The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch #21)

The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Jacket Blurb: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Notable Book of 2016 --Washington Post

Detective Harry Bosch must track down someone who may never have existed in the new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly.
Harry Bosch is California's newest private investigator. He doesn't advertise, he doesn't have an office, and he's picky about who he works for, but it doesn't matter. His chops from thirty years with the LAPD speak for themselves.

Soon one of Southern California's biggest moguls comes calling. The reclusive billionaire is nearing the end of his life and is haunted by one regret. When he was young, he had a relationship with a Mexican girl, his great love. But soon after becoming pregnant, she disappeared. Did she have the baby? And if so, what happened to it?

Desperate to know whether he has an heir, the dying magnate hires Bosch, the only person he can trust. With such a vast fortune at stake, Harry realizes that his mission could be risky not only for himself but for the one he's seeking. But as he begins to uncover the haunting story--and finds uncanny links to his own past--he knows he cannot rest until he finds the truth.

At the same time, unable to leave cop work behind completely, he volunteers as an investigator for a tiny cash-strapped police department and finds himself tracking a serial rapist who is one of the most baffling and dangerous foes he has ever faced.

Read as an audio book.

I flew through this book - the story pulled me in from the opening chapters and kept my attention thereafter. Thanks to a couple of "road trips", I had the time to sit back and enjoy!

Book has two plots; plot number one revolves around the Screen Slasher case, where a serial rapist is breaking and entering through screens of his victims house in San Fernando. The rapist made a mistake at the last house, and his victim turned the tables and attacked him giving the SFPD a break in the case. Harry, with the help of Bella, begin to add up two and two...until Bella disappears.

Plot number two is a private case Harry has taken on. A Californian billionaire enlists Harry's help in finding an heir for his estate. However, before Harry can complete his mission, the man dies, leaving Harry with a gold pen and hand written Last Will and Testament.

I enjoyed the disparate plot lines, the separation of Harry's private life and his role as an active police reserve with the San Fernando police department. *I* thought it balanced out Harry's need to be a solo detective and his drive to work on unsolved crimes.

It further helped that he wasn't a complete ass-hat to everyone around him. Yes, he's still a suspicious SOB and still doesn't trust his fellow cops/detectives, but at least now he's not putting down others for not having the right "drive" and "dedication" through the entire book. Which I have to admit, was my biggest issues with previous installments. And I don't know if other's picked up on this, but he wasn't exactly trusted in the office either, as was proven by Bella when she found him 'snooping' around her desk, when he was merely looking at pictures.

I thought the resolution to the Screen Cutter case well written - a combination of Bosch figuring things out a tich late and realizing the ramifications of his actions at blowing off a case (where was his "dedication" here? Hypocritical much, eh?) when Bella goes missing. Some of the old Bosch resurfaces as he blames others, but I appreciated the apologies at the end.

The case of finding an heir was almost more interesting than the Screen Cutter. Where Bosch tugging at various threads leads to multiple resolutions that were very satisfying. What added to the interest, was the Vietnam tie-in. Up until this point, we know of Bosch's involvement in the Vietnam War was as a tunnel rat. We find out more as Maddy presses Bosch on some of his attitudes, Maddy not realizing that she doesn't know anything about what he did over there. I like how the author pulled that tidbit out through Maddy.

One of the best Bosch books yet, in my humble opinion. Recommended if you've read the rest in the series.



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Recipe Review from 5/7/2017

I've been baking a bit more than I usually do.  Partly it's because I'm holding enough meetings/trainings that I have become thoroughly sick of purchasing store-bought donuts and cookies, and partly because I'm enjoying cooking tasty things for people.  I've made the Chocolate Oatmeal Cake twice with rave reviews, I did the Banana Chocolate Cake several weeks ago, and made a couple batches of Nestle's Toll House chocolate chip cookies.   The cookies are super fast (assuming I have everything on hand) with a stand mixer, and I can whip out a batch in an hour or so.

It was a chilly but sunny Sunday morning that had me making the Raspberry Scones.  I adore a decent scone and these hit my happy spot with a cuppa hot tea.  Best part - I didn't have to drive in to Starbucks to get one! 


The Meal Plan from the week of 5/7:
Sun (L) leftover soup and grilled cheese  (S) leftover brats
Mon (PM yoga)  Creamy Corn and Shrimp chowder
Tues (PM yoga)  leftover chowder
Wed (PM work)  leftover chowder
Thurs (PM yoga) freezer - leftover pulled pork
Fri (PM yoga) freezer - leftover pulled pork
Sat - leftover paella and pulled pork

Lunches - (Me) vegetarian paella   (D) Egg salad pitas


Raspberry Cream Scones  (Whole Foods Co-op flyer)
These assemble very quickly, and by the time you have the dishes washed or in the dishwasher, they are ready to come out of the oven.  Now, if you're able to plan ahead, some Devonshire cream would be the perfect accompaniment.  If not, grab a cuppa your favorite and kick back.

