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I love all the lights at this time of year. It really does light up the dark on these short, gloomy days. Now hop over to Jill Haymaker to see what she has to share!
We’ll also be having a breakfast dessert (I’m thinking baked French toast), a fruit salad, mimosas and coffee with Bailey's. But I am still looking suggestions. If you have any favourite breakfast recipes you'd like to share, drop them here! CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 16 slices of bread, crusts removed 3/4 to 1 pound ham, thickly sliced 3/4 to 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, thickly sliced 6 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped (sometimes I add red pepper as well to make it look festive) 3 cups milk 1/4 cup butter 1 cup Special K or Cornflakes, crushed Day before serving Grease 9x13 inch glass baking dish. Place slices of bread on bottom, covering completely. Make one layer ham followed by one layer of cheese, then add rest of bread to make it look like a sandwich. In a small bowl, beat eggs, salt and pepper. Add dry mustard, onion, green pepper, and milk. Pour over casserole. Cover. Refrigerate overnight. Morning of Preheat oven to 350F. Melt butter. Pour over of casserole. Top with crushed cereal. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Now hop over to Leslie Hachtel to see what she is sharing!
In the twenty-year-old photo attached, her sister Marcie in a princess costume and brother Jared in a Superman suit grinned excitedly at the camera. Eva, sandwiched between them with cat whiskers painted on her face, scowled ferociously. She remembered when this was taken. She’d been reading Harry Potter for the first time and just gotten to the wizard’s chess scene when her mother had dragged her away to go trick-or-treating. She didn’t look cute. She looked angry. Because she had been. “I’m guessing you were the grumpy cat.” Eva immediately flipped her phone over to hide the screen and glared at her seatmate. “Mind your own business.” The woman’s eyes twinkled. She was decked out in glittery makeup, shimmery wings, and a sparkly rainbow-coloured dress. What was a grown-ass woman doing dressed up like the tooth fairy, even if it was Halloween? Her get up made her hard to ignore, though Eva hadn't noticed her getting on the bus. Eva’s rudeness didn’t faze her. “I love Halloween, don’t you? It’s a chance to relive our childhoods. Forget the rules and routines of being an adult.” She’d never really looked at it that way. She’d thought it was just a candy-grab. And Eva didn’t like candy. Weird, she knew, but there it was. Sweets weren’t her thing. And don’t get her started on pumpkin spice. What was it that made people go crazy for nutmeg and cinnamon? “What was your favourite costume when you were a child?” the fairy asked. Eva had no intention of getting dragged into a conversation but found herself responding anyway. “I didn’t have one.” “Sure you did. Everyone does.” A memory from another Halloween floated into her consciousness. “I was a ghost, once.” And not just a sheet-over-the-head ghost. Her mother had looped glowsticks around Eva’s neck and arms and waist and then wrapped her in layers of tulle from her head to her toes. Eva had felt truly invisible, as if no one could see the real her. It had been magical. The fairy beamed, as if she knew exactly what Eva was feeling. “See? I knew you’d think of something. Halloween is the one day we can pretend to be someone or something else and no one blinks an eye.” Maybe it wasn’t the worst holiday ever. Now she'd thought of one good memory, others followed. Getting to stay up late on a school night. Watching neighbourhood fireworks. Eva looked out the window. Her stop was next. She turned to the fairy to ask her to move so she could get off. She wasn’t there. Eva craned her neck, searching the bus. Her skin rippled with goosebumps. The fairy was gone. *** What did you think of my spooky story? I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Then hop over to PG Forte to see what she came up with this week.
Scent can be incredibly evocative, and what we associate with them is very personal. For example, the smell of burnt sugar may not be attractive to some, but for me it is the smell of Christmas. My mom makes pies often. One holiday, a pie overflowed as it baked and when we stepped into her house we were overwhelmed with the sweet caramel scent. It might have been a mess to clean up, but it smelled delicious! I generally detest the smell of cigarette smoke. But the scent of wine-dipped cigars reminds me of childhood. My dad used to smoke them – and a pipe, as well – and I still love the aroma. One scent that is sure to bring back memories is damp earth and mothballs. I know, sounds horrible, doesn’t it? But my grandparents had a cellar with a dirt floor and my grandmother used mothballs to protect the linens and clothes she stored down there. It will forever remind me of the good times I had there as a child and an adult. What about you? What scents trigger memories for you? Then continue your hop with PG Forte!
