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Monday, December 21, 2015

#COOKING WITH CLORIS--GUEST AUTHOR BETTY GORDON

After careers as a dance instructor, sculptor, and legal assistant, Betty Gordon followed her dream to write books that would entertain and challenge readers. Learn more about Betty and her books at her website.

I greet the Christmas holiday season with the same delight as the young and the young at heart. I enjoy everything about these festive days: shopping, decorating, cooking, looking at neighboring Christmas lights, and visiting with family and friends.

Christmas is truly magical for me and filled with childhood memories: putting cookies and milk out for Santa, quietly sneaking into the living room by the Christmas tree to catch a glimpse of the jolly old man in the red suit, and baking cookies with my mother and grandmother, which inspired “The Magic Apron.”

I was also motivated to write this short story collection because of a love for the elderly who are lonely and need simple contacts from their loved ones (“The Phone Call”), a fondness for clowns who bring smiles and laughter (“Santa’s Clown”), a love of history and the mysteries of what is possible in this life and beyond (“Christmas Past: A Forgotten Bride”), the mysteries of a pirate ship and the mystical union of two lovers (“Eternity”).

Holiday Meatball Appetizer

8 oz. can pineapple tidbits (drained)
1 jar (5 oz) pineapple preserves
1 small jar honey dijon mustard
1 cup dark brown sugar (packed tight)
1 tsp. curry (optional)
1 pkg. frozen Italian meatballs

Place first five ingredients in small saucepan and bring to boil.

Place meatballs in slow cooker. Pour the boiled mixture on top of meatballs. Cook 4 hours on High, stirring only twice.

The Magic of Christmas
This is a collection of five stories—suspense, fantasy, paranormal, and romance—which offer surprising twists and turns, embracing discoveries, hopes, and love. The include:

"The Phone Call"—One day and one minute in the life of Agnes Riley. Chicago winters can be cold and lonely for those in their twilight years. Case in point, ninety-one year old Agnes Riley.

"The Magic Apron"—A remarkable granny, a magic apron, and a tiny fairy guide a family toward forgiveness and unite them with love.

"Santa’s Clown"—Samantha covers her face with paint, wears a seductive sequined costume, pokes fun at sadness and creates laughter, but not everyone enjoys her antics in this tale that celebrates understanding and acceptance.

"Christmas Past, A Forgotten Bride"—A Christmas tradition and a young woman’s search for spirits lead to a story filled with fear, love lost, and mystical discoveries.

"Eternity"—Hurricane devastation, the Gulf of Mexico, a pirate ship, and a magical meeting between a handsome man and beautiful woman bring this story to life in an unexpected way.

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11 comments:

Angela Adams said...

My mother makes something similar, but instead of meatballs she fries dough balls and dips them in the rest of your ingredients. I have to suggest to her that she tries the meatballs. Thanks, and happy holidays!

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Betty,

The book sounds great, and so does the meatball recipe! Congrats and best wishes.

Nancy Means Wright said...

Yum yum! I must try that meatball recipe. I don't eat red meat, but I'm sure it will work with turkey. And your book sounds equally yummy. Happy holidays!

Loretta Wheeler said...

I've had the pleasure of reading Betty's book and do find it all magical :) I believe! I believe! :) It's always such a delight to find a wonderful Christmas read...and if you can have it served with meatballs, well, what's left to say, but Ho! Ho! Ho! and pass the egg nog! :) I enjoyed the blog, Betty :) Lo

Unknown said...

Betty's books are must reads!

Unknown said...

I've enjoyed Betty's books so much and plan to use this recipe. Enjoyed the blog, Betty. Merry Christmas!

Betty Gordon said...

Thanks,Christy. I appreciate the kind words.
Betty

Betty Gordon said...

You are too kind, Loretta
Thanks for commenting.

Betty Gordon said...

Thanks,Nancy
I appreciate you taking time to respond at this busy time of the year. Merry Christmas.

Betty Gordon said...

Thanks, Jacqueline. I value your comments. Enjoy the holidays.

Betty Gordon said...

Angela, thanks for responding. I hope your mother tries the recipe and enjoys the meatballs