I love Christmas, and I love my holiday junk food. This particular recipe I found is on its encore year, and will most likely be used again next season!

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Reese’s Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients the recipe calls for:

2 cups of flour

¾ cup of cocoa

1 tsp. of baking soda

1 tsp. of salt

1 ¼ cup of butter

2 cups of sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. of vanilla

1 2/3 cups Reese’s peanut butter chips

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until they’re well-blended. Note: It’ll look like scrambled eggs.
3. Add in the eggs and the vanilla, then beat again.
4. Slowly add in the flour/cocoa/baking soda/salt mixture, beating.
5. Add in the peanut butter chips.
6. Drop a spoonful of the mixture onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for eight or nine minutes. The cookies will be gooey when you get them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up soon after.
7. Let them cool, and eat!

When Reeko - eldest prince of his realm - saw the battle in the distance, he ordered his fellow dragons to hurry toward the scene, determined to offer assistance to the fairy kingdom under attack. He had no way of knowing that, in doing so, he would seal his fate as the ruler of a new kingdom in the lands separating the two species with a fairy as his queen. A crown was one thing, but a fairy bride? The thought disgusted him, until she entered the banquet hall. With her beauty and the mischief sparkling in her eyes… Maybe this union wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Although the fairy princess knew Reeko would choose his bride that night, Kiara gave it little thought when she entered the room of the feast. Young, headstrong, and impish even by fairy standards, only a crazy man would select her from among her sisters. So when the prince made his decision – her – she’d been nothing short of stunned. She was to be a queen? A dragon’s bride? What worse hand could life have possibly dealt her?

(A prequel story to The Division Chronicles)

~ ~ ~

http://clsmithbooks.blogspot.com/

This was one of the recipes that they taught us in eighth grade Home Ec class (I bet they don't call it home ec anymore). We all took Home Ec and we all took Shop. All I remember from either are these pinwheels (and making ninja death stars in Shop that were masquerading as Christmas ornaments.) They're simple and yummy, but they don't keep very well -- eat them hot or within a few hours of cooking for tastiest results.

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Butterscotch Pinwheels

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Roll dough to a 12-inch square on a lightly floured surface.

Spread dough with butter; sprinkle with brown sugar. Spread raisins or nut over dough if wanted (I like it with raisins.) Roll up jellyroll fashion; pinch seam to seal.

Cut into 12 (1-inch) slices. Place cut side up on greased pan.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Will’s a widower with three little girls, including six month old twins, to look after. Most days it’s all Will can do just to get home from his advertizing job in time for goodnight kisses, but now his mother-in-law is leaving the country with her new boyfriend and Will needs the help of a professional nanny.

Benji loves being a nanny; looking after other people’s kids is the next best thing to having his own, and as a gay man, he figures it’s as close as he’s going to get. He’s between jobs and is thrilled when he gets the call from Mannies Incorporated to interview with Will's family.

He falls in love with the girls right away, but also finds himself attracted to their father. Benji knows he shouldn’t moon over his boss, especially when Will desperately really needs his services as a nanny, but he can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a family of his own.

~ ~ ~

http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com/

Do you like peanut butter cookies? What about chocolate? Yes, then I have the cookie for you. May I introduce the “Spangle” Cookie…

½ cup butter

½ cup peanut butter

½ cup white sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

Chocolate of your choice. Hersey’s kisses, hugs, or chocolate stars work the best.

Cream together butter, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Add in flour, soda and salt. Roll into medium balls and then roll in white sugar (this is over and above the ½ cup in the recipe). Place on cookie sheet. Bake 8 – 10 minutes at 375°. As soon as you take them from the oven place chocolate of your choice on each one, pushing down gently. Put back into oven and bake again for 2 – 3 minutes. Remove to cool and enjoy.

Marina Jamison is a mystery. As a half-breed shapeshifter, she lives on the fringe of were-jaguar society. Though her love for pride leader Bastian LaRue is forbidden, she finds herself tied to him by a bond stronger than their individual wills, a psychic link born from their one-night stand. When her secret is revealed, she is scorned and excluded. Neither Bastian nor the pride can accept a half-breed queen.

~ ~ ~
www.serenashay.com

Happy Holidays peeps! This time of year makes me eager for this warm dessert. While it takes a little bit to make, I promise you, the work is totally worth it! Not to mention, the butterscotch is to die for.

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HOLIDAY BREAD PUDDING

IN MIXING BOWL ADD

· 6 EGGS

· ½ TSP SALT

· 1 CUP SUGAR

· ¼ TSP NUTMEG

· ¼ TSP CINNAMON

· 1 oz. BAILEY’S

· WITH A WHISK, MIX INGREDIANTS.

