Today is June 14—release day of my latest book, Cherry
Blossom Serendipity. I've been preparing for today with pink
drinks and cherry desserts—cookies, pie,
and a delicious cherry bundt cake (recipe at end of blog).
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| https://tinyurl.com/4cx2pzhb |
Blurb
A chance meeting lands dating
columnist Lexi Anderson an
invitation to the most sought-after
D.C. event. Seeking inspiration for her
spring column, she agrees to accompany an
older gentleman she met at the Vietnam
Memorial.Everyone lets go at the Pink
Tie Dinner. Navy Commander Steve MacDonald
is no exception. He’s attracted to Lexi and disappointed
she’s returning to New York in the morning. He
makes a plan guaranteeing he’ll see her during New York’s Fleet Week Lexi has
shared with her readers that she never gets involved with a man in
uniform. When the magic of the evening disappears, will Lexi hold
tight to her dating rule?
Research is always my favorite part of writing. Cherry Blossom
Serendipity is part of the Wild Rose Press' Jelly Beans and Spring Things
series. Jelly beans had to be mentioned in the story. I experimented with
different color beans to see how they dissolved in various liquids. The
primary ingredients for jelly beans are sugar, corn syrup, modified cornstarch,
and confectioner's glaze. Sugars dissolve easily in liquids. Easy enough—I had
the perfect technique to include jelly beans in my story.
Excerpt
“Would you like another drink, sir?” A server glanced at the untouched drink.
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| Springtime Magic Martini |
Steve turned when Lexi laughed at something his
grandfather said. A cherry blossom necklace
shimmied with the movement of her chest. He looked
away and ordered a drink. “A ginger ale, please.” No
more silly pink beverages with jelly beans. He needed
a clear head. The situation required a plan, one to help
her see beyond the uniform. Next week, he’d be in
New York preparing for Fleet Week. Would she meet him for a real drink when
he was off duty?”
Excerpt From: Zelda Benjamin. “Cherry Blossom Serendipity.” iBooks.
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| Cherry Bundt Cake |
This is one of those recipes I make from a cake mix.
I follow the follow the directions on the box and
make a few adjustments.
6 ounces maraschino cherries drained
2 tbs flour to coat cherrie
8 tsp butter=1 stick I substitute butter for oil.
zest of 1 lemon
I add 2 1/2 tbs of almond four or crushed almonds
Preheat oven to 350
Cream butter, eggs, and lemon. Beat well by hand or electric mixer.
Mix in dry ingredients. Beat well
Cut dry cherries in half (I like big chunks of cherries) and fold into batter.
Pour into well-greased bundt pan
Bake for 35-45 minutes ( all ovens are different) Cake should rise and be golden
on top before cooling in tin for 10 min. Turn onto cooling rack.
You can ice with a lemon icing or sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
Celebrate and Enjoy!
Recipe sounds delicious Thank you
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