In case you missed the announcement of my new release along with the awesome recipe that was posted over at the Smutketeers Annual Xmas blow out last week, I’m x-posting it here. If you cook this dish (Cajun food, bebe!) be sure to tell me how it turns out!
In honor of my new Christmas release, Forever December (Kindle | Nook), let’s get down to business about one of the things I love about this story: FOOD!
At the beginning of the story , the heroine, Melaniece, meets her kids at their mountain getaway for their Christmas vacation. The first thing Mel notices after receiving her hugs and kisses is the scent of yummy Cajun food filling the air. For myself, growing up in a home with a Louisiana grandmother, Cajun food is something I absolutely love. I can actually make a mean seafood gumbo, too!
Later in Forever December the family enjoys some homemade cinnamon rolls, which my daughter happens to make from scratch. Her speciality is something we call Peach Burst rolls – cinnamon rolls made with Saigon Cinnamon with fresh peaches baked into the dough. Nom nom nom nom!
Now, back to the Shrimp Creole. Seems to me that many people assume what Shrimp Creole is. Unfortunately their belief is typically based on some half-assed, watered down, tomato-sauced fake version shown on TV or from a person who claims they’ve make authentic Shrimp Creole…via a recipe that is unauthentic. Not their fault. They probably just didn’t know.
First, what is it? It’s a simmered shrimp dish in red sauce that is served over white rice. Perfect for cold nights and good company. That pretty much sums it up. However, the flavors are complex and when made correctly, can be damn addicting.
So here’s how to make it…but first things first:
Do NOT use tomato sauce or marinara sauce in your shrimp creole *tj wagging finger, scowling and tsk’ing*. Use fresh tomatoes and run ‘em through a food processor or something. If you don’t have the time, use a good quality tomato paste instead. But never, ever use tomato sauce.
Next, instead of chicken stock or water, make shrimp stock with the shrimp shells OR as a good alternative make dashi (Japanese fish stock) using bonito flakes (but be careful – leave the bonito flakes in too long and it’ll be much too strong). Here’s a recipe for dashi in case you want to make it for things other than shrimp creole. It really is very VERY yummy.
Use the best quality gulf shrimp you can get. It can be pricey, but there’s nothing quite like the sweet smooth flavor. If you can’t find them locally, there’s a place called Deanie’s that I visit when I’m in New Orleans (god, they make the best PoBoy sandwich ever) and they’ll SHIP YOU Louisiana gulf shrimp for a very reasonable price.
Now for the recipe, which you can double or triple if you want to make a big pot:
Shrimp Creole:
2 lbs. (or more, if you like) Peeled and Deveined Shrimp (remember to save shells to make Shrimp Stock)
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 Large Onion, finely chopped
2 Celery stalks, finely chopped
1 small Green Pepper, finely Chopped
2 Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
3 Cups Ripe Tomatoes, Diced
2 Cups Shrimp or Fish (dashi) Stock
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2-4 Bay leaves
2 tsp Black Pepper
1 small bunch of fresh Thyme, coarsely chopped
Sliced Green Onions (garnish)
1/8 Cup Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped (garnish)
Salt to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste (careful with this)
Boiled Rice
Melt the butter in a sauce pan (be sure it’s big enough to fit the shrimp and stuff later).
Saute all the vegetable EXCEPT the tomatoes and herbs. Once the veggies are soft, add the tomatoes and Old Bay seasoning. Toss in some salt (a big pinch should do). Turn down the heat a bit so as not to burn the tomatoes before they have a chance to break down.
Once the tomatoes have cooked down and begun to fall apart turn the heat up, add the shrimp stock or fish stock, bay leaves pepper and cayenne. Add the herbs and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for about 45 minutes.
Taste your sauce. If it needs “something” now is the time to add it. Make sure it’s got enough salt (remember you haven’t added the shrimp yet), pepper, garlic and herbs.
Bring your sauce back up to a boil and, if you like, thicken it with a few tablespoons of roux (basically oil and flour browned, then made into thick gravy) or use a cold water-n-cornstarch mix).
Once thickened a bit, throw in your shimp. Good lord, don’t overcook the shrimp or they’ll taste like rubber. Turn the sauce back down to low heat and let it simmer until the shrimp just begins to turn pink (remember, after you turn off the heat, the shrimp will continue to cook).
Service with rice and garnish with green onions and the parsley.
Voila! Shrimp Creole!
If you make this be sure to let me know how it turned out! Merry Christmas and have you have a Forever December…
‘Tis the season to snuggle up in front of a warm fire with a cup of tea, some good food, and an even better book. The only thing that could make the season more perfect is…SNOW!
