The Book Tour Stops Here: A Review of "Consumption" a Horror Novel by Heather Herrman, Served with a 'Purple Cow' Float (+ an eBook/eGift Card Giveaway!)

There are many life lessons to be learned from horror movies and novels: clowns are scary and evil, don't go investigate weird noises--or stay behind if someone else goes--you need to stick together, don't run upstairs or down to the basement when being chased by a monster or serial killer, don't ever assume it's all over even if things seem quiet and peaceful..., the list goes on and on. One of the best lessons? If the local Native American tribe says a piece of land is "bad" and tells you not to build there, and refuses to live there themselves... well, you should just listen to them and not put your town there. 

Today's TLC Book Tour Stop gives us an example of why that advice is so critical as we journey to the small town of Cavus, Montana (yeah, they didn't listen) to find the evil that awaits in the horror novel Consumption by Heather Herrman. Served up with today's book review is a take on a 'Purple Cow' Ice Cream Float, and there is a chance to win an eBook copy of Consumption, plus a eGift Card for the eBook retailer of your choice. 

Published by : Hydra (May 26, 2015)
eBook Pages: 288

Publisher's Blurb:

For fans of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Sarah Langan comes a thrilling new vision of American horror. In Heather Herrman’s heart-pounding debut novel, evil is ready to feed—and it’s got one hell of an appetite.

In the wake of tragedy, John and Erma Scott are heading west in search of a new life. So when car trouble strands them in sleepy Cavus, Montana, they decide to stay for a while, charmed by the friendly residents and the surrounding ambiance. Here, they hope, is the healing balm that their marriage needs.

Then John and Erma find themselves in a fight not just to save their marriage, but their very lives. For this is no ordinary town. Its quiet streets conceal a dark and bloody secret that has slumbered for centuries. Now, that secret is awake . . . and it’s hungry.

Like a slow infection, evil is spreading through Cavus. Soon John and Erma—along with the local sheriff, an undocumented immigrant, a traumatized teenage girl, and an old man with terrible secrets of his own—must join together to battle an all-consuming force that has set its sights on its prey: the entire human race.

My Review:  

There is a slow and deliciously creepy build up in Consumption, obviously you know something bad is going to happen but the story unfolds bit by bit until, when it takes off, the action and tension doesn't let up and you realize just how bad things will get. I found myself repeatedly yelling at John and Erma, our stranded protagonists, to get back on the road and out of Cavus, Montana! (Another horror plot learning--watch those small quaint towns, get out as soon as you can, and NEVER stay for a big party, festival, or anything referred to as a "feast!") Although most of the book is set in the present day, the evil has been building in Cavus for many years and Herrman skillfully weaves glimpses of the town's past into the story along with the different characters. Although John and Erma, the main characters, are outsiders to the town of Cavus, the supporting characters are also outsiders in their own ways --the recently-returned-to-take-over sheriff with a failed marriage, a runaway teenage girl who is missing her deceased mother and freaked out over her father's recent odd behavior, an immigrant teen trying to build a better life for himself and his family, and a crazy-acting old man with an old notebook full of secrets given to him by his dead wife. 

Consumption has been compared to Stephen King and I can see that--in the small town with its quirky citizens setting, the unknown evil that pervades, and the somewhat ragtag group of characters that have come together to battle it. Author Herrman also shares King's ability to write these ordinary folks in such a way that we care about them, making the inevitable carnage that happens when the evil strikes feel like little punches to the gut. And, there is plenty of carnage in Consumption--it is not for the faint at heart. The "evil" refers to itself as The Feeder for good reason. If you can't stand a little grossness in your horror (why are you reading it?!), then be warned, because The Feeder is ready to feast. With a whole town to take over and/or feed on, the book certainly had its cringe-worthy moments that added well to the fright-factor. An excellent debut from a talented new author and a great addition to the horror genre, grab up Consumption if you love a good scary story. (Just don't read it on a dark night, while eating, or on a road trip through quaint rural towns...)
 

Author Notes: Heather Herrman explores American society through horror fiction. She holds an MFA from New Mexico State University, and her work has appeared in such publications as Alaska Quarterly Review, The South Carolina Review, and Snake Nation Review. Herrman’s fiction has also been honored with a Frank Waters Fiction Prize and a scholarship to the Prague Summer Program for Writers.

You can connect with Heather on her website, Facebook or Twitter. 

