This week the Marketing for Romance Writers (#MFRW) 52-week Blog Challenge topic is The Best Dish I Cook. Although my hubby loves to cook and does the brunt of the cooking, I’m not completely absolved from whipping up grub for the family a few times a week. I’ll share my not-so-secret-method of gettin’ er done when the writing is waiting. Plus I have a special holiday gift for you.

Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That

Is pretty much my attitude when it comes to cooking.

• If I see a long list of ingredients—I’m out.
• There’s a ton of dishes involved—that I’ll have to clean up—Nope.
• Measurements which need converted and other math-ey stuff—heck no.
• Ingredient list that requires me to run to the story—no way Jose.

Put it all in a #crockpot and let it cook—you had me at crockpot. #MFRW #recipes
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The Early Bird Loves the Crockpot

My energy level peaks in the morning and the supply dwindles from there for the rest of the day. Thus, I try to get all the chores that require concentration and thought early on, since by the end of the day even basic tasks feel overwhelming. Therefore, a crockpot recipe is my favorite thing ever. Plus, you get the bonus of smelling it cooking all day if you’re home slaving over words.

But, unfortunately, I’m not someone who can craft my own recipe. I might toss in an extra ingredient here and there, or tweak the recipe after I’ve made it a few times, but I don’t have ‘original’ crockpot recipes to share. (No worries—I’ve got your recipes at the bottom).

But I’m good at directing you to some of my favorite places to score a quick crockpot recipe if you don’t want to Google it.

If I’m not flipping through the binders of recipes I’ve printed (gotta love a binder!) Or the crockpot recipe books I have (yes I still have actual books!) Then I Google for a recipe or go to Allrecipes and check out—you got it—the reviews. (Which is why authors always have reviews at the top of their Christmas list.

Got Recipes? Here’s a Treat For You

I’m not the only writer who’s trying to cut corners on cooking and cleaning to escape into the writing cave. Check out my extras page to see the We’d Rather be Writing book which features a multitude of recipes and timesaving tips— I contributed a tip.

Plus, there are several free books with all kinds of recipes courtesy of my publisher and The Wild Rose Press authors for your free holiday gift.

This year, the recipes focus on baking—yes! So I’m sharing Ruthie’s Kuka recipe. You remember, Aunt Ruthie from Destiny Calling and Not A Chance, right? Then you know she knows how to make things delicious like this coffee cake. If you’re already subscribed to my newsletter, you would’ve found out about this free recipe book sooner to get started on your baking early.

Fill Your Belly with More Recipes

Get your fill of recipes with the other authors on the blog hop as they share The Best Dish I Cook.

But before you go, don’t forget to check out this months contest where you can enter to try to win a gift for yourself. Scroll down for all the details.

Enter Here for your chance to win a gift for yourself this holiday.

The post You’re Gonna Have to Look for The Best Dish I Cook appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

But no worries, I have some recipes to share with you.

Favorite Food or Foods?

I can’t say that when the holidays come around that I’m looking forward to one particular food or meal. It depends on my mood, and the time of day, whether I’m seeking out the main course or dessert.

There are many things—too many—that I enjoy eating this time of year. I’m assuming that’s like many people who also overindulge this time of year only to start the new year off contemplating how to get rid of all that holiday weight. But, I digress.

Since I can’t narrow it down to just one food, I’m going to share some of my favorite recipes for the holidays (or all year long). I’ll warn you that most are deserts (yum!) because if I’m cooking, I prefer to bake.

Because otherwise my hubby is the star in the kitchen as I point out right here when I talked last year about how my favorite recipe usually isn’t made by me.I do some cooking, but only if I must.

But I do share one there that is my favorite to make (no-bake cookies) so check it out.

