Dear Friends,

Let me start with wishing everyone a happy, healthy, stress-less 2021.  If you feel like you’ve been living in the spin-cycle of the washing machine, you are not alone.  2020 was a year where you wanted to hide under the bed as we were  bombarded with bad news on a daily basis.  So, for this new year’s resolution let’s “resolve” to be strong, and kind.  I know it’s hard to be pleasant when your life is in chaos,  but remember you are not alone.  We are all going through this together, even if we are apart.  Hang in there.  I truly believe better days are ahead.

I want to thank all of my fans for supporting my books and watching the Hallmark movie this past year.  The comments I received about my Christmas decorations were some of my best gifts.  I am grateful that I can bring a bit of escapism, romance and a little adventure into your lives.  Speaking of an adventure, my new feline family has given me lots of laughs and love.  I had no idea cats could be so affectionate and playful.  Yes, they play with everything.  And I mean everything.  It was quite the challenge keeping them out of the Christmas trees! I wonder what they’ll try to conquer this month!

On the book front, Bitter Pill has landed in the stores with a spectacular package.  This is #32 in the Sisterhood series but if you haven’t read any of the previous novels do not be dismayed.  You can pick this up and get a lot of background throughout the story.  All you need to know is that it’s a tight, talented group of women with one agenda:  getting justice when the system has failed.  From Aspen, to Sag Harbor, to London, the sisters track down a few wicked, greedy doctors who prey on rich widows.  There are lots of shenanigans on both sides making it a thriller across America and the Big Pond.  I’m not going to give away any more of the story, but trust me, it’s a satisfying read.  At least that’s what the early reviews say!

Most of us will be dealing with winter weather so I am going to leave you with a few recipes for comfort food.  Please be safe, and let’s look forward to a year of God’s good grace.

All the best,
Fern

P.S. Don’t forget to enter to win a signed copy of Bitter Pill!

Pasta Fagiole (pronounced pasta fa-zool)  an Italian staple:

Serves 6

1 box (1 lb.) of mezzi rigatoni (that’s small rigatoni) or small shells.  Cook as directed on package when it’s time – usually 12 minutes
2 (8 oz.) cans of cannellini beans – drained and rinsed (if you want to use dry beans, soak them overnight)
1 (16 oz.) can crushed tomatoes – do not drain
3-4 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon dry oregano
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (preferably Italian) or (1) teaspoon dried
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil 0r (1) teaspoon dried
2½ Cups grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (save ½ cup to sprinkle when serving)
Crushed red pepper to your taste (I like it hot!)
2 Tablespoons olive oil

Sauté garlic in olive oil until soft.  Don’t let it burn.  You can remove it once the aroma is infused into the oil.

Add tomatoes, oregano, parsley, basil, and (1) cup of the grated cheese

(If you want to add a dash of red wine that’s fine too!)

Let simmer for 30 minutes then add the beans.

In a large pot boil the macaroni until it is almost done (al dente).  Don’t worry it will soften more after you add it to the beans and tomatoes.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and add to the beans and tomato mixture, add (1) cup of cheese.  Simmer for another 15 minutes.

Sprinkle remaining cheese (and crushed pepper). Serve with crusty Italian bread.

This freezes well too.

Balsamic Chicken Stew

1 lb. of chicken (boned and cut into 2 inch pieces)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh pepper
3 celery stalks, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces or a small bag of baby carrots
2 shallots
3 cups of cut up potatoes
1 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock
1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons dried tarragon

Serve with egg noodles

Salt and sauté chicken until brown.  Do not overcook.  Set aside.
Sauté shallots, celery, carrots, and potatoes until brown.
Add stock, vinegar, tarragon to vegetables, then add the chicken.
Cook in a crockpot or stovetop for 2 hours.  Season to taste.