Friday, July 7, 2023
Sullivan Book Nook July Update
Here is what’s available right now at my Little Free Library. If you see something you’d like to have, please come get it. You don’t have to leave a book to take one.
Monday, July 3, 2023
Recipe - American Macaroni Salad
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
- 1/3 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
- 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)
- 1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. Store covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Review - Things We Left Behind
AUTHOR: Lucy Score
RATING: ★★★★★
RELEASE DATE: September 5th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): There was only one woman who could set me free. But I would rather set myself on fire than ask Sloane Walton for anything.
Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats.
Except when it comes to the feisty small-town librarian that keeps him up at night…
Sloane Walton is a spitfire determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She’ll do that just as soon as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did to—or for—her family. Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other, Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.
When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their steamy one-night stand. Once those flames are fanned, it seems impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.
Broken men break women. It’s what Lucian believes, what he’s witnessed, and he’s not going to take that chance with Sloane. He’d rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats.
It’s the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There’s no way she’s going to give him a third chance. He’s just going to have to make one for himself.
REVIEW: Of the three main Knockemout heroes, Lucian Rollins has been my favorite from day one, and Sloane Walton has been my favorite heroine. So, needless to say, when this book became available on NetGalley, I immediately jumped on it, and I read it within just a couple of days. I love Lucian because he came from a horrible childhood filled with abuse, and he let that fuel him into becoming a very influential and powerful self-made man. I love Sloane because she’s a librarian, like myself, and she’s a strong woman with a hint of vulnerability. The two of them together are simply amazing. I absolutely LOVED the snarky insults and bickering between them, and I lost count of the many times I literally laughed out loud while reading this book. Lucy Score is a genius with dialogue, and she’s also a pro at stirring emotions too. I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I was truly sad about finishing this series. I will point out that if you’re looking for a tender romance then this book - the whole series, actually - isn’t for you. If I had to name one gripe about the series it would be the lack of tenderness and romance. Now, let me clarify that I have nothing whatsoever against rough sex, but when ALL the lovemaking scenes seem more vengeful than loving, it kind of gets on my nerves after awhile. Other than that, this book and the whole series is top-notch and will always be one of my favorites. I’m honestly going to miss Knockemout, Virginia, and all the characters who live there. It’s been one heck of a ride! Thank you, Lucy!
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Recipe - Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli
I use my air fryer a lot during the week, especially when I’m busier than usual and don’t have much time to cook. Air fryer chicken recipes are a big hit in my household. Enjoy!
- 1/3 cup panko
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups small broccoli florets (about 5 ounces)
- 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
DIRECTIONS: Stir together the panko, Parmesan, 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, the oregano, pinch of salt and a couple grinds of pepper in a shallow bowl or small baking dish until thoroughly combined. Pat the chicken dry between a couple paper towels, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Brush both sides of the chicken with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the Dijon, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
Toss the broccoli, remaining 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, a good pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until evenly coated.
Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Add the chicken to the air-fryer basket and cook until it’s starting to brown and crisp on the top, about 6 minutes. Flip the chicken over with tongs and position in the center of the basket, then scatter the broccoli around the perimeter. Continue air-frying until the chicken is crisp all over and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the middle registers 160 degrees F, and the broccoli is tender and charred, about 8 minutes more.
Meanwhile, stir together the yogurt, lemon zest and juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon Dijon, a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Serve alongside the chicken and broccoli for dipping.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Friday, June 9, 2023
Recipe - Vegetable Noodle Soup
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 rib celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot, sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1/4 medium onion, about 1/2 cup
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup orzo or other small pasta or egg noodles or broken up spaghetti
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1-quart box, or 2 cans)
- Small handful fresh parsley leaves, basil or dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add all the vegetables, garlic and onion. Season with the salt, and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Add the pasta and cook until slightly toasted and golden, about 2 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, covered, until pasta is just tender, about 8 minutes.
Stir in whatever herb suits you (or your young eater) and lemon juice. Season with pepper and additional salt, to taste. Fill thermos, pack in a lunch sack with crackers and cheese sticks and send off to school.
Cook’s Note
This soup freezes well, so freeze any leftovers or make a double batch to have plenty on hand. Also, you can stir in some cooked chicken or mini-meatballs, if desired, for another meal.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network)
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Currently Listening
Currently Reading
Popular Posts
NetGalley Badges
Goodreads Updates
