Southwestern Beef Kabobs with Corn and Orzo Salad

Southwestern Beef Kabobs 

Cook’s notes: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. The recipe makes 6 kabobs and is adapted from BHG Best Grilling Recipes 2016
Kabob Ingredients:

• 2-3 teaspoon of your favorite dry steak rub, southwestern style
• 1-1/2 lbs. boneless beef sirloin
• Optional add ons to skewers-grape tomatoes, mushrooms, onion chunks

Directions:

• Partially freeze meat for easier cutting and cut sirloin into 2-inch cubes.
• In a plastic bag add dry steak rub and meat pieces a few at a time, shaking to coat. One product suggestion 
  
• Thread meat onto skewers leaving ¼ inch space between meat cubes.
• Grill meat skewers, uncovered over medium heat for 8-12 minutes.
• To serve arrange beef kabobs over corn and orzo salad.

Corn and Orzo Salad

Salad Ingredients and Directions:

• Cook 2/3 cup dried orzo pasta according to package directions.
• Add in 2 cups fresh corn kernels (4 ears) or frozen corn, the last 1 minute of cooking time. 
• Drain and rinse.
• In a large bowl combine orzo mixture, 1-15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced, 1 cup mini bell orange pepper, diced, 2/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved and ½ cup thinly sliced red onions. 

Southwestern Salad Dressing Ingredients and Directions:

Dressing can be made ahead, refrigerated until needed.

• In a blender or a screw-top jar combine 1 teaspoon lime zest and ¼ cup lime juice, 1 teaspoon dried cilantro or 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons olive oil or lemon olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 garlic cloves minced, and ½ teaspoon salt. Optional 1 fresh jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped.
• Mix dressing and pour over corn and orzo salad. Reserve some dressing as more dressing may be needed right before serving. Salad can be served at room temperature. 
  

The meal was served with Peach Almond Cobbler, a recipe previously posted. 

 https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/08/peach-almond-cobbler.html

Grilled Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa

"Summer's Lease Hath All Too Short A Date"

William Shakespeare 

The Pink Ladies have made a recent appearance.

Grilled Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa    

An easy grilled meal to beat the heat. Recipe serves 4 and is an Ever Ready Special

Ingredients: 

2 salmon fillets

BBQ Glaze of your choice

Flour or corn tortillas, warmed

Mango Avocado Salsa Ingredients:

• 2 mangoes, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced 
• 3/4 cup orange and red pepper, diced.
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro (about 1/2 cup chopped) or parsley
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
• 2 tablespoons diced, Deli-sliced Tamed Jalapeno Peppers 
• Dash salt
• 4 cups packaged coleslaw mix (tricolor)

Directions:

• Combine mangoes, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro or parsley, jalapeno, salt, coleslaw, and lime juice in a large bowl to make salsa. 
• Mix to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to two hours. 
• Right before serving add in diced avocados. Taste as may need another lime squeeze.
• Warm tortillas, top with salsa and chopped salmon pieces. 

Blueberry Lemon Sauce

Cook's Notes: Consider serving the sauce over ice cream in a fun glass. e.g. martini or margarita 
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 1-1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Optional 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier or 3/4 teaspoon almond extract 

Directions:

• Mix cornstarch and water in a small saucepan. Add in sugar, blueberries, grated lemon peel, and lemon juice.
• Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly, and boil for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat, add in Grand Marnier or almond extract. Cool and refrigerate for several hours. 

The Transformation of Chastity James

Award-winning author Kathleen Morris scores another hit with her latest historical fiction book “The Transformation of Chastity James.” A departure from the usual western novels, a strong female lead adds a new dimension to this adventure story. It's about becoming, discovering who you are, what you are capable of, and ultimately the realization of what's really important to you. Morris's decision to write Chastity's narrative in the first person is an effective mode of storytelling. It helps bring the reader closer to what she is thinking. Chastity undergoes a transformation throughout the story becoming more adept at taking care of herself, willing to uphold her strong convictions no matter what the sacrifice, and finding out the true meaning of love and loyalty.

