Sunday, June 23, 2019

Perfect for Summer Black Bean & Rice Salad

Welcome Kelli Wilkins. She is our guest cook in the kitchen.
Perfect for Summer Black Bean & Rice Salad
A friend of mine served this at a picnic and got dozens of requests for the recipe. This simple and delicious dish is perfect for a hot summer day, travels easily, and works with chicken, fish, hot dogs, and burgers – or it can stand alone as a quick summer lunch.
Ingredients:
2 15 oz cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 scallions,
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
1 jalapeno or other chili pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
1 can of corn (optional)
2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
juice from 1 lime
Directions:
Cook and drain the rice, then let it cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine beans, rice, scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, corn (drained) and jalapeno. Blend in the oil, lime juice, cilantro, and seasonings. Be sure to mix everything well.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serves about 6.
Want to spice it up even more? Add a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and/or dark chili powder to the mix.
If you’re having lots of people over, make two batches or double the recipe. Enjoy!

To celebrate the season, I’m sharing a look at my summer romance, A DECEPTIVE MATCH. This steamy contemporary romance novel is set in the world of professional wrestling.
  
A DECEPTIVE MATCH

Falling for the wrestler she had been assigned to interview wasn’t part of Danni’s plan, until Vinnie Valentine pinned her heart in a flash.

Disgruntled with her job as the office assistant for a national sports magazine, Danni Stone impersonates a reporter to prove herself to her boss. Her assignment? Spend thirty days on the road with Vinnie Valentine, a sexy professional wrestler.

Life isn’t going well for the Heavyweight Champ. Vinnie is struggling with a manipulative boss, prepping for the most important match of his career, and feuding with his arch-enemy, Thorn. The last thing he needs is a nosy reporter following him around—even if she is hot.

Thrown together in close quarters, Danni can’t help falling for Vinnie, and she unwittingly becomes a key player in his title match. Their mutual attraction grows, and late one night, they give in to the lustful feelings they’ve been fighting.
As their relationship deepens, Danni considers telling Vinnie her secret. But before she can confess the truth, Vinnie discovers she isn't the reporter she claims to be. Her lie threatens to ruin everything between them. Will their relationship be destroyed by her deception or will their love win out?

Order your copy here:


Learn more about the book - and read an excerpt - on my blog:
Visit my new website: www.KelliWilkins.com to catch up on all of my romances.
Enjoy the summer!
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, 5 non-fiction books, and 2 online writing courses. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.
Her historical romance, Dangerous Indenture, was released in March 2019. This full-length novel is set in Pennsylvania Colony and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense. Look for another historical romance, The Viking’s Witch, coming in July.

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

Kelli released her latest Teachable mini-course, Fiction Basics: Finding Ideas in February 2019. She authored Fiction Writing for Beginners through Teachable in 2018. These courses are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.

If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her novella, Nightmare in the North.
Not just an author, Kelli is also an amateur photographer. Visit her pages on Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins and iStock https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins to view her photos.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.
Visit her NEW website www.KelliWilkins.com or blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of her writings.

This sounds yummy Kelli, thank you for sharing. 



Sunday, June 9, 2019

Lunch Series - Downtown Salt Lake City

I'm starting a new series. For those of you who are trying to find places to eat at lunch in downtown SLC. That is where I work. There are so many places to eat. I thought I'd give a little help in that direction.

If you're like me you can't afford a lot at lunch, but you still want something good and economical.

I have two recommendations today.
Broadway Deli. This is a little place next to the Broadway Theater. If you want something to go and delicious, this is the place to go. You can eat there, and in the summer they do have tables outside. You can order on line and pick a time to pick it up. It's great if you know you're not going to have much time for lunch.
My favorite is egg salad sandwich. But everything I have had there is great. You can go and personalize your order or you can do the same on line.

You can visit at 111 E. Broadway  (300 South) SLC.

The last sandwich I had there was 1/2 Blue Turkey Bacon on White. To me their 1/2 sandwich is a whole. So if you order a whole sandwich you better be hungry or plan to save have for the next day.

Yes this is a half sandwich and it was dang good!

