Got snow? Make Snow Cream

No, this isn't "my" snow cream. I "Googled"
the picture. But it DOES LOOK LIKE the
snow cream I used to make.

I was "chatting" on a forum the other day and someone asked about snow cream. Well, I made it a time or so for my kiddies and decided to share a recipe I "Googled" and found. 

You must have a snow fall sufficient to scrap off a top layer and get an adequate amount of snow to make the "snow cream" without getting to the ground level.  We've made it a few times but since our NC snowfalls usually are not sufficient to be sure the snow is "clean", we have not done it often. Here is a recipe I found that sounds similar to what I have done in the past.

Snow Cream By Anne Coleman 

What do you do with a big batch of freshly fallen snow? Make Snow Cream! The kids love this one even if the texture is quite different from traditional ice cream. The minute the first flake falls, they're asking when we'll be making it. It's fast and fun and the best part is, they can make this by themselves. Hands-On Time: 10 minutes Ready In: 10 minutes Yield: Serves 4 excited children

 Ingredients:
1 cup half and half or milk
1/3 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 6 cups clean, freshly fallen snow

Directions: In a large bowl combine half and half, vanilla extract and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes.Stir in snow, a cup at a time, until the ice cream magically forms! Freeze for several minutes if desired before serving.

Now share your memories of snow days, snow play, snow cream.

"No One to Trust" by Lynette Eason

ISBN:  9780800722081

About the book:  Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

My thoughts:  This is a fast-paced mystery, suspense story about a young man whose actions in his past have led to a situation today where he is in the WITSEC (Witness Protection)  program because he is the primary witness in a major criminal case. He has married while in the WITSEC program and is working as an IT guru. His wife, Summer, is an attorney but she has no knowledge of his past and his being in the WITSEC program. In short, his life has been a lie to her up to the point where she awakens and sees a stranger in her bedroom threatening to do deadly harm to her and her loved ones if she doesn’t fine a certain laptop.

The action gets moving pretty quickly from this horrific start and doesn’t stop until you turn the final page of the book.
 
Summer’s past involved people she should have been able to trust implicitly betraying her. Now she is faced with more lies and betrayal from her husband and others.
The main protagonist is a really weird, creepy criminal with absolutely no conscience. No hesitation to order a kill. He has a strange attraction for snakes and that is where it really gets creepy.
 
If you enjoy mystery, action, and suspense, and don’t mind a bit of chilling, creepy, then you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed it, but since I don’t like snakes, I do wish the snake part had been played out differently.  Lynnette Eason writes a terrific book and it flows nicely with well thought out characters and vivid descriptions.
 
Just what is WITSEC?

About the author:  Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series. She was a 2013 finalist for the ECPA Book Awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Find out more at www.lynetteeason.com.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of No One To Trust from Revell in exchange for an honest review – which I have done. Opinions expressed are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review.

"99 Stories from the Bible" by Juliet David & illustrated by Elina Ellis

ISBN-13: 9781859858479
Hardcover: Lion Hudson $14.99

About the book:  Following the narrative of the Bible, this collection of 99 stories starts with At the Beginning, and covers a wide variety of key events, including Samuel Listens, Esther, A Blind Man Sees, and Jesus Walks on the Lake, through to One Day Jesus Will Return. Each story is told over a double page spread with vibrant illustrations and some full page art.

My thoughts:  When I pick up a book designed for a young child, the first thing that I inspect is the size, heft, and art work. A child should be able to hold the book themselves and it should not be too heavy for their young hands and arms to comfortably hold. The art should be engaging and appealing to the young child and this is the way I see the illustrations of Elina Ellis.  When I received 99 Stories From the Bible, I saw immedietly that the children for which it is written will be able to comfortably hold and carry around this sweet book.

Image from: http://www.behance.net/gallery/99-Stories-from-the-Bible-for-Candle-Books/12075307

Image from: http://www.behance.net/gallery/99-Stories-from-the-Bible-for-Candle-Books/12075307

The art work is soft will pastel colors dominating.  The illustrations are detailed without being so complex that a young child can not try to "copy" with his/her own crayons. The stories each cover a two-page spread and are short and concise hitting the primary point in the story. The type set is large enough for a young reader to be able to read to younger siblings. This will make a very nice addition to the home library for those night time read-aloud story times. The language used in the stories is appropriate for conveying to the young child the main point of the story. Study, hardcover binding with thick pages will enhance the life of this book.

