Dinner Creations Cookbook: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to The Dinner Creations Cookbook virtual blog tour, hosted by Virtual Book Tour Cafe

Diane Krause
12A Windcreek St.
Friendswood, Texas 77546
832.755.4567 Mobile
www.thedianekrause.com
diane@thedianekrause.com
Twitter: @DianeKrause2

Author Bio:

Diane Krause is a Southern girl who began cooking and baking at a very young age. She’s the former owner-operator of Dinner Creations, and still enjoys sharing Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken and King Ranch Chicken with those she loves. Diane currently works as a freelance writer and editor. She’s the author of a short inspirational book for writers, 25 Ways to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love, and is currently at work on her second cookbook.

Author and book links:

http://www.thedianekrause.comhttp://www.dinnercreationscookbook.com

INTRODUCTION 

Dinner Creations operated in Friendswood, Texas, from 2004 to 2008 and was one of the first meal assembly businesses in the Houston area. Through the business of Dinner Creations, we gained a whole new family. We shared life stories, celebrated weddings, and rejoiced over the addition of new little ones to families. We watched people provide care and comfort to others through the gift of food and considered it a blessing to be a part of that caring. We made new friends, and we had a very good time doing the business of Dinner Creations. 
This book is a collection of the recipes from Dinner Creations. Perhaps these recipes will enrich your family, and maybe even help you extend a bit of care to those around you. 
From all of us who have been a part of Dinner Creations, thank you for letting us have a place around your dinner table. 

---Diane Krause Owner, Dinner Creations

Genre: CookbooksPublisher: Southern Road Press
Release Date: 2nd edition released 7/14/13; Original release September 2009

Purchase link (Amazon): http://tinyurl.com/nxhuco6

Book Description:

The Dinner Creations Cookbook is a collection of more than 130 delicious freezer-friendly recipes.Dinner Creations was a meal assembly business that operated in Friendswood, Texas from 2004 to 2008. With this cookbook, you can enjoy the Dinner Creations favorites in your own home. Among those favorites are:

· King Ranch Chicken and Dumplings

· Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken

· Baked Salmon in Puff Pastry

· Herb Crusted Flank Steak

· Guiltless Brownies

· ....and many more!

Each recipe includes freezer preparation instructions, and as an added bonus, printable freezer labels – complete with thawing and cooking instructions – are available at www.dinnercreationscookbook.com.



Recipes:

BAKED SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

5 Serves 6-8 
1 lb. ground beef 
1 1/4 cups prepared marinara sauce 
1 1/2 tsp. sugar 
9 ounces angel hair pasta (cappellini) 
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 
Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. 
Cook ground beef in a large skillet until beef is cooked through and no longer pink, breaking up any large pieces. Drain the meat, then return it to the skillet and stir in the marinara sauce and sugar. Set aside. 
Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse with cool water. 
To assemble, spread 2 cups meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked pasta, then sprinkle over 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Top with 2 cups meat sauce, the remaining pasta, and another 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Cover with the remaining 2 cups meat sauce, then sprinkle over the remaining cheese. 
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. 

FREEZER PREPARATION: Prepare casserole as directed, omitting the cheese topping. Measure last 1/4 cup of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into a plastic sandwich bag; seal. Lay a sheet of deli paper or waxed paper over casserole, then place bag of cheese on top. Seal entire pan well and label.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL OATMEAL BARS

Yields 24 bars 3/4 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 2 cups quick-cooking oats 3/4 cups chocolate chips, or other flavored chips 1/2 cup raisins 
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional) 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or line with foil. Cream softened butter with sugars. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Stir together the flour and baking soda, then add to butter mixture. Stir in oats, chips and raisins. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan, then cut into bars. 

FREEZER PREPARATION:Mix batter as directed and spread in pan; do not bake. Cover tightly, label and freeze.

Giveaway: 

One lucky winner will receive a Cook’s Gift Basket which will include a print copy of The Dinner Creations Cookbook and a variety of other kitchen goodies and culinary treats.

