Book Review One More Mountain Fleeing Iran for America

This inspirational heartwarming memoir is a testimonial to the value and importance of freedom, a basic human right. Dr. Mansur Nurdel and Jeannette Moninger's well-written story is told with compassion and conveys a sense of gratitude for what he has achieved for himself and his family over the years. 

The story begins with Dr. Nurdel's formative years growing up in Iran. It's a place where his family and other followers of the Bahá’í Faith, a religion founded in Iran nearly 200 years ago, were continually marginalized, abused, and persecuted. As a teenager, Dr. Nurdel and his two friends fled their homeland in search of religious freedom. They wanted a place where they could safely practice their Bahá’í Faith and freely further their education. Their perilous journey of over 14  days took them over treacherous mountains led by smugglers to the other side of the mountains into Turkey, a safe haven. The young men were forced to rely on their instincts, sharp intellect, and faith as they navigated the unknown dealing with frigid temperatures, hidden dangers, dehydration, and frostbite. The story becomes a mesmerizing page-turner. Once in Turkey, they became a part of the relocation process and ultimately Dr. Nurdel made his way to America settling in Wisconsin and later in Colorado. 

Nurdel's realization that education is the key to success became his impetus to obtain several degrees, ultimately becoming a successful optometrist. He remains humble and thankful for all he has achieved in America, vowing to help those less fortunate whenever possible. Indeed this is also a story of triumph, as Nurdel has overcome insurmountable obstacles to achieve personal and business success. More important is his perseverance and unwavering dedication to the Bahá’í Faith and to his family and extended family's welfare. 

A profound memoir that's such an inspiring read deserves to be in the hands of many readers. It would be a great discussion tool for high school English and social studies classes, writing classes using it as a resource on how to develop a memoir, and a recommended book read for an adult book club. His collaboration with freelance journalist Jeannette Moninger in developing his story is impressive.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Nurdel is a board-certified optometrist with offices throughout the Denver Metro Area. In addition to his time spent as a doctor, he is a Real Estate investor. He currently resides in Castle Pines, Colorado, with his wife and two boys.

Jeannette R. Moninger is a freelance journalist with more than 20 years of experience writing for national magazines, including Family Circle, Parents, Women’s Health, Cure, and Redbook. Her work has won numerous awards, including multiple National Health Information Awards, the Folio Editorial Excellence Award, the Planned Parenthood Maggie Award for Media Excellence, and the Meredith Corporation Creative Excellence Award. Born, raised, and educated in West Virginia, Jeannette now lives in Colorado with her husband, twin sons, and two cats.

For more information about the book and events check out Dr. Nurdal's website. https://onemoremountain.com/

Christmas Blessings

 Assumption Church, St. Paul, Minnesota

Merry Christmas

 Christmas Blessings to All

 from Ever Ready

See you Jan 1 with a Year in Review of 2023 recipes 

Santa Approved

DON'T BE A GRINCH 

HAVE A HEART AND LEAVE SANTA  A TREAT

A visit from St. Nicholas or Santa would only be complete if a plate of cookies and a glass of milk were left out for him on Christmas Eve plus carrots for the 'Sinterklaas' horse. 

These cookie recipes have Santa's approval.  

    GRINCH COOKIES

Cook's Notes: The recipe makes 2 dozen cookies and was adapted from preppykitchen.com

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour 
• 2½ cups powdered sugar 
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter cubed and softened 
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• green gel food coloring
• ½ cup cornstarch 
• red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies

Directions:

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set side. 
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 cups of powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut the butter into tablespoons and drop the pieces into the flour mixture. Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add 2-3 drops of food coloring until desired color is achieved as the cookies bake the color will lighten. Beat mixtures until well incorporated, making sure there are no white streaks in the dough. 
• Chill dough for about 40 minutes for easier handling.  
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar.
• Scoop the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each between the palms of your hands to form a ball, then roll in the cornstarch mixture until well coated. Place each ball about 3 inches apart, on prepared baking sheets and slightly press down on the tops.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Bake for 12 minutes or until the cookies start to crinkle and are lightly browned on the bottoms. Remove from the oven and immediately press a heart-shaped sprinkle or candy on each cookie. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Cooking Tips:

• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• You can use red heart-shaped sprinkles or cinnamon candies. If you cannot find any of them, you can use red M&M’s.
• Careful not to overmix the cookies, or they’ll be dense.
• I recommend bringing the eggs to room temperature, so they incorporate into the batter without over-mixing. If you forgot to bring the eggs out, place them in a bowl of warm tap water to help warm them up.