These are the perfect balance of sweetness countered by tangy berries.  This will make perfect sized wedges.  I think this recipe could also be tinked with a bit - add some almond extract and toasted slivered almonds on top for a bit of decadence.  Change up the berries.  Maybe roll in a bit of orange marmalade with some cranberries.

Bottom line - I liked these.  Recommended! 

2/3 cup AP flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp cold butter cut or grated into small pieces
6 tbsp heavy cream (I used 1/2 n 1/2)
1 egg, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (I used some blueberries too)

1. Preheat oven to 400*.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.

3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the cold butter with the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.  Gently toss the raspberries with the flour and butter mixture and slowly add the cream and egg yolk mixture.  Gently blend until the dough just holds together.

4. Prepare a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper.  Place dough on pan and form into a circle roughly 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into 8 equal triangles, separating slightly for baking.   Brush tops of scones with beaten egg white, and bake for 10-14 minutes or until just starting to brown.  (Mine took about 18 minutes, I was using frozen berries.)    


Vegetarian Paella (Whole Foods Co-op Flyer)  vegetarian, gluten free
Despite a fairly long ingredient list, this comes together fairly quickly.  It did help  to have everything chopped, opened and drained before I even turned on the burner - as things cooked I had time to do dishes, put stuff away, and tidy the counter.  Where the ingredients call for cups of tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or beans, I just used one 14.5 oz can for simplicity. 

I will admit, I waffled about putting the dish under the broiler, but decided I wanted that slightly crispy  baked "crust".   End result, I would make this again.  I liked the combination of veggies, chickpeas, and rice.  A splash of siracha on top added a little heat.  I also like how this made enough for several days of leftovers.   A definitely lifesaver on a busy week. 

This made about 6 servings. 

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 cups (1- 14.5 oz can) diced tomatoes, un-drained
5-10 saffron strands
2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes  (I was out of pepper flakes)

1 1/2 cups rice, medium or short grained
(I used Uncle Ben's instant brown rice)
3 cups vegetable stock, room temp
1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and lightly chopped
2 cups (1-14.5 oz can) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

In a large oven proof stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Add the onions and bell pepper and saute for 10 minutes or until softened.  Add the garlic, zucchini, diced tomatoes with juice saffron, paprika, and chili flakes and saute for 5-10 minutes.  Add the rice and stock; stir and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to slow and simmer for 10 minutes.

Preheat the broiler.

Add the rice, garbanzo beans, salt and pepper.  Cover the pot and simmer for 10-15 more minutes.  When the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender, uncover the pot and transfer to the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes until the edge of the rice begin to brown and get a bit crispy.  Remove and serve. 


Cajun Shrimp and Corn Chowder (modified from ATK Slow Cooker Revolution 2)  gluten free
I modified this for simplicity's sake.  My taste buds are not so refined as to be able to tell the difference if my potatoes, garlic and Cajun seasoning were "bloomed" before plopping in the slow cooker.   I processed the corn and broth as directed in Step 1, plopped all of Step 2 into the slow cooker, walked away for about 6 hours (I was cooking on LOW), came back and proceeded with Step 3. 

Now, that being said, I did notice it took a long time for my potatoes to cook, and they were diced fairly small.  So...there might be something to kick starting the potatoes be it on the stove or in the microwave.

When all was cooked and done, this was really good.  I'm glad I cut back on the Cajun seasoning - more and it would have been too much.  As it was, this had a nice zing! to it that complimented the sweetness of the corn.  This would be awesome made with fresh corn on the cob.  Recommended!  


6 cups frozen corn, thawed
3 cups chicken stock
12 oz red potatoes, cut into 1/2" pieces (I used yukon golds)
8 oz andouille sausage, cut into 1/4" pieces
2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (I used 1 tsp Penzey's Cajun Very Hot Seasoning)
1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped (I used 3 stalks celery)
1 1b small shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup heavy cream

1.  Process 4 cups corn and 2 cups broth in  a blender until smooth, about 1 minute.  Transfer to slow cooker.  Set 2 cups of corn aside until the end.

2. Place potatoes, andouille, garlic, Cajun seasoning and [celery] into slow cooker.  Add remaining cup of broth.  Stir.  Cover and cook until potatoes are soft, about 4-5 hours on low.

