New Reads

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This spring, several of my favorite authors are releasing new books.

Charlaine Harris releases the final installment in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series, Dead Ever After, tomorrow, May 7, 2013.  This book is coming to our local library and I'm number four on the wait list so I've still got some waiting to do, but I'm really looking forward to discovering what becomes of my beloved Sookie.  In the meantime, I'm beginning her Harper Connelly series which is available at our library.  I just finished Grave Sight and have book two on hold.

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Next up, Mary Kay Andrews is releasing Ladies Night.  I always enjoy her reads.  I've currently been reading her Callahan Garrity Mystery series.  I'm just starting, To Live & Die in Dixie which is book number two in the series.  I like going to look at authors' past works to fill in the time until their next release.

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Michael Lee West has released the follow up to Acquainted With the Night under the pen name Piper Maitland.  This book is titled Hunting Daylight. 

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I think she may also have a third installment on her Teeny Templeton series released this spring, but am not entirely sure about when.  I'll enjoy reading that, too, and if you haven't meet Teeny Templeton, you should.  The first book in the series is, Gone With a Handsomer Man, followed by A Teeny Bit of Trouble.

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Are you building a summer reading list?  If so, what's on it?

Summer Reading

Summer is winding down.  For me, it ended early July when I went back for summer classes at the university.  Big Sissy has joined suit and is now back at school, too, but that doesn't mean summer reading has to end.  Truthfully, I've had difficulty keeping up with school and home responsibilities so reading has been pushed aside, but I've been missing my books.  So many new books have crossed my path and I just can't wait for next week to finish so I can jump into reading full-throttle again.

Until then, I'll sneak in a few pages when I can.  Here's what's on the menu.

James Lee Burke's Neon Rain

1

I just learned of this series by it's latest release, Creole Belle, but wanted to start with book 1 in the series so Neon Rain is just the beginning.  So far, it seems promising.

2

Mary Kay Andrew's, Spring Fever is on a wait list at my library so that's a good sign, right?  Only five more people ahead of me on the list and I'll have plenty to read until then.

3

Michele Bardsley's, Because I'm the Vampire, That's Why  is another one I'm just beginning.

It's another first in a series, The Broken Hearts series, that is.  I'm hoping that since I like Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels, I'll like this series, too.  Here's to hoping.

Recipes from Bon Temps, Louisiana- Burgers and Chocolate Cake

Some of you may have heard of Merlotte's Bar and Grill located in the made-up town of Bon Temps, LA.  If so, then you may have heard of Lafayette Reynolds; he's known for his burgers.  ; )

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Here's my attempt at Burgers Lafayette sauce...

Of course Merlotte's, Bon Temps, and Lafayette are all inventions of Charlaine Harris' Sookie-verse and I love Sookie-verse.  It's not enough that I'm completely enthralled with season 5 of HBO's True Blood which is based on Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels, I've also had the pleasure of delving even further into her fantasy by reading book 12 and, now, this book...  

Looka!  It includes a short story!!!

I've never read Ms. Harris' short stories so this was a first and I really liked it, but the best part of the companion was the inclusion of recipes.  I love books with recipes.  My favorite authors have been from the South and cooking has found its way into their books:  Mary Kay Andrews, Fannie Flagg, & Michael Lee West have all done it (included the recipes of foods mentioned in their novels) so I'm glad to see Arkansas native Charlaine Harris jump on the band wagon.  What better way to bring the book experience to life than by touching on our senses through food?!

Tonight, I made not only Lafayette's burgers, but Mrs. Bellefleur's prize-winning chocolate cake.

I think my husband is adding this to his favorites list; the icing is sooo good!

Of course, Mrs. Bellefleur's cake recipe was top secret in the books so I'm not going to give it away here.  You'll have to read the "Companion" to find out for yourself.  There are many fun recipes included in it.  I have it in mind to try the Country Porch Lemonade and the Mardi Gras Corn Salad.  You should check out the book, too, if you're interested in trying any of the recipes, AND if these recipes are  not enough for you, you will be pleased to know a True Blood cookbook complete with images from the series will be coming out this fall, I hear.  Sounds like a perfect Christmas gift.  (Hubs- this is a hint.  Wink, wink!)

For a sneak peak, here's the recipe for Burgers Lafayette Sauce

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 stick margarine (I used unsalted butter)

1/4 cup vinegar (I used Sherry vinegar since the recipe didn't specify)

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp. salt

Dash cayenne

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

Saute the onion in the butter or margarine.  Add all of the other ingredients.  Simmer for about 20 minutes.  Place the cooked hamburgers or leftover roast in the skillet and steep for at least 10 minutes.  Place the meat on a bun and put a spoonful of extra sauce on top.  Makes enough for about 4 hamburgers.  **Our burgers were on the small side so I was able to place six burgers in the sauce.

Recipe courtesy Charlaine Harris

Books and Chickens

Yesterday I introduced you to the three new gals on the block.  Two of which are named from characters of some of my favorite books.

