Category Archives: Uncategorized

Mr. Bones

DSCN1091DSCN1093DSCN1092DSCN1094The owner of the house Barb and I rented on Anna Maria Island recommended the eating establishment Mr. Bones to us.  It is the spot that Phil said had the best barbeque in the United States.  High praise indeed.  We knew we had to try it.  Walking into the restaurant our eyes immediately alighted on a coffin, which was filled with bottled beer.  We made our choices and were guided into the small dining room.  There were many masks on the walls that continued to give us a voodoo vibe.  I enjoyed the atmosphere having never been in a place quite like it before.

The menu had a lot more offerings than barbeque.  After much deliberation, I made my selection.   In this dining place, that is so well known for barbeque, I chose Chicken in Thai Peanut Sauce.  It boasted sliced tender breast smothered in a rich, spicy peanut sauce garnished with green onion and crushed peanuts.  I also ordered curried rice with madras spices and vegetables which was served with mango chutney.  The chicken was moist, but the sauce tasted like it was made with peanut butter.  It was good, but I guess I was expecting more.  The curried rice was flavorful and I would definitely order it again.  Barb had the barbequed ribs and said it was excellent.  Next time I need to remember to order the restaurant’s specialty.  We each took a large portion of our meal home.  I did order Key Lime Pie for dessert, though.  It was both beautiful and delicious!  True Nosh or Truly Nauseous?  Overall, a true nosh.

The Beach House

While in Florida, Barb and I enjoyed a visit from another close friend, Kathy.  Back in the day, the three of us taught seventh graders in rooms next to each other.  It created a lasting bond.  One night we chose to eat at The Beach House. We snagged a table right on the beach and basked in the warmth as day turned to evening.

After some serious catching up (and a margarita) I decided to try two appetizers instead of an entrée.  The first was Tots and Pearls.  It consisted of Gourmet Tater Tots wrapped with house cured Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Sturgeon Caviar, and Crème Fraiche.  Ordinarily I never would order tater tots, but I thought it sounded interesting.  And it was.  Beautifully presented, the small orbs of deliciousness, were sitting up invitingly.  The firmness of the smoked salmon blended well with the slightly salty taste of the caviar.  Velvety crème fraiche offered a contrasting texture as I bit into the smooth potato center.  This tempting delight was certainly not my usual fare. The other  appetizer I ordered was sliced Ahi tuna with pickled ginger and wasabi.  This was wonderful as well.  However, I knew I liked tuna, so it wasn’t a surprise like the Tots and Pearls.  True Nosh or Truly Nauseous?  Definitely a true nosh.DSCN1070

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

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