Apricots, apricots, apricots . . . Riesling Jam

Playing with apricots is so easy because . . . and this is the exciting part . . .there is no peeling of fruit skin. Pull apart the fruit and remove pit. Cut off any parts not acceptable and WA LAH~ ready to start Whipping into a delicious concoction. I LOVE the color of apricots. The jars are full of a bright, cheery and chunky jam to be used as glazes, cookie and bar filling, cake filling and glaze or just on little tea sandwiches. Slightly tart; slightly sweet (according to how much sugar you want to add).



The apricots are fresh off the trees, bought right on an apricot farm in Eastern Washington. 22 pounds for $23.95. Apricots are ripe just before cling-free peaches and pears and I always missed the opportunity to get a box. This year, going blueberry picking coincided with the apricot season sooo I am ecstatic; it is always those little things that tickle me the most!

I have made chunky apricot preserves and apricot Riesling jam. The recipe below is for the Apricot Riesling Jam; adapted from a recipe I found at SimplyRecipes.com.

Apricots naturally break down when cooked. Adding about 1/3 box of pectin powder to my sugar and stirring before adding to the apricots allows me to not cook the mixture as long; meaning chunky preserves and NOT apricot puree.

(The majority of the wine cooks out and leaves a wonderful flavor to the preserves. If you do not want to use wine; leave it out. The apricots provide enough natural juices so you do not have to worry about replacing with another type of liquid.)


Apricot Riesling Jam
6 cups of apricots pulled into two pieces and pits discarded
2 cups of sugar
1/3 box of Sure Jell Fruit Pectin powder; stir into the sugar
1/3 cup of Late Harvest Riesling
5 tablespoons of lemon juice


Place the apricots, sugar, pectin, wine, and lemon juice in a large (at least 4-qt), thick-bottomed, stainless steel pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Place a couple small plates in the freezer, these will be used to test the jam later.

The mixture will boil and rise in volume. Skim off the pale yellow foam that forms at the top and discard. The boil will subside to larger bubbles, but still bubble vigorously. Be sure to begin gently stirring the jam frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

After about 12 to 15 minutes begin testing the jam by placing a small amount on a cold plate. Allow 30 seconds to pass and then run your finger through it to see what the cooled consistency will be. Boil for a few minutes longer if desired for a thicker jam.

Ladle into hot, sterilized canning jars (I sterilize by washing the jars and rings in the dishwasher) and seal leaving 1/4 inch of head space. Before applying the lids, sterilize the lids by placing them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Wipe the rims of the jars clean before applying the lids.

I also put the jars in a hot water bath. Use a canning kettle and fill with enough water to submerge jars with at least 1" of water over the tops of jars. Bring water to a boil. Put jars in the metal jar holder and lower into the water. Bring water back to boiling and boil for 10 minutes. Remove jars and let sit until you hear the cute little popping noise notifying you the jars are sealed.

The next day, you can remove your rings for repeat canning use and display your bright colored, freshly canned apricots for all to see ~ especially you!

Derek Dooley to Bryce Brown: "Text Me?...Release NOT Granted"

Earlier this week, Bryce Brown showed just how much he knows about personal etiquette when he decided that he would text Tennessee Vols head coach, Derek Dooley, instead of showing up to meet with him face-to-face. The message was clear, Brown was done playing football at Tennessee.

Game over...or so we thought.

As it turns out, the game isn't really as over as first thought and coach Dooley has a little hand of his own he still wishes to play—he has refused to grant Brown his release. Brown has already decided he will return to his home state of Kansas to play football at Kansas State University.

Why won't Dooley grant Brown's release? Well, he says it isn't "personal", but rather a matter of his own personal protocol where releasing players is concerned.

Apparently, before Dooley can be satisfied that a player is ready to move on, he must meet three criteria:

1. What was the player's personal investment into the program? 

None if you ask me. I am wondering what types of promises former coach, Lane Kiffin, made to get the kid to Knoxville in the first place. It's no coincidence that Brown's desire to bolt the Vols came shortly after Lane exited stage  left. Adding more fuel to the fire, why would Brown leave when he was all but guaranteed to start next season? Seems fishy to me.  

2. What harm the player's departure would cause the program?   

Well, depth immediately becomes an issue, but I don't think anyone will be disappointed with what Tauren Poole can do. Also, incoming freshman, Rajion Neal could be a factor this season as well. Brown's departure will cause a minor inconvenience for the Vols but there still plenty of talent left at tailback. 

3. How the player handled the situation as a person.

The kid sent a text message to announce his departure. I'd say he handled it very poorly and, honestly, I don't care what coach Dooley says about his protocol, he took that personally. He's letting Brown take a nap in that bed he decided to lay down in and, who could blame him?

Seriously, though, it doesn't make sense for Tennessee to allow this matter to go any further. Brown was enough of a distraction before, due to his lengthy indecision, and the best possible thing coach Dooley can do now is let him go. Don't let this soap opera stretch out any further because it looks like, if it does, it will become a war of words between the coach and the player's father.

Arthur Brown, Bryce's father, has already started doing a little talking of his own and nothing good can come of a back and forth conversation which starts with finger-pointing and ends with "he said..."

You've made your point, coach. Now let the kid go back to Kansas—with your blessing.

Black Sabbath Trademark Dispute: Ozzy vs. Iommi

Last year, Anthony “Tommy” Iommi, long-time guitarist for Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne got in contact with each other about the band. However, this new Black Sabbath collaboration didn’t involve any music. John “Ozzy” Osbourne sued Iommi for trademark infringement in the U.S. District Court (case no. 1:09-cv-04947)

Apparently, in 2000, Iommi filed a trademark application with the USPTO, to register the Black Sabbath trademark in his name only. Ozzy’s attorneys caught wind of this trademark hijacking, and filed suit in May of last year. According to the suit Ozzy was “the driving force behind the Black Sabbath band.” But Iommi referenced a 1980 agreement (when Ozzy originally left the band) in which Ozzy had surrendered his right to the band name. But in 1997, as part of the “Ozzfest” tour, Black Sabbath had reunited, and played for a couple years. Ozzy claimed this new arrangement superseded the 1980 agreement.

Fortunately, last week Ozzy and Iommi were able to settle the case on good terms. In the new agreement, all four original members of the band (including Geezer Butler and Bill Ward) are to share the trademark equally.

Jeremiah Masoli Says Perception Isn't Reality Where His Image Is Concerned

Jeremiah Masoli wants to remake his image. It's understandable given all he's gone through in the last four months, but can he do it? Can he change the public's perception of him?

His road to recovery has started with the launch of a new website that is dedicated to painting as pretty a picture of him as possible. The site, appropriately named JeremiahMasoli.net, offers, among other things, a resume of his accomplishments, detailed accounts of media mistakes, and a timeline of events.

The timeline covers Masoli from birth to his dismissal from the University of Oregon football program after being charged with robbery. Curiously, Masoli states that he was never guilty of any crime but, rather, pleaded guilty to avoid serving any jail time.

Sports Illustrated writer, Michael McKnight, has taken on the challenge of retelling the story of what really happened on that fateful night–the hope being that people will see Masoli in a less-menacing light.

After reading the article, listening to the 911 call, and perusing the police report, it is clear that the events of that night, as translated by the media, could have been slightly over-exaggerated.

For one, the belongings of both victims were never found. In fact, the only item that was visibly seen was a projector that was returned by Garrett Embry (Masoli's teammate). The victim, Max Wolfard says that he confiscated the item, which he identified as his, from Embry after a brief chase.
Wolfard stated that he didn't see Masoli with any of the missing items but alleged that Masoli's baggy clothing could have hid them from view.

Secondly, Wolfard acknowleged that entry into his residence and his room required the proper key and code. Masoli nor Embry were residents of the house, so in order for either of them to have gained access to Wolfard's belongings, they would need help. Did they have any?

Even more, how could Wolfard be certain that one of the guests of the house or one of his fraternity brothers in general didn't steal the items? It's a valid question given the fact that none of the items were ever recovered.

That said, it would have been easy for an investigation of the crime to net nothing more than a finger-pointing at one guy from another. The chance that Masoli would have served one day in jail based on circumstantial evidence seems unlikely—I'm not a lawyer, but I just don't see where anything in the police report damages Masoli...until, of course, he lied.

Masoli's decision to try and disconnect himself from the events of that night by proclaiming to have been somewhere else was a dumb move. He admits as much in the SI article. The problem is, the fact that he admits it now, doesn't erase the perception it created in the minds of everyone else back then—he lied once, why should I believe he isn't lying now too?

His reason for the deception was understandable, given all he had to lose, but what he needs to understand is that the impression he gave is one that isn't flattering. He wants people to understand that he only lied because he didn't wish to be associated with the negativity that such an allegation would have placed upon him but, honestly, did he expect that lie to hold up given his popularity?

If he had told the truth, things may not have turned out nearly as badly as they did for him. As it were, even with the lies, his coach was willing to keep him on at Oregon. His suspension didn't come until after he made another poor decision to drive with marijuana in his possession—again, he seems to have trouble making good decision.

While I can understand what Masoli is trying to do by offering a new account of an old story, the fact that he initially lied makes it difficult to believe he didn't have some measure of involvement in the crime. If nothing more, he had to know that his former teammate, Garrett Embry was doing something wrong so why didn't he stop him or, if nothing else, refuse to leave the scene with him?

Again...poor decisions. 

The story that McKnight paints may appear to make Masoli look like a misunderstood victim, but truth be told, it makes it look like Masoli lacks leadership ability or the proper maturity to know when to stand tall and when to back down.

He could finally be on the right track with his recent positive media blitz, but unless he starts making the right decisions, no matter the circumstances, he will falter again—hopefully, he finally has his act together.

Bisque with Shrimp over Pan-Seared Gouda Grits

3 pounds of shrimp are luxuriously swimming in a pool of rich and creamy soup ladled over pan-seared Gouda grits. The dish takes a few steps to complete but a little prep work ahead of time goes a LONG ways. Peel the shrimp and make the stock the day before. The shrimp stock simmers for 20 minutes, cools, strain and reserve in refrigerator. The Gouda grits need to chill for at least 4 hours before cutting into triangles.

This one dish dinner is hearty, filled with layers of flavor and fun to present. The recipe was adapted from Will Hughes of Catering & Market.


Shrimp with Pan-Seared Gouda Grits
(Makes 6 servings)

3 pounds unpeeled large fresh shrimp
1/2 c. plus 2 T. butter, divided
1 T. bacon drippings (I always have a jar used for collecting bacon grease in the refrigerator)
3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
3 green onions, coarsely chopped
1 small red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 small yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1/2 c. fresh parsley
2 t. dried thyme
2 t. Old Bay Seasoning or seafood seasoning of your choice
2 t. hot chili sauce (I used Sriracha hot chili sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
6 cups Shrimp stock (recipe follows)
2 c. whipping cream
1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. vegetable oil, divided
1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ground black pepper
Pan-seared Gouda Grits (recipe follows)



Directions:
Peel and devein shrimp, reserving shells and tails for Shrimp Stock.

In a large Dutch oven, add 1/2 cup butter and bacon drippings; place Dutch oven over medium-high heat until butter melts and mixture is hot. Stir in celery, green onion, bell peppers,parsley, thyme, seafood seasoning, hot chili sauce, and garlic; reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, for 8 minutes or until onions are tender.

Add flour, stirring until smooth and blended; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add stock, cream, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and cool.

In the container of a blender, process cream mixture, in batches, until smooth. Return cream mixture to Dutch oven.

In a large skillet, add 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 Tablespoon oil; place skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of peeled shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, until pink and firm. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 Tablespoon butter and oil and remaining shrimp.

Add shrimp to cream mixture; cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Serve immediately with Pan-Roasted Gouda Grit wedges.


Shrimp Stock
Reserved shrimp shells and tails from previous recipe
8 cups water

Directions:
In a large pot, combine shrimp shells, tails and water; bring just to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine wire-mesh sieve, discarding shells and tails.

Pan-Seared Gouda Grits
(Makes about 30 grits triangles)
4 cups water
1/4 c. plus 2 T. butter, divided
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. quick-cooking grits
1/2 c. whipping cream
1 c. shredded Gouda cheese
2 T. vegetable oil, divided

Directions:
In a medium pot, combine water, 1/4 cup butter, and salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 25 minutes or until thickened. Add cream and Gouda cheese; cook, stirring frequently, until cheese melts and mixture is blended.

Pour grits mixture into an 11x7-inch baking dish. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or until firm.

Cut grits into 15 rectangles. Cut each rectangle into triangles.

In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil; place skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add grits triangles, in batches; cook for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat procedure with remaining triangles, and remaining 1 tablespoon butter and oil.

Getting to know Robert Collins

Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?

I write in mainly two. Locally I’m best known for writing nonfiction about Kansas history. My passion is writing science fiction and fantasy. I’ve sold over 80 short stories, and had three novels published.

What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?

I’m a story person. Characters are fine, but I need some sort of plot to get going.

Do you "cast" your characters using pictures or actors to help inspire you when you're writing?

No, but I have a good aural memory. I can “give” my characters voices from where ever I want and “hear” them. In some ways these are first drafts that get written in my head before I type one word.

How long does it take you to finish a book from start to finish?

That really depends. It took me twenty years of off-and-on work to get my second novel, Lisa’s Way, into its final form. On the other hand, last year I wrote two sequels to Lisa’s Way; one became four short stories, the other is the “second book.”

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

My latest is Monitor, published by Whiskey Creek Press. It’s about a woman who decides to stop her fundamentalist society from coming about by going back in time and becoming a superhero. Also figuring in the story is a mutant teenager training to be a hero but conflicted about where she’s headed, and a mutant villain with big ambitions.

I’m not quite sure where the story came from. I’m sure reading a little of the Marvel Universe in the 1980s played a role. In the end, through, it became the story I wanted to tell.

How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author? Do you read your own reviews?

I like readers coming up to me and telling me if they like my books. As to reviews, I only care about those by people I respect. I saw an ugly review for one of my railroad books at Amazon. Exploring deeper, I was appalled at learning that some reviewers trash books because the author is a woman, or gay, or whose politics are different from them.  I don’t worry about reviews generally; after all, its sales and not reviews that bring in the money.

What are you working on now? Anything you want to tell us about?

I’m always working on something. I’d like to sell the sequel to Lisa’s Way. I’m thinking about putting out another collection of short stories.  And I’ve been researching some big nonfiction projects.

What so you see for the future of publishing and e-books?

I think as it gets harder and harder to sell to the major publishers, the small press and self-publishing will have to be taken more seriously by everyone, from reviewers to writers’ groups. There have to be the same opportunities for the author whose book sells a few thousand copies as there are for best-selling authors.

As to e-books, I think the technology is making progress. The devices are getting better, and the idea of reading a book on a device is catching on. But the book is bulletproof technology: it doesn’t need special light; it doesn’t need a power source; and it doesn’t break if dropped. The e-book will have to be just like that to completely replace the print book.

Where can readers find you on the ‘net for more information on you, your books and other fun stuff?

First, there’s my website: http://members.cox.net/rlckansas/frontpage.html.

I also have a Face Book page, and I’m a member of Book Town.

Monitor: www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/

Monitor excerpt: The computer on the only desk in the room beeped loudly.  The screen changed from its normal white color.  Blocky red letters appeared for an instant, followed by a blue symbol.  The view then changed to the Oval Office of the White House.  Filling much of the screen was solemn, middle-aged man with blonde hair, blue eyes, and an open, honest face.

“Fellow citizens, I come before you with news that is grave, yet should fill all of your souls with joy.  Five minutes ago, our foolish enemies launched a limited nuclear strike at our forces around the world, and at the capitol of this great Christian nation.”

It can’t be happening now, Broeder thought.  I’m not ready.  I haven’t thought out my plans.  I haven’t done the research.

She looked at the pod.

“Do not panic,” the man continued.  “I will be taking refuge momentarily, and we will try to save everyone we can in the city.  Residents of Washington, I urge you to proceed at once to your shelters.

“This may sound like dire news.  It will not be so dire.  I have authorized our forces to launch a full retaliatory strike against our foes.  With our might, God will strike down those who have rejected Him, and cast their wicked souls into the pit of Hell.  After four decades of Heavenly struggle, righteousness will finally crush sin and evil.

“I will transmit another broadcast soon.  Until then, I ask all of your to pray for our victory.  God bless America, and every Christian in it.”

The blue symbol of the office of the President returned.  A male voice came over the intercom.  “All personnel are ordered to gather in the main dining hall for a prayer meeting.”

Corwin turned towards the door.  “Dr. Broeder!  Come on!”

“You go,” she replied from inside the closet.  “I’ll be along later.”

Anger bubbled throughout her mind as she removed her clothes and put on the suit.  Don’t these fools understand what’s going to happen? she asked rhetorically.  The Europeans and their allies are going to notice our full strike within a few minutes, and they’ll launch everything they have.  Do these idiots actually believe that they wouldn’t?

Of course not.  We’ve long since stopped considering other points of view.  We have God on our side, so whatever we say is right.

A whole nation blindly following the prejudices and morals of the ignorant President, Joshua Clairborne.  A bigoted brat raised by his bigoted father.

Broeder took one more long look at the pod.

You won’t be able to deny me a Class-One pass because I’m a woman, she vowed silently.  You won’t be able to keep from living where I want to because I’m a scientist.  You can’t keep me from reading what I want to, or watching whatever I want to, or talking to anyone I want to.

You can’t keep strangling the truth.

WRITER'S WRITE...WRITING PARTNERS FEUD

WHEN READERS CROSS THE TRANSOM
By:
Angelica Hart & Zi

According to Stephen King, "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." For some of us, meaning writers, reading has been an obsession since a young age. We'd devour every book, pamphlet, flyer, newspaper, comic book, magazine, and yes, lacking anything at hand at breakfast, would read the back of the cereal box. However, not all readers end up being a writer, what is that epiphany moment that has one crossing the transom? For every writer it is different, for both of us it has been something we simply could not avoid. It has been part of our earliest memories.

My favorite words as a child were, Once upon a time, obviously the opening of many fairy tales. Zi’s similar memory was Sunday night’s opening music to the Wonderful World of Disney. I knew when I heard those words an adventure, a fantasy, or simply magical moments would soon flash upon the reel of my imagination.

We have had the honor and privilege to read to children and I saw delineated on those young folks’ faces a reflection that reminded me of my youthful jubilance when I read those words, Once upon a time.

For Angelica, as a child, her run on of, tellmeastory said over and over until someone read her story turned into, wannahearastory until someone listened. Before she could write she'd draw pictures, and read from those pictures. As soon as she could write little stories appeared on napkins, fancy stationary, scraps of paper, anything and everything that could hold pencil, crayon or ink, including the wall, which her mother was not so happy about. Zi had a similar hunger to string words together in a coherent and logical thought pattern, writing constantly and in volume, and then those thoughts turned into stories that he couldn't put down fast enough. Every word, every image, every twist and turn within a plot became vital.

I used to carry several books around with me, imploring any reading-able body to read me a story. It didn't matter if they were young or old. It didn't matter if they had an accent or not. It didn't matter if they altered their voice for each character, although, that was indeed the preferred option. I used to say read me a story so often that it turned into a run-on chant. There was nothing grander than being read to, a story where I could travel to a different land, where taste and textures were defined with whorls of words. One moment I was a baby rabbit, another a mouse with a hole-in-the-wall house, sometimes an audacious child. I especially liked rhythms, the playful beat and measure that tapped out a story, sometimes silly, sometimes funny, and sometimes very strange. Mattered not. It was the journey, that sweet, wonderful roller coaster of sounds that created dream bubbles that I could actually see in my mind’s eye.

I’ll share one of Zi’s first memories of reading aloud. I wrote this without first asking him. It is personal but as I later explained, apt.

Zi was a child with undiagnosed dyslexia and struggled early with reading and writing. Recalling that period, he has expressed the humiliation he felt not learning the same way others were, though he never felt sorry for that boy.

At an early age he knew he wanted to read and write and valued those tools. As an adult you can easily discern that his books are respected treasures and opening the world of storytelling is a passion. It was the Woodlawn Public Library located in Union Park Gardens just off the Bancroft Parkway that provided him what I call a breakthrough.

Reading and writing was an endless series of embarrassment and humiliation where the stumbling over words, the constant juxtapostioning of words and letters, and the inability to sound out words were painful. Peers at a young age have not developed empathy or compassion and would tease.

The third floor of that library was his safe place and by some unexpected gift of divine foresight, close to his home. His mother worked and that circumstance made it the perfect after-school sanctuary.

He once recounted to me the old radiators were far too hot, occasionally whistled, and tinted the air with that odd metallic smell of water boiled in an iron pot. While there, he would grab any read-aloud style children’s book, books far beneath his age, and hide in a corner on that third floor and quietly read aloud to himself. Never minding if he stumbled over words or struggled with inflection, he just read; hour after hour. Over time the books chosen became more complex and he slowly fought to compensate for his handicap. It was in those secluded corners hidden amidst the radiator smells I believe Zi birthed a deep love for writing and reading. It was children’s books that opened a new world, free of ridicule and filled with possibilities borne from the imagination of authors. He fights and works so hard with our work to make it his gift back.

When asked why, we respond, we want to make people laugh, cry, smile, wince, fear, enjoy. We want to entertain. So, where is that line that pushes a reader into the realm of writing. That we cannot say, probably for every writer it is different, we only know it is an experience that keeps us alive. Sound dramatic? Of course it does, we're writers.

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.

Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS
SNAKE DANCE
CHASING GRAVITAS
angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com
angelicahartandzi.com


Titles can be purchased at
Champagne Books
http://www.champagnebooks.com/

In Todd Grantham, Georgia Hopes To See Some Shades of '76' (VIDEO)

When you mention the name Todd Grantham around a Georgia Bulldog fan these days, you hear a lot about him being the man who will return the Georgia defense to a "GATA" brand of football.

For those of you who aren't aware of exactly what "GATA" means, it's an acronym for "Get After Their A--es" or, the more PG version, "Get After Them Aggressively".

It's a term that was born during the days of Georgia coaching legend, Erk Russell. Russell once roamed the sidelines of Sanford Stadium as the Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator. He is considered by many fans to be the symbol of how a defense should be—the father of the "Junkyard Dawg" (JYD).

He was also the man behind the stifling Georgia defense that would eventually win the National Championship in 1980. He is still thought of fondly by many a Georgia Bulldog fan, both old and young, because he was a hard-nosed, take no shorts, kind of coach who expected and often received the very best that his guys had to offer.

In his 17 years as coordinator, Russell coached the defensive unit to 27 shutouts. Georgia's opposition was held to less than 17 points in more than half of the games he coached (135 out of 192) and,  no opponent ever scored more than 28 points on an Erk Russell led defense.

Since his departure, there have been few who could come close to that kind of dominance.

Brian Van Gorder (2001-2004) was great, but his early departure did not set well with many and his replacement, Willie Martinez, didn't pan out.

Enter Todd Grantham.

He's a no-nonsense guy with a nose for defense. It's impossible not to listen to him and feel like you want to go out and hit something as hard as possible. He inspires the very essence of "GATA" already—without having coached a down—and if he ends up being anything close to advertised, Georgia is well on it's way to regaining their SEC respect.

So, with Alabama being the 'King of the Hill' right now, and Georgia being the underdog with, what many feel, little chance in hades of making the SEC Championship game this season, it seemed only fitting to post the video you see below because even the mighty ones have been known to fall.

Here's to a season where, hopefully, Georgia can make that happen...a girl can dream, right?



GATA...indeed.

Hopefully, Jeremiah Masoli Won't Be Just Another Jamar Hornsby For Ole Miss

According to ESPN's Joe Schad, the University of Mississippi has decided to allow Jeremiah Masoli to enroll in one of their graduate programs this fall. Masoli would not be granted a scholarship to the Ole Miss football team, but he would be granted access as a walk-on.

That said, there is the possibility that Masoli, who is a good student, could receive financial aid in the form of reduced tuition or grant money to assist in covering the cost of out-of-state tuition at Ole Miss. If Masoli does enroll, it would be the second time in as many seasons that coach Houston Nutt has taken a chance on a player with a history of legal troubles.

In 2009, Nutt decided to take a chance on former Florida Gator, Jamar Hornsby. Hornsby was dismissed from the Gators after the 2007 season when it was discovered he used the credit card of a deceased student—a young lady who died in a motorcycle accident—to charge items amounting to more than $3000. The student turned out to be the girlfriend of his teammate, Joe Haden.

Horsnby never played a down in Oxford. He was charged with assault and, subsequentially, released by Nutt before the start of the season.

Masoli will be Nutt's second attempt at trying on a troubled player. If it works out for him, he will be lauded for having the foresight to give a guy another chance to make good on his skills. However, if the plan backfires, Nutt could see his seat in Oxford become a lot less comfortable.

Nothing is set in stone yet, so this deal could falter and fail, but if it doesn't, the only issue Nutt will hope to face is how to fit Masoli into his pro-style offense. Masoli worked out of a spread-option system at Oregon and, at 5'11" isn't exactly the ideal height for a pro-style QB.

Either way, Nutt appears to be rolling the dice on this one. Hopefully, second times the charm.

It Seems Like Everyone, Except The Denver Broncos, Has Signed Tim Tebow

I'm perplexed. No, really, I am.

The Denver Broncos, their fans, and players have done nothing but glow about Tim Tebow. As a matter of fact, the team has been absolutely over-the-moon about their 2010 NFL Draft selection—the guy they traded away three draft picks to be able to move up and snag him at No. 25.

Coach Josh McDaniels has been overwhelmingly optimistic about what Tebow will add to the Bronco's offense and, quite frankly, despite the fact that Tebow has never played a down of pro football, you have to get the sense that as a first-round selection, he will not be warming the bench in Denver for long.

He'll play this season. Bet on it. He will find his way onto the field in 2010 and, if he performs well, say goodbye to Kyle Orton in 2011. They love Tebow that much in Denver—even former quarterback, John Elway, has spoken of how impressed  he is with the demeanor of the ex-Florida quarterback.

Nike gave him his own shoe—decked in the orange and blue he so adored as a Gator. EA Sports made him the cover athlete for their 2011 NCAA Football game. Even the underwear giant, Jockey, signed him to a lucrative sponsorship deal to model their signature undergarments.

I say all of that, to say this, why haven't the Denver Broncos signed their prized player yet? Everyone else has, what on earth could be their hold up?

Could it be that the Broncos don't want to end up overpaying him based on his obvious popularity?

I mean, Tebow may become one of the NFL's most recognizable faces but, the truth of the matter is, he likely never should have been selected in the first-round. His selection at 25 was surprising to the many analysts and experts who thought he was better served as a late-second or early-third round player.
Their critique of him was not based on his personality but on his overall potential as a quarterback in the league.

He may prove many wrong by the time it's all said and done, but, what he's entitled to is a contract that guarantees him $8 million—nothing more. Will his handlers try and angle for more?

Tebow has already made it clear that he does not wish to hold out and the Denver Broncos are set to start camp tomorrow—you do the math. By all accounts, this should be a done deal by Wednesday. If it's not, I would be greatly surprised.

However, if for some reason he isn't able to get there by then, he could always kill some time by doing another autograph session. I hear those have been pretty popular for him.

Bryce Brown...The Very Definition of Unclassy

Bryce Brown just joined the ranks of his former coach and, coincidentally, the man who lured him to Knoxville in the first place, Lane Kiffin, by exiting the Tennessee football program via text message.

Brown, who abruptly departed the Vols football program in late March, was given quite a bit of leeway by new coach Derek Dooley. No pressure was applied to Brown as the Vols awaited his decision to either finish out his career at Tennessee or transfer out. However, the longer the decision took to be made, the more apparent it became that Brown would not be returning—by the end of spring, it was clear both Dooley and the team had moved on. 

In hindsight, though, Dooley may have been better served to approach Brown and alert him that he needed to make a choice sooner rather than later. The reason for doing so would have been simple, to take pressure off both the team and himself in answering the question of whether Brown was going to remain or not.

Why continue to allow that kind of a distraction? Especially since it was clear that Dooley knew Brown's fate long before the end of spring practice. I mean, most of the fans and players had moved on from this soap opera, but the waiting was the kicker—Brown continued to drag out his request for a release, why?

In the end, not only did Brown not show up to meet with Dooley about his situation but he decided the best way to say goodbye was through a text message.

Unbelievable.

It always seems like poor form to talk negatively about a 19-year old kid who, presumably, still has a lot of growing up to do, but come on—seriously?!? A text message? Considering the amount of respect that Brown was given by Dooley, I would think he would have thought to at least give him as much respect in return. The fact that he didn't says a lot about him as a player and a man—right now.

According to at least one report, his parents weren't too happy about his decision to exit the program in this manner either—his father was vocal in stating that he didn't feel it was the manly thing to do. Well, I can definitely agree with daddy Brown on that one, but, at the same time, look at the example Brown toiled under during his first season in Knoxville.

Former Vols coach, Lane Kiffin, scurried out of town, under the cover of night, on short notice, with no explanation other than he was taking his "dream job". After which, he tried to pilfer what was left of the Vol's 2010 recruiting class and then proceeded to make statements to the effect that he never promised Tennessee a rose garden.

I guess Bryce picked up on the wrong man's cues for how to do things the right way.

NEW COLLECTION !

After a marathon month of all work and no play, the NEW Twigs & Honey Collection has finally arrived! Also, the NEW online store has launched!! Click HERE.
Thank you to Lisa Warninger for her amazing photography! Jennifer Rand Walker, for her gorgeous hair and makup. Lovely models Ashley Marie Anthony & Megan Hodge. The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel for the perfect setting. Amy, my big sis, for onsite assistance.
THANK YOU!!!!!

photo credits: Lisa Warninger

Researching the Historical Novel by Allison Knight

RESEARCHING THE HISTORICAL NOVEL

Because I write historical novels, I spend a lot of time reading about the past. After all, things have changed - a lot. Of course, if you want to write about life a one or even two  hundred years ago, there are all kinds of great research sources available, dairies of people of the times, photographs, news accounts and letters of people who lived during those times. Just about anything your little heart desires.

However, if you want to go back to say a thousand years, or even seven or eight hundred years, you have a problem. There are very few writings. First, common people didn't read or write. They either didn't know how, if they did, they didn't have time.

There's almost nothing recorded about the lives of the farmers, or serfs, depending on your station in life. The nobles had some of their happenings transcribed by the minstrels of  the time but the performers tended to exaggerate the good parts and ignore the bad. Few songs survived to be passed down through the centuries because they were never recorded. Again, most of the people living then had no writing skills.

We do have the tapestries that depict life in the castles or battle fields, but if the tapestries were done for the master they often were embellished to make the master look good. There were no newspapers and few books, and very little that was recorded survived to this day. Paper was hard to come by and few people could write. Scrolls were often used for official communications, but ordinary messages were probably carried verbally.

So what is an author to do? Add to the lack of information, the misconceptions promulgated by Hollywood and you have a bigger problem.

With Battlesong, my medieval romance set in Scotland and England at the end of 13th century, I also had to find a Scottish clan living in the south of Scotland at that time. I certainly didn't want one of the famous clans, because mine would not be a very nice bunch of people. I spent hours studying the maps of Scottish clans and the dates they existed.

Let me list some of my problems writing about that period. Any suggestions are always welcome when it comes to finding information about these long ago times.

First there is the actual appearance of my characters. We have lots of information about what they wore, again from tapestries or paintings, but what did they look like? We do have the paintings of the nobles, but the appearance of the common people doesn't exist, except for the tapestries or paintings of the time. Were they tall, or short, with curly hair, or straight and how did they wear it?

There are records of deaths and births,  so we know people didn't have long lives. But, what kind of illnesses existed, and how were they treated? Most of the medical treatment was handled by the lady of the castle, but again, we know little about the herbs and treatment she used.

Of course, there is the food people ate and how it was prepared. No cake mixes back then. And what about the meat? They hunted for game, and we know they raised a lot of sheep. So how was it preserved? Salt was an expensive commodity. We have proof of that.  Some vegetables were grown, but in Scotland and England, crops don't grow well in the winter. And grain can mold.  So packaging was a problem. No plastic containers, no waxed paper, no tin foil. They wrapped their food in cloth, if it was available. But some of the foods we have today were either unknown then or considered poison. I love the story of the tomato. But that's for another time.

We have little information about daily life, although we can guess that without our electric conveniences life was tough. A couple of misconceptions need to be mentioned. Some of the castles had glass windows. They were little, expensive and the glass was wavy but they did have them. Also the walls of a castle were often painted or whitewashed, so they weren't the dark, drab places often depicted. We do have some knowledge of their entertainment, again from the tapestries, and certain celebrations were passed down from generation to generation until today, but we can only guess how much has changed over the centuries. You can get an idea of how that might happen if you ever played the game of telephone with your friends, where one person whispers something to one other and it's then passed around a group, until everyone has heard something. Of course, it's never the same as what has first whispered.

Then there's the inconsistency in some of the information available. Take the concept of the privy. Was the garderobe a privy as a lot of people suggest, or was it a closet? Did the shaft from the garderobe empty into the moat of the castle and what about the castles that didn't have moats? There were a lot of those.

And bathing?  Did they bath frequently? Many people say, no. but there are records of the lady of the castle helping with baths and that baths were always prepared for guests. So what's the real story?

I hope you see the problem, so what do authors do?  We guess. We make up names, descriptions, places, how things were done based on the limited knowledge we have and hope we haven't blundered too badly.

Will I stop writing about the times centuries ago? Nope. The third book of the 'song' series, is in construction at this time. Again, I'll have to make things up and hope I don't stray too far from the actual facts. Unfortunately, there's no way to check.

Happy reading!

http://www.AllisonKnight.com
Coming in August - Watch for 'Battlesong' the sequel to award winning 'Heartsong' from Champagne Books

Five SEC RB's Who Have A Shot At Eclipsing 1,000 Yards in 2010

The SEC is a conference that isn't short on running back talent. As a matter of fact, the current holder of the Heisman trophy currently makes his home at the University of Alabama—Mark Ingram. That said, there is plenty more talent where that came from and, at least some of it, is a tad under-appreciated due to a lack of exposure.

However, the way to the big time is paved in a 1,000 yard runner. The SEC, for all it's great talent, only saw five players hit that mark in 2009. In 2008, it was four, In 2007, a banner year, there were eight, and in 2006, there were only two (Both from the University of Arkansas).

So, as much as it is an expectation in the pro ranks to see a tailback cross the 1,000 yard threshold, it's not an easy feat in the SEC where the defenses often make every yard count and the running back by committee (RBC) method of employing the ground game is more than the rule than the exception in this day and age.

Even still, there are a few guys who have the potential to reach that milestone in 2010—in no particular order:

1. Derrick Locke, University of Kentucky

2009 Stats: 196 attempts, 908 yards, and 6 touchdowns

Derrick Locke missed one game last season in order to rest a sore knee. That one game, against Eastern Kentucky, could very well have been the difference in him eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark in 2009.

2010 brings some challenges his way as the Wildcats lost four starters on their offensive line at the end of last season. That said, a player as talented as Locke has never had a problem being productive on the football field.

If he can get the ball rolling early, starting with three fairly manageable opponents, he could have enough momentum to keep it going all year long.

2. Warren Norman, Vanderbilt University

2009 Stats: 145 attempts, 783 yards, and 3 touchdowns

Last season, the rising sophomore averaged 12 carries per game—12. He parlayed that into 783 yards of ground offense for a Commodore team that often had trouble creating much offense at all. He did it against lesser tiered opposition as well as some of the better run defenses in the league (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee all gave up better than 5.0 ypc to Norman in their contests).

If new coach, Robbie Caldwell, can quell an offensive line that is competent enough to open a running lane or two, and Vanderbilt can find a way to get Norman the 3-4 more carries a game, there is little reason to believe he won't eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in just his second season.

3. Jeffery Demps, University of Florida

2009 Stats: 99 attempts, 745 yards, and 7 touchdowns

Not sure if many people know this yet, but...Jeffery Demps is really, really, really, fast. His 7.53 yards per carry average was tops in the SEC last season and he did more with less than any other back in the conference—despite the presence of No. 15 on his team.

This year, he will have more opportunities to showcase his world-class speed as new quarterback, John Brantley, will concentrate more on the pass than the run and someone will need to pick up the slack on the ground that Tebow left behind.

Add to that fact, the Gators have one of the best offensive lines in the country coming into 2010, and you have to like Demps chances to not only make it to 1,000, but eclipse it substantially.

4. Trent Richardson, University of Alabama

2009 Stats: 144 attempts, 749 yards, and 8 touchdowns

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a very good chance of producing two 1,000 yard rushers next season.

The prowess of Richardson is already well known by SEC fans and he isn't expected to scale it back one bit come 2010. His biggest roadblock might very well be his Heisman winning teammate, Mark Ingram, who will look to match his stellar 2009 numbers (1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns) while, hopefully, leading his team to another SEC Championship.

That said, Richardson is all about having fun and there is little pressure on him to do anything more than play his brand of football and tons on Ingram (carefree and all-out). If he continues to do that, 1,000 yards is not only manageable but, quite possibly an expectation in 2010.

5. Washaun Ealey, University of Georgia

2009 Stats: 125 attempts, 717 yards, and 3 touchdowns

Ealey didn't put in his first appearance of the year until the Bulldogs faced LSU in game five of the 2009 season. He was limited to a handful of carries but, ask any fan of the team and they will tell you, without a doubt he was a definite spark in the Georgia Bulldog's offense that day.

Ealey only got better as the season progressed and he added an exclamation point at the end by delivering a 183-yard performance against the teams bitter in-state rival, Georgia Tech.

2010 offers a new quarterback, a more-experienced offensive line, and a heavier reliance on the run game to get the offense moving. Ealey, along with Caleb King, will be expected to get his mojo going early and it's expected that he will be ready for the challenge.

If he can keep his head on straight and maintain his focus, he will have little trouble making his presence felt in the SEC East this season.

TWD Blond Brownies and a Fresh Strawberry Pie

My vegetable garden is moving right along. I re-planted greenbeans because, EVEN WITH MAJOR SLUG BAIT caked into huge circles, the slugs wiped out all my first greenbean plants so now I am cajoling these new plants into mad growing. I have no idea if I will even get a single green bean.

Tuesdays with Dorie is finally here and posted! I baked these late yesterday afternoon and feel completely behind BUT here we are: Ta DAHHHH!

I am grateful the recipe went together quickly and "loved" the bittersweet chocolate chunks, crushed toffee bits (mine were (4) food processor chopped Heath bars) and a "full" cup of pecan chunks. I know, the recipe asked for walnut but pecans is what I was in the mood for =). I also omitted the sweetened coconut. No reasoning behind it, just what I was in the mood for too.

The brownies are delicious, crunchy, chewy with a slight toffee taste. I loved the flavor but had issues with baking time. Mine did not pull away from the sides of the pan nor did the inserted toothpick come out clean . . . ever. Even after baking for an additional 15 minutes. The sides were a little dried out.

I shared some with company, sent a few with Larry for work and the rest went into the freezer so that I could have them on reserve for additional company.

Thank you Nicole of Cookies on Friday (recipe on her site) for hosting this week's Tuesdays with Dorie and choosing the Chewy, Chunky Blondies! Super choice!

As promised, I am adding a family favorite pie crust recipe and fresh strawberry pie recipe!




Extra-Flaky Pie Crust
(recipe for crust originally from STL Working Mom blog)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup cake flour

1 tsp. salt
1 stick of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup plus two Tbsp. cold shortening
1/2 cup of ice water
1 egg white, slightly beaten

Directions:
Add all dry ingredients to a food processor. Pulse till combined. Scatter the butter and shortening to the dry ingredients. Pulse till the mixture is crumbly and contains pea-sized clumps. Slowly add the ice water till the mixture clumps, running the processor for a few seconds at a time. Remove the dough from the processor and knead in a flour-coated bowl a few times. Put pastry in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for an hour before rolling.

Preheat the oven to 450° and let sit at that temperature for another 20-30 minutes.
Roll out the pie dough into a 13" circle and place into the pie pan. Shape the top as you like. Freeze for at least 20 minutes.

Poke the sides and bottom of the dough with fork tines. Crumple a piece of parchment paper, unroll it, and place over the pie, fitting it down close to the dough. Put in your dried beans, rice, or pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the weighted parchment paper, cover the top edge of the crust with aluminum foil, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the inside of the crust has a light golden tinge and feels more like crust than dough. Let cool for 3 minutes, then brush on the egg white to the sides and bottom. Let cool completely.

The strawberry pie was made using a conversion scale for grams. Weighing ingredients is "always" much more accurate then cup measurements.

Double-Strawberry Open-Faced Pie

(recipe originally found at The Food Geek blog for a pie contest)

The Base Layer
85g Lindt White Chocolate (all but one column of a 3.5oz bar)
4oz Cream Cheese
2 T. sour cream

The Cooked Layer
1 cup fresh strawberries (after rinsing, drying, hulling, and halving)
2 T. Cornstarch
118g Water
67g Sugar
1 t. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 pinch Salt

The Fresh Layer
Enough whole strawberries, to cover a 9" circle when stood point up, hulled, dried, and rinsed.
1/4 c. Currant Jelly
1 T. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

Directions:

The Bottom Layer
Put the white chocolate into a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 20 seconds at a time. At the end of each, stir. Repeat until there's more melted bits than solid bits, then keep stirring until all of the solid bits turn into melted bits. Let cool to room temperature.
In a small mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it's somewhat fluffy and whipped. Add in the cooled white chocolate and mix. Add in the sour cream and mix until combined. Cover the bottom of the pie with this mixture.

The Cooked Layer
Lightly crush the strawberries with a fork in a small saucepan. Add the sugar, water, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 minute. Pour into a bowl and let cool to room temperature. Stir occasionally during the cooling process. Once cooled, pour over the bottom later of the pie.

The Fresh Layer
Your strawberries should have the tops cut off so that they could stand up on the a flat surface. Place these point side up on top of the pie.
In the small saucepan which has been washed and dried, melt the currant jelly until it is melted. It will bubble. Strain into a glass, which will involve a lot of pressing with a spatula. Stir in the St. Germain. Brush this mixture onto the fresh strawberries.

The Pie
Cool in a refrigerator for an hour or two or overnight.