3.  Stir in remaining corn and shrimp.  Cover and cook until shrimp are opaque, about 20-30 minutes.  Add in cream and let heat about 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper and serve. 

Private: Rio by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan (Private #11)

Private Rio by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jacket Blurb:  Two years ago Jack Morgan – the head of the renowned worldwide investigation firm Private – was in charge of security for the World Cup in Brazil. During the championship final, the action nearly spilled from the field into the stands. Fortunately, Jack and his team averted disaster on football's biggest stage.

Now he has returned to Rio to secure the Olympics. But before the torch is lit, the threats come fast and furious as Jack discovers that someone is trying to sabotage the games. A lethal plan put in motion during the World Cup is set to decimate Rio, and turn the Olympics from a worldwide celebration into a horrifying spectacle.

Read as an audio book.

This book picks up on the heels of Private: Paris, where Jack receives a call from the LA officewith directions to fly directly to Rio. Rio is hosting the World Cup, then, later the Summer Olympics and the security concerns are already starting.

This was another installment of the Private series that I enjoyed. The "mystery"/suspense was interesting and engaging and it was kept to two plot lines: The doctor seeking revenge and the Wise girl's abductions. Both plots had some interesting twists that had me going, "Oh! Cool!". There was a third, more subtle sub-plot that came as no surprise, and that would be Jack's personal life. Let me note now, that none of the plots were without their holes, but since I look at these books for pure entertainment, I can deal with the quirks.

The Wise girl's abduction. Natalie and Ashley (if I'm remembering names correctly) are doing charity/mission work in Rio right before the games. The are kidnapped at gunpoint under Private's surveillance. Mr. and Mrs Wise are furious with Jack. Jack is humiliated that his company failed so badly and assures the Wise's that he will do everything in his power to return the girls to safety. And he does, but it comes at the price.

As the kidnapping plot unfolds, I liked the twists and turns the authors threw in. The fight against Rio's poverty, the government corruption, business's making a profit on the backs of Rio's poor was a thought provoking battle cry. Though there is some question in my mind just how much the kidnappers had intended to use ransom monies for the people of Rio. However, I didn't like certain aspects of the full kidnapping plot resolution, chief being the impact to Jack's personal life. The only thing I will say, dating Jack Morgan is detrimental to a woman's health.

The Doctor seeking revenge. Where this fell short was the references to his deceased wife - I never really caught the connection between her death and why such drive far sweeping revenge. I could see the anger at the death of two children at the hands of Hydra, but this is Rio we are talking about - where poverty, orphans, homelessness run rampant. Yes yes, that was the point you say... but the overall impetus for the Doctor's anger never quite jelled for me.

What did work, was the two different aspects both fighting for the downtrodden: the injustice the kidnappers saw in the Olympic contracts, and the plight of the poor seeking any kind of medical help. The irony, when all was said and done, the Wise family was reunited and the Olympics were saved from a biological weapon, nothing changes for Rio. Everything changed for Jack.

And I still don't like Justine.

Recommended if you've read the previous books in the series.



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Recipe Review from 5/1/2017

All the chicklets arrived this past week!  Black Orpingtons, Jaerhon (Norwegian chicken), Welsummers, Barred Rocks, and Leghorns are making a noisy racket out in the Man Barn.   Priya also hatched five Easter Egger/Pryia mix (we don't know what she is) and her and her brood were transferred out to the garden cruiser on Saturday.   I'm not sure what The Husband is sitting at for final numbers, but it's about 30ish. 

Dog crates were pulled out of storage and scrubbed down, hinges oiled and insides sanitized in anticipation of new puppy arrival. 

Next up - puppy-proof the downstairs. 


The Meal Plan and house schedule from week of 5/1:
Sun (L) grilled cheese   (S)  Chicken Bouillabaisse 
Mon (yoga) leftover soup
Tues (make cookies)  leftover soup
Wed (training in Cook/Virginia) - Pan Roasted Pork Chops and cabbage
Thurs (yoga) leftover soup
Fri - leftover pork chops
Sat (L)  out        (S)  brats and coleslaw

Lunches - hummus sandwiches

Chicken Bouillabaisse  (ATK Slow Cooker Revolution) gluten free option**
Okay, this recipe is way to long to type out, but I will say it was pretty awesome.  If you haven't gotten your hands on this cook book yet - DO IT!  I just saw this on the clearance rack at B&N for $9, so you don't even have that excuse. 

ATK took a well known fish stew and turned into a chicken stew that is just perfect.  Garlic, fennel, leek combined with a bit of orange peel and saffron make for a really flavorful dish. 

