Baked Swiss Steak Recipe

No matter if you're attending the world famous Amelia Concours d'Elegance ( https://www.ameliaconcours.org/ )car show on a pretty day or fighting the snow and ice where you are, this is a family-filling wonderful recipe to try. I’ve known Sandy Welsh for many years, and in that time, she’s given me several wonderful recipes.  She’s one heck of a good cook!  Thank you, Sandy.                                                     Jane Marie  PS  I'm sure Grandmother Peeper or Miss Ella from my Goodbye Lie Trilogy novels has a version of this recipe, but I haven't asked them yet.  I'll add it to the list.

 

You’ll need: 

• 1 pound of boneless sirloin steak or round steak
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour for coating meat

For tomato gravy: 

• 1 or so teaspoons all purpose flour for thickening tomato gravy
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 14 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice (Sandy suggests using Hunt’s petite diced tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots (Sandy suggests chopping baby carrots because they are sweeter)
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Cut the meat into four serving size pieces. 

Combine flour and salt.  Coat the meat on both sides. 

Brown the meat on both sides in a skillet.  Transfer the meat into a greased, shallow baking dish.  Set aside. 

To skillet drippings, add tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon or so of flour for thickening.  Bring to a boil, stirring an additional 2 minutes.  Pour over the meat.

Cover and bake at 350°F for 2 hours or until the meat is tender. 

Serve with or over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles or rice.  Serves 4.  

NOTE:  The tomato and vegetable mixture can easily be doubled for extra gravy. 

reprinted from original graciousjanemarie.com website

A Lucy Moment - What Does It Mean?

It was a gray and nasty day and there I was, signing books at Books Plus in Fernandina.  I looked out the rain streaked window to see one of those roadside snipe signs, which read: OKS.  Hmm, thought I.  Could it stand for Oklahoma State, Old Kings' School, Odd Key Store?  Then the wind blew the other way and the bent sign straightened out to read: BOOKS.

The Goodbye Lie Diaries-Aunt Noreen

1880s
Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Aunt Noreen Duffy

Aunt Noreen writes:  It is rare that I hear from my older brother, John, up in cold Pennsylvania. I had to write him first and he actually replied, but that reply was less than gracious, I must say.  All I did was tell him how Fernandina had a very rare occurrence. We had a hard freeze.  I just got his letter containing only one word:
AMATEURS.  He thinks he's very funny, I'm sure.
 

Aunt Noreen is a featured trouble-maker in each of the romantic historical novels of Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy set in the 1880s on Amelia Island, Florida.  (Available in paperback and ebook form at book sources everywhere.)

National Dog Biscuit Day

Abby, our singing  Chihuahua and spokesdog for Gracious Jane Marie, our parent company, advises today MIGHT be National Dog Biscuit Day. She is at work composing a theme song for this glorious occasion and appears very busy. Well,  busy that is until it is time to take another break, where I find her in the kitchen replacing the lid on the doggie treat jar. She assures me that opening and closing said jar is good for her paw dexterity. Having  no paws myself, who am I to doubt her?

PS Abby wanted me to mention she makes a cameo appearance  in my Amelia Island's Mark of a Man. She hopes to someday star on her own novel or at least a short story like our Martha Bear, our spokesbear. (Stay tuned for Martha Bear stories. She is in each book in Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy! Gotta keep it all in the family.)

A New Friend- Linda

Jane Marie with Linda on right

Recently meeting Linda at the Annual Amelia Island Book Festival here in Fernandina Beach, Florida was not the serious business our photo indicates.  The fact is Linda was in town visiting her sister, came to the show and found me.  She'd read The Goodbye Lie a couple of years ago and was very excited, or else one heck of a good actress, that the trilogy is complete.  I enjoyed our visit and look forward to her comments on the stories.  She's a big fan of the characters, as am I.  :-)

T-shirt Beach Bag Craft

Beach Bag???? Baby, it's cold outside, in so many parts of the world!  Am I crazy?  While that is often discussed, I thought it would be a fun, easy indoor project to make these simply totes.  With no sewing, I might add!

