Gluten-Free Corn Bread

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Becky

This is good!

  • 3/4 cup cornmeal
  • 3 1/4 cups Gluten Free Bisquick mix
  • ¼ teaspoon Xanthan gum
  • 1 cup + 1 Tablespoon real butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup Swerve, or sweetener of choice
  • 3 Tablespoons apricot spreadable Fruit, warmed in microwave 30 seconds
  • 2  cups coconut milk or goat milk
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda
  • 6 eggs

Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar and milk with a fork and let sit 5 minutes.

Heat oven to 400°.  Mix all ingredients, including vinegar and milk mixture, together until smooth.  Pour into LIGHTLY oiled 9” x 12” pan.  Bake 30 minutes covered, then 20 minutes uncovered and knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool, cut & serve.

This is moist & tasty!

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“Hope’s Highest Mountain” by Misty M. Beller

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Climbing Every Mountain!

In 1866, Ingrid Chastain and her dad, are on a quest to take smallpox vaccine to the Montana Territory.   An epidemic has broken out and the Chastains will not let bad weather, mountains, or Western inexperience stop them.  Unfortunately, a horrible accident in a steep mountain pass leaves Ingrid the only survivor–with serious injuries, and little chance to live.

However, a rough mountain man, Micah Bradley, discovers her and uses all his strength to drag her to his camp.  Despite the danger to her health, Ingrid begs Micah to take the vaccine on to save lives, and justify her father’s death.

Can Ingrid convince Micah to make a trip that will take weeks of walking through the snow-covered mountains?  Since Ingrid can’t be left alone, how could he bring her with him?  Could Ingrid survive a trip like that since she is already in tremendous pain? Micah has demons of his own that drove him away, will he leave the mountains to help?

The fascinating characters of Micah and Ingrid immediately draw you into their stories, and keep the pages turning.  This clean tale has lots of excitement and adventure.  Despite Micah not believing her, Ingrid credit’s God with giving her strength.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to all who enjoy well-written tales of the old west with romantic fireworks on the side.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Mistymbellerauthor/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MistyMBeller

The Author’s Website:  www.MistyMBeller.com

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“Where’s Waldo! Double Trouble at the Museum” by Martin Handford

Posted on October 26, 2019 by Becky

The Ultimate Spot-the-Difference Book!

Wow, this is Impressive!

Do you know Waldo? Whether you already know him, or this is your first time with him, this book will be a real treat for you. That is because Waldo is at his impressive best in this giant, over-sized volume that measures one foot in every direction. 

Between the hard-backed covers are all kinds of brightly, colored spot-the-difference puzzles.  They provide lots of fun when trying to find Waldo, or a variety of other items, hidden in plain sight throughout the pages.  You might think this sounds simple, but these illustrations will keep your attention for quite some time while looking for the items. This book can be enjoyed by children and adults alike—even very young kids have a good time exploring the pages, despite the challenge presented by these puzzles.  The illustrations draw everyone in, and before you know it, you, too, will be doubling your fun searching for the differences.  Additionally, the generous pages offer extra items to find, and lots of smiles because of the humorous situations scattered throughout the images.

So, where’s Waldo?  He is everywhere you want him to be.  But Waldo is always on the move, including this latest book which will be flying off the shelves.  Make sure you get a copy while you still can, and watch faces light up when they see it—under the tree, or under your arm!  I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who enjoys amusing entertainment.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Where’s Waldo! Double Trouble at the Museum, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Good News! God Made Me!” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Becky

(Our Daily Bread for Kids Presents)

Illustrated by Lizzie Walkley

Wonderful, Marvelous You!

Children love hearing about themselves, so will instantly like this book because it points out how each and every part of themselves is distinctive.  Little ones will adore hearing all the ways God made them special while listening to cute verses such as:

Who made my fingers wiggle so?

Who gave me ten cute toes?

Who gave me eyes to peak at you?

Who made my button nose?

 Each page of this sturdy board book has adorable, colorful illustrations that point out they are specially made by God.  All those special parts are shown in action while playing with grandma, during the joy of mom picking them up, and bubble baths.

 Building up a child’s self-esteem will make them healthy and strong; they can never be told too much that they are a special and marvelous creation.  You yourself can be special by picking up a copy of this enchanting 5-star book—I highly recommend it!

