Chapter 1

Magdalena D’Alessandro arrived early to remove the card from the extravagant wreath that lay on Angelina’s casket. She read the sentiment then placed it in her purse knowing it would anger her father that ‘The Organization’ sent flowers to her younger sister’s funeral. His fragile health needed no additional shock. After taking a front row

A Menu Idea for Oscar Night

 .  . . . . . . 89th Academy Awards Menu Boston Clam Chowder – Manchester by the Sea Tang –Arrival Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad – La La Land

Albondigas Soup Recipe

Ethnic soups add much variety to the American diet, and this one is a staple in my home. In cold weather, this is an especially warming and satisfying soup. Albondigas in Spanish means meatballs. I think you will find this a great entrée soup when eaten with warm tortillas or garlic bread. This recipe is

Prologue to Harem Twins

Egypt’s sun god Ra was rising in the eastern sky to cast his vibrant rays on the white walls of Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s grand new house. A newborn, about to arrive at sunrise in Pharaoh’s Harem, would foretell of exceptional heavenly influences. The mother, Princess Attah of Mitanni, was twelve summers old. Her diminutive frame

Book Review: The Glassblower

The Glassblower, by Petra Durst-Benning, is a little slow to get into, but the story of the Steinmann sisters and their struggles in glassblowing soon drew me in. With the death of their father, Johanna, Ruth, and Marie have lost their last parent and their income. Life becomes frighteningly uncertain, and the young women face

Fast French Onion Soup

Fast French Onion Soup This soup is prepared in approximately 20 minutes and matches the taste of the original classic very well. You don’t need the ovenproof bowls as the broiling step is eliminated!  Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 large, onions skinned, halved and sliced as thin as possible ½ teaspoon

Holiday Ravens

by Dolores Davis Once there was a raven couple that followed Woman on her morning walks, because she fed them from a bag of treats. He was stout, with a hooked beak and a bold presence. She was smaller, cautious and demure. Woman named them

Dining at the Bellinghausen

In the early 1950’s when you walked into the Restaurante Bellinghausen, the aroma of sauerkraut and the sounds of bistro dishes clanking filled the air. Yet the boisterous chatter of the German language was the real surprise. This flourishing Mexico City delicatessen, located in the posh zona-rosa district, teemed with curious tourists, wealthy residents, but

How To Plan A Great 87th Academy Awards Party

Email a themed invitation (see example above – click to enlarge) and require a prompt RSVP so you can email your guests a ballot (see example below – click to enlarge.) Guests to arrive with ballots filled out (or emailed – if coming late). Require all guests bring a bottle of wine to be divided

T-REX MEATLOAF

This is a light and moist meatloaf named after my 5 year old grandson, Rex, who cannot get enough. In winter, I sometimes substitute turkey for the ground beef and beef sausages. Preheat oven to 3500 Ingredients