My family and I have been working hard to mend our bad eating ways. It's a constant struggle and I am always on the look out for really easy and delicious recipes that also happen to be good for you. This chicken dish is by far one of our favorites and gets made often.

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Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. Boneless, skinless, split chicken breasts
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup all natural coarse grain mustard
• 7 Tbsp of honey
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Pinch of Chipotle pepper
• 2 green bell peppers
• 2 red bell peppers
• Cooking spray
• Fresh chopped parsley

Directions

• Mix in a medium bowl the garlic, mustard, honey, thyme and chipotle pepper. Mix in chicken and stir well to get the chicken covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for several hours to marinate. I stir the chicken every so often when I go to the refrigerator for a drink or a snack.
• When you are ready to prepare dinner, line a baking sheet with foil, mist with cooking spray and preheat oven to 375. 
• lay out sliced peppers on the baking sheet, then place marinated chicken on top. Bake in the oven until meat is at an internal temperature of 165 degrees (I am crazy faithful to my meat thermometer)
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve

*Please note this was originally a clean eating recipe that my family has altered, especially in the preparation process. But it's so good and people are always asking for the recipe. If you aren't feeding a large hungry family you might want to cut this recipe in half.

Cowboys aren’t always what they seem…They’re often so much more.

Sheriff Dane Carter was only looking for a cold one when he stepped into Duke’s Bar & Grill after a long shift but ended up finding trouble instead. From the moment he laid eyes on Tyler he’d known the man would be trouble. When a bar fight turns into an explosive sexual encounter, Tyler becomes an instant temptation he can’t afford. Then the real trouble begins.

Tyler Evans came to Chicory hoping for a chance to clean up his act and start over. In one night his new life begins to unravel. A harmless game of pool spirals out of control and he’s later accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Determined to prove his innocence, he decides to attach himself to the sheriff until they find the real culprit. If he happens to get his hands on the deliciously handsome man haunting his thoughts again–so be it.

When the situation turns dangerous, the tension between Dane and Tyler reaches the breaking point. In the heat of the moment Tyler goes too far and his hope for the future walks out the door, leaving him with a murky future at best.

~ ~~

www.evecassidy.com

I originally got this recipe from the LA Times Food page, but I’ve “improved” it a bit since then, adding the onions and potatoes and subtracting a bit of the complexity. This is a great thing to make if you have a hard time getting your kids to eat anything green, because the kale’s bitterness is really mitigated by the cheese sauce. My children are unusually adventurous when it comes to food, but this one is even a hit with the neighbor kids, who generally aren’t.

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Sausage-Kale-Potato Gratin

1-lb Italian sausage (you can use links, but you’ll have to skin them to crumble them when cooking)

1 cup sweet onion, chopped

4-5 small to medium potatoes, cooked through (I use the microwave) and cubed

½-¾ cup of white wine

2 bunches of kale (just the leaves) or 1 large bag of chopped kale (I get mine at Trader Joe’s)

Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

1 cup of bread crumbs

½ cup of parmesan cheese

For the sauce:

¾ stick of butter

3-4 tablespoons of flour

1 cup of milk

8 oz. goat cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Brown the sausage with the sweet onion in a frying pan until the sausage is cooked through. Add the cubed, cooked potatoes and sautee for another 5-10 minutes. Pour the white wine into the frying pan, add salt, pepper, paprika, and the kale, and cover. Cook until the kale is well-wilted. Set aside.

To make the sauce, create a roux by melting the butter and then stirring in the flour until blended. Pour in the milk and incorporate. As the mixture thickens, add in the goat cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated.

Pour the sausage-kale-potato mixture into a casserole dish, then pour the cheese sauce over it, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese over the top. Put the casserole dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Despite the old saw about third sons being destined for the church, no one ever expected the rakish, irresponsible Walter Langston to take up the collar, least of all himself. After an accident renders him unfit for military service, however, he has few other options. When he’s given the post of vicar at a parish church in a sleepy, coastal village, he’s convinced he’ll molder in obscurity. Instead, his arrival brings a sudden resurgence in church attendance…or at least, the attendance of female parishioners. As word of the eligible young vicar spreads, every well-heeled family for miles with a marriageable daughter fills his pews, aiming to catch his eye. Unfortunately for these hopeful members of his flock, Walter’s eye has already been caught—by the one woman who doesn’t come to church on Sundays.