For a fast easy lunch to pick up I would rate this with 5 👍

2nd Recommendation:
On the other side of the Broadway theater is the Copper Onion. This is a sit down order kind of place. Somewhere you want to take your full hour lunch and relax. It's a little pricier. It is the perfect place to have a business lunch or take out of town clients.

It is located.
111 East Broadway (300 South) Suite 170, Salt Lake City.

It is also a great place for dinner. The menu tends to change. It's a great place to enjoy time and again because of this. Variety and a little eclectic food choices which adds an extra appeal for this foodie.

The sides are just right for two people to share. The cheesy cauliflower is worth a return visit. Are you a seafood person, then the clams are a must have. My better half foodie is not fond of clams, yet he thoroughly enjoyed this dish at Copper Onion. If you have a Sundance film at the Broadway Theater.
chance, try it out. Perfect for dinner before seeing a

The Copper Onion does have outside seating in nice weather.

Until my next installment of the Lunch Series. Go out and enjoy. Feel free to give your own recommendations in the comments.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Eggplant and sausage with pasta in a pot.

It was my night to experiment. Okay I do that a lot. However, I've never and I mean NEVER had eggplant. So of course I decide to try it on my own and not at a restaurant.

Eggplant and Chicken Sausage with pasta - 4 servings
1 tbsp. Olive oil
2 links Italian Chicken sausage sliced
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 small zucchini chopped
1 small eggplant, peeled and chopped
8 ounces Brown Jasmine rice penne pasta (Optional bowtie or regular penne pasta)
2 1/2 cups water
4 cups baby spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Spray cooking olive oil in large skillet heat over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon.

Add garlic and pepper flakes and olive oil cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add zucchini and eggplant cook until browned Add pasta and water. Bring to boil and reduce heat to low to simmer. Check package for how long to cook pasta until el dente. Liquid should have evaporated.

Add sausage, spinach and Parmesan. Stir until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.

Serve with a rose wine and rolls.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Welcome N. N. Light!


Hey foodies, it’s May and that means the weather is warmer and the invitations flood your inbox for get-togethers. Today, we have one of our favorite vertical salads. It’s simple to create and one that’ll wow your guests. It’s our tomato basil mozzarella salad. Here’s what you’ll need:


One tomato for each guest (get beefsteak or tomato on the vine)
Whole basil leaves, cleaned
Fresh mozzarella, preferably ball-shaped
Balsamic vinegar (the best you have, ours is from Modena Italy)

Directions:
Cut three large tomato slices, at least an inch thick, for each person. Set aside. Wash and trim the stems off the basil leaves. Set aside three large or six medium per person. Slice the mozzarella into thick slices, preferably the same thickness as the tomatoes. Side aside.

Assembly – Take a plate and place a tomato slice in the middle of the plate. Place one large or two medium basil leaves in the middle of the tomato slice. Top with the mozzarella slice. Repeat twice so you’ll wind up with three tomato slices and three mozzarella slices. Drizzle balsamic vinegar down the tower so it drips down the sides of the tower.

Enjoy!

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!
Here's what readers/reviewers say:
"The inspirational quotes can be a tool to help all people live their best lives in 2018 and beyond. I plan to reread this throughout the year for daily inspiration myself." -- Mischenko, Goodreads 
"The husband and wife writing team of N.N. Light definitely found a perfect balance in how they wrote this book... from quotes across all walks of life (sports heroes, artists, motivational speakers, profits, philosophers, et al) to finding an interactive approach to applying the message to our every day lives." -- Jay, Goodreads 
"As is usually the case with such works, I found some parts particularly relevant, as if she was addressing some of my own thoughts and fears (synchronicity at work, I guess). My preferred way of reading it was to glance at it when I got frustrated at something or other in my own life." -- Award-Winning Author Nicholas Rossis, Goodreads 
"It’s filled with quotations, short stories, and reflections. It’s a wonderful way to start your day or end your evening." -- Lisa Reigel, Goodreads
"I liked the positivity and optimism of the author. I liked the layout of the book very much, and how she started each day with an encouraging quote. I enjoyed many of the messages. -- S. Daisy, Goodreads 
"If you’re looking for a devotional to uplift your spirits or simply want to jump-start your day with practical, down-to-earth advice, pick up this collection. -- Joanne Guidoccio, Amazon 

Buy Links:

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

This is my Favorite Salad. Thank you for sharing!