Chastity James, a recent graduate of Vassar College for Women, has lived a privileged life at Harrowhill, a well-known horse farm near Boston, with her father Leland and uncle Mathias. She is inquisitive and confident but yearns to know more about life outside of her home, Much to the dismay of her father and uncle, she signs up to be a schoolteacher in Dodge City, Kansas. It's 1878 and with high aspirations, she feels she can do this. She is determined to show her students there is a bigger world than one they can see within the four schoolroom walls.

Undaunted by some rude and crude members of the community who disapprove of her new ideas and methods she finds joy in her work. She is forced to defend herself after a violent confrontation with an unwanted persistent suitor who assaults her, leaving her an accused criminal. Chastity escapes quickly from Dodge City. While on the run with the law in hot pursuit, she rescues an injured young outlaw, the mysterious Beauregard Durant. Together Chasity and Beau partner up, while trying to outwit the Ridley gang and the relentless deputy Wyatt Earp. A chance meeting with Julius DeMonte's Traveling Medicine Show provides them with an unexpected ally.

One of Morris's strengths as a writer is being able to create interesting and well-developed characters that keep readers engaged. Some characters from Morris's previous books briefly reprise their roles such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Kate Haroney adding a sense of familiarity and authenticity to the time period. The emergence of Julius DeMonte's character from Morris's “ Wind at Her Back” book proves to be a pivotal point in the story. He steps in as Beau and Chastity's benefactor.

Morris's attention to historical detail helps her recreate the time period in Dodge City, Topeka, and Chicago circa 1878. Her descriptive writing adds elements of realism to the story with the feel of everyday life. The story is well-paced keeping the action moving along. Clearly, Morris has another winner to share with her readers. Chastity, shrouded in an aura of mystery as to who she is and what she can do was just the perfect book cover choice. 

“Life Takes Many Turns”

Julius DeMonte

Kathleen Morris is a graduate of Prescott College in Arizona and lives and writes in the desert Southwest, an aficionado of American and Western history. She loves being able to immerse herself in the lives of her characters, especially bringing to life the charismatic and capable women of the West, both real and imaginary. She is a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West.

Learn more about the author and her books at https://kathleenmorrisauthor.com/

Amaretto Bundt Cake with Toasted Almonds and Coconut

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Add a slice of happiness to your week with Amaretto Bundt Cake with Toasted Almonds and Coconut. 

Cut a few more slices to share and you may have a party going.  

Cook's Notes: A scrumptious moist cake flavored with Amaretto and almond paste. One can never have too much almond. Topping the cake with toasted almonds and coconut is the piece de resistance for this dessert.

The recipe serves 10-12 and was adapted from tuttidolci.com  

Ingredients: 
Cake

• 2-1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 3 oz. almond paste, cubed
• 1- 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons Amaretto
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/3 cup each coconut and almonds, toasted 

Glaze

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 tablespoon Amaretto
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 10-cup bundt pan generously with nonstick spray. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.  Set aside. 
• In a food processor pulse cubes of almond paste with 1 tablespoon flour.
• Beat butter, almond paste, and sugar in a medium bowl on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add eggs one at a time.
• Combine buttermilk, Amaretto, almond, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. 
• In 3 additions add buttermilk mixture and butter mixture to flour mixture ending with flour. Beat until just until incorporated.
• Spoon batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth out with a spatula. Tap pan sharply to reduce air bubbles.
• Bake for 40 minutes or until the cake is golden, springs back to the touch, and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. 
• Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes; carefully invert onto rack and cool completely.
• For the glaze, whisk together butter, salt, almond extract, Amaretto, milk, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and top with toasted coconut and almonds. 
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Italian Pasta Salad

Loaded and refreshing Italian Pasta Salad! Made with tender pasta, smoked salami, fresh veggies and herbs, two types of cheese, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing.