Artemisia Finch left a lucrative career as a celebrated member of London’s demimondaine to care for her ailing father. Returning home hasn’t been easy, though, as her past isn’t even a well-kept secret in the village. When the new vicar arrives on her doorstep, Artemisia is determined to send him on his merry, pious way. But Walter Langston is nothing like any man of the cloth she’s ever known—he’s funny, irreverent, handsome, and tempting as sin. Falling in love with a vicar would be a very bad idea for a former courtesan. Why does this one have to be so hot under the collar?

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http://www.jackiebarbosa.com/

My recipe is SO easy I feel like I’m cheating. But I’m a busy mom and a busy writer, so that’s just the kind of meal I need! (Bonus, this is low fat and low calorie!)

I call this Salsa Chicken (inventive, yes?) and my whole family loves it!

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You need: 1lb-2lbs of chicken breasts. (it would work with a whole chicken, but I’m lazy and go with the trimmed, boneless skinless portion of the chicken)

1 Jar of salsa

Taco seasoning (to taste)

1/2 a cup of chicken broth (optional, I like it because chicken breasts can tend to get a little dry)

Put your chicken (it can even be frozen) in the crock pot along with the salsa, taco seasoning and broth and turn it on high. Cook it until it pulls apart easily with a fork, then shred it up. Serve with rice, on tortillas, in a bowl...however you like!

Beauty…

Princess Katharine has always been destined for a political marriage. Her heart heavy, she prepares to meet her future husband-the man whisperers in his royal kingdom call The Beast of Hajar…

…and the Scarred Sheikh…

Concealing his disfigurement from public scrutiny, Sheikh Zahir rules his country from within the castle walls, allowing no one in. Until duty demands he carry on the Hajar family dynasty and allow his new bride to cross the threshold.

Zahir expects Katharine to flee at first sight. Yet her unflinching gaze fires Zahir’s blood, and their attraction burns hotter than the scorching desert sands…

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You can find me on Twitter, where I am often inappropriate as maiseyyates or on my website www.maiseyyates.com

This is one of my favorite recipes from Better Foods & Gardens. The smoky flavor of the root beer makes for a yummy and easy marinade.

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Pulled Pork with Root Beer Sauce

1 - 21/2 to 3 lb pork sirloin roast

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cooking oil

2 medium onions cut into thin wedges

1 cup root beer*

2 tbsp minced garlic

3 cups root beer*

1 cup bottled chili sauce

Hamburger buns

1. Trim fat from meat. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. In large skillet brown meat on all sides. Drain off fat. Transfer meat to slow cooker. Add onions, root beer and garlic.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hrs or on high for 4-5 hrs.
3. For sauce combine the 3 cups root beer and the chili sauce. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Boil gently uncovered stirring occasionally about 30 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 2 cups. (It'll also turn a vibrant red color when done.)
4. Transfer meat to a cutting board. Using a slotted spoon remove onions from cooking juices and place on serving platter. Discard juices. Using 2 forks pull meat apart into shreds. To serve, if desired, line buns with lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Add meat and onions; top with sauce.

*Do not use diet root beer.

I personally don't make it with tomatoes and lettuce, but I've never tried it that way so maybe it's good. The sauce takes a while to make so don't underestimate that cooking time. Also if you don't think you'll need as much sauce you can reduce the ingredients, just keep the ratio at 3:1, root beer to sauce :)

Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party--while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for "seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive." Lauren can't take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.

But Jamie is a complicated man. He can't handle how desperately he wants her in his bed--and his life. It's up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.

~~ ~

www.gillianarcher.com

It's pasta that tastes like pizza! This is a great meal for using leftovers and always tastes great no matter what you throw in it.

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You'll need:

Pasta (fusilli is the best for this meal but you can use any kind)

Butter

Tomato Paste (or tomato puree)a

Garlic Paste (if desired)

Cheese

Salami/pepperoni/ham

Pineapple chunks

Boil enough pasta for every person you're feeding.

Once you've drained it add one tablespoon of butter, two tablespoons of tomato paste (If you don't have this, half a tin of tomato puree will work) Add garlic paste.

Mix well so all the pasta is coated.

