Countdown Deal!

This coming weekend, from Saturday 22 March, 6:00 a.m. (PST) through Sunday 23 March, 11:00 pm (PST) my first novel, “The Price of Freedom” will be available on Kindle for $3.99 instead of $6.99!  As of next week, the title will also be available in paperback!  I’m excited to finally have the paperback edition available to those of you who’ve been asking for it.  Please—pass the news on to your friends and contacts!  Share, link, and shout it from your rooftops (preferably without getting arrested)… you are my greatest asset when it comes to getting the word out, getting into the hands of people who enjoy reading, and enjoy the genre of the likes of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer!

Homemade Lip Balm

This was made here recently by the young woman living with us at the moment; it turned out really well, and I have a small pot of it sitting next to my computer that I use regularly.  The texture is smooth, and it’s long-lasting.  You may never want to buy lip balm again!

(illustration from wwwfoodrenegade.com)

1 oz. Beeswax
5 oz. Almond oil (or coconut, or olive oil)
1 Tbs. Honey
4 drops essential oil or extract (choose your favourite flavour)

Melt the beeswax in a pan over boiling water; remove from heat. Stir in the other ingredients, pour into storage containers and allow to cool.

[The cosmetic-grade beeswax “droplets” (I wouldn’t recommend using an old beeswax candle you’ve had standing around…) can either be found in a health food store or a pharmacy, as can the cosmetic-grade almond oil and essential oil.  For storage containers, I used small travel containers that originally had face cream in them; I keep such things for just such occasions.  Otherwise, look for small containers at your local shop, or improvise – be creative!]

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Instead of flour, this crust has flower power!  It may sound unconventional, and it is, but it’s also delicious!  It’s touted as a pizza crust but don’t limit yourself!  This could be the start of a whole new relationship.  And experiment with other vegetables – broccoli, zucchini… the only limit is your imagination.

Cauliflower Crust

1 head cauliflower, coarsely chopped
1/2 C. shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley, or 1 Tbs. dried
2 eggs
1-2 cloves chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat an oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.  Blend cauliflower pieces in a blender or food processor until it’s finely shredded, and then stir in the Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press and shape into a pizza crust.  Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 10-15 minutes; meanwhile prepare your favourite pizza toppings.  Top up, then complete the baking until your toppings are golden brown (~15-20 minutes more).  Enjoy!