I like to eat and my hubby likes to cook, so that makes us a perfect pair. #MFRW #recipe
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Hop on Your Sleigh

I’ve shared some of my other favorite foods that usually make an appearance, and their recipe if you hop your sleigh and fly around the blog here a bit you can get recipes for:

• A few holiday cocktails- you don’t want to miss these special cocktails that the elves can whip up
• Peanut butter pie is one of my favorites. I try not to make it because I want to eat it all. My niece made it this year at Thanksgiving and I must admit that I ate the bulk over the leftovers. It was calling to me louder than my characters—and that’s saying something. Get the easy recipe right here my fellow peanut butter lovers.
• Appetizers anyone? I love vegetable appetizers. They also made an appearance on Thanksgiving courtesy of my sister. Getting your vegetables in the right way—on a crescent roll with some cream cheese. You might even get some picky kids to eat these. Check out the recipe right here.
• My girls and I make sugar cookies almost every Christmas. This recipe is pretty awesome and the icing makes it (yes, that’s my sweet tooth talking) but my favorite part about them is making the memories with my girls.

Hungry for More Recipes?

Check out my page with freebies and extras to download one of the free cookbooks courtesy of my publisher, and the authors of The Wild Rose Press.

Don’t forget to follow the hop to check out the other authors for some of their favorite holiday foods to get your appetite, and your menu, set for the holidays.

Psst! Speaking of baking…

Have you met Aunt Ruthie? If you read Destiny Calling, you’ll recall her ability to know how to make anything delicious (oh, how I wish I had this magic!) but something goes awry with Ruthie in book 2- Not a Chance– will Ruthie still know how to make things delicious? Grab your copy right here and find out.

Already read Not a Chance? I’d love your more than peanut butter pie if you leave a review! (Okay, almost more…)

The post My Favorite Holiday Food Depends on My Mood appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

It’s not that I don’t like to cook, it’s just that I prefer not to. But don’t worry; I’ll still share at least one favorite recipe, and how all my favorite recipes must have one of these three key ingredients.

Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That

While I’m working away on my laptop I often don’t realize it’s time for lunch until a headache starts brewing because…

Apparently you cannot obtain adequate sustenance from caffeine alone #MFRW #recipe
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…then I find the most convenient thing to eat to make it stop.

I might spend hours upon hours slaving over a

chapter, or a paragraph, or a sentence until it sounds just right, but I don’t want to waste the time to create a delicious dish. I prefer just to eat it.

Lucky for me, the hubs loves to cook + I love to eat= A recipe for a perfect match!

My Favorite Recipe

Therefore, if I’m going to cook, a recipe must have one of these three key ingredients.

1. It can be made in a crockpot. I don’t want to mess around so I like to get my cooking done early so I can focus on more important things. Like writing. Cleaning. Or doing laundry. 
2. Has a short list of ingredients. If there’s an extensive list of ingredients my eyes glaze over and my mind thinks this is going to take too much time and effort so forget it. (Note to self: Show recipe to husband and then he might make it.)
3. My favorite ingredient is—someone else makes it—preferably my husband. You might try to challenge me by saying that I said I was cooking, but you’d lose. If I’m cooking and the hubs shows up about 9 times out of 10 he ends up taking over because there is some ingredient I should be adding, (I’ll point out your typos, but don’t ask me about spices.) or something I should be doing different. (Who knows? Who cares? I let him take over.)

My All-Time Favorite

Well, I promised a recipe. If I’m going to cook or bake I tend to return to the same old favorites. So if you stopped by my blog this week for the Highway Café Christmas Blog Tour you can find links for a few Christmas cocktails, peanut butter pie, vegetable appetizers and a few other favorites. But I didn’t share my all time favorite.

The #recipe looks in the eye of every diet and laughs and says, “Not today. You better start tomorrow.” #MFRW
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No Bake Cookies. 

This was the one recipe that I tweaked and tried over the years until it became almost fail-proof (not 100%, I’m no master chef here). This was after too many “hard as a rock/dirt cookies” or “spoon cookies”. The key to delicious cookies in this recipe is precision in timing the amount of heat. I know, math. But that’s what

timers are for.

Plus once I put the first spoon onto the wax paper and “eye-ball” it then I might add more cocoa or peanut butter if I want it thicker. (I said precision with heat, not ingredients)

Best No-Bake Cookies

• 2 cups sugar
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 ½ cups quick rolled oats
• 1/3 cup cocoa (sorry, the font refused to shrink for the 1/3- chocolate is that important)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

On medium heat: Mix sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Stir consistenly. Do not boil until at least 3 minutes, if it starts earlier, turn the heat down. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from the stove.

