Milan Watson's Blog

I didn’t buy an airfryer, honestly, I believed I didn’t need it. I was surprised when I was gifted one for my birthday by a group of friends, and I will be forever grateful! One New Year’s Eve a group of our friends all came together with snacks to ring in the new year. On a whim, I tried making pork belly bites in the air fryer and the results – they lasted only five minutes!

PrintCrispy Pork Belly BitesA delicious snack to be served at any gathering, or a quick scrumptious supper when served on rice.Course SnackCuisine ChineseKeyword crispy pork belly bites, easy pork belly bites, easy pork belly recipe, pork belly, pork belly bitesTotal Time 40 minutes minutesEquipment1 Air FryerIngredients1 kg Pork Belly Thawed1 tbsp Garlic Powder1 tbsp Onion Powder1 tbsp Brown Sugar1 tbsp Cajun Spice1 tsp Cinnamon3 tbsp Olive Oil Extra VirginInstructionsSlice and dice your pork belly into half inch squares.Grab a baking bag and toss in the pork belly pieces along with all the ingredients mentioned above. Give the bag a good shake until all your pieces are covered with the seasoning. Place half of your seasoned pork belly pieces in your air fryer at 200 degrees Celsuis for 20 minutes. Shake every five minutes to make sure they're sticky and crispy all around. Repeat Step 3 with the other half of your pork belly pieces. Serve with a sweet chili marinade or a coriander chutney. Finger Lickin’ Lamb Shanks Don't be intimidated by this classic. This recipe isn't only easy to make, but will leave you with tender, flavor-packed lamb shanks. Recipe instructions included for both slow cooker and pressure cooker options. Slow Cooker Duration: 20 Hours Pressure Cooker Duration: 3 Hours #wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #f8e71c; }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-33 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-50 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-66 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; } Check out this recipe Share by Email Pin Recipe

Eager to start your next journey in Saddleback Ridge?

 

Here are a few chapters to get you excited for what comes next. Prologue

 

Chicago, Illinois – 1 week ago

 

 

The satin kimono skimmed against her artificially tanned legs as she came down the stairs. Opulence surrounded her, just like the diamonds that hung from her ears. Their weight was bothersome, but that was the price she paid for living the life she did.

Her hair fell over her shoulders, like spun gold, bouncing with every step she took. She could hear the voices coming from the living room and headed in that direction. It was after midnight and the staff had dimmed the lights in the house, giving it an eerie feeling.

Just like the hushed voices in the living room made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She knew that the only time Santino Vitale invited his right-hand man, Eduardo Rossi, into their home after midnight, was if there was urgent business to attend to.

As a naïve nineteen-year-old, Elizabeth Scott had been enchanted by the handsome Italian man. She had been lured into a life of luxury and romance and had allowed herself to fall in love without a single touch of doubt. Those first couple of years had been wonderful. Private jets, yachts, luxurious condos in every city, and then of course the estate on the outskirts of Chicago she now called home. In the beginning, Santino had hidden everything from her, and she had been too young and dumb to even question where is wealth came from.

Now, he no longer felt the need to hide anything from her. He didn’t hide his executions, his drug deals with the Mexican cartels, or even the prostitution rings he operated.

“What do you want to do, Don Vitale?” Eduardo Rossi asked with a heavy northern Italian accent. Elizabeth had met Eduardo only two weeks after she met Santino, little did she know he was the consigliere of Santino’s organization.

Santino, the Don.

Elizabeth held back, wanting to find out what was happening before she just walked in.

“What did he tell them?” Santino asked in a low voice, laced with fury.

“Enough for them to know our delivery schedules for the next two weeks.” Eduardo answered gruffly.

“That’s enough for me to know he’s of no use to me,” Santino said before a gunshot rang through the house.

Elizabeth took a step back, not wanting to see who they had executed. She’d witnessed enough executions as Santino’s girlfriend to know that reasoning with him didn’t help. Santino Vitale was his own man and lived by a code of honor, loyalty, and violence. Anything else was simply dealt with.