We’re getting into the home stretch of 2022. Next week will be our last blog hop of the year, and then we’ll be taking a break for a couple weeks to enjoy some rest, relaxation, and family fun. To get into the holiday spirit, this week we’re sharing flash fiction with the keywords stockings, gingerbread, and lamppost. And go… *** Virginia leaned against the lamppost, the icy metal searing the skin of her unprotected palm. Lifting one leg, she struggled to straighten the seam of her uncomfortably tight red and white striped stockings. The bells on the toes of her pointed slippers jangled as she tugged. A particularly frustrated yank unbalanced her and the next thing she knew, she was sitting on her butt on the frozen pavement. The thin velvet of her red Mrs. Claus skirt did little to cushion her fall or keep out the chilly dampness. Tears burned behind her eyes and she pressed her lips together. Ignoring the cold seeping into her bones, she pulled her feet up and dropped her head onto her raised knees. It had been hard to admit she needed a second job to supplement her pay as a teacher-on-call if she wanted to give her kids the Christmas they deserved. It had been humiliating to apply to be a mall elf and be relegated to Ms. Claus because she was over forty. It had been downright devastating to be clad in her ridiculously unattractive curly grey wig and padded costume when her ex-husband and his new twenty-something wife had appeared in the line up with their two-month-old son. Somehow, she’d managed to pretend everything was fine. She’d smiled until her cheeks ached, cooed at the annoyingly beautiful baby, and played her part exactly as she was paid to do. But the moment it was time for a break she’d fled to the back entrance of the mall for some much-needed solitude. The heavy fire door behind her opened with clang. She curled tighter into herself. Maybe whoever it was wouldn’t see her in the dim afternoon light. “Are you okay?” So much for that. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a black, shiny, knee-high boot with a red velvet pant leg tucked into it. Great. It was Santa Claus. This was her first shift with this particular jolly old elf. She didn’t even know his real name. He’d already been dressed and ready to go when she arrived, so had no idea if his rounded belly was as real as the full white beard he sported. He’d dealt with teary children and weary parents with bonhomie and patience, giving every indication he actually enjoyed the role. It was almost enough to make her believe in Christmas miracles. Almost. “Virginia?” A large, warm hand pressed her shoulder and she caught a whiff of gingerbread. “I’m fine,” she lied, keeping her chin pressed to her knees. “It can be a tough time of year.” The comment was so unexpected—especially coming from him—she jerked her head up. He was smiling down at her, no trace of pity in his eyes, just warmth and understanding. “The expectations can be overwhelming,” he went on. “To do all the things, buy all the things, make all the things. Especially when you have children.” “Yes!” The word burst from her and she jumped to her feet. “I have such amazing kids. They’ve had a tough few years and they’ve been champs. I want to give them everything.” She didn’t mention how tight money was or that they’d be spending the holiday with their dad, stepmom, and new half-brother instead of her. None of that was their fault. “They’ll know you love them, even if there aren’t dozens of presents under the tree.” She waved a hand. “I know that. But it’s still hard, not being able to give them what they want. And it’s not like they’re asking for the moon.” She told him what her son and daughter had wished for on their own visit to Santa few days ago. He nodded, the lips behind the silver whiskers upturned in a small smile. “What about you? What do you want?” That brought her up short. What did she want? “Is a peaceful life too much to ask?” She laughed wearily. “I feel like I’ve been scrambling just to stay sane the last few years.” “That might be a little hard to put under the Christmas tree.” Santa’s eyes twinkled. “But I believe in you. You’re a strong, resilient woman. You’ll be okay. I promise.” She wanted to ask him why he thought so, since they’d only just met. How could he say such things with such confidence? But break was over and they were expected back at Santa’s workshop. She clung to his words through the rest of her shift. You are strong. Resilient. Maybe she could make it true if she pretended hard enough. At the end of the day, he waved goodbye and headed out of the mall, still dressed in his costume. She changed out of hers in the small room allocated for the purpose and dragged herself to her car. Snow had fallen while she’d been working, blanketing the windows. She opened the rear door, grabbed the brush, and shut the door. Then opened the door again and stared. On the backseat were two unwrapped items. The exact items that she’d mentioned to Santa just a few hours ago. She blinked. They were still there. If he was responsible for the gifts, how had he managed it? He hadn’t moved from his seat in the workshop all afternoon. And though he’d left the mall before her, she’d only been a few minutes behind. Not nearly long enough for him to search out the items and buy them let alone sneak them into her car. Besides, how would he know which car was hers? And it had been locked, she was sure of that. Also, the snow covering it had been undisturbed until she’d opened the door. She was still puzzling about it when she arrived for her shift the next day, determined to ask him if he was the person she should thank for taking some of the load off her shoulders. But she never saw that Santa again. *** I'd love to know what you think of this little Christmas story. Do you believe in the magic of the season? Then hop over to Jenna Da Sie and see what she's come up with! NOW AVAILABLE in Kindle Unlimited…the NEVER TOO BUSY Anthology! What's that saying? Never too busy for love? The