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| original photo by flagstaffotos.com.au, derivative work by Itzuvit |
Jesse Kimmel-Freeman has written six novels, four short stories, four
illustrated children's books, been part of several anthologies and is actively
working on the next pieces to her series. Learn more about Jesse and her books
at her website.
Hey
everyone! Food is such an essential thing when writing. I mean our characters
have to live off of something, right? There are certain things in each of my
stories that if you know me, then you know why they’re there--like Barqs Root
Beer and Galaxy milk chocolate bars!
But
one of those things that’s really important to me is finding a way to connect
my characters to each other. In the scene below, Emma and Dominic (two of the
main characters from the Bella Vampires Series) are finally connecting to each
other in the first book, Bella Notte.
This meal that Dominic makes for Emma is so vital because there was such a HUGE
disconnect between the characters in the beginning--he was a total jerk!
“So, what are we making?” I asked as I looked over the
ingredients--artichokes, eggs, a lemon, some parsley, olive oil, dry white
wine, and salt and pepper.
“We
are not cooking. I am cooking for you. I am going to make you artichoke
frittata. It is delicious. It is like an omelet but different. You will enjoy
it.” He sounded absolutely sure of himself.
I
sat and watched as he prepared the artichokes and placed them aside in water
and lemon juice. Then as he beat the eggs and shook random amounts of salt and
pepper into them. He sautéed the artichokes in the oil and wine. Then he threw
in some more spices and then the eggs. It took only a few minutes but it was
amazing to watch. I had never had someone close to me cook. Watching him cook
was fun and exciting.
He
cut it in half when he was sure it was done and had cooled then he served it to
me. It looked a little on the scary side but I wouldn't let that stop me. I
took a fork full and chewed. It tasted great. It was thicker than a regular
omelet, but it seemed that this feature helped the flavor of the artichokes
come through. We ate in silence. I helped to clean up afterwards through his
insistent complaints.
“You
cooked, I'll clean,” was all I said.
We
said good night and I went to bed. I thought to look for another email from
Mike but I didn't want anything to ruin the peaceful atmosphere that still
clung to me from the kitchen. I enjoy
being around him sometimes. He brings a peace to me. I closed my eyes.
The
recipe itself wasn’t what was so important (although it’s quite tasty), but the
connection that is finally beginning between these two! Emma was getting to see
a completely different side than what she had experienced back in her hometown.
This is the true beginning of them.
Artichoke Frittata
Ingredients:
4 artichokes (can use
canned, 2-3 cans)
1/2 lemons
2 tbsp extra virgin
olive oil
2 cloves garlic,
thinly sliced
½ cup dry white wine
1 bunch flat leaf
parsley, finely chopped (can use dried, 3-4 tbsp)
6 eggs
3 tbsp milk
2 tbsp butter
black pepper, to taste
*Side note: Frittatas are tasty ways to include things you like
for breakfast, so if you're not a fan on artichokes, throw something else in.
Experiment! It's the kitchen sink of breakfast foods! Enjoy! :)
To
prepare the artichokes, take off the tough inedible outer leaves, and slice the
spiked tips of the remaining outer leaves. Slice about ¾” from the top of the
heart, and cut off the stalk where it joins the base of the leaves. Rub the cut
surfaces with the lemon to prevent blackening. Quarter each artichoke
lengthways and remove the fuzzy centers from the heart. Cut the quarters
lengthways into thin wedges or can make them thicker if desired. Squeeze lemon
juice over them.
Preheat
the oven to 350°F (180°/gas 4).
Heat
oil (can use butter if you want) in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Add the artichoke wedges and gently saunté over low heat until brown on both
sides.
Add
the garlic, white wine and half the parsley. Cover and cook over low heat for
about 15 to 20 minutes until the artichokes are very tender and the liquid is
basically gone. Season to taste.
Mix
up the eggs in a bowl. Add the milk and whisk again until even color.
Add
the cooked artichokes to the eggs. Season to taste and mix again.
Pour
the mixture into buttered baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about
20-30 minutes until the eggs are set. Not all ovens are the same, so there
might be a time variation.
Serve
warm or cold but not hot.
Bella Notte
Vampires? Check.
Werewolves? Check. Death prophecy to hang over your head? Double check.
Seventeen-year-old Emma Hutchinson struggles to find her place in the world she
has been born to as she tries to decide whether she should be with Michael, the
boy she has been dreaming about since she was three, or if she belongs with
Dominic, her betrothed.
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1 comment:
Thanks for having me today! :)
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