Stir in peanut butter, then vanilla, then oats. Mix well after adding each ingredient. As soon as oats are mixed, drop onto waxed paper.

For Peanut Butter cookies: omit cocoa, change to 3 cups oats, 1 cup peanut butter

Want more recipes? Check out my Freebies & Extras Page for free downloadable cookbooks and other cool stuff by authors of The Wild Rose Press. AND Follow the Blog Hop! I’m sure these awesome authors have fabulous recipes to share!

What Key Ingredient Makes It A Favorite Recipe For You?

The post My Favorite Recipe Isn’t Made By Me appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

The book entitled We’d Rather Be Writing: 88 Authors Share Timesaving Dinner Recipes and Other Tips is already up for pre-order for only 99 cents with its release date set for October 30.  The paperback version will be available after the release date (Christmas gifts, anyone?)

I can’t wait to get my hands on this book myself because if there’s one thing I never have enough of it’s time! I’m excited to check out the time-saving tips and get some new, quick recipes.

Read on for all the book details and please consider purchasing or gifting it as part of the proceeds will go to No Kid Hungry .

We’d Rather Be Writing: 88 Authors Share Timesaving Dinner Recipes and Other Tips
Editor: Lois Winston
Release Date: October 30
Pre-order link: Amazon

Have you ever wished you could find more time to do the things you want to do, rather than just doing the things you have to do?

Most authors juggle day jobs and family responsibilities along with their writing. Because they need to find time to write, they look for ways to save time in other aspects of their lives.

Cooking often takes up a huge chunk of time. In We’d Rather Be Writing: 88 Authors Share Timesaving Dinner Recipes and Other Tips you’ll find easy, nutritious recipes for meat, poultry, pasta, soup, stew, chili, and vegetarian meals. All of the recipes require a minimum of prep time, freeing you up to read, exercise, garden, craft, write, spend more time with family, or whatever.

Within the pages of We’d Rather Be Writing: 88 Authors Share Timesaving Dinner Recipes and Other Tips you’ll be introduced to authors who write a wide range of fiction—everything from mystery to romance to speculative fiction to books for children, young adults, and new adults—and some who write nonfiction. Some of the authors write sweet; others write steamy. Some write cozy; others write tense thrillers.

Some are debut authors with only one published book; others are multi-published and have had long publishing careers. Some are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors who may or may not be familiar to you, but being a bestselling author doesn’t mean they still don’t have to juggle their day job along with their writing.

The authors who contributed to this book are a rather creative and resourceful bunch when it comes to carving out time from their busy lives. So in addition to timesaving recipes, within the pages of this book you’ll find timesaving and organizational tips for other aspects of your life. And if you happen to be a writer, you’ll also find a plethora of great ideas to help you organize your writing life.

Authors who contributed to this book include:

Lisa Alber, Reggi Allder, Judy Alter, Krista Ames, Rose Anderson, Cori Lynn Arnold, Judy Baker, Beverley Bateman, Donnell Ann Bell, Paula Gail Benson, Kris Bock, Maureen Bonatch, Ava Bradley, Susan Breen, Lida Bushloper, Michelle Markey Butler, Ashlyn Chase, Judy Copek, Maya Corrigan, Mariposa Cruz, Melinda Curtis, Lesley A. Diehl, Conda V. Douglas, Nancy Eady, Helena Fairfax, Jennifer Faye, Flo Fitzpatrick, Kit Frazier, Shelley Freydont, Mariana Gabrielle, Rosie Genova, Marni Graff, Joanne Guidoccio, Margaret S. Hamilton, L.C. Hayden, Linda Gordon Hengerer, Heather Hiestand, R.Franklin James, Kathryn Jane, M.M. Jaye, Elizabeth John, Stacy Juba, Gemma Juliana, Carol Goodman Kaufman, Melissa Keir, Kay Kendall, A.R. Kennedy, Lynn Kinnaman, Marie Laval, B.V. Lawson, Claudia Lefeve, Alice Loweecey, Cynthia Luhrs, Sandra Masters, Lisa Q. Mathews, J.M. Maurer, Sandra McGregor, Kathy McIntosh, Claire A. Murray, Ann Myers, Tara Neale, Stacey Joy Netzel, Jayne Ormerod, Alice Orr, Laurel Peterson, Irene Peterson, Pepper Phillips, Caridad Pineiro, Kathryn Quick, Renée Reynolds, Josie Riviera, Elizabeth Rose, C.A. Rowland, Cindy Sample, Sharleen Scott, Terry Shames, Susan C. Shea, Judy Penz Sheluk, Joanna Campbell Slan, Karen Rose Smith, Lynette Sofras, Kaye Spencer, Skye Taylor, Lourdes Venard, Lea Wait, Regan Walker, Lois Winston, and Aubrey Wynne.

