Coffee, Wine, Chocolate - My Favorite Things

My favorite things - coffee, wine, chocolate. And books, of course, but that's a subject for another - or several more - posts.

My favorite flavor of coffee is hazelnut. I drink it way hotter than my hubby can stand and while I enjoy an ice capp once in a while, I've never acquired a taste for iced coffee. I brew my own half regular/half decaf blend (hazelnut, of course) in my Keurig. Ever since my little heart episode, I hate the feeling of a racing heart, even if I know it's from caffeine.

An excellent coffee shop opened up at the corner of our street and hubby and I try to get over there every couple weeks to enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin. They offer a shot of just about any flavor you'd like and while there I'll try a different flavor each time. They also roast their own coffee there and the aroma is heavenly.

Wine is another love of mine. I'm certainly no connoisseur, but I know what I like. I'm one of those not-too-dry, not-too-sweet wine snobs. Usually a drink white merlot. It's not quite as sweet as white zinfandel and I think it has a little more flavor. But I have a new favorite wine. Apothic Rose.

And you see that little silver banner at the top of the label? It says "limited release"! Yeah, so my new favorite wine won't be around for long. In fact, over the summer I've managed to buy out my local wine store. Pretty soon I'll be back to the white merlot. And that will be okay.

And what is coffee and wine without chocolate? I could go on and on about the wonderful attributes of chocolate, but I think for our readers it goes without saying. Aside from the creamy texture and mouth-watering taste - can we say antioxidants?? I can say without reservation that I never met a chocolate I didn't like, but the favorite I keep around the house is Hershey's Special Dark.

Again, not too sweet, not too bitter. I'm that kind of girl.

And if we want to throw a book into the mix, can I say my favorite right now is, of course, my newest release, Voluptuous? I've had great feedback from readers who love reading about a plus-sized heroine getting her happy ending and I know I'm going to write some more curvy girl stories. Who knows. Some of them might become your favorites too.

How about you? What's your favorite coffee? Wine? Chocolate?

Natasha
Voluptuous - available now
Her Royal Masquerade - coming Oct 2013
Playing for Real - coming Feb 4, 2014
www.natashamoore.com

Decadent Chocolate Pizza

With the Holidays just around the corner, I thought I’d share a quick-and-easy treat that’s sure to please everyone with a sweet tooth. This super-simple (and totally decadent!) chocolate pizza recipe is featured in my erotic romance Snow White And Her Seven Lovers.

In my story, the chocolate pizza is a project worked on in the kitchen by the sweet baker Dopey – er, I mean Paul – and Snow White – er, I mean the heroine of the story, Blanche.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

-          one package brownie mix

-          one container cake frosting (chocolate)

-          one bag (bite-sized or regular) peanut butter cups (optional)

-          one bag chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)

-          one 8 oz. jar hot fudge sauce

Directions

-          Follow directions to make brownie mixture, then spread brownie mixture in round, flat pizza pan. Bake in oven until done (as per brownie directions). Let cool. (This acts as the pizza “crust.”)

 

-          When brownie is cool, spread chocolate frosting in thin layer over entire brownie pizza base (Frosting signifies the pizza “sauce.”)

-          Cut peanut butter cups into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle chocolate chips and/or peanut butter cup pieces generously over pizza. (These are your pizza “toppings.”)

-          Warm hot fudge sauce in microwave. Drizzle over pizza in cross-hatch design (or any design of your choice)

What do you think? Sound yummy? Who needs sex when a girl can have an oral orgasm like this, right? How about you? Have any super-simple yet to-die-for dessert recipes to recommend?

Jenna

Chocolate - Junk Food, Health Food or Aphrodisiac?

The 12-step chocoholics program: Never be more than 12 steps away from chocolate! (Terry Moore)

We all know that chocolate has saved our sanity. I don’t have to explain that, do I?

But can it do more?

Chocolate originated in Central/South America (as far back as the Mayans, and possibly further), and the finest chocolate still comes from Venezuela. Cacao beans were so important in South American societies that they were used as currency, and chocolate was considered fit only for the gods (and their representatives on earth).

Dutch and Swiss manufacturers experimented with transforming chocolate from its original use as a beverage into the chocolate bars and candies we know today. Of course, in turning chocolate into the desserts we love, they added sugar and fat to improve the taste. These additions make chocolate a calorie dense food. (Not that I need to tell your waistline that.) Hence, its reputation as junk food.

Recent headlines, however, have suggested that chocolate may in fact be a health food (please, God.) Can it help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and promote a healthy heart? Cocoa does have the same antioxidants as red wine. There is some evidence that it can lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol. What surprised me most is that candy companies (who fund a lot of the research, so beware) are actually working with drug companies to develop a chocolate based drug with cardiovascular benefits. Personally, I'd just as soon have them say, "Eat a chocolate bar and call me in the morning."

Chocolate does contain substances which have the same effect on the brain as marijuana does. The amount is too small to get you high, but maybe it can improve your mood? It also contains phenylethylamine, which is a stimulant released when falling in love (and if that word doesn't take the romance out of things, I don't know what will). Perhaps the best chemical part of chocolate is that it liquifies at a temperature just below your body temperature, which is why it melts so delightfully in your mouth. Does chocolate really need to do more when it tastes so good?

Well, if it were an aphrodisiac, who would complain? The Aztecs thought it was, which is one reason why Montezuma drank 50 cups of chocolate a day. However, three studies done in 2006/07 found that women preferred eating chocolate over having sex. Which would suggest that the appearance of chocolate on the scene will lead to less sex, not more. (Let’s not tell the guys that or we’ll never get a box of chocolates again.)

Though no link between arousal and chocolate has yet been proven, chocolates have long been associated with romance, and a wise man will remember that. Unless he is a cynic like Ogden Nash: “Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.”

Carly Carson

http://www.carlycarson.com/

Cravings--Chocolate Anyone?

When winter finds us seeking warmth and comfort, one perfect thing comes to my mind…

Chocolate

Whether served in a steaming mug with a dollop of whipped cream dancing on top, dipped from a fondue pot and drenching your favorite fruit, wrapped in foil, enrobing a slice of cheesecake, or painted on the lips of your special someone, chocolate is decadent and a favorite indulgence of many. My writing sessions wouldn’t be complete without a cup of dark-roast coffee and a bit of dark chocolate. Feeds my fantasies and creativity like nothing else. Rich on the tongue. Teasing. Fulfilling. Hints of smoky sweetness lingering long after I've devoured the last bite.

The Mayans and Aztecs drank their chocolate. Cortez didn’t care for the bitterness of cacao but used the beans for trading and currency. Physicians once used chocolate for treating various maladies. Spas tout the aromatherapy and antioxidant benefits. Couples use it to heighten their romantic experiences. Whether or like your chocolate pure or seasoned with a bit of chipotle, ginger or peppermint we know…

Chocolate can make us laugh










Smile







Bring out our most playful and passionate side –





Here’s a delicious video to whet your chocolate appetite --



After watching this clip I’m craving a chocolate dessert whipped up by a man who can wear the chef’s apron as well as the hero in the video.

Here’s to a satisfying new year for us all! Enjoy every moment. Indulge within reason. Seek love and happiness everywhere possible!

Wishing you all many happy reading moments,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED--Ellora's Cave (MUST-READ from Dark Angel Reviews)
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace

Thanks Giving

As Thanksgiving nears and I sit here sipping my morning coffee, I realize there are many people and things for which I’m truly grateful. With the good times come the bad, but when all is said and done, the following precious items on my list increase in value with the passage of time.


PARENTS – my greatest gift for their love, caring, guidance and steadfast support







FRIENDS – without whom the world would be a lonelier and less enjoyable place






GOOD HEALTH – two words that say it all






LIFE –






JOBS – one of which employs my left brain, the other which indulges my right










BOOKS – especially my latest release at Ellora's Cave. Turning their paper and e-pages has brought me so much happiness since childhood




LOVE – good for the heart, mind and soul





NATURE’S BEAUTY – takes my breath away much as would a lover’s kiss






BELIEF SYSTEM AND FAITH – instilled at a young age and continuously nurtured to remain strong






FOND MEMORIES - of seasons past




KISSES – guaranteed to warm me on the coldest winter day








GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP - to recharge and renew





TIME – for spending with every item on my list




SHOES - these feet of mine were made for walking and being covered for all occasions




IMAGINATION – without which I couldn’t create my characters and their fantasy worlds






CHOCOLATE – decadent, delightful and a must-have in my daily routine









SEXY MEN – my favorite example is the cover of my Exotika release, ROUGHRIDER. Eye candy that feeds me in the most delicious way






ENDLESS PAMPERING POSSIBILITIES – working hard means relaxing in special ways





I’m sure if I mulled my list long enough, it would exponentially expand. But these are the ones that quickly come to mind. Readers, share some of the things for which you’re thankful.


Wishing you all blessings and bounty,

Shawna Moore
TORMENTED – Available now at Ellora’s Cave
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave Exotika
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace

A Woman Never Forgets Her First

While growing up I wrote lots of stories based on bears, bunnies, puppies and many woodland creatures. Though I proved prolific during my childhood, the stories I wrote during my teen years are the ones I remember well. Lots of angst. Unrequited love. Keeping up with fashion trends. Trading tales over burgers and fries or at the high school’s cafeteria table. First dates with fellows I once thought were the sexiest in the world. These elements and more filled my creative-writing tablets and all resulted in short works of romance fiction. I’d always embraced Cinderella stories and applauded when Hollywood heroines got their dream guys. I loved filling typewritten pages with heroes and heroines fulfilling their passionate fantasies.

In the case of this blog, the first to which I'm referring has to do with romance fiction. The first tale I ever tapped out was one where a couple met over a chocolate milkshake. The heroine accepted her order at the fast-food counter, turned and promptly collided with a good-looking guy. His soft drink sloshed over the floor. To make amends for her clumsy moment, she offered to share her shake with him.

Next week I’ll divulge the story’s ending, but I’d enjoy hearing your opinions as to what happened next. Did chocolate bring these two together, or did their chance at a teenage romance fade faster than the ice cubes on the restaurant’s floor tiles?

Wishing you many happy reading moments,

Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Coming soon to Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace

Easter Greetings and Memories

Spring and sunshine. A perfect combination for days spent outside, especially on this Easter Sunday. Many fond memories have resulted from my Easters of years past. Pastel dresses trimmed in lace, some featuring crinolines in their skirts. When I was eight I was so proud of my sparkling white patent leather Easter purse and matching shoes. My white gloves sported delicate rosettes fashioned from seed pearls on the cuffs. And how I laugh now at recalling the way my leotards never failed at working themselves into a position that prevented me from straightening them in public. After worship services my parents and I would head back home and find a couple lovely Easter baskets displayed on our dining room buffet. Green or pink grass sprang up from the bottom and cradled the colorful foil-wrapped chocolates and yellow marshmallow peeps. Always a delectable chocolate bunny standing in the center. Near the baskets rested a bowl of multi-colored dyed eggs wearing wax designs or the imprints from seasonal decals. After I changed into traveling clothes, Mom and Dad would host the first of my many egg hunts that day. No matter where they chose to hide those eggs, I found them pretty quickly. Of course, that only prompted me to ask if we could hide the eggs “just once more” before going to my grandmother’s home for Easter dinner. But my favorite parts of Easter Sunday were always the loving gestures, hugs and kisses from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Family togetherness meant the world to me on those Easter Sundays and remains my most cherished memory. Over the past week I’ve received holiday emails and messages from my dear friends that have brought smiles and turned themselves into more fond memories.

There are a couple dark-chocolate truffles in the cupboard. I might become tempted to sample one before this Easter Sunday is done. Funny thing about those chocolate goodies during my childhood. I never ate hardly any chocolate until much later in life. Sure I snacked on those chocolate bunny ears and worked my way to their feet, but most of the remaining candy was shared with friends or put in the family fridge where it lasted many months until finally disappearing.

Today I wish you all the sunshine and happiness of the season and hope your day results in many fond memories. Share your fondest Easter memories with us before the Easter bunny hops out of sight.

Smiles across the miles,

Shawna Moore
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave
Shawna’s Myspace
Helle’s Myspace