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Never Let Go: Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Welcome to the cover reveal for Never Let Go by Scarlett Edwards, hosted by Literati Author Services!

~ Synopsis ~

The start of college heralds new beginnings and new friendships. It gives every girl a chance to reinvent herself.I go and screw mine up by meeting the most gorgeous guy I've laid eyes on in five years while talking to my cat outside my dorm.
But Andrew Crowner is far from judgmental. After helping me move my things to my room, he has me smitten by his easy manners and kind smile. And from the way his eyes linger on me before he leaves, I start to think that maybe I've caught his attention, too.
I let myself believe that luck might finally be on my side until I stumble upon my roommate... and her overnight guest.
Spencer Ashford.
Lean and tattooed, sexy as sin and dangerous, Spencer is exactly the type I want to avoid. I would have no trouble with that... were it not for his swift and inexplicable interest in me.
In the span of a week, I go from a girl with next-to-no experience with boys to one caught in the cross hairs of two totally different men. 
Andrew's interest is wholesome and sweet. Spencer's is edgy and raw. The choice should be easy. But there are always complications, and sometimes, matters of the heart take the least expected turns.

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About the Author:

I'm Scarlett Edwards. I wrote my first book as a college sophomore. After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.

That was at the start of 2013. I've written more books since then. You can find them all here.It's funny how quickly life changes. I used to think I'd need a degree to get a "Real Job." Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I'm living the life as a full-time romance author.
Thanks to all my readers for making my dream come true.

Website | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

Are you ready for the cover reveal???

What do you think??  Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to support the wonderful Scarlett Edwards!  Any feedback would be great!  And.. if you like the cover, chances are you'll love the book!!

 Help us celebrate a wonderful book, A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker!!  This tour is hosted by Page Turner Book Tours...

About Mysti Parker:
Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger's Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.
Mysti's other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K. 
Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder's Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
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Title: A Ranger’s Tale
Series: Tallenmere
Author: Mysti Parker
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Melange Books
Formats Available In: All eBook formats and Print
Release Date: January, 2011

Blurb: In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...
High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls.
As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger.
When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose.
From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.
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Excerpt:

