#COOKING WITH CLORIS--AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO SHARES A BLUEBERRY MUFFIN RECIPE WITHOUT WHITE FLOUR AND SUGAR

 

Joanne Guidoccio writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romances, and inspirational literature. Today she makes a return visit to share a special blueberry muffin recipe and tell us about her latest novel. Learn more about Joanne and her books at her website.  

The Last of the White Devils

At the beginning of 2020, I resolved to eliminate the remaining white devils—white flour and sugar—from my diet.  A daunting goal, but one I was determined to achieve by the end of December (hopefully sooner). 

 

During January and February, I continued to struggle with desserts. I simply couldn’t give them up. In conversations with my naturopath, Emily Murphy, I discovered  that almond flour and erythritol can replace wheat flour and sugar in many recipes. 

 

A non-foodie, I don’t enjoy cooking or baking but if some extra time suddenly became available, I would consider experimenting with a few recipes.

 

The universe was listening. Two weeks later, we were in lockdown. 

 

No more excuses. I started researching and experimenting.

 

About Almond Flour

Made from blanched almonds that have been ground and sifted, almond flour is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and fiber. One ounce (28 grams) contains 6.1 grams of protein, 5.6 carb grams, and 3 grams of fiber. Rich in Vitamin E and magnesium, almond flour is gluten-free and an excellent alternative to wheat flour. 

 

While almond flour can replace wheat flour in a 1:1 ratio, the baked products will be denser and flatter. 

 

About Erythritol

Substituting erythritol (a sugar alcohol that is found naturally in foods such as grapes, pears, melons, and mushrooms) for sugar is also easy. For starters, it contains significantly fewer calories than sugar. With only 6 percent of the calories of sugar, it still maintains 70 percent of the sweetness. And more importantly, erythritol does not raise blood sugar levels. 

 

A 1:1 ratio works well for erythritol to sugar. If you miss the sweetness, try a 1.25: 1 ratio.

 

I experimented with almond flour and erythritol and created the following quick-and-easy blueberry muffin recipe:

 

Blueberry Muffins

Yield: 12 regular-size muffins 

 

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 cup erythritol (I use the monk fruit blend)

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup butter

1/2cup unsweetened almond milk

3 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup frozen blueberries

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

 

Line a muffin pan with paper or silicone muffin liners. 

 

In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir together the almond flour, erythritol, baking powder, and salt.

 

Melt butter. Add to the dry mixture. Add in the almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend well using an electric mixer.

 

Fold in the blueberries with a wooden spoon.

 

Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Muffins are done when the tops are golden, and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

 

No More Secrets

Angelica Delfino takes a special interest in the lives of her three nieces, whom she affectionately calls the daughters of her heart. Sensing that each woman is harboring a troubling, possibly even toxic secret, Angelica decides to share her secrets—secrets she had planned to take to the grave. Spellbound, the nieces listen as Angelica travels back six decades to reveal an incredulous tale of forbidden love, tragic loss, and reinvention. It is the classic immigrant story upended: an Italian widow’s transformative journey amid the most unlikely of circumstances.

 

Inspired by Angelica’s example, the younger women share their “First World” problems and, in the process, set themselves free. 

 

But one heartbreaking secret remains untold...

 

Watch the Book Trailer

 

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#COOKING WITH CLORIS--AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO'S LAZY WOMAN'S SOUP

Today we welcome back author Joanne Guidoccio who writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature to talk about her Gilda Greco Mystery series and share what she calls her Lazy Woman’s Soup recipe. Learn more about Joanne and her books at her website.

About the Gilda Greco Mystery Series

A cross between Miss Marple, Jessica Fletcher, and Cher’s character in the movie  Moonstruck, protagonist Gilda Greco brings a unique perspective to the amateur female sleuth.

The teacher-turned-lottery winner returns to her hometown, only to find herself embroiled in a series of murder investigations. Before you start imaging thrillers with high stakes and police chases, pause and take a yoga breath. The three novels in the series—A Season for Killing Blondes, Too Many Women in the Room, and A Different Kind of Reunion—are cozy mysteries, written in the Agatha Christie tradition. All the crimes take place “off stage” with very few graphic details provided.