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Shelby comes from Michael Lee West's novel, Mermaids in the Basement.

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 Bitsy is found in Mad Girls in Love.

If you haven't read either of these books, you ought to.  With summer fast approaching, these books would be ideal to add to a summer reading list.  Then, go on and read the rest of West's books.  You'll be glad you did.

"Tillie Lays an Egg" book review

I've never blogged about children books before, but we all loved this book so much that I felt especially inclined to share.  The photos in Golson's book, Tillie Lays an Egg, are precious.  I love every page.  I stumbled across it at our local library, but will definitely go buy it because it's a keeper.

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You may visit this website to check out more on the book, including some of the fab pictures and you can even visit her "hen cam" to see the birds in action.  Golson also features a "chick cam", "coop cam", and a "goat cam," but be forewarned on the last one mentioned.  I clicked on that link and got an up-close shot on the hind end of one of the critters and it didn't mind moving one little bit.  I don't think I've ever witnessed such a foul scene ; )

Good Read

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If you are in the market for a new read, I suggest checking out Piper Maitland's, "Acquainted with the Night."  This was such a good book.  My only disappointment is that I'll have to wait 'til 2013 to read more about these addictive characters.  "Requiem for Daylight" arrives in 2013; I'm so looking forward to its arrival.  You may visit the author's blog by clicking here.

Over the Rainbow

Do you know that state of sleep halfway between a dream and reality...

...when things seem so real, but your mind is telling you that they don't make sense?

This morning, I had one of those moments.  I laid there, thinking about what I was dreaming, finally convincing myself that what I was imagining was indeed not happening and utter nonsense so drifted back to sleep, only to be jolted into consciousness again with the sound of one word

WICKED

My mind scrambled to make sense of it.  "Wicked?" I thought, "Oh yes, that's a book! Man, I better wake up to remember this.  I must read this book...

and then I awoke.

Funny, since I finished Mary Kay Andrew's Summer Rental, I've been asking friends and folks on Facebook to give me suggestions for reads.  I've even scoped out best seller lists, but nothing has really intrigued me.  Alas, the book Gods must have been smiling down upon me, whispering, suggesting.
So this, my friends, will be my latest read.

  

"The Immortal Life of Cleopatra-Queen of Kings"

I finished this last night and loved the book.

Paula Deen does a "The Help" Version on Her Show!

10:00 AM central time, that's now, y'all!  If you've not read the book by Ms. Kathrine Stockett, I suggest you do.  The movie comes out in August and if you like reading books before movies, you have little time left (unless you're like me and devour books in a matter of two days).

I love me some Paula and I love this book so it's a happy morning for me despite the fact that I'm getting a summer cold, and baby flung her head back this morning, busting my upper lip. ; (

Random Thoughts and Breakfast

Today is the last day of my summer class, but I'm not able to attend because Bebe started running a fever last night.  I've got three chapters to read during my ample time home, but all I can think about is random things.  For instance, I decided two make a fried egg for breakfast ...

and in doing so thought of this-




Welp, my brain is definitely fried, but I'm positive it's due to course overload rather than drugs aforementioned in above PSA.

I've also got my mind on this book that I couldn't resist buying last night.  It's calling out to be read.

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, but I've got to resist since tomorrow is my final exam and it demands my attention.  I think the best course of action is to turn off the computer and TV.  Yep.  That's it.  I'm pulling the plug on all things electric.  Well, maybe not on the lights and AC.  After all, this is South Texas.

Happy Tuesday,

The Kitchen Witch : )

What's your favorite part?

I've been reading another Fannie Flagg novel, Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, and one part in it particularly struck me as I read it.  As the set up goes, the main character is speaking with God and he asks her what her favorite part about being a human being was,  She listed off a myriad of things, but as I read the question, I snapped out of the story and thought,"Oh, that's easy.  If God asked me what  my favorite part was, I'd have to say love."

Sure, I have countless other things to list: flowers, food, music, sweet tea, air conditioning, my pets (animals in general), the ocean, among other things, but love would be at the top.  What a blessing that we're able to experience it.  Whether we're loving our children or our family (a spouse, a partner, a grandparent), our home, our craft...doesn't matter because it just feels good to feel love.

Thank God for it.

Summer Reading

Hey all!  Summer time is upon us and I'm so looking forward to the opportunity to read during my break from school.  I haven't had a chance to pickup anything other than textbooks for months so on my first day off, I went to the library and checked out Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.  I think I'm going to like it : )

Usually, I rip through books quickly; though,  I don't know how that will go now that baby is hot-steppin' all over the place.  If I do get through this book within a few days, I'll be needing more suggestions for great books to read, many more suggestions! ; )

If you've got 'em, share 'em.

Here are a few of my favorite reads:

1.) The Help by Kathryn Stockett
2.) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen...this books is everywhere now that the movie has released
3.) Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West...Mad Girls in Love and Crazy Ladies have characters intertwined between all three novels, if you can't get enough of them.  I had to read all the books!
4.) Steamboat Gothic by Frances Keyes
5.) Sookie Stackhouse Series if you need a fix before the next True Blood season comes out June 26 @ 9pm.

