#COOKING WITH CLORIS--CELEBRATING NATIONAL DONUT DAY

World War I Doughnut Dollies

Since today is National Donut Day, we’re turning the blog over to Cloris.

According to food historians, Dutch immigrants introduced Americans to donuts in the nineteenth century. Washington Irving is believed to be the first writer to describe donuts in print, and Clark Gable taught moviegoers the proper way to dunk a donut in It Happened One Night.

Donuts played an important role in World War I. The Salvation Army cooked and served donuts to soldiers in the trenches. The donuts were often fried in oil in soldiers’ helmets, giving rise to the nickname of “doughboys” for our soldiers. The women who volunteered for this duty were known as Doughnut Dollies.

The Salvation Army created National Doughnut Day in 1938 to honor the Doughnut Dollies and as a fundraiser to help the needy during the Great Depression. To this day the tradition of serving donuts to raise funds for the Salvation Army still takes place in parts of the United States.

Many donut shops offer free donuts to celebrate National Donut Day. Traditionally donuts are fried, but they can also be baked. If you’d like to celebrate National Donut Day by trying your hand at a batch of donuts, here’s an easy baked donut recipe.

Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts

Yield: 12 donuts

Donut Ingredients:

4 T butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

3/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Glaze Ingredients

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

5 tsp. light corn syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease 12-ct. donut pan. 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the butter, vegetable oil, and sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beating to combine.

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with the milk. Mix until thoroughly combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Spoon batter evenly into donut pan. Bake 10 minutes. Allow to cool 5-7 minutes. Remove donuts from pan and place on rack to cool.

Melt glaze ingredients over low heat, stirring continually until smooth and shiny. Drizzle over donuts.

#TRAVEL--MAINE MOOSE?

Here in New Jersey we have lots of deer, not only in rural areas but even in highly populated parts of the state where you wouldn’t expect to find woodland critters. One even wandered into a local strip mall Laundromat a few years ago.

So you often see deer crossing signs as you drive along the Garden State Parkway, the NJ Turnpike, and various highways that crisscross the state.

On a recent trip to Maine when I passed countless moose crossing signs along the highways, I expected to see at least a moose or two in the wild. 

But the only moose I came across was Lenny, billed as the world's only life-size chocolate moose. He was sculpted from 1700 pounds of fine grade milk chocolate in a mere four weeks back in 1997.

NATIONAL CREATIVITY DAY

According to the National Day Calendar nationaldaycalendar.com, today is National Creativity Day. Maybe. From what I was able to find out, today is actually supposed to be the FIRST National Creativity Day, which was founded by Hal Croasmun and ScreenwritingU to “celebrate the imaginative spirits everywhere and to encourage them to keep creating.” Unfortunately, when you click on the link for National Creativity Day, instead of bringing you to a website, it brings you to GoDaddy.

But hey, let’s celebrate anyway by doing something creative today! As Joss Whedon has said, “Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, Sauté it, whatever. Make.” So pick up a pen, a camera, a guitar, a crochet hook, a paintbrush, a frying pan—whatever—or let your fingers fly freely over a keyboard, either the QWERTY kind or the kind with 88 keys. Let your muse run wild for the day. It's good for body and soul.

Life is short. Spend it creating—today and every day. Both you and the world will be better for it.

#COOKING WITH CLORIS--CHIA SEED PUDDING WITH GUEST AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO

Today we're happy to welcome back Joanne Guidoccio, a frequent guest of our blog. In 2008, Joanne took advantage of early retirement from a 31-year teaching career and decided to launch a second act as a writer of cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature. Learn more about her and her books at her website. 

Joanne is hosting a giveaway. Click here for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Chia Seed Power!

From the start, I loved the sound of the Mayan word “chia” and its meaning: strength. Originally grown in Mexico, these seeds were valued for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Runners and warriors used chia seeds as fuel while running long distances or during battles. Aztec warriors claimed that one spoonful of chia seeds could sustain them for 24 hours.

Recent research has found even more benefits. An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and antioxidants, chia seeds support the heart and digestive system, build stronger bones and muscles, promote healthy skin, and can help reverse diabetes.

Definitely a superfood and one that can be easily incorporated into our daily diets. A reassuring fact for non-foodies (like protagonist Gilda Greco and me) who don’t like to cook.