“Get rid of it, and wake up the staff to clean up this mess.” Santino ordered Eduardo.

Elizabeth knew that tomorrow morning there would be a new carpet in the living room. She had stopped asking why the carpet was so frequently replaced, but she did wonder if they had a warehouse of carpets for whenever Santino lost his temper or dealt with a ‘problem.’

Elizabeth heard Santino’s footsteps and knew where they were headed. She could heard glass clink as he poured himself a scotch.

A wave of nausea washed over her as she turned and headed back upstairs. She wouldn’t have been awake if it hadn’t been for nausea, she reasoned as she slipped into their bedroom and closed the door.

She headed straight to the bathroom and reached for the stick beside the sink. She closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath, fearing what the result would be.

When she opened her eyes, despair rested on her shoulders with the weight of all Santino’s crimes.

Two blue lines.

Elizabeth sank down on the cold tiles, clutching the pregnancy test in her hand, glancing at the two lines that had just changed her entire life.

Having been raised as an orphan, she had been used to looking out for herself. Even when she discovered Santino’s role as the Don of the Italian Mafia in Chicago, she had believed she could look out for herself.

But there was no longer just herself to think about, she realized drawing in a sharp breath.

She got up from the floor, knowing that she had to hide the test before Santino found it. She rushed to the drawer and pushed it into a box of Tampax, knowing that would be the last place he’d look if he were to search for something.

When she caught her reflection in the mirror she saw a strength there she had never seen before. A determination. Just knowing that she had a baby growing in her womb, had already turned her into a mother, and she would do everything in her power to protect her child from its father and the life he led.

There had been a time when she had loved Santino, but his crimes had numbed her heart over time. She had trusted him and had loved him enough to give him her innocence and her future, but instead, he had betrayed her by lying about his identity. She had been caught up in a web of lies and deceit, and that wasn’t what she wanted for her child.

The courage she had always needed to leave, but could never be found, was suddenly making her heart pound with determination.

With her head held high, she headed downstairs to tell Santino. The words he said she wasn’t allowed to ever speak, were about to tumble from her lips.

She found him in the living room drinking a glass of scotch while one of the guards helped Eduardo wrap the body in a black tarp. Another thing that had always bothered her. Do they keep a roll of tarp somewhere on the property simply to dispose of bodies? She quivered at the thought of where they disposed of the bodies.

“Mi amor, come join me for a drink.” Santino welcomed her presence with that charming smile that had won her over that very first night.

“No thank you. We have to talk.” Elizabeth said firmly.

Santino let out an irritated sigh. “If you’re going to lecture me about punishment instead of death, I’m not in the mood. He betrayed me, no one betrays me.”

“It’s not about him, or about the new carpet that will be here in the morning. ” Elizabeth glanced at the body wrapped in a black tarp. “It’s about us.”

“We are the king and queen of Chicago, mi amor.” Santino set down his scotch and walked towards her. He framed her face with his hands, hands that had murdered too many men to count. Once he had charmed her, now his touch revolted her. “I’m listening.”

“In private,” Elizabeth said firmly. She slipped out of his touch and walked down the hallway to the study. She opened the door and waited for Santino to follow her.

A few moments later she closed the door behind and met his gaze as an equal. Until tonight she had perfected the role of being submissive to his desires and needs. She could see the curiosity in his gaze in her body language. “Is something wrong?”

“You mean except for the dead man in the living room? Or that you’ve woken up the help to clean up your mess?” Elizabeth knew she shouldn’t taunt his actions, but she couldn’t stop herself.

He cocked a brow, his gaze a warning.

“It’s not about that,” Elizabeth shook her head. “It’s over for me Santino. I’ll always be grateful to you for the years we’ve had, but it’s time for me to leave.”