· POUR IN 1 L OF 10% CREAM

· MIX IN WITH EGG MIXTURE

· 8 CUPS OF 1 INCH CUBED BREAD

· ADD 1 DICED GRANNY SMITH APPLE, 1 CUP OF DRIED CRANBERRIES

· SOAK BREAD IN EGG MIXTURE FOR 1 HRS

· GREASE 11X8 BAKING DISH

13X9 BAKING DISH – FILL ¼ OF THE WAY WITH HOT WATER, THEN PLACE 11X8 BAKING DISH INSIDE, PLACE IN A 350 DEGREE PRE-HEATED OVEN FOR 50 MINUTES

BUTTER SCOTCH

4 OZ OF BUTTER, MELTED

2TBSP OF CORN SYRUP

2/3 CUPS OF BROWN SUGAR

STIR UNTIL MIXTURE IS COMBINED & SMOOTH

INCORPORATE 2/3 CUP OF 35% CREAM

MIX WELL

Bastian Wycliffe, the Earl of Wendelhem, has finally moved on…or so he thought. En-route to a hunting trip after over-indulging the night before, he endures a frightful and terribly embarrassing swoon. He’s seen a ghost and her name is Cordelia Waite, the Duchess of Downsbury.

Mrs. Weylen, formerly a duchess, has a secret. All it took was the chance meeting in the inn that fateful night for her memories to come back and haunt her. She makes haste returning to London incognito with the intent to clear up misconceptions and to deliver an ultimatum to her former lover.

Yet, when a new found obsession refuses to accept the truth, and her imprisoned husband discovers she’s still alive, their lives and relationship may be in danger. Second chances have never been more precarious.

Warning: This book has elements of: light bondage, and ménage.

~ ~ ~

http://laynapimentel.com

This is a family favorite we like to call, “Accident Chicken over White Rice”

~ ~ ~

5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Lawyer’s Season Salt

Pink Himalayan Salt

Black Pepper

Onion Powder

Maple Syrup

Uncle Bens White Rice Boil in a bag

Foil

Baking Pan *glass pan if possible*

Pot

Pre-heat your Oven to 350 degrees

*This recipe will work better if baked in a clear glass dish.*

Chicken Prep

Line your glass pan with foil, (this is so the syrup doesn’t stick to your pan). Arrange the chicken in the pan and lightly season chicken with, pepper, season salt, pink salt, and onion powder on both sides of the chicken breast. Once that is complete get your maple syrup and drizzle it across each chicken breast. I like to do this in a zig zag motion. You don’t want to completely cover your chicken in syrup. This will cause all the season to roll right off.

Cover you chicken with foil and then place in the oven for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees. If you have an electric stove I would take it down to 325 and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Wait about 20 minutes before you start the rice. This way the rice will still be nice and fresh when you pull it out of the bag. Boil your water in a pot. Small, medium, or large. Depending on the amount of people you are serving. I serve 5 people so I use two bags of rice. Once the water is starts to boil place the bag of rice in the water and let it boil for the allotted time on the box. 7-10 minutes.

Your chicken and rice should be done within minutes of each other.

Place rice on a plate and one chicken breast over the plate of rice. I usually serve this with a side of veggies and crescent rolls.

*There is no need to butter, salt, or sugar your rice. The maple syrup from the chicken will give the rice the extra flavor it needs. No doctoring required*

Old earth has been deemed unsuitable for life, New Earth is home. With the Uni-Wars over, races have joined together in order to sustain their way of life. All life was considered worth saving, but only one race failed to submit. Humans.

Now extinct, humans are a thing of the past. The people of New Earth won’t acknowledge their hand in their eradication, but they have benefited from it. Dr. Vaggo Blackmore has found the answer, he’s restored his races way of life- sustenance through farming. The one thing that will give them back their long lives….. Blood, human blood.

Biologically engineered in a lab, Genesis Blackmore has always been different. Her father has told her it’s due to her enhancements, the Federated Council sees her as a genetic mutation; and her fellow peers see her as the shiny new toy. Gen has had better days.

Everyone on New Earth has milky white skin, platinum blonde hair, and electric blue eyes. It’s the norm. Genesis’ glossy, black hair, ice blue eyes ringed by gold, would have almost made her socially acceptable- if it wasn’t for her golden skin and blue, gold veins. In a sea of milky white she alone is the dark anomaly.

All Pars get their life’s nourishment through blood plasma. All Pars find their match through the tasting. Gen can do neither, forbidden by her father to do so. She can neither taste, nor be tasted. Something that’s never bothered her until now.

~ ~ ~

www.authortigriseden.com

 

I’m happy to be here today to share a favorite recipe for the holidays. Easy peasy to prepare. You can vary using saltines, graham crackers, or even chocolate graham crackers. Peanut butter chips can also be substituted for chocolate chips and almonds or walnuts sprinkled on top. Once you taste the toffee-like confection, you’ll find it addicting hence the “crack” label.

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CHRISTMAS CRACK

Melt two sticks of unsalted butter in a sauce pan (1 cup of butter)

Mix in one cup of light brown sugar. Stir till it's all mixed and melted together.

Line a cookie sheet with tin foil and rub with butter. Don't spray with Pam because that's just gross. =)

Lay out graham crackers on the foil, enough to cover it all.

Pour the melted butter/brown sugar mix over it, distributing as evenly as you can.

Pour a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the whole thing. 