Here’s my quick and easy-to-prepare recipe for chia seed pudding... the perfect solution for breakfast-on-the-go or a delicious snack.

Chia Seed Pudding

(serves 4)

Ingredients

2 cups almond milk (Use coconut milk if you’re trying to steer clear of nuts)

1/2 cup chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 packet Stevia

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 scoop plant-based protein powder, unflavored or vanilla (Optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for one to two minutes until completely smooth.

Pour mixture into a jar or glass container and refrigerate for at least four hours. I prefer to let it refrigerate overnight so it has time to thicken into a creamy texture.

Stir a few times within the first hour to help the mixture gel evenly.

To serve, divide among bowls and top with your favorite fruit. I like to use berries, cantaloupe, honeydew, or grapes.

Note: If you would like more color and/or variety, consider these variations while blending:

~Mix in 1/4 cup cocoa powder.

~Add a pinch of ground cardamom and cloves.

~Add 3 T. each of nut butter and jelly.

~Add one banana.

A Different Kind of Reunion

While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.
Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a séance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first cooperative and willing, their camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The séance is a bust.
Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Anastasia and the gang are taking the day off to honor all the brave men and women who have answered the call and given their lives to protect our freedoms.

BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CAROLINE CLEMENS

Today we sit down for a chat with author Caroline Clemmons. Caroline writes contemporary and historical western romance, time travel romance (past to present), and mystery. Her romances usually include a mystery because she feels it makes them more interesting to write. Learn more about Caroline and her books at her website and blog.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

As a child I used to “write” and illustrate stories—each of which usually involved a beautiful princess in a pretty blue dress. Later I became a voracious reader. It wasn’t until I was married with my own children that I thought about writing for publication. My first book was Be My Guest in 1978.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

Years and years and a lot of rejections. Until I joined Romance Writers of America, I didn’t realize how bad my letters requesting representation and/or publication had been. This is why I recommend anyone who wants to become a writer to join a professional chapter, which has quality programs on the basics of writing and access to those who need critique partners. Any critique partner won’t do—I’ve had a couple of terrible critique partners (one who plagiarized my work) and some excellent ones.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

I began with a traditional NY publisher but they dropped me after four titles because I argued with marketing—not a good idea. Still, I was right, and they were not, and now I make more indie than I ever could have made with them. From NY I went with a lovely small press, The Wild Rose Press. Lovely, professional staff but I decided to strike out on my own. I’ve been very pleased with the result. In my opinion, indie publishing is the best!

Where do you write?

I have a small office adjoining our master bedroom. The walls are pink, so my family calls it my “pink cave”. I use a desktop with a thirty-inch television as a monitor that is so easy on the eyes after hours of writing. So nice to have a short commute to work.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

I used to listen to classical music while I was writing. For the past two books I’ve used Dragon speech-to-text software due to wrist and hand problems, so I’ve not had music in the background. My West Texas twang is confusing enough for Dragon without adding music. However, my wrist and hand problems are almost gone.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

We are the sum of all our life experiences, so in that way I suppose all plots and characters come from my life or what I observe around me. I strongly feel that each character carries a part of me, even the villains. Each of us is so complex that we have many “people” living inside of us.

Describe your process for naming your character?

Character names are serious business. If historical, I choose a name that’s correct for that time period. If contemporary, I still choose carefully. Names can set a mood. Heroes especially need a strong name. My latest heroes are the Knight brothers and their cousin.

Real settings or fictional towns?

I prefer fictional towns so no one can say, “I’ve been there and that street doesn’t have a café” or some such comment. With a fictional place, I can put whatever I want/need in the town and no one knows the difference. I often have a real town or city nearby, however.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?

I’ve had some pretty quirky characters but I suppose it’s the heroine of Texas Rainbow who loves vintage clothes and speech.

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

So many to choose from, LOL. I suppose it’s my addiction to Cherry Dr. Pepper.

If you could have written any book (one that someone else has already written,) which one would it be? Why?

I guess it would be Julie Garwood’s Prince Charming. I love that book and reread it occasionally. She achieved the perfect blend of English and USA western historical.

Everyone at some point wishes for a do-over. What’s yours?

How long do I have? My stars, there are so many things I wish I’d done differently, especially raising our daughters.  I wish we’d home schooled them, done all sorts of things differently. They turned out so well and I’m proud of the adults they are—and a little in awe. 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who think tearing down someone else elevates them. Why not be kind? 

