Red Potatoes Recipe

English: Désirée Potatoes from Waitrose (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love red potatoes in cream sauce and was hesitant to try anything different with them. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. I raided the fridge and this was the result. It was great warm and really good cold the next day. Cold it is a nice alternative to regular potato salad.

10 small red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
1/2 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onions
2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Steam potato slices until tender, about 10 minutes. Add carrots and continue to steam for another 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off water. In a large bowl toss potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and parsley until well mixed. In a small bowl whisk together all other ingredients. Pour over potato mixture and stir gently until well mixed. Serve either warm or cold


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The Chronicles of Gabriel Alistair

Recently I shared with you all how very much I was looking forward to the release of the Questionable Endings Trilogy. There have been some changes to the series and it is now The Chronicles of Gabriel Alistair (Questionable Endings Novella Series). Instead of three books we now have have a series of novellas that I cannot wait to get my hands on! I am thrilled to be able to share with my readers a sneak peak at this exciting series! 

The sword sliced along my skin, leaving me dripping with venom as a low rumble began in my chest. I kept my eyes locked with the woman and stood my ground. I had enough of the playing games and nice because she was human and carrying a sword. I let a hiss cross my lips and received an arched brow in return. Slowly I let my gift leak out. First, giving her a sense of trusting me and when I saw her posture slacken, I began with the fear. Inch by grueling inch, I let it consume her until I had complete control of her emotions. I watched as her lips fell into a smirk, one that I would eventually adopt as my own.

“Your name?” I asked as I stood from my defensive position. I could feel the wave of wonder pass through the ranks. They were wondering exactly what was going on and why the commander was shaking like a leaf.

I didn’t need to come in here as a newborn; I needed to come in here as myself. Show my worth in hand to hand combat and move up the ranks quickly and efficiently. Now I knew that and what Custodio had to hide with me, I didn’t care for an answer.

“Your name?” I growled out.

“Chastity,” she replied. I could see that she was trying to fight my gift, readjusting the sword in her hand. “You’re gifted?”

I could feel the mild shock flowing from her as I nodded and then a flow of curiosity mixed with fear.

“You’re a trained soldier already?”

“I am,” I stated as I walked over to her and grabbed the sword from her hand. I let it fall to my feet and I gripped onto her throat, lifting her so that she was eye-level with me. “I was sent to kill you, Chastity…”

I didn’t care if she knew what my purpose was while I was here. I gave her the option to watch her back as I lifted my gift away from her and set her back on her feet. I needed an alliance. What better way to get it with my maker’s enemy?

“I’m not here to prove that I can do it. I already know I can.” I said as I turned away from her.

I locked my eyes with Ethan in the small crowd and he nodded at me. It was a small gesture but it told me what I needed to know. If I were to give Chastity the whole story, I would become her second in command. That also showed me another thing that I had been pondering. Ethan was gifted. He didn’t want to show me before but I knew why now. He needed to make it into the camp for another purpose. What that purpose was, I don’t know.

I could hear as Chastity picked up her sword and sheathed it.

“I need an alliance, Chastity,” I said as I turned on my heel and faced her. “Either you agree after you have heard what I’ve to say or I can always finish what I came here to do. The choice is yours.”

“Follow me, Gabriel,” she motioned for me to follow her. “The rest of you begin your training.”

I followed closely behind Chastity and into the small cloth tent that was on the far side of the field. As the flap closed she turned on her heel and faced me with an expectant look on her face.

“I turn you into one of us and when you are needed, you will help me take down my sire.”

I walked around the tent, letting my hands brush over the commodities and luxuries of being a commander. The things were nice, simple and never too extravagant. As I finished the circle around the tent, I stepped right in front of her.

Keep up to date on the upcoming release of  The Chronicles of Gabriel Alistair (Questionable Endings Novella Series) by following the author on Twitter @AETeller. 

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Raw shrimp, ready for cooking. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I was afraid to cook shrimp for the longest time, but it really isn't all that difficult. Admittedly, I often cheat and buy cleaned, peeled, and deveined shrimp to save time, but you can do it all yourself if you wish. This recipe is fast becoming a favorite summer supper.

 Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. cooking oil

1/2 lb. cleaned and prepared shrimp

1 Tbsp. black pepper

1 tsp. salt

2 fresh lemons, juiced

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Louisiana hot sauce

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1 Tbsp. butter

3 slices grilled French bread

Prep:

Heat a saute pan over medium low heat. Add the oil and shrimp, saute for two minutes. Add pepper, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and parsley. Cook, stirring often for two to three minutes, or until shrimp is done. Add butter, remove from heat as soon as it's melted. Serve over French bread. 

Pardon the mess

Construction-1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As you can see, we are making some changes around here. Please pardon the chaos until our little renovation is complete.

Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe

Not long ago breakfast sausage was on sale at the local supermarket. I stocked up because I use it in so many things. One of my favorites is this delicious Tex Mex inspired casserole. Pair this no fuss dish with a nice green salad and you have a perfect meal!

Ingredients: 
1 lb. breakfast sausage, browned and drained
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
4 eggs
2 Tbsp. flour
1 12oz can evaporated milk
2 small cans chopped green chilies

Prep:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs; add flour and milk. Mix well. Liberally grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Layer, beginning with the chilies, then sausage, then cheese. Pour egg mixture over the layers. Bake for 30 minutes, let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Super easy and oh so tasty!

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Questionable Endings

What are you most looking forward to on your summer reading list? I've seen a lot of new bestsellers on the top of many reading lists this month. I too am looking forward to several great books this summer, but none so much as Questionable Endings Trilogy Book One Gabriel and Ethan.


Synopsis:

Kings and queens will rise and fall. Gabriel Alistair, a pawn bound to a King for eternity is transferred to a new world where he will make a deal that will change everyone's lives forever. A web of betrayal, deceit, lies and secrets will have you guessing if the pawn will checkmate the King or will the King finally rise.

Sounds good, right? Check out the trailer!




Tell me what you think. Does it suck you in the way it does me? Share your opinions folks! Next week I'll have a teaser chapter for you to read. Excited? I am!

To stay up to date on Questionable Endings, follow the author @AETeller on Twitter and check out the trilogy's blog.