Need a Writing Snack? J.K. suggests potato crisps...

So, as I was considering recipes for today's Mood Munchies Monday ~ I wondered what foods some of my favorite authors turned to when they get those nagging tummy rumbles.

I think J.K. Rowling had a great explanation for one of her go-to snack foods when writing.  I found a quote about it HERE.

"“When I write, sophisticated foods are difficult to eat one-handed. Crisps (potato chips) are good,” she said.


Now, I suppose you could just run to the store and pick up some of these:

But, I wonder if Ms. Rowling had something more like this in mind:

(source)

Depends on if I feel like cooking or not - but, either yummy option can be eaten with one hand.  But, if you'd like to begin one creative venture by dabbling in another (cooking IS an art form!!), here's a recipe for Herbed Potato Crisps:

Ingredients:

- 3 large potatoes
- 2 T. oil
- 1/2 t. fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 t. oregano
- 1/2 t. thyme
- 1/2 t. sage
- 1/2 t. rosemary
- celery and garlic salt to taste

What you do:

*Preheat oven to high temp.  Clean and cut unpeeled potatoes into thin slices.  Place on well-oiled cookie sheets.  Brush all slices well with oil and mixed herbs.  Bake for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are well-browned and crisp.  Sprinkle with combined salts (if desired) and serve.  OR eat one-handed as you write... :)

Who knows...?  The next time you're hunkered down writing, pop of few chips/potato crisps in your mouth.  What you write as you eat just might be the next world-wide sensation to hit print!  (Never hurts to try....right?)

What's your favorite writing snack? 

Happy Writing!

Paying It Forward....

Happy Monday, all!  This post will be two-fold today.  First, I'm participating in "Market My Words" Pay it Forward contest.  Shelli J. caught a break in the publishing world when a special someone went out of their way to encourage her dream and recommended Shelli to their agent.  She's looking to do the same for one lucky person.  Read about how you can get in on this WONDERFUL opportunity HERE.

I want to pay it forward to one of my biggest fans, my little sister Caitlyn.  She has ALWAYS read anything and everything I've ever asked her to.  In fact, there's often times she has to demand new material from me, because she just HAS to know what happens next.  She keeps me and my writing on my toes and pushes me, encourages me, and inspires me to keep at it and go after my dream.  She's a wonderful champion, friend, sister, fan, reader, gal in general and I love her dearly.  She's also a writer and has a fabulous idea for a novel that I can't wait to help her with.  Whatever you need, sis!  I'm here for you.  :)

I encourage you to check out Shelli's contest - even if you don't enter, you'll be linked to some other great stories of fellow writers/bloggers and their appreciation for the special people in their lives!!

Secondly - I just HAD to throw in a Monday Munchie here!  (If you don't know what I'm talking about, please read about my new blogging schedule here.)

The Superbowl is Sunday - GO STEACKERS!!!  (That's my neutral cheer...really, I'll be there for the finger foods and commercials...)  Hmmm... or does GO PACKEELERS!!! sound better?  Regardless... if you're in the mood for a yummy half-time snack - try this:

Winger's Dip

• 1 cup Original Winger's Sauce (tip!  you have to buy this at the Winger's restaurant.  If you don't have one in the area, you can sub. with your favorite from-the-store wing sauce)
• 1 cup Hidden Valley ranch dressing
• 1 large can of canned chicken (premium white meat kind, or cook & shred up some chicken breasts...I'm just lazy...)
• 1-2 cups shredded cheddar
• 2 - 8oz block cream cheese
• 1 bag tortilla chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Spread the 2 blocks of cream cheese in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan.  Shred up chicken and layer over cream cheese.  Layer at least 1 cup shredded cheddar over the chicken.  Mix 1 cup wing sauce with 1 cup ranch dressing and pour over top of mixture.  Top with remaining shredded cheddar.  Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  When you take it out - stir it up really well.  Serve with tortilla chips.  Enjoy!!

Ok - by NO means a healthy snack.  But SOOO good!!  *And one last thing!!  If you haven't entered in  my 100+ followers celebration, please do so here.

Have a wonderful start to your week!!  And let me know....are you going to watch the Superbowl?  What's your favorite Superbowl snack?  And/or Will you pay it forward to someone special today?

My "Be Jolly by Golly Blogfest" Post(est) with the Most(est)!!



Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Merriest of ALL Merry Christmases to each and every one of you!! 
Christmas, to me, is THE most magical of holidays in the year.  It brings families together, it brings joy to many, it frees the hearts and pocketbooks of people and promotes charity and well wishes to all.  I wish a piece of its magic to touch everyone, everywhere and in all walks of life.  Who can't use a little magic now and then?  :)

For me, Christmas started with a story:

or two:

It's never quite the same for me with out a little of this:

And when it comes to snow balls...



Recipe:  INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup chopped walnuts (I use pecans, which I put in the blender to chop pretty fine),  1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration
 
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When cool, roll in remaining confectioners' sugar. I also like to roll mine in the sugar a second time.



...I'd rather eat them.

And as my hodge-podge little-tree-that-could looks like this:

I'm happy to rely on other people's holiday decor:

On Christmas morning, I'm hoping that these are filled:



and that I get to eat some of this...


Recipe!!  INGREDIENTS:  1 bag shredded hashbrowns, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 16oz carton sour cream, half stick of butter, 1 small onion (diced), bag of shredded cheddar, salt & pepper to taste  (if you like it a little soupier, also mix in small can of evaporated milk)
DIRECTIONS:  lightly grease 13x9 inch pan, thaw shredded hashbrown in microwave, melt butter and mix with hashbrowns, mix in soup and sourcream, diced onion and 1-2 cups shredded cheddar.  Mix well, put in pan.  Top with more shredded cheddar.  Bake 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.


...with my ham! 

I'll be happy to spend the day with my family and just relax and be jolly, by golly!  It will be a great few days!  And I wish the same for ALL of you. :)  Merry Christmas ~ from Donea Lee

(P.S.  you can read more about my holiday traditions "here" and don't forget to also check out yesterday's GNO post!  AND don't forget to check out other Be Jolly By Golly Blogfest posts!!  You can find a list of all participants "here"!)