Bacon Zucchini Fritters by Donna Fasano ~ #Recipes for #Foodies @DonnaFaz

I've had one of those days today. You know the ones, where you’re feeling creative in the kitchen. I pulled some ingredients out of my refrigerator and pantry, and I wondered what I could make with them. I had bacon, a zucchini, Locatelli cheese, eggs, flour, you get the picture. I came up with a recipe that is so delicious I decided to write it down. When you write it down, you know it’s good.

Bacon Zucchini Fritters 

Ingredients:

5 strips of bacon, fried crisp, drained, chopped

3 cups zucchini, grated (leave the skin on)

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced (slice a little extra for garnish)

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper, or to taste

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for frying

Directions:

1. Mix together all ingredients, except the oil, until well incorporated.

2. Heat a frying pan on high until it’s hot, add oil to the pan, and then turn the pan down to medium heat. You want the oil almost to the smoking point.

3. Use an ice cream scoop (a large spoon works too) to portion out the batter and fry in batches for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and fry on the other side until golden. Remove to a serving platter and keep warm.

4. I served these fritters as a side dish, garnished with thinly sliced scallions and a dollop of sour cream.

Serves 3-4

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This is just one of the recipes you'll find in my Cooking In All Directions cookbook, a collection of 75 recipes for soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. The cookbook is available in these ebook outlets:

Kindle ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ iBooks

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Also this month, I'm offering my Second Chance Valentine for just 99¢ – that's a $2 savings off the regular price. Here's more information about this sweet contemporary story:

As teens, Josie and Alex met under golden sunshine, frolicked in the surf and sand, and fell head over toes in love. But circumstances arose that ruined their one glorious summer, and Josie fled Ocean City with a broken heart.

Now Josie’s grandmother is ill and needs help with the family business, a thriving harbor-side diner called Joe’s Place. So after more than a dozen years, Josie returns to her hometown only to discover she has a 180 pound problem—Alex is the Kitchen Commander at Joe’s Place. Surely, Josie can work with Alex to keep the diner going and retain her dignity until her grandmother is back on her feet. However, when Alex’s little girl starts scheming, not a single heart will be safe against the twelve-year-old matchmaker.

This book contains bonus recipes from Joe’s Place!

This book is available for Kindle readers. 

As an Amazon, Nook, and Apple affiliate, I earn a couple of pennies 

on qualifying purchases when you use the links I have posted here.

Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling Author of women's fiction, contemporary romance, and sweet romance. Learn more about her at her website: DonnaFasano.com. 

National What Day? by Vickie McDonough

Everyone knows February 14th is Valentine's Day. But did you know that there are three events that are celebrated today? 

National Ground Hog's Day
National Tater Tot's Day 
National Heavenly Hash Day 

I'm sure you all know what the first to are, but Heavenly Hash Day? Okay, I'm thinking hamburger with onions, potatoes, and carrots, right? Nope. Wrong.

In some parts of the country, Heavenly Hash is a kind of ice cream. I also found recipes for a side dish made with maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, and some other things, but the version I'm talking about is a type of candy. Here's a recipe, and it sounds yummy.

Heavenly Hash Bars

Makes approximately 12 squares or 16 clusters; can be doubled

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
2 cups roasted, salted almonds, kept whole
2 cups miniature marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper with enough excess hanging over the sides of the pan to use as "handles"; spray paper with cooking spray.
2. Combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and corn syrup in a medium-sized, heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking often, and continue boiling the mixture until it reaches 218°F to 220°F on an instant-read thermometer, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Fold in chocolate and vanilla and stir until melted. Let cool for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, then fold in the nuts and marshmallows.
3. Transfer the chocolate mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a silicone spatula. Refrigerate the candy until firm, at least two hours. Using the parchment paper handles, remove the candy from the baking dish and cut into squares. (It helps to use a knife dipped in hot water.)
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pull 5 to 10 minutes prior to serving.

If you whip up a batch, let me know how it is. 

While you're sitting back munching on your Heavenly Hash and sipping coffee, why not read a book?

On sale for $1.99

GABRIEL'S ATONEMENT, Land Rush Dreams Book 1

All Gabriel Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost his monthly pay to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife.

Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him--not even the much-needed money he's offered her. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush in hopes of finally having a permanent home, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling man to help.

Available on Amazon

Lyn Cote Reviews Pat Simmon's Lean On Me

Lean on Me by Pat Simmons My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Romantic, romantic, romantic--the chemistry between Tabitha and Marcus was real. Loved it. Also loved Aunt Tweet--the lovable woman whose memories are slipping away but whose imagination keeps spinning. When Marcus and Tabitha first meet sparks fly but not the romantic kind. But their true characters shine as God puts them to the test. Great read, romance and story of family.

For more info, click here.

High School Reunions - Yes or No? by Laura Scott

Good morning, Laura Scott here today asking for your opinions about attending high school (or college) reunions. Are they fun? Exciting? Or a chore? Or bleh?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Okay, so I have a confession to make. I have never attended one of my high school reunions. It's not because I didn't enjoy high school or have friends, because I did. I can't say I was wildly popular or anything, yet I had a good time. I was a Thespian and in the choir. I have some fond memories of those days.

But for some reason I don't have a huge desire to go back and live those days with people I don't really see on a regular basis anymore. Only two other members of my high school class went into the same nursing program I did, and they both dropped out after the first year. I bonded more with my college friends, than I did with anyone from high school.

Does this mean I'm antisocial? Maybe a little. I would rather stay home and read a good book, then mingle with people who I have to try and remember. 

But I feel like I'm in the minority. That most people enjoy getting together to relive old times. Am I wrong? Or are there others like me? Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

I have reunions on my mind, because I missed a milestone reunion last August (40 years gulp) and I have a new book coming out that features an old high school flame meeting her crush in a blast from the past.

I'm excited to announce the fifth book in my Lifeline Air Rescue Series! A Doctor's Reunion is available on February 1st!

A Doctor's Reunion - $2.99

Nine years had passed since Flight Nurse Kristin Page had been humiliated in front of her teenage crush, and she thought she’d successfully put the past behind her. Until she comes face to face with Dr. Holt Baxter. She’s horrified her old attraction hasn’t faded, but knows it’s best to keep him at a professional distance. As much as she wants to despise him, she finds Holt to be a great, down to earth physician, willing and eager to learn.

Holt Baxter knew his younger sister was out of line that day nine years ago, and has to live with the fact he didn’t come to Kristin’s defense. He longs for a second chance to make things right, but Kristin isn’t interested in a relationship. Or is she? As they work together saving lives, Holt hopes they may also work together toward a future. 

Amazon Paperback B&N GooglePlay Apple Kobo 

#Expectancy - by Magdalena Scott

Hi! I'm baaaaack.

What? You didn't notice I was gone? Yep - I was on hiatus for a few months while dealing with some personal issues. 

I struggled in 2019. And - oh yeah, there was also that rough patch I sometimes refer to as 2018.

But hey, we all have troubles, don't we?

I'm really hopeful for 2020. Because of the topic of a devotion I read several weeks ago, I've chosen expectancy as my word for this year.

Gratitude Helps

I try to always be grateful, reminding myself throughout each day of the many blessings I enjoy. I aim for contentment with what I have. My minimalist lifestyle makes it a bit easier to find that kind of peace. Spending as little time as possible on social media, or any other type of media, and more time in person with folks in my small hometown, also benefits my mental and emotional health.

Imagine a Rosy Future

I need to be present, healthy, and able to function as a helper and encourager to those who depend on me. But I've learned that facing hardships with stubborn gratitude works even better alongside occasional contemplation of happier times. 

So while doing the best I can in the here and now, I'm also looking ahead. I've made plans for work (new books!) and play (making music, spending time with loved ones, traveling!) I'm feeling more hopeful and upbeat, which is a better place from which to write sweet romance.

I look forward to sharing more about all those positive outcomes as they unfold this year.

#Expectancy2020. Maybe I should put it on a t-shirt. Perhaps printed backward, so I can read it in a mirror?

What are you looking forward to this year?

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.


Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

What's special about January 27th? By Margaret Daley

What's special about January 27th? By Margaret Daley

What is special about January 27^th? It is National Bible Day, Better Business Communication Day, Community Manager Appreciation Day, International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, National Chocolate Cake Day, National Geographic Day (founded in 1888), Thomas Edison files a patent for the Light Bulb in 1880, Paris Peace Accord officially ends the Vietnam War in 1973, First TV Show Broadcast is demonstrated in 1926, Elvis Presley has first number one hit, Heartbreak Hotel, in 1956, and Lewis Caroll was born on this day in 1926. I’d add to this list: my younger brother Paul was born on this date in 1954.

One day I want to talk about. It’s Punch the Clock Day. What do they mean about that? Literally go punch a clock, or does it mean clock in for work? Some of the days are important, others frivolous, informational, or fun.

If you love chocolate, what a nice day to have a chocolate cake on its day, January 27^th. My mother-in-law who LOVES chocolate would jump at the chance to have a whole chocolate cake. Wouldn’t it have been nice if you or I traveled back in time and produced an example of a light bulb? Something simple to us and taken for granted, but it probably made Thomas Edison a lot of money (and all his other inventions).

When I looked at the list for January 27^th, I was surprised to find that the first TV show was demonstrated in 1926. I wonder how they did it. It makes me want to dig down and find out how they did it.

Would you add anything special for a January 27^th Day list?

My new release:

Her Cowboy Hero

By Margaret Daley

Kathleen Somers is a prima ballerina at the top of her ballet career. When she is tragically hurt in a car accident, she has to walk away from her life’s dream. Kathleen comes home to the Soaring S Ranch to recuperate and runs into her high school sweetheart, the one person who understood her. But she made the choice to throw everything into her ballet career and walked away from Nate Sterling.

Years later, they meet again at the Soaring S Ranch. Nate is now a livestock veterinarian and works with big animals at the ranches in the area. As the vet that treats the ranch’s stock, he and Kathleen are thrown together while she is struggling to put her life back together. He is determined to show Kathleen there is more to life than the world of dance. With the help of a therapy dog, Kathleen begins to see that there could be a life beyond ballet thanks to Nate challenging her. As Kathleen and Nate grow closer and capture what they had as high school sweethearts, will she turn her back on Nate again when an opportunity comes her way to immerse her in the ballet world again?

Amazon

Brain-weary? What now?

What do you do when you're brain-weary? You know the feeling: you're sleeping enough at night; your daily workouts, if you have them at all, aren't enough to wear you out; still, because of the mental work you're trying to do, you feel exhausted, and it isn't even bedtime yet.

I realized I must have hit that brain-weary, unable-to-think-anymore level recently when I found myself watching a TV documentary about the development of kittens. Not that kittens aren't fascinating, but I had a mound of work stacked up, just waiting for me to get to it, and I was watching kittens.


Somewhere between the four-week-old silver tabbies and the seven-week pure-bred Bengals, I got the hint. I could almost hear the TV whispering to me: Susan, your brain has done enough work for the day. You're done. Give up and enjoy the kittens. Feeling guilty about the work that still needed to be done, I kept trying to push myself to get busy again, but when the brain has gone on strike, well, it's kittens for me.

One of our sons, a mildly crazy entrepreneur who will one day be worth multiple millions, simply because he won't take no for an answer, has hit brain-weary regularly of late. When he just about lost it at work one day, his staff suggested he visit his doctor, just to be sure he's okay. The doctor's prescription: an evening of The Simpsons or Laverne and Shirley reruns. He said, "Give your brain a rest. Do something mindless for a while." Yes, The Simpsons or the L&S reruns may be adequately mindless, and maybe even fun, but the kittens are definitely cuter.

Besides, I love cats, but having recently lost the brother-sister pair we had for 14 and 16 years, and not yet feeling ready to watch real cats play in my home again, I get my kitten-fix from a TV documentary. For someone not yet ready to bring another kitten home, watching them on TV is clearly safer than visiting the local animal shelter, just for a kitten fix.


So what do you do when you're brain-weary? And do you need a doctor's prescription to keep you from feeling guilty when you settle down to let the brain wander aimlessly for a while? I'd love to hear your answers.

Susan Aylworth is the author of 20 novels. Her newest series, "Seasons of Destiny," explores romance in every season of the year in the small town of Destiny, California.  Paris in the Springtime, Sunny's Summer, and Amber in Autumn are all available now. Look for Winter Skye, coming early in 2020 in e-book and paperback. Find her at www.susanaylworth.com.