Six months ago I wouldn’t have been able to suggest one use for a leek, nor tell you what it tastes like.

Today I know oodles, and I can tell you that a leek, while similar in flavour to an onion; is more mild, doesn’t cause tears and is much more pleasant when eaten raw.

In fact, the leek has cropped into a plethora of dishes that I make because it is so incredibly versatile.

My first leek-experiments began with leek soup. Unfortunately since I was new to the world of soups, my first few attempts did not turn out quite as planned. My first successful dish was a leek and cauliflower cream soup which I would heartily recommend to anyone!

From there it invaded my stir-fries, noodle dishes and finally it conquered salads. No one had suggested that I try eating the leek raw, but it was that day that I truly discovered what they are capable of. While it still leaves a faint onion-y aftertaste, it is nothing compared to the violence of a raw onion! 

Today was the leeks crowning moment, thus far at least. It has now also taken over the realm of sandwiches.

The result? A healthy meal that any sandwich lover will enjoy, and that I’m going to share with you!

What do you need?

A nice whole grain/wholesome bread.
A leek.
A tomato.
A few slices of cheddar.
Finely grated parm.
Mayonnaise.
Salt and Pepper.

In my case all were organic except for the mayonaise. I would like to have left it out, but sadly I enjoy it just a little too much.

Variations: I suspect a mild ranch dressing would have also complemented the sandwich. Lettuce would have been a wonderful addition, I simply didn’t have any. And avocado as well, though I can’t abide the texture.

First, toast the bread. Slice the leek and tomato thin, the leek especially. You will want to use the white of the leek, (and do make sure it is well washed as sand likes to sneak between the leaves).

Spread the mayo on one toast. Place the tomato first on the other slice of bread, covering as much bread as possible, followed by a plentiful amount of finely sliced leeks. (There is method to this particular madness – the mayo softens the one side of the sandwich while the juices from the tomato work their magic on the other. This way you can avoid putting mayo on both sides and you don’t have to worry about a dry sandwich. Blatantly I think these things through just a little too much.)

Crumble the cheddar onto the bread and then sprinkle a teaspoon or so of the parm on top.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the nicely mayo-ed side onto it all and voila! A decadent and delicious dinner. :P

Long live the leek!

“As the war between the Republic and the scattered  remnants of the Empire continues, two  children–the Jedi twins–will come into their powers in a  universe on the brink of vast changes and challenges.  In this time of turmoil and discovery, an  extraordinary new Star Wars saga  begins….

On  Kessel, Luke picks up the trail of his two friends,  only to come face to face with a weapon so awesome,  it can wipe out an entire solar system. It is a  death ship called the Sun Crusher, invented by a  reclusive genius and piloted by none other than Han himself…”

I spent the weekend introducing the original Star Wars series to my niece and nephew. They are finally at the age where they can appreciate such things, and I was tickled pink to be there when it was unveiled for the first time.

Watching the movies yet again made me want to re-read all my favorite Star Wars books – they are such a wonderful continuation to the brilliant creation that is Star Wars.

The books I am introducing to you today are another such series, The Jedi Academy Trilogy.

It features world threatening peril, gives you glimpses into the universe that were only hinted at in the movies, and continues the adventures of the original Star Wars gang. These stories come from the mind of Kevin J. Anderson and are written brilliantly, though I would expect nothing else from him.

If you want to read the books in chronological order from the movies, this is not the place you should start, however you definitely want to make it here.

I’ve been debating posting a suggesting reading order of the Star Wars books that feature the original characters – if you would like to see this on my blog, please leave a comment! (It will motivate me to get it done.)

/5

1. Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Jedi Search: Volume 1 of the Jedi Academy Trilogy: Book 1
2. Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Dark Apprentice: Book 2 (Star Wars: Jedi Academy Trilogy)
3. Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Champions of the Force: Book 3

When they say ‘you are your own worst critic’, it’s true. At least in my case. It is the easiest thing in the world to convince myself that the novel I’m working on is terrible. It is nearly impossible for me to believe that it will turn out the way I want it too.