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Welcome Kelli A. Wilkins


Pastel Layer Cake
This easy-to-make colorful cake is a perfect spring treat!
Ingredients:

1 package (2 layer size) yellow cake mix
1 package (4 serving size) Jell-o Lime Flavor Gelatin
1 package (4 serving size) Jell-o Lemon Flavor Gelatin
2 tubs (8 oz. each) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed


Directions:
Prepare cake mix according to directions on the box.

Divide batter into 2 bowls. Add lime gelatin to one bowl, lemon to the other. Stir thoroughly. Pour each into separate greased 9 inch round cake pan. (You’ll have 1 lemon and 1 lime.)
Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. (Oven times vary, so check cake.)
Cool 15 minutes and remove cakes from pans. Let cakes
completely cool on a wire rack.
Place one cake (lime or lemon, your choice) on a serving plate and spread with ½ tub of whipped topping. Top with other cake layer. Frost cake with remaining whipped topping. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Options:
This simple recipe can be modified in a variety of ways. You can change the Jell-o flavors to create your own combinations: orange-pineapple, cherry-black cherry, blue raspberry-raspberry, etc. Or make a cake with one flavor (all orange or all lime).
If you want a healthier option, substitute homemade whipped cream for the Cool Whip.
Enjoy!

 

Here’s a look at my latest historical romance, Dangerous Indenture. This novel is set in Pennsylvania Colony and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

Dangerous Indenture

Indentured for five years… how long can Shauna resist her master’s son?
Desperate to escape her past in Ireland, Shauna Farrow signs on to become an indentured servant to Joshua Stewart, a wealthy man in Pennsylvania Colony. But a life of servitude quickly turns to drudgery, and Shauna’s hopes for starting over and creating a better life for herself are waning—until she meets her master’s roguish son, Ashton.
Ashton needs to redeem himself in his father’s eyes and earn the respect he has always longed for. Meeting Shauna turns his life around, and he sets out to win her heart. Torn between propriety and passion, Shauna struggles against her growing attraction to Ashton as long as she can.
But amidst their flirting, something dark stirs. Shauna soon discovers why no other servants wanted to work for the strange Stewart family.
Stewart House has an unsavory reputation: a previous servant died there under mysterious circumstances. When another servant goes missing in the middle of the night, Shauna is convinced that a member of the family is responsible.
Shauna’s investigation leads her close to the truth, and yet, she’s not sure who she can trust. Events take a deadly turn when she confronts the murderer and discovers the mystery of the Stewart family. 

Will Shauna be rescued before time runs out, or will she meet with the same fate as the other servants? 

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3JyROP
If you like historical romances, follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/
Visit my website www.KelliWilkins.com and blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of my writings.
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, 5 non-fiction books, and 2 online writing courses. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.
Her historical romance, Dangerous Indenture, was released in March 2019. This full-length novel is set in Pennsylvania Colony and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

She published the second half of her flash fiction series, Cupid’s Schemes, in early 2019. These two volumes of lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.
Kelli released her latest Teachable mini-course, Fiction Basics: Finding Ideas in February 2019. She authored Fiction Writing for Beginners through Teachable in 2018. These courses are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.
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.

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Teachable Online Writing Courses: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/



Sunday, April 14, 2019

Welcome N. N. Light


Welcome N. N. Light, this ham looks delicious. I cannot wait to try it. 

Easter is drawing near and as most of you know, ham is commonly served at the dinner table. Instead of serving the same old honey-glazed ham, why not try something different. Mr. N’s Easter Jerk Ham gets rave reviews, even from his sister, who doesn’t like anything spicy. See the jerk seasoning barely penetrates the meat but adds a nice contrast to the sweet flavour of ham. Try it this year and let us know how it turned out.