Be sure to enjoy this Christmas story while munching a Grinch cookie.

OLD-FASHIONED SUGAR COOKIES

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/12/cookie-blitz-day-two.html

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE

One Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

When I found out the Reinder Bar was closing tonight I hurried to make my dinner plans. I wanted to try their advertised special One Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach. Oh my goodness, you will not be disappointed with this dish. It's perfection with comfort food in a bowl and the recipe is made all in one pan.

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach is a comforting creamy chicken dinner made with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This easy Italian dinner is done in 30 minutes and made all in one pan. As a bonus it's Keto-friendly. It's comfort food packed with tons of flavor. In fact, I could say it is one of the best chicken dinners I've ever had. Lucky me to get the recipe so I could share. One pot makes 4-5 servings. The dish is made with gnocchi but you could easily swap it out for penne pasta. Gnocchi comes in a box and was found in the aisle with rice. Cooked gnocchi does absorb a lot of the liquid after the dish sits. Use chicken broth the next day to thin out the sauce.  

Buttermilk is a magical ingredient. One hour before putting the recipe together place chicken pieces in a bowl. Place enough buttermilk to cover the pieces. Stir two times during the hour before draining the buttermilk. Then proceed with the recipe directions. This step tenderizes the meat to perfection. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into large chunks 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup diced shallots
• 1 lb. shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1-2 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1-1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions:

• In a large skillet (with a lid), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper the chicken and add to the skillet with garlic cloves and shallots. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until chicken is browned. The chicken will cook longer in the sauce later. 
• Add the gnocchi, cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes and crushed red pepper. Stir and bring to boil then reduce to a simmer and cook covered 10 minutes stirring intermittently, until the gnocchi is tender.
• Add in wine, Parmesan cheese and torn spinach leaves. Cook on low uncovered 10 minutes more. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with basil and serve.

Since I knew the chicken dinner would be filling I skipped the Appetizer Station this go-around but it was hard to resist  Look at the size of this charcuterie board.

 Quite impressive!  

Hope Ever Ready made your holidays a bit merrier with a stop at the Reindeer Bar.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Attention Reindeer Bar Closing

An update: 

The Reindeer Bar is closing Friday for the holidays and it's also a wrap for the 2023 season, so plan accordingly. 

I am making one last stop today at the Cookies and Milk Station as I heard Almond Crinkle Cookies are a freshly baked Wednesday Special. And on Thursday their Closeout Special Creamy Chicken Gnocchi sounded like a hearty satisfying meal. It's so nice to have someone else do the cooking so there's time for other things. 

Almond Crinkle Cookies

Recipe adapted from December 2023 BHG and makes 21 cookies. These cookies "beg" to be served with a cup of tea or your favorite cup of coffee. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
•  2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup almond flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

• In a large bowl beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, vanilla, and extracts. beating until smooth. 
• In another bowl whisk together both of the flours, baking powder, and salt. 
• Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture beating on low until combined. 
• Cover and chill dough for 40 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cover two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place powdered sugar in a small bowl. 
• Shape dough into 2-inch balls and then roll in the powdered sugar. Bake for 12 minutes until cookies flatten out and have a crackly surface. 
• Remove from oven and sift powdered sugar over the cookies. After two minutes transfer to a cooling rack, 

Cooking Tip: The dough can be shaped into 1-inch balls if you want smaller cookies. Adjust baking time to 10-11 minutes.

Brunch at the Reindeer Bar

at the Reindeer Bar  

Appetizer and Drink Stations 

Enjoy a leisurely Sunday Brunch by starting out with a few nibbles from this fun and tasty charcuterie board. It's filled with meat, fruit, and cheeses arranged to look like popular holiday ugly sweater. The buttons are made with pepperoni and nuts are arranged near the grapes. 

Add a festive twist to your brunch with a Bloody Merry instead of the usual Bloody

Mary. 

• 

The recipe from mixandmatchmama.com

Ingredients for one drink

• 1 shot of vodka
• 1 shot of cranberry juice
• the juice of half a lime
• about ¼ cup of tomato juice
• a sprinkle of garlic salt
• ice
• fresh cranberries and rosemary to garnish

Directions: 

• Add your vodka, cranberry juice, lime, tomato juice, garlic salt, and ice to your cocktail shaker. Give it a shake and pour.
• Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch.

