High Above

I hope you all enjoy this post by fellow writer Beth Dumey who recently found herself immersed in the dramatic beauty of the northwest.

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COLORFUL COOKBOOK FEATURING BEEF, PORK AND LAMB RECIPES!

As a Midwesterner, I seldom get to stand in the shadows of mountains. After a recent trip to Seattle and Vancouver, I’ve been pondering how I might view God differently if I lived in the midst of these gaping wonders.

In Seattle, on clear days, Mount Rainier casts a powerful presence over the city. White-capped and majestic, it is a guidepost for both travelers and natives.
“Can you see Mount Rainier today?” passersby ask as they crook their necks toward the sky. When they catch a glimpse of its outline in the distance, their faces relax into an appreciating “Ahhh…”

A few hours north, Vancouver is buffeted by mountains and one of the most familiar is Grouse Mountain, rising 4,100 feet above the city. A sky ride carries the curious and dedicated (skiers, that is) up to a clearing near the top. Adrenaline junkies looking for a challenge can choose the Grouse Grind instead, foregoing the gondola and hiking the distance. Either way, the view is as compelling as it is humbling. Self-importance dissolves at the foot of towering pine trees and prominent peaks jutting into heaven. The air is thinner. The bears, in their natural habitat, reign.
Perched on a mountainside, a mere speck along a tangle of untamed wildlife and uninhibited tree growth, it seems much easier to understand the sovereignty of God; His mighty power evident all around. Bigger than the breadth of a mountain, higher than the most skyward summit, He is stronger and more capable than all of the creation He spoke into being.

I travel to the mountains because it comforts me. In their shadows, I become smaller and God becomes much bigger. As I look up, I am embraced by the beauty, the grandeur, the fierceness of His presence. With a deep breath, I exhale.

A Bright Star in Michigan

Among Michigan’s many treasures is my friend and critique partner, LYNDA SCHAB, who just signed a contract for her debut novel, Mind Over Madi. Lynda’s book, to be released by Oak Tara Publishing, will be the first in a 3-book chic-lit series.

CONGRATULATIONS, LYNDA!

For most writers, the road to publication is loooong and bumpy. See what Lynda has to say about her writing journey and her first book.

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COOKBOOK.


What have you learned through this writing journey?

LS - Oh, wow. The biggest thing I've learned is patience. The path to publication is long and winding. There have been so many times I've wondered why God wasn't making things happen faster. I've wanted to rush things along. I've even been tempted to quit because of frustration. But, looking back, every tiny victory, every narrow door that opened, was a necessary step that directly led me to where I am now. Not that I've arrived, of course. I have a loooong way to go, but I've learned that God's timing is rarely my own.

Can we get a sneak peak at the plot?

LS - Here's a little "back cover blurb" I've put together:
All men cheat. At least, that’s what Madi’s mother has always told her. That fact is confirmed when Madi suspects her husband of having an affair with the mother of one of his 4th grade students. When, in a heated moment, Madi asks him to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues she has tried to avoid. Issues of love and trust that trail back to her childhood. Will counseling, a determination to not turn out like her bitter and unforgiving mother, and an emotional confrontation with the “other woman” help Madi to realize there is Someone who always has her on His mind, even when it seems she’s lost her own?

How much of Lynda is in Madi?

LS - Probably too much! To be honest, Madi's story is (very loosely) based on my own. I've certainly experienced my share of insecurities for some of the same reasons Madi has. Also, like Madi, I constantly have a battle going on in my mind, I have a sarcastic sense of humor, and I'm addicted to computer games and chocolate.

My hope is that Mind over Madi will offer women a real yet humorous look at how our insecurities can affect our relationships with family, friends, and God. I also hope this story will leave readers with a knowledge and assurance that God loves us. That grace abounds, despite our weaknesses, our past mistakes or, as Madi would say, out moron-ness.

Release date?

LS - I wish I knew. The contract has been signed and I'm waiting for the editor to contact me with all of the juicy details. Can't be soon enough for me!

As a Michigan native, can you share with us some great places to visit in your home state?

LS - I know I'm biased, but Michigan is the most beautiful state in America. There are so many options...Perhaps the most recognizable tourist spot is Mackinac Island, described as the natural theme park of America. It's historic, relaxing, and gorgeous. We went last year as a family and can't wait to go back.

An interesting fact about Michigan is that we have more than 11,000 inland lakes. At any given point in Michigan, you are never more than 6 miles from an inland lake or more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. A few remarkable beaches can be found in Grand Haven, Ludington, Traverse City, and Holland - which also boasts wonderful Dutch heritage. There's also South Haven, where Mind over Madi is set. South Haven is a huge tourist draw because of its beaches and recreational harbor.

How about a favorite recipe?


LS - I have tons of favorite recipes and they all belong to restaurants. I'll admit I don't cook a lot (nor do I enjoy it all that much), but I try to cook something edible so we can sit down together as a family at least once a week. My family's favorite recipe is not-so-creatively titled, Chicken Casserole, but I have to say it is delicious. Plus, it makes a ton so there are usually left-overs, which is nice. I also make this dish for large family gatherings and it always gets rave reviews.

