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Celebrating Independence Blog Hop - Final Day

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

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Here's a yummy recipe to try. Come back all 4 days for more recipes. Save them for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Chestnut Cake

3/4 pound whole chestnuts, drained

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 tablespoons dark rum 9separated)

16 ounces unsweetened chocolate chips (separated)

6 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Then grease the parchment paper.

Separate the eggs.

In a food processor puree the chestnuts with the butter and 4 tablespoons rum, scraping down the sides, until the mixture is smooth. Melt 10 ounces chocolate chips and add to mixture blending well. Add egg yolks one at a time.

In another bowl make meringe. Beat the egg whites, add salt, beat until soft peaks. Add the sugar a little at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.

Whisk one fourth of the meringue into the chocolate mixture, then fold in remaining meringe. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees 45 minutes to an hour, or until a knife inserted comes out with crumbs adhering to it and the top is cracked. Let cool 5 minutes, remove and let cool completely.

Glaze: Melt 6 ounces of chocolate chips. In serparate pan bring to a boil 1/2 cup cream. Mix melted chocolate and hot cream, stirring until smooth and then stir in 1 tablespoon of the rum. Glaze the cooled cake with mixture.

Serve cake with whipped cream and chopped chestnuts or chocolate chips.

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop ~ Day 3

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

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Pizza Lasagna

1 pound cooked ground sausage

8 ounces diced pepperoni slices

1 pound fine shredded mozzerella cheese

32 ounces pizza sauce

1 pound no boil lasagna noodles

4 ounces sliced black olives

1 medium thin sliced onions

1 medium think slices green pepper

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

Premixed pizza spice

Mix the sauce with 1 cup water in a bowl and pizza spice.

In a 9 x 12 baking dish / lasagna dish cover bottom with a thin layer of pizza sauce first and then alternating, noodles, sausage, pepperoni, olives, onions, peppers, mushrooms, repeat until all used (or pan is filled :-)

Bake 350 degrees for 45 minute to an hour or until no longer runny and vegetables are tender.

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop ~ Day 2

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

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Buffalo Onion Rings

1 egg

1 cup flour

Salt Pepper

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Milk

Whisk egg, flour, salt, pepper, hot sauce, add milk until a medium consistency batter forms. (not too thick, not too runny).

Heat oil in deep fryer 350 degrees or deep fry pan. Oil should be deeper than onion rings.

Fry until golden brown one side, flipping over to get even browning.

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop ~ Day 1

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

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Breakfast Cookies

3/4 cup whole-wheat bread flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup corn cereal flakes

1/3 cup raisins

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flours, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl, set aside. Combine butter, oil and sugars in a mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat another minute. Add flour mixture, beat another minute. Stir in oats, flakes, raisins and pecans.

Cover Cookie sheet with parchment paper. Form ball with about 3 tablespoons of dough and space 2-1/2" on the parchment. Flatten balls to 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

A Witch be Who?, by Jessica Frost

“Double, double, toil and trouble...”

When you hear these five words, the three witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth come to mind. Three ugly old hags with warts, green skin, cackling laughter, a cauldron and a wooden ladle churning the thick ooze brewing as acrid fumes escape and rise through the air.

This has become the stereotypical witch, the one little kids dress up as for Halloween or draw in Art class in school. But just like all folkloric creatures, they are make-believe. Monsters we created to wreck fear in children and entertain us on dark, scary, rainy nights.

The difference between other make-believe creatures like werewolves and trolls is that witches did and still do exist. They aren’t those ugly scary creatures with warts and straw hair that fly on brooms in front of crescent moons. They are human beings like you or I.

Wiccans or witches have existed for centuries. Initially they were seen as Satan worshippers and then as both good and evil beings. Two sides to witchcraft emerged, one that followed the line of Satanism, and the other that followed the line of healing, curing, etc.

The history of Wiccans is long and complicated and so mysterious. It is this mystery that drew us to it in the past and draws us to it in the present and most probably in the future. As time passes and we evolve, so will wiccans or witches. They will grow and evolve with our changing world’s needs. They will probably remain an obscure minority like their ancestors before them. But one thing is for sure, their legend will never die, and they will probably always remain completely misunderstood.