Even with the long ingredient list, it comes together fairly quickly (even more so if you aren't quartering a chicken like we did).  The garlic, leeks and fennel are sauted, the aromatics added, a roux made in the pot with some flour**,  stir in some broth and wine to make the "gravy", then everything goes into the slow cooker.  Come back, shred your chicken, and dinner...is served! 

Recommended!


Pan Roasted Pork Chops and Cabbage (Ckng Lght March, 2017)  gluten free
This recipe does actually come together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, with a bit of time left to tidy dishes and set the table.  The flavors in this all come together just beautifully, a combination of the caraway, sweetness of the cabbage and jelly, and a subtle tang from the vinegar.  Nothing dominates and it all plays together nicely.  This could also be quite tasty with some chicken breast or thighs.   Recommended!

photo from CookingLight.com

4 (6-oz.) bone-in, center-cut pork chops 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups chopped green and red cabbage
1 1/2 cups diagonally sliced carrot (I used baby carrots, sliced)
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/3 cup unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons apple jelly (I used some apple garlic glaze that was open)
2 tablespoons olive oil


Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Sprinkle pork chops evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Melt butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops; cook 4 minutes per side or until desired degree of doneness. Remove from pan; cover to keep warm.

Add cabbage, carrot, caraway seeds, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper to pan. Stir in stock, scraping bottom of pan to loosen browned bits. Cover and place pan in oven. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Remove cabbage mixture from pan; cover to keep warm. Add vinegar, apple jelly, and oil to pan; bring to a boil over medium-high. Cook 3 minutes or until slightly reduced and smooth, stirring with a whisk. Divide pork chops and cabbage mixture among 4 plates. Drizzle evenly with vinegar mixture.



Tangy Mustard Coleslaw (Ckng Lght, June 2008)  gluten free, vegetarian
I bought some cabbage intending to make coleslaw, then ran out of energy.  Cabbage sat in fridge until this week when I was inspired by the pork chop recipe (above) and needed a side for brats.  Home made coleslaw has infinite varieties and flavors, can be made with/without mayo, and be creamy or more like a vinaigrette. This dish just made it into my "must do" again - it's a bit of a cross between creamy and vinaigrette, it's tangy, and whipped up super fast.   Recommended

Photo from CookingLight.com

7 cups finely shredded green cabbage (about 1/2 head) 
1 cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
1 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (I used a spicy horseradish mustard)
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (oops! forgot!)


Combine cabbage, onion, and 1 cup carrot in a large bowl. Combine white wine vinegar, sugar, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and red pepper in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add the mustard mixture to cabbage mixture, and toss well to coat. Cover and chill for 20 minutes. Stir before serving.

Home by Harlan Coben (Myron Bolitar #11)

Home by Harlan Coben

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Jacket Blurb:  Ten years after the high-profile kidnapping of two young boys, only one returns home.

A decade ago, kidnappers grabbed two boys from wealthy families and demanded ransom, then went silent. No trace of the boys ever surfaced. For ten years their families have been left with nothing but painful memories and a quiet desperation for the day that has finally, miraculously arrived: Myron Bolitar and his friend Win believe they have located one of the boys, now a teenager. Where has he been for ten years, and what does he know about the day, more than half a life ago, when he was taken? And most critically: What can he tell Myron and Win about the fate of his missing friend?

Harlan Coben delivers a thriller about friendship, family, and the meaning of home.

Read as an audio book.

I greatly enjoyed the narrator on this selection. He so captured Myron's wit and humility and Win's haughtiness and self analysis. A perfect match.

Too quote Myron: Wow.

Premise of the book is two six year old boys were kidnapped from under the nose of their nanny and have been missing for 10 years. Win, being absent for nearly a year, calls Myron from London - he's located one of the boys, but things went wrong and he needs Myron's help. The boys are in the hands of a prostitution ring run by Fat Gandhi and Myron manages to save one. When young Patrick is reunited with his family, the anger, animosity and desire to find Reese becomes relentless. But the more Myron and Win dig, the more they realize something doesn't make sense. Boy, were they right.

Talk about explosive.

After the last two books in this series, I felt that there was a return to the humor, self observation and witty repartee that drew me into the series. The plot drew me in and kept me engaged right up to the very end. I still have chills from the ending.

Wow.

Did I mention this book is explosive? The reader might suspect they know what's going on, and to some degree are right, but when the words are spoken on page - Holy smokes.

I LOVED how more of the book was from Win's point of view. We've gotten to know Myron over the last 10 books, now we delve into Win's thoughts and feelings. Coben stayed true to character, Win is NOT necessarily a nice person - Win admits as much - but, gosh darn it if you don't like him anyway.