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

5-6 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
16 oz. macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
Steamed / cooked carrots
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
3 T. Margarine
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Prepare macaroni and drain. In saucepan, melt margarine. Add soup, milk and cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni, cheese mixture, chicken, carrots, salt and pepper. Pour into a 3-quart casserole dish (I use the Pampered Chef big stone bowl). Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.


Thank you, Lynda! I can’t wait to see Mind Over Madi in print.

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COOKBOOK.

Michigan's Treasure

Saugatuck – with a name like that, how can it be anything but great? We visited Saugatuck, Michigan a couple of years ago on our annual Mother’s Day trip, which never actually takes place on Mother’s Day. Let me explain. Each year, my sister and I give my mother a two-night trip as her Mother’s Day gift. Our challenge is to find places that are within a 4-hour drive of the Chicago area. After we’d been to Lake Geneva, Galena and Amish Acres in Indiana, I remembered a friend raving about Saugatuck.

A little Internet research led me to the Beachway Resort and Hotel. Loved the name -- loved the location even more. Beachway is situated between downtown Saugatuck and Lake Michigan, overlooking the Saugatuck Harbor, where you can board the only hand-cranked chain ferry in the U.S. It only takes about 15 minutes to cross the Harbor into charming downtown Saugatuck, where quaint shops, art galleries and a variety of restaurants await.

For beach lovers like me, there’s something even better about staying at the Beachway (and I quote from the Beachway site) “it is the closest hotel to Lake Michigan's award-winning Oval Beach.”

What makes Oval Beach award winning? Check it out, and you won’t wonder for another minute. This Lake Michigan stretch of sand feels and looks like the most beautiful Florida beach you can imagine. Endless miles of sand and water, a sand dune high enough to experience panoramic views of Saugatuck and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. And no…Beachway did not pay me for this blog. And no…it’s not the Taj Mahal of hotels. Just a nice, clean family-run resort/hotel with a fantastic, family-friendly vacation or a great place for a couple’s or friends’ getaway. There are many other great places to stay in Saugatuck, as well. Check them out at www.saugatuck.com/lodging/lodging_index.asp.

Nothing says Michigan like cherries. Check out this delicious pie recipe.

Star-Spangled Cherry Pie with Crumble Topping

• 4 c. tart cherries, frozen or fresh
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 3 T. quick-cooking tapioca
• 1/2 t. almond extract
• Pastry for one-crust 9-inch pie
• 2 T. butter or margarine

Crumble Topping:
• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
• 1 c. flour

In a medium bowl, combine cherries, sugar, tapioca and almond extract and mix well (it is not necessary to thaw frozen cherries before using). Let cherry mix stand for 15 minutes.
Line a nine-inch pie plate with pastry and fill with cherry mixture. Dot with 2 Tbs. butter.

To make crumble topping, combine 1/2 c. soft butter, brown sugar and flour in a small bowl and mix until crumbly. Top cherry filling with crumble topping and bake in preheated 400° oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Note: Two cans (16 oz. each) well-drained unsweetened tart cherries can be substituted for frozen or fresh cherries.

Tip: If freezing your own cherries, arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet after pitting. Freeze until solid to prevent cherries from clumping together, then bag.

Sunny Sicily and Book Winner

Just returned from an amazing week in Sicily with my sister, Patt, where breathtaking beauty, both natural and manmade, filled my busy days. Before I launch into Sicily, however; I want to thank everyone who stopped by to read Patti Lacy’s interview.

The winner of Patti’s recent release, The Rhythm of Secrets, is ANN LEE MILLER.

Congratulations, Ann! Please send me your snail mail address at susan.miura@yahoo.com.

Back to the trip. As the plane descended, an island of mountains rose from the sea. Finally, all the books and Google images were about to become reality. The first couple of days were spent in Palermo, Sicily’s capital, where everyone drives teeny cars or motorcycles inches apart from each other, miraculously avoiding accidents. Traffic signs are viewed as mere suggestions. Note to self: never, ever drive in Palermo. For this reason and many others, I was happy to have a tour guide, and happier still that our group numbered only six.

Our hotel faced an apartment building from which laundry hung from every banister, just like you’d imagine. Couldn’t resist snapping a few shots.

While staying in Palermo, we visited two cathedrals in the Monreale area, built by the Normans who conquered Sicily when it was occupied by the Greeks. The Greeks had built enormous temples to their gods, which the Christian Normans destroyed. The used some of the pillars and other parts to build churches, decorated with magnificent mosaics and statues. Walking into these cathedrals filled me with awe and a sense of peace. Photos could never truly reflect the wonder of these masterpieces.

Our first lunch on our own served as an interesting lesson in Sicilian dining. On the plus side: meals are beyond delicious, made with fresh ingredients, colorful, masterfully seasoned. Desserts: Mama Mia! Creative and vibrant, rich with ricotta, mascarpone, almonds, pistachios and fruit, often artfully decorated with marzipan. Wonderfully decadent! On the flip side, you are charged a sitting fee (usually $2 or $3 per person, depending on the location) and always charged for water, which is room temperature. Waiters tend to leave you alone once the meal is served, so if you need anything….oh well.