I know the chances of a first novel being even remotely good are next to none. Then again, I never liked hanging my hopes on statistics either.

Fear could be part of it. Fear of putting everything out there and not succeeding. Fear of not being able to try again if this attempt fails miserably. Fear of finally finding out what other people think of my writing.

Ok. The fear is definitely there, no doubt about it, but fear can be beaten, conquered. All you need is a little faith.

So where, after all these years, is my faith in my abilities? I’ve only been wanting to do this since elementary school.

WHY, why, why, is it so hard for me to believe I can??

I’m driving myself bonkers with my constant worries – my constant doubt. And yet, the thing is, nothing anyone says is going to make even the tiniest bit of difference, because the only person who will be able to convince me that this is all going to work out. Is me.

So what the heck am I going to do? I don’t know. The only thing I know is that I’m not going to let self doubt get in the way of me finishing this book. I’ll get it done, no matter what.

I must.

“It’s five years after Return of the Jedi: the Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, and driven out the remnants of the old Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting Jedi Twins. And Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of Jedi Knights. But thousand of light-years away, the last of the emperor’s warlords has taken command of the shattered Imperial Fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the new Republic. For this dark warrior has made two vital discoveries that could destroy everything the courageous men and women of the Rebel Alliance fought so hard to build. The explosive confrontation that results is a towering epic of action, invention, mystery, and spectacle on a galactic scale–in short, a story worthy of the name Star Wars.”

This trilogy is one of my favorite additions to the Star Wars universe, and I know a good Star Wars book when  I read them! I’ve been an avid lover of Star Wars since I first watched the movies when I was 10ish — it was my first real jump into science fiction and I haven’t looked back since.

This series is well written, the plot catches your attention, the characters are built perfectly and those from the movies retain the personalities that you would expect.

If you love Star Wars as much I do, I would definitely recommend this series!

/5

The Trilogy:

(Click on the cover to go to the book page on Amazon)

I did a little dance of joy when I saw this book was available on kindle – and a split second later my jaw dropped when I realized that it was on for 99c.

This is the first book in an incredible mystery series by Christian author, Sigmund Brouwer. I own this series in paperback – signed with the words “Follow your dreams.” It is very special keepsake to me now, even though it has been over ten years since I had the book signed.

The story in this book grabs you and pulls you in from the very first page. The characters are compelling and the story is a fabulous example of Sigmund’s work.

If you’re a fan of westerns (cowboys and Indians style) or mystery novels – you’ll want to read this book. I’m going to mention again that Sigmund Brouwer is a Christian writer, because so many people get their nose in a twist if they don’t know that those undertones are there before they start reading.

Wonderful book – all the sequels are also on Kindle, (and you won’t want to miss those either!)


5 Stars!!

Well last night was certainly interesting on the dream front… So interesting I tried to post the whole thing as a facebook status update — but was then informed it was just too darn long.

Due to those technical difficulties I have decided to instead share my dreams with the world. Lucky, lucky you!

Dream A: “FAMILY FEUD” My family went bonkers, brought every Christmas decoration they have ever owned and set them up in my living room… before raiding my fridge and kidnapping me to go on a shopping trip.

Interesting right? I’m sure the psychologists could have a field-day with that one. Well interesting as it was, the next one beats it hands down. 

Dream B: “THE ALIENS ARE COMING” In this dream aliens were descending from the heavens, bringing with them doom and destruction. The only course of action was to board gigantic space ships and escape out into the galaxy, not knowing if we would find a place to call home along the way. An alien, disguised as a human and on board the escaping ship, will only make our valiant quest that much more difficult. He revealed his true form, that of a glittering blue humanoid, to the Captain and I but has prevented us from uttering the terrible truth, ‘We are not alone.’ We can only watch, and hope, as humanity puts their fate into our hands.

Tune in tomorrow for more from “Beth’s Crazy Subconscious Brain”.

