FOODFIC: Please Welcome Back Luke Murphy, Author of Red Zone

Sandwich Guy

Although I have never been to California, my constant research for my novels based in Los Angeles has uncovered one very important aspect for my characters nutrition: LA’s deli scene is second to none in the US.

Call me old-fashioned, but I have always been a sandwich guy, a sandwich lover.

It started in elementary school, when my mother would put a sandwich every day on my paper bagged lunch—ham, bologna, tuna, PB & J, it didn’t matter. Maybe it’s a bread thing LOL. But my love for sandwiches has even continued into adulthood.

Growing up, born and raised in a small town, where there are no food chains (McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc.), gave me complete access to the freshness that comes from Mom & POP Shops. I don’t want fast-food sandwiches, or stale, processed meat—I want the real deal.

So it is no surprise that the characters in all of my novels, especially those who work in law enforcement, eat their lunches at local, Mom & Pop Shop delis. No fast food, or processed foods. They enjoy the freshness that comes in the form of both the meats and the breads offered at delis.

The variety offered at these delis is awesome.

Breads: Ciabatta, Whole Wheat, Sourdough, Rye, Pita, Multigrain, etc.

Meats: Chorizo, Pancetta, Prosciutto, Mortadella, Salami, etc.

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.

I love the variety and options that come from fresh delis. And by the way, my characters love them as well.

Sandwich anyone?

Thanks for stopping by to share more food for thought, Luke!

You can find Luke here:

AuthorLukeMurphy.com

Twitter @AuthorLMurphy

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

Luke Murphy is the International bestselling author of two series. The Calvin Watters Mysteries: Dead Man’s Hand (2012) and Wild Card (2017). The Charlene Taylor Mysteries: Kiss & Tell (2015) and Rock-A-Bye Baby (2019).

Murphy played six years of professional hockey before retiring in 2006.

His sports column, “Overtime” (Pontiac Equity), was nominated for the 2007 Best Sports Page in Quebec, and won the award in 2009. He has also worked as a radio journalist (CHIPFM 101.7).

Murphy lives in Shawville, QC with his wife and three daughters. He is a teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Education (Magna Cum Laude).

Red Zone is Murphy’s fifth novel.

Back Cover Text:

The prodigal son…

Calvin Watters hasn't been back to USC since the day his scholarship and humility were stripped from the former running back. Calvin had cut all ties to the school, but now finds himself pulled back, when a woman's dead body is found on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum football field.

…returns home

Detective Charlene Taylor's new homicide case, a freshman cheerleader’s murder at USC, is complicated. Charlene knows that the USC football team is a close knit family, and getting inside the trusted circle, as a cop, is unlikely.

Calvin Watters is a game-changer…

When Calvin and Charlene meet up on the Coliseum turf, Charlene sees an opportunity to use Calvin to penetrate the Trojan family circle. Little does the detective know, Calvin is now an outsider at USC, no longer welcomed—with many who will go a long way to see the former football star fail.

Can Calvin and Charlene work together to uncover the truth, or will their egos interfere with what could be a powerful partnership?

Review Blurbs

"Luke Murphy ramps up the thrill factor with RED ZONE—an awesome, gotta-know-what-happens-next thriller."—Linda Castillo, NYT & USA Today bestselling author of the Kate Burkholder series

"Well-drawn characters and an interesting premise—Luke Murphy is a mystery writer to watch."—DV Berkom, USA Today bestselling author of the Leine Basso series

"Red Zone is another winner for Murphy! Thrilling...riveting...a stay-up-all-night-read."--Kim Cresswell, bestselling author of Deadly Shadow

“Luke Murphy creates a gritty and compelling murder mystery with ‘Red Zone’.”—S.L. Shelton, bestselling author of the Scott Wolfe series

"Richly developed characters, snappy dialogue, and a plot to keep the reader guessing."--Peter Clement, bestselling author of the Earl Garnet series

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Lucy Burdette, Author of The Key Lime Crime

Long before I imagined I’d write a foodie mystery, I fell in love with Diane Mott Davidson’s series featuring caterer Goldie Schultz. Davidson didn't just dump descriptions onto her pages, food was part of her story. And I always finished a book wishing I could have been friends with caterer Goldy, sitting in her kitchen, tasting her food. Ten years ago I was delighted to follow in Davidson’s footsteps, signing a contract for a series of mysteries set in Key West featuring novice food critic Hayley Snow. It’s hard to believe the 11th book, The Key Lime Crime, will be published in August by Crooked Lane Books!

