The Goodbye Lie Diaries- Pat's Favorite Picture Eggs

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida
1880s

Pat Dunnigan writes:

Pat Dunnigan

I generally don't write down recipes.  I leave that to my sisters, mother and grandmothers.  This time is different.  Ever since I can remember, Grandmother Peeper has been making Picture Eggs especially for me, her Bird of the Earth.  To this day, she'll ask if I'm hungry and when I tell her yes, the first thing she offers is Picture Eggs. I'm putting pencil to paper to remind my wife, whoever she turns out to be, to make them for the children we'll someday have.

Pat's Favorite Picture Eggs

Here's what you do to make a single serving: 

Get out the large skillet for just one won't be near enough. Butter both sides of one slice of bread.  Take a round cookie cutter or glass and cut out a circle right in the middle of the bread. Put the bread and the cut out circle in the hot pan. Crack a raw egg and drop it into the hole, frying the circle at the same time. Flip it over after a minute or two and brown the other side of the bread. Don't overcook the egg if you want the yolk to be runny.  Add a smidgen of salt and pepper. Dip the toast circle into the egg juice or spread with jam and as Jane Marie says, "Enjoy!"

Pat Dunnigan is a featured player in Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, an historic suspense novel in Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie series, set in Victorian Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida in 1898.

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Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida   

Present Day                                                                           

Jane Marie writes:

Thank you for the wonderful idea, Pat.  I tried one and quickly gobbled it down. I think Picture Eggs would make a great all-American breakfast to serve on the 4^th of July or anytime!

Picture Egg and Toast Circle

Goodbye Lie Diaries - Miss Ella's Cheese Toes

Fernandina, Florida
1880s

Miss Ella writes:



Miss Ella

   Mrs. Jane Kalem copied down this delight for me after I told her  how much I enjoyed it Tuesday last at our monthly bunco gathering.  Roll dice, eat, roll dice, eat.  Eating is way more than half the reason we play that game.  Anyway, her Cheese Toes recipe will be perfect for Sunday dinners and holidays. It’s rich and will be so popular with the family since we all love cheese. (Michael actually gives cheese up for Lent!)

 

   I got to thinking how so many of my recipes come from friends and relatives who have tried them and are proud to put their name behind their ingredients.  Oh, and potluck suppers, too.  At church, the orchid society, Aqua Verdi office parties, it is literally a treat to discover new recipes. Some I am able to have our chefs recreate to serve our guests on the passenger line.  I’ve never been one to keep my recipes a secret.  If it’s good, I want to share.  I can hear Peeper saying, “You might be awillin’ ta share, Miss Ella, but Aunt Noreena sure ain’t.  Why, she’s so selfish, she’d rather take it ta her grave than be generous with it.  Acourse, ya won’t find me awantin’ her recipes nor eatin’ anything she’s prepared.  I want ta live ta be one hundred years and it won’t be occourin’ ifn I ingest her rotten chow.”  Or something like that.   All I know is those two rarely miss an opportunity to speak ill of one another.  Hmm. I’m wondering if, unbeknownst to them, they deep down jab at one another because they find it entertaining .  I know we often do, when we can ignore the ugliness of their confrontations and just listen to their silly jousting.
 

Cheese Toes

Potatoes with skins left on, cut in one inch pieces, the size of a big toe, boiled until tender

1/2 cup melted butter  

Salt and pepper

1 cup sour cream

2 -3 cups sharp cheddar cheese

4 strips of  cooked and crumbled bacon

Large baking pan
 

Grease bottom of your pan. Drain boiled potatoes. Spread evenly in pan. Pour butter over potatoes. Lightly salt and pepper. Spread sour cream and sprinkle cheese and bacon evenly.  Bake for 20 minutes in a medium oven until cheese melts. 
 

(Miss Ella is the matriarch of the Dunnigan family in Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy.  She is responsible for determining what is served on the ships of the family owned Aqua Verdi passenger line which runs up and down the east coast of the United States in this historical romance series.)

  

Goodbye Lie Romance - An Excerpt

Honor, Treachery, Epic Romance

 are just part of
 Amelia Island's GOODBYE LIE Trilogy where

 Little House on the Prairie meets Gone With The Wind ...

