tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64043252966081522582024-02-20T11:10:32.260-08:00Lake Livonia Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404325296608152258.post-39174088344650800412023-09-24T10:56:00.015-07:002023-11-30T12:41:30.970-08:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0rJtbaAPA4YM9R93rPnM1uv9sM-gpnd5DCTEy4s54KNyqPolgOnKjU5YZa3wL5niT-s7bhXsP0wOOJd23DXXZzZxcOU6cwh6-HeYruYEJZ_un-kkRJSsD6B4_LlT4HP3W48JYRv7qzQy2RDK-gqMZ5Be1YnPF8pDxTFrYJmIN7H6aYrM_qDF1CtUfEw/s640/lake%20livonia%20h2o%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0rJtbaAPA4YM9R93rPnM1uv9sM-gpnd5DCTEy4s54KNyqPolgOnKjU5YZa3wL5niT-s7bhXsP0wOOJd23DXXZzZxcOU6cwh6-HeYruYEJZ_un-kkRJSsD6B4_LlT4HP3W48JYRv7qzQy2RDK-gqMZ5Be1YnPF8pDxTFrYJmIN7H6aYrM_qDF1CtUfEw/s320/lake%20livonia%20h2o%20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sugar Plums, Snickerdoodles, & Sleuths</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to Lake Livonia</span><span style="font-size: large;">-</span>- </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A cozy north Iowa community </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">filled with friendly people, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">lots of activities, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a few mysteries,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and good food </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">from Susan Stewart's Potluck Paradise Cafe </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">First the Mysteries!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Below is a Sneak Peek at recipes from the third Potluck Paradise Cafe adventure due out Christmas 2024. <i>In She Kept Her Word</i> Susan discovers a mystery about her own family that changes her view of Lake Livonia. Three mysterious men come through town--are they wise or a danger? The Cafe family welcomes new members as Lake Livonia celebrates the holiday season and new beginnings. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can catch up with the adventures of Susan, her family, and friends in the first two books of the planned six-book series. Simply click through the title blocks on the right to begin reading the first three chapters of the first two books for free on any device. Unlock the rest of the chapters easily with tokens right on the page. You can also download the entire Book 1 ebook by clicking through to Amazon. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Book 1 <i>She Knew What She Wanted</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the middle of summer, following the July Fourth fireworks, long-time restaurant owner Hazel Romer disappeared. She ran away from her business she'd run for fifty years leaving her diner in the hands of her assistant Susan Stewart. No one knew why she left or where she went. Susan reinvents the eatery. A flood uncovers a satchel buried in the basement. Her teenaged children and a good friend from years ago help discover the hidden meaning. The life of one of the neighboring shop owners is changed forever. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Start reading all the drama for free by clicking the link at the top of the column and accessing <i>She Knew What She Wanted</i> on the Kindle Vella publishing platform on any device. The first chapters are free. Readers continue purchasing chapters with tokens available as you read. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">OR click through on the larger cover image to purchase the completed E-Book book. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Book 2 <i> She Found Her Way</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Susan and her family make a success of the newly named Potluck Paradise Cafe. When a magician comes to town strange things begin to happen. The director of the Arts Center is involved as an unexpectedly large amount of money changes hands. It's up to new friends to make things right. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Start reading She Found Her Way on any device with the first chapters for free. Click the link in the column on the right. Content begins posting on October 15, 2023.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And now for the Food! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3jV35bhtgETfDonPzlSBVzhUzMK820OgkAnbRQe2jt3ZHn1fwxuHEDj0p8nqzcTqJ6sOVs1dgvO09eaaldmqQ3hbhpd08oovgdC2FNct88ndFKfV9rOrWvWEdQD-CGmidS5Ro_UGUyuRHut8Q5TcIl8dF3KHALfi93pdNehCj8ZSzQWaQ4NbxWiAffc/s360/REAL%20LOGO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3jV35bhtgETfDonPzlSBVzhUzMK820OgkAnbRQe2jt3ZHn1fwxuHEDj0p8nqzcTqJ6sOVs1dgvO09eaaldmqQ3hbhpd08oovgdC2FNct88ndFKfV9rOrWvWEdQD-CGmidS5Ro_UGUyuRHut8Q5TcIl8dF3KHALfi93pdNehCj8ZSzQWaQ4NbxWiAffc/s320/REAL%20LOGO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sugar Plums and Snickerdoodles. </span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDE3bsIyduLJVLZTIPHgj3Kwiqb1vKM6NCWYjODq5VLwcku6qr8gcUjqMJTocGH9eBMopits7j7x6hce7dOdc6_zibIqsCPhJxbcsWAeLoJ_oSv_LfYseU7vcIkXbYl7oa8HCqHQXTuz1wR_FPXWbfZmh4nPfcFi0pjXGduPXev0g0nsGWe_i93VU3JA/s640/Sugar%20plums.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDE3bsIyduLJVLZTIPHgj3Kwiqb1vKM6NCWYjODq5VLwcku6qr8gcUjqMJTocGH9eBMopits7j7x6hce7dOdc6_zibIqsCPhJxbcsWAeLoJ_oSv_LfYseU7vcIkXbYl7oa8HCqHQXTuz1wR_FPXWbfZmh4nPfcFi0pjXGduPXev0g0nsGWe_i93VU3JA/s320/Sugar%20plums.