Sunday, May 17, 2015

Pineapple Zucchini Bread #Recipe by Karen Rose Smith



Part of the fun of writing a cozy mystery series is developing recipes.  My sleuth, Caprice De Luca, home stager extraordinaire, loves her big Italian family.  Once a month they have dinner at her childhood home.  Her mom, Nana, sisters Bella and Nikki as well as Caprice all make something for the dinner.  Brother Vince usually brings wine.

I learned to cook watching my mom, grandma and aunt.  Spending the time in the kitchen with them was priceless as I learned to bake and cook by instinct as well as by recipe.  Caprice cooks the same way.

Here is a recipe I created to give to my readers that you can make in addition to the ones in my Caprice De Luca series. With summer coming and zucchini more plentiful, I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

PINEAPPLE ZUCCHINI BREAD

Grease and flour two 5 x 9 1/4" foil bread pans Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
8 oz. crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
3 cups flour
1 cup Rice Krispies
In large bowl beat eggs and oil until eggs are yellow and mixed with oil. Add pineapple, zucchini and vanilla and mix again. Add baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix on low until blended. Beat in white and brown sugars and nuts. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, then Rice Krispies.
Bake 55-60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let sit for 10 minutes and then remove from pan. Great warm or cool to room temperature. Refrigerate left overs if there are any!





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


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Thursday, May 14, 2015

#FelineFriday--KAREN ROSE SMITH'S #CATS THIS WEEK, 5/15



The feline word of the week in the Smith household this week is "curiosity," better pronounced in Miss Paddington's vernacular as T-R-O-U-B-L-E.  Paddy has taken to sitting in the bowl of cat grass rather than nibbling it, leaving a flat nest for the other cats to deal with. She has also taken a fascination to paper. She found a pack of travel tissues in my prize box and escaped with it to play with, leaving little teeth marks in the wrapping.  She also was spotted running through the kitchen with an opened pack of napkins which she promptly dismantled in the living room.
   



Paddy also was close at hand to watch the paper emerging from my printer as I printed out a draft of my next mystery. If only she could be so helpful with the edits!! 


The other preoccupation this week with all the felines was chair backs.  Paddington, London and Zoie Joy all found their own chair and napped there.




And there were the usual napping spots as well--a sun-drenched condo shelf for Halo, a window sill for Zoie and Paddington, a shaded area in the backyard for Sunnybud and, of course, the bed for London. The Smith felines certainly do live a life of leisure! 



And I can't forget my patio feline, all planted and ready to be moved to a shaded area for our summertime enjoyment.



May all your furry friends bring you smiles, friendship and comfort.

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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

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#Romances for a Simmering Summer by Karen Rose Smith



Spring is finally here and we've already had a few 80 degree days in Pennsylvania.  Summer can't be far behind.  When I read, I like to read a book that's in the same season that I'm experiencing.  Scents, smells, and descriptions seem that much more vivid.  So here are a few of my summer romances that can bring you smiles, tears, and summer delights. These novels are available in ebook and in audiobook formats.  (CASSIDY'S COWBOY is also in print. )

I hope you enjoy them and tons of summer fun!

Karen Rose Smith




Kit trusted a man who conned her.  Grey is keeping a secret. Can Kit learn to trust and can Grey confide in Kit about his special needs sister who will always need his protection? (Kit's cats make an appearance in this novel.)


KIT AND KISSES on Amazon








Shara and Nate became friends after she became a widow.  She has a child on the way.  When Nate helps deliver her baby, an irrevocable bond is formed. But Nate has a thirst for danger and Shara needs stability.  Can true love conquer all?


A MAN WORTH LOVING on Amazon






Seth is a cynical child custody attorney who is looking for a change in his life. When circumstances lead him to Darcy's auto repair shop, they are highly attracted to each other.  But Darcy is the type of woman who needs commitment.  Seth doesn't believe he can give it.  Can Seth trust Darcy to keep his heart safe forever?


FOREVER AFTER on Amazon







In this romantic comedy, WHEN MOM MEETS DAD, two eight-year-old girls have a plan.  Kristy needs a mom and Heather needs a dad.  Why not get their parents together?  But the best plans can go awry even when Amanda and Alex are wildly attracted to each other.  Can children hold a couple together or...must they trust the message of true love in their hearts?

Special--99 cents for a limited time!!!


