Thursday, February 26, 2015

Caprice's Pepperoni and Cheddar Bread #Recipe from GILT BY ASSOCIATION by Mystery Author Karen Rose Smith



I'm always looking for new ideas for me to cook and for my sleuth Caprice! Breads are a staple of my Italian background and I wanted to come up with one that was a little different. This bread is wonderful any time of day but this one is especially good just out of the oven and warm for breakfast! I hope you enjoy it.

CAPRICE'S PEPPERONI AND CHEDDAR BREAD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease and flour a 9 inch by 5 inch bread pan

Ingredients
5 eggs
1/2 cup 2 percent milk
2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ounces turkey pepperoni, torn or cut into small pieces
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Beat eggs until they are frothy. Add milk, flour, baking powder, ground mustard, and salt. Beat until smooth. Stir in pepperoni and cheddar cheese. Pour into prepared 9 inch by 5 inch pan. Spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Cake tester should come out clean. Remove from pan after 10 minutes. Enjoy warm. Refrigerate remainder when cool.




©2015 Karen Rose Smith from GILT BY ASSOCIATION







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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.  






©2015 Karen Rose Smith





Monday, February 23, 2015

Miss Paddington #Kitty Is Seven Months Old! by Cozy #Mystery Novelist Karen Rose Smith


Tortitude! That's what Miss Paddington has. It's hard to believe that seven months ago, she was small enough to fit in my palm. She was four ounces when she was born. If she stood still long enough for me to weigh her now, she'd be about seven pounds.

Paddington got her name because in those first few weeks, she looked like a little bear! Since my husband and I had read Paddington stories to our son, the comparison just stuck. Now Paddy is long and lean. She's almost as long as her mom Halo.

Paddy has a friendly personality. She loves to play and anyone who plays with her can be her friend. She was the first of Halo and her kitten litter to meet our soon-to-be three-year-old, Zoie. They seemed to become buddies right away. Since Zoie is a sweetie, there wasn't much concern she'd hurt Paddy. When they play, Zoie is careful of Paddy because she's smaller. But they are beginning to act like equals. At first, Halo was protective of Paddy, but now she sits back and watches her with Zoie or lets Paddy and Zoie go off on their own.


Paddy is friendly to guests, too. She'll often dash under the sofa, then as we're talking, tease whoever is on the sofa with her paw. She's not a cuddler with us, but she likes to be close by. She cuddles with Halo. She does like to be petted and right by our side no matter what activity we're involved in. She's always ready for action.


We love Paddy to bits and I think she knows it. I'm so thankful we kept her and Halo together. They enrich our lives every day.



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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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©2015 Karen Rose Smith





Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Saving #Cats in this Cold, Cold, #Winter by Karen Rose Smith


This is a cold, cold winter.  This kind of prolonged cold and snow is dangerous to stray and feral cats. Strays and ferals can act like wild animals.  Most of their behavior emanates from fear of being trapped and/or hurt...by humans, by other animals, by nature.  When trying to help them, you need to get into their heads if you can and set up situations that they're comfortable with or would be attracted to rather than repelled from.  Their natural instincts kick in and you have to play into those to help them.

We have several shelters on our property.  Two of them have electric heat pads. (I use K & H specifically made for the outdoors that heat up to the cat's body temperature when the cat is sitting on it.  There should be an area within the shelter that the feline can lay beside, rather than on the pad.)    This winter they are saving the strays lives.  Our temperatures are dipping below zero and we've had continuous cold for about two weeks now that intends to stretch through another.

We have one stray, Sunnybud, who came throughout the summer.  He would eat and leave.  He doesn't usually hang around our property.  When he first began coming, he was straggly, scruffy, malnourished with fleas.  Sunny is a strange stray in that after a while, once he was used to my voice, he would come when I called.  After the summer, he would also let me pet him.  But if I made a sudden move, he would be off like a shot.  So I knew winter would be a challenge.

We had an "igloo" style shelter ( Igloo style with entrance) from two years ago when we took care of a hurt stray.  It was near the patio and we put a heat pad inside.  However, another stray comes around who bullies Sunny away and that wasn't working.  So we moved the igloo farther from the patio into the tomato garden.  We got an outdoor extension cord and still managed to put the heat pad inside.  Instead of just setting the igloo in the garden, we camouflaged the front of it with hay bales. Those would also give it more insulation.  The first thing Sunny did in the fall was to lay on top of the hay bales in the sun.  Then he began marking the pampas grass beside it.  I was hopeful.

Throughout this winter, Sunny has used the shelter often.  He will come just inside the basement to be fed, but runs if he thinks we're going to shut the door and trap him inside.  We've tried it several times and had to build trust all over again each time. The one time we managed to shut the door, he freaked out and tried to climb the walls and dig at the door.  He was only going to hurt himself.  So we had to accept the fact (my husband helps with all of this) that we had to accept and help him on his terms.