Put in a 350 oven for about 12 minutes, until the chocolate chips start to melt.

Then pull it out and use a spatula to spread the chips into a layer of chocolate. 

Place the cookie sheet in the fridge or freezer until it all hardens, then crack it up into bite-sized pieces.

YUMMY!!!

While on temporary assignment to South Korea in 1966, Major Ace Cabot meets Lily Reed, a Department of Army civilian at Eighth Army Headquarters.

A high-potential career officer, Ace knows he should resist the temptation of any woman, but Lily stirs feelings he can’t ignore.

She’s a firm supporter of the budding women’s lib movement with no room in her plans for any man. No matter how captivating his smile.

In an uncertain time, yielding to temptation changes both lives forever.

~ ~ ~

http://www.judythemorgan.com/

Making pralines, a gooey pecan-embedded caramel concoction, is a Christmas tradition in many kitchens in the South. Cookbook author Nathalie Dupree wrote in Southern Memories: "I can't imagine a world without pralines."

This family recipe for pralines appears in the print edition of my Christmas romance Nobody's Cinderella which will be available in mid-December. Luckily, you get it now.

~ ~ ~

Magic Christmas Pralines Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk or  ½ cup of each
2 tablespoons butter
2 ½ cups pecans

Equipment:
Heavy saucepan or skillet
Candy thermometer
Silicone mat or parchment paper
a Tablespoon

Procedure:
Place sugar and cream in the heavy bottomed pot. Turn on the heat and stir to mix. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cook over medium heat until the candy thermometer registers 238 degrees.

Stir well and continue cooking until candy thermometer registers 245 degrees.

Remove from heat. Quickly spoon the hot mixture onto a silicone mat or a sheet or parchment paper.

The pralines will spread and crystallize as they cool.
When they are completely cool, wrap each piece individually in a piece of wax paper -- or small paper doily if you want to package them for a gift. Store in an airtight container.

Darcy is the oldest cliche in the world--a woman in love with her boss. Other than that, she's no-nonsense, practical, mature, and sober. She's the kind of woman Chase Whitaker wants as head of accounting for his company. She's definitely not the kind of woman he wants in his bed.

Blessed with a killer hoop shot instead of feminine wiles, thanks to her 3 brothers, she hasn't a clue as to how to attract Chase's interest. She's nothing like the swinging hotties that he dates, but Darcy's meddling, matchmaking best friend has a plan to transform Darcy into the ultimate hottie--just the kind of woman Chase likes. All it takes? A couple of little lies. And a wish on a Christmas star.

The lies turn out to be not so little, and Darcy gets way more than she bargained for. You know what they say about wishes? Be careful what you wish for.

~ ~ ~

http://www.JoanReeves.com

http://SlingWords.blogspot.com

Rob Frietag also loves the beer brewing business and when he returns, after a few jobs in a brewery, he opens his own brew pub in downtown Ann Arbor with his lover/partner, Blake Thornton.

Rob later goes on to host his own successful “Brew Chef Rob” show on the Food Network….but that’s all in the book!

So….I’m letting ROB share his favorite beer-influenced Thanksgiving recipe! This is one that I’m lucky enough to have sampled, thanks to a spouse who loves to cook (but rarely has time)….

~ ~ ~

Beer Brined Turkey

Beer Brine Ingredients:

4 QuartsBeer*

4 QuartsIce or Water

2 Cup Kosher Salt

1 Cup Sugar

4 Each Bay Leaves

3 BunchThyme, fresh

3 Each Yellow Onion, peeled and chopped

3 Stalks Celery, sliced

3 Each Carrots, peeled and sliced

2 Each Lemon, quartered

4 Each Garlic Cloves, peeled and sliced

1 Each Turkey, preferably free range

Brine Option 1:

If you have planned ahead, this option will give you more flavors as the sugar and salt crystals completely dissolve.  In a large pot, add beer, salt, sugar, bay leaves, thyme, onion, celery, carrots, lemon and garlic.  Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes and remove from heat.  Add the ice or cold water; it will help cool the brine solution.  Refrigerate for 1 hour or until brine is well chilled. 

Brine Option 2:

In a large container or a cleaned ice cooler, add all the ingredients (water instead of ice) except the chicken or turkey; mix well. 

Brine Instructions:

Use either a large 3-4 gallon container or a cleaned ice cooler and add the turkey, then top off with the brine (for the ice cooler, add a few zip lock bags full of ice).  Place in the refrigerator or ice cooler for 24-48 hours.

Oven Cooking Instructions:

Follow either brine option 1 or 2.  Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.  Remove the turkey from the brine and dry well.  This will help the browning of the skin, as moisture will steam instead of roast the turkey.  Truss the bird with twine, to help hold its shape and to aid in cooking the turkey evenly.  I highly recommend using a temperature probe to make sure the turkey is cooked to a certain temperature (165°F) vs a length of time.  If you don’t have a probe, a16-20 pound turkey should take between 3.5 and 4 hours to fully cook at this temp.  Check both the breast and the thigh temperature to make sure the turkey is evenly cooked. 

Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.  This will help the keep a moist turkey by letting the meat relax and re-distribute its juices. 

Smoking Instructions:

Instead of using an oven, use a smoker and keep the temperature at 250°F until the internal temp is 165°F.  For wood chips, I would recommend Apple, Pecan or Cherry wood chips soaked for 30 minutes in the same beer you used in the brine.

· For Beer, my suggestions are: Oktoberfest, Hefeweizen, Bock, Pale Ale, or Brown Ale.  You may use a Stout or Porter if you wish, just cut the brine time to 6 hours or the bird will just taste like a Stout or Porter.

For years, Rob Freitag has resisted anything resembling a true emotional connection, preferring instead to explore life and his own desires without committing to anyone for very long. While he is close to achieving his career goal as head chef of a five-star restaurant in Chicago, he is still very much alone.

Blake Thornton’s heart has been shattered by an intensely emotional relationship with Suzanne Baxter in Ann Arbor. When the two men meet, their lives are changed forever. But time is of the essence for Rob and when he acknowledges his true feelings, he will stop at nothing to keep them together, including finding a surrogate mother for the child Blake so desperately wants.

Lila Warren is recovering from a nasty divorce, needs cash and believes carrying their baby will fulfill her in ways her marriage never did. None of them suspect that the connection they share will provide the final emotional key to their life-long puzzle. When Rob’s secret is revealed, time becomes the one luxury they don’t have, setting in motion a chain of events that shatters the fragile illusion of happiness for them, and everyone around them

~ ~ ~

www.lizcrowe.com

www.brewingpassion.com

Thank you for having me as a guest today! Have you ever had a craving for a moist, flavorful chocolate cake but … you didn’t have the ingredients? Well, here’s a great recipe for chocolate cake and it doesn’t require butter, eggs or milk.

~ ~ ~

Poor Man’s Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 375. Cooking time 25-35 minutes.

2/3 cup cocoa

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

2 t baking soda

4 t baking powder

Dash salt

Mix dry ingredients together.

Add:

1 cup oil

2 cups water

1 t vanilla

1 t white vinegar

Fits one 9 x 13 pan.

Super easy right? The cake is really good. I just eat it plain! You could certainly make an easy frosting for it with cream cheese or butter and powdered sugar.

Dominating BDSM Billionaires - The Complete Series Bundle

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His Need, Her Desire

Tabitha didn't come to Hawaii to be spanked, but that's the cost of being saved from drowning by Marcus and the start of an affair so intense they must decide - is this a holiday fling or the real thing?

His Desire, Her Surrender

Tabitha Quinn's Hawaii vacation was anything but ordinary. Dominant billionaire Marcus Granger saved her life, swept her into his bed, and then left her heartbroken. Now she's back in New York, and she'll never see Marcus again ... or will she?

Her Wish, His Command

Doctor Anna Foster may just get what she wants: sexy fellow researcher Jonah Granger. Now that they've admitted their attraction, Anna may even be able to tell him what she really wants: to submit to him.

His Passion, Her Temptation

Monica Granger and Ben Coron must thwart the takeover and heal the rift between their families. If they don't, they'll never trust one another enough to pursue the dominance and submission they both need.

~ ~ ~

http://www.maliamallory.com

This recipe has been in my family for at least three generations, maybe more. While not a huge lover of what others call fudge, this recipe is one I make every year… and eat most of it too.

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GG's Fudge

1 c walnuts, chopped	1 12 oz pckg semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cube (1/4 lb) margarine, cut in eights	2 c sugar
1 small can (2/3 c) evaporated milk	10-14 regular-size marshmallows

Place nuts, chocolate chips and margarine in large mixing bowl. Set aside.

IN sauce pan, combine sugar, milk and marshmallows. Bring to a slow boil, stirring constantly. Once it begins to bubble, slow boil for 6 minutes.

Pour milk mixture over chocolate mixture and mix with wooden spoon until it starts to firm up and lose some of its sheen. Then pour over buttered sheet or plate so that it can finish setting up. Cut into pieces.

Give some to your friends – if there is any left.

Thrilled to be spending her summer interning at the world’s largest erotic library, Serendipity Jones feels it cannot get any better than sun, sand, and the beautiful castle the library is housed in. Within days of her arrival, strange things begin to occur that only she knows of. Erotic sounds come from within the library when nobody else is around, the books won't open, and a strange man seems to be plaguing her steps.

At first annoyed by the imposing taciturn man, she finds herself attracted and quickly falls in love with Joshuan even though he is meant for another. On a quest to find the woman foretold in a prophecy from his world, he is at first annoyed at Seri who keeps getting in his way before coming to enjoy her company and falling in love with her. But their short love affair must come to an end. For the woman foretold will be found as the sun goes silent and the solar eclipse comes quickly.

~ ~ ~

http://www.thiannad.com/

Around the holidays, I love to bake these yummy cinnamon rolls. They are absolutely irresistible, my family devours them in minutes, and they are super easy to make. This is perfect for any Sunday, the morning after Thanksgiving, or Christmas day.