I'm just guessing, but is it possible t-shirts can propagate, stacked on top of each other, in the dark of the closet or cupboard, or in the corner of a bedroom or in the dirty clothes hamper or under a teenager's bed, inspired by the always growing family of dust bunnies thriving there?  Not sure? One thing is for certain, if you've supported a cause, had a family reunion, joined a club or won a prize, chances are you are the owner of a plethora of t-shirts.

I first saw this project a while back on Pinterest, I think. (If anyone knows who originated the idea, please comment below, and we, happily, will give them credit.) I was going to save it for this summer's annual Grammy Camp, but Ava couldn't wait to try it.  Neither could I. Since this was our first attempt, we didn't use a colorful shirt, but you'll get the idea of what to do from the pictures.  Have fun!

Step #1 - Cut off the sleeves and neck. Note the deep curve over the portion that covers the upper chest. The shoulder sections, which are left, will be the top of the handles.

Abby, is always available to help.

Step #2 - Smoothing the shirt flat, cut 1/2 inch strips from the bottom of the shirt, up 4 inches, cutting through the front and the back.

Step #3 - Now, simply tie each front strip to the back strip behind it.  We double knotted ours for safe keeping.  Once completed, you are done!

BONUS: Your pet has an instant shirt to wear from the neck piece you cut away! Trim the part by her feet so she/he doesn't trip then decorate at will.

Anti-Shades of Grey

This is America and that means you are free to read the book and watch the movie Fifty Shades of Grey. To quote a description of the movie I found online: true sexual proclivities push the boundaries of pain and pleasure.  If this is what you like, have at it.

If however, you prefer the less graphic, more tasteful romantic, as I do--Well, my Amelia Island historical series is like that. And I'm proud of that fact.  I often tell potential readers I dedicated The Goodbye Lie  to my father  and I didn't want to be embarrassed when Daddy read it.  All the females know what I mean.  

Bottom line:  There are alternatives out there that keep the proprieties in tact.  Spread the word.  Tasteful is still in style.  Let's keep it alive for future generations. The idea of romance in the privacy of the mind, is a better thing. Think Gone With The Wind...

A taste of romance from The Goodbye Lie: 

     Mental pictures of Breelan overpowered his wishes. Who the hell am I? Some irresistible rake she couldn't live without?  What a fool I've been to think she would return my affection. Because I love her is no reason she should love me.  I'm but one of the drooling dogs.  

     "Only a few more days," he said aloud and the overhearing crew silently commiserated with their mournful captain, knowing his affliction would last a lifetime.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Goodbye Lie, Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow and Amelia Island's Mark of a Man are available in paperback and ebook at Amazon.com and book sources everywhere. http://www.amazon.com/The-Goodbye-Jane-Marie-Malcolm/dp/0974918229 

Daddy/Daughter Dance

The following is a taste of the chaos in the house as my husband, Bruce, and daughter, Barbra, and  granddaughter, Ava, and her father, Mark, readied for the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. Since I'm the mama, I mostly sat back, watched and took notes. Welcome to our world:

