Merry Christmas!

 

 

December fun facts

 Did you know….

Hanging stockings started by accident.

According to legend, we hang stockings by the chimney with care thanks to a poor man who didn't have enough money for his three daughters' dowries. Generous old St. Nick (remember, that's his trademark!) dropped a bag of gold down their chimney one night, where the girls had hung their stockings to dry. That's where the gold ended up, and how the tradition began.

Did you know….

Astronauts broadcast "Jingle Bells" from space.

This prank almost went too far. Nine days before Christmas in 1965, the two astronauts aboard Gemini 6 sent an odd report to Mission Control that they saw an "unidentified flying object" about to enter Earth's atmosphere, traveling in the polar orbit from north to south. They interrupted the tense report with the sound of “Jingle Bells,” as Wally Schirra played a small harmonica accompanied by Tom Stafford on a handful of small sleigh bells they had smuggled aboard.

You’ll Ho-ho-ho with these funny Christmas jokes!

 

Q: How do snowmen get around? They ride an icicle!

Q: What do snowmen have for breakfast? Snowflakes!

Q: What does Santa do when his elves misbehave? He gives them the sack!

Q: What did Santa say to the smoker? Please don’t smoke, it’s bad for my elf!

Q: What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsilitis!

Q: What’s green, covered in tinsel and goes ribbet ribbet? A mistle-toad!

Pucker Up Monday

  Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

Finicky Friday - Christmas Style!

 

Holiday Tree Brownies

Ingredients

1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Supreme original brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box 

Miniature candy canes (2 inch), unwrapped

1 or 2 drops green food color

1/3 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (from 16-oz container)

Betty Crocker™ Decorating Decors red and green candy sprinkles or miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits

Steps

1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Line 9-inch square pan with foil, allowing some to hang over edges of pan. Grease bottom and sides of foil with shortening or cooking spray. Make brownie mix batter as directed on box. Spread in pan.

2 Bake 28 to 31 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 1/2 hours. Freeze in pan 15 minutes. Using foil to lift, remove brownies from pan, and peel foil away. To cut brownie into triangles, cut into 3 rows. Cut each row into 5 triangles (See More About This Recipe). Set aside leftover pieces for snacking.

3 Break off curved end of candy cane; insert straight piece into bottoms of triangles to make tree trunks.

4 Stir food color into frosting. Spoon frosting into small resealable food-storage plastic bag; partially seal bag. Cut off tiny bottom corner of bag. Squeeze bag to pipe frosting over brownies. Sprinkle with decors.

Link: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/holiday-tree-brownies/058237a7-ae5c-435e-b9cc-b01af1d412e7

Anti-hero promo on Bookfunnel!

 

Hey y'all! I'm taking part in an Anti-hero promo on Bookfunnel. 

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! Several authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of Dark Romance books. Available for a limited time.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/anti-heroes/tpucmnez6l

You’ll Ho-ho-ho with these funny Christmas jokes!

 

Q: What do Santa’s little helpers learn at school? A: The elf-abet!

Q: What kind of motorbike does Santa ride? A: A Holly Davidson!

Q: What is the best Christmas present in the world? A: A broken drum, you just can’t beat it!

Q: What do snowmen wear on their heads? A: Ice caps!

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? A: Frostbite!

Q: What did the stamp say to the Christmas card? A: Stick with me and we’ll go places!

Pucker Up Monday ( NSFW)

 Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT** SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Okay y'all! I'm starting a newsletter, and as a special gift a short is included.

It's the harvest of Chad!

Please keep in mind that this is just a short lol. It shows what only happens that day, and Chad's thoughts and feelings. I have a bit more to do before it's completely ready, but we're close to being done! 

As soon as it's ready, Avril Marie PA will be sending it out!

Signup:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y5n3y2

Finicky Friday - Christmas Style!

 

RUDOLPH COOKIES

 Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

Easy Brownie Cookies:

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix

2 eggs

1/3 C. oil

Chocolate Frosting:

3/4 C. butter softened

1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 Tbsp. milk. more if needed

2 C. powdered sugar more if needed

Mint M&M's, you'll need the red the white

Nilla Wafers

1/4, C. Melted chocolate

Pretzels

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with parchment paper.

