Macadamia Coconut Bars

These are absolutely divine.  No one will believe that a packaged cookie mix is the main ingredient.  TIP:  Not fond of macadamia nuts?  Try pecans, walnuts, almonds or cashews

1 package (17-12) ounces sugar cookie mix
1 cup vanilla or white chips
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/4 cup flaked coconut

Prepare cookie mix according to package directions.  Stir in chips, nuts, and coconut.

Spread into a greased 13-in x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.  Cook on a wire rack for 25 minutes before cutting.  Yield:  3 dozen.

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Garden Ham 'n' Noodles

This blend of ingredients makes a very filling and comforting dish. 

4 quarts water
2 medium carrots, diced
6 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
1 medium zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup milk
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sale
1/2 pound fully cooked ham, cubed
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring water to boil.  Add carrots; cook for 1 minute.  Add noodles; cook for 2 minutes.  Add zucchini; cook 4-5 minutes longer or until noodles and vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring the cream, milk and salt to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.  Stir in ham and corn; heat through.  Drain noodle mixture; stir into ham mixture.  Sprinkle with Parmesan chees and toss to coat.  Yield:  6-8 servings.

London 2013

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

When reporter Ellen Gleeson sees a flyer asking if anyone has seen the kidnapped child pictured on it, she is taken aback that the boy looks exactly like her adopted son, Will. She starts investigating and discovers a difficult truth, even though her adoption was lawful. The whole dilemma of What if Will rightfully belongs to someone else, would she have to give him up? hangs like a dark cloud throughout the whole novel.

I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked it because the premise of the story is a really good one. The moral dilemma would make for a gut-wrenching story, and it did to a certain extent, but the story line was unbelievable with things falling into place a little too easily. I didn't find this to be the heart-pounding thriller the synopsis promised. There was one scene that brought tears to my eyes, but the story was very predictable, and as a reader I quickly knew it would all work out.

The ending was too good to be true and the romance too shallow for my taste. But this was a very quick read with super short chapters, and I did enjoy it, although the plot was lacking. If you're looking for a suspense novel that won't keep you up at night and that reads fast and simple, this one might do.

In Black & White Life of Sammy Davis Jr. by Wil Haygood

I disliked the way this book was organized. It did not read like a typical bio at all. The first two chapters were about the previous collaborative biographers of Sammy's and their writing and publishing nightmares of "Yes I Can". I couldn't tell if this book was about Sammy or his previous biographers. The narrative is fragmented and repetitive. The story was too roundabout to capture my interest. I found it infuriating and I gave up half way through. Sorry I cannot give this bio a good recommendation.

The Sea Lady by Margaret Drabble

Perhaps I am missing something...and I admit I quit reading this after about 30 pages...but I simply could not continue. It was so disjointed and boring!

 

The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

This book was so boring I could barely stand it. In fact, I had to abandon ship halfway through. The main character is kind of interesting, as are the two kids, but the story itself is so slow-paced that the characters can't carry the book. I found myself daydreaming everytime I tried to read it. The writing was over the top...the author sounds as if she's writing to try to get an award rather than tell a story. Pretentious readers may try to act like they enjoyed this mess, but don't believe them. One of the worst books I've ever read.