Put in your desired "toppings". I usually have salami, pineapple and lots of cheese, but you can use anything you like. Mix it all together and add a sprinkle of parsley on top and serve.

 

 

All the email said was, “No looking, no touching and no underwear. See you at the park.” It was going to be a wild night….

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http://lexiedonovan.com

The recipe is for a single muffin so it's great when you want a little something sweet but healthy. Even my sons love them. If you want to make more than one, just increase the ingredients to make a larger batch. Enjoy!

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Banana Muffin for One

3 tbsp flour
1/2 tbsp sugar
1 heaping 1/16 tsp salt
1 1/2 heaping tbsp very ripe banana
1/4 tsp baking powder
Tiny pinch of baking soda
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 325. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl, the wet in another. Combine. Pour into a PAM-sprayed muffin pan. Cook for 10-14 minutes.

 

Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

~~~

www.NicoleZoltack.com

We're in WI and that means POTATOES, REAL CHEESE, AND REAL BUTTER. Margarine is akin to blasphemy. (Actually, the grandmas originally used LARD in some of the old recipes, but my mother-in-law wrinkled her nose and said butter works just fine & tastes better - and she's right.)

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CHEESY POTATOES

(The easy version - since NO ONE wants to sit there w/a pile of potatoes, a hunk of cheese & a cheese grater...)

1 lb frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)

1/2 tsp onion salt

1/2 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup (REAL) sour cream

1/4 cup REAL butter (regular/salted, not "sweet")

4 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

salt & pepper to taste

Preheat over to 375. Melt the butter in saucepan. Place hash browns in lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Top w/onion salt & shredded cheese. Mix butter, chicken soup & soup cream together, pour/spread over potato/cheese. Salt & pepper as you will. Cover & bake for 45 minutes. UNCOVER & continue to bake an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown...

(P.S. For family gathering might have to double or triple recipe/pans - I can't tell you how many it serves b/c portions are meaningless at potlucks!<LOL>)

The warrior in her was ready for anything. But she never saw him coming…

Guardians of Light, Book 5

Verdeen is on the brink of becoming an elite warrior ranger until the ultimate humiliation—no war mare chooses her for advanced training. King Loren’s consolation prize isn’t much better. Journey to the Isle of Ice as bodyguard to a human riever. Daq Aryk. Barbarian. Prince of thieves.

Aryk dreams the impossible: unite six fractious clans into a peaceful nation. Failure means they are all doomed to kill each other off—and the nightmares of his son’s death by sword will come true. The new elven ambassador rouses his ire, not because she’s female, but because she’s inexperienced. Her possibly needless death weighs on his already overburdened soul. Her beauty is a distraction he can’t afford.

In a fragrant, moonlit garden, Verdeen dares yield to an irresistible compulsion to kiss the mortal riever. The heat shakes her to the core, and frees a desire that should occur but once in her life. With a mate.

As their quest twists down ever more dangerous paths, though, their bond is the asset that could assure peace…or the liability that could send a dream down in flames.

Warning: This tale illustrates what happens when adventurous dreamer meets seen-it-all cynic. Contains hot, no-holds-barred sex, voyeurism and some self-loving. Also betrayal and some graphic (but never gratuitous) battle violence.

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http://www.reneewildes.net/

I don’t know about any of you, but I’m not a big fan of commercial salad dressings. So, I make my own special blends. For today I chose my favorite multicultural version, in that, it’s a cross between Greek and Italian with a little American ingenuity thrown in.

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Murphy’s Salad Dressing:

4 parts oil to one part each of vinegar and lemon juice. The oil I use is canola. Olive oil hardens in fridge so it’s not good to use, but you can use whatever oil you want besides OV. Unless you want to make it and use it all in the same day. *shrug* Then OV would be good. For me, I like to make up a big batch and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. As an additional note, Honey likes to use this as a marinade on veggies and steaks and stuff too.

Ingredients:

Aside from the oil, vinegar (you can use apple cider or white – I wouldn’t recommend balsamic it turns the dressing into a mud color) and lemon juice here’s the list.

First things first, find a good salad dressing jar. When you’ve got one, peel 5 cloves of garlic. Half them and put them in the jar.

Then we’ll add…Let’s start with nearly 2 cups of liquid – to include oil/vinegar and lemon juice at the 4/1/1 ratio. So, that would be 12ozs of oil and 2ozs of each lemon juice and vinegar. (Confession. I suck at math and if you want to know the honest truth, I never measure anything I just guesstimate. For you guys today? I sacrificed and got a headache working out all these figure so you’re welcome. ;))

Add your vinegar and lemon juice first. I don’t know why (I’m not a science buff, but I think the acid helps seal the garlic and lets the flavor out slowly) then add your oil.

Stir or shake in 2-3 Tablespoons of dry Italian herbs (you know, the kind you find with the spices – fresh ones break down too easily) and salt to taste. At least one teaspoon of salt. I mean it. This last is important. If your dressing tastes like watered down Yak pee you need to add more salt – don’t be afraid to, okay? Then refrigerate at least five hours before using.

That’s it. Here’s the key, though. THE most important thing to make this taste spectacular is you MUST wash and dry your lettuce at least two hours before serving. I then roll my leaves in paper towel and set them in the aluminum or glass bowl that I’m going to make the actual salad in. This chills the bowl and allows the lettuce to crisp up. Trust me it is SO worth the extra effort.

Hope you like it!

A tightly wound woman with a secret persona meets a prominent Dom who’s itching to unravel her.

When opportunity arises, renowned Dom Ethan White seizes the excuse and offers straitlaced Colin Reneaux an escape from her conventional life. Reluctant at first, she eventually agrees when offered a chance to explore her secret desires with BDSM tapas—small bites of erotic D/s scenarios featuring him as her captor, boss, interrogator, professor and Master. Each eye-opening and sex-fueled scene leaves her more breathless than the last.

Ethan’s surprised to find himself challenged by her strength. He quickly connects with her inner submissive, which draws them deeper into the D/s dynamic. Soon she becomes the woman he swore he’d never need and he, the Master she craves. Together they find the perfect balance… Until someone from Ethan’s past bent on revenge returns and he’s left with no choice. He must break Colin’s heart to free her from the vengeance that threatens her dream.

Unfortunately for him, she has other ideas. Like whose heart should break and who should ultimately surrender…