characters in this limited-edition anthology have been—until they come across the Never Too Busy Dating app. It caters to professionals thirty-years of age and older and promises to match them with the person of their dreams. After all, workaholics deserve a happily ever after, too. Enjoy sultry, sexy stories featuring strong female leads and their determined partners in this brand-new collection! Includes my story, MARGIN OF RISK. His heart isn’t ready to heal. Her soul isn’t ready to trust. Neither is ready for a fake wedding date to restore their fractured spirits. (Heroine 42, Hero 41) This week on the Romance Writers Weekly Blog Hop… What is the one dish or treat you can't do without during the holiday season? If you make it yourself, share the recipe. This topic is right on schedule! Last year, my mother, two daughters, two grandchildren, and I gathered for a Christmas baking day. We each did one recipe and then we all took some of everything home. It was so much fun we decided to make it a tradition. This Saturday, it will be my mother, two daughters, my son’s girlfriend, three grandchildren, and I getting together. I love how our family is growing. I am not much of a baker, but Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without butter tarts and chocolate haystacks. Those treats are staples from my side of the family. But on my husband’s side, a Portuguese sweet bread called massa is the treat that must be made. Now, yeast and I have never got along very well, but I took over this task a few years ago. It requires patience (which I don’t have in much abundance) to wait long enough for the dough to rise properly. Now I go for a dog walk or do some other longish task to take my mind off it, LOL! Below is the recipe I’ve adapted. Since I only make this at Christmas and Easter, I’ve laid it out really clearly so I don’t forget anything! And be sure to hop over to PG Forte for another holiday recipe! Massa (Portuguese Sweet Bread) 1 c. milk Zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp yeast ¼ c. warm water 1 c. sugar 1 tsp salt 3 eggs 3 c. flour* (total of 5 – 6 c. needed) ½ c. butter, softened 2-3 c. flour* 1 egg Warm milk and lemon zest, being careful not to bring to a boil. Set aside. In a LARGE bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. While milk is cooling, let yeast start to work. Once milk is cool, add to yeast mixture. Stir in sugar, eggs, salt, butter and 3 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Place in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until it is double in size (about 3 hours). Punch down dough and divide into 10 “bun” size pieces. Grease round pans and arrange in in a flower pattern (5 to a pan). Cover and let rise until double (another 2 to 3 hours). The longer you let rise at this stage, the lighter the bread will be. Beat remaining egg and brush over tops of loaves. Bake in 300F oven until golden brown, about 50 - 60 minutes. What readers are saying about Turn the Next Page... "I love reading about seasoned characters and this author writes real people. A cozy, second chance romance set in a friendly town." Tracey - 5 Stars "What I’m Starry-Eyed Over: Second-chance romance—but make it a double. Unique and interesting meet again. Fun & spunky older generation." Leigh-Ann - 4 Stars Get it now before the price goes up! Only One Week to go! Her love will light up his night. If they can both survive that long. Heather is having the worst Christmas ever! Or, at least, the worst Christmas since she was forced to become a vampire. Her sire's distracted, her nestmates have forgotten her, weirdos have taken over the lair. The only bright spot in her life right now is Drew--who didn't even used to like her! She knows he's fond of her now, but that's not good enough. She wants more. She wants everything. She wants him. And she's not giving up. Drew Geiger gave up on love a long time ago. Such tender emotions have no place in a vampire's heart. But, somehow, the girl he once described as a "feral kitten" has got her claws in him, and she's not letting go. That would be fine, if only someone didn't want her dead--and if her sire didn't recall that it was Drew who once suggested that maybe she'd be better off that way. Light Up the Night Releases December 13! Pre Order Now! Welcome to another Romance Writers Weekly Blog Hop! I’ll be adapting the topic this week LOL! Here it is: Did you celebrate the 4th of July? Care to share a recipe? What's the favorite dish at your celebration and why? And here are my answers: Not the 4th, but the 1st. Sure! And, I don’t have one. Canada Day is July 1st, and there are many similarities between it and the American celebration of the Fourth of July, of course. Picnics, community get-togethers, fireworks…it’s all part of the show, for sure! In my city, our biggest park hosts thousands of visitors for the day. Food vendors are very popular, showcasing Canadian diversity by serving bannock, perogies, souvlaki, samosas, and more. It is also a popular camping weekend here, as it is usually the first weekend elementary school is out. Families flee the city for nearby campgrounds. That was our usual way of celebrating Canada Day when our kids were little. Given all the above, we don’t have a traditional Canada Day dish, but I thought I’d share one of my favourite summer desserts. I hope you give it a try! Strawberry Margarita Pie Crust: 20 Oreo cookies, crushed. 2 tbsp. butter, melted Mix together and press into pie plate. (Or, buy a pre-made Oreo cookie crust, of course!) Filling: Blend in mixer: 20 oz. frozen strawberries ¾ c. sugar 1/8 c. tequila 1/8 c. triple sec 1 tbsp. lime juice Add 1 c. whipped cream Spread 2 cups of mixture onto crust. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for at least two hours. Add remaining mixture and freeze three hours more before serving. Garnish with whipped cream if you like! Now, hop over to PG Forte and see what she has to share!
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