Then head over to the Brunch Station and enjoy a wonderful tasty Grilled Salmon and Oven Baked Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto Rice Meal with Gingerbread Cake.

The Oven Baked Mushroom Asparagus Risotto recipe has been previously published. https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2019/03/oven-baked-garlic-parmesan-risotto-with.html

Gingerbread Cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon

It's a featured holiday special from Ever Ready=very moist and flavorful

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2-1/3 cups of flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•  1-1/2 teaspoons ginger
•  1/4 teaspoon salt
•  1/8 teaspoon each nutmeg and ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
•  1 tablespoon lemon zest 
•  3/4 cup dark brown sugar
•  3/4 cup mild-flavored molasses (unsulphured) 
• 1 cup buttermilk
•  1/4 cup brewed coffee, warm 

Optional Lemon Icing

• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
•  2 tablespoons butter
•  3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

Directions: 

• Grease a 9 x 9 metal baking pan. preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium bowl combine all dry ingredients except brown sugar, sift and set aside.
• Measure out 1 cup buttermilk and set aside.
•  Beat butter on high speed for 30 seconds. Add in brown sugar and beat until combined. Add in eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add in molasses and coffee, mix well.  
• Alternately add flour mixture with buttermilk and butter mixture. 
• Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
• Either ice the cooled cake or serve with a dollop of whipped bread and a sprinkle of cinnamon.    
• If icing cake beat those ingredients until smooth. 

Enjoy your Sunday

Book Review Memoirs of Madame Mustache Growing Up To Be a Gambler

Manuela Schneider is a Western writer who draws energy for her writing from the stories of women in the West who dared to dream big and chose uncommon paths toward their ambitious goals. “Memoirs of Madame Mustache Growing Up To Be A Gambler” is historical fiction and the first book of a three-part series inspired by the life of Eleanor Dumont, also known as Simone Jules. She was known as the first woman blackjack gambler and the first female entrepreneurial owner of a gambling hall in the US in the mid-1800s. Schneider has developed a compelling memoir of Dumont. Her life was filled with drama and heartaches but she overcame a multitude of obstacles to finally achieve the pinnacle of success only to lose it all. Dumont's fascinating life is an engaging read under the deft writing skills of Schneider.

Born Simone Jules to a French Creole mother and a father of French heritage Simone was well-bred and educated, loved by a doting father but rejected by a cold-hearted mother. Overwhelmed by grief when her beloved papa takes his life, Simone decides to leave New Orleans and reinvents herself as Eleanor Dumont. Leaving her past behind she carries only a carpetbag of personal belongings, a small box from her Papa containing a letter, money. a deck of cards, and a vow to make her Papa proud. As a twenty year old she was hungry for adventure and eager to find out what lay ahead of her. She realized her future life was unwritten. Arriving in San Francisco during the gold rush days she finds the city swarming with miners, fortune hunters, and women with loose morals. But Eleanor has a trick up her sleeve being an accomplished card player of a simple card game learned from her father called Vingt-et-un. This game would change her life forever. She opened her first salon in Nevada, CA, and named it after the card game building her reputation as the most sought-after card dealer. Her looks, French Creole charm, and cultured mannerisms as well as her people management skills made her legendary, She was skillful at keeping rowdy miners, outlaws, and prostitutes under control with the help of a loaded gun if necessary. She earned the respect of all with a few simple rules and a long-standing reputation for dealing fair. Betrayals and two love interests pushed her into a downward spiral.

Schneider has developed strong character traits in Eleanor, whose voice is period-appropriate while weaving in a plausible and relatable story based on the context of historical facts. Just as Eleanor's luck was beginning to run out and I was swept up into the story Book One had to end so I am really looking forward to reading more of Eleanor's story in Book Two. The book is due out in the spring of 2024 called “Memoirs of Madame Mustache The Wandering Years.” It's the story that earns her the nickname Madame Mustache with a black line of hair developing above her lips. Book Three due out in the fall of 2024, “Memoirs of Madame Mustache Until The Bitter End,” profiles the end of a woman who lived life by her own rules with a last stop in Bodie, CA. It's a great read.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As someone born and raised in Germany, author Manuela Schneider’s love of Native American and Western history might be surprising to some. But her fascination with pioneer life, cowboy heroes, and treacherous outlaws has been her constant companion for as long as she can remember. Schneider recalls American TV shows like Gun Smoke, and Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza mesmerized her as a child.