This almost felt like a final book, and if it is, I am truly content. I don't know how the author could follow with anything near as thrilling, provoking and engaging in this series without doing irreparable harm to the characters.

Bravo Mr. Coben, BRAVO!

Recommended if you've read the rest in the Myron Bolitar series.



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Recipe Review from 4/24/2017

We are at the three week "Puppy count down!"  A name for the little tyke is still undecided.

In the interim, weather is nice, then it snows.  Weather is nice, then it snows.  It's giving me a bit of whiplash because I just don't know what I should be wearing/bringing when I head out the door in the morning - winter coat and splashy boots?  Light jacket?  All the above?

Soon, soon it will be nice.  Or so I keep telling myself. 

The Meal Plan from week of 4/24
Sun (L)  leftover wild rice dish  (S)  Slow cooked baked Ziti
Mon (yoga, bookgroup, legion mtgs)
Tues (yoga PM)  leftover baked Ziti
Wed - Shrimp Paella
Thurs (Ruffed Grouse Banquet) leftovers
Fri (yoga AM)  leftovers
Sat (Memorial Service in Cambridge)


Slow Cooked Baked Ziti (modified from ATK Slow Cooker Revolution)
The recipe title is actually Baked Ziti with Pepperoni, Mushrooms and Ricotta, but I subbed italian sausage for the pepperoni, and cottage cheese for the ricotta.  The Italian sausage was intentional, the cottage cheese a last minute "oops".  I think I had intended to make my own ricotta, but forgot to buy the milk.

I really enjoyed this dish.  This could be done in the oven just as easily as the slow cooker, but the slow cooker had its advantages like being able to walk away for three hours.  I have written the recipe to include my modifications, so you could make it either way.   My one take heed!  would be WATCH THE COOKING TIME.  I didn't do a full three hours, and that was even with cooking on the "Low" setting.

End result?  A hearty, easy baked pasta.  Serve with a salad or some crusty bread.  Recommended. 

2 onions, minced
10 oz white mushrooms (I used cremini), trimmed and sliced
1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch pieces (I used a red pepper)
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream (I used 1/2 n 1/2)
8 oz ziti (I used penne)
6 oz sliced pepperoni  (I used 8 oz ground Italian sausage)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (15-oz) can tomato suace
1 cup (8 oz) ricotta cheese  (I used cottage cheese)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1.  Line slow cooker with an aluminum foil collar and coat with vegetable spray.

1a.  IF using Italian sausage, heat oil in a medium saute skillet over medium high heat.  Add sausage, crumbling and cook until just lightly browned.  Remove from pan and set aside to drain on a paper towel.  

1b. Heat oil in a medium saute skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, garlic, and oregano and cook until vegetables are just softened.

2. Stir in tomatoes and cream (or half n half), scraping up any browned bits, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.  Stir in ziti [pepperoni if using] salt and pepper.

3. Transfer mixture to prepared sow cooker and spread tomato sauce evenly over pasta.  Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 3 hours on high [low] (I used low heat and it was perfectly done).

4. Remove foil collar.  Gently stir pasta, adding hot water as needed to loosen sauce consistency.   (I didn't do this bit, pasta was almost over cooked at this point and I didn't want to turn it into mush).  Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta (cottage cheese) over casserole, then sprinkle with mozzarella.  Cover and let sit until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.  Sprinkle with basil.


Shrimp Paella (Ckng Lght, May 2015)   vegetarian option
This comes together rather quickly BUT, I do have some notes on assembly:  I have no idea what pre-cooked brown rice is (and I'm not the only person to question Cooking Light on this).  I use the 10 minute instant and make four servings.   I make the rice ahead of time (day before is best) because it seems to cook better once I start adding it to the pan.  I used a pea and carrot mix because that's what I had on hand - peas, mixed veggies, whatever you have in the freezer

For a weeknight dish, this was just about perfect - keeping in mind I had to cook my rice, but that allowed me to prep everything else.  This makes enough for four servings, and would freeze nicely.  For a vegetarian dish, omit the shrimp and add extra veggies. 

2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup frozen green peas (I used carrots and peas)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 (8.8-oz.) pkg. precooked brown rice (such as Uncle Ben's)
(I used the equivalent of 4 servings of instant rice, cooked)
3 tablespoons unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)  (I used water)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces frozen medium shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined** to make vegetarian, skip shrimp, add some blanched cauliflower or broccoli)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice  (oops!  Forgot!)

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add turmeric; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add bell pepper, peas, and garlic to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in rice; spread in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in stock, salt, and pepper. Spread rice mixture in an even layer in pan. Cook, without stirring, 7 minutes. 

Arrange shrimp on top of rice mixture; cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp are done. Drizzle lemon juice over pan. Serve immediately.