Caliphany lowered her hood and smoothed out her robes. She smiled. I admit I’d held a vague hope we would cross each other’s paths again, but I’d also told myself a woman of her class and a man of mine had no business being seen with one another.Even though I didn’t know who she was exactly, the clothes she wore told me she didn’t mingle regularly with us working classes. 
She tucked some hair behind her ear and blushed. “Captain Trudeaux.” 
I bowed. “My lady.” 
“Please don’t bow.” She avoided my gaze and clenched her robe. “You weren’t at the docks this morning. I thought you had gone.” 
Razor had started tearing into the rabbit, so I held up my finger. “One moment, please.” I knelt to retrieve him and the carcass before it was gone. 
Razor eyed Caliphany when I returned to her side. “I sent my men on to Faewood. They’ll be back by the week’s end. We had some Tilliyan coffee beans to deliver.” 
Her shoulders slumped. “I’ve read a lot about Tilliya Island.” Her eyes focused somewhere in the distance, and then rested on me again. “So, you’re a falconer?” 
“I’m a ranger. Razor accompanies me from time to time. We sell what we hunt and gather. Sometimes I help thin out wildlife. It’s just my job.” 
The words rolled off her tongue. “A ranger.” 
I nodded, a bit annoyed she found my profession so curious. I killed things for a living. It was a hard, dirty job, one I was sure she could never understand. I cleared my throat. “I’m glad to see you’re in one piece, though still unescorted. Would you like me to walk you back to Leogard?” 
She held up a satchel. “I’m gathering plant specimens.” 
“As you wish. Well, good day then. I’ve got work to do.” I began to walk away. 
“Wait,” she said. 
I turned, and Caliphany approached me, opened her mouth, shut it again, and finally spoke. “I wanted to thank you for rescuing me.” 
If she was any other woman, from the lower end of society, I might have thought she was flirting. “You already did, I believe, and it’s not necessary. Good day.” I tried to walk away again. 
“Wait.” 
Razor screeched and puffed his feathers when I turned back around. “Easy, now. Look, Caliphany, it’s really not necessary—” 
“I want you to train me.” 
I stepped closer. She blushed. I wrinkled my brow and asked, “Pardon?” 
The words tumbled from her mouth. “You know how to handle yourself, handle weapons. I want to learn that as well. Will you train me?” 
I puffed out my cheeks and exhaled. 
Should have known she wasn’t interested in me, just in what I could do for her. “I’m not sure what you think I am, my lady, but I’m no trainer. I’ve got work to do. Forgive me, but I can’t waste precious hours teaching you to handle a bow.” 
She reached into her cloak and pulled out a sack. From the jingle inside, I estimated a month’s wages in gold. She got my attention. 
“I’ll pay you. If this isn’t enough, I’ll pay more.” 
That definitely got my attention. “My men will have to take up the slack. I’ve got orders to fill. But, why would you want to do…” I pulled out a bloody, limp rabbit carcass. “…this?” 
“My reasons are personal. So, are you willing to train me or not?” 
I scratched my chin. “When can you start?” 
A smile flashed across her lips. “My father leaves for Mirrochet citadel in two days. He’ll be gone for a month. I can train with you every day for a few hours during that time. After that…” She frowned and turned her head, then met my eyes again. “After that, I don’t know. I can meet you at the ranger outpost just east of here. My family should not know about this.” 
Desperation settled in her eyes, and I had a strong urge to take her in my arms and kiss her until we both had to come up for air. But she stood waiting for my reply. 
“L-Look, I don’t know if I should be skirting trouble. Being caught out here in the woods with you wouldn’t look good for either of us.” 
She stepped a little closer, reached out as though she would touch me, but withdrew her hand. “Believe me; they would know it was my idea. And with my father gone, they don’t pay as much attention to my whereabouts. So, is it a deal?” 
She held out her sack of coin with one hand, and the other for me to shake. I took the gold and shook her hand. Her skin was warm and soft. Damn shame it would be to mar those pretty fingers.

My Review:

I think the only experience I've had with elves was on the Lord Of The Rings (the movies).

I found this story surprisingly very engrossing.  I had no real idea what to expect, and I came out knowing that I'd love to read more from this author!  

The story is about a beautiful, young (almost 100 yrs old) elf named Caliphany.  She is the king's niece and the daughter of the great wizard, therefore certain behavior and a certain future is expected of her.  Caliphany is slated to be the next leader of the Mage Academy, taking over for her father one day; and worse, she is betrothed to Aelendyl, a quite nice, but dreadfully dull high elf of good standing.  She did not want to marry him, in fact, all she wanted was to get out of Leogard and see the world.  Caliphany enjoyed taking strolls along the docks in the harbor, during one such stroll, she ran into some terrible trouble.  A couple of sailors attempted to kidnap her, she was helped by Galadin (a halfling ranger).  No matter what, she can't seem to get him out of her head and soon employs him to teach her whatever ranger skills he will.  She intends to use these skills when she leaves Leogard, something that she is now intent on accomplishing.  Caliphany soon stows away on Galadin's ship and when found, she forces them to take her on; beginning an adventure of battles, love, and loss.  

There are many twists and turns in this story, just when you think you have it figured out, you don't.  Many surprises throughout!  A very emotional story that is never dull, all the way to the end.  It's a great book that can actually bring tears to my eyes, this one did!  As I said before, this is not the typical YA book I usually read, it has sexual situations (just the right amount of detail and wording to make them erotic, but not vulgar) which I would recommend for a somewhat older audience.  The book didn't end in a way to suggest a sequel, but I would welcome one!  I give this book a solid 4.5 stars!

