books. I just wish I had more time to cook!
inga
Hello, Inga : ) I hope you find some time during the holidays to sit down with a good book. Happy Holidays!
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I have had Thanksgiving dinner here for about 40 years. As the years go by, our numbers have gotten smaller, sad…but I try to focus on what I still have to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving one and all.
Wow, Pat! 40 years of memories! Treasure those times and add some new memories to the mix : ) Happy Thanksgiving!
I love cookbooks – I’ve been looking thru some for Thanksgiving – want to do at least one new dish!
I didn’t know about Kevin Sorbo – so glad he has fought back.
Hey, Diane! It is fun to add a new dish or two to the traditional dinner–you might just find a keeper! Kevin’s story is very inspirational : )
Hi Virginia,
I’m always on the look out for new recipes and book suggestions. THANKS!
Thanks, Laurie! I hope you found something to add enjoyment to your holidays : )
Virginia, what a yummy post! My daddy and I were the only two mincemeat eaters in my immediate family. Since he’s no longer with us, I don’t fix one any more, but I just might do it this year. With seven grandchildren, who knows one or two of them might really like it. I love mincemeat pie! Thanks again for the yummy post! Hugs, Phyliss
Plus, I love your kitty cats!!!!!