Banana Chocolate Chip Brunch Cake (Ckng Lght May 2005)
I wanted something a bit different for my March Operations Meeting - I've been making the Chocolate Oatmeal cake which the guys love, but I had some banana's in the freezer and a hankering for banana bread or cake with chocolate chips.

This recipe came up on a last minute search (I forgot to look ahead of time and was sitting in the parking lot trying to find a chocolate cake recipe, I love smartphones...) and fit my mood perfectly.

This came together very quickly and I only altered slightly - I added about 1/8 tsp ground cloves and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg.  Like I noted above, my banana's were frozen and very ripe - they ended up being mush, which I personally think makes a better banana bread.  I did measure, and four banana's gave me 1 1/2 cup mashed (very runny). 

Baking time was almost 45 minutes for my oven and humidity.

Mixed results?  This is more dense than I had anticipated.  The guys in the meeting came back for seconds so I didn't sense any disappointment there, but they could have just been polite.  I think the husband found it too dense and a tich dry for his preference.  I'm...mixed thoughts?  I would probably make this again tho.   

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups mashed banana (about 3 large)
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 large egg
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped and divided  (I used 10oz Ghiridelli bittersweet chips, 60% cacao; 4 oz in the cake)
Cooking spray
8 teaspoons hot water

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.
3. Combine banana, milk, and egg, stirring until well blended. Add banana mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Gently fold in half of chocolate. Spoon batter into a 9-inch round cake pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely.
4. Combine remaining chocolate and hot water in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave at high 30 seconds or until almost melted. Stir until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.

Son of Justice by Steven L. Hawk

Son of Justice by Steven L. Hawk

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





Jacket Blurb: 
For more than a dozen years, Eli has studied the art of war from some of the most skilled fighters on three planets. There's no question, he has what it takes to be a professional soldier.

There's just one problem. His father is General Grant Justice, the most famous man in the galaxy and leader of a new governmental alliance that unites four alien races.

When it comes time to enlist, the younger Justice has to make a choice. Rely on his last name and claim an automatic commission as an officer? Or enter basic training as a lowly private and earn his way to the top?

For Eli, the decision is an easy one. He changes his name and enlists as an anonymous recruit.
Unfortunately, not all of life's choices have such clear-cut answers. An alien-led rebellion is brewing in the ranks of the army he has just joined, and Eli is forced to choose sides. His actions will determine the fate of his father, the alliance, and the entire human race.

April's book group book.

This was a light and enjoyable military scifi book in the tradition of say, Ender's Game or loosely (and I do mean loosely) Starship Troopers. While this didn't have the emotional weight or impact of the afore mentioned books, it plays homage to the themes found therein: a young recruit making his own way through the ranks to find inner strength and resolve to stand up against adversity.

Premise of the book is Eli Jayson (ne Justice) is going through "boot camp" under an alias to avoid preferential treatment. His father is the renown General Justice, bringer of Peace to what is now the Shiale Alliance. As Eli makes his way up the ranks, he faces adversity and challenge at every turn. When he stumbles up on the Zthrn attempt to overthrown the planet, it becomes more than just a training exercise.

This felt like a young adult book. I'm not sure where it's 'shelved', technically, but the overall tone and theme read like new adult/young adult. What this did not feel like is a "coming of age" book - don't get me wrong,it basically is, but it didn't feel like it and I appreciated that.

I found the aliens interesting, the plot moved the characters smartly along, the premise of the training and new equipment felt integrated into the story and gosh darn it, Eli is just a nice guy.

What I didn't care for was the "love interest". His female acquaintance from a decade ago decides to transfer out of his battalion so they can date. Right. Uh huh. Didn't work for me - a romance where there didn't need to be one.

So other than my one romance quirk, I enjoyed the story.



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Puppy!

No recipe review this week, but a good opportunity to introduce a future member of our little pack. 

Springer Spaniel from Kinni River Springers  

DOB 3/29/2017

Boy

As yet unnamed - we can't decide.  

Pick up day:  May 19

Five days old

Five days old

Three weeks! 

Minicon 53

And so it came to pass that Easter Weekend I found myself, for the 23rd year in a row, at Minicon.  Minicon 52 to be exact.

I'm still stuck on the fact I've been to 23 of these things.  Yaowza!

Four Guests of Honor:
Author - Jim C. Heins
Science - Brother Guy Consolmagno, Director of the Vatican Observatory
Fan - Mark Oshiro
Artist - Jeff Lee Johnson

This was a good year panel-wise.  I found myself engaged and interested in the con, rather than wandering around Minneapolis.  I went to three panels on Friday, five on Saturday, and Sunday headed home. 