At one point, Hayley’s boss at the magazine she works for says this about a piece she’s writing: We’re eager to see how you’ll spin it so it’s not just a list of sandwiches and their ingredients.  And that makes Hayley worry: Did that mean he found my last round-up article lacking?

This of course is the challenge of every food writer whether writing fiction or nonfiction—how to write about the food but also make the piece about something bigger.  I try to make sure that food in my mysteries reveals something deeper about the characters who are eating or discussing it. (At the end I include recipes because it seems only fair to provide them after readers have salivated for pages and pages!) Here’s a little snippet from The Key Lime Crime to wet your whistle. Hayley’s recently married to police detective Nathan Bransford and her brand new mother-in-law is arriving in Key West unexpectedly. Hayley’s worried about hosting her properly:

Once we got past the initial awkward hellos, the evening should go by quickly. Nathan reported that Mrs. Bransford wanted to see the Christmas lights of Key West. So he had made a reservation for three of us on the last conch train that would ferry guests around the island to see the holiday displays. We’d have a cocktail and snacks at my mother’s place, then drive over to New Town to catch the train at the high school. Nathan was pretty sure he could meet us back at the houseboat for a light supper. Miss Gloria would attend all of the festivities, including the train ride, and mom, Sam, and Nathan, would join us for dinner. 
“What does she like to eat?” I’d asked him. “Even more important, what does she not like?” 
“She’ll like anything you make,” he said. “Food isn’t that important to her.” 
Which meant we were starting out light-years apart. Not only was I the food critic for Key Zest, I came from a long line of foodies whose life-long obsession was the next great meal. Food was love—that was our language. Obviously, she spoke some other dialect altogether. 

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Lucy!

You can find Lucy here:

LucyBurdette.com

Twitter @LucyBurdette

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

Clinical psychologist Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib) is the author of 18 mysteries, including THE KEY LIME CRIME (Crooked Lane Books,) the latest in the Key West series featuring food critic Hayley Snow. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She's a past president of Sisters in Crime and the current president of the Friends of the Key West Library.


About The Key Lime Crime:

With her intimidating new mother-in-law bearing down on the island and a fierce rivalry between Key lime pie bakers to referee, food critic Hayley Snow is feeling anything but festive…

 It’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s and Key West is bursting at the seams with holiday events and hordes of tourists. Adding to the chaos, Key lime pie aficionado David Sloan has persuaded the city to host his Key Lime pie extravaganza and contest. Hayley Snow can’t escape the madness because her bosses at Key Zest magazine have assigned her to cover the event. Every pie purveyor in Key West is determined to claim the Key lime spotlight—and win the coveted Key Lime Key to the City.

Another recipe for disaster—Hayley’s hubby, police detective Nathan Bransford, announces that his mother will be making a surprise visit. Newlywed Hayley must play the dutiful daughter-in-law, so she and her pal Miss Gloria offer to escort his mom on the iconic Conch Train Tour of the island's holiday lights. But it's not all glittering palm trees and fantastic flamingos--the unlikely trio finds a real body stashed in one of the elaborate displays. And the victim is no stranger: Hayley recognizes the controversial new pastry chef from Au Citron Vert, a frontrunner in Sloan’s contest.

Hayley must not only decipher who’s removed the chef from the contest kitchen, she's also got to handle a too-curious mother-in-law who seems to be cooking up trouble of her own. 