2. Combine cake mix, eggs and oil together. Batter will be thick. If you you think too thick, you can add a touch more oil!

3. Make dough balls just smaller than a golf ball and place on pans, press down so they don't bake up too tall!

4. Bake for 7-9 minutes depending on how fudgey you want them to be.

5. Let cool.

6. Frosting: Beat butter. Add cocoa, vanilla and milk. Slowly add in powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Add more milk to make thinner.

7. To make Reindeer Eyes: Melt your chocolate (I used melts but you can use whatever you hand on hand). Use the tip of a toothpick to "dot" a glob of melted chocolate onto each white M&M. You can make the chocolate part of the eyes as large as you want! (see photos above)

8:To assemble (see photos above) frosting cookies, place Nilla wafer, pretzels, then use a little frosting to stick on the red nose (red M&M) and eyes. If you want some reindeer other than Rudolph, just use brown M&M's or Reese's Pieces!

Link: https://www.yourcupofcake.com/make-rudolph-cookies/

Thursday book recommendation

 

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.

 

This week is: Jon's Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case (Jon's Mysteries Case 1) by AJ Sherwood

 

Blurb:

A psychic without an anchor. A student in trouble. A shooter on the loose.

I’m Jonathan Bane, a licensed psychic who consults for the police. I routinely help the police put the bad guys away and, for that reason, the criminal world doesn’t like me much. People like to take a swing at me, or go stabbity, or try for a gun. It makes for interesting times. My psychic ability prevents me from handling anything electronic—and I do mean ANYTHING, I fry it in seconds—so calling for help isn’t always a possibility.

I need an anchor, a partner, but I’m resigned: it’s just wishful thinking.                                                                                                                

At least, I thought so until he walked through the door.

Donovan Havili looks like a thug and has the soul of a superhero. He shines so bright in my vision it’s like watching a supernova. He definitely has the right mindset and skills for this crazy job. But asking anyone to take me on long-term is a bit much. And now we’ve got multiple cases to handle, a Chinese exchange student falsely accused who needs our help, and someone taking random shots at me. It’s a bit much for any new guy to handle and I’m half-afraid that my new partner will run for the door.

But in Donovan Havili, the criminal world has met its match. And maybe, just maybe, I have as well.

 

Trigger Warnings:

Your average cop show violence and criminals

 

Tags:

Companionable snark, Flirting, Kissing, Jon needs a hug, Donovan gives the best hugs, Getting together, Self-esteem issues, Explicit content, Anal Sex, Romantic Sex, Random shooting, Which Donovan isn’t happy about, Donovan is a gentleman, Sort of, Jon just makes it REALLY REALLY HARD Okay?, Bisexual character, Public displays of affection, Muscles, Communication, Healthy relationships, The fluff might kill you, Supernatural elements, Modern with Magic, Feels, All the Feels, Mostly accurate medical stuff, Multiple electronics died in the creation of this story, blame Jon

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q11NYBT

You’ll Ho-ho-ho with these funny Christmas jokes!

 

Q: What kind of Christmas music do elves like? A: “Wrap” music

Q: How can Santa deliver presents during a thunderstorm? A: His sleigh is flown by raindeer

Q: What do you call a snowman with a six pack? A: An abdominal snowman

Q: What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney? A: Claus-trophobia!

Q: Who delivers presents to baby sharks at Christmas? A: Santa Jaws!

Q: What do they sing at a snowman’s birthday party? A: Freeze a jolly good fellow!

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

Finicky Friday - Christmas Style!

 

Vanilla Butter Cake (sponge cake)

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter , cut into 8 pieces and softened

WET:

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1⁄2 cup  (whole or low fat, not no fat), room temperature

2 tsp vanilla extract

DRY:

1 3/4 cups plain flour (all purpose flour, 7 oz) (Note 1)

1/4 cup cornflour / cornstarch (Note 1)

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 cups caster sugar / superfine sugar (normal white sugar also ok)

3/4 tsp salt

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM:

2 1/2 cups whipping cream

2 tbsp white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

14 strawberries , halved (1 1/2 punnets)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Put the rack in the middle of the oven.