Bad weather days, he will sleep in the shelter all afternoon, wait for supper and then return to the shelter.  Some times he takes off for parts unknown and disappears for a while. It's difficult to detach from worrying about him, but we have to do that. Feeding him helps his body temperature. We have to hope the shelter with the heat pad will be enough.

We have another stray who has been spending some nights in our unheated sunroom attached to the basement.  We leave it open and there is a heat pad in there, too.

Our four inside cats are rescued cats.  Last summer we took in a pregnant stray who had kittens.  We gave two to friends and kept mom and one of the babies. They are a joy each day.

I've given links for the other shelters we have on our property which are used now and then.  We put straw--not hay--in those.  Towels and rugs hold moisture and attract mold.  The straw stays dry and reflects some body heat.  (The Ark Workshop Shelters)   We also have straw spread under our deck near the feral shelter.  Sunny often sits on the straw in the sun.

I really believe that this year the shelters are saving cat lives.


                  This shelter has a lower level with two entrances and an
 upper level insulated loft.







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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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©2015 Karen Rose Smith







Monday, February 16, 2015

Karen Rose Smith hosts Delynn Royer--IT HAD TO BE YOU--What Makes a Song Timeless?



My thanks to Karen Rose Smith for inviting me on her blog today to talk about the inspiration behind my latest release, a romantic mystery from Carina Press, IT HAD TO BE YOU.

IT HAD TO BE YOU opens on Thanksgiving Day in Manhattan, 1924. It was the first year Macy's sponsored its parade. It was also the year Isham Jones and Gus Kahn published a catchy tune called "It Had To Be You."

Their ditty was a big hit, but, depending on the list you choose, it wasn't the number one song that year. It had stiff competition. (Remember "The Charleston"?) Since then, "It Had To Be You" has emerged as one of the most enduring romantic songs of the twentieth century.

Ever wonder what makes a song timeless?

Is it a series of notes that causes the toe to tap?  Brings a tear to the eye? Words that ring true to even the most jaded heart? That's simplicity at its finest. And it stands the test of time.

Our favorite books and movies are no different.

When I started IT HAD TO BE YOU, I wasn't sure if it was a mystery or romance--as it turned out, it's both--but I knew exactly what I wanted it to feel like. Timeless.

I wanted reader to step from our hectic, internet-saturated twenty-first century into the soft, sepia-toned set of a classic movie.  You know the kind...The Thin Man, The Maltese Falcon, His Girl Friday.

I had the place--1920's Manhattan--and two leads made to order. One bright girl reporter who could give Lois Lane a run for her money and one homicide detective with a seen-it-all, Philip Marlowe kind of attitude. Toss in a murdered gangster and a sultry ex-fiancee, and I was primed. A little mystery, a dash of noir, snappy dialogue and a splash of romance...

Some things never get old.

What's your favorite film, song or book that has stood the test of time?


IT HAD TO BE YOU

New York City, 1924

Determined to pursue her dream of becoming a crime reporter, heiress Trixie Frank believes she's off to a running start when she lands a job at the most successful tabloid in Manhattan. Unfortunately, her high hopes fade fast when she's assigned to the rewrite desk.

Sean Costigan is a demoted homicide detective on the commissioner's blacklist. The last thing he needs complicating his life is a perky debutante with delusions of becoming the next great American journalist. Too bad she happens to hold one of the keys to solving his latest case, the Central Park murder of a notorious gangster. The other key? Sean's childhood sweetheart, the victim's widow, who has gone missing.

Sean soon has more trouble with dames than any good man deserves. But that's the least of his worries. When he suspects deadly corruption within his own department, it's not just his and Trixie's careers that depend on finding the killer. It's their lives.

IT HAD TO BE YOU is available where ebooks are sold.








Delynn Royer writes romantic and mystery historical fiction for the light of heart. Aside from the research that inspires her novels, she enjoys classic movies and yoga. Stop by her website at www.delynnroyer.com or follow her on Twitter (@DelynnRoyer)




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©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Fran's Baked Macaroni and Cheeses Recipe from GILT BY ASSOCIATION by Karen Rose Smith



Winter and comfort food just seem to go together! What's better for a cold night than a steaming casserole of macaroni and cheese pulled from the oven? I often make this casserole ahead of time and then pop it in the oven to bake before dinner. Of course, then it might need a little more baking time. I hope you enjoy its creamy cheesy goodness as we do. This recipe is from my new mystery GILT BY ASSOCIATION which takes place in Pennsylvania in February. My sleuth's mom--Fran--likes to cook as much as her daughter.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Fran's Baked Macaroni and Cheeses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 cups elbow macaroni
3 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 small clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups whole milk
12 ounces Cooper Brand CV Sharp Pasteurized Process American Cheese cut into small cubes
(I use this cheese because it melts smoothly and doesn't separate.)
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
A sprinkle of smoked paprika (optional)

Bring 4 quarts salted (2 teaspoons) water to a boil. Pour in macaroni and stir.  Boil according to package directions--about 10 minutes.  Drain well and pour into a 3-quart ungreased casserole.