I used to live in Colorado and I must admit, snow is gorgeous to look at and play in for awhile…and that’s about it ;D However, in Carinian’s Seeker (Vampire Council of Ethics Bk 1) our heroine and her alpha vampire lover found that snow was good for all kinds of other interesting…things. To find out, you’ll have to read the book, but let’s say this sweet scene leads up to something more scorching hot than the hot chocolate Carin is enjoying *grin*.
Enjoy this Snippet and be sure to visit all the other marvelous authors via the links at the bottom of this post. Merry Christmas!
Excerpt from Carinian’s Seeker, Vampire Council of Ethics Bk 1 Kindle | Nook
The sun had just begun its rise over the eastern mountains when Bix tiptoed into their bedroom, bundled Carin up and carried her outside.
The entire place was a winter wonderland sitting on endless acres of gently sloped, snow-covered hills with a nice mix of trees and open space overlooking Smith Lake. In the distance, white peaks of the Rocky Mountains could be seen. Carin felt like a kid at Christmas. Having grown up in San Francisco, gone to college and started her career in the same city, she’d never seen snow. And San Diego certainly wasn’t a place known for the fluffy cold stuff. As they walked, Bix pointed out the estate’s private golf course down the hill and off in the distance, promising to teach her to play if they were still in residence here come spring. She kind of hoped not, preferring to learn to ride horses on his estate rather than trudging across the greens playing golf. She just couldn’t get over it—vampires played golf and rode horses. Real country-clubbers.
The only sound was the soft crunch of Bix’s boots in the snow as he moved at a leisurely pace in consideration of her sore bones and achy, but healing, body. The main house was at a good distance but visible when he stopped at an open-topped gazebo surrounded by towering evergreens. Bix set her on her feet, and Carin stepped inside and surveyed their haven in awe. Instead of wood flooring, the inside of the shelter was all snow-covered grass covered by a tarp and piles of thick, soft blankets. Her mouth watered at the delicious aroma wafting up from a large breakfast basket perched on one of the sturdy benches built into the wall of the gazebo. Her man had been plenty busy this morning.
The clear, jewel-blue sky was visible through the top of the structure. She’d have to come out here at night with a telescope and view the stars, well once Bix let her out of his sight. In a word, the spot was perfect, beautifully secluded, and an ideal place to enjoy a bit of privacy.
She removed her shoes and Bix shooed her into the middle of the very comfortable, extremely thick pallet. After tossing her an even thicker blanket to cover herself, he set the breakfast basket within arm’s reach and lit a blazing fire in an oversized sunken pit smack in the middle of the shelter. She smiled behind his back. The man had thought of everything. Food, warmth and a ton of soft down pillows made it nice to be outside in spite of the bone-chilling cold. Her insides went all fuzzy when he tossed a huge chunk of cured wood into the pit and looked over his shoulder with a mix of care and naughtiness in his one-sided grin.
“You comfy, sweetheart?” Bix inquired as he toed off his boots and joined her under the covers. She nodded but kept her eyes on the flicker of building flames blasting waves of welcome heat to where she reclined buried under the blankets. Her thoughts were surprisingly quiet. This was the first time she’d been out of bed in more than a week, and given her scrape with death she couldn’t believe how calm she felt. Death scared her more than anything, yet here she was, stitched wounds and all, just as happy and content as you please. Bix kept the companionable silence. Retrieving a large thermos from the basket, he poured her a mug of steaming hot chocolate.
Scooting back to lean against one of the little benches, she sipped the steaming brew with a contented sigh. Bix passed her a flaky raspberry pastry made especially for her as a get-well-soon gift from the resident chefs. A fresh banana and another cup of hot chocolate finished her off. Mmm, she couldn’t remember the last time something this simple tasted so yummy.
At holiday time we get in the kitchen and my family cooks together. My son makes a mean fresh cranberry sauce from fresh berries. My daughter makes breakfast wonderful with her homemade cinnamon rolls, and we do all the meal prep together for whatever nom-nom’s we’re going to have that year. We typically choose something different each year. Last time we have gumbo – genuine seafood gumbo made by these hands, compliments of my Louisiana grandma *wheee!!*. This year we’re down to the wire and still deciding what we’re cooking. But whatever it is, we’ll do it together.
Releasing this week is Forever December – the story of a hunky vampire out to secure a second chance at love. In this snippet, our heroine has just rolled into her vacation home to discover her children, home for a visit from college, have prepared her some goodies. And she’s all ready to dive in!
And don’t forget to check out the fabulous Snippet Saturday authors via the links at the end of the post!
The sun had just dipped below the mountain peaks when Melaniece pulled into the garage. Snow had begun falling in fat, wet flakes and she was relieved to see a big, black SUV covered with a fresh dusting of the white stuff parked on the other side of the wide garage. She slammed her car into park thinking now was a good time to do a funky little happy dance—her children, Denise and Melvin, were already here.