Santino laughed. “Leave? Where will you go? You have nothing, you have no one. My familia is your familia. You’re just upset, it will blow over. Go back to bed, in the morning you’ll feel different.”

“I won’t.” Elizabeth said firmly. “I’m done, Santino. You can find another nineteen-year-old to seduce and spoil with luxury. I can’t live this way anymore, Santino.”

Santino stepped forward so quickly, that Elizabeth didn’t have time to step back. His right hand wrapped around her slim neck with such force that her hands flew up to free his hand as she gasped for air.

“Don’t underestimate my affection for you, mi amor. You’re mine and you’re not going anywhere. Don’t become a problem I have to deal with. ” His voice was low, but the threat resounded throughout her mind. He dropped his hand and the dangerous gaze seamlessly slipped away before it was replaced with charm and affection. “I love you and the thought of losing you, it hurts.”

His charm didn’t fool her, Elizabeth understood him well enough to know, that leaving wasn’t an option, only death was.

She summoned a smile and played the part of the doting lover he expected her to be. “You’re right, I’m just tired. And knowing you love me, il mio amante, you are my familia.”

She distracted him with a passionate kiss as she slipped the keys to the Porcha out of his pocket . Escaping Don Santino Vitale wouldn’t be an easy feat, but Elizabeth had watched his security detail closely over the years. She knew exactly when there wouldn’t anyone be watching, and exactly when she needed to act.

It was just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.

But she was done with him, his corrupt idea of familia, and this life.

It was time for her to focus on her future and the life of her unborn child.

 

 

Chapter 1

 

 

Saddleback Ridge – Current Day

 

 

Coming back had always been the plan, but it wasn’t until Liam Whitehead stepped inside Whiskey Woes, that he realized how glad he was to be back in his hometown.

It had been eighteen years since he waved his father goodbye and set off in a beat-up Corolla to join the NYPD. Ever since he could remember he had wanted to follow in his footsteps of becoming a cop, and Liam hadn’t ever regretted joining the boys in blue. He had often visited his father, Baxter Whitehead, the Sheriff of Saddleback Ridge, over the years, but this time he was back for good.

“Welcome back!” The crowd called out as familiar faces along with a few new ones, held up their glasses to him.

“Welcome back, son. ‘Bout time you came home to follow in your dad’s footsteps.” Baxter Whitehead walked up to his son with nothing but pride and joy in his eyes. “Another Sheriff Whitehead is exactly what this town needs when I retire.”

“Slow your roll Dad, it’s early days.” Liam chuckled as he accepted the beer his dad offered him. But his dad was right, Liam’s next career goal wasn’t climbing the NYPD ranks, but instead to take over as a small-town sheriff when his father retired.

“Welcome back buddy, I’d say you look the same, but I’d be lying.” Ford Caldwell slapped him on the back and shook his hand. “Never thought we’d see the day you left the big city for our humble Main Street.”

“Thanks, Ford, it’s good to be back.” Liam took a sip of his beer, savoring the bitter bubbles as they exploded in his mouth. Somewhere over the speakers a country song was playing, making Liam feel even more at home. “You must be Kelly, I heard you were conned into marrying this oaf.”

Kelly laughed, her eyes sparkling with humor. “And now I’m having this oaf’s kid. It’s nice to meet you Liam, I’ve heard a lot about you over the years, especially from your dad.”

“He embellishes.” Liam quickly apologized. “Dusty, man it’s good to see you. I heard you finally got that dude ranch going?”

Dusty nodded as she shook Liam’s hand. “And I married your girl.” Dusty pulled Gemma forward with a triumphant smile.

“Gemma,” Liam smiled warmly at his high school girlfriend. “Just as beautiful as I remember, but not as clever apparently. Why did you tie the knot with this fool?”

Gemma laughed. “He was around and you weren’t.” Gemma teased back.

