What's YOUR Favorite Comfort Food?

Earlier this week, we saw the first snowflakes flying in our neck of the woods.
It was our cue to add a few warm-you-to-your-toes dishes to our
weekly menus. There's nothing like something bubbly and baked to
chase away the chill of the day.

We all have favorite dishes that warm you heart & soul...which recipes do
you always reach for when a loved one is feeling under the weather?

We'd love to know...

What are your favorite COMFORT FOOD recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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Today, we're sharing a recipe for our ultimate comfort food, from our cookbook filled to the brim with these kind of recipes. Aptly named, Comfort Foods even features Mac & Cheese on the cover!

Mac & 3 Cheeses
Betty Lou Wright from Hendersonville, Tennessee, shared this recipe with us. She writes, "Of all the macaroni & cheese recipes I've tried, this is my family's favorite. Don't be shy about adding more cheese!"
3 T. butter
2 T. all-purpose flour
1/4 t. salt
2-1/2 c. milk
1 c. Cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 c. Swiss cheese, cubed
1/2 c. pasteurized process
    cheese spread, cubed
1-1/2 c. elbow macaroni, uncooked

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; blend in flour and salt. Stir in milk; cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Add cheeses; stir until melted. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and fold into cheese mixture. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serves 8.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

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Ready to add your own COMFORT FOOD recipe?

See below to join the party and, if you're sharing this hop on your own blog, link back here with button below.

Just click here to get the code.

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Wild Goose Chase Christmas Abingdon Press (November 2012) by Jennifer AlLee
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Thunderstruck giveaway

WIN Thunderstruck DVD

 

Pre-order the combo pack from Amazon for only $19.99.

Synopsis:

"NBA superstar Kevin Durant plays himself in this action-packed family film about a basketball star who switches talent with a klutzy 16-year-old fan. When Brian (Taylor Gray) magically switches basketball skills with his hero, Kevin Durant, he becomes the star of his high school team... while Kevin Durant suddenly can’t make a shot to save his life! But with the playoffs approaching, Brian learns that being a true winner means working hard at your own game, and he tries to make things right in time to prevent a catastrophic end to his hero’s season."

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Check out the fun new blog app released in anticipation of Thunderstruck arriving on Blu-Ray and DVD next week.  When you are done playing the games, reading the tips for kids and watching the trailer of this family-friendly movie, make sure you enter my giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the movie for your family to enjoy.

•   Free-Throw Challenge Game! Are you up for a Free-Throw Challenge? Show us your skills! Make as many baskets as you can and unlock special clips along the way.
•   7 Thunder-ific Tips for Kids! Does your kid dream of going pro? Use these awesome tips to help them sharpen up their skills! “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”- Kevin Durant. 

---GIVEAWAY---

Enter for your chance to enter to win a Combo Pack (Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Download) of Thunderstruck, arriving in stores on December 4th.  

The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please. US Residents only please. Giveaway open til Dec. 14th. 

To enter tell me in a post one item on you Christmas wish list.  Be sure to leave your contact information.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 This giveaway has been provided by Warner Bros.I have not been given any compensation for this post other than the winners' free DVD which will be sent out by Warner Bros.

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shattered Silence Abingdon Press (September 2012) by Margaret Daley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.

While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.

Featuring Robin Harper with Simply Christmas

I think this CD is quickly moving up the ladder to #1 spot.  Simply Christmas is a nice mix of religious and secular Christmas songs.  It isn't too jazzed up listening, but puts you in that festive mood.  Robin's only accompaniment is piano. I love it. Her voice is sparkling, crisp and clear.  There are no loud drums beating to lose the voice in the background.  It's almost as a bird is setting on my window singing.   It is just as the title says, 'Simply' music.

My favorite one is #3 - Grown-up Christmas List.  She ends the trailer with my favorite song.  It starts about half way into the trailer and goes to the end.  Just love this song.  enjoy the trailer.



Now head out to buy Robin's Simply Christmas CD.   I do believe you'll enjoy Robin's sweet voice and piano.  Better yet you may find downloads @ Amazon or iTunes

About the CD:
Teaming up with pianist Marvin Goldstein, talented vocalist Robin is celebrating the intimacy and simplicity of the holidays by putting a new twist on the Christmas standards you are sure to start whistling right along with Robin's singing. 

 “This is the time of year when music helps us renew our faith as well as our sense of fun,” Robin said. “I wanted to combine the two by choosing songs close to our hearts, jazz them up a little and have a good time with them. And with just us – Marvin’s marvelous piano accompaniment and me – it’s like we’re in your living room, sharing an intimate holiday gathering with your family,” she said. 

Robin has always loved to perform and has sung in church all her life, envisioning her future one day as a country singer. Growing up in California’s Orange County, she veered away from country at one point as a member of the DavElliott5, a jazz vocal ensemble. Then life happened. A husband and family. Four kids. Robin’s love of music has never waned, however, and now her life has come full circle, back to music, with this first offering of musical holiday cheer.  

 Find Robin on FB  /  twitter

A copy of this CD was provided by Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Judge by R.J. Larson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Judge Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012) by R.J. Larson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts. The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading...and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Child of dust, will you be My servant?

If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.

Banana Nut Roll

I copied this recipe from online but forgot to save where it was I found it.  Not my original. 

Banana Nut Roll 
(may substitute pumpkin)  

Ingredients:
3 eggs (beaten 5 min.)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
banana (pumpkin) mixture (found below)
3/4 cup flour

Banana Mixture:
2/3 cup mashed bananas
1 teaspoon banana flavoring
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pumpkin Mixture:
2/3 cup pumpkin
1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

Filling:
1 - 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
4 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

 1.  Mix beaten eggs with sugar, vanilla, baking soda and salt.  Add banana (or pumpkin mixture).  Add flour and mix well.
2.  Pour into well greased and floured jelly roll pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
3.  Turn onto a tea towel while still warm and roll up in towel.  Let cool 20 minutes.  Unroll and spread filling evenly.  Re-roll.  Wrap in plastic warp.  Refrigerate or freeze.