Tallenmere Series: 

A Ranger's Tale, Tallenmere #1

Serenya's Song, Tallenmere #2

Hearts in Exile, Tallenmere #3

Deadly to Love Book Blitz and Giveaway

Thanks for joining us for the  Deadly to Love Book Blitz!  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and loves anything paranormal. Mia always had a love of writing but never reading. She was more interested in sports and hated sitting still - despite getting three poems published before the age of sixteen. Finally though, she found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of reading which is now one of her favourite hobbies.

Mia began with poems before moving on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series 'The Wanderer Trilogy' and from there other ideas have emerged. With a total of nine books planned at this moment, she is busy working on her second series 'Elemental Killers' before moving onto the next idea on her ever growing list.
Links: Blog |Twitter @MiaHoddell | Facebook Page |Goodreads

Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)
by Mia Hoddell

Genre: YA/Romance/Paranormal/Fantasy
ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA
ISBN: 978-1-291-41025-9

Blurb
The world is dangerous – but love will kill you.Little did Serena Jackson know that one simple, flirty remark to an anonymous guy online would lead to her world being changed forever.
She doesn’t know him, but inexplicably, is drawn. She knows it is wrong but she agrees to meet.
His real name is Kai. He is beautiful. And immediately Serena feels herself blindly falling for him even though she senses a lie. She knows he is hiding something and it terrifies her.
What she doesn’t realise is that her entire life has been built on secrets and lies. The people she loved left her in the dark for a reason.
She trusted them. She trusts Kai. But as he pulls her straight into the heart of the danger the lies and deadly secrets are revealed. They overwhelm her, and the person she once was no longer exists as she is thrown into a ruthless world of elemental forces. The price of truth is her life—and now the world wants her dead.
Buy Links: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Lulu 
and only 99c / 77p on Kindle for September!

Praise:

“I couldn't put it down. So I finished it last night and all I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different.” Brianna (Book Blogger)

“I loved how the author took a different approach to writing a love story in modern times with the paranormal element present. I thought it was absolutely wonderful and refreshing. Marvelous!” Kathy H (Amazon Reviewer)

“I will admit I scoffed at the way it started but in the end I had fallen in love with this story…completely untraditional it was a very original idea, not to mention modern. This story had such a good plot and the story structure was sound.” Kacii – The Kooky Bookworm (Book Blogger)

Excerpt
Happy with the amount of photos I had collected I started to head back out of the forest, still flicking through my shots. As well as close ups, I had taken a few landscapes and as I was almost at the edge of the forest I noticed something in one of the photographs that made me stop. 
In the left hand corner was a figure that looked mostly human, but was blurred as if they were moving on the spot. 
A cold shudder shot through me. 
Looking over my shoulder I became slightly panicked and felt as if someone was following me. 
My eyes flicked and searched the shadows. Even though there was no sign that anything had ever been behind me, the forest looked different now - dark and threatening. 
Instinctively I broke away and ran, still clutching the camera that was displaying the freaky image. Surrounded by trees I didn’t stop until I was free of the forest and back in the open light and sight of my house. 
Throwing open my door, I slumped against the inside of it, regaining my breath from the short sprint. Once I had recovered I looked down at the photo once more, just to make sure that I hadn’t been seeing things. The old saying “the camera never lies,” came into my mind and for the first time I wished it not to be true. Sure enough though, as I looked down at the screen, the figure was still there and this time I noticed a red and orange glow around where its feet should have been. The image almost looked like the person was on fire but I thought I would have surely noticed if there had been a burning man in front of me.

Giveaway 

Mia Hoddell is giving away an Amazon gift card this month only there is a slight twist: the more entries she receives the more money she will put on the gift card to giveaway! For example:

No matter what = $5

100 entries = $10

150 entries = $15

200 entries = $20

and so forth... 

So if she gets 1000 entries she will give away $100, there’s no limit! 

To enter all you have to do is buy or have bought Deadly to Love. It's only $0.99 or £0.79 on Amazon for the duration of the giveaway! This will also unlock extra entries for you so you can earn more points by sharing the giveaway. Remember the more entries she gets the bigger the prize for you so share!

Link to giveaway http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/appreciation-month-gift-cardkindle.html

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