Let's face it--an evil, cannibalistic creature taking over the bodies of your friends and family doesn't really inspire happy thoughts of food--but I do love a challenge. For my dish inspired by the book, I went back to much happier times when (although we readers knew) the protagonists had no idea that the quaint little town they were stuck in was a hotbed of terror. Erma, spying children with ice cream, ducks into the local drugstore for a treat for her and John--a cup of purple cow ice cream. 

"She handed him his cup, full, he saw, of a purple-and-white sludge of ice cream and something else. He took the cup from her and spooned a bite into his mouth. The ice cream was cold and delicious, tasting something like grape juice and cream. Standing there, with the ice cream trailing down his throat and his wife looking, to him, more beautiful than he'd ever seen her, with the sunlight bouncing off the brown of her hair, making her outline fuzzy, he thought he would remember the taste of that grape ice cream for the rest of his life."    

--Consumption by Heather Herrman 

I did a little research into the purple cow--which seemed to have started as a soda shop treat of grape soda or grape juice, mixed with milk, cream, or sometimes ice cream. Later it morphed into grape or black cherry or raspberry ice cream, sometimes with chocolate chunks--white or dark which sounded like what Erma might have had in her drugstore cups. 

I decided to go the drinkable soda route with a Purple Cow Float. Because grape soda or flavored sodas are not favorites of mine and hard to buy in a tiny quantity, I decided to combine pure Concord grape juice with ginger ale for the soda. In place of ice cream, I added scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt. I am not calling it traditional, but it worked for me. ;-)  

Purple Cow Float
by Deb, Kahakai Kitchen
(Serves 1)

5 oz grape juice
1 scoop vanilla frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream
about 3-4 oz ginger ale (I used diet ginger ale)

To serve, pour grape juice into a tall glass, "hang" a scoop of frozen yogurt or ice cream off of the side of the glass or place into the glass, then slowly top off the grape juice with ginger ale (mind the foamy overflow). Serve immediately with a tall spoon for stirring and a large straw to sip it all up.

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Notes/Results: You have probably guessed that I don't have a future career as a soda jerk in my future. I did attempt a more photogenic float by "hanging" a scoop of the fro-yo on the rim of the glass (see instructions here) but even though I started with a firm scoop, I was not successful, so I just went with putting the frozen yogurt scoops in the glass of grape juice and adding the soda on top. ;-) Slightly messy but it tasted good. Although this isn't something I would drink on a regular basis, the combination of tangy grape and sweet vanilla ice cream with the fizz of the diet ginger ale was actually pretty pleasing. I only managed to make it through half my glass but I enjoyed it. It would be fun for any purple or grape soda-loving kids you know.
 

Note: A review copy of "Consumption" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can see the stops for the rest of this Book Tour and what other reviewers thought about the book here.

***Giveaway***

This TLC Book Tour includes a Rafflecopter giveaway for an eBook copy of Consumption, as well as and an eGift Card to the eBook retailer of your choice! You can enter below for your chances to win. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good Luck!
 

The Book Tour Stops Here: Reviews of the Horror Anthologies: "Dark Screams: Volumes 2 & 3"--Edited by Brian James Freeman & Richard Chizmar

Short story anthologies are much like eating a box of chocolates--some of the fillings you adore and want more of, some are good and satisfy just enough, and there often one or two that however well-made, just don't hit the spot for you. On today's TLC Book Tour stop, I am reviewing the horror anthologies: Dark Screams: Volumes 2 & 3, and similar to the variety in that box of chocolates, some contributions frightened, most entertained, and I was definitely drawn to some of the stories more than others. With ten different authors and their takes on the horror genre, it's a great way to explore and see which bites capture the imagination and inspire that buzz of suspense and a tingle of fear. 

Published by: Hydra, March 3, 2015
eBook: 138 Pages


Dark Screams Volume 2: 

Robert McCammon, Norman Prentiss, Shawntelle Madison, Graham Masterton, and Richard Christian Matheson scale new heights of horror, suspense, and grimmest fantasy in Dark Screams: Volume Two, from Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar of the renowned Cemetery Dance Publications.
    

THE DEEP END by Robert McCammon
Everyone thinks the drowning death of Neil Calder in the local swimming pool was a tragic accident. Only his father knows better. Now, on the last night of summer, Neil returns in search of revenge.

INTERVAL by Norman Prentiss
Flight 1137 from St. Louis by way of Nashville has gone missing. As anxious friends and family gather around the gate, a ticket clerk finds herself eyewitness to a moment of inhuman evil.