If you visit Sicily, don’t miss a visit to Erice, a mountaintop village with an amazing view of the coast and a castle dedicated to Venus, as well as a lovely church. Narrow winding streets are lined with artsy shops selling ceramics, souvenirs and more. A quaint square (piazza) is surrounded by cafés and pastry shops with tempting cannoli shells waiting to be filled upon request. A visit to Erice transports you to another world, another time. Put it on your bucket list.
That’s probably enough on Sicily for one post. Stay tuned for a few more sights, tastes and photos, along with a recipe, next week.

Women's Secrets Unveiled

Before I head off to Sicily, I'd like to introduce you to my great friend and mentor -- one of God's amazing blessings in my life! (Stay tuned for Sicily pics in 10 days.)

Got a secret? Who doesn’t? Author Patti Lacy knows us women have pretty interesting stories tucked away in our pasts. And some, as she has found, make great novels…with a little embellishment, of course.

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF PATTI’S NEWEST RELEASE: THE RHYTHM OF SECRETS!

Patti launched her writing career with a trip to Ireland to research a friend’s story. The result? An Irishwoman’s Tale, released in 2008. Next it was on to Louisiana, a trip that produced What the Bayou Saw. She travelled to China for Reclaiming Lily, to be released in October. But let’s talk about the here and now. Patti’s newest title, The Rhythm of Secrets, was released in January. Look for my review of this excellent read coming soon to Faithfulreader.com. In the meantime, here's a synopsis:

Sheila Franklin has masqueraded as the precocious daughter of avant-garde parents in colorful 1940s New Orleans, a teen desperate for love and acceptance, and an unwed mother sent North with her shame. After marrying Edward, Sheila artfully masks her secrets, allowing Edward to gain prominence as a conservative pastor. When one phone call from a disillusioned Vietnam veteran destroys her cover, Sheila faces an impossible choice: save her son and his beloved…or imperil Edward’s ambitions. Inspired by a true story, THE RHYTHM OF SECRETS intermingles jazz, classical, and sacred music in a symphony trumpeting God’s grace.

Welcome Patti! First, I have to say I devoured The Rhythm of Secrets from cover to cover and loved every word. What did you do and where did you go to research this one?

Susan, I spanned the world—through the real-life story of Sandy Sperrazza, which I read in the Chicago Tribune. Then I let my fingers do the dialing—God got me in touch with octogenarian N’Awlins gardeners, a fireman, a tour guide—all kinds of folks chipped in on this one. Did I mention doctors? Nurses? Car aficionados? My coup de grace came when a local ISU professor, of Thai birth, plopped himself into my story and practically coauthored the chapters set over in Southeast Asia. Susan, it really does, at least in my case, take a village to support an author! You can just glance at my acknowledgments and see what I’m talkin’ about!

Here’s something I’ve always wanted to know about a Patti Lacy book: How much fact vs. fiction? And how do you decide?

The story just kinda writes itself. I start with that snippet of a story that captures my mind—in this case a mother, holding her baby just that one time—for the length of a cab ride—and see if I can fit other “narratives,” either from other real-life people, from my own past, or just little floating gray brain imaginations! What kind of feedback have you received from the women whose stories you’ve told? They all still talk to me!!!! Actually, at least two of them would rather not read the books. Isn’t that kinda weird? They say the memories are just too painful.

Can we get a sneak peek at the plot of Reclaiming Lily?

Two women. Two cultures. One child. When a deadly disease strikes the Wang family, Harvard graduate Dr. Kai Chang must alert Lily, the sister Kai left on orphanage steps nine years earlier. Standing in her way is Gloria Powell, a Fort Worth pastor's wife who distrusts Kai and thinks her entry into Lily's life will send the troubled seventeen-year-old over the precipice of teenaged angst. A Texas-sized tornado whirls about the meeting place of the Changs and Powells as tempers and cultures collide. Can Kai, Gloria, and Joy reconcile their differences, surrender their dreams, and allow God to implement a plan that provides supernatural, unbelievable joy?

What’s next on the Patti Lacy horizon?

I’m working on a series set in my home town, Normal, Illinois, the first book tentatively titled Below Normal. A church friend inspired my fifth and sixth books. Stay tuned for more!

Do you have a Thai recipe to share with Taste the World readers?

Can you believe that the day I’m working on these questions, we are going to Thai House, which we consider one of Bloomington-Normal’s best restaurants. I LOVE their papaya salad, their soups—really, all of their dishes. We eat family style and share good eats so at least three or four tastes whet our appetites for exotic and tasty! If you’re a novice in the world of Thai cuisine, start off with Pad Thai. You CANNOT go wrong. Pad Thai can be made vegetarian, with chicken, or with shrimp. We like shrimp best!