"Charming characters, an appealing setting, and mouthwatering bonus recipes make this a perfect choice for foodie cozy lovers." Publishers’ Weekly, May 2020

“The well-described Key West setting nicely complements the foodie frame in this satisfying cozy, which is a natural for fans of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen mysteries.”
—Booklist

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Angela Britnell, Author of The Wedding Reject Table

When I was asked to contribute to this fun blog it certainly got me thinking about how often food features in my writing! Most of my stories are trans-Atlantic romances, including The Wedding Reject Table, and food is one of the themes I often use as either a meeting ground or a clash between my characters. Until you’ve had a conversation at cross purposes about whether squash should be drunk or eaten you haven’t lived! That particular idiosyncrasy came up on one of my first dates with my new American boyfriend many years ago but you’ll be pleased to hear we overcame that and many other food mysteries and have just celebrated thirty seven years of marriage. He now loves Cornish pasties and cottage pie but still won’t touch cold quiche and although I love Southern biscuits and pecan pie please keep me away from slimy okra in any fashion. We all carry food memories from our childhoods and build on them throughout our lives so it’s always an interesting aspect to bring into a story. I will play up the differences in my characters’ attitudes towards food in parallel with their other conflicts. In Sugar and Spice Lily is an American celebrity chef and cooking, eating and researching food are her passions in life but she falls for Kenan, a British army veteran who views food as an unimportant necessity. Years of snatching meals whatever and whenever he could have made him largely indifferent towards what he eats. Finding a middle ground as far as food is concerned becomes a crucial part of their story.

The Wedding Reject Table is packed full of delicious food because the plot centers around British cake decorator Maggie who has recently formed the Two Hearts Catering business with her older sister. Their friend’s wedding is the girls first booking and one of the guests is Chad, a distant relative of the groom and a lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee. When he meets Maggie she can’t resist a food analogy and mentally likens his voice to “a puddle of golden syrup melting over hot buttered toast.” No more needs to be said does it… Thanks to a pair of rambunctious little boys the wedding cake turns into a disaster and Maggie and Chad discover more about each other when he steps in to help find a creative fix to the problem.

During the book Maggie introduces Chad to several British specialities – some more successfully than others. While he begins to fall in love with her he also does the same with a traditional Sunday roast lunch, especially the Yorkshire puddings, and golden fish and chips eaten with malt vinegar by the seaside. But Scotch eggs? Even for Maggie he can’t stomach the hard-boiled eggs wrapped with sausage meat coated with breading and deep fried. When Chad describes the popular foods found in his home town and admits to an over-fondness for good fried chicken and Southern barbecue that adds another layer of understanding to Maggie’s desire to find out more about him. The promise of eating those foods together one day lingers between them.

In my upcoming book Summer in Herring Bay, due for release in July, Essy’s love affair with both Ruan and Cornwall deepens over many samplings of ice cream, always eaten with one of the crumbly chocolate flakes he addicts her to…along with a warning to keep well away from the greedy seagulls.

I think it’s time for a cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sandwich sponge filled with raspberry jam…there I go again…

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Angela!

You can find Angela here:

AngelaBritnellRomance.com

Twitter @AngelaBritnell

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

Angela grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee to visit family and friends, drink tea and eat far too many Cornish pasties! 

A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she's visited or lived on her extensive travels. Thanks to over three decades of marriage to her wonderful American husband she's a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers. Her first novel Truth and Consequence was published in 2006 and she’s now had over 30 novels published internationally and several short stories in women’s magazines.

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Sue Coletta, Author of MARRED

In MARRED, Grafton County Series, I included a morning scene to show how a simple breakfast can bring a family together:

In the kitchen, I got the coffee made, scrambled eggs, and was frying bacon when Niko traipsed downstairs. “Good morning, my love.” Without warning, he dipped me and planted a big, wet kiss on my lips. Before I got my bearings back, he said, “Something smells good” and lifted the edge of stacked paper towels laid over a paper plate, stealing a piece of bacon. 

I tapped his hand. “Good things come to those who wait.” 

He crunched the bacon between his teeth, smiling like a young boy who’d gotten away with stealing an Oreo from the cookie jar. I’d missed him. Missed us. 


Haven’t we all experienced this at one time or another? The scene doubled as a way to show the characters’ relationship with their dogs:


After shoveling food in his mouth for a full five minutes, Niko’s hand disappeared under the table to slip Ruger a piece of bacon. 

