#COOKING WITH CLORIS--PRALINE SAUCE FROM AUTHOR ANN EVERETT

Award-winning and bestselling Texas romance author Ann Everett lives on a small lake in Texas where she writes, bakes, and fights her addiction to Diet Dr. Peppers. Learn more about Ann and her books at her website.

Free Sites You Might Find Interesting

When I received the guidelines for this post, one of the requirements was to write 300-750 words about something that would appeal to readers—not writers. Whoa! What? It had been so long since anyone asked me to write about something other than writing, I had to put on my thinking cap.

What would appeal to me as a reader? Then I remembered when I was writing my cookbook, I found a great site that would be helpful to all cooks/bakers. That got me to thinking about other sites I’d found helpful. Naturally, I use them in my writing career, but I’d also use them if I wasn’t a writer. So, today, I want to share them with you.

These first two offer free versions, with the opportunity to buy upgrades. I have only used the free versions.

https://www.remove.bg/

This is a site where you can remove backgrounds from photos. So, if you blog or make memes for FB or other social media sites, or, want to design homemade cards, etc., this is a great editing tool to take out all unwanted background scenery.

https://www.moonmaker.com

Next, if you have a FB account, you’ll find this tool useful. It furnishes you the ability to make a video for your FB header. When you go to the home page, you will see many examples. If you look at the bottom left-hand corner of each one, it will state that it is either free or ‘premium’ which means you’ll have to pay for those. There is a nice selection of free choices. Most are ready-made templates where you fill in your info.  Depending on your business, you may even find one appropriate for that. Check it out.

https://www.jamlabelizer.com 

This last one will cost you a small fee. $8 for lifetime access or you can pay $1 per month and cancel after one month. The site also offers a printing service where they print labels for you, but they are fairly expensive, in my opinion. I bought the lifetime access and made the labels shown in the photo of my recipe featured today. This is a great tool if you give homemade food gifts. Such a wonderful way to personalize them.

But guess what? You can use the labels for things other than canned/baked goods. You can use them for book labels. I did one with my daughter’s name, the year, and whom it was from. A nice way to mark birthday/Christmas gifts. I think you could even use them for gift tags. Lots of possibilities!

I hope one or more of these sites will be of interest to you. I always love finding free tools!!

Praline Sauce

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

Dash of salt

1/2 cup butter

3 Tablespoons each of dark and light corn syrups

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped toasted pecans

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and soda. Stir in buttermilk, salt, butter, and syrups. Place over medium-high heat and bring to boil, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla and pecans. Sauce thickens as it cools.

Sweet Thangs

In Ann Everett’s Tizzy/Ridge Romance Trilogy, fictional characters Pattiecake McAlister and Sugarpie Monroe cook up delicious confections at Sweet Thangs Bakery. These recipes are from the kitchens of real life sisters, Pattie Ball and Carol Mayfield.

Inside this book, they share more than 130 homemade recipes, including luscious cakes, yummy cookies, sweet salads, delectable pies, scrumptious candy, and delightful drinks, perfect for special occasions or gift giving.

Buy Links

hardcover 

paperback

ebook 

AN INTERVIEW WITH ROMANCE AUTHOR ANN EVERETT

Today we sit down for a visit with contemporary romance, new adult romance, and humorous romantic suspense author Ann Everett. Learn more about Ann and her books at her website and blog.   

Ann is giving away five awesome prize packages through tomorrow. Click here to enter.       

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

I never intended to write novels. Only short stories to enter in contests. However, one of my shorts suddenly became 25,000 words and I wasn’t done with it, so it had to be a book.

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

Again, I never wanted to be published. But I did want to improve my writing, so I joined a writing website. One of my readers there suggested I submit (the short story that turned into a book) to a small press in her area that happened to be taking open submissions. I did, and they accepted.

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

Hybrid. I was originally published by the small press I mentioned above. During my 3-year contract with them, I learned a lot about self-publishing. When my contract ended, I reclaimed the rights to the two books they had and added three more I’d written and self-published all five. Then in 2016, I submitted a book to the Kindle Scout program, and Amazon’s imprint, Kindle Press published it.

Where do you write?

I have a corner in my spare bedroom that serves as my office.

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

I prefer silence, but since I score my stories, sometimes I listen to the song I’ve chosen for a particular scene just to get me “in the mood.”

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

In my humorous mystery series, Tizzy/Ridge Trilogy, a whole lot of it comes from my real life. Most of the characters in those stories are people I know or family members. The stories even take place in the town where I grew up, Brownsboro, Texas. Since my sister and I both love to bake/cook, I made us owners of Sweet Thang Bakery. Since it’s fiction, I made us younger and gave us bigger boobs!!

Describe your process for naming your character?

This is a biggie for me. Because Texas is known for our crazy names, I spend a lot of time choosing them…especially for secondary characters. In my latest book, True, Joy Dell Dalton has a storyline, although she is not the main character. That is a great Texas double name!

Real settings or fictional towns?

Mostly real, but in my Bluebird, Texas Romance series, Bluebird is fictional.