PAD THAI

Prep Time: 30 minutes -- SERVES 4

Ingredients:

16 oz. Thai rice noodles (linguini width)

2 cups raw or cooked shrimp, shells removed

2 shallots (OR 1/2 cup purple onion), finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 fresh red chilies (or as much as you like!), finely sliced

1 egg

2 cups bean sprouts

1/4 tsp. ground white pepper (OR substitute black pepper)

6 green onions, sliced finely

1/2 cup fresh coriander/cilantro

1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, ground or chopped

2-3 Tbsp. oil for stir-frying (coconut, peanut, corn, sunflower, or canola are all good)

3 Tbsp. chicken stock

Wedges of lime for serving

PAD THAI SAUCE: 2 Tbsp. tamarind paste (available at Asian/Indian food stores) · 1/2 cup hot water · 4 Tbsp. fish sauce (available in tall bottles at Asian food stores) · 1-3 tsp. chili sauce (to taste), OR 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried crushed chili · 3 Tbsp. palm sugar OR brown sugar

Preparation: 1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, then remove from heat. Dunk in the rice noodles. Soak the noodles until soft enough to eat, but still firm and a little "crunchy". Drain and rinse the noodles thoroughly with cold water. Set aside. Tip:Avoid over-softening the noodles at this point, as they will be fried later, and you want them to turn out chewy, not soggy. 2. In a small bowl or cup, dissolve the tamarind paste in the hot water. Then add the other Pad Thai Sauce ingredients (fish sauce, chili, and brown sugar). Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Add as much or as little chili sauce as you prefer, but don't skimp on the sugar - it is needed to balance out the sourness of the tamarind. Set aside. 3. Warm a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tbsp. oil and swirl around, then add the shallots, garlic, and chili. Stir-fry 1 minute. 4. Add the shrimp plus 2-3 Tbsp. chicken stock. Stir-fry 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and plump. (If using cooked shrimp, only stir-fry 1 minute.) 5. Push ingredients aside, making room in the center of your wok/pan. Add another 1 Tbsp. oil, then crack in the egg. Stir-fry to scramble (30 seconds to 1 minute). 6. Add the drained noodles and drizzle over the pad thai sauce. Use 2 utensils and a gentle "tossing" motion to combine everything together (like tossing a salad). Keep the heat between medium and medium-high - you want your pan hot enough to cook the noodles, but not so hot that the noodles burns. Stir-fry 4-5 minutes. 7. Add the bean sprouts and continue stir-frying 1 more minute, or until noodles are chewy-delicious and a little bit sticky. 8. Remove from heat and taste-test, adding more fish sauce until desired taste is achieved (I usually add another 1-2 Tbsp). 9. Sprinkle over the white pepper, onion, coriander, and peanuts, and garnish with lime wedges (these should be squeezed over before eating). Toss one more time and serve. Thai chili sauce can also be served on the side if desired. ENJOY!

Alluring Aruba Part II

Come and experience more of Aruba, where you’ll discover a windmill, the island nation’s natural wonders and a sanctuary for some adorable hooved natives.

De Oude Molen is an old windmill first built in 1804 in Holland, then shipped to Aruba in pieces. It was later reconstructed and features a decent restaurant—moderately priced--that specializes in continental dining.

The once popular Natural Bridge, unfortunately, is no more. This unusual phenomenon collapsed in September, 2005 (too many tourists, me thinks), but its remains are still interesting to see. The bridge was a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf, and spanned more than 100 feet.

The Cura di Tortuga is a secret (yeah, right), hidden Natural Pool on the windward coast. It is surrounded by rocks and some of Aruba's most rugged terrain – definitely off the beaten path, making it even more worthwhile. Many come here to dive from the rock cliffs into the protected pool of ocean water.

And finally…The Donkey Sanctuary! Is this guy cute or what??? The non-profit sanctuary was founded in 1997 and is run by volunteers. Their mission: Save the Donkeys! Although not originally native to Aruba, they have existed there for 500 years, starting out as a primary form of transportation. The Donkey Sanctuary is located just northwest of the Natural Pool.

Like fish? Here’s another recipe from Aruba:

KERI KERI

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh, firm, boneless, white-flesh fish fillet
1 quart water
1 tablespoon salt
1 celery stalk, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
4 tablespoons margarine
1/4 teaspoon annatto powder (can usually be found in the Mexican foods section of the grocery store. Also known as Achiote powder. Can substitute turmeric. I think paprika would also suffice.)
Freshly ground black pepper

In a large saucepan, boil fish in salted water for 20 minutes. Remove fish and flake. Saute celery, bell pepper, onion and basil leaves in margarine for 3 minutes, stirring. Add flaked fish and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in annatto powder and freshly ground pepper.

Cruising Around New Zealand

Many thanks to fellow-traveler Karen Robbins, my guest blogger for today. Unlike me, Karen has actually been to New Zealand! Read about her adventure, then stop by and visit her blog at http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com/.

Green fields spotted with white lambs. Rocky coastal areas with albatross, soaring above. Towns reminiscent of Scottish heritage. Dramatic cliffs rising from the sea protecting harbors of quiet waters and lush green foliage. A city vibrant with the enthusiasm of a great sailing event. These are the things I remember most from our visit to New Zealand.

