Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Dragon of the Stars, The Dagger’s Path.

Alex J. Cavenaugh has created a new site to promote his forthcoming book Dragon of the Stars. I am lucky enough to have read the story, in fact I won a pre-release copy, and it is absolutely fantastic as usual. The site is What are the Kargrandes?

Dragon-of-the-Stars-by-Alex-J-Cavana

Apparently there are going to be clues every Monday for us all to follow. When you click on this link you will find it has two pages to look at. Do stay long enough to see both. It has an incredible ending, something quite unanticipated. We have to get Alex to write more books, he says he has no intention of doing so but I can think of lots of offshoots from this story for starters.

A book which was released today, Monday 12th January, is Glenda Larke’s second book in her latest trilogy The Forsaken Lands. It is called The Dagger’s  Path and is due out this month. This is, like all her books, a wonderful story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. This one certainly has an unexpected twist.

dagger's path cover

We both bowled on Monday, neither of us very well. Maybe too nervous about causing ourselves pain. At least that’s my excuse.

This sounded like a great take on French Onion soup. I just happen to have some leeks in the fridge too. I am sure it will freeze well too, without the cheese topping of course.

Slow Cooker French Leek Soup


We've swapped beef broth for chicken broth and onions for tender leeks but kept all the flavour in this lighter version of classic French slow-cooker-french-leek-souponion soup. When you get home, just toast the baguette, broil the cheese and enjoy!


Canadian Living Magazine: November 2014
Portion size 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 leeks, (white and light green parts only),halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) sodium-reduced soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
  • 1 pkg (900 mL) sodium-reduced chicken broth
  • 16 slices (1/2-inch/1 cm thick) baguette
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

In slow cooker, combine leeks, butter, thyme, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper; stir in broth and 3 cups water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Arrange baguette slices on baking sheet; broil, turning once, until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Stir Gruyère cheese with parsley. Place ovenproof soup bowls on baking sheet; ladle soup into bowls. Top each bowl with 2 baguette slices; sprinkle cheese mixture over top. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 2 minutes.

Have a great day
Jo_thumb[2]

14 comments:

  1. Thanks, Jo! Glad I was able to surprise you. And if I don't write another book it's because I'm busy simply rocking into Mordor.

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome Alex. Actually that doesn't sound like a bad title for a new book.

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  2. Congratulations to the authors! That leek soup looks pretty good. I recently made french onion and it was awful. Russell powered through it, like the sweetheart that he is, but I won't make it again. This one might be better.

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    1. I am hoping to try it real soon. If you get to it first let me know how it goes.

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  3. Good luck to Alex and Glenda! My wife would really enjoy this recipe. I'll keep the recipe and make it for her on a rainy day.

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    1. It does sound good doesn't it? Hope Alex does well, hope Glenda does too. Have you tried her books, excellent stories.

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  4. Glad to hear you're bowling again, even if not up to your usual standard.

    Can't wait to read Alex's book! I have it on pre-order.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Liz, I was surprised Matt could bowl yet.

      It's a good story you will enjoy it. Do try Glenda's books too, they really are different but very good.

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  5. The French love their leek soup don't they. So, in regards to a message you left on my bllog, can you swap Kindle books?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can loan them to people. I've never done it, but I know it can be done.

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    2. I'll ask Scotto if he knows a way. We share them on all our laptops, phones and Kindle but they're all on the same network.

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    3. It looks like you have to be on Amazon Prime and that costs $89 so I am not going to join.

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  6. Thanks Jo, and everyone for your good wishes!

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome Glenda. You know how much I love your books.

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