In my series “Spells ofSeduction” I wanted to pay homage to the mystical misunderstood witch we learned about at a young age and who is a figment of our imaginations. I wanted to give the witch a new life and a new world, one where witches, wizards and sorcerers walk amongst regular town folks. But I didn’t use the stereotypical witch of our youth. Rather I created a new breed, one that I conjured from my mind’s eye and that the muse made blossom. The witches in my erotic romance series “Spells of Seduction” are sorcerers, demons, shape shifters, vampires, werewolves, and so many other things.

But one thing I did keep constant with the witches of our youth is that the witches in my series are still completely misunderstood.

I hope you’ll take the journey in this new hot erotic fantasy realm along with me to uncover many mysteries, despicable and formidable villains, and sexy and passionate heroes and heroines. J

All the best,

Jessica

To Catch A Witch

Spells of Seduction 2

by Jessica Frost

Available from Siren Publishing

All Velona Poe wants is redemption. But after she tells the man she loves who she really is, she finds herself about to be beheaded. Just before the axe falls, she's teleported to a tower. She fears her enemy Serona brought her here, and stripped her of her powers to kill her. She waits in terror for her arrival.

Merlin Wyllt and his twin, Jacob, are the ones who cast the spell bringing Velona there, thinking she's the evil sorceress Pondora. When they see the beauty and her fear and vulnerability, they quickly fall for her, realizing they're sexually bonded to her and her to them, a pleasing side effect of the spell. Unfortunately, they also opened a portal. Serona has seen Velona and is coming to kill her.

Hoping to fix the wrong they did, the three set out for Stonehenge to cast a spell reversing all of Pondora's curses and destroying Serona. The problem is Velona isn't Pondora, but she cannot tell them this. As their sexual passion and love grow stronger, the more complicated their plans get.

Will they succeed or put themselves and others in mortal danger?

EXCERPT:

They had run out of water hours ago, so when they heard the sounds of water flowing, they followed the noise, hoping a river lay nearby.

Pondora was the first to spot it. She ran into the woods to her left. The moment Merlin saw her darting, he sprinted after her, fearing she would try to escape them. Jacob followed not far behind his brother. Merlin heard his heavy footsteps on the cracking branches and leaves.

“Water. I need water.” Pondora fell to her knees, scooped up water by the riverside, and drank it. It dripped down her hands and chin. From the merry look in her eyes, she was enjoying its quenching and refreshing effects.

Jacob fell to his knees as well, drinking handfuls of water while Merlin scoped the area.

This is good.

The trees would give them coverage if the sorceress was spying with an enchanted eagle from the sky. An eagle was the most popular bird sorcerers used to seek out and spy on their victims. Being by the riverside was perfect as well. If the enchantress did come, they could hide underwater in the river.

“This looks like a good place to rest for the night.” He threw his heavy load onto the ground.

Pondora looked around. “There is no place that is completely safe, but this will offer us coverage if we need it.”

“I’ll go get us some dry wood for a fire.” Jacob stood up and rubbed his back. His tunic was wet.

“Good idea.” Merlin took his place at the riverbank. The cold water he gulped as he dipped his face into the river instantly cooled and soothed his parched throat.

They had been walking for many hours. Their voyage would still last them another half day. Merlin calculated they’d arrive at Stonehenge a few hours before the eclipse. He wondered if they’d make it there before the sorceress paid them a visit. He prayed they would because they had no line of defense if she attacked before they were ready for her.

He feared what he would have to do if she did attack them before then. Giving Pondora back her powers would be like going into the lion’s lair after making the animal starve for days. It would be suicide. But she would be their best defense against the evil sorceress.

Pondora looked at him and said as if she had read his thoughts, “Your only choice is to give me back my powers.”

He lifted his brow. “Why? So you could kill us afterward?”

“Do you really think I would do that to you?” Her expression conveyed hurt.

Merlin wanted to believe in her. He prayed that what he wished would be true. After what they shared in the tower, she had found a place in his heart he could not erase no matter how he tried. Just looking into her blue, bewitching eyes now took all the willpower he had. He desperately wanted to lean forward and pull her into a kiss. But he couldn’t let his guard down. She was a very cunning woman who knew how to pull on his strings of emotions to get what she wanted.

Steeling his feelings and his heart, he replied, “After all the horrible things you’ve committed throughout the years, how can I not?”

Her gaze dropped to her folded hands at her waist for a second before she returned her eyes to him. “Do you believe a person can change, Merlin?”

“Yes, to a certain extent. But one cannot go from pure evil to good overnight. You are asking me to believe you did this, but you were still terrorizing people not more than a month ago.”