“Come on, even Dad came out to welcome you back. It’s probably gonna snow this summer.” Dusty chuckled as he led Liam through the crowd towards where Clayton Caldwell sat surveying the crowd from beneath the brim of his hat. His moustache was still as big as life, but much whiter than Liam remembered.

“Mr. Caldwell, thanks for coming out.” Liam held out his hand and it was met with a calloused hand and a strong shake.

“Your dad wouldn’t have let me live it down if I didn’t. Liam, I’m sure you remember Betty Taylor, now Caldwell.” Clayton smiled at the lady beside him.

“I do. It’s nice to see you again, Mrs.…. uh Caldwell.” Liam summoned a smile trying to hide his bafflement. He never thought he’d see the day Clayton Caldwell remarried.

“It’s nice to see you to Liam. You used to mow my lawn back in the day, but I hear you’re doing much more important stuff now, catching the bad guys?” Betty smiled impressed.

“It seems all the Caldwells have been taken off my hands, so no more work for me here then.” Liam teased making even Clayton chuckle.

“Go on, git! Go have a beer with your friends.” Clayton nodded towards the bar where a few old friends were waiting for their turn to say hello.

Liam scanned the crowd and recognized almost everyone. There was Sawyer Pruitt had left for medical school before he returned to join his father’s practice. Logan, the youngest Caldwell brother stood there with a familiar woman, although Liam couldn’t place her for a moment. Only when he heard someone else say her name did he realize she was the famous actress, Norah Carter. He’d heard rumors about Logan dating an actress, but he didn’t believe them to be true. Bobby was there, along with Lucas and Jesse Carver.

Liam still couldn’t believe that the high school rebel had become the high school principal.

The next two hours flew by as Liam caught up with old friends, met newcomers to town, and enjoyed another beer or two. He’d made good friends in New York over the years, but there was something about old friends that made you feel comfortable and home. It was a welcome change from the constant pressures of living in New York.

Over the years Liam had worked his way up to detective and although it had been a career goal, the workload and the pressure sometimes got to him. But regardless of that, there was no sweeter joy for Liam than bringing justice to a criminal who thought he’d evaded it.

Many say that being a cop runs in your blood and Liam couldn’t help but agree. He couldn’t imagine himself doing anything else. But it had been time for him to take a step back and reassess his life. New York hadn’t given anything but career success. He was divorced, still single, and still living in the same apartment he had moved into twelve years ago.

Liam had finally decided that it was time for a change. Time to prioritize his dreams of having a family and raising his children in a small town, over the next rung on the ladder in the NYPD. Taking over from his father when he retired had always been the dream, but now with his father only had a couple of years left before retirement, Liam had decided now was a good time to take the leap and head back home.

“This ain’t O’Malley’s but at least it’s an Irish pub.”

Liam turned and his mouth curved with a smile of recognition. “Jack Archer, what the hell are you doin’ on this side of the country? Thought you had your own thing going in New York?”

“I did, but I was seduced with pastries.” Jack reached behind him and Bobby stepped forward.

“You and Bobby, that’s a story I’ve got to hear!” Liam laughed. “Bobby did you know Jack and I were beat cop partners back in the day? I was his rookie.”

Bobby’s eyes widened. “No, I didn’t. Small world, ain’t it?” Bobby shook her head. “It’s good to see you again Liam, welcome home.”

“Thanks.” Liam nodded before he turned to Jack again. “So what are you doing in Saddleback Ridge?”

“I live here now, came out for a case, fell in love, and I stayed. Still running a few investigations here and there, but I’m mostly focused on the ranch.” Jack shrugged.

Liam laughed. “You have a ranch?”

“He has more like a homestead thing going, still finding his feet. The only thing he didn’t manage to kill last summer was his tomatoes.” Bobby teased.

“You should stop by sometime; we can catch up on old times.” Jack insisted.

“I will,” Liam agreed.

As he glanced around Whiskey Woes he couldn’t help but envy how many of his old friends had found love. When Liam had gotten married, it had been his dream to have a family, but the walls of the marriage crumbled before they even decided to have children.