Filling:  Cream together well the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla.  Add chopped walnuts or pecans.

Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Starflower Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012) by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE.

small progress

Well I was able to get a little bit of cross-stitch "x's" in on Friday night for the sew in...Actually "x's" are done on the picture itself so I was doing the outlining...tedious job of straight stitches.  Here is my progress pictures....

cross-stitch before FNSI

cross-stitch after FNSI

I was able to get some sewing on my daughter's quilt done on Thursday night, but just don't have time to post pictures right now maybe later in week I'll get some posted.

It's that time again....

I always wait with great anticipation for the monthly sew-in to come.  I'm left by myself as much as three or four nights a week because of everyone's work schedules.  So I look forward to Friday Night Sew-In and pray it'll fall on a night when everyone has to work.  Well, I'm bummed....This week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and guess what .......Saturday I'm alone by my lil' ol' self, but hubby doesn't have to work on Friday night.....ARGH!!!  Don't know if I'll get any sewing in on Friday night or not, but I'm setting up tonight and Saturday as sewing times.  I've been cutting my pieces for my quilt all month when I've been alone.  Maybe tonight I'll have to take pictures of the cutting process...  Any way the Nov FNSI is already upon us tomorrow night.  Don't know what the sew-in is all about well head over to this spot and check out the details....then head over to Heidi's post here and tell her to count you in.   I hope to get something done tomorrow whether it is sewing on my quilt or working a few stitches on the cross-stitch.  Be watching for my progress report.  Happy Sewing everyone.

Thanksgiving is Coming Soon...

With the big feast just a little over a week away, what better time to share your tried & true Thanksgiving favorites? From starters to desserts and everything in between, we want to see what's on your family's table!

So, tell us...

What are your favorite THANKSGIVING recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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Today, we're sharing a recipe for Holiday Brined Turkey, from our cookbook, The Harvest Table. Below the recipe, take a peek at our video...the brine mix itself makes a thoughtful gift for this time of year too!

Holiday Brined Turkey Thanks to Sharon Demers from Dolores, Colorado, who shared this recipe with us!
1 c. coarse sea salt
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 T. sweetened dried cranberries,
    finely chopped
1 T. orange zest
1 T. dried apples, chopped
2 t. peppercorns
1/2 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. dried sage
1/2 t. dried rosemary
1/8 t. garlic powder
3 shakes red pepper flakes
1 gal. boiling water
18 to 20-lb. turkey, thawed
1 gal. cold water
To prepare Turkey Brine Mix, combine all ingredients, except boiling water, turkey and cold water.
To prepare brined turkey, add Mix to boiling water. Cool thoroughly; chill. Place turkey and brining liquid in a very large container. Add enough cold water to cover turkey. Keep refrigerated or on ice for 12 to 24 hours. Before roasting turkey, rinse well with cold water and pat dry. Roast as desired. Makes enough brine mix for an 18 to 20-pound turkey.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

Watch our video for the Turkey Brine Mix here:

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Link up your THANKSGIVING recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using the handy button below.

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?

Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking Like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Sunday!

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

Peanut Butter Triffle Brownies

This recipe was in my hubby's lunch box.  Don't know where it came from but it sure was too yummy not to pass on....this is a melt in your mouth brownie.

Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Peanut Butter Filling:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1-3 teaspoons milk

Ganache Topping:
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 cups chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1.  Heat oven to 350 degress F. Grease a 9x13 baking pan

2.  Brownies:  Melt butter and stir in sugar.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Mix in cocoa, baking powder and salt.  Stir in flour until combined.  Spread evenly in pan and bake for 25-30 min.  Cool completely in pan on a cooling rack.

3.  Peanut butter filling:  Combine ingredients and beat until smooth.  Spread evenly over cooled brownies.

4.  Ganache:  Combine ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.  Melt and mix.  Spread evenly over peanut butter filling layer.  You may refrigerate to harden quicker, but isn't necessary will harden over time. 

Union Dissolving.....

20 States are petitioning to leave the Union is your state one of them?  Do check it out here.  Sign the petition if you agree with leaving the union.  I'm proud to say my state is one of them....  this country needs change.  In order to sign the petition you must create an account but it isn't that hard just follow the instructions.

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Change of Fortune Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012) by Jen Turano
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.

She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she fired up the computer and never looked back.

Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter.

Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Change of Fortune, go HERE.

Share Your Shortcut Recipes!

This week we're rounding up your secrets to success in the kitchen, if you'll part with them! Share those recipes that you always have in your back pocket for when time is short. Those that you reach for when you just want to grab a few ingredients and serve something the whole family will love!

So, tell us...

What are your favorite SHORTCUT recipes? Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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This easy and heart chili appears in our cookbook, 5 Ingredients or Less, and it always comes in handy on busy nights...add some biscuits or cornbread and it'll warm you to your toes! 

Tex-Mex Chili Thanks to Dawn Lang from West Liberty, Ohio, for sharing her family's recipe with us!
1 lb. ground beef, browned
15-oz. can hot chili beans
15-1/2 oz. can kidney beans
12-oz. jar salsa
1-1/4 oz. pkg. chili
    seasoning mix

Combine all the ingredients in a large stockpot; add 1/2 to one cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Serves 4.

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Link up your SHORTCUT recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using the handy button below.

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?

Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

Be sure to visit some new friends this week and VOTE for your favorites by clicking like under their entries...we'll feature the recipes with the most likes on Saturday!

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!