Butter 2 x 20cm / 8" cake pans (Note 2). Line the base with baking paper.

Place Wet ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.

Place Dry ingredients in a bowl and use a handheld beater on speed 1 (slowest) to quickly whisk.

Add 1/3 of the butter, then put the beater whisk in the butter, and mix using speed 1. Once the butter is incorporated a bit, speed up to 5 and whisk for 10 seconds. 

Add another 1/3 of the butter then repeat, then add remaining butter and repeat again. It should look like wet sand.

Add half the Wet mixture, beat until incorporated. Add remaining Wet mixture, then beat on speed 5 (medium) until almost completely smooth.

Divide between cake pans, smooth surface (it levels out in the oven), then bake for 25 minutes.

A skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean but moist.

Cool on cooling rack for at least 15 minutes then remove cake from pan.

FROSTING / DECORATING WITH STRAWBERRIES & CREAM:

Optional: Use a serrated knife (I use a bread knife) to cut the top off each cake to make it completely flat. This makes neat layers when you cut into the cake.

Place cream, vanilla and sugar in a bowl. Beat on high with a handheld beater or stand mixer until firm peaks form.

If piping little swirls around the edge like in the photos, transfer 1 cup of cream into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle.

Place a cake on a serving platter. Spread a thin layer of cream over the top.

Cover with strawberries, cut side down.

Top with 1/3 of the cream.

Place 2nd cake on top. Cover top and sides with remaining cream. Pipe cream around the edge.

Decorate with remaining strawberries, as desired.

 Recipe Notes:

1. The original recipe calls for 2 cups cake flour. I use a combination of plain flour and cornflour which is a substitute for cake flour because this recipe is my basic vanilla sponge cake recipe and I want to make it using pantry staples. Cake flour is not a staple in my pantry. Cake flour or cornflour + plain flour makes the crumb of cakes more tender and almost "velvety" than just using plain flour.

2. CAKE PAN SIZE: The original Cook's Illustrated recipe says to make this in 3 x 20cm/8" pans or 2 x 23cm/9" pans. If you level off the cake surface, so each layer is neat and flat, then I think 2 x 20cm/8" pans is better, otherwise the layers get too thin. However, if you do not plan to cut the top of the cake to make the surface flat, then you can use 3 x 20cm/8" pans or 2 x 23cm/9" pans.

3. Recipe SOURCE: This is adapted from a Cook's Illustrated recipe. The original recipe is made with just cake flour (see note 1). The butter is chopped into 16 pieces and added in 1 piece at a time. I find it easier to do it in 3 batches and didn't notice a difference in outcome. Also see Note 2 regarding cake pan size.

4. Cream: I know it sounds like alot, but if you want to have cream in the middle, top and sides as well as some to pipe for decoration, you really need this much! If you don't do the piped decorations on top, you can reduce the cream by 1/2 cup / 125ml.

5. STANDMIXER: Even on the lowest speed, there will be some "flour dust" so you will either need to use a guard to stop the flour flying up everywhere or do as per the original recipe and chop the butter into 16 small pieces and add them one at a time, beating for around 1 minute on low speed, increasing to high until it looks like what you see in the video.

link: https://www.recipetineats.com/vanilla-sponge-cake/

**Thursday book recommendation**

 

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.

 

This week is: The Weight Of It All by N.R. Walker

 

Blurb:

After being dumped by his long-term boyfriend for being overweight, Henry Beckett decides to make some drastic changes. In a vain attempt at getting his boyfriend back, Henry does the most absurdly frightening thing he can think of.

He joins a gym.

Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again. He’s sick of guys who are only interested in the perfect body image, never seeing him for who he really is.

As Reed tortures Henry with things like diet and exercise, Henry enamours Reed with recipes and laughter. As the friendship lines start to blur, Henry is convinced there’s no way Thor-like Reed could ever be interested in a guy like him.