Ava: Mom, my shoes are too little.
Barbra: What are you talking about?  We just got them a few months ago.
Ava: No, we didn't.  We got them last year.
Barbra: Well, wear your gold ones. They're in the garage.
Ava:  They're even smaller, the gold is all worn off the toes and they're spiders in them!
Grampy:  I'm sure the spiders won't mind the company of a few of your little toes.
(Ignoring him) Barbra: Ask your father if we can stop at the shoe store on the way to the dance.
Mark: We're not stopping at any shoe store.  We don't have time.
Grampy: Ava, just wear your formal flip-flops.
(Ignoring him) Barbra: Sorry, but you'll have to wear what you've got. Where's the blister cream.
Mark: She can't wear her shoes and get blisters.
Barbra: That's what the blister cream is for, so she won't get blisters. Duh.
Ava: I can't find it.
Barbra: Then find some other kind of grease.  Where's the anti-biotic ointment?  If you get a blister, at least it won't get infected.
Mark: Nice.
Ava: I can't find that either.
Barbra: Then use Vicks VapoRub.
Ava: I can't use that.  It stinks.
Mark: Where are my pants?
Barbra: I told you six weeks ago about this dance.  You had six weeks to find them.
Mark: They must be at the cleaners.  I'll have to wear the black ones.
Barbra: Are you kidding me?  Black pants, shirt and jacket?  You'll look like Johnny cash.
Mark:  I like Johnny Cash.
Ava: Daddy, where's your tie?
Barbra: He's going as Johnny Cash and Johnny doesn't wear a tie.
Ava: Who's Johnny Cash?
Barbra:  You can't wear all black.  My dress is orange and we'll look like Halloween!
Grampy: Who cares.  You'll never see these people again.
Ava: I rubbed my feet with Vics.  Now my shoes won't stay on.
Barbra: Hold them on with rubber bands. They won't show that much.  Can you wiggle your toes?
Ava: No.
Barbra: Well, we probably won't do that much dancing, anyway.  As long as you can walk from the car to the table, you should be fine.
Ava: (emitting a great whine) Mom!
Barbra: Why did you feed me so much? Three full meals today, Mark. Really? Thanks a lot. How do you expect me to fit into my dress? Oh, I should have exercised today, but I overdid it yesterday. Now I can't move my calves. I have to walk around on weggies with my knees bent.  Nice, huh? If I break an ankle...
(ignoring her) Mark:  Where's more hairspray? We're out of hairspray!
Grammy: You can use mine.
Mark: What is this? A spritzer?  Who buys spritzer hairspray?  I need an aerosol.
Grammy: Did you pick up the wrong jacket at the cleaners when you forgot your pants? You look like you're wearing your dad's coat.
Mark: What's wrong with my coat?
Grammy: The sleeves are too long. They're suppose to only go to--
Barbra: Mom, don't start.
Grammy: Time for pictures!

Christening Gowns & Cheese Straws

Just in time for the big game, the big party or any celebration, here is a recipe for cheese straws from Martha Baker, the lovely woman who taught me French heirloom hand sewing.  Martha showed me how to make christening gowns and told me an interesting tidbit about their length.  I worked that fact into Amelia Island's Mark of a Man.   Excerpt from Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, set in 1898 north Florida ( ... represents part of the story left out so as not to give any plot away. )     Angelique was having a difficult time of it, having forced herself to wash and iron the long, hand-stitched, family heirloom as Marie requested. Many Dunnigan descendants had worn the christening gown, as this child had. ...     ... She also realized the occupants of the table were waiting for her reply to Marie's praise. Haltingly, the maid answered, "Thank you," to the compliment. There was no other reply possible.    "I would have ironed the gown," Jency said, "but I admit my ironing is about equal to my cooking."    “I’m sure both are fine," Marie countered. "Still,you did plenty. After all, you provided the baby!"     "It's good thing you didn't try, sis, or you'd have scorched it to char," Pat scoffed. "The only thing you're fit to iron is Blackie's dog blanket."    “Pat! You sound like a mean older brother,” Sophie Belle scolded.    He shrugged, not caring how he sounded.    Could it be, Marie wondered, that Sophie Belle had achieved some control over her severe crush on Pat and that she finally saw him for the bad tempered dolt he was?  It hurt Marie how Pat had no care to embarrass her in front of the others. So tired of his sneering remarks, her patience with him had eroded to none.    Sensing the serious tension, Jency watched Angelique brush the tidbits from the table into a silver-lidded crumb pan. "I truly admire your lovely fancywork in embroidering the baby's initials on the hem."    "Mama tells us how her mother made it for her when she was born and how every child in the family since has worn it," Marie continued. "Their initials are there to prove it. Since Mama and Peeper aren't here, we have a wonderful sewing substitute in Angelique."    "I'm glad I could help you."    Sophie Belle sipped the last of her tea, rose and walked to the window to look out into the hard falling rain. “Does anybody know why christenin' gowns are always so long? They’re inches longer than needed ta cover the child’s toes.”    Marie shrugged. “I never thought on it before.”    "Neither have I,” said Jency.    When Pat offered no comment, Angelique spoke as she brushed more specks from beside Marie’s plate. "I remember something my mother said when I was a little girl. She occasionally did French heirloom hand sewing to have extra money for us. She was making pin tucks to the front of a christening gown and I asked her that very question. She explained that as the godmother is holding the child, the gown is supposed to drape over her arm and be long enough to cover her knees."    Pat infused some sour. "Why all this gum-bumpin' over a baby dress?  It's one of those worthless things you women care about."     "Some people have no manners, is all I can say," accused Marie. "And Jency, I don't mean you!" ***** Miss Martha's Cheese Straws