Author: Juliet David has written many children’s stories and Bible activity books. Her other interests include painting, music, and travel to Israel and other Bible lands. This experienced author lives in London with her family.

Illustrator: Elina Ellis,  Cambridge, United Kingdom, www.elinaellis.co.uk

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of 99 Stories From the Bible from Kregel in exchange for an honest review which I have done. Opinions expressed are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review.

"The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit London...... Edinburgh....... Paris" by Lisa Manzione and illustrated by Kristine Lucco (Review & 3-book Giveaway)

The world is a big place and full of cultural diversity and interesting sights to see. Children need to learn about this wondrous world - the civilizations,  the history, the peoples, the climates, the geography, and the food.  Well, author, Lisa Manzione and illustrator, Kristine Lucco will bring the world to your door step courtesy of Bella and Harry.

About the series:  The Adventures of Bella & Harry is a picture book series that chronicles the escapades of a pup named Bella, her little brother Harry and their family, who travel the world exploring the sights and sounds of new, exciting cities.  The “Bella & Harry” series is intended to be an informative, interactive and exciting way to introduce children to travel, different countries, customs, history and landmarks with the educational value of this book cleverly disguised amidst dozens of illustrated pages which are sure to win the hearts of young readers.

First stop today is LONDON:  The book opens with a jousting event with Knight Harry riding on his beautiful white horse - but that was just a dream. But then the question arises, "..what exactly is jousting?" After pursing that subject, Bella and Harry learn just what London is. And they learn the location of London in England which is located in Great Britain. They then begin a tour of London and see famous sights and enjoy tea and crumpets.

Next stop is EDINBURGH!  They learn that they don't have to go far from London to reach Edinburgh which is located in Scotland - just above England. They see Edinburgh Castle which has been there for hundreds of years. They see the clan plaids that each clan dresses in traditionally. They learn the difference in the United States' government and that of Great Britain which has a King or Queen, and a Parliament that run the country. They see Holyrood Palace which is the official home of the Royal Family while visiting Scotland and that it is hundreds of years old.



 

But there are more places to visit today and next we're going to go to...PARIS:  In  Paris they visit art museums, see the Eiffel Tower, eat French food, and visit the Arc de Triompe. Lots of famous places and things to see in the very large city of Paris. In the back of our book about Paris, there is a section of Fun French Phrases and Words and a section for Bella and Harry's snapshots of Paris.

Each of these books is sturdy and hardcover with thick pages for durability.  They will enhance a home, classroom, school, or library providing the young child with an opportunity to learn in a light-hearted manner about various locations in this wonderful world of ours.

As Chat With Vera's readers already know, I love it when a young child's book is entertaining as well as educational. There is such a dearth of instruction in the schools and text books today, that children are not gaining knowledge of the world in which they live, where countries are located, what country is neighbor to another, what the cultural aspects of the population is, what the land mass is, and if it is dissected by rivers or surrounded by water. It is sad. But there are some books on the market that you can use to enlighten and bring the world home to your special child. Recently I featured some books that are a great introduction to social studies and cultures.  Then I also reviewed two very large books of maps (or atlas) featuring pictures of the history, peoples, animals, land formations, etc. Chat With Vera wants children to learn about their world.

Now to travel with Bella & Harry ... got your passport?

Each of these books is beautifully printed in bold colors and hardbound. They have a map that positions the city you're visiting.  You learn about the famous buildings, rivers. You see what they eat, what they wear. There are a few words in the back in the language of that city/country with their meaning.  And the illustrations are a real joy. Watch this video and see.....
GIVEAWAY:  This will make a wonderful gift for that special child in your life. Use the Rafflecopter entry form and let's see who can win a living room-travel-set for a child.  All 3 of these books to one winner! Begins January 2  & ENDS January 29 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA mainland addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author & illustrator:  Lisa Manzione, Author - The Bella and Harry series of children's books is Lisa Manzione's first foray into children's fiction writing. As a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Lisa's entrance into the field of literature is one she has eagerly awaited and is very passionate about.