Our trip to New Zealand, the land of the Kiwi, was back in 2000. It was a Millennium Cruise that began in Auckland in January—the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere. The first round eliminations for the Americas Cup were being conducted and we enjoyed watching the activity as the large sailboats came into the harbor after the races and crews rushed to get them out of the water and cover the keels least someone should copy their secret design.

We stayed one night in Auckland before boarding a Princess Cruise ship to begin our cruise down the east coast of New Zealand and over to Australia. It was a wonderful way to get an introduction to the country.

Our first stop was in the Bay of Islands to the north of Auckland. We anchored in the middle of them and took an excursion in a smaller boat around several interesting natural formations and explored a bit of Urupukapuka Island where Zane Gray is said to have stayed when he came to fish in the area. Serene and exotic, I can imagine he was inspired whether the fish were biting or not.

The Maoris named our next stop Tauranga which means “resting place for canoes.” This was one of the first places the Maoris arrived in New Zealand. In 1769, Captain Cook arrived. His reception here was a little calmer than some of the other places he explored. We had a full day as we explored the Roturura Lake countryside with stops to see some of the wildlife represented at a farm/zoo. The elusive kiwi bird was only a stuffed specimen since the kiwi are entirely night creatures and very shy. At the sheep farm, we watched a demonstration of sheep dogs at work and farmers sheering wool.

At a Maori Village, we were immersed in their culture as we participated in a meal that had been cooked in a fire pit (or so we were told). Pork, sweet potatoes, and all sorts of local produce were arranged in pots at a buffet-style lunch. The Maoris have a strange custom that the men perform. To make themselves look fierce and scare enemies away, they stick their tongues out. We tried not to giggle.

The town of Napier is known for their wool production. Wool was the number one industry in New Zealand for a long time but has since been replaced by tourism. At a nearby sheep farm and processing plane, we watched the sheering, cleaning, dyeing and processing of the sheep skins.
Our last stop on the north island of New Zealand was Wellington, the capital of the country and the birthplace of writer, Katherine Mansfield, who seemed from the literature we read to be a kind of Virginia Wolf personality. She lived from 1888 – 1923. Large red pom-pom type blooms graced tree branches throughout the city’s gardens. They called it the New Zealand Christmas tree because it always blooms around that time of year.

Christchurch, about a third of the way down the east coast of the south island is described as the most English city outside England. Its gardens, 19th century architecture, and antique trams give the city a quaint feeling of Victorian England. The port town of Littleton was easily explored on foot and the harbor area we toured by boat, gave us pastoral scenes of green hills dotted with sheep. Christchurch is also one of the places from which Antarctic exploration teams leave for their tours of duty.

Originally a Presbyterian Scottish settlement, Dunedin, the city located at the head of the Otago harbor maintains its Scottish ambience. While the city is a delight to explore, I found the harbor even more so. It abounds with wildlife. We saw seals, little blue penguins, cormorants, terns, and the big attraction, the albatross. These birds were amazing with a huge wing span that made them look like small jet planes in the air. We were not allowed near the nesting area but from our perch on the sight-seeing boat, we could see a ranger sitting next to one of the large birds. The ranger was probably about six feet tall but sitting, he was smaller than the albatross.

The southernmost part of New Zealand was the most spectacular of the coast line that we saw. We spent a day cruising through Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and into Milford Sound, the most spectacular of the fjords. When we stopped to pick up some passengers who had done an overland/overnight excursion, we could see in the distance snow capped mountains.

As we turned and cruised into the twilight, out toward the Tasman Sea, we bid farewell to the beauty and serenity of New Zealand with a promise to return to the land of the Kiwi.

Land of the Kiwi

Let’s go under the Land Down Under to an almost surreal place of lush rainforests, steaming volcanoes, breathtaking beaches and bigger-than-life fiords. New Zealand is roughly the size of Colorado, but it’s amazing scenery and unusual creatures make it a popular destination for playing, relaxing and thrill-seeking.

The photo at left is Mt. Tongariro, one of three active volcanoes that dominate the landscape of the North Island. It's dramatic beauty made it the perfect spot to shoot parts of the Lord of the Rings triology! I heard parts of Jurassic Park were filmed there as well...or somewhere in NZ.

About a quarter of the country is forested and, thank goodness, protected from exploitation. Let’s hope it stays that way. Only about 4 million people call New Zealand home, making it one of the world’s least crowded countries. If you’re looking for peace, quiet, wide open spaces or deep, dense forests with ginormous ferns...this is the place to go.

Stop by next week for the scoop on places to stay, things to do and a bit about this small country's unusual wildlife. For now, take a look at this New Zealand recipe that would make a perfect Halloween dinner! (And don't worry about trying to find New Zealand pumpkins -- good old American pumpkins work just fine.)

DINNER IN A PUMPKIN
Printed from COOKS.COM
________________________________________
2 med. size New Zealand pumpkins
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 round onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
Minced garlic
1 1/2 lb. ground beef, turkey or chicken
1 lg. can sliced mushrooms
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 tbsp. shoyu (soy sauce)
2 tbsp. brown or raw sugar
1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, chopped
1 1/2 c. cooked rice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash pumpkins; cut a round hole on top of each pumpkin and use as a cover while baking. Remove seeds and pulp. Set pumpkins aside.
Saute onion, celery and garlic in oil; add ground meat and brown well. Drain excess fat. Add mushrooms, soup, shoyu and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water chestnuts and cooked rice. Spoon half of mixture in one pumpkin shell and the other half in second pumpkin shell. Place on baking sheet and bake 1 hour or until pumpkin meat is fork tender. Remove and serve hot, scooping out filling as well as pumpkin meat.

