Dec 7, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
You can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she eats, especially on a first date. Can I get a whoot-whoot nod of appreciation here?
Seriously. Think about it. Are they delicate? Do they play with their food? Do they take time to savor every bite? Or do they get right to masticating their steak? Do they take a bite of everything with one forkful? Or push the foods away from each other? Do they douse the meal with salt and other seasonings? Load up with butter? Or take it as it is? If they’re at a restaurant, do they look at the menu, ask for the daily specials, or just suggest their own version of what’s available? What type of restaurant is their favorite? Do they care that you’re at the table with them?
Whether you’re just starting to write them, or are introducing them to your best friend-reader, meeting characters is a lot like taking them on a first date to your favorite restaurant. Some of them will fit right in and know how to act. Others will take their cue from observation. And still others won’t care what anyone thinks.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Osso Buco from Bella Trattoria, Mission Inn, Riverside
Because writing is a holistic discovery that includes all the senses, taking your peeps to dinner is essential. Now, I mean this both figuratively and literally. Pros will tell ya, adding good food (like, oh, I dunno, coffee and beignets or maybe a specialty gelato) into your manuscript draws the reader in with something they can recognize. More than just for survival, food triggers emotions and memories. It can do the same for your characters, and lead them through their journey of discovery.
You can also use the #foodie reference by asking, “How would my character eat a Junior’s Cheesecake?” or “Do they fold their pizza in half?” Knowing how your characters eat will help you write them more accurately:
- Someone who is afraid of sushi doesn’t often go parasailing
- A traditional Christmas dinner leads to a character reminiscing and embracing heritage
- Does your character thoughtfully sip their coffee or talk with their mouth full?
- If your guy is willing to grab a coffee and hot dog from a street vendor, he may be more adventurous than his friend who wipes down the handle of the grocery cart before shopping
- When your gal pal dunks her shortbread into a cup of hot tea, she might be willing to check out the new movie or bookstore, but less likely to go nightclubbing
- Do they drink beer from a glass or a bottle? Do they abstain?
- Is there an after-dinner cigarette involved? Or a stroll under street lamps?
- Do they prefer a solid, four-course meal or do they pick snacks and finger foods from the buffet?
- And what about dessert? Pie? Cake? Cupcakes? Chocolate? All of the above?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Do your characters embrace flavor and choice?
Giving your character the opportunity to express themselves through dialogue over a table of good food gives you the opportunity to show their mannerisms (and their manners!), and behavior patterns. How do they talk to those around them- waiters, patrons, tablemates? Do they order too much, leave food on the plate, eat from everyone else’s dish?
These are all insights that, whether you write them into your story or not, will give you the information you need to create a character your readers will relate to. And once they relate, they may even turn the page for that ever-sought-after second date.
[Look for The Character Cookbook by Molly Jo Realy, coming soon.]
Frankly, My Dear . . . : How Does Your Character Eat?
With a coffee cup and a dinner date,
Happy writing!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
Oct 10, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
I know. You’re thinking, what the heck? A recipe for sauce? That’s just . . . lame. Or something. I mean, all you do is open a jar. Am I right? That’s all there is to it.
But it’s not. Trust me.
A few blog posts ago [translate: years], I shared my recipes for infused olive oil and polenta. But I never shared the awesome sauce that goes with it.
Y’all ready for this?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Best Pasta Sauce. Period.
Now, this is a post for pasta sauce, but let’s recap the food it covers.
- Pasta: Boil the water and a dash or two of olive oil. Add the pasta. Boil 8-10 minutes or until al dente. That means until it doesn’t stick to each other, but it also isn’t limp like a piece of cereal left in milk for more than a few minutes.
- Polenta: So, first, ya wanna take your infused olive oil and heat it in a covered skillet until it’s “ouch” ready. That means for goodness sake, be careful when you lift the lid and don’t touch it! Slice the polenta into coins and fry for 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy. The longer the fry, the better the crunch. Capice?
Okay. Got your base food ready? Let’s make some sauce!
The Best Pasta Sauce. Period.
Ingredients
- 1 large jar pasta sauce. I like Newman's Own Sockarooni as a good starter.
- 1 small can diced tomatoes. If seasoned, use garlic, oregano or other Italian flavors.