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Victorian Sugar Plums for 21st Century Delight. </span></p><p>Original 19th Century Sugar Plums are filled with dates, citron, and currants. This lighter version combines citrus with seasonal spices. They keep well in a covered container. Recipe makes about 5 dozen</p><p>1 6-ounce package dried cranberries</p><p>3 1/2 ounces dried apricots, half of a 7-ounce package. Or about 9 large apricot halves</p><p>1/2 cup orange juice</p><p>1/2 cup soft butter</p><p>1 cup granulated sugar</p><p>3 eggs</p><p>1 lemon -- grated peel and juice (3 tablespoons)</p><p>1 orange -- grated peel only</p><p>1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</p><p>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</p><p>4 cups flour</p><p>3/4 cup finely chopped pecans</p><p>granulated sugar for dipping </p><p>1/3 cup brandy for brushing Sugar Plums after baking. You may substitute non-pulp orange juice diluted half and half with water</p><p>Toppings </p><p>Semi-sweet chocolate chips</p><p>White chocolate chips with orange peel and candied cherries</p><p>Frostings with variety of colored sprinkles or additional nuts</p><p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the cranberries and cut up apricots in a food processor and pulse until you have pieces about 1/16 of an inch. Put fruit and orange juice into a microwavable bowl and cook in the microwave on a medium setting for one minute. Allow to stand until cool. </p><p>Cream the butter and sugar, add the cooled fruits, eggs, grated orange and lemon peel and lemon juice. Stir well. Add the flour and nuts. </p><p><br /></p><p>To form the sugar plums. Take a piece of dough about 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Gently form into a teardrop shape, roll in granulated sugar and place on lightly greased baking sheet, pointed side up. Press down and pinch to form a ridged looking "mountain." </p><p>Bake until Sugar Plums are lightly browned about 15 to 25 minutes depending on how big you make them. Remove from oven and immediately brush with brandy or diluted orange juice. Decorate when completely cooled. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Snickerdoodles</span></p><p>1/2 cup soft butter</p><p>3/4 cup granulated sugar</p><p>1 egg</p><p>3/8 cup Hershey's cocoa powder</p><p>1 teaspoon cream of tartar</p><p>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</p><p>1/16 teaspoon cayenne</p><p>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</p><p>1 cup flour</p><p>1/2 cup chips -- mini semi-sweet, cinnamon, or cherry</p><p>granulated sugar for rolling </p><p><br /></p><p>Cream butter and sugar, add the egg and mix well. Add dry ingredients in order listed. Mix well. Add chips and blend. Chill dough for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. When ready to bake preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Form dough into balls about 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Roll in sugar and place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 12 minutes until just firm. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Susan Stewart's recipe for The Best BBQ Meatballs Ever. </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS2asgQDhD-iCAn1VQuSM12Mhd2ekyYL8vFx4CKS5-mywt9swGf3X8X_H0C1UZbgsEbofPRnn9Au55J_WqmZAFMPHVq9BTWPO3_agDMpbKjAQFtboLEceGn6qm4boaHe_8Yvy-FwQdEccdDAS7Zg2EX6j4F_I6MI3Ls4r0SY5N7yUGvDpFO0uRy5VZNY/s640/Eighmey%20meatball.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS2asgQDhD-iCAn1VQuSM12Mhd2ekyYL8vFx4CKS5-mywt9swGf3X8X_H0C1UZbgsEbofPRnn9Au55J_WqmZAFMPHVq9BTWPO3_agDMpbKjAQFtboLEceGn6qm4boaHe_8Yvy-FwQdEccdDAS7Zg2EX6j4F_I6MI3Ls4r0SY5N7yUGvDpFO0uRy5VZNY/s320/Eighmey%20meatball.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BBQ Meatballs in Tomato Ginger Sauce served over rice mixed with chopped spinach</div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>For the Tomato Ginger BBQ Sauce </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 8-ounce can tomato paste</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 12-ounce can Canada Fry Bold Ginger Ale or a ginger beer</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 cup cider vinegar</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 cup minced onion</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 cup minced green pepper</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 teaspoon cumin</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 teaspoon celery seed</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 teaspoon minced garlic</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 teaspoon chili powder</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 teaspoon salt--more or less to taste</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer until vegetables are cooked and sauce is reduced to a thickness you prefer. Stir frequently especially near the end of the cooking time. Store leftover BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>BBQ Meatballs</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 lightly beaten egg</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 teaspoon dried basil</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 teaspoon ground thyme</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/8 teaspoon allspice</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/16 teaspoon ground cloves</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 pound 83% ground beef</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 pound 93% ground beef</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3/4 cup finely grated carrot</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Combine the seasonigs with the lightly beaten egg. Put the ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Add the carrots and egg mixture. Mix with a spoon or your hands until ingredients are fully incorporated.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Form into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Place in a baking dish. (line with foil for easy clean up) Add about a quarter of an inch of water, beef broth, or ginger ale. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Bake at 350 degrees F. until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees on a meat thermometer, about 45 minutes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To serve: top with Ginger BBQ sauce and heat through.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Makes about 30 meatballs. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Of course, Lake Livonia and the Potluck Paradise Cafe live in my mind. As they say in media any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental. <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0