Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Enjoy the Book Trailer for "Back to the Homeplace"

Book Trailer for "Back to the Homeplace"



"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Get your Kindle copy of "Back to the Homeplace" today - low price!

Please note that following some marketing research, the price on Amazon.com for the Kindle Edition of Back to the Homeplace by William Leverne Smith has been reduced to $5.95.

We hope this will get some more readers, especially before the the second novel in the series comes out. Please check the Kindle Edition out now, and let us know what you think. Enjoy the Read!  ;-)




"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Flora and Fauna Friday - Nine-banded Armadillo

Flora and Fauna Friday - Nine-banded Armadillo

The Nine-banded Armadillo is the most widespread of the armadillos. It is a solitary, mainly nocturnal animal, found in many kinds of habitats. It is an insectivorous animal, feeding chiefly on ants, termites and other small invertebrates. The armadillo can jump 3-4 feet straight in the air if sufficiently frightened, making it a particular danger on roads.



The following is from: http://stateoftheozarks.net/NaturalHeritage/Critters_Furry.html

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Length: head and body, 15-17.5 inches; tail, 13-15.5 inches.
What to look for: bony plates on body, tail, and top of head; large ears; long, squarish snout.
Habitat: brushy or rocky areas; forests (pines in East).

— page 44, Wernett, Susan J., et al. North American Wildlife. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 1986.



"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A Wednesday Recipe - Skillet Pork Hash

A Wednesday Recipe - Skillet Pork Hash



Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. boneless pork loin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (16-oz)package refrigerated cooked, peeled, and diced potato
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Heat oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly brown. Stir in potato, onion, green pepper, garlic, broth, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover, lower heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Place skillet under broiler 4 to 5 inches from heat source. Broil until surface of hash is crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

Cook's Tip:

Have some leftover pork roast and potatoes? Cut up and toss together for a hearty winter breakfast - or supper - treat. For dinner, serve with crusty hard rolls and a fruit salad. As part of a morning menu, serve with fresh fruit and muffins.

Courtesy of National Pork Board
via: Back to the Box Cooking 30-Minute Meals, Edited by Barbara Greenman
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers: New York (2010)
ISBN 13: 978-1-57912-812-8



"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

A Wednesday Recipe - Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake

Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake



 This is another great recipe from my friend, Deborah Vogts, at Country at Heart:

6 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar
2 cups flour
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In serving bowl, mix together sliced strawberries and sugar. Refrigerate until ready to serve. In medium bowl, sift together flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add beaten egg and milk. Spread dough in greased round cake pan. Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons sugar. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with strawberries and whipped topping. Delicious!

Deborah's lastest book is now available, as well.
If you haven't seen them, here they are:



































"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)