He held up his glass to Jack and made a silent toast to himself. It was time for him to focus on his future and to dream new dreams, New York would always be there, but it was in his past.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

“Cap, I don’t think she’s lyin’.” Aubrey Broome walked into the captain’s office, his eyes wide with a serious look.

“Yeah, and how do you know that? She make a promise?” Captain Charles Salvador, head of the organized crime unit, asked with a cynical look.

“Nope, but she’s given me names, dates, locations. I think we’ve got enough here to build an iron-clad case against Santino Vitale. The only thing she doesn’t know is how the bodies of disposed of. She witnessed seven executions since she’s been his girl.” Aubrey shrugged. “The only problem is, as soon as Vitale notices she’s gone, he’s going to turn this city upside down looking for her.”

“If she’s real, like you say she is, then it’s we best we keep her under wraps for now. Vitale has been known for his far reach, especially when it comes to the law. No one goes into that room, except for you and me, understand? I don’t care if you have to sleep on the floor by the door, no one gets to her. Understand?” Captain Salvador said clenching his jaw. “I’ve got some calls to make, but before I do, I want to ask Miss Scott a couple of questions.”

Aubrey led the way to the interrogation room where they had put Elizabeth Scott eighteen hours ago when she had simply turned up at the police station in the middle of the night. He unlocked the door before letting Captain Salvador inside.

“Miss Scott, this is my superior, Captain Charles Salvador. He’d like to ask you a few questions.”

Salvador took a seat and for a moment just watched her. He could tell a lot by watching someone. Were they trying to hide something with their body language, were they anxious, were they angry, all those things you could tell simply from watching someone.

“Look, this isn’t pay-to-view.” Scott snapped at him. “And this isn’t food. I’ve been in here for the last eighteen hours. You’re treating me like a criminal although I want to help you bring one of the biggest criminals in Chicago down. I’m not saying another word until I get a chicken salad, a bottle of water, a box of prenatal vitamins.”

Salvador’s mouth curved in the corners. “Thank you for answering my question.”

“You didn’t ask anything.” She said with a sigh.

“Aubrey, get the salad, the water, and the vitamins.” Salvador handed Aubrey cash before he focused his attention on Elizabeth Scott again. He waited until Aubrey closed the door behind him before he spoke.

“You’re here because you found out you’ve been knocked up. Two blue lines finally gave you the wake-up call you needed to realize you’ve been dancing with the devil. Now you’re here not to help me, but because I’m the only one that can help you when he realizes you’re gone. So what’s the deal Elizabeth, you want protection in exchange for testifying when we go to trial?” Salvador asked with a cocked brow.

She didn’t even flinch. Salvador couldn’t help but recognize the signs of a woman who had spent the last eight years of her life around dangerous, callous men.

“Well done, you got me. But before I can testify, you have to bring him down.” Elizabeth reminded him.

Salvador shrugged. “From all the information Aubrey says you gave him, that won’t be too hard. But it might take some time. Before I make sure you and your baby are protected, I need to know if I’m your ticket out of Chicago or out of that life. I don’t mind it either way, it’ll just help the marshals decide where to put you.”

She held his gaze with determination. Regardless of how exhausted she was she jutted out her chin and straightened her shoulders. Salvador couldn’t help but admire that although she was slim, with a slight build, there was steel in her eyes when she answered him. “I’m done with Chicago, and I’m done with that life. As long as I’m safe, I’ll sing for every judge he comes before.”

Salvador allowed a rare smile to curve his mouth. “Then I’ll make sure they put you somewhere safe. Somewhere I don’t even know.”

Salvador made the phone call in front of her. “It’s Captain Charles Salvador here from Chicago PD organized crime division. I’ve got a witness I need you to take off my hands, long term.”