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK by Shawntelle Madison
Eleanor has come from New York City to prep an old Victorian house in Maine for America’s Mysterious Hotspots. Although she’s always thrown herself into her work, this job will take her places she’s never dreamed of going.

THE NIGHT HIDER by Graham Masterton
C. S. Lewis wrote about a portal that led to a world of magic and enchantment. But the wardrobe in Dawn’s room holds only death—until she solves its grisly mystery.

WHATEVER by Richard Christian Matheson
A 1970s rock ’n’ roll band that never was—in a world that is clearly our own . . . but perhaps isn’t, not anymore . . . or, at least, not yet—takes one hell of a trip.

My Review: The Deep End started this collection off with a bang. If you have ever cringed when something swept by you in the water and you could feel it but not see what it was, you will be creeped out by this story of a father battling something in the public swimming pool. A quieter fear builds in Interval, as an airline ticket clerk realizes the true evil that can exist as hope dies--more chilling than scary. The fear ratcheted up in If These Walls Could Talk--Gothic, creepy house, I won't say more but I will probably be trying not to look closely at any strange portraits and hunting scene pictures. After the pinnacle of If These Walls Could Talk, The Night Hider, while it had its moments (creepy burned man coming out of a wardrobe at night), was a bit of a letdown for me. Maybe because I was never a Chronicles of Narnia superfan and its ties to C.S. Lewis felt a bit forced. The strong start to this book with The Deep End made the ending fall flat for me with Whatever. Not every horror story has to frighten, but I just couldn't find the point (or any building of anticipation or suspense) with this story about a 70's rock and roll band that's told through articles, memos and interview notes. It just didn't seem to match the mood of the rest of the collection. So, high marks for the first three stories, lowered for the last two (they were the cherry nougat and maple nut cream in my chocolate assortment). ;-) Still, it introduced me to a few authors (Robert McCammon, Norman Prentiss, Shawntelle Madison) that I want to read more of and will seek out.    


Published by: Hydra, May 12, 2015
eBook: 108 Pages


Dark Screams Volume 3:

Peter Straub, Jack Ketchum, Darynda Jones, Jacquelyn Frank, and Brian Hodge contribute five gloomy, disturbing tales of madness and horror to Dark Screams: Volume Three, edited by Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar of the celebrated Cemetery Dance Publications.
 

THE COLLECTED SHORT STORIES OF FREDDIE PROTHERO by Peter Straub
A mere child yet a precocious writer, young Freddie records a series of terrifying encounters with an inhuman being that haunts his life . . . and seems to predict his death.
 
GROUP OF THIRTY by Jack Ketchum
When an award-winning horror writer on the downward slope of a long career receives an invitation to address the Essex County Science Fiction Group, he figures he’s got nothing to lose. He couldn’t be more wrong.
 
NANCY by Darynda Jones
Though she’s adopted by the cool kids, the new girl at Renfield High School is most drawn to Nancy Wilhoit, who claims to be haunted. But it soon becomes apparent that poltergeists—and people—are seldom what they seem.
 
I LOVE YOU, CHARLIE PEARSON by Jacquelyn Frank
Charlie Pearson has a crush on Stacey Wheeler. She has no idea. Charlie will make Stacey see that he loves her, and that she loves him—even if he has to kill her to make her say it.
 
THE LONE AND LEVEL SANDS STRETCH FAR AWAY by Brian Hodge
When Marni moves in next door, the stale marriage of Tara and Aidan gets a jolt of adrenaline. Whether it’s tonic or toxic is another matter.

My Review: I was more familiar with some of the authors in Vol. 3 like Peter Straub, Jack Ketchum, and Darynda Jones, so I expected to like this volume more. I did, but it ended up being a bit of a mixed bag as well. I was surprised by Straub's The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero. The concept of a child's writing of his encounters with a scary monster was solid and intriguing but the execution of it--writing in the style, vocabulary and spelling of a child--ended up annoying me while I was trying to read it. I just couldn't get past attempting to make out what was being said to appreciate the story itself. I thought it was my mood and went back to read it again later. Nope, just as irritating. Ketchum's Group of Thirty was better--not necessarily scary, but it built anticipation and had an interesting twist at the end--although it fizzled a bit. What actually drew me to the Dark Screams tour initially was that there was going to be a story from one of my favorite authors, Darynda Jones, as I dearly love her Charley Davidson Series. Her offering, Nancy, was definitely my favorite story from the book--set in high school where a new girl wants to fit in with the popular crowd but tries to also befriend the class pariah--who has some unique troubles. Nancy had an excellent twist, and like the best champagne truffle, it left me wanting more from the characters. The high school horrors continued with I Love You, Charlie Pearson, a stalker tale with a very different and demented spin at the end--another favorite. I am not sure that I would have closed this volume with The Lone and Level Sands Stretch Far Away. Although I liked it, it had a quiet intensity and I didn't get that strong feeling of foreboding I was looking for.    