Oooh, I'm so excited!

I read this book some time back and always thought it would be a great film. In my mind, I cast characters as I'm reading. For this book I thought of Clark Gable as August (if time were no issue), Rachel McAdams as Marlena, and Toby Maguire as Jacob. Well, I think they did a fine job casting, anyway,, and I can't wait to watch this movie. If you've haven't read the book, I hope you get a chance to because it's such a wonderful story.

Happy Holidays,

The Kitchen Witch

Book Review

After holiday shopping for many hours, without much success, I decided to pop into our Half Priced Book store to grab a tasty beverage and a book.   I really didn't have anything particular in mind as is usually the case when I happen into a book store, but that's worked out just fine for me.  It's almost like the books magically find there way to me, calling out to me from the shelf.  Now, I've not always had great success with this tactic, but...mostly.  The book fairy must have been eyeing me that day I walked in because I landed  a great book.  I'm currently in the beginning stages of the novel, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, and I'm already in love.  As I usually do when falling for a book, I search up the author to see what else they've cooked up.  I'd never heard of this novel (or the author) before, which doesn't mean a thing because I don't follow best seller lists and what all; though, I did see that this novel was a best seller on the book's jacket.  What drew me in was the first page (that's usually how I judge a book's readability-just dive into it).  I'm so glad I found this story and tickled to see that Dreamworks is turning it into a motion picture.  Now...if somebody would do the same for Water for Elephants, I'd be over the moon.  I'm picturing Toby McGuire for the character, Jacob, and Rachel McAdams for the leading lady, but who's asking me, right?! ; ) 

Well, back to The Help, since I'm rambling off topic.  I peaked on IMDB's web page for pictures of the actors playing the parts for The Help...not exactly what I'd envisioned while reading, but isn't it interesting to see how that works out.  Needless to say, I can't wait to watch the movie.  And, in the mean time, I look forward to devouring yet another fine read.  I hope you will give it a read sometime.

Happy Monday, y'all~

The Kitchen Witch

Jambalaya, Oh Me Oh My Oh

I made Jambalaya the other night and it sure was good...and spicy!  I thought I'd share the recipe-I found it in the children's recipe book I bought my daughter.

I found this book at a store named, of all things, "The Kitchen Witch!"  It's a store of nothing but cookbooks and

was the inspiration for the name of this blog.  If you are ever in the "Quarter", please stop by this fun shop.  I don't think you will regret it. ; ) 

Here's a pic of my second bowl.  I think we all went back for seconds.

Jambalaya
2 lbs. sausage ( any kind-I used Andouille)
1/2 lb. cubed ham
1 tbsp. cooking oil
2 med. onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large can diced tomatoes or 4 fresh, chopped
3 cups beef or chicken stock
4 cloves garlic, chopped
salt, black pepper, and cayenne to taste
1/2 bunch shallots, minced
2 cups raw rice

Heat oil in large pot. Fry sausage and ham.  Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery.  Saute 'til limp.  Add the tomatoes and stock.  Add garlic.  Add rice and seasonings.  Stir, bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or so.  Stir to fluff rice.  You may need to add water or a little more stock if on the dry side.  Sprinkle in shallots and cook for 15 minutes longer.  (Watch this last 15 minutes.  I've found it doesn't need to cook as long as that).

Enjoy

Gift Giving

     Here is a picture of my completed recipe book.  I created this on the Tastebook website and plan on giving a copy to my Grandma and Mom for Christmas.  You can pick your own cover from a variety of options.  I thought this one was great because it looked just like all of the recipes in my recipe box.  Really.  See...

This recipe box is a prized possession.  It belonged to my Grandma and holds many wonderful memories for me.  Some of the papers, inside, are crumbling.  I've had the thought, to transfer the recipes before the papers they're written on completely fall apart, in mind for years.  Finally, I decided to get it done.  I really liked the Tastebook site because it was so easy to use (I promise I'm not getting paid for the plug) and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a similar project.  My book is for personal use only; in it, I wrote a dedication to my daughters in hopes that they learn and enjoy cooking as much as I have.

I think a personalized recipe book would make a wonderful gift.  Do you have any gift giving suggestions?

My friend has created a darling book

"Lets take a walk and play.


Wonder what we can wonder about along the way..."

I just have to share the news.  My friend and author of Wonder, Erica Duff, says, "This book was inspired by a dream I had and was written for my children. I wrote, illustrated, and handmade it. 'Wonder' is a great bedtime story about a child taking a walk and wondering about nature along the way."  The book is made scrap book style and is very sturdy & durable because of the board used for each page.  Erica's illustrations are beautiful and I'm proud that she has finally put something together to share  You can order a copy of her book on her etsy page.


Hope you're having a "wonderful" day!  Toodaloo