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

In just about every book, at least one of my characters is quirky. In my most recent series, Chirp, main character, Blaze is on the spectrum, (Asperger’s syndrome) so she has no filters and says what she thinks. In True, the protagonist writes crazy songs…like, There was Nothing Between us but Your Penis! So, she’s pretty quirky.

What’s your quirkiest quirk?

Oh, I have so many, and I give most of them to my characters. If I forget something, I won’t turn around and go back home. I don’t do turnarounds. Bad luck.

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

Any by either Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Jennifer Crusie. I love everything they’ve written. They both write multiple storyline stories, which I started doing with the Bluebird, Texas series. Since I love to read that type of story, I discovered I love writing them as well. Each of the books in that series has three romances happening at the same time.

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

If you’re talking about books, then…all of them! I did rewrite part of the first book I published. Even added a character! After that, I vowed not to read any of my books again once I hit publish! I just have to let them go.

If you’re talking about life, it would be to finish my college degree. I should have. Not really a regret, but a missed opportunity.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Lord, I have so many. But one of my main peeves is people who are constantly late…like my sister. She is never on time. It bugs the crap out of me!

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

Good Internet connection. Computer. Credit card.

What was the worst job you’ve ever held?

“Worst” can cover so many things. I had one job where the boss was a total idiot, one job with more drama than necessary, and one where office-politics played into everything. The crazy thing is I didn’t hate any of them. I’ve usually worked two jobs for most of my life. A day job, then a part-time night job. I’ve owned a toy store, a gift shop, a lawn and landscape business, and a cleaning service. The hardest was the lawn service. Laying grass (sod) in Texas heat is no picnic! So, I guess that would win the “Worst Prize.”

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

This is the question where I think I should answer with some really deep title, but I no longer read books like that. Since I write romance, I mostly read romance. But if I had to choose from every book I’ve read in my life, it would have to be The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In a few pages, he sums up how we’re willing to give up everything for someone we love. That’s a true romance story.

Ocean or mountains?

I like looking at pictures of both, but since I’m terrified of water and heights, I don’t want to be at either! No cruises for me. No vacations in a majestic setting.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

Country girl all the way. I grew up in a town with 304 people. Everyone knew everyone. You’d think I’d want to experience something bigger, but nope. I thought the world stopped at the city limit sign and never wanted to live anywhere else. I’ve lived in cities and liked of all of them. Lubbock, Texas is my favorite. I now live in a town of about 15,000…that’s plenty big for a girl raised in Podunk!

What’s on the horizon for you?

That’s the beauty of life. We never know.

True

Sometimes it takes losing everything…

True Shanahan must be the unluckiest woman in the world. Either that or she’s cursed. After another failed relationship, True leaves Dallas with a broken heart and new attitude. It’s time to walk on the wild side. But when she makes a wrong turn and ends up in Bluebird, Texas, the only man she wants is anything but reckless.

…to find all you’ve ever wanted.

Ritter Malone is the town’s favorite son and has the local hero awards to prove it. Seems he’s always in the right place at the right time. But when he crosses paths with True, his life takes a turn he never sees coming. Her songwriting skills may be questionable, but her ability to turn him inside out is indisputable.

Welcome to Bluebird, Texas.

Where a chance meeting gives two people a chance at love.

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STEEL MILL HEIRESS ON THE RUN--AN INTERVIEW WITH ANN EVERETT'S BLAZE BLEDSOE

Blaze Bledsoe aka Wren Montgomery is the main character in Chirp by author Ann Everett. Today she sits down with us for an interview.

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

It was great. Each day I worked at Over The Rainbow Funeral Home and then spent my leisure time alone without any interruptions. Then she released Rance Keller from prison, and he turned my world upside down!

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

That’s a hard question. Because I have Asperger’s syndrome, I say what is on my mind, and that’s a blessing and a curse.

What do you like least about yourself?

I can’t determine sarcasm. I’m learning with the help of my friends, but it’s something I struggle with.

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

She had me clean up after Rance brought an overnight guest home. She dressed me in a homemade Hazmat suit and I looked ridiculous.

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

No, I don’t argue with her. I’m not good at that. I know she has my best interest at heart.

What is your greatest fear?

That my evil stepmother will find me before I turn twenty-one and have me committed to an institution. I’ve managed to hide for three years. I just hope my luck doesn’t run out.

What makes you happy?

My dog, Muttly…and later in my story….Rance.

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

I wouldn’t rewrite anything. My author gave me friends, a dog, and man to love…who loves me back. We had a rough road getting to that point, but in the end, I got my happily ever after.

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

Before I fell in love with Rance, he bugged me the most. I’d never met anyone like him. He still bugs me sometimes.

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

I’d trade places with Hanna or Tiffany, both my best friends. They’re smart, outgoing, and beautiful.

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

She’s also a little bit quirky. Maybe that’s why we got along so well! Here are ten things to help you know her better:

~She’s married to her high school sweetheart.

~She loves shopping at thrift stores.

~She doesn’t remember her first kiss.

~She hates talking on the telephone.