Overall, I enjoyed both collections--they are great indulgent treats to have on your eReader to dip into when you want just a taste of a horror tale without committing a lot of time and effort. I went back and purchased Volume 1 to read, and I am scheduled to review Volume 4 in August. Good creepy fun. 

I did not pair a recipe with these two anthologies but if I did, it might be a glass of the sweet tea from I Love You, Charlie Peterson or maybe it would be a decadent little box of chocolate treats--like this one from one of my favorite local chocolatiers, Choco le'a, where I have yet to encounter a chocolate that I didn't like. ;-)

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Note: Review copies of "Dark Screams: Vol. 2 & 3" were provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can see the stops for the rest of this Book Tour and what other reviewers thought about the book here.

 

"Ethel Dip" (Creamy Cheddar & Green Pepper Spread) for Cook the Books: "The Feast Nearby" by Robin Mather

First, I wanted to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you for all of your kind thoughts and words over the past couple of weeks. For those of you who posted dishes in honor of my mom at I Heart Cooking Clubs, my emotions have not allowed me to read your individual posts yet, but I will soon and I thank you. It means a lot to be able to feel the love and support from so many. I have not done a whole lot of cooking lately, and I am not sure when I will be back to it, or posting regularly, but I did have a few commitments that were either scheduled this week or were ones that I have put off, so you will be seeing a few posts--mainly book reviews.

I have always had a soft spot for foodie books--either fiction or memoir--that involve major life changes and new beginnings. Our April/May Cook the Books selection, hosted by Debra of Eliot's Eats, is a great example of starting over. The Feast Nearby: How I lost my job, buried a marriage, and found my way by keeping chickens, foraging, preserving, bartering, and eating locally (all on forty dollars a week) by Robin Mather takes place in essays and recipes, set over four seasons in a tiny Michigan cabin. Although not all of us have the ability and willpower to live as Mather does, it offers practical tips and encourages a simpler, more locavore way of life without preaching, and it also manages to be interesting and engaging.

It's a little embarrassing to note that I ordered this book online without realizing that I already had a copy and had read it back in 2011 and cooked the navy bean soup recipe from it. It wasn't that it was forgettable, it has been a few months where life has spiraled out of control for me and a lot of details have been missed in the process. Anyway, a book return and a quick re-read later, I realized that I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it. Mather's words and the food she cooks are simple, homey and great to curl up with at night before bed. It made me want to get a tiny cabin complete with a poodle, a smart African Grey parrot, and maybe a kitten, and try to live on $40 a week too. Since that's tempting but not realistic, Mather's book is the next best thing.  

As, mentioned, I have not been much in the mood for cooking, so I went through the many delicious-sounding recipes in the book looking for something very simple. I thought about recreating the navy bean soup I made the first time I read the book--this time making it vegan, or even trying the more seasonally appropriate gazpacho, but soup-making hurts my heart a little too much right now. I kept going back to Mather's recipe ideas for "penniless" entertaining and to the "Ethel Dip" which sounded like a version of Southern pimento cheese. I am not normally a mayonnaise dip person but something about sharp cheese and green pepper in my favorite Just Mayo garlic mayonnaise, sounded simple and that kind of so-bad-for-you-it's-good kind of comfort food. I did increase the cheddar cheese a bit and decrease the mayo by 1/2 cup--which I am glad I did as I think it would have been too 'gloppy' for me with the entire cup and a half. 

Mather says that this family specialty is named "for the woman who brought it into our lives" and notes that "it always seems a crowd-pleaser" and "wants toasted thin rounds of bread, please, alongside."

"Ethel Dip" 
Slightly Adapted from The Feast Nearby by Robin Mather
(Makes about 2 1/2 Cups)

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (I used 1 cup garlic mayo)
1/2 cup grated sharp cheese (I used 3/4 cup grated cheddar)
1/2 cup green pepper, grated with its juice
a bundle of scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
dash of Tabasco
dash of Worcestershire sauce

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.