She opened her mouth to say something but instead took a deep breath. She looked to the river. “It’s no use. Your mind is set, and no matter what I say, I will never make you see differently.”

She stood and began to walk along the side of the riverbank.

Merlin jumped to his feet. “Where are you going?”

She pointed to the area a few yards away where a huge boulder was resting in the water. “I’m filthy and would like to clean myself. I’m going there so I may bathe in privacy.”

He waggled his finger at her. “I did not give you permission to do so.”

Rolling her eyes, she asked, “May I go there to bathe?”

He crossed his arms and had an incredible urge to smile when he next spoke, but tried to contain his amusement as best he could. “You may bathe, but here, in front of me.”

Jacob came back then with an armful of kindle. Dropping it to the ground, he added, “Actually, it is best we bathe all together so that if the sorceress strikes, we will be checking each other’s backs, so to speak.”

Merlin noted Jacob’s wide smile and reciprocated it. “Now that is a marvelous idea, Jacob.” He began to remove his tight brown tunic and loose tights while he gave Pondora a daring stare. “Well?”

Her eyes widened as she ogled his bare chest. She did the same to Jacob. Her gaze followed them as they slid off the rest of their clothing. Stark naked, they stood there waiting for her to do the same.

“Well?” Merlin repeated with a lifted brow, daring her.

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Win an ebook copy of both Beauty’s Enchanted Beasts and To Catch a Witch by leaving a comment here and following Jessica Frost's blog at http://authorjessicafrost.blogspot.com

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Hoppy Easter Blog Hop WINNER !

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop winner of a copy of a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book is Kat ! Congratulations Kat, and thank you to all the participants for dropping by. Hope to see you all for the next hop :-)

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

Welcome blog-hoppers for the final day of the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering other months by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a simple dinner to make for any busy day. Save it for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Chicken Casserole

1 pound boneless chicken, cooked and shredded
2 cans (approx 21 ounces) condensed Cream of Onion Soup
2 cups milk
1 can green peas
8 ounces slightly crushed sout cream & onion potato chips (divided)

In a big bowl stir all ingredients together except 2 ounces of the chips. Spoon into 2 quart shallow casserole dish. Sprinkle on remaining chips. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

Welcome blog-hoppers for the second day of the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

Here's a sweet treat to make for the special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Simple Fudge Truffle Easter Eggs

1/4 pound Butter, melted
7-1/2 ounces cook and serve chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup Milk
16 ounces Confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
10 ounces chocolate bark

Combine butter, pudding mix and milk. Bring to boil. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sugar and vanilla and stir until well blended. When cool enough to handle, shape into eggs. Place on wax paper lined tray. Chill until firm. Melt chocolate bark and dip eggs. Place on wax paper until coating hardens.

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

Here's a deviled egg appetizer to make for the seafood lover. Save it for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Salmon Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Ingredients
8 large eggs
2 ounces smoked salmon
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
4 tablespoons cream cheese
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Hard boil the eggs. Cool and remove shells. Cut in half lengthwise. Remove yolks to bowl. Combine yolks, salmon, chives, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and blend with mixer until creamy. Add mayonnaise a little at a time if too stiff. Fill egg whites. Garnish with more minced chives.

$50 Jewelry Shopping Spree Give-a-Way

Every month, I'll give-a-way a $50 shopping spree to one lucky follower.

How to qualify:

1st - You have to be a Follower of An Eclectic Author blog, so if you're not already at http://www.aneclecticauthor.blogspot.comon/, go there and click JOIN THIS SITE tab in the righthand column.

2nd - Comment on any blog post. Each month that you comment, you'll be entered.

Winners will be notified and posted in the righthand column of the blog.

The shopping spree is sponsored by The Jewels of Romance, an eBay store. You DO NOT have to have an eBay account.

With Love Valentine's Day Blog Hop ~ WINNER

Thank you to all those that entered and are now following. Come back around and comment every month to continue having a chance at the monthly giveaway.

Congratulations to the winner of this stop in the With Love Valentines Day hop!

katsrus

With Love Valentine's Day Blog Hop ~ Last Day

Welcome blog-hoppers for the last day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

Peanut Butter Delight

1st layer

1 cup flour
1/2 cup margarine
2/3 cup chopped fine walnuts

Mix and pat down in bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish.
Bake 350 degrees / 15 min.
Cool2nd layer

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups whipped cream

Mix well and spread over crust.