While the pace may be more relaxed than that of thrillers and police procedurals, there are no steaming cups of herbal teas, overstuffed chairs, or purring cats in these contemporary cozies. Prepare yourself for interfering relatives who don’t always respect boundaries, adult mean girls, deserving and undeserving men, multiple suspects, and lots of Italian food.

A Lazy Woman’s Soup

On one of my “sloth” days, I decided to create a puréed soup that would require the minimum of chopping and preparation time. I came up with this tasty concoction that has become my favorite go-to soup during the warmer months.

Yield: Approximately four one-cup servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cups of frozen vegetables (I recommend California Style Mixed Vegetables)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup water

2 cups loosely packed spinach leaves

1 cup of fresh parsley

Note: When I’m feeling extra slothful, I quarter the onion and halve the garlic cloves.

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic.

Add the frozen vegetables, Italian seasoning, and water. Blend for 5 to 8 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the broth. Increase the heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in the spinach and parsley. Cook for one minute.

Remove from heat and purée the soup in batches using a hand or immersion blender.

A Season for Killing Blondes

A Gilda Greco Mystery, Book 1

Hours before the opening of her career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the dead body of golden girl Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside her office. Gilda’s life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high school crush, conducts the investigation.

When three more dead blondes turn up all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives, Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends.

As the puzzle pieces fall into place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and deceit she has long overlooked.

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#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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#COOKING WITH CLORIS--GUEST AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO AND QUICK SALMON FOR ONE

In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement from a 31-year teaching career and decided to launch a second act that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature. Learn more about her and her books at her website. 

In Search of a Quick-And-Easy Salmon Recipe (For One)

At my last appointment with the specialist oncologist, I struggled to pay attention. After ten months of treatments, I longed to leave the whole cancer experience behind me. While that wasn’t possible in the short-run—I still needed to report for check-ups every six months for the next five years—I believed that all the hard stuff was behind me.

In spite of my restlessness during that appointment, I did pick up three nuggets of information: spinach, salmon, and yoga.

Spinach wasn’t a problem. Each morning, I add several handfuls to my smoothies. I also enjoy spinach salads.

Once I recovered from radiation, I started a yoga practice that I have maintained since 2005.

Salmon presented the greatest challenge of all. I prefer white fish such as halibut and tilapia. I have several foolproof recipes that appeal to my non-foodiness (I don’t enjoy cooking or baking), a quality I share with the protagonist of the Gilda Greco Mystery Series. Unfortunately, none of those foolproof recipes work with salmon.

Friends and colleagues eagerly shared their recipes. Grateful, I did experiment with all their suggestions but found myself rebelling against the lengthy list of ingredients and prep time involved.

My goal: A quick-and-easy recipe (for one) that appealed to my taste buds.

Last year, I discovered the following recipe (that’s closer to a hack) while eavesdropping on a conversation at the beauty salon. With only three ingredients (four if you count the water) and six minutes of cooking time, it’s the ideal solution for non-foodies.

Ingredients

Half a lemon

One salmon fillet

Greek seasoning

Thinly slice the lemon. Cover the bottom of a small microwaveable dish with the lemon slices.

Sprinkle the salmon fillet with Greek seasoning. Place the fillet on top of the lemon slices. Add two tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on High for five to six minutes.

Murder & Mayhem

A boxed set featuring six murder mysteries from the following Wild Rose Press authors: J L Wilson, Misty Simon, Michelle Witvliet, Vicki Batman, Cindy Davis, and Joanne Guidoccio.

My contribution: A Season for Killing Blondes. A teacher wins a $19 million lottery and returns to her hometown, only to find herself the primary suspect in the murders of four blondes. Can she prove her innocence and solve this case?

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DECLUTTERING WITH GUEST AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO

photo by Heffloaf

In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement from a 31-year teaching career and decided to launch a second act that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature. Learn more about her and her books at her website. 

Decluttering My Bookshelves

I delight in the acquisition of a new book. It doesn’t matter whether I purchased it myself or received it as a gift—each book is unique in its own special way.

I like to keep all these treasures. At least, I did until I noticed overflowing bookshelves and unruly piles of books in corners. And I couldn’t remember which books I had relegated to my storage area...two floors down.

It was time to let go of...