Basic Astronomy -  was one of the panels where the title did not match what they discussed.  I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting (and I should know better than to have expectations going into these things), but not what I got.  They talked a lot about the forthcoming eclipse, the MN Amateur Astronomy society, the books the Stars and Turn Left at Orion, and how you don't need a telescope to enjoy the night sky, but if you want a telescope, start small and inexpensive. 



We Suck: the Importance of Failure - was hilarious, but again, not what I thought I was walking into.  I expected (there are those darn expectations again!) more of a serious discussion on screwing up, but it was the GoH's telling stories about where they humiliated themselves and thus, learned some humility.  



Life and Work in a Monarchy was delightful, though the room was so cold I couldn't get comfortable (the room with the stage and screen).  Brother Guy had a slide show of part of his life and adventures living at the Vatican and working at the observatory.  Facinating!



Amino Acids in Meteorites -  I never like to hear the panelist's going "I don't know what we're talking about" as they sit down, so I was a bit worried when the panel kicked off.  Brother Guy and another gentleman discussed science and the origins of life.  Some aspects were over my head, but overall, enjoyable. 



Turn Left at Orion - Not what I expected (SEE! Darn expectations.  Need to let them go...), thought I was getting something about stars.  This was Brother Guy talking about how the book by the same name came into existence, and how it continues to be a good resource for star gazing.  The book is now in my Amazon cart!

Interview with Jim Heins - much  more serious than I thought it would be, especially following the We Suck panel.  Jim talked about disabilities in fiction and in real life, including his own struggles with diabetes and depression.   I left with Things to Think About, such as romanticizing disabilities in fiction and what role does that play with reality.



Ask A Scientist - is roll of the dice.  Never know what's you're going to get. Premise is audience members ask the scientists questions and they answer them. Sometimes silly, sometimes not.  This was a not silly year.

Return to Jupiter - I realized about 15 minutes into Mr. Bill Higgin's presentation I was brain-dead.  His was panel #5 for the day and, unfortunately, it was information overload.  I usually enjoy his presentations and seek him out at conventions because he has slides, he is incredibly knowledgeable, and talks about really cool things in Space, buuuttt...at 4p in the afternoon after a full day, my poor brain just said, Nope. We're done.   I should have skipped a panel earlier in the day as a mental break.  Live and learn.  ((shrugg))    This was a slide show on the Juno exploratory space probe.


Overall a good weekend - I fit in three yoga classes, ate a two new restaurants, several good meals at some tried and true restaurants, and recharged the geek batteries for another year.    This will probably be my only scifi convention this year.  Worldcon is in Finland in 2017.  I'll be going in 2018 when it's in San Jose, CA. 

Recipe Review from 4/17/17

Writing reviews does me no good unless I actually hit the "Publish" button.  Urk.  Just been one of those weeks. 

The Meal Plan from week of 4/17:
Sun (L) Leftovers   (S)  Rice, Broccoli and Cheese cakes
Mon (Yoga)  Beginners pulled pork
Tues - leftover rice cakes
Wed - leftover pulled pork
Thurs - Sunday - MINICON!!

Lunches - Moroccan Chicken (me); sandwiches (Husband)

Broccoli, Cheddar and Rice Cakes (Ckng Lght, April 2017)  vegetarian
These were somewhat putzy despite being touted as a 40 minute meal: one pan to cook the rice, one pan to saute the onion and broccoli, one bowl to mix every thing in, and the pan to bake on (though...use aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up).   Add in my concern that the mixture was too soupy and hard to form into patties, I had my doubts.

Yet, after baking, these turned out quite good!  I did use a 1 cup measuring cup to scoop, pack and plop the mixture onto the sheet pan.  The patties didn't explode (one or two slightly fell apart) and I ended up with about 10 nice sized rice and broccoli patties.  I served over baby spinach, sprinkled with cheese and at tich of sea salt.  These re-heated quite nicely on the stove and made for a very quick and nicely filling supper.

Recommended.

Cooking spray
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted vegetable stock (such as Swanson)
12 ounces fresh broccoli florets, cut into 1/2-in. pieces
1 (8.8-oz.) pkg. precooked brown rice (such as Uncle Ben's)
1/4 cup whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
(I used regular bread crumbs, toasted) 
1 tablespoon grainy mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/8 teaspoon kosher salt
3 ounces pre-shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided (about 3/4 cup)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Sliced green onions (optional)

Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; sauté 4 minutes. Add stock and broccoli. Bring to a boil; cook 3 minutes.