Whirlwind Weekend in Indy

Four days at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Indianapolis left my head spinning, but definitely in a GOOD way! The whole experience was a God-given gift, filled with learning, laughter, seeing old friends, meeting new ones, worshipping together and pitching my book to editors. Once again, my sister Patt joined me for the conference. Her presence is always the icing on the cake. Our keynote speaker was Tim Downs, an amazing author who is funny, inspirational and encouraging. We each received a copy of his new book, Wonders Never Cease. Can't wait to read it!

The Hyatt Regency was beautiful and the food was fabulous, especially if you like asparagus, which was served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mostly breakfast -- go figure.

And now...the photos. I will attempt to put these in order, but I suspect when I post it they will no longer be in order, so good luck placing names and faces!

Top row, from left to right: 1. Me and my wonderful agent, Terry Burns; 2. Pam Meyers, Donn Taylor and Susan Lyttek; 3. Normandie Ward Fischer and Roger Bruner. Second row: 1. A nice person I met but didn't get her name, Bonnie Calhoun, Terry Burns; 2. My amazing sister, Patt Nicholls; 3. Suzanne Hartmann and Bill Garrison.

Check out this recipe for creme brulee, which was served at the Sunday night awards banquet. It was topped with a cookie (pecan sandy, I believe) half dipped in chocolate. Yum!

Creme Brulee

(Recipe from Alton Brown of Food Network's Good Eats)

1 quart heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 cup vanilla sugar, divided
6 large egg yolks
2 quarts hot water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Place the cream, vanilla bean and its pulp into a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean and reserve for another use.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and the egg yolks until well blended and it just starts to lighten in color. Add the cream a little at a time, stirring continually. Pour the liquid into 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins into a large cake pan or roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake just until the creme brulee is set, but still trembling in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.

Remove the creme brulee from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to browning the sugar on top. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar equally among the 6 dishes and spread evenly on top. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Allow the creme brulee to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Two Great Books - One Great State

Wonderful, wild, woodsy Wisconsin is one of my favorite states – maybe because of so many great vacation memories with family and friends. I love the big sky, the cornfields and cow pastures, the broken down barns. Lakes and rivers abound, and oh, when the sun sets over a Wisconsin lake, it looks like a little piece of Heaven. And here’s a confession, I even love the tacky, touristy, Water Park Capital of the World. Yep, Wisconsin Dells, with its endless shops full of tee-shirts, Indian moccasins, wooden boxes, fudge and cheese, has a special place in my heart.

Today I’d like to introduce an author whose debut novel is set in Wisconsin. Cynthia Ruchti’s first book, They Almost Always Come Home, is catching rave reviews nationwide and beyond. The plot revolves around Libby and Greg, whose marriage is sputtering in the wake of their daughter's death, for which Greg is responsible. Libby considers leaving, until she is faced with the prospect of becoming a widow when Greg fails to return from a solo trip to the Canadian wilderness. Libby enlists the help of her father-in-law and best friend as she searches for Greg. What the trio discovers topples Libby’s presumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.

In addition to her novel, Cynthia also has a novella in a 4-author collection titled A Door County Christmas, also set in Wisconsin, which just released on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Here’s Amazon’s description:

Peer behind the closed doors of a Wisconsin tourist town gone dormant for the winter season. Watch as the drama and romance start to heat up—just as Lola the innkeeper promised her four single friends a year ago when she gifted them with her prayers and a Christmas cactus. Will each woman find love—along with cactus blooms—as promised?

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A COPY OF A DOOR COUNTY CHRISTMAS! (And check out my next post for more about beautiful Door County, located on a peninsula in northeast Wisconsin.)

And now, meet Cynthia!

Q. They Almost Always Come Home is quite a success story, but writers know these dreams don’t come true overnight. How long have you been trying to get it published?

A. For 31 years, I’ve written short bits of fiction for the radio drama/devotional program The Heartbeat of the Home. But it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I seriously pursued the idea of writing a complete novel or novella. When I attended ACFW’s (then ACRW) first national conference in Kansas City, the pursuit kicked into higher gear. That was in 2002. In 2008, this project—They Almost Always Come Home—was a Genesis Contest finalist. Within a month after receiving that honor, the project was contracted with Abingdon Press Fiction. Because of the subject matter of the story, I’d have to say I’ve been working on the plot for all of my married life!

Q. What is the message you’re hoping readers get from your book?

A. Although the story is driven by the characters and their adventures, both emotional and physical, a breeze blows through each scene. It smells like hope. It caresses wounded souls. It glows in the dark. It whispers the words, “Take another look.” At life. At love. At marriage. At faith. At friendship.

