Aussie Daggers

I have recently read two books by Australian authors, one by Glenda Larke who is an established author and the second a first ever novel by Satima Flavell. Funnily enough their titles are similar, The Lascar’s Dagger for Glenda and The Dagger of Dresnia for Satima.

The Lascar’s Dagger is the first in a trilogy called The Forsaken Lands and, consistent with Glenda’s normal style, is an excellent story with yet another form of magic, I don’t know how Glenda comes up with so many types of magic, but she does with every trilogy. Saker is a priest, a scholar and a spy and works for the Pontifect of Va Faith. The background of the book is spice trading. As usual, Glenda’s world building is excellent although at the end of this book we are setting out for a different part of the world. I enjoyed the book very much and because I helped with proof reading, Glenda kindly sent me a signed copy of the book which also has my name in the acknowledgements. Great story as usual. If you have never read any of Glenda Larke's stories I highly recommend them all.

The Dagger of Dresnia is a wonderful introduction into The Talismans trilogy. Satima has been working on this book for a number of years and has certainly come up with a winner. Unusually the main character is a middle aged woman, Queen Ellyria who, at the beginning of the story, is at her wit’s end because she has her husband and triplet sons all severely ill and will do anything to save them. Her husband dies, but due to the assistance of a mysterious doctor, the triplets all survive. Unfortunately the doctor turns out to be a dark spirit with whom Ellyria has unwittingly made a pact. The book unfolds the working of the curse for the kingdom and everything Ellyria, an elf, tries to do to counter it including starting a school for young mages whom she hopes will be able to help her. This too is a great story and in both cases I look forward to the sequels. Not that it has anything to do with it, but Satima and I were born just a few miles from each other in England.

Today we are lunching at my favourite Chinese restaurant, the Mandarin. We are joining a couple of friends there. More calories, oy vey.

I haven’t had fresh salmon in a while and when I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. Not done so yet, but hope to later this week. This recipe was sent to me by RealAge.

Norwegian-Style Oven Toasted Salmon Recipe

by: Kat Barefield, MS, RD

You need to eat at least two meals per week with fatty fish like salmon. You'll get the heart-healthy omega 3 fats and vitamin D, which most people don't get enough of. Vitamin D is critical for healthy bones.

Ingredients
1/3 cup of honey
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz garlic, minced
1/4 tbsp salt
3/4 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp white wine
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp olive oil
3 oz parsley leaves, chopped
Six 3-oz salmon fillets

Preparation (Serves 6)
Combine honey, lemon juice, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, coriander, wine, oil and parsley and mix well. Pour over salmon and marinate overnight in refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove fish from marinade and place in baking pan. Discard marinade.
Bake salmon for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Have a great day