“You know I don’t want him eating from the—” In the grand scheme of things this was minor. “Never mind.” I broke off a piece for Colt. He clasped it gently in his lips and trotted into the living room to savor the hickory flavor. Ruger took Colt’s spot next to me and opened his mouth as he did for his pain cookie. 

“Okay. Only a tiny one, though.” I set the bacon on his tongue. It disappeared in a millisecond and he reopened his mouth. This time I opened his Rimadyl bottle. 

As he chomped the pain cookie into small bits, he glared at me as if to say, “Hey, that wasn’t bacon.”


The short excerpt above also hints that Ruger’s an older dog with arthritis, which cues the reader to develop a unique image in their mind—and all of this stems from bacon. Food in fiction works that way. A simple breakfast scene can reveal a lot about the characters.

What they eat is also important.

In RACKED, Grafton County Series, Niko and Sage Quintano befriend their Italian grandmother-type neighbor, who insists Niko try her “Sunday gravy” (aka spaghetti sauce) and Sage devours a homemade cannoli with its crunchy tubular pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, citron, and chocolate bits. Including traditional Italian foods speaks to the heart of the characters. 

Isn’t that one of greatest things about food in fiction? Not only do we relate to the characters and their food choices but what they eat reveals who they are.

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Sue!

You can find Sue here:

SueColetta.com

Twitter @SueColetta1

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer. For three years running, Feedspot named her Murder Blog as one of the Best 50 Crime Blogs on the Net (Murder Blog sits at #5). Expertido.org crowned Murder Blog with the same honor in 2019. Sue also blogs at the Kill Zone, a multi-award-winning writing blog. 

In addition to blogging, Sue’s the communications manager for the Serial Killer Project and Forensic Science. An active member of MWA, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Sue’s the true crime author of Pretty Evil New England, slated for release Sept. 1, 2020 by Globe Pequot, the trade division of Rowman & Littlefield Group. For fiction fans, Sue writes two serial killer thriller series (Tirgearr Publishing). 

Every morning, Sue starts the day by feeding all the wildlife in her yard, but her favorite “pets” are her beloved crows who live free but come when called by name.

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Julian Coleman, Author of CESAR

Is Cesar demon or vampire? True evil can be beautiful and beguiling, and he is truly diabolical. His raw masculinity is his lure, and he uses his charm to trap and prey on the innocent. 

There was no love in that face, or lust, only naked hunger. 

He is conjured up from Hell to deliver revenge onto Rachel, a powerful priestess.  However, he falls in love with her tomboyish sister, Angelina.  Rachel uses her powers to save her sister’s, life, but instead of returning her humanity, Angelina becomes something else, a vampire, priestess and zombie tribrid.

Cesar is undaunted in his pursuit. 

His food of choice?  Blood. 

Who knows better than newly turned vampires what it means to indulge in their macabre delicacy?  Initially the thought of drinking blood is repulsive, but the aroma of fear pumping through veins becomes intoxicating. The anticipation forces canine teeth to elongate and saliva to leak from the corners of  mouths.

Seduction is a necessary lure.  It is also part of the game of love.  And love is an essential weapon to dominate and control.  Imagine the horror of being sexually enamored one minute, and then drained as a mouthwatering buffet the next...by your lover.

As silent and as subtle as a viper. She cut her teeth on the cow’s throat and felt the hot blood fill her mouth.  The sensation on her taste buds was overwhelming, and her delight was wild.  When the animal fell, Angelina was on top of her, slurping and sucking and draining until she was sated.  She stood up with a loud and bloody belch.  Now she felt more than normal.  Now she felt omnipotent.  She looked at her hands.  The color had returned to her skin.

Blood is more than food.  As stated in Dracula, Blood is the life.

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Julian!

You can find Julian here:

JulianColeman.net

Twitter @JulianMColeman1

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Cheryl Colwell, Author of The Proof

While touring Tuscany, I was excited to come across the original “sword in the stone” located in Montesiepi. In 1185, the Pope ordered a chapel built around the miracle.  The story, as well as the amazing food and wine I tasted on my trip (most of which hasn’t changed in centuries), were inspiring. The result was The Proof, a time-split novel set between the twelfth century and today.