When Aubrey returned, Salvador headed back to his office to go over the information she gave Aubrey. He didn’t just have enough to set a trap for Santino, he had enough to put him away forever. It might take some time, but in the end, it would be worth every second.

 

***

 

“Welcome home, sleepy head.”

Elizabeth was startled in the passenger seat of the vehicle. She glanced out the window and saw a sign that read, ‘Welcome to Saddleback Ridge, Population 5436.’

“Where exactly is home?”

After spending a total of twenty hours at the police station she was escorted to a safe house for the night where she met US Marshall Matthew Tate. She had been kept in her room for the next thirty-six hours while arrangements were made for her to go into witness protection. After another takeout meal and hardly any sleep, Tate had taken her to the airport.

A jet had flown them into Kansas City from where they had taken a car and had been driving for the last nine hours. Tate had secured some clothes and toiletries for her, and in her own bag, Elizabeth had her camera, her prenatal vitamins, and the five grand of cash she had taken from Santino. She could’ve taken more, but she didn’t really want his money. She just needed enough to get on her feet, and then she planned on donating the rest anyway.

“Colorado, about sixty miles south of Colorado Springs. We’ll be meeting with the sheriff; he’ll be your liaison for the duration that you’re in the program. If anything happens, he’s the first to know.” Tate explained as he slowed the vehicle.

Elizabeth glanced out the window and admired the flowerboxes in front of quant little stores. It looked as if this town could be the poster for small-town America. “No more silk or diamonds for me.”

“What was that?” Tate asked as he pulled up in front of a diner.

“Nothing. Just still coming to terms with how my life has been changed in the last thirty-six hours.” Elizabeth yawned again. She wasn’t sure if it was emotional exertion or the pregnancy that had her feeling so exhausted.

“Just remember, you left Elizabeth Scott behind in Chicago. She’s gone, forever. From here on out you go by your new name, which is?” Tate turned to her with a cocked brow.

“Emily Smith.” She nodded. “Nice of you to keep the initials the same at least.”

“We didn’t, it was a coincidence. We usually have a few identities lined up in case of an emergency. It was simply a matter of sticking your photo onto your driver’s license and social security card.” Tate killed the engine and turned to her with a questioning look. “If you climb out of this car, there is no turning back. You understand that.”

Emily nodded. “Elizabeth and Don Vitale are in my past. This is my future.”

“Good, then let’s go meet Sheriff Baxter Whitehead.”

Emily followed him into the small-town diner. If she expected the scent of bacon grilling, or waitresses buzzing back and forth with meal orders, she’d been wrong. It was four am, and the only people who knew she was there were, was Tate and the man were sitting in the back of the diner with a curious look and a Stetson hat with a sheriff’s badge.

“Marshall Tate, it’s been a long time.” Sheriff Baxter stood up and shook Tate’s hand.

“Yes, it has. Thanks for being ready on such short notice. I’d like to introduce you to Emily Smith, from Portland. She’s been waitressing in my restaurant for the last four years, before that she studied photography. She’s here to take some time off and see if she can make a living by selling her photos online. Wanted to get away from the cold and heard about your town on a tourism site.” Tate made the introduction, including her backstory.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Smith. Welcome to Saddleback Ridge. Just like you booked online, you’ll be renting the guest cottage on my ranch for a few months, or until you’re ready to move on.” Sheriff Baxter said with a warm smile.

Emily understood the code, she’d be staying there until the trial brought her back to Chicago.

“Thank you.” Emily nodded.

“Got your things?” Sheriff Baxter asked glancing around her.

“They’re in the car. They fixed her up with a go bag, it ought to last a week before she’ll need a fresh change of clothes. Her camera has been approved for relocation. Here’s a new memory card.” Tate said to Baxter before handing her a new memory card. Her old one had been confiscated by Salvador.

The men exchanged a few pleasantries before they all headed outside. Emily was shown to the sheriff’s cruiser and her duffel bag was tossed in the back. The sheriff joined her a few moments later and smiled at her before he turned the engine over.