The second she shut off the engine and popped the trunk, an excited and very loud female came hurtling out the door. A blur of what looked like a white sweatshirt covered with red Japanese hiragana symbols and a pair of black pants practically tackled her before she’d cleared the car door.
“Hi, Mom,” Denise squealed with happiness.
Melaniece’s heart melted and a big grin tipped up the sides of her mouth. Awww, it was so nice to be loved by one’s children.
“Hi, sweet pea, it’s so good to see you. Where’s your brother?” Melaniece asked, trying to peek over her daughter’s shoulder toward the open door leading into the house.
“I’m right here, Mom. How are you?” Melvin asked cheerfully. Long jean-clad legs carried him out to the garage and to Melaniece’s side. Six-feet-two inches of slender muscular male wrapped his arms around both sister and mom, engulfing them in a warm group hug.
Melaniece stepped back and grinned widely at her “babies”. At eighteen and twenty years old, they were mirror images of herself, with the exception of their dwarfing her modest five-feet-four inches. Long, dark locs covered their heads, apple pie cheeks sported dimples and they both flashed perfect, bright smiles. Their cocoa-n-cream skin and strong physiques were rounded out by stellar personalities. Beautiful and handsome described them to a tee.
Melaniece stepped back and shook her head in disbelief at Melvin. “Boy, are you ever gonna stop growing? I know you’ve grown at least a few good inches since I last saw you. And so good-looking, too? You know you get that from your mama, right?” she quipped. And there it was—the blush only a teasing mom could bring about in a grown son. It bloomed in his cheeks until they looked like little caramel-covered apples.
“And you should see all the girls that chase after him. And once I caught him and the neighbor…” Denise chimed in, ever the older sister.
“Mom!” Melvin implored.
“Okay, enough teasing your brother,” Melaniece chuckled, feeling happier than she had in…well, since her trip home to Michael, er, California. But she wouldn’t dwell on that. Or her goofy dream.
“Help me with my stuff?” Moving toward the already open trunk of her car, she turned to grab whatever was closest at hand and began to fill the arms of both Denise and Melvin with their Christmas gifts.
“Good lord, woman, what is all this?” Melvin asked, feigning a gasp under the weight of a particularly hefty box.
Melaniece didn’t answer, just smiled and handed over package after package until both their arms were loaded. Before she could reach for another one, Melvin said, “Go on in and relax. We’ll bring this stuff in. Dinner is already prepared.”
Melaniece felt her stomach tighten and rumble. Gosh, with all the packing, the long drive up, and preoccupation with her dreams—not to mention the constant low-grade arousal because of those dumb nocturnal thoughts—she’d completely forgotten about breakfast and lunch. Well, her stomach made it clear it was feeling neglected and the loud rumble was heard by all.
An aroma hit her nose the second she stepped over the threshold into the house. Shrimp, tomatoes, garlic…Old Bay Seasoning?
“Wooo, I smell it,” she cried happily. “Cajun food! Oh yeah! Uh-huh!” An awful rendition of the Electric Slide dance carried her on inside. She headed directly to the kitchen, not the least bit offended when her kids’ chuckles followed her. Yep, this was going to be one heck of a Christmas.
In honor of my new Christmas release, Forever December, on December 14th I’ll be hanging out with the Smutketeers for their 12 days of Xmas extravaganza. I’m so totally excited because I’ll be sharing the day with the marvelous Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth! Woooo!
Be sure to catch my post that day because in addition to hot hunky winter vampires, I’m going to tell you how to make Shrimp Creole. It’s a dish I grew up loving thanks to my Louisiana grandmother. If you make this particular nom-nom, be sure to tell me how it turned out. AND, if you’re going to the Authors After Dark convention in New Orleans, let’s hook up there for sure!
Can you handle…a Forever December? Coming December 14th
Merry Christmas, everyone! This week’s theme is Holidays and it’s totally appropriate given today is Christmas. Gift Wrap Optional is a story of a chance at regaining lost love. In this snippet, our heroine, Melaniece, has woken up for the first time in the arms of her lover, Michael. He drove two days from another state just to be with her as a Christmas surprise.
Enjoy a snippet from my holiday story, Gift Wrap Optional. Don’t forget to hop over to our other Snippet Saturday authors via the links at the bottom of this post.
Note for Readers: You must be over eighteen to read this excerpt.
There are some advantages to being mated to a vampire, Mel.
He’d done it again! And she could tell his words were meant with humor because she could…well, she could just tell. But how?
Can you hear me, too? she asked, thinking the words rather than speaking them.
Yes, but you don’t have to close your eyes and scrunch up your face in order for me to hear you.