~~~

http://www.badboyscanbefun.com/

My mother raised seven kids on a budget. She often created new dishes out of leftovers or whatever might be in the cupboard and gave them exotic names to make us eat them. Special K Sandwiches are so good, I thought EVERYBODY had them growing up. I actually searched the web for a better picture of one for this post, but it seems they really are unique.  So pardon my cell phone picture of my not-the-best-batch of Special K Sandwiches

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Ingredients:

Special K Cereal (or any unsweetened flaky cereal) crushed

Eggs

Butter

Sliced bread (rye or pumpernickel are faves, but any firm bread works)

Sliced Muenster cheese

Deli meats (I like corned beef, but again, any meat is good. The picture shows turkey.)

Mustard/Mayo

You'll notice I didn't specify any quantities. That's because this is the first time ever this recipe has been written down, and we usually just wing it.

Heat the butter in a frying pan on medium heat. (I think. I wing that too. I'm not the best cook.) Mix the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip one side of the the bread in the egg mixture, then into the crushed cereal, and fry (like French toast). Repeat for second slice of bread. As it's cooking, load the top of one side with meats and cheese. As the crispy coating cooks, and cheese melts, add mayo and mustard to taste. When the egg coating is cooked, just close the sandwich and you're done!

Kids love helping this process (but it's messy!) and mine love the sandwiches.

Elise Vickerson waited a long time to gather the courage to flee her abusive marriage. To stay beyond his reach permanently, though, will take money. Getting it will take months of backbreaking labor to resurrect then sell her inherited Wyoming ranch.

With her future hanging in the balance, and her bruises still fresh, Elise will never again play doormat for any man. Except a cowboy from the neighboring spread has a way of firing her imagination—and her temper.

The news of Elise’s arrival sends Cody Campbell tearing through his files for the proof that the Vickerson ranch belongs to him. He’ll have to cool his boot heels until his father returns with the papers, but at least the view is fine—the beautiful, prickly Elise ignites a desire that’s hard to resist.

Elise tries her best to ignore her handsome neighbor, but his kisses, his arms make her feel something she hasn’t felt in a long time. Safe. As long as the spectre of her past lurks in every shadow, though, security—and any hope for a future with Cody—can never be hers.

~~~

http://alannacoca.com