3rd layer

1 small vanilla instant pudding
1 small chocolate instant pudding
3 cups cold milk

Mix well and pour over 2nd layer
Top with whip cream, sprinkle with bits of chocolate or nuts.

With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop ~ Day 3

Welcome blog-hoppers for the third day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

Baklava

1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough 1 cup water

1 pound chopped nuts 1 cup white sugar

1 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C). Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9x13 inch pan.

Chop nuts and toss with cinnamon. Set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. Cut whole stack in half to fit pan. Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Place two sheets of dough in pan, butter thoroughly. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered. Sprinkle 2 - 3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Top with two sheets of dough, butter, nuts, layering as you go. The top layer should be about 6 - 8 sheets deep.

Using a sharp knife cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. You may cut into 4 long rows the make diagonal cuts. Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp.

Make sauce while baklava is baking. Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted. Add vanilla and honey. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon sauce over it. Let cool. Serve in cupcake papers. This freezes well. Leave it uncovered as it gets soggy if it is wrapped up.

With Love, Valentines Day Blog Hop ~ Day 2

Welcome blog-hoppers for the second day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

White Trash

1 pound almond bark
1 cup Rice Chex cereal
1 cup ChoclateTeddy Grahams cookies
1 cup of pretzel sticks, broken into pieces
4 ounces mixed nuts

Mix all ingredients except the almond bark.
Melt the almond bark in microwave, stirring frequently, and then stie into other ingredients.
Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.
Cool and eat.

With Love, Valentine's Day Blog Hop ~ Day 1

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter you do two things:

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

Grape Dessert

2 pounds Red Grapes
2 pounds Green Grapes
8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar

Blend cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar with mixer.
Fold in grapes.

Topping

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup crushed pecans

Romance Junkies Winter Contest

The Romance Junkies Winter Contest

$50 Jewelry Shopping Spree Give-a-Way

Every month, I'll give-a-way a $50 shopping spree to one lucky follower.

How to qualify:

1st - You have to be a Follower of An Eclectic Author blog, so if you're not already at http://www.aneclecticauthor.blogspot.comon/, go there and click JOIN THIS SITE tab in the righthand column.

2nd - Comment on any blog post. Each month that you comment, you'll be entered.

Winners will be notified and posted in the righthand column of the blog.

The shopping spree is sponsored by The Jewels of Romance, an eBay store. You DO NOT have to have an eBay account.

Invitation to: The Annual Red Sage Rock Around December

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. But down by the fire at Red Sage, it’s oh, soooo delightful! The annual Red Sage Rock Around December event is kicking off with an amazing interview with hunky cover model Jimmy Thomas!

All month long (December) the Red Sage authors are celebrating with interviews, Speed Date My Hero events, blogs, recipes and Mixer and Man Mondays. Drop by, leave a comment, and be entered to win a HUGE basket of prizes compiled by our authors, including smoldering e-books, gift cards and even a smexy coffee mug for sipping your warm cider. The more comments you leave, the more chances to win! So stop in every day and Discover Your Hero!

Where: http://www.eredsage.com/blog

Kidnap This Log

KIDNAP THIS LOGO
And You Could Win !

To celebrate its Fifteenth Anniversary, Red Sage is throwing a party! Every party needs presents, and here’s a gift that could win you the July Secrets anthology and Calista Fox’s new novel, Object of Desire!

Here’s how to play the party game.

Anyone can play!

All you have to do is “kidnap” this logo and post it on your blog or website. Copy and paste the jpg image of the anniversary gift to your own blog or website to kidnap it. Be sure to include these instructions so people know how to play!

Invite your readers and friends to send an email with the subject line “Ransom Note” to eRedSage@gmail.com. Inside this email, they must include a link back to your kidnapped logo.

Then you and your friend will both be entered into a drawing to win free trade paperbacks! Every time one of your readers sends a ransom note with a link, you will be entered again! Each Ransom Note is worth two entries in the drawing -- one for the person who sends the Ransom Note, and one for the linked blog or website. And you both can win!

Want more chances to win? Invite your readers and friends to kidnap this logo, and then you can enter again by sending a Ransom Note linking to your friend’s blog or website!

The more times you enter, the more chances you have to win!

Group blog or website? No problem! Just be sure to sign your post so we know who the winner should be!

Good luck, and have fun!

Game Ends June 30, 2009

Red Sage. Read Dangerously.