Hints for Honey, Garlic and Corn

• Has your honey "sugared" or become solid? Place the jar in a pot of boiling water and it will soften

• Did you know you can keep your garlic in the freezer? Thaw and chop as needed -- or peel your garlic and store in cooking oil

• For sweeter corn – add a teaspoon of lemon juice during the last minute of cooking. Never cook in salted water, this toughens the corn.

Faster (Baked) Spuds

 

·        Scrub the potatoes with a vegetable brush and place in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes before placing in a hot oven - 400 degrees

 

·        Scrub potatoes and pat dry. Push a metal skewer through the center and place on a baking sheet. (The skewer helps circulate the heat and therefore shortens the cooking time.)

·        Cutting a small slice off each end of the potato provides for a faster cooking time

·        Potatoes on the grill – scrub the potatoes, pat dry and rub skins with salad oil or butter. Wrap potatoes individually in foil and place close to hot coals for about an hour…turning frequently.

Kitchen Cooking Tips

Tips on preparing onions

·         Cut the top of the onion first leaving the root until last – you’ll have fewer tears that way

·         Peel the onion under running water

·         Keep the onions in the refrigerator or freeze them before chopping

·         Rub your hands with lemon juice to rid them of the odor after peeling.

One of a Kind

This photo of a model wearing a prom dress was taken directly from Brooks' website. For more information on other creations, please go to the address below.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Brooks at her atelier in Denver. I was very impressed by her ability to look at a woman’s shape and coloring, and then design a specific piece (she makes her own patterns by the way) that would bring pleasure to any woman. Brooks uses unusual fabrics from around the world that include lace from Italy, woolens from the United Kingdom, and silks from India. She is particularly interested in the way a fabric "feels, hangs or drapes on a client.” The choices, colors, and designs are endless. If you are looking for that special piece, that one of a kind ensemble…I highly recommend a visit to Brooks’ atelier.

http://www.brooksltd.net

Brooks@brooksltd.net

Address: 1616 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (303) 573-3801

Under the Influence

 

Another great photograph I discovered while researching Hidden History of Denver courtesy Denver Public Library.

Drunkenness and disorderly conduct was a constant worry to the policemen of Denver in the late 1890s. The men, eager to spend their money, often became drunk and disorderly. In an effort to contain the offenders, the police devised a type of “holding pen” or “kiosk.” These were usually placed on street corners in high activity areas where a man (or woman) could be locked inside until the police returned with a wagon. Two men pose for the photograph. One seemingly inebriated man, his hat pulled askew -- the policeman holds a billy club.

The actual location of this photograph is unknown. The road is unpaved. A woman is walking on the sidewalk opposite wearing a long dress, and a dog runs lose in the center of the street.

Damaged -- Chapter 2 Prerelease

I had such great response to posting Chapter 1 I've decided to go ahead and post another chapter. Click on the link on the right side of the screen to download Chapter 2.

Damaged - the Sequel to Forbidden

For those who've been asking me about the sequel to Forbidden, my first novel, I'm glad to let you know that I'm almost there! In fact I'm close enough that I thought I'd post the first chapter before the whole book is released. Click on the link on the right side of the screen to download.