- 1/2 clove garlic, pressed like a good Italian should do.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, you guessed it- diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms. No, not diced. Sliced or pieces. Okay. I guess that means diced.
- 1/2 cup red wine.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Heat thoroughly. [Note: the flavors are better if you let sit in a slow cooker for about two hours, stirring occasionally.]
- Serve on pasta or polenta.
- Or just eat with a large spoon.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/10/recipe-the-best-pasta-sauce-period/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
That’s it. Easy-peasy. And the clean up? Fuggedaboutit. [That means hakuna matata, no worries.]
How do you serve your sauce?
TWEET THIS: The Best Pasta Sauce Recipe. Period. @RealMojo68 #recipe #Italian #sauce #foodie
With a big fork and lot of garlic,
Happy eating!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Aug 4, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Today I’m focusing on Food and Fun. Which reminds me, it’s time for y’all to head on over to Facebook and vote for what I should put on the plate next week. Just click on the photos below to get there. You can also vote on my Instagram post, or by leaving a comment here. This week’s choices are: Egg Salad, Potato Chip Casserole, or Slow Cooker Ratatouille.
The kitchen is always a haven for me, a safe place where I can keep my body busy with cooking while my mind works out this week’s budget or next week’s character crisis. It’s near nirvana, blending and creating flavors, and one of the best ways to accomplish that is by mixing spices, and I’m not just talking sugar and salt.
This is the part where I tell you this post is in no way endorsed, sponsored, or whatevered by anyone or anything else. No body paid me, suggested to me, or offered me goods in exchange for my opinion. I just thought it’d be a fun topic for today’s 5TF.
Of course, I’m a fan of the McCormick brand because, and I think you know this, they’re the home of Zatarain’s. Yes, the Zatarain’s. The I’m-writing-and-need-inspiration spice. The I’m-so-glad-they-exist rice mixes. The blacken-that-salmon-more flavor. Yes, that Zatarain’s. Who can forget the lovely care package they sent me a few years ago? Gee, it’s almost time for a new one . . . *nudge, nudge, Jazz Man!*
Zatarain’s Care Package
Foodie Peeps, I give you this week’s Five Things Friday:
- Cinnamon It’s not just for Christmas. This great spice comes in both stick and ground form. I love adding a broken stick or two to my cider, hot tea, or latte. Of course, it’s a staple in my hot cocoa as well. But you already knew that. It’s got a crazy amount of healthy properties too, like soothing upset stomachs, and energy and brain boosts. Remember that for next time!
Mocha Flavored Coffee Mix
- Oregano. Ah, molto bella! What true Italian kitchen is without this pungent addition? Great on sandwiches and pizzas, in soups, and on salads. Oregano is my all-purpose main-dish spice. In oil form, Oregano is an immune-system booster and helps conquer the common cold faster than without it. Its warming properties make it a natural pain reliever, too.
- Bay leaf. Say what?! You say. That’s not a spice. Ookkaayyy, (in my long, drawn-out voice), so technically it’s an herb. But for realz. I’ve had soups and other dishes both with and without this seasoning. I’ll take the bay leaf for two hundred, Alex. Hands down. Every. Single. Time. The oil compounds are used in prevention of heart disease, and to help digestion.
- Ginger. Now contrary to some arguments, ginger really is a spice. Hey, I don’t make this stuff up! Tangy ginger root has some amazing health properties. A few shavings in your hot tea will knock that cold right out of you. Okay, maybe not SuperMan fast, but definitely Jimmie Johnson fast. It boosts your immune system and help handle the nausea that comes with allergies.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice. This blend of other spices brought together into one ahh-mazing mix? When I say, “more,” you say, “please!” Am I right? Snap the finger girl, you know I am. A dash of this in your frothy coffee or on top a scoop of French vanilla ice cream. Mmhmm. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. There is never, I repeat, never, a bad time for pumpkin pie spice. And since September is just four weeks away (I know, right?!), it’s Game On for all-things-pumpkin season!
Frankly, My Dear . . . Sugar and Spice
In the kitchen, you can combine spices to suit your palate. Experiment with a dash of this, a sprinkle of that.
Tonight I created a new dry rub recipe: Two parts turmeric, two parts smoked paprika, and one part ground coffee. I’m pretty much in love with it already and can’t wait to try it with different coffees, and on different foods. It smells so good I almost want to use it as a body scrub. Too much? Yah, I guess you’re right. Okay, we’ll keep it on the food.