Reed just has to convince Henry that life isn’t about reaching your ideal bodyweight. It’s about finding your perfect counterweight.

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYGV7HD

 

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

Finicky Friday - PINEAPPLE BBQ BAKED CHICKEN FOIL PACKETS IN OVEN

 

INGREDIENTS LIST FOR THE BBQ CHICKEN IN FOIL PACKS

 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

 2 cups pineapple chunks (we recommend fresh, but frozen is fine too)

 1 red bell pepper, diced

 1 green bell pepper, diced

 Coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

For the sauce

 1/2 cup of your favorite prepared bbq sauce

 3 clove garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons dried garlic)

 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

 2 tablespoons olive oil

 1 jalapeño, sliced

 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 Chopped cilantro, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the baked chicken foil packets: Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lay four 12×12 inch (30×30 cm) squares of foil out on your work surface. Place pineapple chunks, and bell peppers in the middle of each piece of foil. Season with salt and pepper, then top with each chicken breasts. Season chicken with salt and pepper generously. 

2. In a bowl, combine bbq sauce, olive oil, paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cilantro, and jalapeño. Divide the sauce over each chicken pack and sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro.

3. Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to close off the pack, pinch the ends together so the pack stays closed.

4. Transfer the chicken foil packs to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender. When chicken is done, carefully open the foil packs, drizzle with more sauce and broil for 1 or 2 minutes to crisp up the chicken.

5. Serve the baked chicken foil packets immediately, garnished with more cilantro. Enjoy!

Note: If your chicken breasts are too thick, just cut lengthwise to make fillets, they will cook faster.

TIPS FOR THE BAKED CHICKEN IN FOIL PACKS

This easy and healthy recipe transforms chicken into a tasty effortless dinner in a matter of minutes!

 Cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74ºC) to be properly cooked.

 If your chicken breasts are too thick, just cut lengthwise to make fillets, they will cook faster.

 If aluminum foil is a concern for you, you can use parchment paper to make the packets. Use a stapler or paperclips to maintain the fold. You can also double the foil with parchment paper on the inside.

 Other vegetables to accompany the baked chicken in foil: Make it low carb with cauliflower, zucchini, or broccoli. OR! Carb it up with potatoes cut into cubes!

WHAT OTHER VEGETABLES CAN WE USE FORT EH BAKED CHICKEN IN FOIL?

If the combo of pineapple and bell pepper is too sweet for your taste, you can keep it low-carb with cauliflower, zucchini, or broccoli instead.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN IN A FOIL PACKET

Before adding the chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple, you can either spray the foil with cooking spray or add a small piece of parchment paper into the packet (we know some of us are concerned by the foil making contact with food). When baking chicken foil packets, you’ll want to ensure they’re properly sealed to keep any delicious juices inside and allow them to steam the veggies. To close the chicken foil packet: Start by folding the packet lengthwise and then roll up the ends to create a sealed packet.

HOW AND HOW LONG TO KEEP THE BAKED CHICKEN IN FOIL LEFTOVERS

Discard the foil and transfer the baked chicken and veggies to airtight containers (glass containers preferably). Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the chicken gently in the microwave with a few drops of water to loosen up the sauce.

Link: HTTPS://WWW.EATWELL101.COM/CHICKEN-FOIL-PACKETS-IN-OVEN-RECIPE

Tuesday Teaser

 

“Fucking hell! Dammit, Frost.”

Nicholas chuckled. Yes, he imagined his informant didn’t appreciate the chilliness since he was ectothermic. That’s what he got for smoking. While Nicholas did request this meet, and knew the paranormal waiting for him, he wouldn’t relax his guard. A lax assassin was a dead assassin.

He sniffed the air currents again. Nothing human had been there in a very long time. The only living paranormal inside was who Nicholas expected. Nothing undead lay in wait, either. To him vampires smelled slightly musty with a hint of a moss. And, as odd as it sounded, decaying mushrooms.