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?

1. My husband  

2. A machete if there’s vegetation on this island 

3. Fishing line (my husband is a great fisherman so we wouldn’t starve)  

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

I once worked for a doctor who was ill-mannered to his patients and a pinch-penny with his staff.

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

That depends on my mood. Among those I’d consider are westerns by Louis L’Amour, Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase, Prince Charming by Julie Garwood, and The Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osbourne. I love reading, so I could go on and on with books I loved enough to save them and reread. 

Ocean or mountains?

In general I prefer mountains because I really dislike being hot. I do love watching waves, so if I can stay indoors and view the water through glass, that would be nice. I love walking on a beach when it’s dark and the moon is out.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

City girl now. We lived in a rural area for a couple of decades, but moved back to the city four years ago. I do enjoy being close to everything I need and having a well-manicured lawn cared for by someone else.

What’s on the horizon for you?

More books! I plan a book a month for the rest of this year. I have so many plots and characters in my head that I want to write. 

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?

Not just for me but for all authors: if you enjoy a book, please leave a nice review.

Texas Storm

A Texas Time Travel, Book 3

Jeannie Luttrell’s passion in life is piloting airplanes. She doesn’t mind the low pay, long hours, or the fact that as a World War II Women’s Air Service Pilot (WASP) she has to pay her own expenses. A faulty oil pressure line causes her P-51 Mustang’s engine to fail and she has to bail out during a storm. When she lands the wind drags her across the ground and into a small ravine where her head strikes a rock.

When Caleb Knight sees a person struggling with a parachute on his cousin’s ranch, he knows what has happed. Another woman has landed in the small part of a ravine that appears to be a time portal from the past. Twice before a woman has come forward in time at this spot. He stops and takes the stranded pilot to his cousin’s home but then he plans to be uninvolved. Darned if he’ll let the family rope him into their shenanigans.

No matter how hard he tries, Caleb can’t avoid Jeannie. Soon, he isn’t so certain he wants to. But, how can two strong-willed individuals who view the world differently build a relationship?  Especially, now that they have the same enemy plotting against them?

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#TRAVEL TO PORTLAND, MAINE'S FLEA FOR ALL WITH AUTHOR LOIS WINSTON

Inside the Flea for All

I’m not a big fan of reality TV, but I do enjoy shows where people create things. I love to watch baking shows, home decorating and renovation shows, and Flea Market Flip. So on a recent trip to Portland to speak at the Maine Romance Writers Retreat, I had to check out the Portland Flea for All.

This indoor flea market had the usual assortment of clothing, jewelry, and household items from various bygone decades, but while walking around, I also came across an array of extremely eclectic items, like a headless acrylic mannequin seated on a sofa:

a Mardi Gras head: 

and a jar of baby parts:

I also stumbled upon a Tom Thumb typewriter, which happens to be my first typewriter: 

I think I was about eight years old when I received it. I don’t remember who gave me the typewriter, probably my grandmother. I wonder if somehow she knew that her first-born grandchild would grow up to write novels.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY “PAPERBACK WRITER”

On this day in 1966 the Beatles released “Paperback Writer”. As the protagonist of a paperback series, I know that my author, Lois Winston, has a special attachment to this song. Lois wrote for ten years before she sold her first book, Talk Gertie to Me, a humorous novel about a crafty Iowa mother, her rebellious daughter, and the daughter’s imaginary friend.

Throughout those ten years, Lois received plenty of positive feedback, won writing contests, and landed an agent, but she was never offered a book contract. She’d receive rejection letters that praised her writing, her story, and her characters but would end with, “but ultimately I didn’t fall in love with the book, and for that reason, I must pass on it.”  How frustrating, right? Her agent never asked any of these editors to marry her book, just publish it! 

But finally, after a decade-long gestation period, Lois’s dream of becoming a paperback writer finally came true when she was offered a publishing contract for Talk Gertie to Me. The book received some glowing reviews, including one from Booklist, which stated, “Winston’s small-town-girl-makes-good romance shouldn’t be missed.”

I, for one, am incredibly grateful Lois never gave up. Five years after the release of Talk Gertie to Me, Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries hit bookstore shelves. Without Gertie, there never would have been an Anastasia.

