Blah, Blah, Blah...: Alien Diplomacy ARC Contest

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Alien Diplomacy ARC Contest

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

International Contest

It's time to get your win on and grab an ARC of Alien Diplomacy while the grabbing's good! There are 5 (that's right, FIVE) ARCs up for grabs, which means lots of opportunities to score an early Advanced Reader Copy of Book 5!

So, Hook Me Up! subscribers who have sent in your proper entry emails, riddle me this: What's the most diplomatic you've had to be, and why?

Love,
Gini

LEGALESE
Contest will run from Wednesday, January 11, 2012 through Sunday, January 22, 2012. Winners will be announced week of January 23rd. This is an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international.

This is a contest for Hook Me Up! subscribers only -- if you're not on, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be sent the contest entry rules.

Labels: Alien Diplomacy, ARC giveaway, gini koch, Hook Me Up

1618 Comments:

Cody Calahan said...: @jesse -- good point. I guess I'll leave that decision up to the GoR.

**offers GoR a triple fudge cheesecake**

Good night way over in Australia. It's time to take a shower and get ready for the day here in Chandler, Arizona.; January 20, 2012 at 9:43 AM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - Well, if it IS okay, we've gotta counter AnOldeSoul somehow!; January 20, 2012 at 9:48 AM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - Yep, time to face the day!; January 20, 2012 at 9:49 AM
ducknme said...: **Offers GoR Coffee, Really GOOD Coffee, Ableskivver, homemade strawberry jam, and fresh squeezed orange juice.**

(Again, it's breakfast!); January 20, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: *Offers Gods of Random espresso because caffeine = AWESOME*; January 20, 2012 at 10:15 AM
ducknme said...: @Becky Caffiene IS Awesome! Especially in the morning!; January 20, 2012 at 10:53 AM
ducknme said...: @Becky - Unless you are Shanna. No Coke, No Coffee, no CHOCOLATE for Pete's sake! And a sister who teases her over it! NOT FAIR!; January 20, 2012 at 10:56 AM
ducknme said...: ...Although she DOES have the fast reading speed to make up for it. I'd LOVE that!; January 20, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: @ducknme Yeah, can always use caffeine when I have to be to work by 8:30. :)

I'd love to have the fast reading speed to, probably the fastest I read still takes at least one whole day.; January 20, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Cody Calahan said...: @becky and ducknme -- I've been having trouble sleeping lately and read a tip about getting some good sleep. It said not to eat anything at least 2 hours before bed (which I knew already), but it also said not to have any caffeine at least 8 HOURS before bed (which I didn't know).

I've been trying it and the last two nights I've gotten amazing sleep in.; January 20, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Cody Calahan said...: @becky and ducknme -- Don't get me wrong though. I LOVE my caffeine. A nice hot coffee or a great chai tea latte is always appreciated.; January 20, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Kelly said...: Quick weather update.
It has finally stopped raining. The county that I live in has been declared a state of emergency. And it looks like more rain to come.

But never fear I am safe and still here to harass you...; January 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: @Cody, yeah I don't have trouble sleeping a lot it's just the having to wake up early that gets to me.; January 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Kelly said...: You all really need to stop posting all these wonderful food recipes.
I can eat any of them... :(; January 20, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Kelly said...: HAHAHA!!!!!

@ratkin, I like Katy Perry....; January 20, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Kelly said...: @ratkin....

Yes I am an accountant, I own my own firm...

Make fun of me it is okay. @Jesse, likes to throw me under buses so I think I can take it!!!; January 20, 2012 at 12:17 PM
Kelly said...: I; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: Love; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: all; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: these; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: one; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: word; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: comments; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: just; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: so; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: you; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: can; January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Kelly said...: get; January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Kelly said...: more; January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Kelly said...: entries; January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Kelly said...: for; January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Kelly said...: an; January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Kelly said...: ARC; January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Kelly said...: of; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: Alien; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: Diplomacy; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: But; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: SORRY; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: THESE; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: ARC's; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: ARE; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: MINE!!!; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Kelly said...: MINE!!!!; January 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - I can sleep anytime, anywhere, it's, like Becky said, the getting up that's a problem!; January 20, 2012 at 12:32 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly - I'm glad you are safe.; January 20, 2012 at 12:33 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly, I HATE the one word comments. Actually I like them fine, I hate posting them, it takes too long.; January 20, 2012 at 12:35 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly - And you cannot have my ARC!
**slits eyes and glowers**; January 20, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Cody Calahan said...: @Kelly -- I hope the weather settles down in your area so you're safe, but if your power and internet connection were to go out, I wouldn't be against that. Then you can't enter anymore comments for the ARCs that will be mine... actually I could save one for you if that were to happen. I'd feel compelled to send one to you. LOL; January 20, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Cody Calahan said...: @Becky and Ducknme -- I have never had problems with caffeine before bed before, but maybe my 25 year old body is trying to tell me I need less caffeine.; January 20, 2012 at 1:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Okay so I'm retarded apparently. I just started working out how to use blogspot and realized that this is one so I can follow it on my login!!!

Do NOT make fun of me. I'm not that tech savvy.

So all those previous Cody Calahan posts are still me.; January 20, 2012 at 1:16 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - You are telling the people who are despreately trying to infuence the GoR with chocolate and caffiene, not to make fun of you? We would NEVER do that! Uh-uh! Nope! Not us. No. Never.; January 20, 2012 at 1:24 PM
ducknme said...: **Runs in. Leaves GoR Alder Smoked Salmon in creamy lemon dill sauce, steamed baby red potatoes, and sauteed mixed veggies. Runs out.**; January 20, 2012 at 1:28 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- I don't really think whether you all make fun of me will sway the GoR either way. I just don't want to feel like even MORE of a newbie.

And I don't know where you come up with all of these delicious sounding recipes, but they are making my mouth water.; January 20, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Anonymous said...: **Offers a platter of Ghirardelli milk chocolate dipped Oreo balls to GoR**; January 20, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: *saunters in and offers the Gods of Random a $25 gift card to Red Lobster.*

*Leaves room singing dramatically about the awesomeness of their cheese biscuits*; January 20, 2012 at 1:42 PM
Kelly said...: Thanks @Ducknme It just started raining again. And the river is suppose to crest at 4 pm; January 20, 2012 at 1:56 PM
Kelly said...: @ducknme...
It does take a long time to post them..; January 20, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Kelly said...: @Ducknme. I told you. That you could have one! But I get the rest..; January 20, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Kelly said...: @Cody,
even with out power my phone still works.
I am so not going any where until the GoR announce my name as one of the winners...; January 20, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Kelly said...: *walks into room and sees gift card to Red Lobster*

Well I think that this Red Velvet Cheesecake will make a great dessert for the GoR.

*sets cheesecake down and waits*; January 20, 2012 at 2:01 PM
Anonymous said...: @Kelly -- Touche. Well played. How silly of me to forget the infamous phone access. **shakes head**; January 20, 2012 at 2:09 PM
JenniferK said...: I'm normally very diplomatic because I work as a nurse and I work with a bunch of crazy a$$ patients. I had one patient whose family had no way of taking them home. Patient had a leg surgery and they were going to walk to the bus. Handled that very carefully without saying "what the f&#k are you thinking?"; January 20, 2012 at 2:32 PM
Kelly said...: *takes a bow*

Thank you @cody; January 20, 2012 at 2:33 PM
JenniferK said...: I don't know why I am posting. It is probably going to Kelly anyway. :); January 20, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Kelly said...: And if for some reason we do lose power thank heavens for car chargers...; January 20, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Kelly said...: Does Kitty have any Bee Gee's in her iPod?

Rocking out to Staying Alive....; January 20, 2012 at 2:36 PM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: *disco dances by*; January 20, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Have Pen, will Write said...: Now don't get 2 wound up, looks eye to eye with all, there are 5 AND SO MEANS 5 WILL BE HAPPY AND I AM TRYING OT BE ONE
*tilts his black stetson*; January 20, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Kelly said...: Look at @HavePen, willWrite being all diplomatic.

Yes, there may be 5 ARC's but I am good with winning more then one...; January 20, 2012 at 3:27 PM
Anonymous said...: @Have Pen, Will Write -- ditto with what Kelly said.; January 20, 2012 at 3:31 PM
Kelly said...: Why to have my back @Cody!!!!; January 20, 2012 at 3:36 PM
Kelly said...: Oh and HI on Twitter...; January 20, 2012 at 3:36 PM
ratkin said...: @Cody - I will absolutely be making fun of your lack of tech savvy.; January 20, 2012 at 3:43 PM
ratkin said...: @Cody - It's not because of your lack of tech savvy, though.; January 20, 2012 at 3:43 PM
ratkin said...: @Cody - Everyone has to start somewhere.; January 20, 2012 at 3:44 PM
ratkin said...: @Cody - I was using a PC back in the days when all computer games were inactive fiction due to lack of graphics cards and monochrome monitors, but not many had that experience.; January 20, 2012 at 3:45 PM
ratkin said...: @Cody - No, I'll be making fun of your lack of tech savvy as a cheap gimmick to boost my post count!; January 20, 2012 at 3:46 PM
ratkin said...: @Ducky - Thanks for the comments about being well preserved (even though you've never seen me, and haven't really got a clue)!; January 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Anonymous said...: @Kelly -- I got your back. :-); January 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM
ratkin said...: @Ducky - My theory is that if I put away enough Jack Daniels each night, my heirs will be able to stiff the undertaker on the embalming fee when The Big Moment comes.; January 20, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Anonymous said...: @Kelly -- oh and hi on Twitter back at ya. BTW my sister's name is Kelly so you kind of get to start out on my good side.; January 20, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Anonymous said...: @ratkin -- appreciate making me feel welcome by harping on me.; January 20, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Anonymous said...: @ratkin -- I never had a computer growing up. Had to go to the library to get on the Internet or type up papers for school. Finally got one about five or six years ago.; January 20, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Anonymous said...: @ratkin -- I don't think I'm too far behind for only that much experience.; January 20, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Kelly said...: @Cody,
Thanks!!!!; January 20, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Kelly said...: @Cody,

Kelly is a great name... Your parents had good taste.; January 20, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Kelly said...: Does Kitty have any RUN DMC on her iPod?; January 20, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Anonymous said...: @Kelly -- you know Kitty's badass. I'm sure she has everything on her iPod.; January 20, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Anonymous said...: I wonder If Kitty has anything like Enya on her iPod. If anybody saw The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, you should get the reference.; January 20, 2012 at 4:03 PM
ratkin said...: @Cody - It happens that I spent twenty-something-or-other years as a professional in the IT field and have programmed in about 10 different languages, so I'm well-placed to play on any insecurities you might have.

Just part of the service.; January 20, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Anonymous said...: @ratkin -- damn. You are the smartest Schitzophrenic Senior Citizen I've ever met.; January 20, 2012 at 4:11 PM
Kelly said...: @Cody,

BWHAHAHAAAAAAAA

@ratkin -- damn. You are the smartest Schitzophrenic Senior Citizen I've ever met.; January 20, 2012 at 4:23 PM
Kelly said...: Kitty better have some Beastie Boys on that iPod!!!!; January 20, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: @Kelly, Kitty probably has a song for just about any occasion on her iPod. :); January 20, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Anonymous said...: @Kelly -- Why thank you mah darlin'.; January 20, 2012 at 4:32 PM
Anonymous said...: @Becky -- I think you're right. She's prepared for anything.; January 20, 2012 at 4:33 PM
ducknme said...: @ratkin - by well preserved I ment mentally. Physically you're right, no clue.; January 20, 2012 at 5:53 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly, It's 4 pm here, so it's 3 pm there, how's the river doing? I hope you're not going to get swept away.; January 20, 2012 at 5:55 PM
ducknme said...: @Have Pen will Write - Seeing as you have a black hat and are trying to steal MY ARC you must be a bad guy and therefore we don't CARE if you are being diplomatic or not!; January 20, 2012 at 5:58 PM
ducknme said...: @ Cody "@ratkin -- damn. You are the smartest Schitzophrenic Senior Citizen I've ever met."

AWESOME! That's so true!; January 20, 2012 at 6:15 PM
Julie@My5monkeys said...: @marnie you know I have your back

GOR --pick me; January 20, 2012 at 6:54 PM
ducknme said...: @Julie@My5monkeys - You already have one!; January 20, 2012 at 9:24 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- thank you kindly.

GoR pick me please.; January 20, 2012 at 9:30 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - Actually, the salmon one is what we had for dinner tonight, except i Alder planked it instead if smoking it because of the high winds tonight.

I think you are only about a state away so if you want to drop by for dinner sometime it's no problem....; January 20, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: I’m back! I’d have been back much earlier (there's only 2 more days left!) but my stupid power went out for hours! I guess I’ll just have to make up for it now! :P; January 20, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Kelly: you can eat it? I throw you under buses ‘cause you can take it!; January 20, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @cody: I had insomnia for about a year of my life so sleeping is definitely a problem for me too. I can’t touch coffee or energy drinks, but tea and chocolate seems ok. ☺; January 20, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Kelly: Kitty definitely has the Beastie Boys. ;); January 20, 2012 at 9:46 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: Lemon Meringue pie
BASE: 1 packet of scotch finger biscuits, crushed and mixed with 90gms of melted butter. Press mix into a spring form tin – place in fridge

FILLING: 1 can of nestle condensed milk (99%fat free)
3 egg yolks – lightly beaten with whisk
Grated peel of 1 lemon
½ cup of lemon juice (make sure the lemon is ripe)
Mix together with a wooden spoon or whisk

MERINGUE: beat 3 egg whites with an electric beater until stiff, gradually adding ½ cup of caster sugar. Keep beating till shiny and stiff.

MAKE THE PIE: place filling in biscuit base then spoon (tbs) meringue on top.
Bake in 175C oven for 15mins; January 20, 2012 at 9:46 PM
ducknme said...: @ Jesse Ivanhoff - MMMM! That would taste so great after tonights' salmon! Too bad I don't have half the ingredients! Shopping tomorrow!; January 20, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Ducknme: it's good because it's really rich so you only need a small slice so it lasts for quite a while... I'm sure (once you've gone shopping) you'll make it better than I've ever managed! (just make sure the lemons are ripe or else it tastes kinda butter); January 20, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Duckneme: bitter, rather. :P; January 20, 2012 at 9:53 PM
Shanna said...: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! Uhh, packing more stuff tonight, hopefully done by Sunday, but no internet right away! :-( I'll have to do all my typing on my cell, the one with the itty bitty keys... Oh well, anything for an ARC!!!
@Jesse Ivanoff, what are scotch finger biscuits? I have never heard of them...
@ducknme, mmmmmm, sounds good! I had chinese food for supper tonight, mmmmm wonton soup!; January 20, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Shanna said...: I was scrolling down the page thinking there's been a lot of comments today, then I realized so many people have been doing the one word at a time comment! That is just being a slacker. People who can't think up awesome comments, so they try to squeeze as much as they possible can out of there lame ones. Kinda wish i'd thought of it first, but oh well! LOL; January 20, 2012 at 10:03 PM
Shanna said...: Oh yes, now that i've squeezed in a bit of time for myself (and my ARC, there's always time for an ARC). Here's some of those recipes I promised!

Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 egg

1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup milk
3 eggs
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
(instead of pumpkin pie spice you can use cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. personally I always add extra cinnamon)

1/4 cup butter, chilled
1/2 cup white sugar
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. (I do 2 smaller pans rather than one big one, i find it's too much. I usually take the other pan into work)

2. Set aside 1 cup of cake mix. Combine remaining cake mix with melted butter and 1 egg and mix until well blended; spread mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. In a large bowl combine pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, 3 eggs and pumpkin pie spice; mix well and pour this mixture over cake mix mixture in baking dish.

4. In a small bowl with a pastry blender, or in a food processor, combine chilled butter and white sugar with reserved cake mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over all.

5. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until top is golden.

You can also substitute Gluten free cake mix for all those celiacs out there. It tastes just as good. You can also substitute whatever flavor of cake mix you want, ex: french vanilla, chocolate, marble, etc...; January 20, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Shanna said...: And Merry Berry White Chocolate Pie

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 - 8

Ingredients
6 ounces (175 g) white chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups (300 mL) 35% whipping Cream, divided
1 unit prepared 9-inch (23 cm) chocolate or vanilla crumb pie crust
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) frozen mixed berries, thawed

Directions
1. In a saucepan, heat chocolate and 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the Cream over low heat, stirring often, just until chocolate is melted. Pour 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the melted chocolate mixture into pie crust; using a pastry brush or spatula, gently spread chocolate evenly inside crust. Refrigerate until set. Let remaining chocolate mixture cool slightly but not until firm.

2. Set 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the chocolate mixture aside. In a blender or food processor, puree remaining chocolate mixture and thawed berries with any accumulated juices until smooth. In a chilled bowl, whip remaining Cream just to stiff peaks; fold in berry mixture.

3. Spoon berry mixture into pie crust and smooth top. Warm reserved chocolate mixture gently if necessary to make fluid; drizzle over top of pie. (my drizzle never looks that good, but on the bright side it tastes delicious!)

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until set or for up to 1 day.; January 20, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Shanna: I'm sure you'll be finished by Sunday! I hope the weather isn't too terrible while you're packing! ummm... scotch finger biscuits might be Australian... check it out at your supermarket but any scotch biscuits (or any biscuits) should be fine. :P your cake/pie looks gooooooodddddd; January 20, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Shanna said...: And, for you chocoholics out there, my friends and family loved these!

Homemade Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Original Recipe Yield2 dozen

Ingredients
2 (18.25 ounce) packages devil's food cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup shortening

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

2. Blend the above ingredients together with a pastry blender until mixed.

3. Roll in balls about the size of a quarter and place on ungreased baking sheets. Make an even number of balls.

4. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cookies stand on cookie sheet for 5-6 minutes before removing them to cooling rack. After cookies have cooled, put Cream Cheese Frosting (see recipe or use one can of pre-made frosting) between two cookies, putting bottom sides together.
5. NOTE: Adding chopped pecans to the cookies without making them into sandwiches is also very good. Spice cake mix can be used in place of Devil's food. (I haven't tried it with the Spice cake mix, but everyone loved the chocolate ones)

Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

Ingredients
6 tablespoons cream cheese
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly (I used my kitchenaid mixer cause i'm too lazy and weak to stand there and mix it, LOL) and spread on cooled bars or cookies.; January 20, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Shanna said...: @Jesse Ivanoff, The pumpkin pie cake is sooooooo good! And it's a nice alternative from regular pumpkin pie which can be extremely boring. By biscuits i'm guessing you mean cookies, and not what we call biscuits? LOL; January 20, 2012 at 10:19 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: I have a really good chocolate brownie recipe but it's scanned and I can't be bothered typing it... what to do what to do? :P; January 20, 2012 at 10:20 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Shanna: we have cookies too, but we also have biscuits. I don't actually know what the difference is so yes. I probably mean your cookies. :P; January 20, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Shanna said...: @Jesse Ivanoff, LOL, is there any other kind of brownie besides chocolate? Are we the only 2 people on here right now?; January 20, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Shanna: yes! there actually is! I'll have to go through my cook books but I'm pretty sure I've seen a not chocolate brownie before! and yeah, I'm betting we're the only people on right now. :P; January 20, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: (you have no idea how glad I am to be on at the same time as someone!); January 20, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Shanna said...: LOL, what time is it there right now? It's almost 8:30pm on Friday the 20th right now.; January 20, 2012 at 10:26 PM
Shanna said...: @Jesse Ivanoff, really? A non-chocolate brownie!!! Very interesting...; January 20, 2012 at 10:27 PM
ducknme said...: @Shanna and Jesse Ivanhoff - Okay One short person is in bed the other one is occupied with Dad, and I can join the discussion to RULE THE WORLD!!!!!

Or win all the ARCs whichever!; January 20, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Shanna: it's 2.30pm on Saturday the 21st. :P (soo... weird...)
I know! what exactly are you allergic to again?; January 20, 2012 at 10:29 PM
ducknme said...: @ Shanna - A scotch finger biscuit is like an airy shortbread.; January 20, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Ducknme: Yay!I'm fairly sure there isn't much difference between the two.. :P; January 20, 2012 at 10:30 PM
ducknme said...: @ Shanna & Jesse Ivanhoff - And a non-chocolate brownie is... (wait for it)... a BLONDIE!; January 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Ducknme: I'm glad you know what they are and I'm not making a fool of myself and all my Australian-ness..; January 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @duckneme:oooH! I knew there was a word for it! congratulations on figuring it out! (I'm pretty sure I'd have bumbled around looking for non-chocolate-brownie); January 20, 2012 at 10:32 PM
ducknme said...: @ Shanna I'll look up my recipe for blondies for you I forgot all about that! Does white chocolate have caffiene in it? It has no actual cocoa so I don't think so....; January 20, 2012 at 10:33 PM
ducknme said...: Shanna - I forgot to say, while all of your recipes look fantastic I'm going to have to try that Merry berry White chocolate pie soon!; January 20, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Shanna said...: @Jesse Ivanoff, I'm allergic to caffeine specifically.
@ducknme, a Blondie? LOL, appropriate. Also, the Merry Berry White Chocolate pie is delicious! (or at least the filling, i can't eat the crust)lol. So, the kidlets are abed now? Now, on our quest to rule the world! Or win ARC's, not much of a difference, lol.; January 20, 2012 at 10:47 PM
ducknme said...: @Shanna - Here it is! took long enough to find!
BLONDIES
Ingredients:
•1/2 cup butter, melted
•1 cup packed brown sugar, dark or light
•1 cup flour
•1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•1/4 teaspoon baking soda
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1 egg
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•1/2 cup white chocolate chips
•1/2 cup macidamia nuts OR pecan pieces, lightly toasted (Nuts are Optional)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 8x8 baking pan. In a large bowl, mix together butter and brown sugar. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. To brown sugar mixture, whisk in egg and vanilla. Mix in flour mixture and stir until completely combined. Stir in chips and nuts (if using). Pour batter into pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until it pulls away from the sides. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into 12 squares.; January 20, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- that sounds like it'd be a really fun trip to make some weekend!! Dinner at your place!! Hahaha; January 20, 2012 at 10:49 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - Anytime you happen to be driving by let me know and we'll set an extra place or two! If you're really lucky you'll come by when the hubs has been BBQing and get some of the best ribs you've ever tasted! YUM!; January 20, 2012 at 10:55 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Shanna: ahh.. I thought so, but i wanted to know if there was anything else. My little sisters allergic to milk and icecream, but not cream. its weird.; January 20, 2012 at 10:56 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - He has the awards to prove it!; January 20, 2012 at 10:56 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Ducknme: if I lived in America, you can believe that I'd be at your house every day for food without question. No. Really. :P
Oh! your blondies looked divine! thank you!; January 20, 2012 at 10:58 PM
ducknme said...: @ Shanna - Milk and icecream, but not cream!?! That IS weird!; January 20, 2012 at 10:58 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- that sounds like a seriously amazing temptation. I LOVE me some good BBQ. What state are you guys in?; January 20, 2012 at 11:00 PM
ducknme said...: @Jesse Ivanhoff - Well, If I ever make it to Austraila or you make it here to Utah, I will be more than happy to cook for you!; January 20, 2012 at 11:00 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - (Sigh) We're Uthans. No We're not Morman, but we have friends who are....; January 20, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Anonymous said...: @jesse ivanoff -- we could carpool if you could make it to Arizona. We will bring Gini along as well.; January 20, 2012 at 11:03 PM
ducknme said...: OH @Cody Calahan - We'll be in Vegas for a BBQ comp in March if that's closer to you! Then you can tast all KINDS of BBQ!; January 20, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- no judgements at all. My guy brendon is Mormon and has a ton of family in Utah so the reality is a possibility.; January 20, 2012 at 11:05 PM
Shanna said...: @ducknme, no invitation for me? I love BBQ too, and it's only a 21 hour and 7 minute drive, lol. That's with no bathroom breaks of course, lol. Now, if we all met up in Montana and went camping, we could have BBQ there!; January 20, 2012 at 11:05 PM
Anonymous said...: @Shanna -- you're allergic to caffeine?!?! OMG I... Die... You poor poor girl.; January 20, 2012 at 11:06 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - Great! If you guys make it up near Salt Lake we're set!; January 20, 2012 at 11:07 PM
ducknme said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; January 20, 2012 at 11:07 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm going to have to go back through tr comments and freakin print out all the recipes y'all keep posting. They sound delightful. And my overweight gut doesn't need any help with its size.; January 20, 2012 at 11:09 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- oh yeah. His family is all in American Fork so pretty darn close. Oh and he doesn't practice mormonism anymore. He was just raised Mormon.

I gotta find a way to keep in touch with you so we can work this out. LOL; January 20, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Shanna said...: @Cody Calahan, yes, it sucks, but it could be worse. I could be allergic to sugar, flour, milk, or cheese. No cheese, that would be devastating. When I backpacked across Ireland for a month we tried a whole bunch of delicious cheeses. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Sorry, I was dreaming about cheese for a moment there, but i'm back now!; January 20, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Anonymous said...: @Jesse Ivanoff -- seriously I think ducknme and I gotta come visit Australia then you can come visit here. Shanna is in too. We can have an Alien Collective Union. I'd call it a reunion, but we haven't technically been together yet.; January 20, 2012 at 11:15 PM
Shanna said...: I also have a recipe for Rugelach around somewhere (packed of course, not on my computer!) which is a German dessert I believe. It kind of looks like a croissant, but it's made with a sour cream dough and rolled like a cinnamon bun with spices, raisins, and nuts in the middle. It is AMAZING!!! When I find it I will have to post it.
ps: @Cody Calahan, I enjoyed your y'all!; January 20, 2012 at 11:15 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - When you're headed up this way just shoot me an email at ducknme@msn.com and I'll make sur Brian gets the ribs on!; January 20, 2012 at 11:16 PM
Shanna said...: @Cody Calahan, i'd be totally down with that! Although, I checked, and for me to fly to Australia, it would be over $2400.00 Canadian. I don't make THAT much moolah! I could at least drive to the states, or possibly afford a flight if I found a seat sale, LOL! Besides, you should all come visit me in Canada, we have so many amazing things to see and do!; January 20, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Anonymous said...: @Shanna -- Haha that's awesome. I love cheese too. I'm crazy jealous you backpacked across Ireland!! I've wanted to go since I was little. My whole family is mostly Irish. I'm even trying to start a book that will probably be set in Ireland!! Aggghhhhh!! **slumps to the floor in defeat**; January 20, 2012 at 11:18 PM
ducknme said...: @Shanna - Oh Cheese! In France I had this one cheese, I can't remember it's name but if I ever taste it again I'm buying it all!; January 20, 2012 at 11:19 PM
Shanna said...: Plus, we're all really nice and polite! Unless you're talking hockey, then all bets are off!; January 20, 2012 at 11:19 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- SAVED. And hahaha about the French cheese. I've felt that way about a couple.; January 20, 2012 at 11:24 PM
ducknme said...: @Shanna - I assure you are also more than welcome to come taste the BBQ perfection.
I don't have much to do with the meat, but I do have a recipe for smoked Apple Turnovers that will kill you with the butter and sugar involved. Sorry, that recipe is a secret though.; January 20, 2012 at 11:24 PM
Anonymous said...: @Shanna -- yeah I don't make money like that either. This would have to be a trip to save up for. But my boyfriend has wanted to go to Canada for a long time. I've always thought a trip to Canada would be a blast.; January 20, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Shanna said...: @Cody Calahan, you can check out the blog I did while we were there, I posted pictures! It would make it feel like you were there yourself I bet! Okay, maybe not quite like that...LOL; January 20, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Kelly said...: No worries @ducknme....

I am still here...; January 20, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Kelly said...: @ducknme

have an awesome new pair of rain boots too!!!; January 20, 2012 at 11:27 PM
ducknme said...: ***Walks boldly in. Leaves Smoked Apple Turnovers for GoR. Smiles. Walks calmly out.***; January 20, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Kelly said...: Beastie Boys ROCK!!!!!!!!

@jesse; January 20, 2012 at 11:28 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly - Whew! I was begining to worry about you!; January 20, 2012 at 11:28 PM
Shanna said...: @Cody Calahan, I admit, we are pretty awesome! And, we almost live in Edmonton (later this weekedn we will!) Lots of cool stuff to see! We even have an animatronic dinosaur park called Jurassic Forest (for copyright purposes they couldn't call it Jurassic Parl (one of my favorite movies!)). They helicoptered the dinosurs in, it was hilarious!; January 20, 2012 at 11:28 PM
Kelly said...: @jesse...

Damn that Bus hurt....; January 20, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Kelly said...: OH Lemon Meringue.... YUM!!!; January 20, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Shanna said...: *Park; January 20, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Kelly said...: @Shanna,

Pumpkin Pie Cake...

Sounds good...; January 20, 2012 at 11:30 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- seriously you are killing me with these ideas for food. I just ate but apparently that wasn't enough to keep me from lusting over your food.; January 20, 2012 at 11:30 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly - It could be worse. It could have been a buss. Just sayin'....; January 20, 2012 at 11:30 PM
Kelly said...: Dang @shanna...

Merry Berry White Chocolate...

*drools*

YUMMMM!!!!!; January 20, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Kelly said...: OMG!!!! @shanna,
you need to stop. I have gained 10 pounds just reading your post...; January 20, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Kelly said...: Blondies too!!!!!!; January 20, 2012 at 11:32 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - Aww, thanks! I just play at it, my hubby is the REAL cook. And My eight year old son is a fantastic cook too!; January 20, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Anonymous said...: @Kelly -- welcome back girl. We've been planning food exploration trips to Australia and Utah. I'm inviting you also. Sorry ducknme. Looks like we will have to eat outside. Hahaha; January 20, 2012 at 11:33 PM
Kelly said...: So going to have to work my ass off so I can try some of these recipes.; January 20, 2012 at 11:33 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly - Well, Shanna couldn't eat my Knock You Nakeds, so It seemed only fair....; January 20, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Anonymous said...: @ducknme -- same here. I like to pretend I cook well but I barely ever do. I'm more prone to EAT than to COOK.; January 20, 2012 at 11:35 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody and Kelly - I LOVE large gatherings! It would be an honor to have you all over!; January 20, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Becky B. @ Bibliognome said...: *Contributes to cooking discussion by dropping off a $50 grocery gift card*; January 20, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Kelly said...: Red Velvet Cheesecake cake
Yield: 12 to 14 servings
Prep Time: 1 hr + cooling and chill timesCook Time: 1 hr, 15 min
This recipe has a few steps to it, but it's all worth it in the end! It's easiest to make the cheesecake layer one day and then assemble the rest of the cake the next.

Ingredients:
CHEESECAKE:
Two (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
pinch of salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

RED VELVET CAKE:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups vegetable or canola oil
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup (two 1-ounce bottles) red food coloring
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons white vinegar

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted lightly to remove any lumps
Two (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract; January 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM
ducknme said...: @Cody Calahan - I'm actually REALLY good with desserts. And it... Um... shows.; January 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Kelly said...: Directions:
1. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place a large roasting pan on the lower third rack of the oven. Place a kettle of water on the stove to boil. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. Wrap a double layer of foil around the bottom and up the sides of the pan (you want to seal it so the water from the water bath doesn't seep into the pan). In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the cream cheese- blend until it is nice and smooth and creamy. Mix in sugar and salt and blend for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Add eggs, one at a time, blending after each addition. Finally, mix in sour cream, whipping cream and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set the pan into the roasting pan in the pre-heated oven. Carefully pour the hot water from your kettle into the roasting pan (it will fill the pan surrounding the cheesecake). Pour enough water so that there is about an inch of water coming up the foil along the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake the cheesecake for 45 minutes. It should be set to the touch and not jiggly. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. When it has cooled, place the pan into the freezer and let the cheesecake freeze completely. This can be done in several hours- or overnight.; January 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Kelly said...: 2. Prepare the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round metal baking pans (or spray with nonstick baking spray with flour). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and vinegar to the flour mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat for 1 minute, until blended. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pans, then invert cakes onto a rack to cool completely.; January 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Kelly said...: 3. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla until it is smooth and creamy (do not overbeat).; January 20, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Kelly said...: 4. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer into the center of a cake plate or platter. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, take off the sides of the pan, and slide a knife under the parchment to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Peel off the parchment. Measure your cheesecake layer against the cake layers. If the cheesecake layer turns out to be a slightly larger round than your cake, move it to a cutting board and gently shave off some of the exterior of the cheesecake to get it to the same size as your cake layers. Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer. Place the 2nd cake layer on top of the cheesecake.; January 20, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Kelly said...: 5. Frost the cake: Apply a crumb coat layer to the cake- use a long, thin spatula to cover the cake completely with a thin and even layer of frosting. Be sure to wipe off your spatula each time you are about to dip it back into the bowl to get more frosting (this way you won't be transferring any red crumbs into the bowl of frosting). Don't worry at this point about the crumbs being visible in the frosting on the cake. When your cake has a thin layer of frosting all over it, place it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to "set" the frosting. Once the first layer of frosting is set, apply the 2nd layer. Start by adding a large scoop of frosting onto the top of the cake. Use a long, thin spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the top and then spread it down the sides of the cake too. Because you applied a crumb-coat layer, you shouldn't have any red crumbs floating around in the final frosting layer. Decorate, as desired. I recommend white chocolate shavings (see *Tips below). Keep this cake refrigerated.; January 20, 2012 at 11:38 PM
ducknme said...: @Kelly - OHHH MYYY HEAVENS! That will be FANTASTIC! I cannot wait to try it!; January 20, 2012 at 11:40 PM
Kelly said...: Coconut Macaroon Kisses

Ingredients

1 pkg flaked coconut (7 oz bag)
2 c powdered sugar
1/2 c instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 c dried cherries, chopped
2 tsp butter, melted
3 Tbsp water
1 tsp almond extract
24 milk chocolate candy kisses; January 20, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Kelly said...: Directions

1 Line large cookie sheet with waxed paper. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except candy kisses; mix well.
2 Drop coconut mixture by rounded tablespoons onto waxed paper. Press 1 candy kiss into top of each.
3 Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm.
4 NOTE: Original recipe called for 1/4 cup candied red cherries and 1/4 cup candied green cherries. I couldn't find them so I used the dried cherries.; January 20, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Jesse Ivanoff said...: @Ducknme: glad to hear it! I’ll probably have to save up for another like 100 years but it’d be way cool ! :P; January 20, 2012 at 11:42 PM

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Alien Diplomacy ARC Contest

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