To-Die-For Hot Chocolate Recipes

"You would like hot chocolate?"

Freddie was torn between the comfort of her father's hand and one of her favorite treats. 
And Nadia was smiling at her, not with that goofy look grown-ups sometimes put on 
when they had to talk to kids. It was a warm smile, just like Natasha's.

"Yes, ma'am."

Nadia gave a nod of approval at the child's manners. 
"Maybe you would like to come with me. 
I show you how to make it with big, fat marshmallows."

Taming Natasha

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When cold weather hits, there's little more soul-soothing than curling up with a cozy mug of hot chocolate. We've created several ways to make your cup of cocoa more decadent, including mix-ins, stir-ins, and of course marshmallows!

Better Homes & Gardens

Small Bites to Share

"You can make deviled eggs," Nadia said kindly when she noted Sydney was at a loss. "They will be cool soon."

"I, ah…" She stared, marginally horrified, at the shiny white orbs she'd rinsed in the sink. "I don't know how."

"Your mama didn't teach you to cook?" It wasn't annoyance in Nadia's voice, just disbelief. Nadia had considered it her duty to teach every one of her children—whether they'd wanted to learn or not.

As far as Sydney knew, Marguerite had never boiled an egg much less deviled one. Sydney offered a weak smile. 

"No, she taught me how to order in restaurants."

Nadia patted her cheek. "When they cool, I show you how to make them the way Mikhail likes best."

Luring a Lady

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Bacon and Cheese Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get even more delicious when topped with cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles.

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

I'm Thankful for:

Nora's Life and Gift  who fill my life - through her books - with amazing people, dreamy stories and the places  I live in while reading her books.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A fry-up DOES cure a hangover

Some swear by hair of the dog, others by a strong black coffee. 

But the best way to cure a hangover is to tuck into a fried breakfast, a leading researcher has claimed.  

DAILYMAIL

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Spence made his bleary-eyed way downstairs. He and the gray dog exchanged glances of sympathy.
Yuri had been generous with the vodka the night before, to guests and pets. At the moment, Spence felt as though a chain gang were chipping rock in his head. Operating on automatic, he found the kitchen, following the scents of baking, and blissfully, coffee.
Nadia took one look, laughed broadly and gestured to the table. "Sit." She poured a cup of coffee, strong and black. "Drink. I fix you breakfast."
Like a dying man, Spence clutched the cup in both hands. "Thanks. I don't want to put you out."
Nadia merely waved a hand as she reached for a cast-iron skillet. "I know a man with a hangover. Yuri poured you too much vodka."
"No. I took care of that all on my own." He opened the aspirin bottle she set on the table. "Bless you, Mrs. Stanislaski."
"Nadia. You call me Nadia when you get drunk in my house."
"I don't remember feeling like this since college." So saying he downed three aspirins. "I can't imagine why I thought it was fun at the time." He managed a weak smile. "Something smells wonderful."
"You will like my pies." She pushed fat sausages around in the skillet. "You met Alex last night."
"Yes." Spence didn't object when she filled his cup a second time. "That was cause enough for one more drink. You have a beautiful family, Nadia."
"They make me proud." She laughed as the sausage sizzled. "They make me worry. You know, you have daughter."
"Yes." He smiled at her, picturing what Natasha would look like in a quarter of a century.
"Natasha is the only one who moves far away. I worry most for her."
"She's very strong."
Nadia only nodded as she added eggs to the pan. "Are you patient, Spence?"
"I think so."
Nadia glanced over her shoulder. "Don't be too patient."
"Funny. Natasha once told me the same thing."
Pleased, Nadia popped bread into the toaster. "Smart girl."

The kitchen door swung open. Alex, dark, rumpled and heavy-eyed, grinned. "I smelled breakfast."


Taming Natasha

Deviled Eggs

Source: myrecipes.com via Teresa on Pinterest

The filling for Southern-style basic deviled eggs is nothing more than egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard and sweet pickle relish. These deviled eggs are perfect for potlucks, tailgates, and summer suppers. 

How-to VIDEO

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Obediently Sydney followed instructions, scrubbing fruit, fetching ingredients, stirring the occasional pot. 

But she knew very well that three efficient women were working around her.

"You can make deviled eggs," Nadia said kindly when she noted Sydney was at a loss. "They will be cool soon."

"I, ah…" She stared, marginally horrified, at the shiny white orbs she'd rinsed in the sink. "I don't know how."

"Your mama didn't teach you to cook?" It wasn't annoyance in Nadia's voice, just disbelief. 

Nadia had considered it her duty to teach every one of her children—whether they'd wanted to learn or not.

As far as Sydney knew, Margerite had never boiled an egg much less deviled one. 

Sydney offered a weak smile. "No, she taught me how to order in restaurants."

Nadia patted her cheek. "When they cool, I show you how to make them the way Mikhail likes best."

Luring a Lady