Notes/Results: OK, if you are not a mayo fan,this dip may not sound all that appetizing, particularly if you have not discovered the delights of pimento cheese, but it is surprisingly good and potentially addicting--especially when served on grilled bread rounds. It is creamy, cheesy, tangy, with sharper bites of green pepper and scallions, savory flavor from the garlic mayo and  Worcestershire, plus a touch of heat from the Tabasco. I may have to try it in a grilled cheese sandwich like this Pimento Grilled Cheese. I would make it again--especially with the reduced amount of mayo. 

The deadline for this Cook the Books round is tomorrow, Monday June 1st, and Debra will be rounding up the entries at the CTB site shortly after. If you missed out on The Feast Nearby and like books, food, and foodie books, consider joining us for June/July when Simona of briciole will be hosting The Wedding Bees: A Novel of Honey, Love, and Manners by Sarah-Kate Lynch, another fun re-read for me (find my review post with a bagel sandwich and honey mint lemonade here). 

Aloha,
 

A Blogging Break

Just wanted to let you know that I am taking a bit of a break from blogging.  

This week, I lost my mom and I lost a big piece of my heart along with her. She was a wonderful woman and an incredible mom who always loved and supported me no matter what. She loved her family--her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren, our large extended family, and the many friends that she adopted as family. She loved the beach--whether Oregon or Hawaii. She made the best cookies ever and she gave me my love of cooking and of making and eating soup. ;-) She enjoyed watching me cook and would very willingly try new things because I made them. She was proud of my blog--although not a computer person and when we were visiting she would help me cook, plate the food, take photos, and then choose the ones to use. She called Max her "grandchild" (since I told her he was the only one she was ever getting from me) and would 'talk' with him during our phone calls--sure she could interpret his many different meows. ;-) That's only a brief glimpse of the great, strong and loving woman that she was and why I love her so much. I will miss her more than words can express.  

Flora Elizabeth Christensen 

1931-2015

I'm not sure yet how long I'll be on hiatus but I'll be back to blogging once I feel ready. 

Mahalo for your understanding, support and friendship.
 
Much Aloha, 

The Book Tour Stops Here: A Review of "Love is Red" by Sophie Jaff, Served with Penne with (Vegan) Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Love is Red, and so is the Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce that I am serving up today, inspired by this unique and completely absorbing new novel by Sophie Jaff. So pull up a fork and get ready for a book review and a recipe for today's TLC Book Tour stop.

Publisher's Blurb:

This electrifying, addictive, and hypnotically beautiful debut spins suspense and literary fantasy into a stunning epic—the first volume in the Night Song Trilogy—ablaze with fear, mystery, and possibility.

Katherine Emerson was born to fulfill a dark prophecy centuries in the making, but she isn’t aware that this future awaits. However, there is one man who knows the truth: A killer stalking the women of New York, a monster the media dubs the “Sickle Man” because of the way he turns his victims into canvasses for his mesmerizing, twisted art.

Unleashed upon Manhattan after lying dormant for centuries, the Sickle Man kills to harvest the precious hues of his victims. As his palette grows, so too does his power. Every death brings him closer to the one color, and the one woman, he must possess at any cost.

While the city hunts the Sickle Man, Katherine must decide what to do about two men who have unexpectedly entered her life: handsome and personable David, and alluring yet aloof Sael. Though she’s becoming increasingly torn between them, how well does she really know them? And why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing visions?

Told from the alternating viewpoints of Katherine and the Sickle Man, Love Is Red is a riveting thriller that unfolds into an intense story of obsession and control, desire and fate. Katherine may not realize it yet, but with this haunting novel—as arrestingly original as Marisha Pessl’s Night Film, Patrick Süskind’s Perfume, and Lauren Beukes’s The Shining Girls—her moment of awakening is here. And soon she will find herself fighting a battle at the edges of our world, among forces more dangerous than we can possibly imagine

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Harper (May 12, 2015)

My Review:

Love is Red is such a unique book--a combination of mystery/thriller and romance along with a sprinkling of fantasy and paranormal. The story is told by Katherine, a young woman living in New York City with her roommate Andrea and Andrea's young son Lucas, and she has just begun seeing two very different men. David is sweet and attentive and his friend Sael is mysterious, cocky, and somewhat distant. Alternatively, we get the chilling perspective of the Sickle Man, the serial killer who is terrorizing the city with his macabre murders. The Sickle Man sees emotions as colors ("Love is red. A little green, a little gold, but love--real love, true love, divine love--that love is red.") As he murders young women (and leaves their bodies with intricate carvings--yikes!), the Sickle Man is "collecting" their different colors while waiting for Katherine, his ultimate conquest, to be ready for him. It is difficult to explain too much more about the book without giving spoilers, and trust me, you will want to read it for yourself.

