Loading ...
FABULOUS FOOD & FANTASTIC FICTION + Giveaway!
“FABULOUS FOOD & FANTASTIC FICTION”
by Virginia Campbell
In Kandy Shepherd’s “Love is a Four-Legged Word”, Tom O’Brien is an orderly man with a five-year plan to keep his life on the right track. His stellar work as an attorney at a prestigious law firm has him in line for a partnership and a coveted corner office. However, Tom is seemingly unaware that into every perfectly aligned life plan, chaos and spontaneity must enter. The delightful disorder in Tom’s life comes in the form of a little mixed-breed dog named Brutus, who is the heir to a fortune. Along with Brutus comes his undeniably appealing guardian, Maddy Cartwright. Brutus’ late owner, Walter Stoddard, had lived a very modest life, and his closest friends, including Maddy, had no idea that he was a multi-millionaire. Tom’s law firm is handling Walter’s estate, and Tom is responsible for maintaining the terms of Walter’s last will and testament. When Tom informs Maddy that she has inherited both Brutus and a vast fortune, she is stunned. Tom is even more stunned by his immediate strong attraction to the charming, red-haired Maddy. A professional chef as irresistible as the delicious desserts she creates, Maddy is unprepared for the changes in her life. Most of all, she never expected Walter’s lawyer to be a gorgeous, chocolate-eyed hunk whose deep dimples war with his stern exterior. Before Tom and Maddy can find their own personal pot of gold, they are besieged by mischief, meddlers, mystery, and the paparazzi!
The sexiest weakness in a man is his vulnerability to that one special woman. No matter how big, gruff, rough, and tough a man may be, love makes him reachable. The bigger they are…the harder they fall. The most invincible Alpha male may offer his heart like a gift to the woman he loves, and then he will wait for the look on her face to make sure she is pleased with the gift. In one who is usually without self-doubt, that moment of uncertainty is very appealing. I love a man who loves dogs and is kind to animals, and Nick Whalen, the sexy P.I. in Kandy Shepherd’s “Home is Where the Bark Is”, certainly fits that description. When he goes undercover to investigate a fraud scheme, he never dreams that he will fall head-over-heels for his prime suspect. When he meets Serena Oakley, the owner and operator of “Paws-A-While”, a trendy doggy day-care center, he is thrown for a loop! She seems sweet and sincere, and Nick definitely finds her sexy! Serena is immediately drawn to Nick, but somehow he just doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to own a prissy little toy dog like the one he brings to her pet place. Suspicion, sweet sensuality, and secrets aplenty are combined with mysterious mayhem, great charm and humor for a very satisfying romantic read!
Kandy Shepherd writes wonderful romances that are as sweet as they are sensual. Her writing gives you that same warm feeling inside that you get when you watch Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan at their romantic comedy best in “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”. It’s a feeling that doesn’t come along every day, and that makes it even more special. If you love being in love, have a very special affection for your pets and other animals, and you appreciate great food, then you will adore these books! As soon as you read “Love is a Four-Legged Word”, you will immediately want to read the sequel, “Home is Where the Bark Is”. Both of these books are on my keeper shelf, destined to be reread!
Do you enjoy contemporary romantic fiction? I spend a lot of my reading time in historical romance land, but I love to head back to the future with a captivating contemporary. There is just something special about a well-written, sparkling and funny modern-day romance that makes me feel like kicking up my heels! What about you? Who writes the best contemporary romances, and what are their top titles? Here’s some more food for thought: Delicious recipes inspired by Kandy Shepherd’s delightful romantic reads!
“Private Eye” Special Lasagna
2 (28 oz) cans tomatoes
2 (5 1-2 oz) cans tomato paste
2 cups water
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 lb very lean ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
1 lb lasagna noodles
1 lb ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Combine the first 7 ingredients in a large pot and simmer 15 minutes. Saute’ ground beef and garlic in a little oil. Add to tomato sauce. Cover and let simmer 3 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally. Brown sausage and slice in rounds. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cook noodles until al dente. Combine ricotta, egg and parsley in a bowl. Spread 1/3 of sauce on the bottom of a lightly buttered 12in by 9in baking dish. Arrange alternately layers of noodles, ricotta, sausage, sauce and Parmesan, ending with Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
“BLT” Salad With Creamy Avocado Dressing
Dressing:
1 large avocados, peeled & mashed
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
few drops hot pepper sauce
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Store covered in refrigerator.