You'll need:

• 1 stick butter or margarine (low fat for baking is optional)
• 4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (My sister, Nancy Kamp, jewelry designer, editor and Lord High Executioner, recommends equal parts of Gouda, Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Splash of Tabasco®
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sifted flour

Mix ingredients and form dough into three tube-like logs about 2 1/2" in diameter. 

Cover in plastic wrap and chill for several hours.

Cut cheese rolls into 1/4" slices.

Place them on a flour-dusted cookie sheet and bake at 375° F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and semi-crisp.

Makes almost four dozen.

(Recipe originally printed on graciousjanemarie.com site)

First Official Poster

Here is the first official poster for my recently completed Goodbye Lie trilogy.  I thought the antique looking background added the element of history.  The phrase -  "where Little House on the Prairie meets Gone With The Wind ..." - combines the two wonderful entertainments to speak not only of family, but of tasteful romance.  The copy is descriptive yet simple.  I like it!   -jmm

PS - Did you notice, the poster says The Goodbye Lie series and I write about the trilogy.  Hmm ... Could that mean there may be a forth book in the future?  I'll enjoy the feeling of accomplishment for a few months at having three and then ...

Buy your paperback or e-Book today:
 
 The Goodbye Lie - http://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Lie-Jane-Marie-Malcolm/dp/0974918229/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422151796&sr=1-2&keywords=the+goodbye+lie

Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=amelia+island+velvet+undertow&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aamelia+island+velvet+undertow

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man - http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-MARK-OF-MAN/dp/1496944429

... at book sources everywhere!

Old Timey Book Stores

In this day and time, citizens of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida are blessed to have two old fashioned, stand alone book stores, which just happen to carry my Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy.  Hey, if I don't tell you these things, how will you know?

The new location for Books Plus is 1743-A South 8th Street. (Notice my three novels, at eye level. Perfect!  Thank you, Maggie  DeVries. She owns the store.) :

The Book Loft is found on 214 Centre Street, the main street in historic downtown Fernandina. :

 

Sea Jade (gift shop) at 208 Centre St.  It is fun to do book signings on Centre Street here because I tell readers how many scenes in the novels take place on the street right in front of them. 

 

I point to the marina and the beach, the roof of the Marina Restaurant as a vantage point for action out on the Amelia River, the Florida House Tourist Hotel around the corner... If you can believe it, I get very animated when I talk about my stories, the covers, the characters, etc.   Yesterday, during a  signing on a beautiful day, I heard a women say to her friends, "She was fun!"  I'll take that as high praise.  So, come to Amelia Island when you can and I'll be happy to introduce you to Breelan, Peeper, Aunt Noreen or any of the dozen folks in my trilogy.  Remember, the magic word is FUN!

And the Editor Says

My editor for Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, the third novel in my Goodbye Lie series, offered some interesting and flattering thoughts she has allowed me to share with you. 

http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-MARK-OF-MAN-ebook/dp/B00R1N4FVY/ref=dp_kinw_strp_exp_5_1

Here are a few of her favorite lines from the book.  I have removed character names to keep readers guessing who said what.:

• He was fun loving, free loving and frequent loving.
• ... willing, wanting and welcoming trouble.
• His words fell to the floor with a silent thud.
• Her emotions flashed between gray and a dark, deepening black... An all-consuming love for the child, loathing for the foe who'd violated her family, ... so much internal turmoil, she ...
• I adore you, Nugget, but if you don't quit pulling the weights on our grandfather clock and messing it up, I'll throttle you!
• What will become of me and what will I become?
• I can't know that word. ( Editor adds: All my kids said it that way, too. I can still hear baby voices saying it when I read that sentence.)