~ ~ ~

Irresistible Cinnamon Rolls

FILLING:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup finely chopped apple (peeled and cored first) I like to use Gala or Honeycrisp

1/4 cup chopped dried cherries

2/3 stick butter, softened

DOUGH:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup maple syrup

ICING:

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Brush a 9-inch cake pan with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter or use Pam baking spray.

Make the dough. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the buttermilk, syrup, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, and stir until just combined. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until smooth (it will still be very soft and a little sticky). Place in a lightly floured bowl, cover, and chill for 20 minutes.

This is the perfect time to make the filling. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped apples and chopped dried cherries. Set aside. You’ll use the softened butter later.

Once the dough is chilled, flatten into a rectangle about 12 X 8 inches on a lightly floured surface. Spread 2/3 cup softened butter across top and then evenly sprinkle the filling, leaving less than a 1/2 inch around the edge. Press the filling down to pack it on top of the dough.

Starting on the long edge, tightly roll up the dough. Try to be gentle as this will likely stick to the counter a bit. Pinch the seam closed and lay the log seam side down. Cut into 8 even pieces, and transfer each roll to the prepared cake pan. Brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Bake for 20 to 23minutes, until golden brown.

Make the icing while rolls are baking. Combine icing ingredients with an electric mixer until fluffy. Once rolls are done, place a plate on top of pan and flip over. Frost the rolls with the icing. You can also ice rolls while in the pan. Serve warm.

In their bleakest hour, the price of redemption could be the death of their love.

Kindred Chronicles, Book 2

Before Serenity and Cyrus can embark on a romantic honeymoon, one of their gifts from an immortal comes to life and unleashes a devastating series of events that forces them to make an unthinkable sacrifice. To undo the evil of dark magic, Serenity must travel to the immortals’ hold in Iceland. Alone.

Her journey leads to an island shrouded in mystery, where secrets from her past come to light…and she forms an inexplicable connection with a handsome, tempting healer who may pose the greatest risk of all.

Cyrus comes close to unraveling without his mate, but refuses to let honor or duty keep them apart, even if it means the bloodshed of his own kinsmen.

As the Great Council prepares to convene to determine their fate, friends become enemies, enemies become allies, and soul mates are pushed right to the edge—where love and faith is their only hope of survival.

~ ~ ~

www.IsisRushdan.com

From my best friend’s Grand Mother’s recipe box. They are a sweet indulgence that will make you swoon!

~ ~ ~

Romance Cookies

Bottom layer:

1 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups flour (all purpose white)

1 tsp. salt
Cream butter and sugar, add salt and flour. Dough will be flaky. 

Spread out in an ungreased 15x10 cookie sheet. 

Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.

Topping:

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

2 Tbls. flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 cup coarsely ground walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Beat eggs until fluffy. 