The series was developed with the hope of inspiring young readers to embrace the world and encourage its exploration. Done through the comedic and informative adventures of Bella and Harry, while traveling through various countries, Lisa hopes to stimulate children's imaginations and foster a thirst for understanding the world in which they live

Kristen Lucco, Illustrator - Born in rural Pennsylvania, Kristine's passion for art began at a young age. This interest in art continued and ultimately led Kristine to study at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.


Her talent was quickly recognized as extraordinary by local designers and today, over 20 years later, Kristine's art and designs adorn walls and a myriad of other surfaces all over south Florida.

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

ISBN 13: 9780310724421

About the book:   Happily Ever After ...Or Happily Nevermore?  Gisela's childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father's death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke's son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.


My thoughts: I really don’t read many fairy tale retellings but made an exception to The Captive Maiden by  Melanie Dickerson because of its absolutely beautiful cover and the reviews of her prior books which are retellings of other fairy tales. In The Captive Maiden, Ms. Dickerson expands on the story of Cinderella and her mistreatment by the wicked stepmother and stepsisters. Gisela  attends a ball and the handsome suitor is there to entrance. However, that is about the extent of the connection with the actual Cinderella tale. Frankly, I think Ms. Dickersons’ expansion of the story line and addition of scenes and plot will thoroughly engage and enthrall the reader – perhaps 13 and up to the young-in-heart.
 
Gisela is made to serve and scrub for the stepmother and stepsisters, but she has a sweet attitude. She loves the horses stabled on her deceased father’s land and that is a major connection between she and the handsome hero, Valten, who is the future Duke.
 
There is a villain who fights Valten in the jousting tournaments (think Ivanhoe and medieval times) which are described in great detail. Swashbuckling sword fights and kidnapping scenes with and fights and rescues. Sweet romance blooms. This is sure to capture to attention of anyone who enjoys a damsel in distress and a hero who is coming to the rescue.

The book drags a bit in spots, but overall it is quite an enjoyable read.  On the back cover, the publisher denotes this as “TEEN FICTION.” That it surely is but will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys a fairy tale retelling and light read. The story is replete with references to Christianity though it is not a “preachy” book. It is, after all, published by a Christian publishing house, Zondervan. It is one I can definitely recommend.

About the author:  Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary.  
 
DISCLOSURE:  I received a complimentary copy of The Captive Maiden from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

"Rest Not in Peace The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #6" by Mel Starr

About the book:   Another slice of medieval skullduggery from the surgeon-turned-sleuth

Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle. Sir Henry—with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants—has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.

The next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to do with the potion.

My thoughts:  The historical setting of Rest Not in Peace is medieval England in the year 1368.  I previously read and reviewed The Tainted Coin and found Mel Starr's writing style refreshing, development of the characters interesting, educational to behavior of characters of the historical period believable, and felt very comfortable that scenes, behavior, personalities, medical practices, etc. described in the book true to the period. I base this assumption on the educational background and teaching experience of the author as well as his studies of medieval medical practices. So often historical reads are romances and filled with the give and take of the male and female protagonists.  However, in Mel Starr's The Tainted Coin and Rest Not in Peace, I discovered Master Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon and found him a character of many fine points that the author develops quite well and the books are absolutely clean reads.

The story is written first-person with the voice of Singleton.  He is the bailiff for the Lord's estate as well as a surgeon.  Author Mel Starr is a historian by education and trade and has thoroughly researched this period novel.  Included in the front of the book are words and terms to help understand the terminology of the period such as foods, pieces of clothing, and names of objects.  But you don't feel as though you are reading a history book.  

In Rest Not In Peace, Hugh de Singleton is called to the castle as the bailiff to investigate the death of a guest of Lord Gilbert. I especially enjoy the sentence structure utilized by the author that captures the mode of speech indicative of the 1360s England. True it is not "old English," but it does set the tone for a period difference. In the process of discovery and investigation, station in life in medieval England again allows that the gentry are afforded more leeway than the common man. Social order and the privilege of rank that existed and played a role in meeting out justice for those who broke the laws.