  Men will die for Breelan Dunnigan

      in 





   

Treat yourself and get your copy here: http://www.greenlightwrite.com/homegraciousjanemarie.htm  

 



Goodbye Lie Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oAsQkLUoJY



 

Review: A rollercoaster of emotions … [which] include … loving the characters. … The unexpected ending makes a jaw dropping jolt to the senses. --ReaderViews.com

Find romance every day and every night between the covers of Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie.  Set in 1882 Florida, here is a snippet of the spirit of my kind of romance! -jmm

Excerpt:
    "Trip it shall be. Please, call me Breelan." And he held her secure, leading her in wild spins around and around. She threw her head back as she laughed softly, her hair covering his uniformed forearm.

     Waite was completely aware of Breelan's movements. He wanted to kiss the ivory of her flawless bare shoulders. But when he saw the lieutenant's arm tighten around Breelan's waist, Waite's desire turned violent as he imagined ripping the soldier's arm off at the elbow. He resented the man, any man, holding her, let alone holding her as close as this gent was. Trip's body pressed intimately against Breelan’s green dress, separating her skin from his by only a few thin layers of silk and cotton. His officer's white-gloved fingers entwined themselves in the ends of her satiny brown hair. At least, his actual flesh wasn't in contact with hers, Waite consoled himself. He was glad a gentleman always wore gloves when dancing so as not to soil a woman's gown with perspiration. He'd considered many customs foolish and a waste of time. Not this one. For this social edict, he thanked the stars. 

     "Waite, darling," Miss Visper spoke a second time. "You're not listening to me, are you?"

     Caught. He was having difficulty tearing his eyes from Breelan. He asked, his tone mocking, "Leona, do you think I'd dance with a woman and she not be the center of all my attention?"

     "I think one thing. You're most engaging and you know it. Any woman who allows herself to love you is demented. You'll only break her heart."

     "You flatter me. But I think the excursion to that point would be an escapade not to be missed," he suggested, stroking her mind, using her. He excused his selfishness because he knew she wanted him. He needed a woman tonight and she was an alluring, if somewhat obvious creature...

 

***

What is Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow?

Tangles, tears and terror combine to form an undertow so powerful, your heart will race, beat for beat, with Carolena Dunnigan's, the brilliant, bright and bold heroine.

First, watch Amelia Island's VELVET UNDERTOW VIDEO at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuPbsKto94o&feature=plcp

Next, read the Synopsis:

An interior designer for Aqua Verdi Passenger Line based on Amelia Island, Florida in 1889, Carolena Dunnigan is witness to something so disillusioning, she flees to Charleston, South Carolina seeking work. There her life takes a mad twirl with that of a world famous conductor and an interfering ship's engineer. Decades of secrets seep forth as she chases the truth, which drives her into the horrific Johnstown, Pennsylvania Flood. Will Carolena have the strength, courage and luck to survive or die hating everyone and everything that tore apart her carefree Amelia Island life?

Meet Clara Barton, of the American Red Cross, instrumental in saving lives during the Johnstown Flood. Revisit beloved characters like Peeper, with her elixir fixers, and Aunt Noreen, whose tongue is the beast that will not be tamed. The Terrible Threesome, all teenage boys, smear honey on a few front doors and hang dead snakes in the trees, but is that so very bad? Paolo Alontti, Grey McKenna, and Peachie Pence mix it up into a shocking knot of lies, loves, and lessons. Oh, and watch for cameo appearances throughout the series from  Martha Bear, stuffed mascot and spokes-bear for www.GraciousJaneMarie.com, the author's 700 page website.

Now read an Excerpt: 

"I wish you'd develop a splash of patience!"

Ignoring her, Grey brushed past, instantly recognizing he'd interrupted something. His confirmation was her ruddy face and puffy lips. It was a blessed good thing he'd come along when he had. "Patience? I've been freezing outside, waiting for your highness like some lap dog. When you say five o'clock, I damn well expect you to be downstairs waiting for me at five o'clock. I sure don't have to ask what you've been up to. And where is this man who tempts you so much, you're willing to debase yourself at his mere beckoning?"

Carolena looked to the velvet pillows now crushed on the floor. Wadded in the corner was the blue dress. There was little sense denying it. Then again, who was he to tell her what was proper? He'd bedded hundreds of women, she was sure, so he had no room to talk. Remaining calm, lest her feeling of guilt show, she told him, "Signor Alontti is attending to business. He sends his regards."