Love is Red had my pulse pounding from the start, and it occasionally had me scratching my head while I was trying to figure out just what was happening with the many plot twists and the weaving in of a tale of a mysterious medieval maiden. I had forgotten until I was finishing the book that Love is Red is the first book in a trilogy. That being said, it thankfully doesn't end on an annoying cliffhanger, but it did leave me with plenty of questions and wanting more. If you want a book that is intriguing and a bit different, with a story that will draw you in quickly and not let go, grab a copy of this one.

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Author Notes: A native of South Africa, Sophie Jaff is an alumna of the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, and a fellow of the Dramatists Guild of America. Her work has been performed at Symphony Space, Lincoln Center, the Duplex, the Gershwin, and Goodspeed Musicals. She lives in New York City.
 
Find out more about Sophie at her website and connect with her on Facebook.
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Gruesome murders don't often inspire thoughts of food for me, but there was actually a fair amount of food mentions in Love is Red. Different restaurants, the description of the items in a gourmet grocery store that one of the Sickle Man's victims loved, and the food that Katherine makes all brought inspiration. In the end, I chose to make a tomato-based pasta--both for its red color, and because Katherine cooks a dinner for David, her roommate and her son, and Sael, who David brings along. It is a happy and normal evening, so different from most of the book. 

"Mismatched bowls on place mats, the sauce, tomato-based and basic, steaming, pasta and some bread. A good smell, a cheerful smell. There's still a bottle of wine to go. There is candlelight. Talk is easy. I laugh. I feel my shoulders descending. It's a wonderful evening. Four adults and a child, content a Saturday night. We do not talk of how many women they've found, or Andrea's job. We speak of broad general things, the weather, movies, books, past summers, and memories. David is kind, Seal is attentive, and Andrea is delighting in their company. 

And just in this moment I am happy."

I wanted something simple but indulgent so I turned to Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen by Chloe Coscarelli and a recipe for a creamy pasta dish I have had tagged to make for a while now. It's a great pantry recipe and quick and easy to make.

Chloe says, "If there was such a things as fine-dining comfort food, this would be it! It's addictive and crave-inducing like macaroni and cheese, but it's elegant and classy with the slick penne and flecks of sun-dried tomatoes. Fit for all occasions, this will be your new "it" pasta."

Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen
(Serves 4)

1 lb penne (or gluten free pasta)
1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
3 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup all purpose flour (or gluten free all-purpose flour)
3 1/2 cups almond milk (I ended up using 4 cups total)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
pinch of crushed red pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions. Right before draining, add 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes to the boiling water. Drain pasta and return to the pot.

Meanwhile in a medium saucepan, make a roux by whisking the oil and flour over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Then add almond milk, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, salt, garlic powder, basil, and red pepper to the saucepan and bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low, add the remaining 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, and let simmer until the sauce thickens. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.

Add sauce to pasta and toss to coat. Season to taste and serve immediately. 

Cooking Note: If sauce thickens too much as it sits, reconstitute by adding a little bit of nondairy milk. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes/Results: This pasta tastes so much more decadent than its ingredients would lead you to believe. The thick sauce is smooth and very silky. I did need to add extra almond milk to thin it a bit. I liked the slightly tangy sweet flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes and it also has a a very cheesy essence--a bit surprising since it only has a a quarter cup of nutritional yeast. Just a good and simple dish that hits the spot when comfort food is needed. I would make it again.

Note: A review copy of "Love is Red" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can see the stops for the rest of this Book Tour and what other reviewers thought about the book here.

 
 

The Book Tour Stops Here: A Review of "The Case of The Invisible Dog: A Shirley Homes Mystery" by Diane Stingley, Served Up with a Recipe for Cinnamon-Apple & Almond Topped Waffles (+ Ebook & EGiftcard Giveaway!)

What if the famous detective Sherlock Holmes was not a fictional character, but instead was a real person and the world was led to believe he wasn't real as part of a conspiracy to whitewash his existence out of history? And what if your new boss was convinced that she was his great-great-granddaughter, and she wanted to use her superior intellect to follow in his footsteps and solve crimes? Is she eccentric? Is she crazy? Should you try to find another job?