I came across a plethora of books by writer John Locke and I chose to read this particular one for two reasons.

1. It was 99c
2. It had a witch in it.

I don’t often read westerns so I hoped the slight shift into my preferred genre would make it easier on me.

All in all, I don’t think I needed it. The book itself wasn’t completely up my alley, which is why it isn’t getting as high a rating as you think it might deserve — but it was very well written.

I think the thing that bothered me the most was the fact that you don’t seem to find out quite enough about some of the characters. I’m really going to have to look into it, and see if I can find some sequels/related books that fill out the story a bit. 

This particular book focuses on the seedier underbelly of the western days, so don’t expect all fluff and happiness. His writing is catchy and rather unique – and a great plus is, if you decide that you like John Locke, he has a plethora of other ebooks priced at just 99c. Next best thing to free! (Only, in this case you’re supporting the writer!)

You can expect me to review another of his books in the future, I’m curious if his other books have the same tone or if they follow a completely new style.

3.7 Stars

P.S. This book isn’t a super long one.

“Never underestimate the blonde. “The British spy is elegant, suave and sophisticated. The British spy is not blonde, built and confused.” 

But Sophie Green is, and she’s just been hired by a highly secret government agency. She drives a car the colour of bile and is obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She doesn’t know which end of the gun to fire from and her hair hasn’t been natural since she was twelve. But that’s not going to stop her from trying to save the day, once she figures out who to save it from.

Sexy spies, plane crashes, firebombs and multicoloured cocktails—they’re all in a day’s work for Sophie. Roll over, Bond, there’s a new bombshell in town. And it’s got Sophie’s name on it…

Warning, this title contains guns, swearing, dark thoughts about cheerful people, incomprehensible Britishisms, and painful sarcasm.”

I‘m going to start off this review with the less than glowing recommendation of ‘I don’t normally read this particular genre’. Oh sure sure, it has the romance aspect, which I enjoy, and the tongue-in-cheek humor, which I also enjoy – but those were two details I didn’t know about before I began to read this book. 

All I knew was that it looked like a kinda girly spy book. It was. But it was funny, and once I got in to it… surprisingly enjoyable.

I’m giving it a 3.5. Which is still really good on my scale – as I don’t write bad reviews. (Even one potion means that the book has enough redeeming qualities for me to write about it.)

/5
I heartily recommend it for a light read – and especially so right now, as you can download it for free!

Even though it is not my genre, I’m going to read the sequel just as soon as I have a little more cash available, cause I can’t help but be curious about what happens next.

P.S. It is an adult novel, but ‘that’ stuff isn’t explicit. Just so ya know!

It was silent when I left, nothing but the click of the door and the occasional call of a crow to break the emptiness. I took a deep breath of the crisp morning air, revelling in the way it poured into my body, refreshing and clean.

Ten steps was all it took. Ten steps to bring me within viewing distance of the front window, and it was all shattered. A high pitched yelp of dismay brought the serene world crashing down around me. A quick glance over my shoulder revealed that I had left the window open just a crack, just enough for the noise to seep out and pollute the world around me.

I hastened my steps as the barking continued behind me, the barking of a dog left all alone – locked up while her humans went out and played.

Photo courtesy of ascappatura

There wasn’t a soul around and I figured that once I was out of sight she would quiet, so there wasn’t much point going back to close the window and calm her down. Halfway down the block the noise began to fade, swallowed up by the distance I had put between us.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as the barks began to slow. There, you see, I was right.

Pfft.

She must have said something to the effect of, “There goes my human, don’t let her get away!!” because her chorus was taken up, one by one, by every dog on the block… and down the street.

As I walked, the admonition followed me, dogging my every step. Pardon the expression. The cries of all the puppies who had felt her pain, her loneliness.

I wasn’t gone long – maybe ten minutes. When I arrived back at the house I wasn’t greeted with the usual panting and attempted kisses. She took one look at me, I swear she tipped her nose into the air, and walked away.

Should have gone back…