Editors says:

• "Awwww. Martha Bear has made it to another generation of Dunnigans."
• "I really love the way you worked in the shamrocks and what they represent into the story. Very nice."
• "What a foolish, foolish girl."
• "HaHaHa!! I DO LOVE PEEPER!! I just adore her.  Everyone should have a Peeper in their life."
• "Oh no!  Miss Ella left Peeper and Aunt Noreen on their own?  They will destroy each other!"
• "My gosh ...You have my heart palpitating.  You certainly have a way with painting a tense scene!"

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man is available in paperback and e-book form at book sources everywhere. http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-MARK-OF-MAN-ebook/dp/B00R1N4FVY/ref=dp_kinw_strp_exp_5_1

Goodbye Lie Excerpt- FL House

The Florida House on S. 3rd St. on Amelia Island, FL

Readers often ask me about specific places in my historical Goodbye Lie series, set in Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida. They want to know what is real and what comes from my imagination. So I did a walk about and took some photos. The Florida House is one such structure that is standing today.  Originally built as a boarding house for railroad workers in 1857, it is the longest running tourist hotel in the state.  

looking at the two story Florida House from the back courtyard

At book signings downtown here, I often point to 3rd Street and tell folks to walk to the Florida House, just a block off our historic Centre Street. I direct them to go inside and through to the back courtyard.  I have set several scenes there amongst the live oaks and pretty fretwork of the place. In the bar, in the front of the hotel, things happen.  Let's just say they are "less than friendly."  Hey, it's a bar, isn't it?

Here is an excerpt from The Goodbye Lie featuring The Florida House. The year is 1882. -

What awaits Breelan Dunnigan up those stairs?

Chapter 18

      The drive from Dunnigan Manor to the Florida House seemed especially slow despite the brisk tempo of the horse's trot. Not a word passed between the young couple. Breelan was silent in case her tears would anger him further, and he for fear she'd continue crying ...

      Despite the darkness, he was well aware of her secret attempts to wipe away the evidence of her unhappiness. He could feel her hushed sobs vibrate the carriage. What the hell was she blubbering for? He was the one who'd been tricked... He steered the buggy along side the hotel's granite stepping-stone. Helping Breelan out, he warned, "Enough of this. I won't have it. Do you hear?"

     She nodded. He was right. She straightened her skirts and inhaled a deep breath of cool river air, while he threw coins to the attendant, directing him to return the horse and carriage to the stable for the night. They climbed the steps of the long, two-story establishment and entered ...  

the trunk of an ancient live oak tree

     Breelan loved to come to the Florida House. She'd never actually stayed in any of the rooms before this, but her family oft-times ate in the dining room after Sunday morning mass at St. Michael's. Railroad folk as well as sailors, vacationers and locals all frequented it. How often had she climbed the old live oak in the back while the grownups pontificated over coffee and dessert? Now she was one of those grownups ... 

    After registering and exchanging niceties with the desk clerk,  they were shown to a second story room. It was quite lovely. The wallpaper spoke of romance with tiny bouquets of pastel flowers and a matching coverlet on the canopied double bed. The window trappings of lace would merely filter the moonlight. It could be an enchanted place if the circumstances were right.

     "I will leave you to your unpacking, Breelan. I'll be downstairs in the tavern." He caught the look of concern she cast his way. "Don't worry. I'll take heed of my drink. I won't let you go unattended in such a pretty room as this," he said caustically. 

     He quietly closed the door behind him and she breathed a sigh of self-comfort. He was gone. She was free if but for a moment. He had mistaken her look for concern. It was not. In truth, she hoped he would imbibe to excess tonight and every night, so he would never be able to ...