Easter Jerk Ham
Ingredients
Bone-In ham
2 onions
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves of garlic
3 red shallots
Jerk paste  
Honey
Red wine

Directions
Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Score the ham using a very sharp paring knife. You want to make sure your scoring is at least an inch deep. You want the seasonings to penetrate the skin of the ham. Place the ham in a roasting pan. Peel the onions and cut into quarters, then place around the ham in the pan. Peel the garlic and shallots and place them around the ham.
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning all over the ham, making sure to coat it. Spread the jerk glaze all over the ham. You may need to use a brush or do like me and just use your hands. It’s spicy so you may need to put on gloves first. Drizzle it with honey.
Add red wine mixed with water until it comes halfway up the side of the pan. Bake for 4 hours or so, pulling it out every 30 minutes to baste using the liquid from the bottom of the pan. You want it to be fully cooked and sticky. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Poetry of Love: The Engagement Year. It’s a collection of poems Mr. N wrote to Mrs. N from the night they got engaged to their wedding day. Heartfelt emotions reflect in the freestyle poetry as a couple goes from boyfriend and girlfriend to man and wife. It’s very close to our hearts as it’s 100% accurate. No filter here.

Author: N. N. Light
Genre: Poetry, Love Poetry

Book Blurb:
Winner of the 2017 IAN Book of the Year – Poetry Finalist Award

I had been searching for love my whole life. It took the opening up of the world via technology for me to find my soulmate. Once I laid eyes on her, at the arrivals gate, I knew I was never going to let her go. The following is a collection of poems I wrote to my angel, from our first meeting up until our wedding day. I was working crazy hours as a chef and I had a long commute. I chose my commuting time to pen her a poem each day. These poems speak of our life, our challenges and our growth together...in every aspect they speak of our love.

May this book give someone the courage to let their special someone know how much they care for them and how much they mean to them. Saying I love you is a gift you can give many times a day.

Excerpt #:


Our love exists in so many ways
Even when parted I feel you
I long for your gaze
Knowing our love is true.

When in the heaven of your arms
I feel our love’s warmth surround me.

Your grace, beauty and charm
Leave me gasping breathless in serenity.

The pureness, sweetness and sincerity
Our so perfect love
Oft compels me to my knees
To thank our Lord above
For our love.

Buy Links:


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 love 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.

They’d love to connect with you either via email or via these various social media sites:

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


Sunday, April 7, 2019

Time for BBQ and potato salad

It's finally here, spring. Well I hear a rumor it's going to snow on Wednesday. However, we BBQ'd this weekend. Ron took care of the chicken and beans and I prepared the potato salad.

Potato Salad
14-16 small red potatoes quartered. Boiled until soft.
1 bunch of green onions chopped.
8 eggs hard boiled, peeled, then chopped.
2 or 3 pickle spears chopped.
2 - 3 strips bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Sauce
1/2 cup Mayo
1/2 cup Miracle whip
1/4 cup Mustard (or variations, brown mustard. Garlic Aoli Mustard)
1/8 cup Catsup
1 tbsp pickle juice.

In a small mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth and an even color.

Mix potatoes, onions, eggs, pickles together in large bowl. Then mix in sauce thoroughly.

Put in fridge to chill.

Meanwhile the chicken is slow cooking on the grill.
Legs and wings with a coating of whatever BBQ sauce you like. Ron mixes it with brown sugar and maple syrup (Yeah a lot of added calories). Cook for about an hour to two on the top rack of the grill.

Move to the regular rack, brush on the sauce and let cook for 30 minutes and then turn and brush the other side and cook until done. It is good but optional, to sprinkle garlic salt and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

We cannot forget to bake the beans while all of this is going on. Again something very easy. Canned beans, we use Bush beans whatever flavor you would like. Again, Ron uses maple syrup, brown sugar,  2 to 3 strips precooked bacon (not crispy) cut into squares. Mix together and cook on 225 degrees on top rack of the oven for 2 to 3 hours.

And there you have your first BBQ dinner of the year.

Easy Crockpot Rosemary Chicken and Veggies

EASY Crockpot Rosemary Chicken and Veggies  2           Chicken boneless breasts 4              Potatoes quartered 4/5        Carrots halved...