Our Daily Bread for Kids and the author have provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Good News! God Made Me!, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlenysNellistAuthor/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GlenysNellist

The Author’s Website:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/blog/

 

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“The Spice King” by Elizabeth Camden

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spice of Life

Salt and pepper sum up the spices in most American foods at the turn of the last century.  Things like rosemary, cumin, and basil that are a staple today were unheard of one hundred ago.  Gray Delacroix has traveled the world to find elusive spices, even though doing it cost a large portion of his life and health.  Now ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor, Annabelle Larken wants to convince the curmudgeon Gray to donate his profitable plants to the Smithsonian.  In this battle of wills, which one will back down?

Annabelle is desperate because if she fails, she will lose her job.  Her salary makes it possible for her blind sister to remain with her.   Just when Annabelle might be making headway, she discovers illegal activities by one of Gray’s relatives.  Should Annabelle do the right thing, report her discovery, and destroy any association with Gray?  Being honest will help the greater good, but it will wreck her personal life, so will she look the other way instead?

This story really builds the tension wondering what she will choose, and I liked the information about spices that was surprisingly interesting.  This tale is clean, told from a Christian point of view, and is the first in the Hope and Glory series.  Although this 5-star story stands on its own, some questions remain for future installments.  It will be enjoyed by fans of historical books with a touch of romance.

Bethany House Publishing  has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Spice King, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethCamden/?fref=nf

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ElizabethCamdn

The Author’s Website:   www.elizabethcamden.com

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“Aiming for Love” by Mary Connealy

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Becky

Getting Away from it All?

The Nordegren sisters, Jo, Ursula and Ilsa, have grown up in the late 1800s in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains.  Their grandparents raised them in isolation scaring them with stories of sickness followed by death if they mix with the rest of the world.  The sisters have adapted well to living off the land.  Jo is a hunter and moves silently through the forest, while Ilsa has become an expert with medical treatments made from local ingredients.  Ursula, the oldest, is in charge cooking and keeping house for all of them. Suddenly, their quiet world has been invaded by the Warden family along with cowboys, cattle and wonders from the outside world.

Though nervous, Jo welcomes them, but when sickness soon follows, Ursula declares either she, or the newcomers, must go.  Can Jo give up the new family, especially since experiencing feelings she is unaccustomed with towards the Warden son? Will the sisters perish from diseases brought from the outside world?  Or will the sisters be separated permanently because of hard feelings?

The author pulls us into a fast-moving story full of the incredible sights of the Rockies along with the Warden’s thrilling escape to the mountains.  The sisters are a delight from the way they live, enjoy the nature all around them, to the things they discover about themselves and their family.  Be ready for a rip-roaring good time, filled with danger, suspense and peril.  This is all wrapped up in a clean story told from a Christian perspective.  I highly recommend this first installment of the Brides of Hope Mountain.  It will be enjoyed by all who like adventure with a touch of romance.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Aiming for Love, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Blog:  http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/p/about-mary.html

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/maryconnealy

Author’s Website:  http://maryconnealy.com/

Author’s Website:  http://petticoatsandpistols.com/

 

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Beans, Dried, Easy Preparation

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Becky

2 lb package of dried beans (such as Navy, Pinto, Red, etc.)

1 cup chicken broth

1 chopped onion

1 package chopped bacon

2 teaspoon salts and pepper

Chopped fresh Cilantro, if desired

Put a two-pound package of dried beans in a colander and rinse.  Transfer to a large Dutch oven and cover with water until it is two inches above beans.  Bring to a boil for two minutes.  Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for one hour.

Drain and rinse beans.

Put the beans back in the Dutch oven and add enough water to cover them 2” above the beans.  Next, add chopped onion, chopped bacon, salt and pepper.  Bring this all to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cover and cook 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Check from time to time that there is still enough liquid, you do not want this to go dry.  So add water as necessary.

Beans must cook until they are soft, thickened a bit and a broth has started to form with the beans.  When they reach this stage, stir in chicken broth and cook for 10 more minutes.  They are now ready to eat.  They are delicious with chopped, fresh cilantro sprinkled on top and served with corn bread.  When eating, Pace, McIlhenny Co. TABASCO Brand Buffalo Style Hot Sauce, or sauce of choice may be added to taste.

Or they can be used in any recipe calling for beans.

These are naturally gluten free.

Once you have made these beans, you will never want to use canned again.

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes, Gluten-Free Side Dishes & Vegetables, Gluten-Free Soups, Regular Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Mr. Scruff” by Simon James

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Becky

Let’s Be Friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just when you feel you have to look or act a certain way in order to befriend someone, along comes Mr. Scruff, and he breaks all the patterns with his new owner, and friend, Jim.

