The Extra Shot – The Appeal of an Elusive Viscount by Hildie McQueen

The Extra Shot – The Appeal of an Elusive Viscount by Hildie McQueen

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Welcome to The Extra Shot where you’ll find an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from The Appeal of an Elusive Viscount by USA Today Bestselling Author of Western and Highlander Romance, Author Hildie McQueen.

This book releases Tuesday, November 20th so be sure to pre-order your copy now while it’s on SALE. One-click and find your copy on Amazon. Get ready for a great new historical romance book adventure!

Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on the link and purchase the featured book and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small percentage between 2-6%. Any profit earned from this transaction is given directly back to readers via giveaways (gift cards, books, etc.) Thank you in advance.

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

 

 

 

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TAOEC Cover 195x300 The Extra Shot   The Appeal of an Elusive Viscount by Hildie McQueenThe Humphries estate was situated just a couple blocks from Brooks’. Normally, it would be a pleasant walk. However, today, she was without an escort. If she were discovered by her parents, she’d be severely reprimanded. Clara bent her head and scurried down the side of a building hoping to reach the back gate to the gardens of her home and slip inside.

“Clara.” Her father’s unmistakable voice boomed out. “Stop at once.”

From across the street, her father, Albert Humphries, glared at her. “What in the bloody…why are you out unescorted?” He rushed over to her, his arms pumping rather comically.

“Most troublesome as always.” Her cousin, Todd, walked up to stand beside her father to form a united front of disapproval.

Straightening her shoulders, Clara prepared to perform. As if blinking away tears, she sniffed loudly. “I was out with Mrs. Tattersworth, but became distracted. And when I turned around, she was gone.” She made a mental note to seek out the cook and ask her to corroborate her story.

“You’re wearing a maid’s outfit,” her father stated flatly. “Did you also become distracted when dressing?”

Crumpets, she’d forgotten about that.

Taking her arm none too gently, her father brought her to walk beside him. “We will deal with this situation at home. Your mother will be quite cross with you.”

The walk suddenly seemed much shorter. The prospect of facing her mother, after being caught out in servant’s clothing and unescorted, meant hours of lectures, lessons and being forced to remain indoors.

“Father. I promise not to do this again. Please, don’t tell Mother. I planned to attend the Lady’s Society lecture on a newly-discovered species of butterflies. It’s Friday afternoon.”

The lack of a response meant he would not be flexible. So she turned her attention to Todd.  Her cousin was not only her father’s apprentice, but also almost an exact duplicate.  Tall, handsome and a bit boring.  She supposed actuaries had to lacking in personality to be so taken by numbers.

“Dear cousin, convince Father how important it is for young people like us to have certain freedoms.”

Todd shrugged. “You have more freedom than most. Why didn’t you get one of the servants, perhaps the one you borrowed clothes from, to accompany you?”

She had considered it. However, it would have been difficult to sneak in with a second person. Besides, Molly would hate hiding in the closet while she listened to a philosophy lecture.

They continued on, her father never once releasing her arm until they arrived at the front door. A uniformed butler, whose eyes rounded upon spotting her, greeted them. The butler, Gerard, had been with the family for decades. Although he normally coddled her, today, his disapproving gaze moved from her outfit to where her father held her arm.

“Good afternoon. Mrs. Humphries is in the tea parlor with Miss Vivian and Miss Penelope.”

“Thank you Gerard, we will join them,” her father replied, tugging her as Clara did her best to dig her heels into the floor. Unfortunately, she’d not considered exchanging her soft slippers for Molly’s more sturdy footwear.  And so she glided across the polished floor as if on wheels.

“Come along, Clara. Best to get this over with.” Her father was too strong. So, seconds later, they entered the tea parlor to meet the astounded looks of her mother and sisters.

Penelope, the youngest, coughed to cover up a giggle. Vivian, the eldest, gaped, her eyes bulging.

“What is the meaning of this?” her mother gasped, jumping to her feet. “Explain at once.”

In times like these, it was best to allow someone else to speak first, so Clara looked to her father. He seemed just as terrified as she felt.

“I found Clara out near Hyde Park, unescorted and dressed in this…this…manner.”

The explanation only seemed to infuriate her mother further.

“You’ve upset Mother,” Clara informed him. “I was not unescorted. I was left behind accidentally.”

By this time, her mother was close enough to pinch her. “Why are you dressed in those rags?”

The comment was rude. “Mother, you shouldn’t be so judgmental. If Molly overheard you, she’d be hurt.”

Sarah Humphries took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Taking advantage of that opportunity, her father dropped her arm and, along with Todd, made a quick exit.

“You will go upstairs immediately. Take a bath, put on a nightgown and go to bed. I cannot remain calm and continue to speak to you right now.”

If that was to be it, her only punishment, Clara had to fight hard not to smile. “Yes, Mother.” She dipped her head to seem meek and turned to leave.

“I am not finished.” Her mother’s words stopped her midstride. A contradiction. Her mother had just stated she was too angry to speak. “You will remain in your room until Friday evening. We have agreed to attend the dinner party at Lady Barrow’s home. Remain in your room until then. You will attend and be on your best behavior.”

At the sentence, she gasped and looked past her mother to her sisters. Surely one of them would plead for leniency. Both sat with rounded eyes and mouths open.

It was only Monday. Their mother rarely punished Clara for longer than two days.

“Mother, it is impossible to remain in my room for four long days. Whatever shall I do?”

Her mother closed the distance until their noses were but an inch apart. “Not be abducted. Not be ruined in the eyes of society and also casting your shadow of ruin over your sisters. This is Vivian’s year. I will not allow you to ruin it.”

“I thought you said all three of us would be seeking husbands,” Penelope interjected, her hand shooting up as if asking for permission to speak after the fact.

Her mother whirled and Penelope shrank back, her eyes rounded. “I mean…of course Vivian should receive all the attention. She is, after all, the eldest and soon will be considered a spinster.”

“Penelope!” Vivian cried out. “I have at least another season before that could happen. I am only twenty-one.”

Her mother placed two fingers on both temples. “Enough girls. We will adjourn to Clara’s room after tea and discuss the season.” She looked to Clara. “Go to your room now.”

“About Friday…” Clara started.

“I could change it to Saturday. You’d go straight to your room after Lady Barrow’s party.”

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Author Info:

%name The Extra Shot   The Appeal of an Elusive Viscount by Hildie McQueenUSA Today Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three doggies.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hildiemcqueenwriter/

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Stay connected with Rae Latte and Books I Love A Latte for Book Reviews, Excerpts, Teasers, Coffee With (Interviews), Giveaways, Authors Dish, Book Sales, and other Tasty Tidbits. 

 

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Authors Dish

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Welcome to Authors Dish where your favorite authors share what they are reading. In addition, if you enjoy reading their books they have suggestions for similar book adventures by other authors. It doesn’t get better than that!

 

 

Today in the cafe are Lucy Farago, and Hildie McQueen.

Rae: Who are you reading?

Lucy Farago: Susanne Kearsley’s A Desperate Fortune, Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless, %name Authors Dishand Eve Langlais’s a Demon Witch. It depends on what mood I’m in.

 

 

LHA 2726 3 copy 267x300 Authors DishHildie McQueen: Kathryn Le Veque, J.D. Monroe, Jordan K. Rose and Renee George

 

 

Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?

Lucy Farago: It’s hard to compare myself to other authors. Someone once told me I reminded her of Roxanne St Clair when she writes romantic suspense. Other than that I have no idea. I’m not a dark writer and I try and blend in as much humour as I can get away with.

Hildie McQueen: Merry Farmer and Sylvia McDaniel

Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – sae time for new authors and more fun! 

Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 2

Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 2

TakeoverThursday 300x300 Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 2Today I’d like to welcome Author Hildie McQueen to Books I Love A Latte, she’s running the blog for the next couple of hours so if you have questions please be sure to comment. Today it’s all about her upcoming release Broken: Taylor in the Laurel Creek Series. Hildie is here to give us a peek into Broken: Taylor and what we can expect in future books from this series.

Grab a cuppa and join Hildie for what promises to be a fun day!

 

hot cocoa whip cream 21202744 279x300 Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 2

 

Welcome to Laurel Creek Montana, where the days are long and the nights steamy. When love comes into the lives of the men of Laurel Creek, it changes not only their lives, but also the dynamics of this small ranching town.

Meet the Hamiltons of Laurel Creek through this wonderful series penned by USA Today Bestseller, Hildie McQueen. Identical twins Luke and Tobias are mouth-watering hunks who have returned after serving in the military. They now spend their days on horseback and trucks handling all that needs to be done on their ranches.

Luke Hamilton returns to Laurel Creek with the additional baggage of PTSD. The war he fights now haunts him day and night. It’s a hard battle to win when the enemy is inside you.

Tobias Hamilton will not just touch your heart, but he will also sweep you off your feet and have you wanting more. There is little to stand in the way of this man, but then again, a broken heart is a formidable foe.

Taylor Hamilton is the twin’s cousin. Taylor is a man who’s lost it all, from his family to his career and yet manages to find the courage to fall in love again. This ex-police detective will bring out the hope in every reader’s heart.

Lastly, you can’t leave Laurel Creek without getting to know Eric Hamilton, the quiet and reserved deputy who maintains the law. Eric is ready to settle down and start a family. When he sets his sights on a lucky woman the path gets tricky.

The Laurel Creek series is sensual, heart breaking and romantic. You will remember these heroes long after you read the last page.

Get your copy here: books2read.com/u/4Awd0e

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Info:

%name Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 2USA Today Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three doggies.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hildiemcqueenwriter/

Excerpt of Broken: Taylor by Hildie McQueen

Excerpt of Broken: Taylor by Hildie McQueen

broken web final 200x300 Excerpt of Broken: Taylor by Hildie McQueenExciting News!!! Broken: Taylor by Hildie McQueen will be out in 6 days!!! On Jan 9th it will hit e-retailers everywhere!

Preorder it today!!  books2read.com/u/4Awd0e

Quick Blurb provided by Author:
Looking for a fresh start after a failed relationship, Allison opens a flower shop and sets her sights on the ex-detective she’s loved since high school. Unfortunately the main obstacle in the way is none other than Taylor Hamilton himself.

 

 

Excerpt:

The house was too quiet. Tobias, his roommate and cousin, was gone. That morning it was just Taylor and the noisy silence of an empty house. Although there were two dogs in the house, the dogs were probably still asleep.
The clicking sounds from whatever appliance may as well have been a snare drum, the sound emanating from the kitchen into Taylor’s bedroom.
Even with a forearm across his eyes and the pillow cushioning his ears, the clicks and occasional sound of a toilet’s water running made him want to scream.
Silence normally didn’t bother him. However, on mornings when his entire body came to life with blinding pain, every sound pinged directly to the left side of his body. The shattered fragments of his hip that had been pieced together by some talented surgeon never did come to an agreement and work in conjunction. Instead the fuckers staged a daily parade of pain and agony up and down his leg.
Taylor groaned and turned to his right side in hopes of relieving any pressure to the throbbing left hip.
While the damn aches hip-hip-hurrahed in his honor, Taylor clenched his jaw and moaned.
There were only four pain pills left. The next refill would not be available until later that week. The promise of relief killed any thought of saving some pills for the next couple days.
Carefully avoiding moving his left leg as much as possible, he reached into the nightstand drawer.
Without looking, he grabbed the plastic pill jar and popped the lid off. He couldn’t take them all. The prescribed dosage was one, two at the most in one day.
Yeah, like that would do a damned thing.
The lid bounced on the floor and tipping the jar up, three pills slid into his mouth. He saved one for later.
The last thing he needed was to become a prescription drug addict on top of everything else. At least that’s what he told himself. As of late, the one-month dosage only lasted half the time.
He maneuvered the pills under his tongue. They would work faster that way. In about fifteen minutes, he could get up, probably not pain free, but with enough of an edge off to make it through another day.
One hour and two cups of coffee later, Taylor was about as ready as he could be to face the day.
It was still early, not quite eight in the morning. However, work could not wait. There was much to do and not enough time for it. The two ranch hands would be there soon, so he didn’t worry about the horses being let out to the corrals. However, there were cows to check on and several new additions to the herd that needed tending.
Tobias was gone for two weeks. First week, he’d gone on vacation with his sister and parents. The second week, he and Luke were going to a ranching convention in Billings.
His aunt and uncle had invited Taylor to go on the cruise with them, insisting they could let one of the ranch hands cover the work.
Oh hell naw. Each time they’d brought it up, he’d declined.
The last thing he needed at the moment was to be in close quarters with anyone. It would be too hard to keep from letting them know how hard things had become lately.
In a way, he was on a vacation of his own. Not having to put up a front, to make excuses for being slow to do things, or his continuous bad temper.
Tobias’ dogs, two tan Labradors, trotted to the front door and he opened it to let them out. He was glad for the company, although the dogs preferred being outdoors, which he didn’t blame them for.
Bursting with fall colors, the scenery outside made Taylor hesitate and take it all in. Trees of differing heights, rolling hills, and land for as far as he could see with the backdrop of snow capped mountains was breathtakingly beautiful.
Just over a hill to the left, was where his other cousin, Luke, lived with his girlfriend Leah. However, to see the house, he’d have to go about half a mile out to the edge of the property.
The dogs raced back inside and stood by their food bowls with expectant expressions.
“Your wish is my command,” Taylor mumbled, getting out the dog food and scooping out kibbles.
Just as he placed the full bowls down, the doorbell rang. Chaos ensued.
Bark. Bark. Bark.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Bark. Bang. Bark. Bang. Tails wagging, the dogs ran in delighted circles by the front door.
Taylor blew out a breath and stared at the door without moving.
“Hey.” His cousin Eric, a police officer, walked in. Dressed in uniform with radio crackling on his shoulder, the guy reminded him of his past. Eric was his aunt’s son, he and his brother Ernest, the local defense attorney, both lived in Laurel Creek.
Just as tall as him, but with less grey hair, the guy was in peak physical shape. Although in Eric’s case, it was all gym since there was little to no crime in Laurel Creek.
Eric petted the dogs and then without asking went straight to the kitchen and opened the cabinet.
The happy dogs raced back to their breakfast.
“Come on in. Make yourself at home,” Taylor said, tracking his cousin’s movements. “Why’d you even knock? You made the dogs crazy.”
Eric ignored him and poured coffee into a chipped cup. “Came by cause I was just up the street. Seems the Davis’ daughter ran away. Seen or heard anything last night?”
Even if fireworks had exploded outside, he would have slept right through it thanks to his pills.
The girl was trouble. Always up to something or another. Although he didn’t know the family well, they seemed like normal, nice folks. Taylor wondered why the girl was so desperate to get away.
“Just got up. You can go check the stables if you want. I haven’t heard anything.”
Eyes narrowed, Eric moved closer to Taylor. “What’s wrong with your eyes?”
“Just took my pain pills a bit ago.”
“How many?”
S%@t, the last thing he needed was his cop cousin deciding to be nosy. “One. The normal dosage.”
“Bull. S#%t.”
“I thought you were here to look for a girl. Get out of my face.”
Of course the a$$hole didn’t budge. “When was the last time you went to the doctor? Have you been to the pain clinic?”
He’d stopped going. It was a waste of time and the last thing he had time for was to waste it. “Last week.”
“Bull. S#&t.”
“Will you stop saying it like that? It’s bulls#^t. One word.”
Instead of replying, Eric lifted his cell phone up and punched in a number. “Hey Louis, this is Eric Hamilton. Do you have an opening for Taylor Hamilton? He needs to come in today if possible.”
“I’m not going.”
“Two o’clock is fine. He’ll be there.”
“I’m not going. There is too much shit to do around here. Tobias is gone. You want to go out there and explain to the cows why they’re not getting fed?”
Eric lifted a shoulder. “I get off at three, I’ll come give you a hand.” His index finger pressed into his left shoulder. “You’re going to see the doctor. If I have to punch your lights out and drag you there, so be it.”
“Yeah, like that’s going to happen.”
Taylor decided to let the discussion go for the moment. “I’ll go with you to check the stables. Other than that, I don’t know where else the girl could hide. Maybe the old cabin.”

The air on his face was just what he needed. Taylor’s four-wheeler crested a small hill and his great-great-grandfather’s cabin came into view. The home had once belonged to Marcus Hamilton, his namesake, was the only structure that remained mostly intact.
Although his family called him Taylor, his first name was actually Marcus. His mother had always called him by his middle name and it had stuck.
Eric came up on his right. “Think someone’s in there?”
“Nah. The door is hard to open and unless she’s industrious, there is nothing in there that makes it remotely accommodating.”
“This window is broken,” Eric said inspecting a small side window. “Didn’t Tobias empty it not too long ago?”
Taylor nodded. “Nope. He hates snakes and a mama snake decided it was the perfect home for her family.” It was hard not to laugh of the memory of Tobias running out and doing some sort of freak-out dance after spotting the nest of snakes.
They pulled up and cut off the engines. Taylor allowed Eric to go first. Although he’d medically retired from law enforcement, he was not in the mood to play cop.
“Stay back,” Eric said, holding his hand up. “Someone’s in there.” The change in his cousin was obvious. All cop. He pulled out his weapon and stood to the side of the door. “Police. Come out.”

The perpetrator turned out to be a raccoon, which wasn’t at all impressed by Eric’s tone. They decided to let it be and turned back to the stables.
Taylor could tell by his cousin’s grim face, the guy was worried about the girl.
“You know at sixteen, she’s old enough to know better. If the girl wants to disappear and not be found, there isn’t much that can be done.
“I know. Hate to go back and tell the parents she’s gone. My guess is probably left in the middle of the night. Someone had to have picked her up. She could be anywhere by now.”
“I better get on.” Eric met Taylor’s gaze for a long beat. “Go to that appointment.”
Taylor nodded, knowing he’d call and cancel. So yeah, he had to go eventually and be seen so that the prescription would be refilled. However, he’d go when it suited him.

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Author Info: LHA 2726 3 copy 134x150 Excerpt of Broken: Taylor by Hildie McQueenUSA Today Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three doggies.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hildiemcqueenwriter/

Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 2

Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 1

TakeoverThursday 300x300 Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 1Today I’d like to welcome Author Hildie McQueen to Books I Love A Latte, she’s running the blog for the next couple of hours so if you have questions please be sure to comment. Today it’s all about her upcoming release Broken: Taylor in the Laurel Creek Series. Hildie is here to give us a peek into Broken: Taylor and what we can expect in future books from this series.

Grab a cuppa and join Hildie for what promises to be a fun day!

 

hot cocoa whip cream 21202744 279x300 Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 1

 

broken web final 200x300 Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 1

When I wrote the first book in the Laurel Creek series, Jaded, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew the heroes would be older (in their mid forties) and my type. Tall, handsome and muscular.

Another thing I planned was that they would each be damaged in a different way, but other than Luke’s PTSD, I wasn’t sure what the other hero’s back story was yet. I remember when Taylor first made an appearance and how much he stood out.

Knowing what I had in store for him, my heart broke and I almost didn’t write everything into his story that I’d plotted. However, a story goes where it wishes to go and in the end, Taylor suffers a lot of losses in this book.

It is my hope that regardless of the tragedies in this hero’s life, you feel hopeful and are smiling when you read the last page.

I feel it is realistic that after devastating loss and hurt, a person comes out stronger and realize that there is still hope for a wonderful life and bright future.

Spoiler Alert! Taylor’s cousin Eric’s story is entwined through this book. Eric and Mindy’s story will conclude in Tobias’ book, Ruined: Tobias, which will be published in mid 2018.

If you’re wondering what to expect in Tobias’ book, I will only say that you are in for a surprise or two. How do I know this? Because although I have no idea what is coming, several times while writing Broken, I know that certain things with Tobias aren’t as perfect as they seem.

So hold on to your Stetsons, there is much to come in the Laurel Creek series!! I’d love to hear back from my readers with your impression of Taylor’s story Broken: Taylor, The Laurel Creek Series.

Read on friends!

Get your copy here: books2read.com/u/4Awd0e

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Info:
%name Takeover Thursday with Author Hildie McQueen Laurel Creek Part 1USA Today Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three doggies.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hildiemcqueenwriter/

 

The Nutcracker Reimagined Day 4- Recipe Swap & Giveawy

The Nutcracker Reimagined Day 4- Recipe Swap & Giveawy

A magical clever and star studden collaboration.Loose yourself in the holiday magic. 1 300x300 The Nutcracker Reimagined Day 4  Recipe Swap & Giveawy

The Nutcracker Reimagined by Kathryn Le Veque, Claire Delacroix, Barbara Devlin, Eliza Knight, Suzan Tisdale, Hildie McQueen, Tina DeSalvo, Laura Landon, Layna Pimentel, and Emma Prince.

Hopefully by now you’ve already one-clicked this collection for your holiday reading. If not, there is still time to add it to your e-readers!

On the last day of The Nutcracker Reimagined Blitz the authors wanted to share a favorite recipe. So, from their holiday table to yours Happy Reading & Happy Cooking, or Drinking 😉

 

The Nutcracker Reimagined Recipe Swap 1 300x300 The Nutcracker Reimagined Day 4  Recipe Swap & Giveawy

~ From the Kitchen of Claire Delacroix ~

We eat a lot of British foods at Christmas in Canada, and there’s nothing more British than a good trifle. This is a showy dessert to bring to the table and serve.

Claire’s Trifle
Custard, fruit and ladyfingers in layers.

For the vanilla custard:

1 tbsp conrstarch
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups homogenized milk
2 cups table cream (18%)
1 piece vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
6 egg yolks

In a heavy saucepan, blend cornstarch with sugar. Whisk in milk and cream, add vanilla bean. (If using vanilla extract, add it after the custard is cool.) Stir constantly over moderate heat and bring to a simmer. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes to develop vanilla flavor; reduce to low. Beat eggs and egg yolks until smooth: blend in one cup of hot milk, then whisk back into hot milk in saucepan. Stirring constantly with a whisk, cook until custard is thick and smooth, 7 – 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Whisk custard as it cools. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it now. You can keep the custard covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for a day.

Three hours before serving, assemble the trifle.

1 package ladyfingers soaked in sherry

1 pint blueberries
1 pint raspberries
Custard (recipe above)

In an 8-cup glass or crystal bowl, layer the custard with the ladyfingers and fruit – I do ladyfingers, custard, fruit, ladyfingers, custard, fruit. Refrigerate until serving. You may wish to serve the trifle with fresh whipped cream. You certainly want to serve it with dark chocolates and brandy!

SnowFlake 300x300 The Nutcracker Reimagined Day 4  Recipe Swap & Giveawy

~ From the Kitchen of Kathryn Le Veque ~

A perfect Medieval holiday recipe (one I have tried and it’s very good!)

Maximus’ Tart
Guaranteed to make all future knights very happy with full tummies!

4 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch saffron
6 eggs
1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 lb. soft cheese, grated
1/2 cup currants
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. sage
1 tsp. hyssop (this is an herb with a minty-ish taste)
1 tsp. powder douce (equal parts ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
Grind saffron with salt, mix with butter, and set aside.
Place onions into boiling beef broth and cook until just tender and drain.
Beat eggs and combine with saffron-butter, onions, and remaining ingredients, pour into pastry shell, and bake at 350°F for one hour.

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~ From the Kitchen of Laura Landon ~

Old Fashioned Candied Pecans

1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 pound pecan halves
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl.
Whisk egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. Toss pecans in the egg white mixture. Mix sugar mixture into pecan mixture until pecans are evenly coated. Spread coated pecans onto a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, until pecans are evenly browned, 1 hour.

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~ From the Kitchen of Tina DeSalvo ~

Cajuns love bread pudding…heck who doesn’t. Best way to not let any food go to waste, right. This is made (or can be) with stale bread. Enjoy
Serve with a nice strong cup of cafe’ au last!

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding – (w Rum sauce)

4 cups of milk
4 eggs, separated
10 slices of stale bread (or use French bread)
1 ½ cups of sugar (cane sugar is best)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
I small can of evaporated milk
1 regular size can of condensed milk
pinch of salt

-Heat the milk and pour it over the bread. Mash it together.
-Cream the egg yolks and sugar together. Add it to the bread mash.
-Add evaporated milk, vanilla, salt and half of the condensed milk to the bread mash and mix well. Make sure it is very moist but not runny.
-place in a buttered, rectangular pan and bake uncovered at 375 degrees for about an hour. Make sure the eggs are cooked and mixture is springy to touch.
-Extra: This is not necessary, but you MAY want to add this to the pudding. Take the egg whites and combine it with four tablespoons of sugar and beat until it is dissolved and stiff. Pour it over the top of the pudding and return it to the oven and brown at 350 degrees.

-Drizzle the remainder of the condensed milk over the top and serve warm.

If you want to add a Rum Sauce to the top of this bread pudding- here is a recipe you may enjoy:

½ cup (1 stick) butter
¼ cup water
1/3 cup sugar (cane sugar is best)
1 ½ tablespoon dark rum
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

-bring the bugger, sugar, water and rum to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook, until the sugar dissolves, making sure to stir continuously. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir int eh vanilla. Let it stand for a couple of minutes, pouring it warm over the pudding. YUM! You can top it with a little bit of whipped cream too.

For your Fur Babies:

Molasses Cookies recipe (for dogs or three-legged deer)- that Aurora would have used. 

Ingredients:

2 cups cornmeal
2 large eggs
2 tbsp molasses
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup powdered milk
Preheat oven to 400º. In a large mixing bowl combine all the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Roll this mixture out ¼ inch thick and cut into shapes or shape into dog biscuits by hand. Place 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

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~ From the Kitchen of Barbara Devlin ~

Italian Christmas Cookies

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 cup flour
4 tsp. baking powder

Sift dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs; add vanilla and dry ingredients.

Knead and add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to hands. Pinch off dough, roll in your hands to form a log and then twirl into shape. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Icing
2 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
6 tsp. water
Stir until creamy

Dip cookies into icing and sprinkle with trim. Place on wire rack with wax paper on counter to collect the dripping icing and sprinkles.

Now, this isn’t a personal recipe. Like most cooks, I collect all sorts of recipes, and I can’t even begin to say where I found this one, but it’s a holiday winner.

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~ From the Kitchen of Eliza Knight ~

Spicy Sparkling Sangria

Ingredients:

1 bottle of prosecco (or moscato if you prefer)

1 cup of Fireball whisky (or other cinnamon whisky)
2 bottles of hard apple cider beer
2 cups of apple cider juice
2 of your favorite apples cut into cubes
2 blood oranges sliced in thin rounds
Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Soak the cut up apples and oranges in the whisky for about 2 hours
After 2 hours, mix in the prosecco, beer and apple cider and cinnamon sticks
Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours
Pour over ice, scoop some soaked fruit into the cup, and sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds

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~ From the Kitchen of Hildie McQueen ~

Hildie Drink 201x300 The Nutcracker Reimagined Day 4  Recipe Swap & GiveawyGolden Apple Martini.

1 shot
Butterscotch schnaps
Hot Damn schnaps
2 shots
Skyy Vodka
Sour Apple schnapps

add chipped ice

2 dollops or a equivalent whipped cream from can into shaker

Shake and pour into glasses

Sprinkle top with nutmeg

If you try it, let me know what you think. It’s super yummy!!

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~ From the Kitchen of Layna Pimentel ~

Great Pumpkin Cookies

Kids will love these fun pumpkin cookies. Decorate with all sorts of goodies like chocolate chips, icing and candies or enjoy them plain

Prep Time: approx. 20 Minutes Cook Time: approx. 15 Minutes Ready in: approx. 35 Minutes. Makes 20 large cookies (20 servings).
Printed from AllRecipes.com, Submitted by Libby’s Pumpkin

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 large egg
1 1/3 cups quick cooking oats 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon salt decorating icings,
1 cup butter or margarine NESTLE@ TOLL HOUSE@
1 cup packed brown sugar Semisweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup granulated sugar candies, raisins or nuts
1 cup LIBBYS@ 100% Pure Pumpkin

Directions

1 PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Grease baking sheets.
2 COMBINE flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, granulated and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well* Add flour mixture; mix well* Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop 1/4 cup dough onto prepared baking sheet; spread into 3-inch circle or oval Repeat with remaining dough.
3 BAKE for 14 minutes or until cookies are firm and lightly browned Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes remove to wire racks to cool completely as desired with icing, morsel* candies, raisins or nuts.

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~ From the Kitchen of Emma Prince ~

Bourbon Balls (one of my favorite holiday cookies)

Ingredients:

6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp. corn syrup
1/3 cup bourbon (and maybe a wee dram for yourself as you work!)
1/2 box nilla waifers, crushed/crumbled
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Melt chocolate chips (you can do this in a microwave-safe bowl and just microwave until the chocolate chips are smooth)

Mix all the ingredients together with your hands (yep, time to get messy!)
Form into balls
If you like, you can roll the balls in more chopped nuts for a pretty coating

That’s it! No baking, just mix and enjoy!

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Don’t forget…one more day to enter for the giveaway. TWO winners will receive a kindle e-book of The Nutcracker Reimagined! Open to US residents only.

** When you make these recipes please post a picture and tag the authors on social media with the hashtag #NutcrackerRecipe 

Happy Reading and Happy Eats!

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