Talk Gertie To Me

Two years ago Nori Stedworth fled the conservative mentality of both her parents and Ten Commandments, Iowa, for Manhattan. She loves her new life—until one devastating afternoon that culminates with the arrival of her mother. Mom Connie is suffering from middle-age meltdown. Her only identity is as a wife and mother, but her husband is a workaholic, and her daughter is halfway across the country. Grandchildren would give her life new purpose. If only Nori would come to her senses and marry town mortician and most eligible bachelor Eugene Draymore.

To that end, Mom sets off to bring Nori home. But when she meets Nori’s neighbor, her plans take an unexpected twist, and she’s thrust headfirst into a career as the next Martha Stewart. Suddenly, she’s a somebody in her own right and reconsiders returning to her old life.

As a coping mechanism, Nori resurrects Gertie, her adolescent imaginary friend. A laptop mix-up lands her musings in the hands of Mackenzie Randolph, a talk-radio station manager on deadline to boost sagging ratings or lose his job. He knows he’s found the answer to his prayers when he reads Nori’s make-believe correspondence.

And maybe he’s found much more.

Meanwhile Dad, with Eugene in tow, comes in search of his AWOL wife.Tempers flare when Mom refuses to return home. However, when she and Dad hear Nori on the radio, they unite to “save” her from the corruption of both Mac and Manhattan.

And that’s when things really get interesting.

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#COOKING WITH CLORIS--AUTHOR KATHY OTTEN BAKES CIVIL WAR GINGERBREAD

Kathy Otten is the author of multiple historical romance novels, novellas, and short stories as well as contemporary romance and historical fiction. Today she joins us to discuss cooking during the Civil War. Learn more about Kathy and her books at her website.

While researching my new Civil War novel, I discovered that gingerbread was a particular favorite of soldiers during the war. Families sent the treat in care packages to their loved ones along with socks, which marching soldiers always needed. It was also considered nutritious and easy to digest, which is why it was considered good hospital food.

Maybe the nutrition was in the molasses. I only wonder about this because my mother, when she was a little girl back in the 30’s, was given sulfur and molasses every spring by her grandparents.

In my story, the nuns helped my heroine make gingerbread for the wounded in the hospital. In digging through old recipes, I thought I’d give it a try. The photos I’d seen from that time period showed the gingerbread having been baked in a loaf pan and cut into slices. When I made mine, I poured the batter into a traditional square pan.

And of course the recipe I followed had been revised like many recipes were in the late 1800’s. Women such as Fanny M. Farmer and Mary Johnson Bailey Lincoln, eliminated such vague measurements such as “a good size piece,” “middlin,’” and “large cup,” standardizing measurements and including specific cooking instructions. Until then, cookbooks were uncommon and recipes were handed down from generation to generation.

My great-great-grandfather was a baker, and he had a notebook that was passed down on my mother’s side of the family. They were his notes and recipes so phrases like, “add enough milk to bake good,” make recreating his recipes nearly impossible.

So I dug through the Internet and one of my go-to books, Food on the Frontier, Minnesota Cooking from 1850 to 1900, by Marjorie Kreidberg. The recipe I found inside, A “Very Good” Gingerbread was from Anna Ramsey’s Book of Recipes, 1865.

However, this recipe called for 2 cups of molasses, and I didn’t have enough, so I found a second recipe used by Josephine Peffer, a twelve-year-old girl who won a blue ribbon for her gingerbread at the 1860 Wisconsin State Fair.

Civil War Gingerbread

Ingredients:

1 cup Molasses

1 T. ground ginger

1/4 lb. butter, softened

1 Teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup buttermilk (which I made by using regular milk and adding 2 tablespoons vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes—an old trick my mother taught me)

2 eggs

2 cups flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch square pan and dust lightly with flour. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and beat well. Add the buttermilk and molasses and blend.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, ginger, and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix well. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35 minutes. Stick a toothpick into the center of the gingerbread. If it comes out clean, the gingerbread is done. Cool the pan and cut into 9 pieces.

It is really rather good and has no sugar added.  I’d recommend trying it, and I understand why that little girl from long ago won her blue ribbon.

A Place in Your Heart

Gracie McBride isn’t looking for love; she’s looking for respect. But in this man’s world of Civil War medicine, Gracie is expected to maintain her place changing beds and writing letters. Her biggest nemesis is the ward surgeon, Doctor Charles Ellard, who seems determined to woo her with arrogant kisses and terrible jokes.

