Blogging At A New Site

Hi everyone! I'm now blogging about writing and recipes here. Please come join me.

Fish and Noodle Packets and Sugar Snap Peas

It's been awhile since I've made time to record one of my recipes, but I did some experimenting with dinner tonight that turned out nicely so I wanted to share it.

Yesterday, I watched an episode of Good Eats with Alton Brown where he explained packet cooking. I downloaded a recipe for shrimp noodle packets from the Food Network site and then discovered I didn't actually have a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer like I thought I did so I pulled out some thinly cut tilapia fillets instead. I also substituted sherry for the mirin since I didn't have time to make it to the specialty market to get some. I cooked the packets for the same amount of time specified in the recipe (15 minutes at 400F) and they turned out great. I definitely recommend giving this one a try whether with fish fillets or shrimp. It's fast to put together and yummy!

For a side dish, I pulled some sugar snap peas out of the freezer but I wanted to do something more exciting that simply eating them up. Here's what I did:

In a microwavable bowl, combine:
1 bag (14oz) sugar snap peas
2T water
2 tsp butter
2 tsp chopped fresh mint leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Microwave according to package directions.

They turned out really great and far more exciting than if I'd just left them plain. Even my three year old enjoyed them!

Another New Release: Wolf Caller 1: Control

The first book in my new werewolf series, Wolf Caller 1: Control, is now available from Changeling Press. To learn more about it, click here.

February Column Posted

In my February Passionate Kitchen column, I list links that help you eliminate the stress of finding something to cook for dinner. Check it out here. *Warning: Other articles in this ezine you are linking to contain adult material.*

New Book Release

Changeling Press has just released my Valentine Candy Kiss, Lupercalian Feast. You can learn more about it and read and excerpt here. *Warning: This story if for those 18 and over only.*

Banana Nut Muffins

I made these muffins for breakfast yesterday and we ended up snacking on them all day. The recipe is very simple and relatively healthy for a muffin. I lowered the fat from the standard recipe I had used, added a whole grain (oatmeal) and cut the sugar.

Banana Nut Muffins

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
2T sugar
1 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg
2 medium bananas, mashed
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or any nut you prefer)


Preheat oven to 400F. Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Then spoon into 12 lined or greased muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.

I used regular paper muffin liners and had some trouble with them sticking to the liners before they were thoroughly cooled. I'm hoping to get some silicone muffin cups soon and see how they work.

Great New Site - Tastespotting

I spent an embarrassing amout of time last night looking at the pictures and following links from Tastespotting. Delightful food porn and fun kitchen gadgets too. Check it out!