Happy Halloween everyone! Fall is upon us and I hope you’ve got your spook holiday plans in gear and your black cauldron ready to be filled with goodies for the ghosts and goblins that’ll visit your doorstep. If not, I’ve got a few ideas for you. This month’s newsletter is filled with lots of information and party ideas.
In this Issue:
Quote of the Month:
Check This Out
Featured Author:
Halloween History
Recipe of the Month:
Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances
Coming Next Month
Quote of the Month: “Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.” ~~ Heraclitus (Greek philosopher, 544 BC-433BC)
Check This Out: The western historical romance boxset Wanted: One Bride is getting rave 5 Star reviews! All the Pioneer Hearts Facebook members seem to love it!
My beta readers kept asking for Bryan’s story from Trail of Tears so I had to give him one. I wanted to have the story take place where I grew up - Woodward area and Alabaster Caverns. I’ve also incorporated family names: MacConnell is the Irish version of my paternal grandmother’s maiden name, McConnell, and Floyd is my mother’s middle name—also a family name…ever heard of Pretty Boy Floyd? Yep, family.
Looking at the present: Bryan MacConnell, retired US Cavalry officer, hopes to find
Looking for the past: Megan Floyd is determined to discover the truth behind her parents’ murders and the fate of her brother. With her adopted brother, she joins a small wagon train headed east. As much as she loves the family who raised her, Megan yearns for a family of her own.
Looking to the future: When marauding Indians and wild weather toss Bryan and Megan together, will they be torn apart or will they discover what they’ve both been searching for—a life full of love and family?
Where to Find Halloween History/Treats:
For thousands of years people have been celebrating different holidays and festivals at the end of October. The Celts celebrated it as Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”, with “sow” rhyming with cow). The Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society defines the word as follows: “Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered. Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From it the half year is reckoned. also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess). (1) The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary defines it as “Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer.” (2) Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity. The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for the British, and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a “lord of death” as such. Taken from www.benjerry.com/fun_stuff/holidays/halloween/history/index.cfm
Here are some links to find out more about Halloween and its origins:
- http://www.neopagan.net/Halloween-Origins.html
- http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/history.htm
- http://www.livescience.com/16677-halloween-superstitions-traditions.html
Recipe of the Month:
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Tips
Tips and Tricks
When carving your pumpkins, save the seeds! Season the seeds, then bake them for a crunchy snack. Our oh-so-easy roasted pumpkin seeds recipe produces delicious results. Or for a change of pace, you can roast butternut squash seeds, too.
Store the roasted seeds in an airtight container or resealable plastic food storage bag at room temperature. If the seeds start to lose their crunch, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven 3 to 4 min. or until crisp. Keep an eye on the seeds as they bake since they can easily burn.
Hosting a pumpkin carving party? Roast the seeds while the guests are busy carving their pumpkins. Then send each guest home with a bag of the roasted seeds as their party favor.
Check out our Halloween games and activities section in our Halloween helper for suggestions for fun party games, such “guess the number of pumpkin seeds in a jar.”
Our Seasonal Pumpkin and Winter Squash pages have even more tips for selecting and preparing pumpkin and squash.
Flavor Boosters
Roasted pumpkin seeds make a great crunchy topping for soups and salads.
Use plain untoasted pumpkin seeds to prepare our irresistible Crunchy Peanut and Pumpkin Seed Brittle or creamy Spicy Toasted Pumpkin Seed Dip.
Our Roasted Pumpkin Macaroni calls for fresh cubed pumpkin. When cutting up the pumpkin, don’t forget to save and toast the seeds for a crunchy snack.
For variety, try seasoning your pumpkin seeds with other favorite flavorings. For example, toss ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds with 2 tsp. GOOD SEASONS Italian Salad Dressing Mix, 1/2 tsp. chipotle pepper seasoning or 1 tsp. lemon pepper.
Upcoming Book Signings / Appearances:
Coming Next Month: November Traditions, and featured author Eric Price.
With much gratitude, until next time…keep reading.
Maxine
Spark your imagination and entice your mind
Be adventurous in your own mind
Take a journey into a new world and be inspired
Enjoy the pleasures of reading ~~
It does the mind and body good.
Photos found on Pinterest
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