The story begins with starving artist, Gabe Dolcini, who can’t sell his paintings to pay his bills. His only option is to grasp his grandfather’s offer to come show his work in Italy. But Gabe has never met his grandfather. In fact, his family has refused to speak of the man except to say his insanity got his wife killed. I chose to use food and wine to showcase the emotional moment when Gabe and his grandfather, Count Louis Dolcini meet for the first time:


Louis raised his glass. “I bottled this Brunello from my vineyard in Montalcino the year you were born. I swore I would drink it with you when you were old enough.” He smiled, partially concealing a pained grimace. “It waited in my cellar perhaps longer than I planned but let us taste it and see what we think.” Gabe smiled at his grandfather as they tasted the wine together. Year thirty-four proved to be a magical number for the celebratory bottle. “Magnifico,” his grandfather whispered. He gazed at Gabe. “It was worth the wait.” 


They enjoy a plate of prosciutto, green olives and pecorino cheese, a salty sheep cheese I have grown to love, and later feast on savory risotto and pork stew. A dish I didn’t eat but included in the book was Louis’ favorite, wild boar. Of course, the staple wherever we went was espresso served strong and black. I received a few raised eyebrows when I doused mine with cream and sugar.

Over dinner, Louis reveals their family destiny to safeguard a sacred religious artifact called Il Testimento, the Testament, or the Proof, an object said to bestow courage and faith. Some believe it brings power. Exciting intrigue ensues as they battle a zealous religious group willing to kill for the object, as well as a brutal group that is trying to destroy it. The reader travels to various sites and meals around Tuscany as our hero (in current time) and his Templar ancestor (in the twelfth century) strive to outwit their enemies.

I tried to capture the historical mood prevalent in Tuscany, including their food and hospitality. I hope you have a chance to enjoy this story and its mystery.

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Cheryl!

You can find Cheryl here:

CherylColwell.com

Twitter @CherylColwell3

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Brian S. Converse, Author of Stone Soldiers

Food is an important part of the life of most people, besides providing basic sustenance, food plays an important role in social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and cultural identity. It can be even more important when you are part of a group abducted by aliens, which is what happens to a group of five humans from Detroit in Rajani Chronicles I: Stone Soldiers.

The main protagonist, James Dempsey, is a police lieutenant and sworn bachelor. His idea of an extravagant meal is having potato salad with his hamburger instead of fries (though sometimes he’ll have both). Yvette Manidoo has a more refined taste. She’s happy with freshly made organic meals and a glass of white wine. Gianni Moretti yearns for authentic New York pizza and can’t handle the Detroit version, with its too-thick crust. David Morris would eat at Burger King every night if it wasn’t for his girlfriend dragging him to other places. Finally, Kieren Gray is happy with a simple meal of falafel, hummus, and pita bread.

It all changes when they’re brought aboard the alien spaceship and wake up light years from home. Fortunately, the aliens in question were smart enough to bring fruits and vegetables from Earth to lessen the impact on their unwilling guests. The five humans find that their evening meal together is the only thing holding them together. All five are, to some extent, introverts who find it difficult to make friends, and without a common mealtime, they would spend the voyage isolated in their rooms aboard the ship, eating the fiberboard-like protein bars provided by their hosts. The feeling of isolation is a theme that runs throughout this first novel in the trilogy.

The aliens introduce them to a drink they call fernta, which is distilled from a fruit grown on their planet. This harsh liquor is a hit with David, who is the first to reach out in friendship to one of the aliens, finding that they although different in appearance, have many of the same feelings, worries, and aspirations as their human guests.

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Brian!

You can find Brian here:

BrianSConverse.com

Twitter @BrianSConverse

Books on Amazon

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Jessica Winters Mireles, Author of Lost in Oaxaca

My mother was a terrible cook. It didn’t help that my father lacked an adventurous palette—to be honest, the only food he ever really enjoyed was the olive in his martini glass. She had a repertoire of about six meals that included spaghetti, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, sautéed chicken thighs, overcooked steak and fried ham with mushy scalloped potatoes. Once in a while, she would make her rendition of tacos—greasy tortilla shells stuffed with salty ground beef, iceberg lettuce and a splash of Tabasco.

My gastronomic life changed dramatically when I was a senior at USC, and I met my future husband—an indigenous man from Oaxaca, Mexico. Talk about food shock! Out the frying pan went my usual fare of mac and cheese, patty melts and hamburgers. In came carne asada, fresh avocado and cilantro, roasted chile pasilla salsa and handmade corn tortillas. For the first time in my life, I was introduced to a whole new world of flavor and heat.

Being married to a Oaxacan man for over thirty years, it’s not surprising that my husband has influenced me in my own kitchen. These days, it’s rare that I cook a meal that doesn’t include corn tortillas, jalapeños or black beans. It’s also not unexpected that my novel, Lost in Oaxaca would reflect the many facets of his Mexican culture—a central one being the incredible cuisine of Oaxaca.

My protagonist, Camille, is a privileged piano teacher from Santa Barbara who finds herself lost in the mountains of Oaxaca after she travels there in search of her missing piano student. After a disastrous bus accident, she is stranded on a small ranch where she is aided by members of the local indigenous community. There, she experiences her first authentic Oaxacan meal: caldo de pollo, a rich and aromatic chicken broth simmered with a variety of vegetables, including chayote, a light green squash native to the region. She samples crispy corn tortillas—lightly browned with just the right amount of salt. She also has a fiery experience with fresh salsa made with chile piquín—a pepper so hot that after one bite she thinks her head may explode.

Later, after Camille arrives in the Zapotec village of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, the food only gets more delectable. She can’t get enough of the savory stewed chicken and rice smothered in spicy mole negro sauce. Then there’s the quesadillas con flor de calabaza—corn tortillas made from fresh masa dough, filled with melted quesillo cheese and stuffed with bright yellow squash blossoms freshly picked from the vine. For dessert, a clay bowl filled with hot Oaxacan chocolate is whipped into a bubbly froth with a molinillo (a traditional wooden whisk.) It’s the perfect vehicle for dipping in big hunks of pan de Yalálag, a delicious bread made with egg yolk and dusted with sesame seeds. Camille even gets drunk on the local mezcal, served to her in a jicara—a cup fashioned from a dried gourd.

The culinary delights of Oaxaca are unlimited, and I highly encourage you to book your next vacation there. If not, try out a local restaurant that offers Oaxacan fare. Or watch a YouTube video about Oaxacan cuisine, and try cooking a dish yourself.

But whatever you do, don’t let my mother make the tacos. 

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your food for thought, Jessica!

You can find Jessica here:

JessicaWintersMireles.com

Twitter @JessicaMireles

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, JESSICA WINTERS MIRELES holds a degree in piano performance from USC. After graduating, she began her career as a piano teacher and performer. Four children and a studio of more than forty piano students later, Jessica’s life changed drastically when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two; she soon decided that life was too short to give up on her dreams of becoming a writer, and after five years of carving out some time each day from her busy schedule, she finished Lost in Oaxaca. Jessica’s work has been published in GreenPrints and Mothering magazines. She also knows quite a bit about Oaxaca, as her husband is an indigenous Zapotec man from the highlands of Oaxaca and is a great source of inspiration. She lives with her husband and family in Santa Barbara, California. 

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Linda Bradley, Author of Maggie's Way

Food is a natural prop for this writer. It sets the scene. It elicits emotion. It’s the remedy for a broken heart. It’s a celebration, a bandage, and a vehicle to connect characters.

In Maggie’s Way, second grade teacher Maggie Abernathy spends a lot of time with pesky, seven-year-old Chloe McIntyre. They bicker. They bond, and yes, there’s food involved. When Maggie and Chloe bang heads and Maggie needs stitches, why wouldn’t there be Triscuit crackers involved? They have sharp edges! When the girls commiserate, Maggie’s got the pizza man’s number on speed dial. And after a tough day, who doesn’t want Rocky Road ice cream?

Food brings us together. It bridges relationships. It feeds hope and understanding. It’s a reason to gather around the table. In Maggie Abernathy’s case, table time is her opportunity to make new friends and embrace the past so she can live in the present.

When Chloe’s life seems impossible, Maggie breaks out a special menu…Diner Dinner for Downer Days: grilled hotdogs, homemade fries, and milkshakes.

Another one of Maggie’s favorite menu options is Lemony Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Baby Spinach. This one doesn’t require antacids or an extra workout. (The original Food Network recipe can be found at https://bit.ly/2JgfuNg.)

Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups orzo pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite. 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.

Vinaigrette

Whisk together and set aside:

1/3 cup olive oil

Zest of 2 lemons

½ cup lemon juice (from zested lemons)

½ teaspoon Kosher salt

½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped shallot and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes. Add 1 pound thawed, peeled, deveined shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink, 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and increase heat. Add ½ cup dry white wine, baby spinach and baby tomatoes (you choose how much). Scrape up the brown bits as you stir. Cook 1 minute until most liquid is evaporated and spinach is wilted.

Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and vinaigrette to the skillet. Toss until all ingredients are coated. (Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the pasta.) Transfer to a large bowl and serve.

Literary or living, break bread, indulge, refuel, and fill-up for the next part of the journey. Regardless of what’s served on the platter, don’t forget the secret ingredient…love.

Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Linda!

LindaBradleyAuthor.com

Twitter @LBradleyAuthor

Facebook Fan Page

Books on Amazon

FOODFIC: Please Welcome Teyla Branton, Author of the Unbounded Series

On the day I set foot on the path to immortality . . .

One minute Erin Radkey was in a burn unit without possibility of recovery and the next she awakes in a coffin covered with a gelatinous substance, her body perfectly healed. You might ask: Is this some remake of a vampire series?

The answer would be no. Erin has joined the ranks of Unbounded, nearly immortal beings whose quick regeneration is aided by the fact that they can absorb nutrients through their pores instead of having to ingest food. They can process organic matter and food molecules from the air without even thinking about it. Better yet, their bodies absorb only what they need.

Think of it! That means no more hunger pains, and for the most part no gaining weight—unless you really work at it, because not only is their metabolism off the charts, but regeneration takes a lot of energy. (Aside note: Since Renegade Unbounded are in a desperate battle with an evil faction of their own people over control of the mortal world and are also hunted by the only mortals aware of their existence, there happens to be a significant need for regeneration.)

How would you like to never worry about food again?

Well, the Unbounded in my urban fantasy still eat because, let’s face it, eating is fun. Just like the rest of us, they eat when they’re sad or worried or celebrating. But for those who previously loved to drink, their metabolism no longer permits intoxication. Even the strong stuff only gives a momentary buzz.

Then there’s the matter of the only way they can be killed and the whole locked-away-in-a-sealed-tomb issue, but we won’t go into that.

Here’s an excerpt where Erin uses what she absorbs to help her get out of a tight spot. Or does she get out?

With a growl, he launched himself at me, tumbling me backwards. I kept waiting for a miracle, for one of the others to save me, or for my so-called Unbounded talent to kick in and tell me what to do.
Nothing.
Sitting on my stomach, my assailant punched me hard in the face. Fury burst through my fear. I’d been burned practically to death, lost my best friend, held prisoner, separated from my family, trained till my arms bled, and finally rejected by a man who’d claimed to love me. I wasn’t going to let myself be kidnapped by a twenty-something idiot I didn’t even know.
I feigned semi-consciousness but was really absorbing nutrients from the grass I laid in, the trees looming above, the air I breathed. My assailant came to his feet, dragging me with him. In seconds, I’d be in that car, all hope of escape gone. There were no convenient rocks or heavy sticks nearby to use as a weapon. But there was the car.
Faking a stumble, I grabbed at him and used my body to ram him into the car . . . 

Would you choose to absorb nutrients like the Unbounded if you could?

Thanks for having me! Love to have you drop by my website and say hi.

Thanks for stopping by to share your food for thought, Teyla!

You can find Teyla here:

TeylaRachelBranton.com

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Teyla Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. Teyla writes urban fantasy (Unbounded series), paranormal romantic suspense (Imprints series), and science fiction (Colony Six series). She also writes contemporary romance (Lily’s House and Finding Home series) and romantic suspense under the name Rachel Branton.