Salad:
4 cups lettuce, shredded
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
12 ounces bacon, cooked & crumbled
1/c cup shredded Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese
croutons
Place lettuce in salad bowl or platter. Top with tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and cheese. Spoon dressing evenly over salad. Top with croutons.
“Ought To Be A Law” Barrister’s Brownies
1 Cup Butter
2 Cups Sugar
3/4 Cup Cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla
4 eggs
1 Cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 bag white chocolate chips
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts
1/2 bag white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Allow to cool. Add sugar and cocoa and blend well. Add vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add flour, baking powder, salt, instant coffee granules, and cinnamon. Stir until just blended. Lightly stir in the 1/2 bag white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Spread the batter evenly in a greased and lightly floured 13x9x2in baking pan. Top batter with remaining white chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Do not over bake. Brownies pull away from the edges of the pan when done. Allow to cool in pan before cutting. Store in tightly covered container.
“Sweet & Spicy” Cupcakes With Caramel Frosting
3 eggs
1-1/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups shredded zucchini
FROSTING:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice and extract. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in zucchini. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. For frosting, combine the brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to lukewarm. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 1-1/2 to 2 dozen.
“Tail Waggin’ Good” Dog Treats
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons white sugar
2 teaspoons instant beef or chicken bouillon granules
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. brewer’s yeast (try health food store)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine, and boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Thoroughly stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, Cheddar cheese, and egg. Mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough has formed. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, mixing in additional flour as necessary until dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2″ thickness. Cut with cookie cutter (bone shaped is good), and place 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool before serving. Store in a loosely covered container.
Remember – every week 5 commenters are chosen for a FREE book – Winners announced on Sunday — Good Luck!
Oooh, sexy men, good food, and cute dogs. Sounds like a great combo to me! And thanks for the yummy recipes!
Oh wow, intriguing storyline and fab recipes!
Hey, ladies!
I know that you will enjoy these sweet & sexy romances from Kandy Shepherd! They are delicious : )
Look very interesting. I like @Louisa Edwards contemporary romantic fiction, and there are lots of yummy men – oh, did I say men, well I meant food. I’m sorry what was the question?
Yummy read and yummy recipes!
I love reading books that involve food, cooking, baking, drinking. Throw in romance and a hot guy or two and you have yourself one good, hot book. I enjoyed You’ve Got Mail- Meg and Tom were a great pair in the movie. I look forward to reading Kandy’s books.
Hey, Christine! Food, romance, and a hot guy or TWO…you go, girl : )
Thank you for great recipes! Cooking and romance in one book – that’s my kind of book! =)
Those sound so good, never a good idea to read recipes when you’re hungry.
I love Kandy Shepherd’s covers, they really make me want to pick those books up and read them immediately.
Hey, Barbara! Those are great covers & the books are even better : )
Ok. My mouth is watering now…. Sounds quite yummy!
Oh, no, now I’m hungry! Waving madly to Virginia and Kandy. Kandy, I love those recipes! And as you know I love Love Is a Four-Legged Word. So it’s all good, isn’t it?
Hey, Anna C! Kandy is dandy : )
Virginia, you have done it again. Now I’m hungry, thank you very much, but I’ve already eaten. LOL I’m happy to find a new author whose books sound intriguing. As you mentioned, I usually prefer historical romance, but I love Lori Wilde’s contemporary books. Also Emily March. Sandra D. Bricker’s ALWAYS THE BAKER, NEVER THE BRIDE was cute. Of course, I’d love to win one of Kandy Shepherd’s books!
Hey, Caroline! You’ll really enjoy both great romance reads : )
Have not read Kandy before, so appreciate the recommendation! I probably read more historicals and romantic suspense, but do love to mix in contemporary. My favs are SEP, Carly Phillips, Lucy Monroe, Jennifer Cruisie, Susan Wiggs, Susan Mallery Emily March and on and on…
Hey, Sue! Sometimes taking a break from one genre and trying something different enhances your reading experience–it does for me : )
Virginia, I love your review of LOVE IS A FOUR-LEGGED WORD! And I also love, love, love the recipes you’ve created to go along with my stories. Each recipe is relevant to a person or situation in the books. I am honored!