~A really sharp pencil makes her happy.

~She secretly wants to get a tattoo.

~She’s thankful wrinkles aren’t painful.

~She thinks everyone should own a pair of cowboy boots.

~She sucks at math.

You can find Ann’s blog on her website.  

What's next for you?

I’m not sure. Ann thinks about me a lot, but she’s just finished another book set in Bluebird, Texas and has one more planned. She gave Tiffany a small role in the second book, and she’ll have a major role in the third one. I know from reviews most readers like my character, so maybe Ann will give Rance and me some page time in a future story. However, things are going so well for us, I’m not sure anyone would want to read about our boring life!

Chirp

A woman hiding from her future…

Heiress to the largest steel company in America, twenty-year-old, socially awkward Blaze Bledsoe hides out at Dessie Bishop’s farm. For the last three years, Blaze has eluded one investigator after another, but just when she thinks she’s safe, a PI closes in. Her luck is about to run out in more ways than one.

A man running from his past…

Rance Keller, a tough, hard-living ex-con, fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, arrives to claim the house his grandmother left him. Finding a strange girl living there, his plans for a solitary life take a turn. Her lack of modesty, no filter, and word of the day fetish baffles him, but those big green eyes and sweet mouth have him losing sleep.

Welcome to Bluebird, Texas

Where two damaged people with secrets, discover trust can lead to passion.

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#COOKING WITH CLORIS--GUEST AUTHOR ANN EVERETT AND WHAM-BAM-YAM POUND CAKE #RECIPE

Ann Everett is an award winning and Amazon bestselling author. She lives on a small lake in Texas where she writes, bakes, and fights her addiction to Diet Dr. Peppers. Learn more about Ann and her books at her website.

Those Crazy Texas Names!

If you’re a writer, do you ever get reviews that make you laugh? I do. Here’s an excerpt from one I received.

“As a born and raised and lived in Texas all my life, I know no one that goes by silly nicknames as pattycake and sweetiepie.” (Should be Pattiecake and Sugarpie, not sweetiepie)

Anyway, why did that make me laugh? Because as the author, I know the history behind those character names. They belong to my sister and me. That’s what our grandchildren call us… and pretty much everyone else. So, said reviewer may not know any Texans with silly nicknames, but I sure do!

Here are some examples: Buttcut, Booger Red, Possum, Slime, Bardol, Slick, Rabbit, Pork Chop, Sweet Pea, and Lightning. Three of those belong to females!

The only reason I can think of that would cause a native to be uninformed of the rich history of ridiculous Lone Star monikers is that she is a “city girl!”

In my Tizzy/Ridge Trilogy, which is set in the actual town of Brownsboro, Texas, I use many genuine crazy names.

When I wrote the first book, I wanted to include family members. I figured with names like Pattiecake and Sugarpie we should be bakers or strippers! Since we both love to cook, it was pretty much a no-brainer. Plus, if we danced on a pole, we might throw our backs out! So, we became owners of Sweet Thangs Bakery, and because it’s fiction, I made us younger with bigger boobs!

Many scenes take place in the bakery, and the owners are full of advice, just as my sister and I are in real life.

Today, just in time for Thanksgiving, I’m posting a delicious recipe from my cookbook, Sweet Thangs: Southern Sweets from Two Sassy Sisters…and silly or not, Pattiecake and Sugarpie really exist!

Wham-Bam-Yam Pound Cake and Glaze

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

1-1/2 cups baked, mashed yams (sweet potatoes)*

4 eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk

2 Tablespoons bourbon (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease two loaf pans or a 10 inch tube pan with butter. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs and sugar at high speed for 3 minutes or until thick and light color. Add oil, melted butter, and vanilla, beating at low speed until combined. Add the potatoes, beating until combined and stopping to scrape down sides of bowl.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.

In another small bowl, whisk together the bourbon and buttermilk.

Set the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, combining after each addition.

Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out fairly clean.

Transfer pans to wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto the rack and remove from pans, and allow to cool completely.

* We used 3 medium size yams. We pierced them with a knife and placed on a baking sheet and baked for about an hour or until soft in a 375 degree oven. Canned yams may also be used in place of fresh. Just drain the juice and mash.

Glaze

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 Tablespoons maple syrup

3 Tablespoons bourbon

3/4 cup toasted pecans

Directions

Place sugar, butter, and syrup in a saucepan over low heat and stir until melted. Bring to a boil and simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pecans, bourbon, and vanilla. Spoon glaze over warm cake.

Sweet Thangs

In Ann Everett’s Tizzy/Ridge Romance Trilogy, fictional characters Pattiecake McAlister and Sugarpie Monroe cook up delicious confections at Sweet Thangs Bakery. These recipes are from the kitchens of real life sisters, Pattie Ball and Carol Mayfield.

Inside this book, they share more than 130 homemade recipes, including luscious cakes, yummy cookies, sweet salads, delectable pies, scrumptious candy, and delightful drinks, perfect for special occasions or gift giving.

Buy Links

hardcover 

paperback 

ebook