Charles is an excellent surgeon. He assumed he would be well received by an army at war. He was not. Friendless and alone, he struggles to hide the panic attacks that plague him, while the only person who understands him is a feisty Irish nurse clearly resolved to keep him at a distance.

But, Charles is sent to the battlefield, and Gracie is left with a wounded soldier, a box of toys, and a mystery which can only be solved by the one man she wishes could love her, both as a woman and a nurse.

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CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--INTERVIEW WITH CRAFTER CONNIE STEDWORTH

Today we sit down for a chat with crafter Connie Stedworth from author Lois Winston’s Talk Gertie to Me.

What was your life like before your author started pulling your strings?

Boring. I know most characters who are interviewed on this blog complain about their authors, but Lois Winston did me a huge favor. She forced me out of my same old/same old existence and gave me an exciting life.

What’s the one trait you like most about yourself?

My creativity. I can create just about anything with a few basic craft supplies.

What do you like least about yourself?

That it took me until menopause to become more than just a housewife and mother.

What is the strangest thing your author has had you do or had happen to you?

She had me create the most bizarre craft imaginable, then had me demonstrate it on Mel Gibson on Late Night with David Letterman (before Dave retired.)

Do you argue with your author? If so, what do you argue about?

I don’t. I appreciate all she’s done for me. However, my daughter and her imaginary friend have both had quite a few rather vocal arguments with Lois.

What is your greatest fear?

Divorce. I love my husband, but lately we don’t exactly see eye-to-eye on much of anything, and I feel we’re drifting too far apart to come back together.

What makes you happy?

Being able to express myself artistically and creatively.

If you could rewrite a part of your story, what would it be? Why?

I wish I’d had the courage to break out of my shell and spread my wings earlier. I could have had so many more opportunities if I'd only taken a few chances.

Of the other characters in your book, which one bugs you the most? Why?

My husband Earnest. I love the man, but he's so…well, Earnest. It’s the twenty-first century, but the man is still stuck back in the 1950’s.

Of the other characters in your book, which one would you love to trade places with? Why?

My daughter Nori. I admire her courage in leaving Ten Commandments, Iowa and moving to New York City. (Although, I’ll admit I was opposed to it at first.)

Tell us a little something about your author. Where can readers find her website/blog?

Lois Winston is the creator of the critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries and the Empty Nest Mysteries, as well as award-winning romance, romantic suspense, and chick lit. You can find her website at www.loiswinston.com.

What's next for you?

Lois wrote a novella sequel to Talk Gertie to Me, and this time she’s got us involved in solving a murder. Can you imagine? You can read all about it in Elementary, My Dear Gertie. Beyond that, I don’t know. She’s pretty wrapped up with Anastasia the last few years, but someday she might give Anastasia a little vacation from sleuthing and write another book about my family and me. I’d really like to become a grandmother at some point in the not-too-distant future. (That's a hint, Lois!)

Talk Gertie to Me

Two years ago Nori Stedworth fled the conservative mentality of both her parents and Ten Commandments, Iowa, for Manhattan. She loves her new life -- until one devastating afternoon that culminates with the arrival of her mother. Mom is suffering from middle-age meltdown. Her only identity is as a wife and mother, but her husband is a workaholic, and her daughter is halfway across the country. Grandchildren would give her life new purpose. If only Nori would come to her senses and marry town mortician and most eligible bachelor Eugene Draymore.

To that end, Mom sets off to bring Nori home. But when she meets Nori’s neighbor, her plans take an unexpected twist, and she’s thrust headfirst into a career as the next Martha Stewart. Suddenly, she’s a somebody in her own right and reconsiders returning to her old life.

As a coping mechanism, Nori resurrects Gertie, her adolescent imaginary friend. A laptop mix-up lands her musings in the hands of Mackenzie Randolph, a talk-radio station manager on deadline to boost sagging ratings or lose his job. He knows he’s found the answer to his prayers when he reads Nori’s make-believe correspondence. 

And maybe he’s found much more.

Meanwhile Dad, with Eugene in tow, comes in search of his AWOL wife. Tempers flare when Mom refuses to return home. However, when she and Dad hear Nori on the radio, they unite to “save” her from the corruption of both Mac and Manhattan.

And that’s when things really get interesting.

Buy Links

paperback

ebook