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| Recipes 'n Reads Series Guest Connie Vines |
Hello and welcome to the Focused on Story Blog by J.Q.Rose.
Beginning TODAY, I will be featuring a guest author on the new series, Recipes 'n Reads, every third Wednesday of the month. The author will share a favorite recipe and the reason why she chose this particular one. I'll also spotlight a book by the author.
Kicking off the new series is my friend and talented storyteller, Connie Vines, who brings along one of my favorite cookies. She is thinking Christmas, but not because there are so many Christmas in July sales this time of year. Read on to find out why she is in the Christmas spirit.
Welcome, Connie!
I’d like to thank (my bestie) Janet for giving me “press time” with this interview.
In the works is my Christmas novella. Which justifies my blasting holiday music during a July heatwave. LOL 😊
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| Connie's Kolache Christmas Cookies |
The recipe I’m sharing with everyone today is a family favorite, Kolache Cookies.
My great-grandmother, her husband and 6 children of their 7 children emigrated from Prague, Czechoslovakia to Chicago (where my grandmother was born) in 1899.
Kolache cookies are typically made from a simple pastry. Made from cream cheese, butter and flour folded over a little jam filling.
Sometimes they have a cheese or a nut filling. They go by a few names, depending on the language. They can be found across Eastern Europe. Some argue that they are originally Czech others say Polish.
The shape of the cookies also differs. My family's cookies were round with my thumbprint center for the filling.
Those who settled in Texas and Oklahoma make their Kolache with yeast resulting in a large sweet roll appearance and texture.
Connie's Kolache Cookies
Ingredients.:
3 ounces of cream cheese.
4 ounces of unsalted butter. (4 ounces equal 1 stick.)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
6 tablespoons of jam.
Choose flavors of your choice.
One teaspoon of confectioner sugar for dusting.
Cream together cream cheese and butter.
Mix In flour.
For best results, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 175 degrees Celsius.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
Use a small round cookie cutter to form each cookie and press your thumb lightly in the center of each cookie.
Put approximately 1 teaspoon of jam in the middle of each cookie. My personal favorites: apricot and plum. (Jam must be thick.)
Place the cookies on a lined cookie sheet and bake for approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove when going light golden brown. (Watch your first batch for timing.)
Allow to cool before carefully transferring to a cooling rack. Dust with confectioner sugar before serving.
Interesting Fact(s):
My great-grand parents made certain their children continued their musical education. One son, Anton (Tony) Lada excelled. Tony became a composer, a jazz band leader in the Roaring Twenties, in the 1930’s and 1940’s was making a name for himself in Hollywood.
Links to his story:
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| Lynx by Connie Vines Romantic contemporary Western novel |
“What woman doesn’t love a cowboy?”
Meet Lynx Maddox, hero in my Award-Winning Rodeo Romance, titled “Lynx”.
While this story doesn’t spotlight my Czech heritage, it does connect with my father’s heritage…and another relative whose name you will recognize (perhaps, Janet will allow me to share another time).
With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life—to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena. Now, she wants nothing to do with that world—or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory. But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny. . . and his unexpected gentleness too seductive to resist. . .
H.O.L.T. Medallion Finalist,
Orange Rose Finalist,
Colorado Gold 2nd Place,
Fool for Love 2nd Place,
Award of Excellence Winner.
Reviews:
Connie has a wonderful gift for making her characters come alive for her readers.
"Highly Recommended. Written by a gifted writer—a worthy addition to anyone’s book collection.”
"This book kept the pages turning, and a box of tissues close at hand. A rare find. A must-read!” Word Museum
Amazon Best Selling and Award Winning Author, resides deep in the quirky SoCal suburbs--where her pups dig holes in her garden, a dessert is always baking in the oven, and the wee-hours of the morning are spent at her computer creating characters and stories for her readers to enjoy!
Half-Off Summer Sale at Smashwords!
SMASHWORDS 50% OFF SUMMER SALE
Click here to download my non-fiction books-- half off this month at Smashwords.
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5 comments:
That one is certainly simple. And I could use vegan cream cheese instead.
Good idea!!
I would eat that!
Me too!!!
Estate Planning Lawyer
Connie Vines' Christmas Cookies recipe is a delightful addition to the Recipes 'n Reads Series, adding a festive touch to holiday baking. The recipe captures the essence of Christmas in July, spreading joy and warmth to summer celebrations. The author's attention to detail and passion for Western culture shine through in the delectable treat. The recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to infuse a bit of Western magic into their holiday season. The Recipes 'n Reads Series continues to impress with its diverse and creative culinary offerings.
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