Satisfied no one else lurked, he strolled out onto the main floor. Standing in a sliver of moonlight was a tall, muscular man. All around him was rusted machinery and equipment, some of which was broken. Tiles and twisted wires hung from the ceiling. Layers of dust and dirt cover every surface.

“Such a hostile place to do business.”

“It does have a delightful ambiance, does it not?” Nicholas stopped several feet away and glared at the cigarette. “Those are horrible. The scent is atrocious.”

Mick dropped the cigarette on the concrete floor and stomped it out. “Hey, you worry about your vises and let me worry about mine.”

“If only I had vises to worried about.” Nicholas mused. He was certain Mick didn’t hear the sarcasm in his words. “Good to see you, Mick.”

“Ordinarily I would say the same, but”—Mick waved his hand around—"the creep factor here is over the top. Even for you.”

“It was for your safely. You cannot be seen with me right now. You do not want to catch the attention of the one you have information on.”

Mick huffed. “No, no, I don’t. This is some shit, for sure.”

Nicholas studied the man in front of him. Little telltale signs of nervousness caught his attention, and he didn’t think it was because Mick was away from his swamp.

Mick’s heart rate was up, and Nicholas tried hard not to stare at Mick’s neck where his pulse fluttered. Mick was tense, and his breathing was slightly elevated. Something dark moved deep within Nicholas—a need that wouldn’t be denied much longer.

Pucker Up Monday

 Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

Finicky Friday - Peanut Butter Dessert Lasagna

 

YIELDS: 8

PREP TIME: 0 HOURS 10 MINS

TOTAL TIME: 6 HOURS 30 MINS

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 c. heavy cream

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 (3.4-oz.) package vanilla instant pudding mix, plus ingredients called for on box

1 (16-oz.) package Nutter Butters

1 (16.3-oz.) jar peanut butter, melted

3 King Size Butterfingers, roughly chopped

1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips, melted

DIRECTIONS

Make whipped cream: Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or hand beaters, beat cream and sugar until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare pudding according to package directions.

In an 8"-x-8” baking dish, spread a thin layer of whipped cream. Top with a layer of Nutter Butters and top those with a layer of melted peanut butter, spreading to completely cover cookies. Top with half the vanilla pudding, spreading into an even layer, then half the remaining whipped cream in an even layer; top with half the crushed Butterfingers and drizzle with more melted peanut butter. Repeat layering with remaining Nutter Butters, pudding, whipped cream, and crushed Butterfingers.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cookies are soft, 6 hours and up to overnight.

Drizzle with remaining melted peanut butter and melted chocolate, then slice and serve.

Link: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a49509/peanut-butter-dessert-lasagna-recipe/

Thursday book recommendation

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 

This week is: A Pebble for Lewis (Alaskan Pebble Gifters Book 1)

Blurb:

Lewis has never been kissed.

Omega penguin shifters aren’t allowed any physical contact with an alpha until their Pebble Gifting Season, when alphas present a pebble to their desired mate. Lewis has always followed the rules.

Until he meets Todd. A polar bear shifter.

Everyone knows that polar bear shifters are unreliable players who don’t mate for life. But Todd is breathtakingly beautiful, with a body as big as a mountain and a head of thick, white hair. Lewis can’t manage to look away.

In Anchorage Alaska where penguin shifters and polar bear shifters have been at odds for over a century, even a friendship between Todd and Lewis is forbidden. But as Lewis’s Pebble Gifting Season draws closer, their forbidden friendship turns into a passion neither of them can ignore.

A Pebble for Lewis is a 37,000-word best-friends-to-lovers romance with a size difference, knotting, and MPreg of the penguin egg variety. It’s set in the same world as the Heron Manor series, but it stands alone.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081T9LBGY

Tuesday Teaser (a little late lol)

Frost's Bite, #3 in the Mystic Bay series

Chapter One – Nicholas

WHEN ALONE in the snow-covered mountains, peace prevailed. Outside noise fled, and silence was a constant companion. It wrapped its cold arms around all it touched, offering the feeling of being the only person to have ever walked the path before you.

To Nicholas, it was paradise.

