On the Road again….

Someone said the “S” word…snow; then they said the “I” word…ice. Snow and ice are forecast along the route I will travel today. Leaving Atlanta is precarious on the best day. Traveling becomes ridiculously complicated when the roads are wet and the clouds threaten to spit frozen balls on your windshield.

I would be lying if I said I’m not nervous. Readers of this blog know that above everything else, I am honest when baring my emotions.

To be selected as a Pulpwood Queen pick is a dream. Few meet her standards. While some believe my life as an author is glamorous, in reality I am just like any other person who must travel away from their family. Being an author is hard work…very hard work. I have never been this far away from my family and we are all hurting even before I pull away from the house. The weather does little to ease any apprehension.

Perhaps that is why the Good Lord placed Ann Hite in my path. It’s not popular these days to suffer separation anxiety while away from your family. In fact, most people relish the opportunity for a night out. But for me a night out is best enjoyed with loved ones. I spend enough time alone, inside, just the computer and my characters who oft refuse to share their stories.

That being said, Ann and I are torn. Yes we will miss our family, but our readers are also family. We love meeting them. Love telling them secrets about our characters, hearing readers input, receiving emails and hugs from those who love our characters as much as we do. This emotional contact with our readers is what moves us forward. Without meeting them, Ann and I would give up…stop writing…stay home curled in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate. We might even eat bonbons (the fantasy food some folk think authors consume).

So today, with the clouds bending low, we have packed our suitcases, our costume jewelry and our hats. We are Texas bound, excitedly so. I’ve done a bit of research about Jefferson Texas. According to Wiki, Jefferson is a metropolis when compared to my hometown of Bryson City, North Carolina. I can’t speak for Ann, but I’m a small town girl, eager to visit the tiny town of Jefferson Texas. In my heart I know that the citizens will wrap their arms around me and welcome me home.They will say, like my grandpa often did, step up here and give me a hug; that is why I will leave my Georgia family and head west…because my Texas family is waiting for me with open arms.

Renea Winchester is an award winning author of In the Garden with Billy. She is represented by Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency. In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Fords & Friend Bologna Sandwiches will be released soon. Until then, please visit the Facebook page and “Like it” to keep up to date on the happenings at Billy’s.

Photo credit: Rhonda Perry via Facebook

 

Sharing Recipes

Here are the recipes to match my previous post about traditional baking.

Mint Brownies (Cheater version)

One package Brownie mix

12 small peppermint patties

Directions: Prepare brownie mix according to directions. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the bottom of baking dish. Unwrap peppermint patties and place in batter. Press into batter slightly, pour remaining batter on top and smooth. This is a fast recipe for those last-minute baking needs.

Bake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

 

Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup Crunchy Creamy Peanut Butter

1 stick butter softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cups powdered sugar (more if mixture is too soft)

½ cup crushed Life Cereal (Maple Flavored)

OR

½ cup crush graham crackers

1 (12 ounce) package  semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon Crisco

 

Directions:

1. Combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on LOW until blended. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until blended add crushed cereal or graham crackers. Mix well.
2. Shape into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate.
3. Place chocolate chips and shortening double boiler. This is best done by draping a glass measuring cup over a saucepan that has about 2 inches of water in it. The chips will melt equally and will not burn. Stir in Crisco. The Crisco is added to thin the chocolate.
4.  Insert toothpick in peanut butter ball. Remove excess chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Remove toothpick. Smooth over holes. Refrigerate until firm.    

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup real butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz) Nestle Toll House Choc Chips
• 1 Cup Chopped Nuts

 

 1.    PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F.

2.    COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheet.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. For gooey cookies bake for 8 minutes.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.