Florida – 2015

DSCN0987Florida beckoned again this year, so I spent the month of March on beautiful Anna Maria Island.  My friend, Barb, drove over from Traverse City, Michigan to pick me up and we motored on, enjoying our travel days as if they were part of the vacation.  In true Nell form, I plan to share photos and descriptions of many of the meals that we enjoyed in upcoming posts.

This is a picture of one the gorgeous sunrises we experienced each morning from the house we rented.  The view was breathtaking over the water.

Nell’s Lemon Layered Love – Death Knock

DSCN0950This dessert is included in Death Knock and is one of my favorites because it’s scrumptious and a cinch to make.  I came up with the recipe after watching many cooking shows and reading countless recipes.  It’s a mix of several ideas that really come together well.  This could also be prepared using a springform pan with your own crust and lemon curd.  Topping it off with homemade whipped cream makes it beautiful and delicious.  Either way you fix it, the taste is tart and fresh.  I hope you and your guests enjoy it as much as my family and friends always do.

 

12 ounce tub of Cool Whip, thawed

2 10 ounce jars of lemon curd*

1 shortbread premade pie crust

1 lime

Pour the contents of one of the jars of lemon curd into a bowl.  Stir until soft and well blended.  Then spread into a layer over the pie crust.  Pour the other jar of curd into the same bowl and stir again until well blended.  Add one half of the tub of Cool Whip into the bowl and then stir carefully so the whipped cream doesn’t break down.  When it is blended , pour onto the layer of lemon curd.  Layer the remaining Cool Whip on the top.  Finally zest the lime and sprinkle for decoration.  Refrigerate for at least two hours.

 

*Lemon curd can be found in the jam/jelly or the baking section of most grocery stores.

Death Knock is Out!

I’m pleased to announce that Death Knock came out a couple weeks ago to high praise from family and friends.  I’ve been told that readers enjoyed it more than my first book, Death Nell.  Music to my ears.  In the book, three new features have been added.  A map of Bayshore is at the beginning and recipes are offered at the end.  I also included a few pages of my next culinary mystery, Death Nosh.  Readers have appreciated these changes.  I’m hoping each book continues to intrigue fans of my Noshes Up North series.  The books can be purchased on Amazon through a link here on my website, at B&N, Smashwords, and Kobo.  If you live in the area, you can find it at Bayshore Books in Oconto.  May you find this slice of life amusing, heart-warming, and thought-provoking.  You might even recognize Nell in yourself or someone you love.Death Knock-SOCIALMEDIA[1]

Greetings at home

As I removed my Christmas decorations this year, I thought I should snap a shot of  what greets guests when they arrive at my home.  I dressed up the sentiment with a little seasonal décor.  DSCN0959Sometimes I just can’t help myself.  I actually do like guests, but I couldn’t resist this sign.

Sigh of Relief

Yesterday I concentrated on removing all the Christmas decorations and putting them away for another year.  I had a feeling of accomplishment when I finished.  It took the whole day as I slowly looked at each ornament and decorative item before packing it away.  Everything is now either in a closet or in a bin out in the garage.  Everything, that is, except the trees I have on the mantel.  I’ll keep them around for a while yet.

My Christmas was wonderful as my brother and his wife came up from southern Wisconsin along with their wonderful German Shepherd, Vixen.  My sister and her husband also came over from Minnesota.  The three of us don’t get together enough. We had a great time.DSCN0913

Death Knock Coming Soon

Death Knock-SOCIALMEDIA[1]The excitement is building at my house and it’s not just for Christmas.  My new book, Death Knock is coming out soon.  I don’t know the exact date yet, but for me it’s like waiting for Santa.

The cover shows that there is plenty of food in this book just as there was in my first, Death Nell.  I’ve even added recipes to the back this time.  There’s also a murder that puts Nell in hot water.

Order either (or both) of my books here on my website or on various other platforms.

Christmas Sass!

I love Christmas!  The true meaning of Christmas is the important part, but I also love the lights, the glitter, and good cheer.  All of it brings joy to my heart.

This year I had to get a little sassy on my chalkboard.  Not too much, though.  I still want Santa to remember me.  I’m sharing a few pictures of my decorating as I try to wait patiently for my next book, Death Knock, to come out.  It could be any day now.DSCN0930DSCN0919DSCN0913

Snow tomorrow?

Snow could be coming our way tomorrow.  Way too early in my opinion.  I thought I’d post a picture of the trees in my backyard as they looked just a couple weeks ago.  Snowy cold weather does make it easier to stay inside and write, though.DSCN0838

The Perfect Ring

DSCN0633It’s round.  It’s beautiful.  It would give me great joy to have one right now.

I’m not talking about an engagement ring.  I’m talking about an onion ring.  Maybe it isn’t a symbol of true love, but a person can definitely love to eat them.  In Death Nell, Nell writes lovingly about some delicious onion rings she consumes.  What’s your opinion?  Do you like the big, thick rings with a heavy batter or do you prefer the lightly breaded little straws?  There’s no wrong answer.  I love each type as long as it’s cooked properly.  Where is your favorite place for onion rings?  Please share your choice and let the rest of us know where you like to eat a good ring.