On today's TLC Book Tour stop, "The Case of The Invisible Dog: A Shirley Homes Mystery" by Diane Stingley, introduces us to the very unique Shirley Homes, and her assistant Tammy, and kicks off a new cozy mystery series. I'll be reviewing the book, cooking up a decadent breakfast treat inspired by it, and offering a chance for a lucky reader to win an eBook copy of the book, along with a $25 eGiftcard.  

Publisher's Blurb:

In the start of a charmingly imaginative cozy series sure to delight fans of Carolyn Hart and Diane Mott Davidson, Diane Stingley introduces a blundering detective who believes herself to be the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Sherlock Holmes.

After failing to launch her career as a Hollywood actress, Tammy Norman returns home to North Carolina, desperate for a regular paycheck and a new lease on life. So she accepts a position assisting Shirley Homes, an exceptionally odd personage who styles herself after her celebrated “ancestor”–right down to the ridiculous hat. Tammy isn’t sure how long she can go on indulging the delusional Shirley (who honestly believes Sherlock Holmes was a real person!), but with the prospect of unemployment looming, she decides to give it a shot.

Tammy’s impression of her eccentric boss does not improve when their first case involves midnight romps through strangers’ yards in pursuit of a phantom dog—that only their client can hear. But when the case takes a sudden and sinister turn, Tammy has to admit that Shirley Homes might actually be on to something. . . .

Published by: Alibi (May 19, 2015)

eBook: Pages: 385

My Review:

The Case of the Invisible Dog is more farce than mystery with the socially inept Shirley Homes (who by the way, is not a very good detective) and her assistant and modern-day "Watson" Tammy, struggling to solve a strange case and a resulting murder than seemed pretty obvious to me. But, if you don't need a deep plot and a serious mystery in your book, there is much fun to be had with the concept and the characters in this new series. I liked Tammy right off the bat--she has some good snarkiness and combines it with common sense--despite some of her life choices. Even while she isn't sure whether to take a month's severance and run, or stay and work with Shirley, she is a master at dealing with Shirley's unique personality. Shirley Homes was harder to connect with, coming off as unlikable at first with her pompous comments about the superiority of her brain as compared to everyone else, without much to back up her claims. Still, in time glimpses of her softer side appear, and I found myself enjoying her--although I think I would like her ineptitude dialed down just a notch or too in the future. The other characters; Shirley's sister Myra, cabdriver and detective-wanna-be Lawrence, doubting Police Detectives Owen and Addams, and the mysterious Dr. Morgan who keeps popping up, seem promising for future books in the series. Although the mystery behind the invisible dog and the murder of Shirley and Tammy's first client were not that difficult to figure out, there were some plot twists and turns at the end that kept me engaged and will have me looking for the next book. Overall an enjoyable read.

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Author Notes: Diane Stingley is the author of Dress You Up in My Love and I’m With Cupid. She was also a columnist for The Charlotte Observer and received e-mails from around the country in response to her columns. She currently resides in North Carolina and is hard at work on the next Shirley Homes mystery.
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Food Inspiration:

Most of the food in The Case of the Invisible Dog revolves round two places--The Waffle Barn, the local diner, and the Hobson's Bakery, the restaurant downstairs from Shirley's office. Grumpy Mrs. Hobson serves donuts (the bear claws are a standout) and fresh soups, sandwiches, salads and breads. Shirley and Tammy seem partial to her chicken noodle soup and her pumpkin bread. The Waffle Barn is open late and serves breakfast--bacon, eggs, hash browns, and the "Barn Buster" waffles, that the menu describes as 'lighter than air.' Shirley orders her waffles with extra butter and syrup on the side. She soon becomes practically addicted to them and to be honest, all of the mentions of waffles in the book had me drooling over them the entire time I was reading. I usually have a box of waffles in the freezer for the very occasional craving, and I worked my way through half a box as I made my way through the book. So, I knew that my dish inspired by The Case of the Invisible Dog just had to be a waffle.

My favorite way to enjoy a waffle is with a little melted butter and maple syrup, drizzled so it goes into each little square, and while it is still warm--sprinkling the crevices with mini dark chocolate chips--letting them get a bit melty. Since I don't own a waffle maker and use frozen waffles, I wanted to fancy things up a bit and make a waffle house-style specialty with a warm and decadent topping. 

What I indulged in too much while reading this book!