3. Add brown sugar, flour, baking powder and vanilla. 

4. Fold in coconut and nuts.

5. Spread mixture over top of bottom layer and bake another 20 minutes.

6. Let cool and cut into squares.  Dust with powdered sugar.

The magic of Christmas is in the memories we hold dear and those precious treasures that remind us of the past. Join us as our Timeless Keepsakes take us on five remarkable journeys that heal old wounds, remind us of days gone by, play matchmaker, sweep us back in time and prove that love can conquer all.

~~~~~~~

Introduction ~ Sharon Sala

Mistletoe and Magick ~ Ruth A. Casie

She would give her last breath for him. He would give up everything to guard her well and love her more.

Christmas Spirits ~ Lita Harris

A widow's everlasting love is renewed by the memories of the holiday season.

Granting Her Wish ~ Emma Kaye

She doesn't belong in his time and he doesn't belong back home. Could they belong to each other?

Letter from St. Nick ~ Nicole S. Patrick

She’s trying to save her home and he’s never had one until now. Can an unexpected gift lead their hearts to the same place?

Secret Santa ~ Julie Rowe

A nurse grieving the death of her twin brother receives an unusual gift at the staff Secret Santa party: the bullet that killed him along with a message of hope and love.

~ ~ ~

www.RuthACasie.com

www.TimelessScribes.com

The recipe I’m sharing is one that I make quite often. My husband calls it Stovetop Lasagna. I always refer to it as Homemade Hamburger Helper.

~ ~ ~

Souper Skillet Pasta

1 pouch Onion Soup Mix

1 lb Ground Beef

1 tsp oregano

1 can (28oz approx.) Tomatoes, undrained

2 cups Water (I always add more)

2 cups Uncooked Medium Shell Macaroni (I add more of this, too. Makes it go farther. Plus, I use whole wheat rotini or bowtie noodles, instead.)

1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

In a large frying pan, brown beef then drain. Add onion soup mix, oregano, tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir in parmesan cheese and top with mozzarella cheese.

He fills her with forbidden longing…

Widowed for over a year, Sera longs for the company of her younger, sexier neighbor, the one man she can never have—unless she plans to rob the cradle. It’s too dangerous…

She’s the only one for him…

Adam never wanted to settle down…until Sera. But even when her children give him the green light, he must prove age is an alien concept...

Will Sera give him a chance, or will Adam be left in the cold, never more than her alien admirer?

~ ~ ~

jessicasubject.com

 

My family likes this recipe so much that I make it all year long. When I don't have leftover turkey, I simply substitute shredded chicken breasts. I frequently double the recipe and freeze one for later.

~ ~ ~

Turkey/Chicken Tetrazzini with a New Mexican Twist

Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat fusilli/spiral pasta (or whatever pasta you have in the pantry)

2 cups shredded cooked turkey or chicken

3 tablespoons butter

1 onion chopped

2 cups shredded Cheddar/Jack cheese

2 cups half and half

2 oz jar diced pimentos, drained, or ¼ cup chopped roasted red bell peppers

4 oz can chopped green chile, drained (I use mild, but if you'd like something spicy, try medium or hot.)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1-2 cups fried onions (Although, I've made it without these when I don't have them.)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Cook pasta according to instructions. Drain and spread in 9x13 pan. Mix in shredded turkey or chicken.

Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add cheese, half and half, and pimentos or roasted red bell peppers, green chile, salt and pepper. Stir until thoroughly heated. Pour into pan with pasta and turkey/chicken.

Sprinkle fried onions on top. (If freezing, put the fried onions in a Ziploc and freeze with casserole. After thawing the Tetrazzini, sprinkle the fried onions on top.)

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Hailey Anderson's deep, dark secret? She's been madly in lust with her overprotective brother's two best friends for years. Gorgeous woodworking artist Mark Allen and sexy doctor Tony Adamo have no idea they star in her fantasies every night.

After a nasty breakup with her abusive boyfriend, Hailey's looking for a little distance. Headed for a two-week Hawaiian vacation with her brother and his hot friends, Hailey can't wait to feast her eyes on Mark's and Tony's rock-hard, ocean-slick bodies. Even if she can't touch.

But instead of treating her like their little sister, Mark and Tony have a surprising proposition: a monogamous ménage à trois. The three of them—and no one else. Both men want Hailey and have agreed to share her. The red-hot reality is even better than the forbidden fantasy. Until Hailey's ex threatens their newfound happiness…

I’m an “everything but the kitchen sink” kind of cook and I love using my crockpot! A fave meal to do in the crockpot is Chicken Alfredo with Fettucine. I don’t use a recipe since it’s everything but the kitchen sink thrown in but here are my process/items I use (never the same twice LOL) to feed a family of 5.

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Ingredients:

5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2-3 jars of Classico Alfredo (roasted garlic or original)

900g pkg of Fettucine noodles

Butter

Peppers, onion, garlic

Process:

1. Add chicken and alfredo sauce to crockpot.

2. Add peppers, onions, garlic for seasoning.

3. Cook all day – five hours is good too.

4. Once ready to cook noodles, boil for 15 mins in pot of water.

5. Strain noodles once cooked, let sit about 5 mins, then spread 2 tblsp of butter over noodles.

6. Cut chicken breasts into small chunks.

7. Dish up noodles and chicken onto each plate, then spread alfredo sauce over top.

8. Ready to eat!

Side dish can be whatever you want it to be. Often times, my kids prefer broccoli.

Bridget Guthrie and Zander Hudson have worked at Club Splendor together for years, sharing smoldering glances, flirting, and building a friendship. Thanks to the club’s strict policy of no staff fraternization, they’ve resisted how much they truly want each another.

With Bridget leaving to explore her dreams, they no longer have to hide their passions. After hours, in one of the pleasure rooms at Club Splendor, they finally give in to the burning desire they’ve held at bay for too long. She’s taken care of other people’s love lives for so long while at the club, can she find the courage to take care of her own needs and fantasies?

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www.kaceyhammell.com

Before she passed away, my husband's grandma gave each of the "kids" a notebook of family recipes. Her sister-in-law Hazel made these apple squares, and they're a great fall recipe, with apples being in season.

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Hazel’s Apple Squares

2-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup + 1 Tbsp butter

1 egg yolk + enough milk added to = 2/3 cup together