Q. That answer is certainly a testament to your writing skills. It's no wonder the book is a success! A Door County Christmas just released a few days ago. What are your hopes for it and what is next on your writing agenda?

A. I can picture A Door County Christmas (Barbour Publishing Christmas novella collection with Eileen Key, Rachael Phillips, and Becky Melby) as a fun hostess gift, Christmas present, thank you for a teacher or Sunday school teacher, or even a Joy-to-the-World gift for a friend or secret pal. Each of the four stories celebrates the wonder of humor, the delight of a great setting, the fact that we’re all “characters,” and the awe of the Savior’s birth. It’s style is far more lighthearted than They Almost Always Come Home, but I hope my readers find the same “voice” in both books…and those yet to come. I’m waiting word on a couple of projects that are dear to my heart.

Q. Do you have a favorite recipe to share with Taste the World followers?

A. My husband and I planted blueberries in our Wisconsin yard a couple of years ago. They’ll soon yield enough of a harvest to make one of my favorite easy recipes. It’s as refreshing as an iced dessert.

BLUEBERRY DELIGHT

In a custard cup, put a half cup of blueberries (fresh are great, but frozen are even better). Drop a generous tablespoon of sour cream on top of the berries. Sprinkle with a teaspoon or more of brown sugar (dark brown sugar deepens the flavor). That’s it. There’s something about the cool berries, the smooth sour cream, and the sweetening of the brown sugar that meld into lusciousness. Blueberry DEEEEE-light!

Thank you, Cynthia. It has been a pleasure to virtually meet you! Can't wait to see you in flesh-n-blood at the ACFW conference.

Learn more about Cynthia and her books on these websites:

www.cynthiaruchti.com
www.hopethatglowsinthedark.com

Dreaming of Seychelles

Exotic Seychelles, located off the coast of East Africa, is the ninth smallest country in the world. A pilot friend of mine once referred to it as Europe’s Hawaii, and said its dramatic geography takes your breath away. From the photos I’ve seen, he’s right!

Seychelles (pronounced say shells) is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Just over 80,000 people call these islands home. Most of the islands are granitic (a new word for me). They have huge granite boulders like those seen in the photo. These boulders, combined with the lovely sand, colorful flowers and pristine waters combine to make Seychelles’ beaches among the most stunning in the world.

As you might imagine, Seychelles is a diver’s paradise. The island reefs are blessed with prolific marine life including Butterfly, Angel and Soldier fish, as well as octopus, spiny lobster and a plethora of nudibranchs, such as the Spanish Dancer (see photo). Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of a nudibranch. I’m a diver and wasn’t familiar with the term either. It’s a shell-less mollusk, like a snail without a shell. They can be flat or rounded like a worm and come in amazingly brilliant colors.

The land has many types of wildlife as well. In fact, the island of Aldabra has the largest population of giant tortoises in the world. Amidst the islands you’ll also find some of the rarest flora and fauna on Earth!

All this writing is making me hungry. Time to turn to FOOD! Here’s a great banana-type dessert for those of you with a sweet tooth. (The black things in the photo are vanilla pods.)

Daube de Banane

Ingredients:
* 1 vanilla pod, split
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 ½ cups coconut milk
3 cinnamon sticks
3 large ripe plantains
3 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. salt

Peel the plantains, cut in half and then half again lengthwise. Place the cinnamon leaves or sticks in the bottom of a pan. Place the cut plantains on top (with the cut side uppermost) then sprinkle the sugar, salt and nutmeg powder on top. Add the split vanilla pod (see note) then cover with the coconut milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for a further 35 minutes. Arrange on a plate and serve.

*Note: I don’t know how easy it is to find a vanilla pod in U.S. stores. I may be tempted to substitute a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Breathtaking Belgium

Beautiful Belgium is the setting for a new release by Maureen Lang, author of 7 books including one of my favorites, My Sister Dilly. (Check it out, you won’t be sorry!) Slated for publication next month, Whisper on the Wind takes place in Brussels at the height of World War I. A small, underground newspaper is the only way for the frightened people of this occupied city to receive news of the war, but publishing it is a dangerous pursuit for Edward Kirkland. When Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite, tries to rescue him, she is drawn into his world, as well as his heart.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN WHISPER ON THE WIND, LEAVE A COMMENT.

Note from Maureen: Technically Whisper on the Wind is the second book in The Great War series, but after deciding to take the cover art for the series in a new direction, we’ve pulled the first book, Look to the East (winner of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest and finalist in the Carol Award). So for the time being Look to the East isn’t available, at least until we design a new cover -- but it will be re-released late next year after Springtime of the Spirit, the next book in the series. Each book is an entirely independent read with a new set of characters, making all of this possible. I guess you might call Look to the East with its upcoming new look the 3rd book and this one, Whisper on the Wind, the new first!

Q. Maureen, did you travel to Brussels to research this book? If so, please tell us a bit about the city and some of your favorite spots.