Frankly, My Dear . . . MoJo Spice Blend: Turmeric, Smoked Paprika, Ground Coffee
Nearly every spice has culinary, aromatic, and health benefits. What are your favorites?
TWEET THIS: How do you spice up your life? @RealMojo68 @mccormickspices @Zatarains #franklymydear
TWEET THIS: Five Things Friday: Spice Up Your Life @RealMojo68 @Zatarains @mccormickspices #franklymydear #fivethingsfriday
With a dash of salt and a zest for life,
Happy eating!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Dec 5, 2016 |
Let’s talk winter comfort foods and family memories. Remember this little teaser from last month?
My Happy Planner: Recipe Teaser
That’s right. I’ve been using My Happy Planner for just over two weeks now. Talk about your sweet sauce! I’m tracking bills and budget, appointments, social media sharings, and the greatest of great, holiday gatherings. Of course, the first and most important reason was the great recipe organizer. How many people does this make happy?
I’m pretty sure Jacqueline will try to steal my chili recipe once we get to Blue Ridge. [Don’t tell her, but I think I’ll sleep with it under my pillow for safe keeping. The planner. Not the chili.]
But enough about that. Today, we’re talking winter comfort food. Today, we’re talking easy. Today, we’re talking meatloaf.
I mean, doesn’t the word itself conjure up happy memories of family mealtimes, maybe a potluck or party? Meatloaf is my happy place. I can make it nine ways to Sunday, and then some. And to prove that statement, I intend to give you a dozen meatloaf recipes in 2017. Yup, that’s right. I’m gonna haul my cart over to Winco, grab some grub gear, and make y’all some of the best meatloafs you’ve had in years. One each month. How do you like them apples? Eww. No. I’m not putting apples in the meatloaf. It’s a phrase, people. Just a phrase. Although . . .No. No apples in the meatloaf. Moving on.
Today’s recipe was inspired by my Magic friend, Hobbes. No, he’s not magical. Well, he is kinda special. He’s one of my gaming buddies. You know. Magic: The Gathering. [Yes. I know. I’m a nerd. We’ll discuss that some other time.]
Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf
Hobbes is kinda talented when it comes to building good gaming decks, and since I needed a deck I could assault Aaron with, let’s say I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’d organize my cards and I’d let him live feed him properly. Being the overly perfectionist attentive host that I am, I made sure to ask if he had any allergies, and what his fave foods are. He came back with a combination of chicken recipes and Mexican flavors, and also mentioned meatloaf and potatoes. So, voila! [Side note: When I was a kid, I always thought that was viola, as in, a mini violin. Maybe it made a high-pitched screech that got everyone’s attention, and that’s how the word came about? Apparently not. But now you know I wasn’t always the wordsmith I pretend to be present myself as am.]
So. Uhm. Yes. Voila! Say hello to Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf.
Recipe: Hobbes' Mexican Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup (apprx) Fritos chili-cheese chips
- 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilis, drained
- 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced seasoned tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 packet taco seasonings
- 2 eggs
- milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Crush Fritos chips in small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
- In large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, green chilis, tomatoes, eggs, and 1/4 packet taco seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Fritos. Mix.
- Shape into loaf pan.
- Top with remaining taco seasonings.
- Bake 50-60 minutes.
Notes
Using chicken instead of ground beef makes this a healthier alternative to some other meatloaf recipes. Two eggs will help bind the loaf together for presentation, but doesn't affect the taste. Use just enough milk to soften the corn chips.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/12/05/recipe-hobbes-mexican-chicken-meatloaf/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
Did you ever think of using ground chicken instead of beef in your meatloaf? Well, now you have. You’re welcome.
Recipe: Mexican Chicken Meatloaf
Dice up a few potatoes, spritz with olive oil and season with dill or kosher salt, and you have a perfect side dish.
And here’s your bonus holiday food hack: Drop a half-cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts (or both!) into your banana bread batter for a delightful dessert.
Now it’s your turn: What are some of your favorite meatloaf dishes?
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Oct 9, 2015 |
Pumpkin Soup
October is a beautiful month, isn’t it? Full of crisp air, sweaters out of storage, leaves changing colors and crunching under your feet. The start of the holiday season before the holiday rush. I think October is my favorite month.