Since Shirley's two food addictions seemed to be waffles and bear claws (much better than her great-great-grandfather's cocaine use), I wanted to incorporate the cinnamon and almonds (and occasional apples) found in a bear claw pastry into a topping for some frozen Belgian waffles. If you do possess a waffle iron by all means make homemade waffles, but if you don't, no worries. By the time you get the sweet and delicious apple & almond topping mixture on the waffles, no one will notice they aren't homemade. ;-) 

Cinnamon-Apple & Almond Waffle Topping
By Deb, Kahakai Kitchen
(Serves 2, Very Generously)
 
2 medium apples, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred
juice of 1/2 lemon   
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp almond extract
1 pinch of sea salt
1/3 cup sliced almonds  
Core apples and thinly slice them. Squeeze lemon juice on them and lightly toss. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saute pan and add brown sugar, maple syrup, almond extract and salt. Stir and cook over medium heat, adding the apples as it starts to bubble. Cook the apples until they are soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the almonds and cook another minute or two.

Enjoy with yogurt, over ice cream or as a topping for waffles. Enjoy!

Notes/Results: Decadent and sweet--cinnamony, nutty, apple-goodness in every bite. This isn't a breakfast that I would indulge in often, but with the warm topping and squirt of whipped cream, it was definitely reminiscent of a waffle house splurge. Honeycrisp are my favorite apple and their blend of sweet and tart was perfect for the dish. Adding in the almonds at the end, kept some of their crunch which was a good contrast for the softer apples. I used Belgian waffles here, but Eggo makes a cinnamon waffle that would work really well with this topping. I will happily make these again.  

***Giveaway!!!***

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Note: A review copy of "The Case of the Invisible Dog" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can see the stops for the rest of this Book Tour and what other reviewers thought about the book here.

Simple Orzo and Green Pea Soup with Tarragon and Pecorino for Souper (Soup, Salad, & Sammie) Sundays

A quick and simple soup for spring, sure to comfort those sniffles and stuffy noses from allergies. This Orzo and Pea Soup comes from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites. The Moosewood Collective cookbooks are always my go-to cookbooks when I want a quick and easy meat-free soup. Moosewood's simple garlic broth is my go-to soup stock and I try to always have a few pints in the freezer for fast soups. You have to be a fan of green peas for this soup (my sister would hate it!) but if you are, and you use a good flavorful broth, you will like this one.

Note: I swapped out the thyme for tarragon because I had fresh tarragon on hand, it says spring, and I like the way it contrasts the sweet flavor of the peas. My changes are in red below. 

Moosewood says, "This Italian-style soup is very simple and appetizing, with sweet peas and slippery little noodle bits in a savory broth."

Simple Orzo and Pea Soup
Adapted from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites
(Serves 4-6)

1 tsp dried thyme (I used dried tarragon)
6 cups broth (I used Moosewood Garlic Broth)
1/2 lb (about 1 1/2 cups) orzo 
2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
(sea salt and black pepper )
grated Pecorino (optional) to garnish
(Fresh tarragon to garnish)

Add the dried thyme (tarragon) to the broth and gently heat.

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the orzo until al dente--according to package instructions. Drain.

Add the cooked orzo and peas to the broth and simmer until the peas are tender but still bright green--about 1 minute for frozen peas, longer for fresh.

Serve hot, in bowls with grated Pecorino cheese (and fresh tarragon), if you wish.

Notes/Results:  Allergies and a sinus infection have hit me hard this spring, leaving me a snorty, snotty mess ;-/ so this soup with it's simple flavors and garlicky broth really hit the spot. And, green peas are surprising little nutrition powerhouses with plenty of vitamin K, C, many of the B-vitamins, fiber, folate and other minerals, and even some protein. If you want a vegan soup, leave off the Pecorino--although it adds great flavor, or if gluten-free, replace the orzo with your favorite rice. Serve with salad for a light meal. Quick and simple, I would make it again.

 
Judee of Gluten Free A-Z Blog is hanging out with me in the Souper Sundays kitchen and shares her Best Salad Making Shortcuts this week--sure to prep you for the upcoming salad season. Judee says, "Sunday night has become salad night in my house. It is the night I not only make a big colorful salad for dinner, but while I already have all the veggies out, I  also make my salads for the entire week!  One mess 5 salads!. (yes, the salads stays very fresh for the week, and I'll tell you how)."

Thanks Judee for sharing your salad skills!

If you have a soup, salad, or sandwich that you would like to share, just click on the Souper Sundays logo on the sidebar for all of the details.

Happy Mother's Day and have a happy, healthy week!