1 cup crushed corn flakes

8 cups apples

2-1/2 cups sugar (more if the apples are a "sour" variety)

1 tsp cinnamon

powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 400.

Combine flour, salt, butter, egg and milk. Divide into 2 equal parts. Roll one part to fit a jellyroll pan. Slice apples and toss w/cinnamon & sugar. Place corn flakes on the rolled crust. Add apple mixture. Roll out second half of dough and place over apples. Do NOT make slits in crust. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Cool. Top with sprinkling of powdered sugar. Cut into squares.

When park ranger Cheyenne Rafferty’s truck is destroyed by an earthquake, she doesn't think her day can get any worse. Until she runs afoul of a demon from the ancient past - and the compelling warrior who followed it forward in time.

Hero Marek awakens 2000 years in the future, to a world all but incomprehensible. Sent to teach modern warriors to combat the Reynak, he now finds the demon the only thing familiar. His people and their epic struggle have been lost to the passage of time. The only one willing to help him is a daughter of the earth, a beautiful shifter woman with the heart of a wolf.

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http://reneewildes.net

When it comes to quick and popular desserts, nothing's sweeter than a chocolate pie. Here's an updated version of my mother's old-fashioned chocolate custard. Just pour into a pre-baked pie shell for a quick and delicious "homemade" chocolate pie. Enjoy!

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2 cups milk

3/4 cup sugar

3 tbsp. cocoa

2 tbsp. flour

1 egg

2 tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine milk, sugar, cocoa, flour and egg in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for four to seven minutes, stirring every minute until mixture is thick.

Add butter and vanilla. Stir and pour into prepared pie shell. Refrigerate at least two hours before serving.

Welcome to Union

Population: 994

Town motto: Where no secret goes untold

His father’s death forces Dr. Ryan Williams to return to the home—and the woman—he’d left behind ten years earlier. Ryan knows it’s best to avoid Union sweetheart and police officer Emily Winters during his visit. But how? Stuck in this small town, fighting an attraction that hasn’t diminished over time, the sparks are unavoidable—and so are the rumors. The same rumors that made him leave Union in the first place…

Experience taught Emily to keep her guard—and her panties—up. Until Ryan returns as suddenly as he left, tempting her with promises she already knows he can’t keep. Or so she thinks. This new adult Ryan is one capable of forever and, God-willing, forgiveness. Because even as they learn to trust and love each other again, Emily knows once she reveals her secret, heartbreak is inevitable.

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www.tinaevaughn.com

Sweet and sinful, these Blondies are sure to please! Enjoy them at the holidays, or any time you need an indulgent pick-me-up.

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Pete Mancuso’s Blondies

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted

2 cups light brown sugar (packed)

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 ½ cups (okay to eyeball this) store bought caramel topping

1 ½ cups thin twisty pretzels, broken into pieces

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with cooking spray, leaving some overhang on either side. Set pan aside. Spread pecans in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake until just fragrant, about 4-5 minutes (this releases lots of flavor—don’t be tempted to skip this step!) Remove and cool. Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together into a small bowl and set aside. Using a mixer, combine melted butter and brown sugar until it resembles wet sand (I promise it will taste better than that). Making sure the mixture has cooled from melting the butter, slowly incorporate eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour mixture in small increments, scraping down sides as needed. This mixture will be thick. Your mixer may protest a little. That’s okay!

Stir in pecans by hand and spread mixture in prepared pan with an offset spatula (or you can put a little cooking spray on your hands and press it into place) Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown. A cake tester should come up essentially clean, with maybe a crumb or two. These are meant to be slightly gooey in the middle. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for ten minutes. Lift out of pan to cool completely. Remove and discard parchment.

Once cool, carefully slide the blondie sheet back into the 9x13 pan. Top with caramel topping and refrigerate 30 minutes, until set. Just before serving, top with pretzel bits. Slice into bars and serve to the one you love! Yield depends on how big you like your blondies. Approximately 3 dozen bars.

When caterer Lily Callahan goes up against hotshot pastry chef Pete Mancuso in the bake-off of the season, the stakes are high--and scandalously passionate. Will the gorgeous gourmand steal Lily's heart--and the top prize in the Christmas cookie competition?

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www.kimberlykincaid.com

It’s October. A great month, filled with apples and pumpkins and things a little eerie, a little smoldering. (Not unlike my books!) Celebrate the spooky season with this yummy, decadent dessert.

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Bread Pudding:

1 loaf eggy, challah-type bread or brioche, cubed

1 15-oz can pure pumpkin puree

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups milk

1/2 cup candied ginger, chopped

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

2 tbsp rum

Pinch of salt

1. Whisk together all ingredients except bread and candied ginger.

2. Mix in bread cubes

3. Fold in candied ginger

4. Pour into baking dish

5. Let sit 10 minutes to soak bread.

6. Place baking dish on cookie sheet.

7. Bake in 350° oven for 50 minutes, until inserted knife comes out clean.

8. Cut bread onto dessert plates and drizzle with Hot Buttered Rum Sauce

Hot Buttered Rum Sauce

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp dark rum

1. Melt butter in medium sauce pan.

2. Whisk in brown sugar and heavy cream.

3. Bring to boil and immediately remove from heat.

4. Cool 1 minute.

5. Add rum.

6. Reheat until warm.

7. Drizzle over bread pudding.

8. Whipped cream optional

(Also try this with extra candied ginger folded into softened vanilla or rum raisin ice cream! Yum!)

Welcome to steamy Sleepy Hollow, where lightning strikes, the temperatures are HOT, and the erotic sparks fly!

You wouldn't think three sultry succubi sisters, two sexy fire-demons, a reluctant witch and a couple of mega hunky mortals would need hook-ups courtesy of Madame Eve's ultra-exclusive 1Night Stand agency…but hey, the dating scene can be rough, even if you've got extraordinary paranormal powers and live in a mystical village populated by supernaturals… where things tend to go bump in the night.