He was laughing at her! Bastard.
Yes, but it seems I’m your bastard.
Okay, all this mind talking was giving her a headache. Time to use words now.
“Actually, it’s the face scrunching that’s causing the headache, baby.”
Chuckling at herself all the while, she delivered a smile-laced scowl. “Stop laughing at me and explain what just happened, damn it.”
“Remember I explained bonding, and how my blood and semen will enhance you? This is one of the benefits.”
“But I thought you said…”
“You won’t and can’t be turned, Mel, but my bodily fluids will affect you, baby. You’ll heal faster and your senses will heighten, including some of the typically dormant ones.”
“Like empathic and telepathic abilities?”
“Exactly,” he crooned into her ear, his tongue sending a shiver up into her scalp. Obviously, he’d rather be doing something other than talking, but he continued anyway. “But you’ll only be able to hear and speak to me telepathically, no one else. And I promise to give you privacy, sweetheart. I won’t ever pluck thoughts from your head without permission.”
“Can I read your mind if you’re not speaking to me?” she asked eagerly.
“No, thank god! Not unless you’d possessed the ability already.” Her mouth dropped open in dismay but he soon had her laughing again when he said, “Don’t tell me that you, a biogeneticist, believed everything you’ve seen on TV?”
She couldn’t help giving him a playful punch to the gut for the little sarcastic remark because she had indeed thought Bram Stoker’s Dracula was paranormal gospel.
Reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck, she said, “Since I’m learning about your kind, tell me how I can get some of that good-smelling vampire morning breath.”
“Kiss me,” was his answer. And by the time he finished taking her mouth like he needed to draw his last breath from it, Melaniece was gasping. The craving erupted so rapidly along her nerve endings from just a gentle meeting of the mouths. It was the most decadent thing she’d ever experienced.
Now he eased up on his knees and planted himself squarely between her wide-spread thighs, leaned forward and licked the spot on her breast he’d bitten the night before. Warmth, no, sizzling
heat spread outward from that spot just above her right nipple until it engulfed her entire upper body. She squirmed and writhed, grabbing two fists full of his hair to pull him closer.
“Michael, that feels so good. Will I ever get used to this insane reaction to you?”
“God, I sure hope not,” he said, a satisfied smirk firmly in place. “Because now that I have you I’ll never get enough of you, Mel.”
In the Twelfth Night anthology, I have a story called Three’s a Charm. Enjoy! Reminder: The entire anthology will be available in one big book (that’s all 12 stories) on January 6th.
Click the book cover below to download your free copy in .pdf format (this is an erotic romance story, be warned, ‘TIS HOT!)
The Twelfth Night anthology contains 12 hot stories by 12 unique authors (many you are already familiar with). The entire antho will be posted for you on Jan 6th.
In the meantime, this story by Lacy Danes is number two in the anthology. Enjoy your free copy (Click Here) along with several others I’ll be posting.
Congratulations to the winners of the Christmas Goodies Twitter contest! I put all of the entries into a list randomizer from www.random.org (see results below) and selected the top four as our winners. So winners are:
janastocks – Tempting Adam & Dangerous Grounds by Shelli Stevens
rissatoo – Dragon Witch & Night Huntress by Yasmine Galenorn
Selestial – Happy Hour of the Damned & Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry
crista_mchugh – Undercover & Relentless by Lauren Dane
E-mail me your mailing address to tj@tjmichaels.com by tomorrow, Thursday, December 17th by 5:00pm. No exceptions.
List Randomizer
There were 54 items in your list. Here they are in random order:
(CONTEST ENDS DECEMBER 16TH AT 5:00PM PACIFIC TIME. WINNERS ANNOUNCED SHORTLY AFTER)
For each author mentioned in this contest I’ll be giving away two books from one of their popular series, including:
Lauren Dane’s Federation Chronicles, Mark Henry’s Amanda Feral series, Shelli Steven’s Seattle Steam series and Yasmine Galenorn’s Sisters of the Moon series!
This contest will only run for two days – December 15 and 16, but I’ll be giving away lots of books in that short time. After announcing on Twitter and here on my website, I must have ALL winner responses (basically name and address for shipping) by 5:00pm Pacific time on December 17th in order to get your prize to you by Christmas.
Here’s how to play – simply retweet the announcements on Twitter (www.twitter.com/tj_michaels) with the name of the authors whose books I am giving away and you’ll be automatically entered. Please enter only once for each author (if you are interested in books from only one author, only retweet with that author’s name. If you’re interested in them all, you may retweet once for each author. Hope that makes sense ;D). Your name will go into a random name picker and that’s it!
In honor of my new Christmas release, Forever December (Kindle | Nook), let’s get down to business about one of the things I love about this story: FOOD!