He smirked. Funny how those feelings reversed in an abandoned building. There was something sinister about a structure that was obviously erected at great expense, then simply left unused. And in the dark of night? Well, the mind played tricks, asking what monster skulked through the corridors just waiting to sink its greedy claws into unprotected flesh.

Nicholas was that monster.

Satisfied he heard only one beating heart, he crept forward. After dodging barbed-wire fencing, he pushed his way through thick foliage, moving soundlessly toward the towering, decrepit warehouse. Finding an unlocked side entrance, he slipped into the building.

It had been allowed to fall into disrepair and suffered from vandalism. Trash littered the floor, and every window he passed had been shattered. Broken beams of moonlight fought the darkness as Nicholas walked the maze of twisting corridors toward the open, main floor.

As he drew closer, he expanded his senses. Good. All he heard was the one beating heart in all the silence, along with the stench of cigarettes now. Good gods, such a nasty habit. But it did have its uses—like disguising scent. He lifted his hand, and a rather strong blast of Arctic air flooded the immediate area.

“Fucking hell! Dammit, Frost.”

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

Day's Light video

 

Made by Avril Marie PA

Finicky Friday - Apple Crisp Cheesecake

 

YIELDS: 12 SERVINGS

PREP TIME: 0 HOURS 15 MINS

TOTAL TIME: 7 HOURS 30 MINS

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUST

Cooking spray

12 graham crackers, crushed

6 tbsp. melted butter

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

FOR THE CHEESECAKE

4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling

1/4 c. granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1/4 c. sour cream

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 

FOR THE TOPPING

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. old fashioned oats

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

4 tbsp. butter, softened 

1 apple, peeled and finely chopped 

Whipped topping, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325° and grease an 8" or 9" springform pan with cooking spray. 

Make crust: In a large bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Press into bottom of prepared pan and up the sides.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat cream cheese, caramel, and sugar together until completely smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in sour cream and vanilla. Add flour, salt, and cinnamon and beat until just combined. Pour mixture over crust.

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and salt, then cut in butter with a fork or pastry cutter. Scatter apples in an even layer over top of cheesecake, then top with an even layer of the oat topping.

Wrap bottom of pan in aluminum foil and place in a large roasting pan. Pour in enough boiling water to come up halfway in the baking pan. Bake until center of cheesecake only slightly jiggles, about 1 hour 30 minutes. 

Turn off oven, prop open oven door, and let cheesecake cool in oven, 1 hour. Remove foil and refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

When ready to serve, drizzle with caramel and serve slices topped with whipped topping, if desired.

Link: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a23872239/apple-crisp-cheesecake-recipe/

Day's Light is live and in KU!

 The Mystic Bay series #2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NB5DCJY

What if the thing that goes bump in the night is you?

Gunshots in the dark of night change everything for Mark James. As his lifeblood stains the cold concrete, a sexy stranger with yellow eyes takes Mark from the violent scene of his parents’ death. But that one act tosses Mark into a world he never knew existed—the world of werewolves, vampires, Guardians, and fated mates.

While tracking werewolves who stole from his pack, Alpha Hunter Day not only interrupts a mugging gone wrong, he finds his mate bleeding out in a dank alleyway. Determined not to let the person fate gifted him die, Hunter bites Mark. He not only starts the transformation but also claims Mark, and he does it all without Mark’s consent.

A bitten wolf is never an Alpha, yet Mark is one. Further complicating matters is the lack of control over his hybrid form. It’s just one struggle among many Mark must overcome.

And fate isn’t done with them, either. All paths lead to Mystic Bay and the brother Mark is desperate to reconnect with. But the trip brings not only surprises but a danger no one foresaw.

Pucker Up Monday

  Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.

Howl at the Night

 

Deadly Kiss - Pucker Up Monday

 

Finicky Friday - Halloween Style

 

Easy Ghost Cookies

Turn simple frosted sugar cookies into adorable Ghost Cookies by adding mini Oreo cookies and M&M'S.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 18 cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

1 1/3 cup flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter softened

1 cup of sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting

1 cup butter softened

4 cups of powdered sugar

pinch salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk more or less as needed to make spreadable

36 Oreo Mini cookies divided

36 brown M&M'S

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a shiny aluminum baking sheet for best results.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar and butter, and beat with paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract and almond extract, and continue beating until combined. Add flour mixture and stir just until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.

