Tuesday's Good Eatin' Recipe Hop #GoodEatinPL 5/21

 

Welcome to the Good Eatin' Recipe Hop

hosted by

The 'Pitch List' Bloggers

Every Tuesday you can join us to share great recipes.........

There are no specific themes. 
Add your recipe of choice to the linky.

No Giveaways Please...all giveaways will be removed.

We Love Comments! Please Share!

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Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013) by Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.

 ABOUT THE BOOK

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.

My thoughts:  I loved the O'Malley series of books by Dee Henderson and was thrilled to see that she was beginning to write about the love stories of these characters.  I loved Jennifer's story in the series and loved this book even more.  It is not very thick but is definitely one that you will want to keep reading until you get to the end and then you find yourself wanting more!  I know at least I am wanting more from this series and would love to see more in depth of what happens next for Jennifer and Tom.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations. Pin It Now!

#OGIOwines Pinot Grigio Wine Review -The Pitch List

I have to start by saying that I'm not a huge wine drinker.  I tend to use it more in cooking than actually drinking it.  And when I do drink wine I like the sweet fruity ones.  I was thrilled to get to review the Pinot Grigio wine by Ogio Wines.  

The Pinot Grigio is a dry white wine with a pale straw color retailing at $12.99 per bottle.  It does have a high acidity.  You can learn more about how this wine is made and the statistics by simply going to their website to the Pinot Grigio page!  This is what I would call a perfect wine.  You can use it in cooking but also drink it with any meal really. It pairs well with all foods including Thai, Mexican, and Indian.  It has a mellow flavor with hints of fruit(mainly a citrus taste for me).  This is the perfect wine for sipping on while soaking in the tub.  I've been doing a lot of soaking in the tub so trust me on this one!

Ogio Wine began in Italy using only the finest processes and fruit from northeast of Venice.  They began in the early 1900's as a family owned and operated business.  Now on their third generation of wine makers they are still family owned and dedicated to making the finest wines.  

They make and sell three different wines.  The one I reviewed, Pinot Grigio, as well as an acclaimed and awarded Prosecco, and ending with a red wine called Tuscan Red.  All wines are made in Italy but are slowly making their way to the United States for purchase.  They are already available in some areas but won't be available in others until 2014.  You can check out their Find a Store tab to figure out where they are available near you for purchase.  My closest store is over 400 miles away so I don't think I will be driving off to buy more just yet!  The 10 major cities that they are available in currently are:  San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Charlotte, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Denver, and New York.  You can also order online.  

Let's talk shipping now that I mentioned you can order online.  I was pleasantly surprised with how well this bottle was shipped!  It had a very strong and sturdy wrap around it plus extra wrap to keep it from moving around in the box.  It remained totally intact and short of someone throwing it very hard did not look like it would be easy to break the bottle.  I also received a pair of flip flops with the Ogio logo on them.  I'm not a huge flip flop wearer, but these are super cute.  Unfortunately, I have child size feet(think size 3 in kids) and these are a bit too big for me.  I can't seem to force myself to give them away yet though so they are staring at me and begging to be worn!

This image if from the Ogio site.
I do not own such cute wine glasses!
In fact I don't own any wine glasses!

Also make sure to check out their Facebook Page!  They often share thoughts and comments from people who have tried their wines.  

If you want a great recipe to use this wine in try out my Homemade Gluten Free Cheese Sauce.  It is wonderful with this wine.  I was a bit hesitant at first as I normally just buy the cheap wine for cooking(yeap shame shame on me) and didn't want to waste a fine wine like this.  But I have to say using a good quality wine like this made the flavor of my cheese sauce that much more amazing!

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Last Chance for Justice by Kathi Macias -Review CFBA

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Last Chance for Justice B&H Books (May 1, 2013) by Kathi Macias

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.

Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.

Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.

Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.

It isn't long before Rachel has two men -- a handsome CPA and the youth pastor -- seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn's attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.

As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Last Chance for Justice, go HERE.

My thoughts:  I was spellbound by this book.  I loved the story of Last Chance Justice and how Lynn along with her daughter and her beau solve his mystery.  I personally am hoping for a sequel to this book as we've got two love stories(well at least I'm seeing two love stories) coming off of this one!  I definitely agree with Rachel's choice in men though. . . .

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book for free in association with the CFBA. I was not compensated in any other way besides this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and not influenced in anyway. I was not coerced to write a positive review but rather wrote my own thoughts on the book. I am disclosing this to be in compliance with the FTC Regulations.

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Grandma's Pumpkin Bread Recipe -Modified by Me

The best(though not the healthiest) pumpkin bread!

A few years ago I got a cookbook at a garage sale that I wanted to try out.  It was the 1982 Holt County Cookbook (Holt County, MO that is).  I was going through and found a wonderful sounding pumpkin bread recipe.  I wanted to try it so bad.  Then I read the by line and realized my grandmother(mom's mother) had actually submitted the recipe!  I was unknowingly going to make a family recipe!

This recipe is very moist and oh so melt in your mouth good.  I have changed up some things of course.  I've made it gluten free.  It would be dairy free and sugar free if I could figure something out to do with the pudding mix, but it makes this so moist that I don't have the heart to cut it.

I also added the pecan topping which is so yum on top!

Ingredients:

5 eggs

2 tsp stevia(scant)

3/4 c. coconut oil

3/4 c. applesauce

2 c. cooked pumpkin

1 or 2 pkgs instant coconut or vanilla pudding(1 if the large size)

2 c. gluten free flour blend

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp guar gum

Topping:

1/2 c. chopped nuts(pecans)

1/4 cup muscavada(this is an organic version of brown sugar--if you don't have just use brown sugar)

Beat eggs, applesauce, and coconut oil together in bowl.

Ready to mix it all up!

Add pumpkin and blend well. 

Add sifted dry ingredients, make sure to mix these in well and try to avoid lumps 

Fold in pudding mix.  

Mix well.  

Mix the muscavado and pecans together and sprinkle on top of the bread.

Place in greased loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Freezes well, very moist.

Shared on:  Wellness Wednesdays, Simple Living Wednesdays, Modest Monday, 

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Tuesday's Good Eatin' Recipe Hop #GoodEatinPL 5/14

 

Welcome to the Good Eatin' Recipe Hop

hosted by

The 'Pitch List' Bloggers

Every Tuesday you can join us to share great recipes.........

There are no specific themes. 
Add your recipe of choice to the linky.

No Giveaways Please...all giveaways will be removed.

We Love Comments! Please Share!

Pin It Now!

Make A Ball Wedding Dreams Giveaway -The Pitch List ends 5-24

Welcome To Make-A-Ball Wedding Dreams Giveaway! Hosted by The Pitch List

For all you sports fans out there - there’s no better way to express your love than a personalized sports ball! Perfect as wedding Save-the-Dates, groomsman’s gifts, wedding favors, anniversary gifts, and more -- your wedding is sure to be a home run!

Make-A-Ball is a program that allows you to design any sports ball and make it your own. You can choose from baseball, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball or hockey. You can design your own background, choose from their libraries of backgrounds and clip art, and add your own text and photos.

Isn't this a neat idea?  I had never heard of anyone doing this before and think it is very "cool"!  I have some friends getting married this summer and this would be a perfect thing to hold on to over the years to help keep the memories alive! 

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We are happy to join Make-A-Ball in making one reader a wedding memory Sports Ball. The winner may choose a baseball or football and design your own,

Enter the rafflecopter below and Good Luck.

ENDS May 24th at 11:59pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It Now!