Taryn Kincaid's erotic 1Night Stand stories, LIGHTNING,THUNDER, FROST and HEAT WAVE are a little snarky, a lot smokin' and will melt your heart! And then BLIZZARD will set you aflame!

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http://tarynkincaid.com

There is nothing more comforting on a chilly fall night in Kentucky then a delicious Kentucky Hot Brown.

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Kentucky Hot Brown

Ingredients
For the turkey:
4 to 5 pounds turkey breast slices from deli
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups grated sharp white Cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the egg bread:
4 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Salt
8 (1/2-inch) thick slices good day old white bread (recommended: Pullman or Pain de mie)
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons vegetable oil

For assembly:
Egg battered bread
Roasted turkey breast, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
3 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices and griddled until slightly charred and just cooked through
1 1/2 cups grated sharp white Cheddar
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
16 thick slices slab bacon, cooked until crisp
Finely chopped fresh chives
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions
For the sauce:
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and the flour has cooked out, about 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in cheese and cook until the cheese has melted. Season with nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste.

For the egg bread:
Whisk together the eggs, milk and salt in a medium bowl. Dip each slice of bread in the mixture and let sit about 30 seconds, or until completely soaked through.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 slices of the bread at a time until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bread.

For assembly:
Preheat broiler. Place the egg bread on a baking sheet, place under the broiler and heat on both sides for 20 seconds just to warm through.

Top each slice of bread with 2 to 3 slices of turkey and 2 slices of tomato, ladle sauce over the top and divide the cheddar cheese and Parmesan over the top of each slice. Place under the broiler and cook until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven, top each slice with 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle each slice with chives and parsley.

Fired, broke, and nowhere to go, Luvie Beiderman moves back to her hometown and opens up Primp My Pet Mobile Pet Spa.

Jase Nelson is hot, smart, and has a big heart. Especially when it comes to his Irish Setter Duke. After Primp My Pet pulls into the dog park and Luvie gets out, Jase knows there is definitely enough space in his big heart for another redhead.

Jase isn't as perfect as everyone thinks. Can Luvie groom him to be Mr. Right?

 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Website: tonyakappes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/208579765929709/

This is definitely comfort food, and I serve it over thick egg noodles

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Crockpot Dijon Chicken with Artichoke Sauce

1/3 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1/2 – 1 teaspoon dried tarragon, depending on your tastes

8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 – 14 oz. can of artichoke hearts, quartered

1/2 cup Margaritaville Lemon Herb vinaigrette of something similar, your choice

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) I don’t add it, because I tend to use the full tsp. of tarragon.

Combine mustard, vinaigrette, garlic and tarragon in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Transfer to Crock-Pot slow cooker. Drain the artichokes, add them, the onion and mushrooms. Cover, cook on low for 4 – 6 hours. Stir in parsley just before serving if you opt to include it. Serve over thick (frozen section) egg noodle or rice. Enjoy!

Release date November 26th, 2013/Montlake Romance

Cory Marcel worked tirelessly over eight grueling years to develop a successful military career. After her commanding officer violently assaulted her, she lost everything—especially her trust in people. Despite the emotional damage threatening to sink her, Cory agrees to accept a new job at a furniture store in Perfect—a job that could offer the fragile brunette the chance to start over.

Ted Lovejoy cofounded Langford & Lovejoy Heritage Furniture, but lately he feels like an outsider in his own business. When he meets Cory, Ted realizes his company can do more than just build furniture—it can also help rebuild lives. He longs to help Cory recover from her pain, yet every time he gets too close to her heart, she pushes him away.

While Cory can’t resist her attraction to Ted, she fears the demons haunting her will drag down both of them. Could this kind, soft-spoken man help her finally bury the past…and unlock a future full of hope and happiness?

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http://www.barbaralongley.com

I wanted to offer something a little on the extravagant side of things, yet simple to make for my dessert. Today, I'm borrowing my husband’s recipe for poached pears. Did I mention he's a chef-in-training? A serving of this sensuous dessert, paired with some Reisling, makes life all the more enjoyable.

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Poached Pear

Ingredients:

1                      Pear must use a Ripe Bosc.

1 L                   Water

½ cup              Sugar

1                      Slice of lemon

20 g                 Philadelphia cream cheese

5 g                   Crushed and roasted walnuts

Preparation:

1)      Remove the core from the pear ¾ from the top.  Peal skin off pear but keep the stem intact.

2)      Cut a slice from the bottom to make a flat base.

3)      Add water, sugar and lemon to pot, bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer.

4)      Poach the pear, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until they turn tender, but not mushy.

5)      Use a large slotted spoon to transfer the pear onto a serving plate.

6)      Lay out the roasted walnuts, and roll with your hands the cream cheese over the walnuts.  Make a cylinder smaller than the pears core diameter.  Once done refrigerate for later use.

7)      Carefully place the cylinder of cheese and nuts in the core of the pear.

8)      Arrange the pear on individual serving plate and drizzle with the simple syrup over the pear.

After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.

Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.

Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?

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Blog: laynap.wordpress.com & hawtreads.wordpress.com

Website: www.laynapimentel.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LaynaPimentel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLaynaPimentel