Slow Cooking Thursday - Cajun Red Beans & Rice

This is my first time participating on Slow Cooking Thursday. So I decided to share one of my family's favorite: Cajun Read Beans & Rice. I got this recipe out of a cookbook, Secrets of Slow Cooking.

Cajun Red Beans & Rice
Serves 4 to 6
6 to 7 quart slow cooker

1 lb dried red kidney beans
1 lb spicy smoked pork sausage
2 green bell peppers
2 ribs celery
1 large onion
3 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
2 tsp flour (opt.)
1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Place the beans in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and place over high heat. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it soak for 1 hour.

Slice the sausage on a sharp diagonal into 1/2 inch lengths. Core the peppers and cut them into 1 inch pieces. Dice the celery and roughly chop the onion and garlic.

Add the sausage, vegetables, and the bay leaf to the slow cooker. Drain the beans and add them to the cooker. Pour enough water to just cover the ingredients, about 1 1/2 quarts. Cook, covered, on the low setting for six hours, until the beans are soft and starting to break apart. With a large spoon, ladle off and discard some of the liquid if the mixture is too runny; stir the beans, smashing some of them against the side of the cooker to thicken the liquid. Or, you can use an immersion or stick blender to break up some of the beans, or combine the flour with a bit of the liquid and stir it into the beans.

Season to taste with the cayenne, plenty of salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook, uncovered, in the high setting for 1 more hour.

Meanwhile cook your rice.

Serve the beans and sausage over the rice.

Enjoy!

Don't forget to visit Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom to join the fun or to find more yummy recipes.

Best Kisses

I recently watched North and South, which I loved. But what stood out was the way it ended on the platform of the train station.

I got inspired to search on YouTube for a video of the best kisses from period dramas, and I found this little montage:



Enjoy!

Booking Through Thursday - Book Meme

What was the last book you bought?

The last book I bought was Elizbeth Gaskell's North And South.

Name a book you have read MORE than once.

I have lots! Just to name a few: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Home In Mitford by Jan Karon.

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?

No, I don't think so.

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews.

I use all of those. But mostly recommendations and reviews.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Definitely fiction. But I am trying to read more non-fiction.

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?

I think they are both important. That being said, if the plot isn't intersting it doesn't matter how beautiful the writing is, it will bore me.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)

Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?

Too many! I have Flower Net by Lisa See and Seduction of a Proper Gentleman by Victoria Alexander.

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?

I just finished reading Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain.

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?

Oh yes! All the time. My time is precious, I rather read books that I enjoy than reading something that I'm struggling with.

You can join the fun here!

Sweetheart

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

I was blown away when I read Heartsick, I thought it was a brilliant albeit disturbing story, and couldn’t see how the author would top it.

Then I read Sweetheart. Oh my word! It was an amazing read. This book picks up two months after Heartsick left off. Susan is still working on her story about Molly Palmer, Archie is trying his best to stay away from Gretchen, giving his relationship with Debbie another try. And then, remains of a female are recovered from a park, a senator and crime reporter are killed and Gretchen is on the loose again.

Everything happens so fast, you’re afraid that you’ll miss something. There were several times that I went back just to re-read scenes, because I just couldn’t believe what happened. It’s that type of read, you find it so disturbing, but you just can’t put the book down. You’re at the edge of your sit, you just want more.

How long will I have to wait for the next book?

Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain (4.5/5) Psychological Thriller; Published: St. Martin’s Minotaur (9/08); Series: # 2, Beauty Killer; 100 + Reading Challenge (72); Fall Into Reading 2008 (4); Library book;

Seduce Me At Sunrise

Lisa Kleypas is a must read author. I love her books. I’ve read her contemporaries, which I’m not a huge fan of, but I love her historicals. Seduce Me At Sunrise is Lisa Kleypas’ latest historical novel.

Here’s the blurb:

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for…

Kev Merripen and Win Hathaway are polar opposites. While Kev is strong, dark and very primal, Win is meek, soft and sickly. The one common that they both have is their love. A love that is forbidden by society. Kev is a Gypsy, and Win is the sister of a Viscount.

When Win comes back from France along with a surprise guest, her family think that it may just be the kick that Kev needs to make his intentions known. But Kev struggles with his feelings, he doesn’t think that he is a suitable choice, he feels that Win deserves a better man than he, she deserves a gentle man, not a hard one.

This is the second book of the Hathaway series, the first book Mine Till Midnight. I didn’t think it couldn’t have gotten better, but Seduce Me At Sunrise was such a wonderful book. It had it all, the tears (both happy and sad), it had laughter, it had surprises and it had the sizzle. It was hot! Loved it

Now I’ll wait “patiently” until A Wallflower Christmas comes out.

Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: St. Martin’s Press (10/08); Series: # 2, Hathaway Family; 100 + Reading Challenge (71); Keeper shelf;

Wordless Wednesday

I want to go back! We had a wonderful time, even if the mosquitoes were the size of small planes.

Join the fun here!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should Be Reading. Here's how you play:

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
* Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser:

"Susan sat at her computer. She has worn the L and the S off the keyboard and her palms had left permanent dirty prints on the laptop's white hand rests." - taken from page 206, Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain.

Jane Eyre

5 Minutes for Books is hosting a Classics Bookclub, this months selection is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

I first read Jane Eyre in high school, and back then I thought it was too dark, and boring. I liked Jane, but thought she was too nice and that Mr. Rochester was a despicable man who manipulated situations to suit him.

But now, I have a somewhat different view. I still find Jane too nice, but I also find her to be such a strong individual, physically, emotionally and morally. Mr. Rochester has grown on me, I can understand better the reasons behind what he did, and why he hid Bertha from Jane and his staff. I can see his love and almost obsession with Jane. But I can also see his kindness towards Adele, even when he kept her at arms length.

What I enjoyed the most was Jane’s growth. The way she became the woman that lived her life the way she wanted, and not the way Mr. Rochester or Mr. Rivers wanted her to. She made her choices and lived with them. She wouldn’t corrupt her morals for the sake of her hearts desire. I found that very commendable.

And although the ending is bittersweet. Jane and Mr. Rochester lived happily ever after. And I’m a sucker for a HEA ending.

Since I read this book, I've already ordered the BBC's production of Jane Eyre starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. I think J sees a new obsession starting...these BBC dramas are wonderful.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (4.5/5) Classic Literature; Originally published 1847; 100 + Reading Challenge (70); Classics Book club (2); Fall Into Reading 2008 (3); Keeper shelf;

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, Monday October 6th, 2008

Outside my Window...It's a beatiful fall day. The sun is shinning and there's a cool breeze, and the patio furniture is put away.

I'm thinking... that it would a beautiful day to go for a long walk.

From the learning rooms... S has a math quiz today, and K is still learning his words. Which reminds me that I have more flash cards to work on.

I am thankful for... peace and quiet in the mornings.

From the kitchen... chicken and rice are in the slow cooker. Smells wonderful!

I am wearing... Blue jeans, a green t-shirt and a black hoodie.

I am reading... I just finished reading Sean Kingsley's God's Gold, and I'm about to start reading Chelsea Cain's Sweetheart.

I am hoping... that the weather tomorrow will be just as lovely as it is today. K's class is going to Laurel Creek, and I'm one of the volunteer parents.

I am creating... started knitting J's sweater last week. I haven't had much time to work on it, but I'm setting time for it this week.

I am hearing... someone's mowing their lawn. And also the radio is playing in the background.

Around the house... laundry is piling up and so is the ironing. It will get done!

One of my favorite things... Lady Grey tea, which I'm having a cup of right now.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... I have closets to clean. Our church is collecting used clothing, and we have a lot to donate this year. I want to wash the windows, both indoor and outdoor.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...




You can join the fun, here.

Manic Monday

What is one thing you admire about each of your parents?

My father his work ethic, and my mother her courage.

Which parts of your home do you like best?

I love the kitchen and family area. The sun hits that area of the house for the most of the day and it so warm and cozy.

Which would you prefer and why? To have every stoplight turn green upon your arrival for the rest of your life or to have one week of the best sex any person ever had?

I'm going to say the stoplight.

Join the fun here!

God's Gold

Last spring I watched a show on History Television about the search of the lost Treasures of Jerusalem's Temple, which were taken by Roman soldiers during the First Jewish Revolt. The search for these lost treasures sparked my curiosity, and when I found this book, I just had to read it.

Here's the blurb:

God's Gold thrillingly pursues a priceless hoard of treasure - snatched from the Temple of Jerusalem in AD 70 - across 550 years of history, five faiths and four civilizations to its dramatic final resting place.

Archaeologist Sean Kingsley sets out on a physical quest to trace the treasure's destiny. From the Vatican to the Vandal palace of Carthage, Constantinople's hippodrome and the wilderness of Judaea, his remarkable journey exposes facts more astonishing than fiction.

I tend to avoid reading non-fiction. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the occasional biography or memoir, but they tend to bore me.

When I started reading God's Gold I was allowing a few weeks to read it. But surprisingly I finished the book within a week. I think what helped was the way it was written. I was drawn in right at the beginning. The book was part travel and part history, but it was done in such a way, that I didn't notice the changes. It felt like I was the one who was visiting these exotic and culture rich locales.

Now if what the author thinks is the absolute truth/fact, I do not know. But it was definitely a worth while read. I got a chance to "visit" countries that I've always dreamt of visiting, and along the way learned a lot. It was quite an experience.

God's Gold: The Quest for the Lost Temple Treasure of Jerusalem by Sean Kingsley (4/5) Non-fiction; Travel; History; Published: John Murray (2006); 100 + Reading Challenge (69); Fall Into Reading 2008 (2); Library book;

Real Women

I don’t usually do this, but I picked this book up because of its title.
Here’s the blurb for Real Women Don’t Wear Size 2 by Kelley St. John:

When the big 3-0 comes and goes, Clarise Robinson finds she isn't all that disheartened with the curves life has thrown her way. As a matter of fact, she's learned to work with those curves, literally. As head of the women's department at Eubanks Elegant Apparel, she's known for her style, her sass and her abundant curves. Yes, the female once deemed "cautious" by her college buddies has unquestionably left that wallflower image behind to grasp a new label: "confidently curvy."

But even though she's found her niche in the world, Clarise knows the truth. Deep down, she's still holding back, still playing it safe, particularly when it comes to her best friend, boss and darkest fantasy, Ethan Eubanks. And now, it's time to throw caution to the wind, to take off the gloves, and perhaps, everything else…

Clarise Robinson, has a career that she loves. She has a loving family and great friends. But what she wants, not what, but who she fantasizes about is her boss (and friend) Ethan. But she’s not Ethan’s type, she has curves, and the Robinson Treasures. And she hopes that the trip to Tampa will change that…maybe Ethan will see her as more than just a coffee buddy.

This book is sizzling hot! I had to stop a few times to fan myself. Wow! Clarise and Ethan’s chemistry is amazing. The transition between friends to lovers was well done, in my opinion.

My one and only complaint was that there was too much innermost thoughts by both the hero and heroine. I mostly skimmed through those parts.

Real Women Don't Wear Size 2 by Kelley St. John (4/5) Romance Contemporary; Published: Warner (9/06); New Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (68);