The Perfect Summer Pasta Salad

What would summer be without at least one cookout or picnic that includes a vibrant and perfectly enjoyable, cold pasta salad? Each of the ingredients are a blend of textures that complement one another.  A hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, beef, or fish.

Some Variations to Consider: 
Pasta: You can use another medium-size pasta such as fusilli, gemelli, penne, cavatappi or bow tie pasta.
Cheeses: Romano cheese works well for parmesan cheese here.
Processed block mozzarella can be substituted for fresh mozzarella balls, just cut into small cubes.
Meat: Pepperoni could be used for salami 
Veggies: Try cucumber in place of half of the bell pepper.
Kalamata olives for black olives
Dressing: Extra virgin olive oil or refined standard olive oil may be used here depending on how much of that flavor you want to shine through (extra virgin olive oil is stronger in flavor).
If in a rush you can use 1 cup of your favorite store-bought Italian dressing. Just cut back a little on the herbs added if it has a strong herby taste.

Helpful Tips
Cook pasta al dente as it can become super soggy once it absorbs some dressing. Just right to al dente or even 30 seconds shy.
Cut ingredients small for uniformity and so you can get some of each flavor in every bite.
Allow pasta salad some time to marinade so the veggies and pasta absorb more flavor. Refrigerate at least two hours before serving.  
Store in fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Salad Ingredients:

• Pasta (I used a multi-color fusilli)
• Meat-salami or pepperoni 
• Pearl size mozzarella ball
• Diced grape tomatoes
• Diced red and yellow peppers or cucumbers 
• Olives
• Grated Parmesan cheese 
• Fresh parsley and basil

Italian Dressing Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove minced 
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions:

• Mix dressing in the blender. Taste test to balance ingredients. 
• Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl.
• Add enough dressing to coat the pasta and mix well. 
• Refrigerate leftover dressing and cover pasta salad to refrigerate also. Right before serving add more dressing if needed and grate more Parmesan cheese over the top. 

Strawberry Crostata

Nothing says summer more than a visit from Foxie Roxie. This week she had a public service announcement hoping to slow traffic down. 

Strawberry Crostata

A perfect early summer treat

Cook's Notes: What’s a crostata, you ask? Essentially, it’s the Italian name for a rustic, free-form pie, where the dough edges are folded up around the filling. It’s also known as a galette in French. So, whether you call it a crostata or galette, it's delicious full of juicy, fresh berries lightly tossed with sugar, lemon, and cornstarch. A strawberry crostata is the perfect quick dessert for a weeknight or a dinner party. 

Recipe makes 4-6 servings.

This recipe is so versatile, you can literally make it with any berries, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, plums, and more. Really, the possibilities are endless. You can also use frozen berries or fruit but just a word of caution. Make sure to thaw and drain berries before assembling this dish, so it doesn’t come out soupy. Also, you can definitely substitute a ready-to-use store-bought pie crust instead of a homemade pie crust. 

Baking Tip: A refrigerated pie crust will take less baking time as the crust is thinner rolled out when using a homemade pie crust. 

Strawberry Crostata
Ingredients

• 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust
• 1 lb strawberries
• 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar or more if your berries aren't super sweet
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Milk wash 
• Sugar and cinnamon mix

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Wash, dry, and dice your strawberries, and place them into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the sliced strawberries, and stir. Taste them. If they need more sugar, add another tablespoon. Add the cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the strawberries. Stir to dissolve the cornstarch.
• Roll out the pie crust into a 12-13″ diameter. It should be about 1/4″ thick, at the minimum. I used a frying pan cover for tracing my circle.
• Roll out crust on 2 sheets of floured wax paper. Then flip the crust and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  
  
• Dump the strawberries into the center of the dough circle. leaving about a 1½” border all the way around the edge. Gently fold the border around the strawberries to enclose the dough, pleating it to make a circle. Make sure the corners are pinched closed so the filling does not run out while baking. 
  