“Welcome to Saddleback Ridge, Emily. I’m sure you’re eager to see your new home?” Sheriff Baxter asked with a kind smile. She wondered how long it would take for her to become used to the name Emily.

For the first time in years, Emily felt completely safe. He had an authority about him, with a touch of calm that calmed her for the first time in days. “Thanks, and yeah, I am.”

“Haven’t had anyone in there for a while, but it’s clean and the sheets are fresh. If there’s anything else you need, you just holler.”

“I will.” Emily nodded. “I’m sure I’ve got everything I need.”

“I stocked the cottage up with some groceries, but same goes, just let me know if you need anything that isn’t there.”

For the rest of the ride, the Sheriff made small talk about the weather and the small-town folk. He told her about the best spots to take photos and assured her that she would be safe under his care. When he pulled up outside a small cottage, Emily couldn’t help but sigh with joy.

“It’s….” her voice broke, struggling to find the wrong words.

“I know, it’s not what you’re used to and it needs a little work. Come to think of it, especially yard work. But it’s safe.” Sheriff Baxter promised her again.

Emily shook her head. “I wanted to say it’s beautiful. It’s absolutely perfect.”

The cottage was nestled beneath an old oak tree, the porch already inviting her to put up her legs and just wind down. Although the lawn was a little overgrown and there were more weeds than flowers, that didn’t matter in the least.

For Emily, the cottage looked exactly like what it was meant to be.

A sanctuary of peace.

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

Liam waited for the coffee machine and looked out over his father’s ranch. Compared to the other ranches in the area, his father had little more than a homestead, but to Liam, it had always felt like a ranch.

The log house with a large wraparound porch had always brought him calm. The scent of lemon furniture oil would always remind him of his mother, although it had been almost twenty years since she’d been the one to apply it to the furniture.

She might have passed away long ago, but she was still present in every part of the house. Just like his father, Liam had always believed that Clayton Caldwell wouldn’t move on when his wife passed away. To see Clayton happy again, and embracing life and love made Liam realize t hat he wasn’t too late.  If someone could find love at Clayton’s age, there was hope for Liam yet. As for his father, he couldn’t help but wish that his father found someone again. Ever since his mother passed and Liam had left Baxter’s sole focus was being the Sheriff. Baxter Whitehead would never admit it, but the loneliness had to get to him. Especially, on Sunday mornings when he phoned Liam and talked for hours.

Liam didn’t see himself as lonely, just as a work in progress. For a moment he was taken back to his divorce and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Luckily, his mind was quickly distracted when he saw his father’s cruiser drive into the yard. A young beautiful blonde woman sat in the passenger side of the cruiser.

Liam’s eyes narrowed. Perhaps his father had moved on, he just hadn’t been around to know it. A few moments ago he had hoped his father would find love again, but seeing his father now with who could only be his girlfriend, made Liam feel a little uneasy.

The women had to be younger than him!

But instead of stopping by the house, he drove past and headed around back. Curiosity had Liam moving to the dining room that would allow him to follow the cruiser with his gaze. He saw his father pull up next to the guest cottage they hadn’t used in years. Confusion had Liam’s brow furrow. Was his father trying to hide his girlfriend from him?

The women climbed out of the car, her lush honey blonde locks hanging down her back. She looked around, as if she was afraid of being spotted by Baxter’s son. Liam shook his head, as his father took a duffel out of the back and scanned the yard before he opened the door.

There was only one reason his father wouldn’t want him to know about her, he was embarrassed about her age. And there was only one reason why a girl that young would be with a man his father’s age; money.

Apparently, Liam couldn’t have returned to Saddleback Ridge soon enough. His father was so busy protecting the town that he didn’t realize he was the one that needed protection from gold-diggers like the blonde slipping into the cottage with his father.