Singleton's contemplations are interesting and often take place on his way home as he crosses Shill Brook where he subtly draws analogies between the brook's water flow and the situation he is investigating. This is also a spot where he seems to calm his senses and "cleanse" himself mentally, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually.

Read an excerpt

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Rest Not in Peace from Kregel Publications on behalf of Monarch Books and the author for the purpose of my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide favorable comments. Opinions expressed are solely my own. 

The decadence of Christmas and holiday sweets (or rather "Oh my, how sweet thy tooth has become.")

Having grown up in a home with a mother that was a fabulous cook par excellence and partaken of my share (and more) of cookies, pound cake, fruit cake, red velvet cake, black walnut cake, apple pie, yellow layer cake with fudge icing (6 layers, no less), and then breaking out a traditional Better Homes and Garden red checkered cookbook of my own upon my marriage in 1957, I've tasted the sweet side of life in a glorious way.

As the years of my own marriage grew longer and the number of feet pitter pattering around the house grew greater, I established my own traditions of sweet cooking to satisfy the sweet tooth that we all have and that needs tender care during the Christmas season.  I made many, many (hundreds - thousands?) of pressed cookies and packaged them for gifts to kith and kin, to neighbor and friend, and to teacher and preacher. Chocolate, sprinkled, lemon, butter. All of them.

I made pound cake - lemon, cream cheese, chocolate, maple - and I made them large and I made them small. I made layer cakes with pineapple custard "icing" or filling and layer cakes with fudge icing. I made coconut layer cakes and chocolate chiffon cakes. I made chocolate layer cake with peanut butter fondue icing. Oh I made some cakes.

And don't forget the pies - fruit, custard, chocolate, no crust, flaky crust, sweet potato, and even cushaw (just look that one up).

And this was all done with flour, sugar, milk, eggs, butter, shortening, spices, cocoa, chocolate, lemons, etc. That was and is called "scratch" cooking.  I really don't know where that particular name for cooking homemade goodies originated unless it was because sometimes the lady of the house just had to scratch around a bit to see what could be thrown together to make a dish or make a meal.

But let's talk about "Oh my, how sweet thy tooth has become." What do I mean by that?  Well all you have to do is scroll through Facebook, Pinterest, a magazine, or online cooking sites and you'll see. Sweet has become sweeter. Sweeter has become sweetest. And Sweetest has become indulgently, disastrously dangerously, despicably a free ticket on the fast track of a heart attack or some other terrible fate.

Have you seen the pictures and recipes for such creations as:

• Sugar cookie bark - sugar cookies with a thick layer of white chocolate imbibed with M&Ms (or other chocolates), and sugar sprinkles
• A bowl of chunks of cake layered with whipped topping and pudding plus nuts and chocolate chips and maybe even a hot caramel or fudge sauce
• "Cookie bars" made with ready-made, refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough patted in a pan, topped with lots of pecans, then topped with a chocolate egg custard and baked. Definitely an ooey, gooey, decadent, delicious artery clogger.
• Or how about layering cookies, whipped cream, and hot fudge sauce (two layers at least) and top with nuts, sprinkles, or whatever fancies you.

The idea is to take ready prepared (refrigerated, mixes, etc.) and combine with other high fat, high sugar, sweet products to create beautiful and decadent desserts. But the bottom line is really two-fold. 

1. Using multiple pre-made products to create a unique or different dessert to serve one's family and friends simply sells more products at the grocery stores. Do you really need to make a pan of some decadent goodie using cookies, pudding, cake, and candies? Really?
2. Creating products from multiple products increases your intake of fat, sugar, and other unknown ingredients tremendously. Whereas if you create a luscious dessert from ingredients found in most homes (at least in past years), you can imbibe in sweets without totally catching a ride on the fast track to disaster.

All this being said, I don't  always cook from "scratch" these days. I do use refrigerated cookie dough to make cookies. I make use of brownie mix and cake mix to make life a bit easier for me. But really now, do we really need all those sweeter than sweet sweets that use all those extra ingredients? Why put candy on top of candy?