To date, Schneider has published six books featuring strong female and male characters who are immersed in a battle against hardship, riddles, and deception. Drawing energy from powerful pioneer women of our past, this vibrant author endeavors to create captivating sagas that ultimately leave readers wondering, Will the story continue?

Four new books are in the publishing process at present. Her co-written song, “Miner’s Candle,” and its accompanying video have achieved great recognition and multiple awards all over the USA and Europe including a Will Rogers silver medallion. The song is played in seven countries worldwide. Four new songs have been recorded lately.

Check out Manuela's website for more information on her book. 

http://www.manuelaschneider.com

A Grinch Station Stop

 Reindeer Bar Thursday Special 

Be sure to make a stop this week at the Reindeer Bar Grinch Station. Here you'll find some healthy Grinch favorites to choose from. 

The following images will give you some inspiring ideas for some holiday eats. 

Pita Christmas Trees with Avocado Smash and Tomatoes

Low-Carb Holiday Appetizers

mommafitlyndsey.com

Peanut Butter and Celery Reindeer Logs

Fruit and Cheese Christmas Tree 

Snowman Veggie Tray

A collection of easy  low-calorie recipes

Marinated Cheeses

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/healthy-holiday-appetizers/

GRINCH PUNCH

a bit of a holiday splurge

https://recipesfromapantry.com/grinch-punch/

Book Review Till My Last Day

 

With an opening line, “I am terrified.” it was just enough to hook me right into Deborah Swenson's new book “Till My Last Day,” a historical romance western. It's the second book in her Desert Hills trilogy series. Swenson's series employs a “time travel” element which sets it apart from the usual western-themed novels. Using her deft writing skills she seamlessly weaves two different centuries together. It's a page-turner for sure that reads at a breathtaking speed. Carefully crafted words create an impending sense of danger immediately drawing the reader into the action. Vivid descriptions of the place bring the reader's experience right into a desert setting.

In Book One, “Till My Last Breath,” readers meet Dr. Emily Sweeney a twenty-first-century trauma physician in Seattle with a promising career. A tragic accident seals her fate when Emily finds herself transported back into the nineteenth century to Yuma Territory, in 1880. She comes upon an injured man, Caleb Young, in the desert. He has been shot and left for dead. As the story develops so do their feelings for each other.

Book One sets the stage for Book Two “Till My Last Day.” The storyline shifts to Caleb's sister Rebecca Young Akerman from Boston. Finding herself in an abusive relationship with her husband Elliot, Rebecca has come to the realization women in the late nineteenth century have no rights. After receiving a telegram from Emily letting her know that Caleb's health was declining, Rebecca decides to take control of her life. With her two young boys and Irish maid Pearl, they flee from Boston to Yuma, AZ. Each page captures Rebecca's emotional desperation to escape an abusive relationship and to be reunited with her brother. When her husband employs a private investigator, Nathanial (Nate) Burns, to follow her and report her whereabouts the action intensifies as well as her terror being followed.

The narratives between main characters switch off with different chapters so readers get to know characters better and understand their motives. Swenson's skilled use of “stream of consciousness” throughout the story with Rebecca and Nate's imaginary conversations with their mothers using them as a 'voice of reason' was an interesting use of the literary technique.

Swenson's experiences in the medical profession as a registered nurse and an advanced nurse practitioner serve her well in this series. It's evident Swenson's meticulous research on early medical practices and medications, craftsmanship of medical instruments, and natural medicines add realism to the story.

While the story is filled with secrets and deception, it's also a story filled with heartwarming moments of endurance, faith, finding love, and the chance to start life anew. The appearance of Maeve Sweeney O'Reilly, M.D. at the end of the story sets the stage for Book Three, “I Can Love You The Best,” This book can't come soon enough for me.

Mark your calendar as "Till My Last Day" will be available in late January or early February.  

Deborah Swenson is an award-winning author who writes from an island in the Pacific Northwest. After an extensive and rewarding career in health care, she now focuses on writing Western Historical Fiction and adding a dash of romance and time travel, a pinch of suspense, and a skosh of medicine. When she’s not writing, she spends time with family and friends, spinning fiber, traveling, (glamping), quilting, and reading. She is a member of the following: Women Writing the West, Western Writers of America, and Pacific Northwest Writers Association.

Deborah loves to hear from her readers. Connect with her online.

Website: https://deborahswenson.com

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

Email: deborah@deborahswenson.com