"Yeah? I'll just bet he does. Come on. Let's get the hell out of this lair before I find your lover and lay him out!"

Whether you are new to the series or you have read The Goodbye Lie, you will discover the books stand alone. Each is an experience in suspense, treachery and deceit doing fierce battle with family bonds and honor.

Get your copy HERE:

Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow Kindle Edition $3.99
Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow NOOK Buy As Gift: $3.43

Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow Paperback: $16.95  http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-Velvet-Undertow-Malcolm/dp/1449029191/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362457358&sr=1-1&keywords=velvet+undertow

 

You have to get it and read it to read it and get it! Get what? Get to know the Dunnigans of Amelia Island where roses and romance reign, plus so much more...    

 

Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow, an excerpt- McKenna Defies His Captain

The year is 1889, set aboard the passenger ship Coral Crown off the Baltimore, Maryland coast:
. 
   "Report to sickbay if you need to, Shepard, or at least open a porthole and get some cold fresh air in your lungs. It may help you feel better.”
   “Can’t, sir. Too many passengers are down with illness. Some are even lying on the staircases until they can be helped to their quarters.”

   Grey turned around to see there were no more couples dancing. The music had been reduced to one violinist who looked as if stroking the strings with his bow was almost more than his weak arm could accomplish.

   “I will remember your dedication to the captain. Thanks again.”
   “Yes, sir. You're welcome, sir.”

   Intrigued, Grey opened the handwritten dispatch recently delivered to him. Whatever it was, he was glad to be only a mile from shore and able to receive it, despite the snow. The Crown was rolling some 10 degrees or more off center now, he guessed, and he found it necessary to steady himself against the bulkhead as he read.

TO: Chief Engineer Grey McKenna
Carolena not arrived. Want no police or family worry. Too infirm myself. Please  come.            Dresher


   Grey’s response was immediate. He grabbed one of the foul weather capes hanging near the exit and put it on. Wailing wind and ice-spiked snowflakes attacked when he opened the door and stepped over the three-inch high threshold.
   He reached for the rail so as not to lose footing and through squinted eyes, took in the sloshing salt water on the teak deck. He found Captain Rockwell in the pilothouse, checking weather conditions and shouting orders loud enough to be heard over the gale, sounding only mildly less loud than outside.
   “You’ve got the particulars, Mr. Wolfe. Follow them to the letter.”
   “Aye, sir,” the watch officer yelled back, immediately conveying the order to the helmsman fighting the wooden wheel.
   “Mr. McKenna,” the captain said when he saw his chief engineer. “I’d hoped you’d be leading the dancing though I don’t imagine there’s much of that going on anymore.”
   “No, sir. None.”
   "Why did you come up here? You know the standard drill for rough weather. We drive the bow into the wind and take the waves head on. I just pray this weather passes by sun up so we can pull into Baltimore’s harbor then.” Checking his pocket watch, he read twenty-one-forty hours. “It’ll be a long night.”
   “Captain Rockwell, may I have a private word with you, sir?”
   “Aye, Mr. McKenna. Certainly.” Without pause, “Mr. Wolfe?”
   “Aye, sir?”
   “After I confer with Mr. McKenna, I’ll be in the Grand Salon, should you need me.”
   “Grand Salon, aye, sir.”
   “Shall we step into the passageway or would you prefer my office?”
   “The passageway will do, sir.” Grey caught the door for his superior when the roll of the ship would have slammed it closed.
    Rockwell nodded his appreciation and then listened.
   “First, I want you to know Steward Shepard is himself sick and tending the passengers despite it.”
   “Noted. Anything else?”
   “Yes, sir. I have just been handed urgent word from our Aqua Verde office on the Baltimore shore. I must ask for a leave of absence. It’s an emergency.”
   "What is it, Grey? Family?”
   Although he felt as if the Dunnigans were his kin, in truth, they were not.
   “No, sir.”
   “I must have a reason. I don’t need to tell you your presence is crucial to the running of this ship, especially when conditions are poor. Without a solid reason, I’m afraid your request for immediate leave is denied. You will have to wait until we dock in home port in a few days.”
   “I appreciate your thinking me valuable, sir. However, I assure you my second engineer is plenty capable. I mean no disrespect, but I cannot give you my purpose. I’ve been asked to keep it private. If I wait to depart on my mission until we return to Fernandina, I will be squandering precious time retracing wasted miles. I must be in Charleston as quickly as I’m able.” He was caught between his concern for Carolena and his loyalty to her family’s passenger line.
   “I repeat. Without a sold reason, I cannot give you leave.”
   By this point and in any other circumstance, Grey would have peppered his response with cursing. Determined to control his temper because they were professional sailors and gentlemen, he said, “Then I regret what I’m about to say, sir, yet say it, I must. You can transfer me, furlough me, or fire me, but short of locking me in the brig, I will disembark the moment we pull into Baltimore, hopefully at first light.”
   Although his demeanor was still unruffled, Captain Rockwell’s words were grave. “Great God, man. I can charge you with disobeying a direct order, dereliction of duty, and anything else I can come up with. Even more, I can let it be known far and wide that you left your post without permission. You’ll never find a position on any private line of consequence again. Are you willing to surrender a fine career for this objective?”
   Unwavering, Grey answered, “I am.”
   “So be it, Mr. McKenna. For the sake and reputation of this ship, I will not make a disturbance. You have been forewarned of the consequences of your impending actions. I hold you solely responsible. Is this clear between us?”
   “Aye, sir. I understand fully.”
   “Very well then. Send for the second engineer, and I will inform him of the situation.”
   “As you say, sir.”
   “How long do you expect to be gone?”
   “I have no idea, sir. I will report to you as soon as I’m able. At that time, you can proceed as you see fit. Just know I’m doing what I feel I must. I’m sorry, sir.”
   “I am, too, McKenna. Very sorry.”
   Grey touched his fingertips to the brim of his cap in formal salute. The captain returned the same. No more said, and the two turned, stiffly parting, each to his chosen course...