The post Time-Sharing Dinner Recipes & Other Tips from 88 Authors appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Who am I kidding? Finger food?

You had me at…no dishes.

As I’ve already confessed in another blog, I’m a grazer. I’m always looking for finger food! (And a good book…) But, I digress, as I’m sure you’ve come here looking for something, anything, to throw together for a last minute party, or when an unexpected guest shows up and you suddenly have to become the hostess with the most-ess.

Don’t worry, I’ll hook you up with something, fast, easy and delicious.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

-1 8 oz cream cheese room temperature                    – 2 T brown sugar

-1 stick butter at room temperature                           -3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

-1/2 t vanilla                                                                    -chopped walnuts or pecans

-3/4 c confectioners sugar

Beat cream cheese and butter together in bowl.  Add vanilla, confectioners sugar and brown sugar. Stir in chocolate chips.

Serving method #1:

Mixture will be soft. Leave in bowl and refrigerate until mixture can be shaped into one or two balls. After mixture is firmer, roll the ball(s) in walnuts or pecans.

Serving method #2:

Mixture is so soft that it can be served in a dip. Simply place mixture in a bowl.

Serve with chocolate graham crackers.

What? You need a good book suggestion? Well check out my guest today, Ryan Jo Summers and her book When Clouds Gather.

When Clouds Gather by Ryan Jo Summers

Darby Adams has a successful Bed & Breakfast Inn, a wonderful son and a happy life in the coastal town of Driftwood Shores. Then a guest is found dead in one of her rooms. Suddenly she is the number one suspect and her world is spiraling out of control.

The surviving family wants answers so they hire new-in-town private investigator Sam Golden to undeniably prove her guilt and have her put away. Sam begins his new case in a dual role, in the guise of being Darby’s much needed friend while looking for the evidence to send her to prison.

Until strange things begin happening at the B & B–scary things. Finally Sam has to question his thoughts on her guilt or innocence. Meanwhile, Darby leans on Sam to weather each new challenge and threat. Feelings begin to develop between Darby and Sam. Until Sam is forced to tell Darby the truth about him, effectively destroying what trust they had.

Until a new threat forces Darby to trust Sam once more. She will bet her freedom and life on his skills, but can she trust her heart?

Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Ryan donated a pair of hand-painted ceramic penguin holiday mugs, paired with a $5 Amazon card from Sophia Kimble to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Ryan Jo Summers is a North Carolina writer who pens contemporary romance blended with an unexpected twist. “Whispers in Her Heart’ combines mystery and horses with the mystical paranormal.

Her latest book out, “Shimmers of Stardust” combines Christian elements in a time travel love story. Next up will be “When Clouds Gather”, a romantic mystery.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post When Clouds Gather, I’m always looking for some fingerfood appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini.  Now I know right now you’re grabbing your tablet and getting ready to jot down the exact ingredients, well I’ll give you the ingredients but cross out the exact part. That’s because I was introduced to this drink by my sister in law, who happens to have done a lot of bartending so she can do that ‘eye ball’ kind of thing that I hate in most recipes…you know, a splash, a pinch of this, a smidge of that…but not here because, come on, it’s a drink that tastes like cake!

Here’s the ingredients:

Disaronno, pineapple juice and maraschino cherries. Put in the pinapple juice and Disaronno and pour in some of the juice from the jar of cherries and a few cherries…viola! You’re drinking pineapple upside down cake just like my grandma used to make (and it’s pretty to look at too.)