     The hour grew late and he didn't return to the room. Worn out, Breelan was still wide-awake. Her mind darted madly from her family, to where she would live, to her job, to the gossip, to... The cacophony in her head was generously peppered with the words and features of Waite. There was his handsome face, his hair, his eyes, his lips. In part or as a whole, the likeness was exact. It teased and tempted her until wriggling among the tangled covers of the bed a minute longer would surely bring her more tears, those of hopeless frustration. She had to get out of the room, to feel the stirring of the breeze against her hot, flushed cheeks. 

     Concealing her nightdress beneath her cloak, she descended the rear stairs, intending to refresh herself in the rain barrel out back. She splashed the cool water on her cheeks. It trickled down to her elbows, tickling her to irrational giggles. She languished in the luxury of laughter. She hadn't laughed since, since when? She couldn't remember. Resting the heels of her hands on the edge of the barrel, she hung her head. "I wish this were the ocean. I'd put my toes in the water and let the cool waves creep up my ankles. I'd ..."

     "You'd what, Breelan?"

     She heard the resonant voice seek answers softly in her ear. She responded longingly, "Oh, Waite. You'll never know how I wish you were real and with me and able to tell me all the things I want to hear. It will never happen for us. Never. I deserve to suffer... But to make you suffer, too. If what Nora says is true and you really love me, I can never forgive myself for causing you pain. I pray you find someone to fill your mind and bed. Don't waste your life pining for me, my love. If only that kiss I dreamed of on your ship had been real. If I could feel your lips touch mine, I could tolerate whatever comes. I ..."

     She dreamed he was behind her. He was grasping her shoulder, turning her quickly, pulling her against his unyielding body. She dreamed his arms were around her, holding her fast to him. Then his mouth was on hers, hard. His breath rasped from his lungs. She breathed him into her and tasted his soul. His essence was all male. Every thought she'd ever had of how superb his kiss would be was surpassed in this illusion. Thank God for her dreams. They belonged solely to her. The fear of hell would never take them from her. 

     "Bree, Bree," he said against her lips.     

    And she felt strong hands on her wrists. They pried her arms from around his neck, similarly opening her eyes to reality. It was no dream. Waite's glorious face was before her in the night and his eyes danced. Here in the dim moonlight, she could only stare at him. She placed her hands on his mildly whiskered cheeks, ran her slender finger the length of his scar and kissed it. He kissed her in return, taking her lips between his. He held her again and this time she rubbed against him, making him moan from somewhere deep within. 

     Glass shattered as a disagreement broke out in the bar. She didn't care. She didn't care about anything, but kissing him. Still, the insistent tinkling of the crystal continued to interrupt her pleasure. It was taking him from her. "Don't let me go. Please, don't ever let me go," she whimpered as he pushed her away and held her off.

     "Breelan. Breelan." He had again taken advantage of her. He knew it and for that too short moment, he didn't care. He was thinking only of himself. He would pay later. He tasted her on his lips, and she was finer than he'd remembered in all the nights he'd lain awake and all the times he'd walked the deck of the Comfort. He wanted her so badly. He wasn't sure his willpower would win a contest with his loosened desire ...  

     He shook her from her splendid stupor. "Bree, you've got to hear me. With all the craving a man can endure, I want you. Do you hear? Do you understand me? I want you. Finding that you feel the same brings me such joy, I can hardly ..." Waite was unable to finish his sentence. "Knowing the truth at last was worth all the hours of agony, all the uncertainty of guessing if you cared for me. I love you and realize you love me. You do love me, don't you? It isn't merely a physical attraction between us, is it? Tell me it's more." 

     "Waite Taylor, you've got to feel my love. It's so alive in me, I think I can reach in, grab hold of it, and show you. Believe me, believe I love you. And only you." She answered breathlessly, leaning into him, trying to make him hold her again.

     "Then, when I die, I'll be smiling."

*****
All novels in Jane Marie Malcolm's trilogy, The Goodbye Lie, Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow and Amelia Island's Mark of a Man are available as ebook and paperback at book sources everywhere.  Find online or just ask at your local bookstore.