Melt butter in 3 quart saucepan.  I use a stainless steel pot on medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and stir for about a minute.  Do NOT brown. Blend in flour, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly on medium heat until smooth.  Slowly stir in milk. Allow mixture to come to a boil (I turn to high-medium heat. If heat is too high, you will get lumps!) Stir continuously so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.  Let bubble until thickened--about 2 minutes.  Lower heat and add cubed American cheese and grated Monterey Jack, stirring often.  Once cheeses are melted, stir the cheese sauce into the macaroni.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. 

Remove from oven and sprinkle with smoked paprika.

From GILT BY ASSOCIATION by Karen Rose Smith--Original recipe


©2015 Karen Rose Smith


 ENJOY!




 GILT BY ASSOCIATION








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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.  






©2015 Karen Rose Smith





Sunday, February 8, 2015

Valentine's Day Sale--HER SISTER by KAREN ROSE SMITH is #99cents





Valentine's Day is about love and couples, that's true. But it's also about family. That's where love gets its start. When I was small, I remember my mom and dad watching TV together. They weren't often openly affectionate, but my mom would reach over and hold my dad's hand. He opened doors for her. He sent her flowers on Valentine's Day and also gave her a card--one like every woman wishes she'd receive. I'm not sure how old I was--probably pre-teen--when he gave me a card and sent me flowers too. He couldn't express himself in words, but he told us he loved us in that way.

I put HER SISTER on sale for Valentine's Day because it's all about family. It's about couples and sisters and grandmothers and granddaughters. Mostly it's about how a family can heal after being torn apart by tragedy.

When I wrote HER SISTER, I knew it was a departure from the type of book I usually write. It's women's fiction with romance and mystery. But is it really so different? One element that has always characterized my books is family relationships. Regardless of whether I'm writing the ultimate romance or adding a mystery or suspense plot, family trumps all.


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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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©2015 Karen Rose Smith




Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Meet Sandra Levy Ceren, author of VANISHED, a psychological thriller

Vanished



VANISHED is the fourth volume of the Dr. Cory Cohen psychological thriller series. Written by a highly-experienced, long-time psychologist living on the San Diego coast, the routines of a professional woman's life and the lay of the land are vivid and true. The heroine is spunky, sensitive and savvy--the ego-ideal of the author who admits she wouldn't have the guts to respond to the dangerous situations she contrives for Cory in the same manner. 

A young artist awakes one morning alone in an empty house, with no memory of her identity or location. Puzzled and terrified, she finds Dr. Cory's business card in a purse. While the psychologist tries to help the artist revive her memory, Cory's neighbor Rita goes missing. Uncovering Rita's real identity, Cory's detection abilities spring into action to confront a menace that haunts the neighborhood. 

This novel, set on the San Diego coast, offers a genuine portrayal of a psychologist's professional life, combined with the thrill and intrigue of a mystery. 

"Her years as a psychologist have earned Ceren a look at the darkness of the psyche and human behavior. Psychologist/sleuth Cory Cohen is both compassionate and tough. A strong, heartfelt work from a writer we will be hearing a lot more about."  T. Jefferson Parker, three-time Edgar-winning author

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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©2015 Karen Rose Smith






Sunday, February 1, 2015

Karen Rose Smith's GILT BY ASSOCIATION Launch Party on Facebook


What's more fun than a party?  I'm so happy about the launch of my third Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery, GILT BY ASSOCIATION, that I want to share that excitement with my readers. GILT has a Valentine's Day theme, so many of the giveaways will be heart-shaped. The party begins at 7 p.m. EST on February 3 and will last until 10 p.m. It's an open house, so you can come and go and your fur babies are welcome too! I'm sure my four cats--Halo, Paddy, Zoie and London--will be roaming around, ready to join in. I'll be giving away a prize every fifteen minutes.  See below for a sampling.



I hope you can make it to join in the fun, chat and good time. From home decorating to cats, dogs, jewelry and murder mystery, we'll have a lot to chat about.

I hope to see you at  Karen's Facebook Author Page




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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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If you are on Facebook and enjoy chat, excitement and prizes, join me for my GILT BY ASSOCIATION Book Launch Party on Facebook on February 3 from 7-10 p.m. EST.




©2015 Karen Rose Smith