Hey, Kandy! Thank you so much for visiting with us here today. It was a true pleasure to read your wonderful romances and think about delicious good eats at the same time! I look forward to reading more of your work : )
SUch great receipes will have to try them out, I love to cook and read of course. Have read one of kandys books The Castaway bride
and loved it so Ill be adding these other two to my pile to def be read. I love to read romance, whether it be historical, temporary, paranormal, 
I can see myself munching on a brownie while I read 
thanks for the great receipes 
kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com
Hey, Katrina! Books & brownies–dynamic duo : )
I’m a fan of Susan Anderson(Just For Kicks) and Rachel Gibson(True Love and Other Disasters.)
oh, the brownies look gooood!
I’m a big fan of contemporary romance and as I’m also a big fan of food, I think they go very well together!!
Hey, Kaetrin! Those brownies are “the bomb”–perfect for eating while reading : )
Food and romance go nicely together. I’m always getting hungry reading these stories!
I read historicals and contemporaries. I love when dogs and cooking are involved in the storyline. Love those covers!
Hey, Lori D! Dogs are great “recipe testers” : )
What can I say? Yummy!
Hey, Jessica! Yummy in every way : )
Brutus looks so cute on the cover!
Can’t wait to try the lasagne. I love your recipes, Virginia!
Hey, Christina! I think it’s time for me to bake up some savory, satisfying lasagna–I can almost smell that tempting aroma now : )
I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips”It Had To Be You” & Nobody’s Baby But Mine” and Christina Dodd’s “Bella Terra” Series,or Julia London’s “A Season Of Sunshine”
Hey, Gail! I loved Julia London’s “Summer of Two Wishes” and “A Light At Winter’s End” : )
That sounds like a wonderful book, and those recipes make me want to splurge on calories today! I cross genres a lot and some of my favorite contemporary authors are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, Rachel Gibson and Margaret Watson.
Hey, Myrna! Great group of authors : )
Thanks for the recipes. I really want to try the Private Eye Lasagna!
Hi Virginia!
these books by Kandy Shepherd sound charming and fun. Pets, food, women and men makes for a great combination.
I love contemporary romance and my current fav is Kristin Higgins. The lady makes me giggle, cry, and angst and that’s what I look for in a good book.
Another great blog.
Hey, Lynne! You’re right that is a great combination : )
Kandy Shepard sounds fabulous. So does the food. Will be trying both. Thanks, Virginia! Always a great read when you’re blogging. Because…hey. Love and food. What’s not to adore?
Hey, Christine! Feed your body, feed your soul : )
Well, i know what i’m cooking for dinner tonight!
And the books sound great!!
The recipies look good. Too bad there’s no pictures.
Great blog! Thanks for the recipes. Kandy Shepard is a new author to me and I look forwarding to reading her books.
I absolutely read contemporary along with paranormal, suspense and historical.
Hey, Susan! We have so many different genres and subgenres to choose from, there’s just not enough time to read all the books. It’s a lot of fun to try : )
THANKS! These all sound delicious!
Enjoyed reading the review and discovering a a new to me author.
The lasagna recipe looks especially good but I have to cook for vegetarians so no meat or sausage. I must admit I’m not a huge contemporary reader but I do like variety so I stray from my historicals too. This sounds like a fun read!
Just when I think you can’t outdo the last post, Virginia, you do.
I’m craving a sweet. I too am #1 a historical fan but there’s something flat out enjoyable about contemporaries with that added touch of humor!
Great post and review!
Hey, Debra! Historicals will always be my first love, but a well-done contemporary will capture my interest and imagination ; )
Some great recipes here and its making me hungry. I have not read any of Kandy’s books but will start looking for them. I was always into historical really big but lately I have been on contemporary I do switch around with my reading. I think I was getting in a reading slump with historical so I switched.
I love contemp romance – Donna Kauffman will be coming out with a cupcake series – cannot wait.
There is something about food in romance novels that I love – Susan Mallery had the “Sweet” series, Louisa Edwards and Deirdre Martin – Just a Taste (Anthony with the restaurant in her hockey series) had/have written some nice foodie books.
Hey, Pat! Food is a universal communicator, and love is a universal language : )
Hey Virginia, thanks again for blogging about my books and creating these amazing recipes.
I’ve really enjoyed the contemporary recommendations–and am happy to see historical readers also enjoying contemporaries. I also read across a range of genres.
Hey, Kandy! You are very welcome. Thank you for your terrific romance reads : )
Pingback: Weekly Winners! | Romance at Random
Grate food
Hey, Kim! Thanks for visiting : )