Using a medium sized cookie scoop, scoop and roll dough gently into balls. Place on baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. The edges should still be light and not golden brown.

Let cool completely and frost. Reserve some frosting to help M&M'S adhere to top of Oreo Mini cookies. To prepare frosting, using the paddle attachment, beat butter, powdered sugar, and pinch of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. With mixer still running, add in vanilla extract and milk one tablespoon at a time until frosting is a soft spreadable consistency.

Link: https://www.number-2-pencil.com/easy-ghost-cookies-halloween-cookie-recipe/

While frosting is still soft, place Oreo Mini cookies on top, followed by M&M'S. Use a small amount of reserved frosting to help adhere M&M'S.

Family Friendly Spook-tacular jokes

 

Fun Halloween Jokes to Get the Whole Family in the Spooky Spirit. These spook-tacular jokes will have all the little monsters screaming with laughter!

Halloween Food Jokes

• What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert? I scream.

• What does the skeleton chef say when he serves you a meal? "Bone Appetit!"

• What is a vampire's favorite fruit? A neck-tarine!

• What do witches put on their bagels? Scream cheese.

• What do ghosts eat for dinner? Spook-ghetti!

• What do skeletons order at restaurants? Spare ribs.

• What does a panda ghost eat? Bam-BOO!

• What tops off a mummy’s ice cream sundae? Whipped scream.

• What’s a ghost's favorite yogurt flavor? Boo-berry!

• What’s a vampire’s least favorite meal? A steak!

• Why was the candy corn booed off the stage? All of his jokes were too corny!

Howl at the Night

 

Deadly Kiss - Pucker Up Monday

 

Finicky Friday - Halloween Style!

 

Jelly Worms: The cutest, slimy treat for Halloween!

YIELDS: 50

PREP TIME: 0 HOURS 20 MINS

TOTAL TIME: 2 HOURS 20 MINS

INGREDIENTS

50 flexible straws

7 oz. package strawberry Jell-O mix

3 packages unflavored gelatin

3 c. boiling water

3/4 c. heavy cream

crushed oreos, for serving

DIRECTIONS

In a large liquid measuring cup, combine strawberry JELL-O mix and gelatin packages and add boiling water. Whisk until dissolved then refrigerate until lukewarm, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, stretch straws to extend to full length and stand them upright, side by side, in a tall glass, making sure the ends are firmly pressed up against the bottom of the glass.

Whisk the heavy cream into the JELL-O mixture, then carefully pour the JELL-O mixture into the straws until it reaches the tops. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

Quickly run the straws under hot water and then push the jelly worms out onto a plate of crushed Oreos.

Link: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a55257/jelly-worms-recipe/

(I'd suggest watching the video if you plan to do try this. It might be better to just buy the worms lol)

Family Friendly Spook-tacular jokes

 

Fun Halloween Jokes to Get the Whole Family in the Spooky Spirit. These spook-tacular jokes will have all the little monsters screaming with laughter!

Halloween Monster Jokes

• What do mummies listen to on Halloween? Wrap music.

• How do you make a skeleton laugh? You tickle his funny bone!

• Which Halloween monster is good at math? Count Dracula!

• Why did the Cyclops give up teaching? He only had one pupil!

• Why didn't the skeleton go to see a scary movie? He didn't have the guts.

• What did the boy ghost say to the girl ghost? "You sure are boo-tiful!"

• Where does Dracula keep his money? In a blood bank.

• Why are ghosts terrible liars? You can see right through them!

• Why don’t mummies take vacations? They’re afraid to unwind.

• What is a vampire's favorite holiday, besides Halloween? Fangs-giving!

• Where do fashionable ghosts shop? Bootiques!

• What’s a monster’s favorite play? Romeo and Ghouliet!