Heat rice according to package directions. Combine broccoli mixture, rice, panko, mustard, pepper, salt, and 1/2 cup cheese in a large bowl. Stir in eggs. Divide and shape broccoli mixture into 8 (2 1/2-inch) patties. Arrange patties on prepared pan; coat patties with cooking spray. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese, and bake at 450°F for 4 more minutes or until cheese melts. Garnish with green onions, if desired

Moroccan Chicken Stew (ATK Slow Cooker Revolution)
While the ingredient list is a bit on the lengthy side, this dish is totally worth making!  Most of the ingredients are spices, and once those spices are bloomed with the onions, everything is just tossed into the cooker and you walk away.  The result?  Delicious!

I did serve part of this over rice - but because this made a lot and I forgot I didn't need meals for the entire week, I froze three lunch containers and forgot to make rice to go with those.  Which is okay - I bought some naan instead.   So with rice, I expect I could have gotten about 10 servings roughly?  Without, maybe 8 or so. 

Recommended!

2 onions, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
1/2 cup dry white wine (I skipped)
2 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup dried apricots, chopped and divided
3 tbsp Minute tapioca
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
(I used skinless, bone-in, chicken thighs)
salt and pepper
2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
light brown sugar
lemon wedges for serving

1.  Preheat a medium sized saute pan over medium high heat.  Saute onions, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cardamom an cayenne until onions are softened and spices fragrant.

2. Stir broth, wine, chickpeas, half of apricots, tapioca, bayleaves, and cinnamon stick into slow cooker.  Season chicken with salt and pepper and nestle into slow cooker.  Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 4 to 6 hours on low.

3. Transfer chicken to cutting board, let cool and shred into bite sized pieces.  Let stew settle for 5 minutes, then skim fat from surface with a spoon.  Remove and discard bay leaves and cinnamon stick.

4. Stir in remaining apricots, cover and cook on high until softened (about 5-10 minutes)  Stir in shredded chicken and let sit until heated through (about 5 minutes).  Or, just toss everything in at once and let stand for 15 minutes.    Adjust stew consistency with broth if needed.  Stir in cilantro, brown sugar to taste, salt and pepper, and serve with lemon wedges. 

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron (Mike Bowditch #1)

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron

My rating: 3 of 5 stars




The Jacket Blurb:  Game warden Mike Bowditch returns home one evening to find a cryptic message on his answering machine from his father, Jack, who he hasn't heard from in two years. The next morning Mike gets a call from the police: a beloved local cop has been killed and his father is their prime suspect.

Coming to terms with his haunted past and desperate for answers, Mike and a retired warden pilot journey deep into the Maine wilderness to clear his father's name and find out why Jack is on the run. But the only way for Mike to save his father is to find the real killer before the killer finds him.

Read as an audio book.

I enjoyed this. The game warden aspect was a refreshing change from the urban police procedurals I tend to gravitate to (John Sandford, Michael Connelly). I could relate to the Maine "Northwoods" setting, which is not all that dissimilar to my corner of the world, complete with hunting cabins, timber lands, and a Canadian border. I also understand that this was a first book, so some rough edges were not unexpected.

Premise of the book is, Mike Bowditch is a newly minted Maine Game Warden. His girl friend has recently left him for greener pastures, he confesses he's a loner and likes it that way, and then he finds out his estranged father is on the run and considered a fugitive for having killed two men and attacking a police officer. Mike puts his career on the line to help prove his father innocent.

The author did a pretty good job balancing/blending Mike's need to help his father with the reality of the situation: Mike has no idea where his dad is, he's convinced everyone is out to kill his father, but he's not part of the investigation in any way, shape or form. Until he's suspended from his job - which was where I started to cringe a bit (okay, a lot).

Mike was directed to report to his Big Boss Malcolm at 11am. The Detective in charge of the investigation calls Mike that morning and wants him to come North to "interview" a potential witness and gain her trust. Mike agrees, but doesn't call his Supervisor OR the Big Boss. The reader observes Mike's conundrum: find out some answers or loose his job. Out of everything in the book, I found this the least plausible. The obvious and simple solution would have been to have the Detective call the Big Boss, Mike call his Supervisor. It's the Detective asking him to come North, Mike was not going on his own accord and bucking orders.

I know this was to add in some emotional tension, but the whole set up just didn't fly with me, especially with the resolution at the conclusion.

I also didn't care for the whole Cops as Assholes vibe I kept getting. But that's my quirk.

Otherwise, a solid if not slightly predictable first book to what I hope will be an interesting series. Mike was interesting even though he seemed older than his 25 years. I liked Kathy (his supervisor),the game warden background is refreshingly different, and, as I noted above, I enjoyed the setting.

I'll be checking out the next book.



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