• Brush dough with milk and sprinkle dough with cinnamon and sugar mixture. 
• Bake the crostata at 400 degrees 30 minutes or 25 minutes if the crust is real thin. The crust should be golden brown and crisp. Allow the crostata to cool for 15 minutes before slicing making sure the filling is set. Use a serrated knife to cut. 
• Serve warm, with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
  
  
  

Reach for the Sky

 
“Reach for the Sky” by James Scott is a historical novel of epic proportions in terms of scope and in its length over 400 pages. The novel covers the life of the main protagonist, Shannon Donnelly from 1929 to 1944. It's a story filled with intrigue. daring aviation adventures, romance, redemption, loyalty, and true grit. Moving at a breathtaking pace, Scott is able to maintain the story's momentum staying on course right down to the last page. He's a wonderful storyteller delivering a complex storyline that's well-paced with interesting and well-developed characters. Once you start reading I guarantee you it's hard to put down.

Scott wastes no time propelling the reader into Shannon's story which begins in Southern California with the newly-orphaned Shannon on the run from her parent's killers. Fleeing in desperation, she stumbles into the world of aviation. A chance encounter with Amelia Earhart sparks a dream to fly, and Shannon is soon flying biplanes around Southern California.

Inspired by the life of Mildred Hemmons Carter to whom the book is dedicated to, Scott developed the character, Josie. She's a black girl who becomes Shannon's best friend and ultimately her business partner. Mildred Hemmon Carter, a highly qualified black aviator was turned down for entrance into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program out of irrational prejudice, a similar incident happening to Josie's character in the story "Reach for the Sky."

As the story develops Shannon attracts the attention of two men, one she will marry and one she can't seem to forget. She feels compelled to enlist in the WWII WASP program that trained women to fly B-17 bombers. But it's this program that ultimately brings Shannon to risk her life and others' lives on a daring mission into Nazi-occupied France to re-capture a stolen B-17 and to rescue the man she has loved for so long.

Scott is the multiple-award-winning author of six historical fiction novels and one speculative fiction novel. His meticulous research is evident with the inclusion of rich details of the Golden Age of Aviation and the WASP Program. It's noteworthy Scott chose this novel to illuminate a chapter in American history that perhaps is little known by the general public and to highlight women's contributions during World War II including the fact women could fly as well as men. 

I found an intriguing aspect of Scott's writing is all his novels have stories built around strong female protagonists, somewhat a departure from most male authors.  The characters and storyline stay with you long after you finish reading. “Reach for the Sky” delivers a story where the author hopes young women will be inspired to reach for the sky and follow their dreams. The book is a finalist for this year's National Indie Excellence Awards.

AUTHOR BIO James Scott (formerly writing as B J Scott) is the multiple-award-winning author of seven novels that share a common feature: all are built around strong female protagonists. He describes his action-packed stories as "men's adventure novels but with women in the lead positions." All his books are historical novels, with the exception of "The Electric Woman," which is speculative fiction set in the near future. Scott describes his creative process as "taking a small idea and running with it to see where it leads." His most recent novel, "Reach for the Sky" (July 2020) begins in Southern California in 1929 and features a young girl with a dream to fly. The story weaves through the Golden Age of Aviation and the WWII years, illuminating the WASP program that trained women to fly Army planes from manufacturer to duty station, which was vital to the war effort. His awards include the Will Rogers Bronze Medallion Award for Best Western Romance for his novel "The Rail Queen" (2015), and the WILLA Literary Award for Best Original Softcover Fiction for his novel "Light On A Distant Hill" (2011). He lives on the Oregon coast with his wife Sherrie.
 
A Minnesota Connection James Scott has a Minnesota family connection to the Minneapolis area where his father grew up. Scott is pictured in 2017 at Minnehaha Falls. He recreated the photo setting to resemble a photo he has of his father some 107 years ago at age ten sitting in front of the falls.