FRUIT TRIFLE

Okay I've been cooking alot lately...come to find out my husband likes it when I surpise him with food in bed or a quick treat after work.  So I've been looking online for some really good treats and this one was really yummy.

FRUIT TRIFLE

Ingredients:

• 200g plain sponge cake
• 100ml Fruit Preserve (I used Strawberry Crush)
• 500ml thick custard
• 300ml sweetened whipped cream
• Fresh or Canned Mixed Fruits

Method:

1. Arrange half of the cake slices at the bottom of your serving dish. Pour the syrup of the canned fruits and allow to soak for 10 minutes.
2. Beat the custard, then pour half of it over the sponge cake.
3. Spread 1/3 of the fruits, pour 1/3rd of the strawberry crush and spread 1/3rd of the whipped cream. Repeat the process to get two layers each of cake, custard, fruits and cream using the remaining half of the custard and 1/3rd of the fruits, crush and cream again.
4. Spread remaining fruit on top and pour the remaining crush over it. Arrange fruit slices attractively. Alternatively, use sweetened whipped cream to decorate.
5. When serving, take care to insert the spoon till the bottom to scoop out all layers of cake, custard, fruits and cream.

The Golden Age of Greece

During the “Golden Age” of Greece, Greek men wanted faithful love, but tried to obtain it by gifts and trickery. When they actually did fall in love, they considered themselves as sick. This is were the term “love sick” comes from. They found love either an amusement that quickly faded or a god-sent affliction that lasted too long. They never connected love with marriage.

Romantic Recipes~

I found these on the web the other day tried them and thought they were really good. This is a fun little idea for birthdays, valentines day, anniversaries or just because.

STRAWBERRY MUFFINS

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserve or softened jam
• strawberry halves for decorating

Method:
1. Pre heat oven to 400°F. Spray muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line muffin cups with paper cupcake liners.
2. On a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt, stir well until all ingredient are well blended.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, butter, eggs and vanilla. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour liquid mixture in and the strawberries. Reserve some strawberries for topping.
4. Using a large spoon, gently fold ingredients just until moist. Do not over mix.
5. Spoon the batter evenly into 12 muffin cups.
6. Pour 1 tsp. strawberry preserve or jam onto each muffin and sprinkle some strawberry pieces.
7. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or till done.
8. Decorate each muffin with strawberry halves.

Nancy Madore’s Enchanted

Featured by Harlequin’s Spice this wonderful combination of Erotic Short Stories blew me away by it’s new take on the old fairy tale classics. Even if you’re not sure about Erotica, the witty twist of each story is enough for you to be drawn into the fantasy. Some of the stories were re-published through Spice Briefs. But can read all of the thirteen different stories in this one unique book.

To give you a little inside look here are some of the stories to look foreword to.

Beauty and the Beast~
Her take on what really happened between Beauty and the Beast, was really very intoxicating and leaves you wondering about the original!

Cat and Mouse~
This was my favorite! In fact it inspired me to write a short story of my own. It is not Erotica, but I love the idea behind it and put my own twist to it.

Cinderella~
The enjoyable twist to this classic lets you see what happened to Cinderella after the slipper.

Mirror on the Wall~
Giving you a whole new look at the Snow White’s evil stepmother was very agreeable. It was an exceptional new way to perceive the character that we all grew to hate! Nicely done!

Snow White in the Woods~
I had to read this one twice. Because honestly, Snow White was my favorite of the fairy tales, though after reading this new look on the classic I was a little traumatized at first. Then when I went back through it I can honestly say I ended up loving it.

The Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing~
Very original. This is a clever inspiration for married women trying to find ways to spice up their marriages, or long term relationships! What a wonderful to approach to paving the way for your own romantic rendezvous!

The Ugly Duckling~
This was a magnificent way to end a book. I can’t use the word clever enough when explaining how elegant she put the whole book together, then ended it the way she did…Brilliant, simply brilliant!

Night Huntress~ by Jeaniene Frost

If you want something old but with a good twist this might be your series. A half-breed out for vengeance by killing her own kind—well half her kind—was a refreshing look at the way vampire meets vampire hunter.

Halfway to the Grave~
The steady stream of action and nail-biting suspense was a very new way of redirecting us vampire lovers. It was cleverly written, with a nice base of humor. The best part of this in particular novel was right when you think you got the end figured out she throws something else at you. It was unquestionably one of my more better reads.