…older paperback novels that were falling apart or collecting dust. Many of them are over thirty years old and no longer of interest to me. If I ever wish to revisit these books, I can borrow them from the library or buy the e-book.

…any book that I hadn’t read yet. In the early years of my writing journey, I reviewed books for local and regional newspapers. Enthusiastic editors would send extra ARCs that I mentally filed away for future reading. Checking the publication dates, I realized many of these books were over five years old. Along with the extra ARCs, I have a collection of “gift” books that I couldn’t read past the first chapter.

…any book that reminded me of an unhappy time in my life. While dealing with stressful personal and family issues, I immersed myself in “one-nighters” that would transport me to a safe, predictable world. I have evolved from that place.

…mediocre books that don’t warrant any more attention. Enough said!

What did I do with these books?

I disposed of any damaged books.

I donated the “practically new” and “gently used” books to the library, community centers, and reading rooms in nursing and retirement homes. (Libraries do not accept ARCs)

Thinking and acting globally...

The American Library Association has compiled a list of organizations that distribute books internationally. In most cases, there is no shipping cost. Find out more here.

In Canada, First Book Canada and Books with No Bounds accept book donations.

Do you have any tips for decluttering bookshelves?

Too Many Women in the Room

When Gilda Greco invites her closest friends to a VIP dinner, she plans to share David Korba’s signature dishes and launch their joint venture— Xenia, an innovative Greek restaurant near Sudbury, Ontario. Unknown to Gilda, David has also invited Michael Taylor, a lecherous photographer who has throughout the past three decades managed to annoy all the women in the room. One woman follows Michael to a deserted field for his midnight run and stabs him in the jugular.

Gilda’s life is awash with complications as she wrestles with a certain detective’s commitment issues and growing doubts about her risky investment in Xenia. Frustrated, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers decades-old secrets and resentments that have festered until they explode into untimely death. Can Gilda outwit a killer bent on killing again?

Watch the trailer.

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Giveaway:

Click here for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

#HEALTHY LIVING--GUEST AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO

In 2008, cozy mystery, paranormal romance, and inspirational writer Joanne took advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. She began by publishing articles and book reviews in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. Learn more about Joanne and her books at her website. 

Dealing with my Achilles Tendon

I limped into my doctor’s office and described the muscle spasms in my right calf that had morphed into excruciating ankle pain. While speaking, my mind raced through possible remedies: physiotherapy (my preferred choice) or anti-inflammatory medication (I would grit my teeth and endure the nausea and upset stomach).

“You’re having problems with your Achilles tendon,” he said after inspecting my calf and ankle. “A boot will do the trick.”

“Excuse me?”

“An Air Cast Boot,” he said while writing out a prescription. “You can pick one up at the Home Health Care Center across the street. Wear the boot for four to six weeks and your tendon will be back to normal.”

“What if I just rest and take it easy for a week? Maybe take some Tylenol 3...or something stronger?”

“Do you want to limp for the rest of your life?”

A bit extreme, I thought, but I was in no position to argue. At the Center, I listened as the sales associate explained the boot’s benefits. Wearing it would slowly and safely restore strength in my tendon while keeping the foot and ankle at a constant angle. She also showed me how to inflate and deflate the boot, but my mind was elsewhere.

There was no way I could drive, take the stairs, or walk on uneven terrain wearing that boot. And while I could remove it for showering and sleeping, I would have to wear the boot for at least ten hours a day.




After two days of complaining about my “new” restrictions, I decided to focus on my blessings and emerging positives:

I started with a shift in perspective. In 2004, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and had to undergo ten months of grueling treatments. In comparison, wearing an Air Cast Boot for six weeks would be a cakewalk.

The injury was a minor sprain and not one that would require a hard cast and months of physiotherapy.

My extended health benefits covered 80 percent of the boot’s cost.

I was grateful for the elevator in my condo building and the well-maintained grounds that enabled me to walk freely and confidently.

Whenever I ventured outside, I had renewed appreciation for ramps, elevators, automatic doors, and main level entrances.

Wearing a boot slowed me down and made me more mindful of each action taken. If it wasn’t necessary or pleasant, I let it go.

After meeting with a foot specialist, I learned that improper footwear may have contributed to my Achilles tendon problem. I retired my heeled shoes and invested in Clarkes, Trotters, and Etonic running shoes. Whenever I wear my new shoes, I know that my feet and ankles are comfortable and well-supported.

