The Difference Between Family Recipes and Folk Tales by Adrianna Dane

An odd title perhaps, but I couldn’t help making the comparison because when we talk about recipes around this time of year in many cases were talking about family traditions, which then goes hand in hand with storytelling, and moving briskly along,  into folk tales handed down generation to generation.

Which brings me to my recipe, for the sweet treat my Italian grandmother used to make, handed down from her mother who came to this country through Ellis Island from a town near Rome, Italy, back around 1892, and so on, and so on. Tales handed down, as I said.

The dish, well, it’s called “Fried Things.” Yup, that’s the title I grew up with. Fried dough strips sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. I spent quite a bit of time trying to discover a proper name for these “fried things.” (It’s like the quiche my grandmother made at Easter, just called, “ham and egg pie,” but that’s for another time.)

I recall when I was in my teens, we stopped at an Italian grocery store in Schenectady, New York, on Saturday, and what did I see? A boxed desert that looked just like what my grandmother made. Written on the square box was the word,  “Eyuans.” At last! I’d found a name. I was so excited.

So here I am today, with a recipe I make every year, handed down through generations of my mother’s family, and as a writer who lives for research, I decided to look up once again to confirm the name of this family favorite. So here’s what I found.

There are, as with folk tales, a number of variations on a theme. Names I discovered: Fried things (yes, someone else really does use that same name and Googling the term actually worked), E Yuans, E Wands, Guanti, Wandi, Nocatelle, and, yes, fried dough.. (see, http://www.lindasitaliantable.com/tag/italian-fried-dough/). Now, a little hint here, a lot of these other recipes call for...liquor. Now, why didn’t my grandmother ever tell me about that lovely little ingredient? A little wine here, a splash of Anisette there. You decide. Yum. Now I really could have enjoyed that added embellishment.

But my family recipe is a simpler dish, likely altered through the years before leaving the homeland region of Italy. So this is the dish I thought I’d share it with you for this holiday season. The photo, accompanying this recipe came from this year’s batch currently sitting on my festive kitchen table. Enjoy!

“Fried Things”

12 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 teaspoons baking powder

3 tablespoons vegetable shortening (unmelted Crisco)

salt (a couple of pinches)

Flour (lots of flour - I guesstimate around 6+ cups). A cup at a time until you get a good consistency to start kneading (no, I don’t use machines, just elbow power) on a floured surface until it stops sticking to your fingers and nice and smooth.

Roll out on a floured board. (I do this in sections.) Leave on the table for a while. Do not fry right away. Cut with a pastry cutter or pizza cutter into strips. Fry a few at a time. After cooled, sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.

Sorry, that’s what you get with a family recipe, shady on the exact amounts of anything. My first batch many, many years ago was a dismal failure. Since then I learned, family recipes consist of making, tasting, looking, enjoying. Try, try, again...don’t quit. Just like writing come to think of it. :-)

Okay, so enjoy. If this recipe doesn’t work for you, perhaps try the version at http://www.lindasitaliantable.com/tag/italian-fried-dough/. I’m off to check the grocery list to make sure I have all I need for the baked ziti on Christmas Eve (mmm, I can already smell the garlic bread and taste the hot sausage), and the strawberry omelets for Christmas morning.

Buon Natale, everybody!

Adrianna 

It’s What’s Under the Hood That Counts...by Adrianna Dane

We are many different people inside. More so if you’re a writer, I think. And for a writer, as we craft our stories, we have to dig deep inside–not just get below the surface for our characters, but get below the surface for the location, the objects, the symbols that populate the story and our characters’ lives.

One of the objects I focus on in “Love Me Tonight,” is a candy apple red vintage Ford Galaxie car. The color red is the color of passion, so the car must be red. Could I find the right vehicle for this story.  The interior had to be right–the color, the texture, the ambiance inside. The contrast of the cared for vintage vehicle with the rundown motel. The fact the car was the bonding agent between Lando and his uncle, and then again between Lando and Casper. It’s a making out on back roads kind of car, it’s a passionate kind of car with windows that steam up beautifully. It’s a dangerous kind of car. All of these elements factor into creating the scene where the men come together in the car.

The intimate atmosphere, away from the focus of the bed and sexual expectancy in the motel room, puts Casper a little off kilter. He had it all planned out. Just one night of hot sex with a man he’s lusted for. And then Lando changes location on him. Casper is vulnerable outside that room and the interior of the Galaxie keeps him on edge–well, for more reasons than one, but that’s a story about another object. :-)

The car in some ways is the catalyst for the next level of this unexpected relationship. Details are important. Color, condition–no bucket seats.

Here’s a short excerpt from that very important, pivotal scene in “Love Me Tonight.”

Lando grinned. He shimmied across the red leather seat and kissed Casper. And oh, what a beautiful kiss it was. "I like the way you kiss," Lando said. "And did I mention I like your ass? You have a great ass."

"Thank you,' Casper said, a little breathless after the kiss. "I can't wait to see yours."

Lando kissed him again. "You will," he promised, "eventually. He slid a hand beneath Casper's shirt and played with Casper's tits, then French kissed him, with deep, hungry demands.

"You are an amazing kisser," Casper said, barely able to catch his breath. Lando fingered Casper's tit, rolling it between his thumb and first finger. He tugged on it. Casper arched upward. He felt the plug shift in his ass. "And I like this, making out in your car. I've never made out in a car before." It didn't smell old, it smelled...like Lando. Bits of vanilla and sandalwood, earthy and fine.

"You haven't?" Lando seemed surprised. "You know, I've never made out in this car. I only use it when I have to go out of town. Otherwise I take the bus or the train. I rent space where I keep this baby. Secure place, not like where I live. I've never made out in it before. Not until tonight. I'm thinking it's not like those new ones--this is a car for having some fun." He laughed.

*_*_*_*

My favorite car? A red Ford Mustang. What’s yours?

*_*_*_*

Love Me Tonight by Adrianna Dane is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

LATEST PAX RELEASE - No Tell Motel

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No Tell Motel An AmberPax™ Collection of Gay Erotic Romance by Various Authors  Genre: Gay (M/M) Erotic Romance  Cover Copyright ©2012 by Trace Edward Zaber

Included in this collection of erotic romance...
(For more information on each title, or to purchase separately, click on the book covers below!)

The Ghost in Number 9 by Rick R. Reed Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

Indefinite Stay by Heidi Champa Extended Novella (Gay)

Love Me Tonight by Adrianna Dane Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

Never Again...Again by L.A. Witt Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

Threshold by Vivien Dean Extended Novella (Gay)

  In conjunction with our newest release, we will be having a giveaway! Starting tomorrow, leave a comment on any post made during the week (11/18-11/22), and you'll be eligible to win the entire pax collection. A winner will be picked at random on Saturday from all comments received.

Love Me Tonight by Adrianna Dane

At Hotel Draysden, management fraternizing with staff is a no-no. Casper Rosabella knows the rules, but he also believes that sometimes rules were meant to be broken. Sometimes it was worth taking a risk, especially when the man Casper craves is as hot as Lando Madrid.

Eye contact leads to a need to experience more, and through phone calls and texting, the men start to learn about each other. But then the lines blur when Casper and Lando make arrangements to meet for one night of unfettered sex in a seedy motel room, when taboo passions will culminate between two men who work at the same place, but certainly shouldn’t play together.

With secrets shared and desires revealed, the men are drawn deeper into a burning need to know more about each other. But considering their situation, could the relationship become something other than just a one-night stand? 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary/BDSM (Light)

Heat Level: 3

Length: Extended Amber Kiss (13k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...“The wine is produced in Spain. It’s named after the god Liber. Do you know him?”

Casper shook his head. Lando stared into his eyes. “Liber is also known as the god, Bacchus. And do you know of him?”

Casper gulped, his throat went dry. “The god of wine?” He ventured. He grabbed from thin air for specks of remembered mythology from his college classes.

Lando grinned widely. “He is the god of ecstasy as well. The man I dated—he was a connoisseur of that as well. Bacchus also induces frenzy in his followers.” Lando leaned forward. “Will it induce frenzy in you tonight?” he said in an intimate deep voice.

Casper felt lightheaded and didn’t think he could stand another minute of this conversational foreplay that Lando appeared to be enjoying. Casper wiped at the sweat on his forehead.

“I-I—”

Finally Lando waved a hand in the air. He pointed to the spot in front of him, between his legs. “Well, let’s get started.” He cupped his crotch. “This is what you wanted, right? This is why you’re slumming?”

The term made Casper angry. “That’s not what I’m doing.”

“Isn’t it?”

“You have all the control,” Casper said. “I’m hardly putting anyone in their place.”

“But you want to keep it a secret, right?” Lando said.

“That runs to both our benefits. Are you willing to lose your job over one night?”

“No. I guess that puts us at a checkmate. So, I’m still intrigued. Let’s see what you can do. I wanna find out if taking this chance is worth it.”

Casper’s heart pounded harder, like he’d just run a marathon. He was terrified he couldn’t meet Lando’s expectations. Casper wasn’t that experienced and he was afraid of what Lando might do when he realized that. He moved in front of Lando. He pulled his leather loafers off and tossed them aside. Then he pulled his shirt over his head without unbuttoning it and tossed it toward the orange chair. It missed. So what. He started to unzip his pants.

“No. Stop,” Lando said. “Let me look at you. Turn around slowly. Don’t move so quickly.”

Casper turned slowly. He had to focus on his breathing; he was starting to hyperventilate. He slowed it down. Casper recalled the text message he’d finally gotten up the nerve to send to Lando more than a month before.

Meet me where nobody knows either of us and I’ll do anything you want. It will just be between you and me.

It was a bold move and very out of character for Casper, who had been dubbed the librarian because he was always so quiet and studious.

Lando’s text response came as a surprise.

Are we talking about fucking?

Lando didn’t mince words, he got right to the point of things apparently.

They had stood across from each other in the elegant lobby of the first-class hotel where they were both employed. The message arrived on Casper’s phone. He had glanced across at Lando. Good-looking and sexy and Casper couldn’t stand it another day. It was do or die. He’d never done anything like this before, but he had to have the man even if it was only for just one night. Just one, and Casper knew he could die a happy man... 

New reviews

New reviews for recent pax releases!

Serena Yates at Rainbow Book Reviews says the passion between the heroes in Make Mine a Bad Boy by Carolina Valdez is "amazing," calling the story "deeply emotional and very touching."

Knave of Hearts by Adrianna Dane got 3.5 hearts from Thommie at MM Good Book Reviews, who called it "fresh and enticing."

At Joyfully Jay, Melanie gave Coliseum Square by Lynn Lorenz 3.75 stars, who loves the way she writes about New Orleans, calling the blend of author to city "a perfect blend."

Susan at Top 2 Bottom Reviews gave The Crimson Cat by A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly 4 kisses, saying "the story pulls you in, and you keep rooting for these guys to have their HEA."

Erupting Sexual Chemistry Between Nathaniel and Elijah by Adrianna Dane

In Knave of Hearts, Elijah and Nathaniel seem very different from each other. Nathaniel is high-powered and all about business and the end result. Elijah is all about emotion and people. Elijah’s guardian, Charles, the head of a very thriving business empire,  is dying of cancer. Elijah, a sound engineer, has returned to Seattle to be with him during his final days. He could care less about the business, he’s here for Charles, and is dealing with a range of emotions concerning the loss of his only family.

Nathaniel seems almost a mirror of Charles in that he also is the head of a thriving business. He’s come to Seattle to help assure the security of Charles’s empire as a transition of leadership must occur without incident. Nathaniel is all about the business and emotion does not play into his life. Not that he hasn’t had his share of lovers. But lovers in Nathaniel’s world usually involve an ulterior motive.

The twelves steps of intimacy rears its head at a most inopportune moment. At least for Elijah it is. His focus in on Charles and his guardian’s needs during these final days. His emotions have everything to do with love for his guardian, and nothing to do with sex or have a short-term affair to ease tensions. Until the night of Charles’ birthday party–his last. And everything changes when one man walks through the door of the hotel ballroom.

Chemistry is what erupts. Eye to body. When Nathaniel first lays on Nathaniel, not even knowing his name he is intrigued. Eye to eye. Interest sharply deepens when they come face to face a little later in the evening, but not close enough to speak. Yet eye contact is achieved. The eyes can say a great deal. Voice to voice. And when a moment of respite from the party brings Elijah to the reception area for a moment of quiet, he gets anything but peace when Nathaniel finally initiates a conversation between them.

“You’re with Charles Ballard.”

Elijah’s head shot up. He must be dreaming. He blinked. Nope, the image didn’t go away. He got to his feet in order to face the gorgeous stranger. No socialite clinging to his arm. He was making conversation with Elijah. Elijah took a deep, shuddering breath. Oh, shit. Had he ever been less prepared for an encounter than this? 

“Uh, yeah. I am.” Now what did he say? This was not the impression he wanted to make. Where was the brunette? Was he maybe just being polite by dancing with her? Oh, man. “Are you a business associate of his?” 

“You might say that. I just arrived in Seattle. I received the invitation and thought I’d stop in to the party for a bit. But as I said, I’ve only arrived in town. I was just getting ready to go back to my hotel.” 

“Oh.” Too bad. “Will you be in Seattle long?” Perhaps the question was a bit too eager. 

“A while. A few weeks at least. Perhaps a month. It will depend.” 

Too bad Elijah was leaving with Charles, so it was kind of a moot point. Though he would have liked to get to know this man better. Then a desperation to not lose the connection kicked in. He needed something normal…like a little flirtation, to keep him sane. He saw a discarded cocktail napkin on the table. He pulled a pen out of his jacket pocket, and scribbled his name and cell number. This was not something he did every day, but these seemed to be unusual circumstances. He had no idea if the guy was interested or not. If his business had anything to do with Charles directly or not. Whether he was just trying to make small talk or find out more about Charles. Frankly, it didn’t matter. Not one whit. 

“If you happen to find yourself at loose ends, why don’t you give me a call?” 

The stranger glanced at the napkin, then back at Elijah. “But you’re with Charles.” 

Elijah nodded. “Yeah. I have to leave or I’d ask if you wanted to go for a coffee. Charles is getting a little tired and he needs to get home. But maybe another time, while you’re in town. You gotta name?” 

The stranger seemed to be sizing him up. He reached out for the napkin. “I do have a name.” He glanced down at the phone number, then slipped the napkin into his breast pocket. “Elijah.” The way he said it was slow and drawn out. His tone was low, his voice soft and deep. Elijah recognized the tone. He gave Elijah a mysterious smile. “And if I decide to call, perhaps I’ll give it to you. Goodbye for now.” And then he turned and strolled away toward the front door of the hotel.

That Nathaniel, he is a smooth one all right. But don’t underestimate Elijah. He’s no pushover and he’ll give Nathaniel a run for his money–just as soon as he finds out the damned man’s name. And we still have like nine steps of intimacy to go. Oh, boy, was this story fun to write. Find out more about Knave of Hearts, part of the “Dream Man” Amberpax collection, new this week at Amber Allure.

*_*_*_*

Knave of Hearts by Adrianna Dane is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

LATEST PAX RELEASE - Dream Man

Visit the links to take advantage of our

Dream Man An AmberPax™ Collection of Gay Erotic Romance by Various Authors  Genre: Gay (M/M) Erotic Romance  Cover Copyright ©2012 by Trace Edward Zaber

Included in this collection of erotic romance...
(For more information on each title, or to purchase separately, click on the book covers below!)

Kentucky 98 Proof by KC Kendricksz Extended Novella (Gay)

Knave of Hearts by Adrianna Dane Novella (Gay)

Make Mine a Bad Boy by Carolina Valdez Novella (Gay)

Simply Irresistible by Christiane France Novella (Gay)

Snow Drive by A.J. Llewellyn Novella (Gay)

  In conjunction with our newest release, we will be having a giveaway! Starting tomorrow, leave a comment on any post made during the week (8/19-8/23), and you'll be eligible to win the entire pax collection. A winner will be picked at random on Saturday from all comments received.

Knave of Hearts by Adrianna Dane

Nathaniel Diamond, head of a corporate restructuring consultancy firm, is as hard as his last name suggests when it comes to sealing the deal. In his personal life, broken hearts are nothing more than collateral damage, and business is his sole priority. Until, that is, he meets his new client’s right-hand man, Elijah Gentry.

Elijah returned home to Seattle out of love and respect for his guardian, Charles Ballard, head of Ballard Holdings Worldwide, who is dying. Charles hired Nathaniel to help secure his financial legacy, and Elijah is expected to aid him. Although Elijah has a grasp of the business, his true passion lies in Los Angeles with his sound editing career, not with Ballard Holdings. Eventually, he plans to return to L.A., away from the world of high finance and dog-eat-dog corporate politics.

When Elijah and Nathaniel first meet, they are strangers. Well, almost. Nathaniel knows Elijah’s type, and he plans to use the man to get intimate and necessary information Elijah might not share otherwise in order to do his job. But Elijah is not quite the easy target Nathaniel expects, and soon the games begin.

Sex and power quickly tangle in this high-stakes game of corporate politics. Will either man emerge heart-whole from their encounter? Or does destiny have another set of plans for these two very different men? 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (21k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...“Something on your mind?” Nathaniel asked.

Elijah’s gaze raked over Nathaniel. Nathaniel found the look surprisingly arousing. There was business, and then there was…something else.

“Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”

“I thought you knew. And that you were just trying to play coy,” Nathaniel responded.

“I’ve been busy. I didn’t take time to look up your picture. I read your company prospectus and reviewed your CV. There are other people to check out the specifics.”

“I expect so,” Nathaniel said noncommittally. He sensed Elijah’s rising anger. The flush in his face could have been easily taken for some other emotion. And frankly, that excited him.

“You tried to play me that night and I don’t appreciate it.”

“Tell me, Mr. Gentry. Would you want someone less…vigilant to be working with your…guardian? I need to know everything about everybody attached to him and this company in order to do my job properly.”

“That doesn’t include coming on to me.”

“Doesn’t it?

The flare of color deepened to bright red in Elijah’s cheeks, his eyes licked fire. He was a passionate man, not quite like Charles at all. Charles was more like Nathaniel. He understood the need for level-headedness in business. One couldn’t get emotional. Elijah was different. Very different. And very attractive exuding all that passion.

“Don’t try to use me, Mr. Diamond. I don’t use well. Don’t underestimate me.”

“I never underestimate anyone. Now, how about dinner tonight?”

Tables turned. Always expect the unexpected in the business world. Elijah’s gaze widened.

“What?” The invitation seemed to have taken Elijah completely off-guard. And that’s the way Nathaniel liked things.

“If you don’t have other plans, of course,” he said mildly, keeping a reasonable, even tone. “There are questions I have and right now I want to get acclimated to your offices. I need to meet with members of my team who are flying in today. But later, I’d like to sit down with you and go over a few things, like your organizational chart and your opinion on several of the satellite companies. I’d like your take on those in line for the CEO position.”

Nathaniel saw a war of emotions cross Elijah’s expression. Keeping him off-center might take some work, but he already knew from Saturday night, the man was interested in him sexually.

“I don’t quite know what your game is,” Elijah said. He eyed Nathaniel silently for a moment. And then he folded. Nathaniel saw the acceptance in his eyes, the frustrated sight, the slight sag of his shoulders. “All right. I’m here to do what Charles needs done and to make it easier for him. If this is the way you want to play it, all right then, that’s how we’ll do it. Dinner tonight.”

Nathaniel nodded. “The Sorrento at eight, shall we say?”

“Fine. At eight. You have a phone directory accessible to you. If you need anything or anyone to help you get set up, you can call my assistant. She’ll handle it. I’ve got things to attend to.”

“I’ll call you if I need anything.” He didn’t remind Elijah that he was already in possession of his private cell number, from the napkin the other evening. No point in rubbing it in at this point.

Elijah stopped up short before getting on the elevator. He pivoted back to look at Nathaniel. It was an appraising look that Nathaniel couldn’t help but appreciate. He was certainly no pushover. Charles had taught him well. “You do that.”

He turned and stepped into the elevator and the doors slid closed. The confrontation had Nathaniel’s blood pumping in a very similar manner as to when he was about to attack a new, especially exhilarating project. But he’d never felt that way on acquiring a new lover. This was different. Stimulating in a way he wasn’t used to experiencing.

He certainly looked forward to his next encounter with Elijah Gentry, and couldn’t help wondering if negotiations would end up finding them in bed together before the night was over.

His body responded enthusiastically to that intriguing possibility. But he tamped that down, shut the emotional tap off and turned to the business at hand. And that was something he was very good at doing. Turning toward the office, he noticed Gloria was on the phone and waving to him frantically.

Elijah Gentry would be no match for him. Nathaniel was certain he’d soon have the man exactly where he wanted him...