Now for some other pretty things to look at, check out Meda’s beautiful cover and she’s got some things to make you sweet smelling that you could sign up to win!

Play with my Heart by Meda White

Southern musician and closet geek Liz Baker enjoys her quiet life. While in Los Angeles helping her brother with a house project, the simple life gets complicated when British television actor Ian Clarke walks into the picture.

Ian enjoys his celebrity status in Hollywood and is determined nothing and no one will get in the way of his plans for success on the big screen. He never counted on meeting a woman like Liz, but she’s the only one who can help him with a personal problem.

Forced into close quarters where priorities and cultures clash, an intense attraction catches them both by surprise. Secrets, old lovers and the paparazzi threaten their new dreams and a chance for love could be lost forever.

Play With My Heart is a finalist in the 2014 BTS Reader’s Choice Red Carpet Awards.

Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Meda donated Bodycology Moroccan shower gel & lotion, plus author swag to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Meda White was born with Georgia clay running through her veins, and she continues to enjoy the Southern lifestyle with her husband and Collie.

She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and affiliate chapters: Southern Magic, Georgia Romance Writers, and Contemporary Romance Writers.

When not writing, you might find her singing harmony, attempting to play guitar, shooting zombie targets, quoting movie lines, traveling, teaching yoga, or explaining the meaning of her unusual first name.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The post Don’t Play with my Heart, with cake in a glass appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Although it’s possible it could be considered just cause…eating all the cookies, that is. Because my girls and I make these almost every year, well, I should say we start out making them together. The girls run out of interest and energy half-way through and I often end up finishing them solo. The task may be a bit daunting, and your floor may be covered with multi-colored sprinkles…but these cookies are to die for.

(Right here you can picture how delicious they look- if I’d gotten the chance to make them yet. I’d better get baking- cause this is the Christmas countdown!)

Iced Sugar Cookies

1 cup softened butter        2 t cream of tartar

1 1/2 cups sugar                 1 t baking soda

3 eggs                                   1/2 t salt

1 t vanilla                              3 1/2 cups flour

Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients. Add and mix well. Refrigerate in a covered bowl for several hours or overnight. Heat oven to 400. Flour board and cut into small portions of the dough to desired thickness then cut with a cookie cut and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 6-8 minutes. Cool and Ice.

Icing:

1/2 cup softened butter                              1 t vanilla

8 oz package of softened cream cheese   1 pound powdered sugar (3 1/2 to 4 cups)

(can use food coloring)

Combine all ingredients: Mix well. Can keep icing refrigerated.

A Second Chance for Murder by Ann Lacey

When a young woman is murdered during a party at the family estate and local authorities are unable to find the culprit, Lady Thora Mannington decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to find the killer herself!

Fearing for his impulsive sister’s safety, her brother, Nyle turns to his friend Lord Garren Huntscliff for help. Though his investigating days are over, Garren cannot refuse his troubled friend. No sooner does he take on the case than two more deaths occur and he soon discovers that he is matching wits against a dangerous and clever killer. Complicating his effort is the lovely Lady Thora, who insists on joining forces with him yet refuses to adhere to his cautions, continually places herself at risk and is so disarmingly enchanting that he finds himself falling for her. Now Garren has two things on his mind, find a crafty and elusive killer and keep the reckless Lady Thora from becoming a victim herself!

Pick up a copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Ann donated a $25 Amazon card to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I spent much of my life in New Jersey but have also lived in Florida and Wyoming. I currently reside in the lake region of central North Carolina. Living close to water, there are days when fog rolls in off the lake and creates an eerie mist. I love it but my dog, Molly, takes one look and refuses to leave the house.

When I’m not writing I read (lately with the help of a powerful pair of readers). For me there’s nothing better than a good who-done- it or a steamy romance! On rainy days, I enjoy watching old movies especially film noir and I can spend hours in an antique store.

I have recently moved to North Carolina and I’m delighted to say that southern hospitality truly exists!

Connect: Website | Twitter

The post Some people would kill for an Iced Sugar Cookie appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.