Bliss!

A Season for Killing Blondes

Hours before the opening of her career counseling practice, Gilda Greco discovers the dead body of golden girl Carrie Ann Godfrey, neatly arranged in the dumpster outside her office. Gilda’s life and budding career are stalled as Detective Carlo Fantin, her former high school crush, conducts the investigation.

When three more dead blondes turn up all brutally strangled and deposited near Gilda’s favorite haunts, she is pegged as a prime suspect for the murders. Frustrated by Carlo’s chilly detective persona and the mean girl antics of Carrie Ann’s meddling relatives, Gilda decides to launch her own investigation. She discovers a gaggle of suspects, among them a yoga instructor in need of anger management training, a lecherous photographer, and fourteen ex-boyfriends.

As the puzzle pieces fall into place, shocking revelations emerge, forcing Gilda to confront the envy and deceit she has long overlooked.

Buy Links

paperback 

ebook 

#TRAVEL TO #SEDONA WITH AUTHOR JOANNE GUIDOCCIO

Joanne Guidoccio, author of paranormal romance, cozy mysteries and inspirational literature, makes reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. Learn more about her and her books at her website. 

The Perfect Setting: Sedona, Arizona

Ex-mermaid Barbara Davies accepts an invitation to spend a month in Sedona, hoping to escape from her shattered life in small town Ontario and reinvent herself once more.

Anything and everything is possible in this desert paradise.

Today, I’m sharing ten interesting (and not so well-known) facts about Sedona.

1. Sedona is also known as “Arizona’s Scenic Sensation,” “Sacred Land of the Native American Indians,” and “The Most Beautiful Place in America.”

2. The city was named after its first Postmaster’s wife, Sedona Miller Schnebly, a woman celebrated for her hospitality and industriousness.

3. More than 90 feature films have been shot either in full or in part in the Greater Sedona area. Some classics include Billy the Kid, Apache, and Broken Arrow.

4. These streets—Johnny Guitar, Pony Soldier, Gun Fury—were named after movies filmed in Sedona.

5. The main attraction is the stunning array of red sandstone formations known as the Red Rocks of Sedona. The color of the rocks comes from the iron oxide (rust) that has stained the formations over centuries.

6. One rock formation closely resembles the character Snoopy (Peanuts comic strip) lying on top of his doghouse. A nearby rock resembles Lucy, also from Peanuts. Other landmark rock formations include Coffeepot Rock, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Courthouse Butte, Mittens, Cow Pies, and Rabbit Ears.

7. When their trademark yellow arches clashed with the natural colors of the landscape, McDonald’s decided to use turquoise arches.

8. Sedona is well known for its spiritual vortexes. These swirling centers of subtle energy emanate from the earth’s surface, enabling more sensitive people to feel their effects for several days afterward.

9. Often referred to as a spiritual Disneyland, Sedona has attracted a large New Age community, bringing with it a variety of spiritual practices and alternative healing modalities.

10. Over four million people pass through Sedona each year, making it the most visited New Age pilgrimage destination in the United States.

The Coming of Arabella

Book Two of the Mediterranean Trilogy

On the day of her engagement party, an ex-mermaid’s life is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of another mermaid—a sister she has never known. Under normal circumstances, Barbara Davies would be overjoyed, but her special day is already wrought with tension. While Barbara is not the first mermaid from the Mediterranean kingdom to settle in small town Ontario, she has yet to reveal her origins to her fiancé. So when Arabella, the gorgeous sister whose disturbing black eyes banished her to the island of Crete, saunters into her life, clutching the arm of Barbara’s discarded lover, a powder keg of emotion is released.

Relationships falter and careers stall as envy stirs in the hearts of the sisters. On the verge of meltdown after her fiancé leaves Canada for a teaching job in Vermont, Barbara flees to Arizona hoping for a reprieve. There, she finds solace at a retreat for ex-mermaids and a second chance at love with a charismatic preacher. As she contemplates a new life in the desert paradise of Sedona, shocking secrets emerge and tragedy strikes. A stronger and wiser Barbara rises up to face these new challenges and embrace the best parts of her mermaid heritage.

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