Monday, August 28, 2017

GOT PLUMS? - MAKE FREEZER JAM

FREEZER PLUM JAM





Necessary ingredients to fill 4 of the 8 oz jam jars (with a little left over for tasting purposes):
-       2 envelopes/packets of Knox Gelatine – unflavored
-       4 cups cut up fruit (in this case, pitted and quartered plums)
-       ½ cup white sugar
-       1.5 cups water - use half to dissolve gelatin and the rest to blend up with the fruit

Directions (adapted from the Knox website for strawberry jam):
1)   First get the fruit ready, which takes the longest time. Pit plums and cut into quarters or more, depending on size and the strength of your blender.
2)   Place cut up fruit into the blender, then add sugar and half of the water to the mix. Using a blender grinds up the plums so that the skins aren’t an issue for those squeamish about fruit skins in their jam. Set aside while preparing gelatine.
3)   Empty gelatine packets into cold water in a large enough saucepan for stirring. Let this stand at least a minute before adding LOW heat.  Stir until dissolution, which should take just a few minutes (don’t overheat).
4)   Pour prepared fruit into the saucepan, stirring as you bring it to a mild boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, continuing to stir.
5)   Spoon liquid jam into prepared glass jars (watch out, they get hot fast), leaving enough space between the jam and the lid. Don’t forget to use a damp cloth to remove any spilled jam on the outside or top edge of the jar.
6)   Cool jam slightly before covering (careful again, the glass containers will be hot) with the lids.
7)   Refrigerate overnight, then move to freezer.

Good for 4 weeks in the refrigerator and 1 year in the freezer, if it lasts that long.


Wednesday, August 16, 2017

THE TALE OF BRYANT ADAMS by MEGAN O'RUSSELL

A new young adult urban fantasy novel from Megan O’Russell


The Tale of Bryant Adams:
How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin’ Days




Ever wanted to grow a five-story tall flower in central park? How about fight a deadly battle under the subway tunnels of Manhattan?

Don't worry. I never wanted to either. But if you're ever being chased by ladies made of mist and you have to save the girl with the sparkly eyes you've never had the guts to say actual words to, there's an app for that.

I found a magic cell phone, opened an app I shouldn't have, burned down the set shop for my high school's theatre, and it was all downhill from there. A drag queen seer who lives under a bridge is my only hope for keeping my mom alive, and I think the cops might be after me for destroying my dad's penthouse.

But it gets better! Now I'm stuck being the sidekick to the guy who got me into this mess in the first place. It'll be a miracle if I survive until Monday.

Purchase on Amazon
Read more at Curiosity Quills
Find reviews on Goodreads
Learn more about the author at MeganORussell.com

Don’t miss the Goodreads giveaway running through August 31st. Enter to win a paperback copy at:



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Megan O'Russell is a native of Upstate New York who spends her time traveling the country as a professional actor. Megan's current published works include YA series Girl of Glass and The Tale of Bryant Adams: How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin’ Days as well as the Christmas romance Nuttycracker Sweet. 2018 projects include The Chronicles of Maggie Trent: The Girl Without Magic and book two in the Girl of Glass series Boy of Blood