***

LIES, LUST, DEVASTATION - Carolena Dunnigan witnesses the unthinkable and her safe, secure life on Amelia Island, Florida turns to ashes. Vowing to save her siblings, she seeks work and is lured to Charleston, South Carolina. Lust, love, and decades of lies do fierce battle, driving her into Pennsylvania's deadly Johnstown Flood of 1889. It scours away secrets of the past, but will anyone survive the churning undertow of it all? Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow by Jane Marie Malcolm is available in:

Paperback at http://www.graciousjanemarie.com/

Kindle  ($3.99) at http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-VELVET-UNDERTOW-ebook/dp/B0069SB4XY/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326860125&sr=1-1-spell 

Nook (j$3.19) at  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/amelia-island-s-velvet-undertow?keyword=amelia+island%27s+velvet+undertow&store=nookstore 

Making the Mark

I was double checking info about the Florida Mirror Newspaper for Mark of a Man, my next historic novel set in 1898 Fernandina, Florida. I knew some things and found out others thanks to the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, University of North Florida. 
Volume 1, no. 1 was published November 30, 1878. It was printed twice a week from 1894 to 1899 and three times a week from 1890 to 1891. Publishing stopped in 1901.

This might seem like dry stats to you. However, Breelan Dunnigan is Director of Marketing for the fictional Aqua Verdi Passenger Line, the Dunnigan family shipping business, which runs along the Atlantic seaboard in the 1880s. Bree needs to know this stuff because she makes frequent stops at the Florida Mirror, located  on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina, and turns in her promotional copy, like her Sale of a Sail ads and... Well, you get the idea. 

Stay tuned as Mark of a Man gets closer to publication every day...

WINNER of Velvet Undertow & Secret Pebble™!

UPDATE: And the winner in our First Day of Summer contest.  That lucky person receives an autographed copy of Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow and a hand painted Secret Pebble™. She is Marie Jane (can you believe her name?) from Mandaue City, Philyppines! Congrats and please enjoy!

Next contest coming soon.  Become my friend on Facebook under Jane Marie, author and/or follow me on this Gracious Jane Marie Blog Blog Blog to be entered  in our next random drawing!

*****

Just sign up and become a follower of my new fun and silly Gracious Jane Marie BLOG  BLOG BLOG here at http://graciousjanemarie.blogspot.com/ and/or a fan of Jane Marie, author on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Jane-Marie/35558229108?ref=ts. Win an autographed copy of my latest historical suspense/romance novel, Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow, plus a hand painted Secret Pebble™, featured in Velvet Undertow. A random drawing will take place on June 21, 2010, the first day of summer! Good luck all and remember, for those deep thoughts, read between the lines!