On Facebook, I asked “What are some of your favorite fall/harvest moments?” Each reply was unique to the individual commenter, but there was one running theme: pumpkin. It seems pumpkin everything is what gets people most excited about October.
The Pumpkin Grinch
Each year I share this photo. It was taken by a friend about ten years ago. We were at the local pumpkin patch when I spotted this pumpkin. It looks so much like the Grinch to me. I asked suggested begged my friend to photograph it for posterity. A much better way of keeping it than, say, buying the pumpkin only to toss it out in three weeks or less, don’t you think?
As I was going through the blog last weekend, working to make it a better experience for both you as a reader and myself as the writer [read Under the Hood], I realized I’d not posted many articles on food for quite some time. No recipes, no foodie photos. No reasons to salivate or say “I want to try that!” And I’m supposed to be a foodie person.
It’s also been too long since I’ve posted a Five Things Friday as well. No connecting of the dots between A, B, C . . . you get the picture.
What’s This Girl to do? Why, combine it all together, y’all! So welcome back, October. Welcome back, Food. Welcome back, Five Things Friday.
Let’s get this post started.
- Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Creme Frappuccino. Oh, come on. You know you saw that one coming. I may as well get it over with right away. The first week of September ushers us into that wonderful realm of cinnamon, spice, nutmeg, and that must-be-in-everything-from-now-until-Valentine’s-Day ingredient, pumpkin.
Autumn Bliss
Now . . . who’s not a fan of Starbuck’s? I can’t even talk to you if you’ve raised your hand.
- Soups. Now is the time of year when the slow cooker and Dutch oven live outside the cabinets. They’ll take up residency on the stove top and counter, and stay there until January. Homes everywhere will be filled with wonderful aromas, not-so-quick but definitely easy concoctions of broth, creams, and one-pot meals.
Homemade chicken soup . . . Good for the body and the soul.
I love boiling a whole chicken with added herbs and seasonings to make freezable broth and stock. The only part I throw away are the bones and skin.
- Adult beverages. Please. I’m an adult. I find no shame in admitting I’m a fan of adult beverages. This time of year, I’m all about the pumpkin beer. Am I right? That crisp, dry flavor deserves to be imbibed with something special. Like a pumpkin muffin. Or a bowl of chili. Or a breath of autumn air. And let’s not forget my new holiday classic: The Chocolate Martini.
Chocolate Martini made with Scharffen Berger Chocolate.
Remember when I won that Scharffen Berger gift basket a few years ago? And that beautiful coffee table book came with it? In those magical pages I discovered this magical recipe. My holidays are oh-so-much happier now.
- Casey’s Cupcakes. Even though It’s been over a year since I’ve visited my beloved Riverside and my most favorite place, The Mission Inn, I still long for Casey’s most delicious treats. If you’re in Southern California between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, I highly recommend you visit The Festival of Lights and indulge in a little holiday treat from Casey’s.
Glamorous Gingerbread at Casey’s Cupcakes
At any time of year, it’s an experience you’ll savor. (See what I did there?)
- And of course, last but not least, good for any day of the year, could there be anything better for This Southern Girl At Heart than a huge gulp of sweet tea?
Sweet Tea at Blue Ridge
It refreshes my body, it renews my soul. It reminds me of Blue Ridge and my trip to North Carolina. The writers’ conference. The connections. The beauty. We all need a little more sweetness in our lives, yah? Go on. Take a sip. You’ll be glad you did.
BONUS: To celebrate this unofficial beginning of the holidays, and the return of Five Things Friday with this Foodie Post, today only The Unemployment Cookbook Kindle edition is available for free download. Just click through the photo below to get yours.
The Unemployment Cookbook, Kindle edition
Happy start to the holidays. Happy eating.
Now it’s your turn. Leave a comment and tell me: What are some of your favorite foods this time of year?
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . #FiveThingsFriday. What are your favorite foods this time of year? #pumpkineverything @realmojo68
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . #FiveThingsFriday The #Foodie Post. #October is a beautiful month, isn’t it? @realmojo68
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . #Starbucks #Pumpkinbeer #cupcakes A few of my favorite things. #FiveThingsFriday @realmojo68
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
Do you have a copy of The Unemployment Cookbook? Would you consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads? That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
