Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Blueberry Muffin Murder



I chose a book randomly at the library and actually enjoyed it. Here's the description from amazon.com

"In her third top-of-the-line culinary cozy (after 2001's Strawberry Shortcake Murder), the delightful amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen once again faces murder and mayhem with good cheer. To fight the late February doldrums, Lake Eden, Minn., is about to celebrate its first winter carnival with ice sports on the lake, activities for children and Hannah's delicious cookies from her shop, the Cookie Jar. The whole town is involved, and even Hannah's mother, who usually spends her time trying to get Hannah married, has found a new interest in recreating the home of one of Lake Eden's founding fathers. Connie MacIntyre, bestselling cook book author and star of a popular cable TV cooking show, has agreed to make the cake for the carnival banquet. But when Hannah discovers Connie's dead body in the pantry of the Cookie Jar, Hannah and her sister Andrea join forces to track down the killer, despite warnings by one of her boyfriends, policeman Mike Kensington, to stay out of the investigation. Since everyone who had contact with the abusive Connie disliked her, the sisters have plenty of suspects. Delicious food descriptions and recipes, warm and familiar characters who grow into real people (Hannah's increasing respect for Andrea is a highlight), a vivid picture of the small lake town and a well-crafted mystery provide the ingredients for yet another tempting feast that should satisfy all fans, old and new."

MY REVIEW: A very good, clean, murder mystery that I could follow, even though I hadn't read the whole series. Even though I guessed whodunit about half way through, I still enjoyed it. I'll probably pick up another one in the series sometime

Monday, August 9, 2010

Emergency Garlic Bread

I am seriously never buying garlic bread from the store again. Apparently my sister makes this garlic bread all the time using.... hot dog buns! Yep, and it tastes delicious. I use garlic salt instead of powder, but it's so easy to adjust to your tastes. Here's the recipe:

Emergency Garlic Bread


Ingredients:
4 hot dog buns
4 teaspoons butter, or as needed
2 teaspoons garlic powder, or to taste (I use garlic salt)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven's broiler, or a toaster oven.
2. Separate the bun halves, and spread butter onto the cut side of each one. Sprinkle some garlic powder over the butter.
3. Broil or toast until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
Here are the results:

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Easy Grilled Chicken Teriyaki

My husband bought a new grill this year and we HAVE to try it out, at least weekly. I absolutely LOVED this recipe for Easy Grilled Chicken Teriyaki. So easy and it tasted so good. Here's the recipe:

Easy Grilled Chicken Teriyaki

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast
halves
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Directions:
1. Place chicken, teriyaki sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and sesame oil in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal bag, and shake to coat. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours, turning every so often.
2. Preheat grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Remove chicken from bag, discarding any remaining marinade. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes each side, or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork.

Here are the results:

Monday, July 19, 2010

A Bride Most Begrudging



My sister lent me this book because she thought I might enjoy the main character's spirited attitude. She quite enjoyed her snappy attitude herself. Here's the books description as found on amazon.com
"When Lady Constance Morrow finds herself held against her will aboard a ship bound for the American colonies—a ship filled with "tobacco brides" and felons—she is quite sure that as soon as she arrives she will find a reasonable man who will believe her father is an earl and send her back on the next ship to England. Instead she meets Drew O’Connor, a determined Colonial farmer who is nearly as headstrong as she is. Drew wins Constance as his bride but soon realizes he has taken on much more than he bargained for "

MY REVIEW:It was a nice read and I have to admit that I DO like Constance's headstrong manner. However, I did find it a tiny bit Harlequin romance novel-ish.(If that's even a word) Upon reading other reviews on Amazon, I was not alone in this thinking. I really wish there were more clean romance novels that are comical at the same time. Overall, a funny, sometimes tear jerking, good read.

BBQ Pork Spareribs

This recipe brings back memories of Sunday dinner back home. My mom always made these and they are delicious! I usually don't cook much pork, but these are well worth it!

BBQ Pork Spareribs

Thaw bonless pork spareribs. Salt and Pepper the spareribs and dip them in flour. Brown in a large roasting pan. When browned, add mix over meat.
For mix combined:
2 small cans tomato sauce
4 tsp. worcestershire sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 C. water
1/2 onion, chopped or add dried onion
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. mustard
1tsp butter

Bake @ 350°F for 3-4 hours until tender or cook in crockpot on high for 3-4 hours.

Here are the results: