Book Review John J. Hammerlink Finds His Imagination

 Book Review "John J. Hammerlink Finds His Imagination"

Author and former educator Bette Seres believes in the power of critical and creative thinking skills with the need to develop them early on in a home setting as well as in the classroom. Her second book, "John J. Hammerlink Finds His Imagination," is an important resource for developing these thinking skills with some easy ideas for problem-solving. The book is suitable for children ages 5-7 as a read-aloud due to the length of the text. Seres's book promotes classroom and home discussions on problem-solving and decision-making. Her characters and the storyline are relatable to children with an underlying message that being open to innovative ideas generates collaboration with fresh approaches. Bold, fanciful, colorful illustrations punctuate the storyline. The main character, John J, appears spunky and friendly. His great-grandmother's appearance and actions put the word fun into the storyline.

John J. learns to think creatively using his imagination with the help of his great-grandmother, Gigi. While visiting John's family, she noted that spending a lot of time on his tablet for entertainment does not encourage imagination nor creativity. Gigi was a firm believer that children in her time were more creative since they used their imaginations to play games rather than depending on electronic devices. Much to John J's surprise, his great-grandmother is quite resourceful and proves to be a lot of fun. She creates a pirate game for them to play using materials found around the house. When John J's best friend Lucas comes on the second day of Gigi's visit, they are each given a large cardboard box. She encourages them to use their imagination to create something new with readily available materials. The next day, John J and Lucas use their imagination and turn the tables on Gigi. They devise a detective game for her with clues. At the end of Gigi's visit, they all agreed that learning something new is fun and can happen at any age.      ` 

As a reader, I came away with the notion that critical thinking skills need to be encouraged more for children in a home and school setting, opening up their minds to numerous possibilities. 

"John J. Hammerlink and the Really Big Think" and "John J. Hammerlink Finds His Imagination" can be ordered through your local bookstore. These two books are also available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Thrift Books.  

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bette Slater Seres is retired from a 30-year career as an educator. She had the opportunity to work with students and teachers in creative and critical thinking. Her children's book John J. Hammerlink was a creative pursuit as it came from her deep belief in the power of critical thinking and her love of working with children. She hopes her book will show young children how critical thinking is while making parents aware that children must be problem-solvers and decision-makers. Seres spends her summers on Gilmore Lake in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and in Davenport, Iowa, in the winter. She is a past participant in the Northwoods Art and Book Festival.  

Fall Fest

Welcome to Fall Fest Round-Up from Ever Ready

Treats, from apples to pumpkins to gingerbread, will be featured, along with some main dishes, fall salads, and even some ghoulish treats.

Let's get our Monday on with  Maple Apple Cake with Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce. 

Cook's Notes: This moist cake lasts 3 days on the counter or store in the refrigerator for it to last longer. Store-bought caramel or butterscotch sauce works as a topping, too. Since I live a distance from a grocery store I had to make my own topping.

Maple Apple Spice Cake

The recipe was adapted from carlsbadcravings.com 

Note I skipped the suggested cream cheese icing and used ice cream instead. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice mix or 3/4 teaspoon each of ground cloves, ground ginger, ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup 
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 3 cups chopped apples (2 Granny Smith apples and 1 Honey Crisp) peeled and diced into 1/4” – 1/2” pieces
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions:  

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease pan. 
• Mix spices in a large bowl add in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• With a stand or hand mixer, beat butter and sugar over medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. With the mixer running on medium speed, beat in maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla until well combined. Then, beat in eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating just until the yellow disappears after each egg.
• Gradually add flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture in thirds, alternately with sour cream between each third, and beat until combined after each addition. Stir in apples and walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a wood pick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean.
  
  
  Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack or serve warm directly right out of the oven.
• Add ice cream and caramel sauce to each serving. I liked Butter Pecan Ice Cream. 

Caramel Sauce

Cook's Notes: Making a homemade sauce is an extra step, but I found the taste off the charts!! It can be made a day ahead, and leftovers can be refrigerated. This sauce has endless possibilities: it can be used over ice cream, cake, cheesecake, pretzel dip, and apple dip. It's enough for six servings. 

Ingredients;

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, diced 
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

• Heat granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a high-heat-resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon. As you continue to stir, the sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to burn.
• Once sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter. Be careful in this step because the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.
• Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2 minutes. If you notice the butter separating or if the sugar clumped up, remove from heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again. (If you’re nervous for splatter, wear kitchen gloves. Keep whisking until it comes back together, even if it takes 3-4 minutes. It will eventually– just keep whisking. Return to heat when it’s combined again.)
• Very slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Since the heavy cream is colder than the caramel, the mixture will rapidly bubble when added. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
• Remove from heat and stir in salt. Allow to slightly cool down before using. Caramel thickens as it cools.
• Cover tightly and store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Caramel solidifies in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to desired consistency. 
  
  
  

Grilled Salmon BLT Sandwich with Aioli Sauce

 

Satisfy your food cravings and dive right into this supersized  

Grilled Salmon BLT Sandwich with Aioli Sauce

Cook's Notes:

Recently, I was at a restaurant where this sandwich was on the menu. I was intrigued by the idea of taking your standard BLT and adding a piece of grilled salmon with avocado slices. The concept seemed simple, and I found it quite easy to replicate at home. And for a lot less money than from a restaurant. 

Aioli is a garlic-flavored sauce eaten in France and Spain. It's served lightly chilled as a dip or topping for bread, crudites, potatoes, cold fish or meats, hard-boiled eggs, and soup. Known as “the butter of Provence,” aioli has a tangy flavor and creamy texture. Try these twelve substitutes for aioli. I went with Kraft Garlic Aioli Mayonnaise.

The best substitutes for aioli are types of mayonnaise, including tartar sauce, rémoulade, and Thousand Island Dressing. Skordalia, tzatziki, pesto, and hummus are delicious alternatives. You can also use store-court substitutes like sour cream, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and avocado.

Ingredients:

Grilled or baked salmon

Brioche bun

Tomato slices

Lettuce 

Avocado slices

Bacon 

Aioli sauce

This tasty sandwich works for a game-day food option!

Chicken Noodle Soup and Cranberry Nut Bread

One can never have too many soup recipes, especially with fall and winter at our doorsteps. A comforting bowl of soup is an easy, quick, and tasty way to add more nutrients to your diet. Most soups are hydrating, filling, and packed with nutrients from veggies, slow-simmered protein, and mineral-rich broth. So what are you waiting for? Grab a spoon and savor the flavors of homemade chicken noodle soup.

Chicken Noodle Soup (recipe and photo updated) 
Cook's Notes: Use a rotisserie chicken as a time saver. Add egg noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking time to avoid mushy noodles.
Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2-1/2 cups wide egg noodles (crushed dry noodles)
• 1-1/2 cups each diced carrots, celery, onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cartons each 32. 0z low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup each of water and apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon each dried thyme and rosemary
• 1-2 teaspoons of parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 bay leaves

Directions:

• In a soup pot, saute celery, carrots, onions, and minced garlic in olive oil for 8 minutes on medium-low heat, covered.
• Add in chicken broth, water, cider, spices, and chicken.
• Simmer for an hour on medium-low, not covered. In the last 10 minutes of cooking time, add wide egg noodles.
• Don't forget to remove the bay leaves right before serving.

Cranberry Orange Nut Bread

Cranberry orange nut bread is a great loaf for late fall, early winter as cranberries, oranges, and walnuts are all in season. Buy an orange and squeeze it fresh to get the best juice for this recipe (grate the peel first). You can easily prep the cranberries by pulsing them a few times in the food processor, or manually cut them in half first, then do a rough chop.

I loved the cinnamony taste, with bursts of tart, tangy cranberries and the added crunch of walnuts. Since I used a lot of Saigon cinnamon (1 tablespoon), the loaf pictured is darker than the standard-looking cranberry bread; it's all a matter of preference how much cinnamon to use.  

The bread was so delicious. I was weak and unable to stop at only one piece.  

Recipe inspired by onceuponachef.com and makes one 9 x 5-inch loaf (about 10 slices)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, from one orange
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons Saigon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped coarse (see note)
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans

Directions:

• Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom of the 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Whisk together orange juice, orange zest, buttermilk, butter, and egg in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir liquid ingredients into dry with a rubber spatula until just moistened. Gently stir in cranberries and nuts. Do not overmix.
• Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
• Cool loaf in pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and cool at least one hour before servin
  

Note: Cranberries are a bit tricky to chop because they roll all over the place. You can use a food processor if you like but I think it's easier to just cut each one in thirds with a sharp knife; it's only one cup so it doesn't take long. If you're using frozen cranberries, be sure to chop them while they're still frozen.

Book Review Enduring Promise Book Two

 

The wait is over, with Susanna Lane's second book, "Enduring Promise," available now. The award-winning “Imperfect Promise,” the first book in the series, highlighted Lark and Cort Enders's story as they found themselves, having made foolish and imperfect promises to one another despite their good intentions.

In book two, readers find two new characters who take center stage: Cort's brother Bryce Enders, and Hannah May, a neighbor struggling to keep her ranch afloat with a husband who has left her in search of gold.

After a failed romance in Texas, Bryce Enders has carved out a new life in the harsh wastes of Montana’s gold fields. But when a newspaper headline reveals the wild escapades of his younger brother, Bryce’s path takes an unexpected turn. He heads for Ogallala, Nebraska, where he’s surprised to find Cort married and thriving as a sprawling cattle ranch owner. While their reunion is far from smooth, the brothers quickly rediscover their old affection for one another, and Cort offers Bryce a job on the ranch. As he settles into his new life, Bryce becomes entangled in a new set of troubles—this time of the heart. His growing affection for Hannah May soon becomes impossible to ignore. Bryce is torn between his sense of honor and his undeniable feelings for Hannah, who upholds a high sense of Christian morality despite the harsh reality of her situation and her husband's cruelty. Bryce's determination to free her only deepens the conflict as a dark secret from his past emerges to haunt him. Enduring promises are made between Bryce and Hannah, but will they be able to keep them? 

Lane's writing style is easy to follow, with crisp, clear sentences and realistic dialogue. The highs and lows of emotions keep the reader invested in the storyline. She does an excellent job developing likable, relatable characters that readers can identify with. Her characters exhibit compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family with a sense of hopefulness as each faces a variety of adversities. A willingness to uphold Christian values was evident in the storyline.

Lane effectively captures the sweeping Nebraska landscape of the time period and the spirit of the settlers. I'm hoping the wait for book three will not be too long. Lane has definitely perfected the Western genre of romance. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR SUSANNA  LANE

Contact at https://susannalane.com/books/

Her first book "Imperfect Promise" was a winner in the Western Writers of America Spur Award 2022 and was a Silver Medal Winner in the Will Rogers Medallion Awards 2022

An avid reader, Susanna enjoys perusing historical stories about westward expansion, particularly related to how the railroads were pivotal in settlement. Hopefully, through her stories, she conveys both the harshness and beauty of the land and those who forged lives during tumultuous times.

After a fulfilling career teaching science, a visit to the Rocky Mountains led an awestruck Susanna Lane to uncover stories from history and write about their determination to survive. While getting a feel for the settings of her books and absorbing details, she learned to ride horses, fit into a cattle drive, and hike to remote regions of the West.

Married for over forty years to an avid gardener and traveler who shares her interest in historical locations, Susanna loves to visit new places, read, and spend time with family. In addition to her spouse, she has two grown sons and their wives. Best of all, she has four darling grandchildren who delightfully fill her life.

It's All About The Charleston Food Experience

 

Southern Style Braised Collard Greens

Traditional Benne Wafers with Toasted Sesame Seeds 

Wood-fired Caper's Blades Oysters

The Charleston area food boasts vibrant flavors deeply rooted in Southern traditions and African, Caribbean, and European influences. The city’s historical significance shaped Charleston cuisine, creating a unique blend of flavors and techniques. In addition, Charleston has a fantastic location right along the ocean, providing tons of fresh seafood. 

The following are some places and foods we sipped and savored along the way. In this city, seafood is the main attraction, and menu choices abound.  

Shrimp and Grits

But if I had to choose one popular item on the menus, it would be the She-Crab Soup. Each restaurant has its own take on this flavorful, rich, creamy bisque-style crab chowder. The Southern Living link below is an easy recipe to follow for the home cook. To the recipe ingredients, add 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.

https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/she-crab-soup-recipe 

A delicious dinner at the Post House was a sesame-blackened chicken that came with a surprise. 

We were quite startled when the server rose from the basement, which happened to be close to our table. He was down in the wine cellar bringing up wine.  😁

The cornbread was baked with crunchy sesame honey topping. I wished I had this recipe.

We ate lunch twice at Queens 82 as their backyard seating had a lot of ambiance.

 

Tomato Pie, a popular menu choice, did not disappoint. It was a perfect and delicious lunch item. 

My daughter, who recently visited Charleston, raved about this coconut cake. Trust me on this—it's the ultimate coconut cake. The Peninsula Grill Restaurant at Planters Inn's trademark is the cake, which is a towering 12 layers of southern perfection. The cake weighs in at a hefty 12 lbs, and they do ship. A whole cake costs $270.00.

We opted to split a slice to celebrate Denise's upcoming birthday. 

  
I found the recipe online for anyone looking for a baking challenge. 

https://spicedblog.com/charleston-coconut-cake/

Last but not least, regarding food and wine experiences, I would like to recommend Ketel One for the perfect Cosmos drink.  

You can find it at Total Wine. Pour into a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1/2 shot of Grand Marnier for each drink serving. Shake and pour. 

A plate of traditional cheese straws was the perfect accompaniment. 

Hope you enjoyed a brief overview of my Charleston adventures and culinary stops. 

Visiting the Carolinas Part One Charelston

 POST NOTE: ASHEVILLE UPDATE

Our experiences on a recent trip to Asheville (before the hurricane) were documented at https://www.facebook.com/sueiseverready/ We had hardly been home a week before the hurricane devastated the town and surrounding areas. We were worried about our friends as it took them several days to contact us. They were lucky with no damage to their home. But since they had no water, out of food, and limited communication, they managed to escape to South Carolina to regroup. Seeing photos of the places we walked and drove by is quite unsettling. The area we were staying in River Arts District is totally gone😟. Our prayers go out to all as they figure out how to move forward. 

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, PART ONE

Exploring the city and surrounding area

An invite from a high school friend, Denise, who lives in the area, was hard to pass up. For five days, it was an "off the charts" experience exploring the city with all its southern charm and cuisine. 

We began with a quick visit to the beach with an expansive ocean view.

A relaxing Happy Hour on her porch was the perfect way to unwind. 

Did you know pineapples are a sign of hospitality? Imagine growing one on your back porch.

The next day, we hit the ground running first with a visit and tour of Boone Hall Plantation. 

On the grounds are slave quarter houses which often housed 15 people.

We were fortunate to hear this woman, who is of Gullah heritage, give a presentation immersing the group in plantation life culture.  

Sweetgrass baskets are a "hot" commodity despite their high price in this city. But to sell them, you need to be a native-born Gullah. 

I was fascinated by the homes in the downtown area, which had elaborate ironwork, gardens, and unique facades.

 

 

 This unusual Pineapple Fountain is located in Waterfront Park. It recalls the city's port town history when pineapples were rare and a symbol of wealth and hospitality.

Shopping knows no bounds here, with every imaginable type of store. There are also many places to stay. I was quite impressed with the Hotel Charleston's fancy lobby. I did wonder what the rooms looked like.

This was an inviting place to stop, sit on a bench, and cool off. Heat and humidity are huge factors in how much stamina one has to walk for many hours. We noted the inviting carriage ride nearby but decided to opt for a pedal cab ride later.

PART TWO MONDAY

ALL ABOUT THE FOOD