WHEN MOM MEETS DAD on Amazon




Cassidy Sullivan's twin sister had found her with the help of Gillian Moore's intuitive gift.  The sisters had lost their mom and never knew who their father was.  Should they try to find him? What might happen if they do?  Cassidy doesn't count on her foreman's nephew stealing her heart or his daughter confiding in her as if she were her mom in the midst of their search.  The search for a father and true love is a lot to handle at the same time.  But Cassidy isn't your ordinary cowgirl and Ben O'Donnell could possibly become CASSIDY'S COWBOY.


CASSIDY'S COWBOY on Amazon


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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. 




Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH


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©2015 Karen Rose Smith










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Saturday, May 9, 2015

#Cat #Mother by Karen Rose Smith



A year ago on Mother's Day, my husband and I found Halo napping in our yard. We'd never seen her before. She was thin and looked as if she needed care. She didn't run but if she'd been on her own for a while, I knew she wouldn't trust easily. She came and went and we began to feed her. After about a month she took refuge from rain and storms in our open sunroom. She was staying and I suspected why. She was pregnant.

Halo in the shrubbery along our patio 



After an emergency visit to a vet--she had a severe case of colitis--we took her in. She was pregnant. I'd never seen a cat through a pregnancy. I consulted friends who had, put Halo on a special diet I cooked each day--poached chicken breast, white rice and pumpkin--and fed her every few hours.






A pregnant Halo
She became healthier and delivered three wonderful kittens--Tia, Mason and Miss Paddington. Halo was devoted to them, watched over them, nursed them, washed them. When they were old enough to escape the storage bin where they were born, she'd call them back to her and they'd come running. The awesome experience of watching her devotion and how her kittens thrived with her care is something my husband and I will never forget.






We found loving forever homes for Tia and Mason. We adopted Halo and Paddy and integrated them with our other two cats.



Mother and daughter time
Zoie and Paddy
Paddy and our three-year-old, Zoie Joy, got along from the start. They are now buddies. Halo continued to watch over Paddy when Zoie was around until she finally learned that Zoie is a sweetie too and would never hurt her baby.

Paddy is now ten months old and she still cuddles with her mom. Their bond is beautiful to see.

It's been a year since Halo came into our lives. (I believe my mom, who I miss dearly, sent her!) At first Halo seemed reluctant to accept affection but now she realizes she belongs here too. Besides just rubbing against our legs, she now comes to be petted and cuddles near us. The vet told us she believes Halo was in an accident and had a broken leg that somehow healed. I'd love to know her story. But whatever it was, she is safe and loved now. Watching her, I learned more about motherhood. Mothering her and her kittens is an experience I'll cherish always.



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Karen and Paddy
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
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Thursday, May 7, 2015

#FELINE FRIDAY--KAREN ROSE SMITH'S #CATS THIS WEEK




Who could turn down a face like this?  Sunnybud waits at the door for breakfast, then heads through the gardens and the yard for his daily adventures.



Arthur says thanks for his breakfast, then stops to sniff the cat mint before he heads out for the day.


Miss Paddington was up to her usual curiosities that could only get her into trouble. She found the pack of catnip on a shelf in the closet and ran off with it.  We won't ask how she got it from the shelf!



She takes a break from her mischievous antics to commune with Halo, her mom, and Zoie Joy, her big "sister," before finding more trouble to get into. 


She has discovered where we keep the laser lights we play with every night and has her way of telling us she's ready to play.  One night we weren't quick enough to suit her so she jumped on a statue of St. Francis which is waiting to be moved to our outside gardens and knocked it over on herself. She favored her front paw for a while but seemed to have survived the mishap.

If we are too slow at serving her evening meal, she will climb the chest of drawers and sit in front of the TV to force us into action.

One afternoon Paddy settled in front of a special pillow on the living room sofa. I don't know what she was trying to tell us, but her nap was short before heading out for her next adventure.

London and Zoie Joy are much more patient as they wait for our nightly laser light show.

But as I said at the beginning...who can turn down faces like these!

Have a great week with your furry friends!



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In my Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery series, my sleuth Caprice takes in stray cats and dogs and finds them forever loving homes!












GILT BY ASSOCIATION on Amazon

GILT BY ASSOCIATION on Barnes and Noble


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Karen's Search For Love Series Website






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

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