Kelli A. Wilkins is in the kitchen!

Fast & Easy Chewy Chocolate Cookies

These yummy cookies are simple to make and taste like brownies!

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups butter (or margarine), softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup Hershey’s Cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Cream butter (or margarine) and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Blend well. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend into creamed mixture until well combined.

Drop cookie dough by teaspoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes. (Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the cookies so they don’t burn!)

Cookies will be soft and puffy when removed from the oven, but will flatten upon cooling. For best results, let them cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Options:

This simple recipe can be modified in a variety of ways. If you want to add an extra background flavor, swap out the vanilla extract for mint, orange, or almond extract.

You can also add a cup of any of the following to the batter:
* chopped almonds

* chopped walnuts
* white chocolate chips
* peanut butter flavored chips
* dark chocolate chips
* mint chips
* shredded coconut
* crushed candy cane pieces

Enjoy!

Here’s a look my flash fiction series, Cupid’s Schemes. These two volumes of lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence. (Why not curl up with a few cookies while you read?)

Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 1

A Collection of Sweet Romances

In these 16 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.

Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:

* a Medieval knight courting a pretty lady
* two neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a dehydrated mermaid rescued by a handsome stranger

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/boZxkZ  

And don’t miss Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2

Another Collection of Sweet Romances

In these 12 mini-romances…

* a photographer falls for a sexy cowboy in a supposedly abandoned ghost town
* new neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a long-lost love returns in an unexpected setting

Order Cupid’s Schemes: Volume 2 here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFR25KF

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mYrBBd

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.

In January 2019 Kelli released the second half of her flash fiction series, Cupid’s Schemes. These two volumes of lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

She also authored her first online writing course, Fiction Writing for Beginners, through Teachable. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.

Kelli’s historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, was published in 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her latest novella, Nightmare in the North.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.

Visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com and blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of her writings.

CATCH UP WITH KELLI

Here’s a full list of where you can find Kelli on the web.

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

FREE READS: http://www.manicreaders.com/KelliAWilkins/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliwilkins2/ 
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelli-a-wilkins
Books2Read: https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Shutterstock: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins

iStock: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Teachable Online Writing Course: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

 

Gratin Vegetable Side Dish

Chef Mr. N’s Gratin Vegetable Side Dish

Happy New Year, cooks! We hope you had a lovely holiday season. The weather has turned cold and our menus are filled with comfort food. Nothing says comfort to us like a roast and this vegetable side dish. No matter what your main dish is, this side dish will please everyone at your table. It works on its own for vegetarians as well.

Start the new year off on the right foot with N. N. Light’s Book of Daily Inspiration. 365 days of inspiring and motivating thoughts, available at your favorite retailer. Stay motivated throughout the year and make a difference in someone’s life.

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter, softened
  
• 6 c thinly-sliced edible food – potato, mushroom, egg plant, thicker sliced carrot, cabbage, cauliflower steak, turnip (about 2½ lb), scrubbed, peeled and thinly-sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• ½ pound Swiss or Havarti cheese, grated
• 1 c heavy cream
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Butter a large casserole dish. Line the bottom of the dish evenly with half the selected edible food that has been sliced.  Spread evenly and top with half the onions and half the Swiss cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and repeat with the remaining sliced edible chosen food, onions and Swiss cheese, ending with cheese. Depending on the size of the casserole dish, you may have 2 or 3 layers.

Add cream, pouring it evenly over the gratin. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake until edible food is fork-tender, about 30 minutes.

Title: N. N. Light's Book of Daily Inspiration

Author: N. N. Light

Genre: Inspirational, Motivational, Self-Improvement, Personal Growth

Book Blurb:

"Spread the Light and inspire others to do the same." -- N. N. Light

In 2013, we wrote a mission statement and started a blog. We wanted to test a theory. Could one person (or in our case, one couple) use uplifting words to create change?

The answer is a resounding yes! People from all over the world responded to our short inspirational thoughts of the day, and our following grew. What started out as a few people promoting kindness and goodwill turned into a movement. In every city, there are Light-Bearers making a difference and we want you to join us.

Everyone needs inspiration. It doesn’t matter what spiritual belief you hold dear, you have the Light inside you. Kindness, compassion, empathy, encouragement are all attributes of the Light. In this book, you’ll find a ninety second inspirational thought for each day of the year. You’ll be inspiring people to spread the Light daily with our collection of inspirational thoughts. From giving of yourself to simply smiling, these are easy concepts for anyone to apply!

Excerpt:

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. – Edith Wharton

Are you spreading the Light in your corner of the world?

I live in an old neighborhood in my town. The houses and buildings are established with trees towering over the streets. I love it!

As someone who walks every day, I run into a lot of elderly people. Many of them smile and are friendly. I stop and chat with them for a moment or two.

Why?

It makes their day and it's my way of spreading the Light. It doesn't take any effort on my part and their faces light up.

Want to make someone's day? Stop what you're doing for one second and say hello. Acknowledging another person and wishing them a good day is a great way of spreading the Light inside you.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. 

Buy Links:

Universal Link: https://www.books2read.com/nnlightinspiration

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/N-Lights-Book-Daily-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B076XT4YF5

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/N-Lights-Book-Daily-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B076XT4YF5

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/N-Lights-Book-Daily-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B076XT4YF5

Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/N-N-Light-s-Book-of-Daily-Inspiration-eBook/437204099

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35519629-n-n-light-s-book-of-daily-inspiration

Author Biography:

N. N. Light is the award-winning husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Mrs. N.

Mrs. N. has been creating stories ever since she was little. Her grandfather remembers when she was two years old, she would stand at the top of the stairs and tell him a story filled with emotion (and in a language foreign to him) with her hands on her hips. Let’s just say she was a born storyteller.

They’re blissfully happy and loves all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports, trains, history, cooking and baking. Their mantra is to spread the Light.

Most of the time you can find them on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest. They’re a proud member of ASMSG and Independent Author Network.

In addition to being authors, they’re also book promoters/reviewers, social media marketers/influencers and the owners of N. N. Light Author Promotions. They both love books, have ever since they were young. Matching up books and readers is something that gives them great pleasure.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/

Newsletter: http://ow.ly/jWec308TabL  

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nnlight   

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NNP_W_Light

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-n-light

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n_n_light/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nnlight  

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/n-n-light/90/1a7/902  

Tumblr https://nnlightsbookheaven.tumblr.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/nnlight  

Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/n-n-light.html  

Sausage, Apple and Potato Skillet

Welcome, I hope your New Year is going well. I tried out something new today, and I will admit I was a little skeptical about using the apple in the skillet. BUT I needed to use it. LOL.

Sausage, Apple and Potato Skillet - 3 servings
2 links, Trader Joe's Chicken Sicilian Sausage sliced
2 med. Russet potato
1/2 Honeycrisp Apple chopped
1/4 Green Bell Pepper 1 inch squares
1/4 Red Bell Pepper 1 inch squares
1/4 Yellow Bell Pepper 1 inch squares
1/4 Orange Bell Pepper 1 inch squares
1/4 Onion 1 inch squares
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/8 cup chicken broth
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Cajun Spice
Salt to taste

Spray pan with non stick oil. Add Garlic, potatoes, sausage, and apples. Add the oil and stir and cook for a few minutes. Add the rest cover and cook for about 10 minutes. When it starts to stick a little add the broth. Once the potatoes are tender turn down to just above simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes more. Serve with salad and rolls. 249 calories per serving.

Enjoy!