One Foot in the Gave~
Book two in the series was a mixed read for me. I really didn’t know how to take this one at first. When I was finished I hated it, but when I thought about it later I ended up enjoying it.
I don’t want to give to much away here, but how the whole thing came together seemed to throw me a little. Though as I mentioned I didn’t like it at first. Though, after I took a breath and walked away I was okay with it. If you ended up like me, you’ll read the next one.

At Grave’s End~
Book three picked up the game again from the moment you open this book. Some parts were a little predictable but the story line kept you going on just to make sure you were right. Although the ending kind of made me a little apprehensive about the next book. I like little guessing games, although this book made me rethink the whole love story between Cat and Bones.

Destined for an Early Grave~
Honestly, It just felt a little drawn out as if she was making this whole story up just to set up another serious altogether. Now I’m not saying it was a complete waist of time. It was a very good read. I liked the steady stream of humor, the nice feel for the characters, and the way it gets you hyped for the next.
Just your next isn’t Night Huntress. Fine by me…bring it Jeaniene!

The One That Got Me Hooked!!

Moriah’s Landing

This four part series is cleverly pieced together by four different authors. Which I found delightful and fascinating. How all four of them brought this story together so gracefully, I will never know. Although, these four have worked together before. In which I’ll Review Texas Confidential later in this blog.


Secret Sanctuary~ by Amanda Stevens

Is the first in this series. It introduces each character giving you a feel of where the main story is headed through this particular story. This is an older book in the Harlequin collection published in 2002, but if you come across it or want a good creepy story grab it.

Howling in the Darkness~ by B. J. Daniels

I haven’t picked this book up since 2002, just like Secret Sanctuary and just like before I couldn’t put it down. With a whole new twist Daniels gives you another look to the main story line without wondering too far from it. I liked how this book gave you a more overall look at the city the story was based in. She easily did this by bringing in a new character, but smoothly enough you didn’t get to jaded. It left me intrigued and waiting for the next one.

Scarlet Vows~ by Dani Sinclair

Honestly, this one took a little different turn, although it did stay with the same story line and tapped back into Secret Sanctuary. It also allows you a peek into the last book in the series, which made the story well rounded. Bringing back some of the creepy vibe you find yourself wondering what happens next.

Behind the Veil~ by Joanna Wayne

Hee-hee, okay I’ll be honest, when reading this one my cat jumped up onto our bed and scared the living daylights out of me! My husband got a good kick out of it. And when I was telling him to shut-up I remembered the first time I read it in 2002, I was startled by a thunder storm then too. So to say that this was a perfect end to a creepy story of witches is significant.

Although, I kind of saw the end coming, I still really enjoyed it. There was still enough surprises to keep you guessing. Like I mentioned, this series is older, but if you happen across it on Amazon, or a mom and pop book store grab it!

Book Review~ An Oldie But A Goodie

Some of the best novels I have found are oldies but goodies. I love wondering used book stores looking for books that have been forgotten due to the hype of something new. Like the three novels I have posted below. This is actually not a series just three of my favorite Rita Herron books, and I found them buried deep in the back of a used book store.
I gave a brief review of each book, allowing a small peak to see if it sparks some interest. Now not all of my book reviews will be series, although some of the best stories you’ll ever read leave you with a cliff hanger and waiting for the next book!! All reviews are opinions of my own review. Enjoy!

~Rita Herron’s Romantic Suspense~

A Breath Away~
This book is very suspenseful. I love the way Rita Herron twisted the characters so you really didn’t know who the killer was until the end. Just when you think you have it she throws another twist that makes you rethink who it might be. I so enjoyed all the little shocking details that you just don’t see coming. I actually haven’t read this book in a few years, and just recently re-read it. I still found myself interested and surprised by parts of the book that I had forgot about. It was a very good read. Definitely one to pick up!

In A Heartbeat~
From the minute this book starts your heart is in your throat and you just can not stop turning the pages to find out what happens next. This is a 378 paged book and I finished it in less than three days. Like A Breath Away I had not read this book in a few years. Though again when I re-opened it for a seconded time I was captivated and just couldn’t stop reading. If you’re a Harlequin fan, this is one I strongly suggest looking up!

Last Kiss Goodbye~

This book is a emotionally hard read for me. From page one you are stuck between putting it down—because it is so hard to read what is happening—and rushing to find out what happens next. It is like that throughout the entire book. The brilliant way this book kept me captivated, is a rare and appreciated value. Many books try, though don’t quite succeed. Very well done Ms. Herron. These three books are older and maybe a little hard to find, but well worth the effort!