A. I was thrilled to go to Belgium a couple of years ago when I was in the editing phase of writing this book. Walking the same steps my characters would have walked was unbelievably exciting! But it was also practical, because it gave me such a strong sense of “place.” History is a huge factor over there, and they certainly haven’t forgotten this period. There is a number of WWI monuments, and the people we spoke to very knowledgeable about what went on during the First World War (1914-1918). So much of their country was occupied, and so many battles were fought on their land—so many lives lost—that they will probably never forget.

I have so many favorite memories of my trip there, but I would have to say one of my favorite spots was the center of Brussels, the Grand Place. In my story, the Germans make their headquarters right here. It was easy to imagine the sound of German boots on the cobble stone, lines of soldiers snaking through the narrow arteries leading to this lovely square—so full of dramatic history. I loved it, and from the pictures I’m sure you can see why.

Speaking of how the Belgians recall First World War history, this is a picture of the Menin Gate in the city of Ypres (pronounced E-pra but I also heard it called “Eeps” by at least one local). Every single night of the year they gather to remember those who gave their lives on Belgian soil to defend Belgian’s right to independence. A ceremony every night of the year! Buglers play, soldiers march, and descendants of those who died place a wreath of poppies on the monument. It’s incredibly moving.

Q. How many books will there be in The Great War series? Do you have them all planned out?

A. As mentioned above, we’ve done a bit of juggling so Whisper on the Wind unveils the new look for the series. The next book is titled Springtime of the Spirit and is set just after the war has ended, and then we’ll backtrack to Look to the East with its new look (yet to be designed). So there will be a total of three books in the series, each book containing a stand-alone story.

Q. Tell us about the main characters in Whisper on the Wind. Why is Edward willing to risk his life to publish the newspaper, and what is Isa’s motivation for rescuing him?

A. Although my character Edward wasn’t born in Belgium, it’s been his homeland for most of his life. When Germany invades Belgium on its way to conquer France, Edward wants to join the fight—but not being a citizen, he’s prevented from joining the small Belgian army. Germany, of course, completely overwhelms the Belgians and one of the first things the Germans do is take over all of the newspapers. Edward joins a small group of patriotic Belgians to produce a lone voice of opposition, one that gives the Belgian people hope and basically thumbs its nose against the German army. What makes this story so special to me is that it’s based on an actual newspaper of the time, La Libre Belgique (Free Belgium) which is still in print today.

In the story, my heroine Isa was taken to America just before the German invasion, and it takes her two years to smuggle herself back into the occupied country to bring Edward and his mother out. But while Edward wants his mother to go, he refuses to leave because he won’t give up working on the paper. It’s dangerous and few people will risk so much for it Isa soon wants to join him. Of course, being the heroine, she won’t take no for an answer. Together they risk their lives to offer hope to an occupied country, and Edward finally sees Isa for what she is: all grown up and in love with him. It doesn’t take Edward long to realize just how grown up —and irresistible — she is.

Q. Can we get a sneak peak at the next book in the series?

A. As I mentioned, Springtime of the Spirit is the title of the next book, which will release in the spring of 2011. Being German myself, I’ve always wanted to write a book where the Germans are finally the sympathetic characters. At this time in history, just before the brief German Weimar Republic was established, all of Germany was in terrible turmoil. They basically had to redefine what kind of government they wanted, and as with many power shifts of history, this one came with bloodshed. Basically my heroine is torn between a communist revolutionary and a soldier who only wants what’s best for her—but because of the guilt she carries from her father’s war profiteering, she isn’t sure which man can bring her happiness—each with such different politics and faith. The story was not only a fun challenge to write, but I learned a lot!

To find out more about Maureen Lang and her books, go to www.maureenlang.com.

Q. Do you have a Belgium recipe to share with Taste the World readers?

A. I found this recipe online, and added some notes and modification. It’s certainly tasty, but in the end I did have a little trouble cutting the slices. I admit I’ve never called myself a great cook, and I firmly believe there is an art to candy making (a gift I evidently don’t have!). But I thought the name was so fun I had to share!

Blood Sausage Candy
1 pound of milk chocolate (I used Dove because that’s my favorite)
1 square of unsweetened baker’s chocolate
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla, but use 1½ if using imitation flavoring
1 cup chopped nuts, I used regular peanuts for a familiar candy-bar flavor but if you have a favorite type of nut, go with that
2 cups powdered sugar, approximately

Melt chocolates together; years ago I lost my double-boiler in a move, so I improvised and just used two different-sized sauce pans. In the larger one I added some water, then placed the smaller pan on top, one big enough to fit like a double boiler (so the water won’t bubble up around it or get into the chocolate). The size of your small pan will tell you how much water to use; the point is you don’t want it to boil over the sides. It doesn’t take much to provide the heat you need to melt the chocolate. And of course, if you have a double boiler, so much the better!

In a separate bowl beat the egg and add to melted chocolates. Add the teaspoon of vanilla, nuts, and powdered sugar. Mix in enough powdered sugar to make the dough soft, but not sticky, and not so much that it’s dry (or it will crumble when you cut it later). Hand mixing (literally) to work in the powdered sugar works best.

Roll into logs, about an inch around. Roll into wax paper and refrigerate until firm. Slice thinly or into bite sized chunks. Can be frozen. Laugh over the name, then enjoy!