Dog owners and their pet friends often have a lot in common, even their names.  Polly belongs to Molly; Mick belongs to Rick.  They seem to be made for each other, and a lot of times, things do go together like that.   But that isn’t always the case, and as this book states “you don’t have to be perfect (together) to have a perfect fit”. 

Children may meet others that are different from them, so think they can’t be buddies.  But they might match up perfectly with each other, if they just give it a try.   That is the kernel of truth wrapped up in this cute story about dogs, their owners that match up perfectly, and the exceptions that sometimes happen. 

This oversized, hard-backed book, has colorful illustrations on every page.  In a world where most of the time Florence is with Lawrence, and Eric is with Derek, Mr. Scruff doesn’t seem to go with Jim, but they do.  I recommend this fun, 5-star story to anyone who want children to understand they can be friends with others, even if they don’t seem to go together.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Mr. Scruff, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  http://www.simonjamesbooks.com

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Easy Birthday Cake, Gluten Free

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Becky

The trick to making a good sponge cake is to sift the Swerve and potato starch.  Also, beat as much air as possible into the separated eggs, folding them gently into the batter without overworking them and causing the whites to deflate.

8 extra-large or jumbo eggs, room temperature

1 1/4 cups Swerve (or 1 ½ cups sugar), sifted***

¼ Cup fresh orange juice**

¼ cup of ground pecans

1 full cup of potato starch, sifted***

Dash of salt

The nuts can be ground like bread crumbs in a Vitamix blender.

Separate the 8 eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat the 8 egg yolks for 2 minutes at high speed. Add the sifted Swerve, ground pecans and orange juice, beating constantly and thoroughly, and mix for 2 minutes at medium speed. Gradually add the sifted potato starch, and continue mixing at medium speed for an additional 2 minutes.

Beat the egg whites with the salt until stiff but not dry.  Using a clean, grease free spatula, fold gently but thoroughly into the egg yolk mixture.

Place in an ungreased 10-inch springform, Angel Food cake pan (tube pan).   Make sure your mixing bowl, beaters and cake pan are grease free.  Otherwise, the egg whites while not beat correctly, and the cake will not rise well.   Bake at 350° F for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the cake springs back when firmly-but-gently touched with fingers, feeling near the center, as well as, the edges.

Remove from oven and invert the cake pan immediately.  Put it over a bottle if your pan doesn’t have little feet to stand on. Cool cake thoroughly, then run a sharp knife around the edges and center before removing carefully to your serving platter.   Enjoy.

This is a fun cake to change by adding different fruits.  Instead of the orange juice, substitute pineapple juice, pureed raspberries, strawberries or any other type of fruit that appeals to you.  Also, the nuts may be changed to a different type, including coconut.  The fruit makes this a very moist cake.  Sprinkle the top of the cake with ground nuts, coconut or powdered sugar if you want to dress it up!

The cake is enjoyed by gluten eaters along with non-gluten followers.  Even one kitty cat enjoys the orange version!

**I like the juice from Honeybell oranges (Minneola Tangelos), if available.

***You can sift this by putting a wire mesh strainer over a mixing bowl and adding the dry ingredient.  Then gently move the strainer back and forth (it can be helped with a spoon) until all the dry ingredients goes through into the bowl.

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“Astro Girl” by Ken Wilson-Max

Posted on September 28, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blast Off!

Have you ever had a passion for something that you wanted so badly that you could almost taste it?  Little Astrid has that.  She longs to be an astronaut and she thinks, breathes and dreams about it all the time.  Despite her dad pointing out some hard things an astronaut has to do, Astrid still wants to reach her goal.   She has a surprise at the end when she discovers someone else who had a dream about a big goal, and achieved it!

This book cheers children on to have dreams, and not to give up.  Even playtime can be a fun time to act out future hopes.  Sometimes hard things might have to be faced, but keep believing in goals—and it might just happen. The book encourages hope about the future, and that no dream is too big.  Keep believing!

This over-sized, hardbacked book, has lovely bright colored illustrations on each page.  The end of the book offers some interesting information about space travel, the food eaten, and women who have become astronauts.  I recommend this five-star book to all children who enjoy dreaming about their future.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Astro Girl, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kenwilsonmax?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

The Author’s Website:  https://www.kenwilsonmax.com

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