Liam clenched his teeth before he headed to the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of coffee and drank it dark and bitter, hoping it would help the sour taste his father’s affair had left in his mouth.

A few moments later the backdoor opened and Baxter walked in. He took off his sheriff’s hat and hung it on the hook by the back door. “You’re up early?”

“Good morning to you to.” Liam greeted stiffly, wondering how he was going to broach the subject of the blonde in the guest cottage. “You were out early?”

“Yeah. Do your old man a favor? Grab a box of tissues, a couple of fresh towels and a carton of milk from the fridge and take it out to the guest cottage.” Baxter spoke whilst pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Liam had wondered how he would ask his father about his young girlfriend, but apparently he would have the opportunity to ask her that himself. “By all means.”

He gathered what he needed before he headed out back to the guest cottage. Once he had a talk with the blonde she wouldn’t be there long. He knew how to scare off a criminal and he recognized one when he saw one.

She was probably already planning on getting his father to change his will and then it was just a matter of waiting until he kicked the bucket before she could cash in. With every step his blood boiled a little more. His father might be old, but he didn’t deserve to be outwitted by a young and pretty gold digger.

He banged on the door, ready to interrogate and intimidate whoever it was that thought they could cash in on Baxter Whitehead’s old day.

No one took advantage of a Whitehead, especially when there was another whitehead around. The Cheyenne might run thin in his blood after three generations, but right now, he was ready to scalp the women who thought they could fool his father.

Make sure to keep an eye on your emails so you don’t miss the release of a Time to Trust.

When I first met my husband, his mother treated us to a chicken casserole made over an open fire.

It was delicious and as I am a big fan of chicken, I loved it. Over the years I’ve added some different spices, vegetables and herbs. I’ve experimented with what works and what doesn’t. The recipe I’m sharing with you is the one I’ve perfected over the years and is always a crowd pleaser. There is never anything left, and if there is, it’s claimed as lunch for the next day.

PrintChicken PastaA delicious cheesy chicken casserole that will please the entire family.Course Main CourseCuisine South AfricanKeyword chicken, chicken cheese casserole, chickenpastaPrep Time 25 minutes minutesCook Time 2 hours hoursTotal Time 2 hours hours 25 minutes minutesServings 6 peopleIngredients2 kg Chicken Pieces and Diced Fillets2 Onions1 Bell Pepper I prefer using red2 cups Chopped Celery1/2 cup Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil2 tbsp Cajun Spice2 tbsp Chicken Spice1 tbsp Paprika2 cups Grated Cheddar Cheese250 g Mushrooms Diced3 Tomatoes DicedPepper to tasteSalt to taste500 g Pasta ShellsInstructionsSaute Onions in hot oilAdd chicken and spices to skillet and brown until goldenAdd the lid and let it simmer for 45 minutes on medium heat until chicken is cooked. Stir for the last time.Spread tomatoes and celery over chicken and cover pot with a lid for 30 minutes.Distribute the mushrooms over the current ingredients. Spread pasta over the ingredients in the pot and cover with water (About 1 litre). Cover pot and let it simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.Remove from heat and cover the pasta with cheese. Return the lid and let it rest for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts.Enjoy with a summer salad or roasted vegetables. NotesIn South Africa, I usually make this over an open fire using a size 6 cast iron pot. This recipe can be made on the stove in a dutch oven as well. The chicken always turns out juicy and the pasta is bursting with flavor from absorbing the spices.  Finger Lickin’ Lamb Shanks Don't be intimidated by this classic. This recipe isn't only easy to make, but will leave you with tender, flavor-packed lamb shanks. Recipe instructions included for both slow cooker and pressure cooker options. Slow Cooker Duration: 20 Hours Pressure Cooker Duration: 3 Hours #wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #f8e71c; }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-1-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-33 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-50 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-1-66 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; } Check out this recipe Share by Email Pin Recipe Easy Pizza Base The best no fuss, no mess, no yeast pizza base recipe you'll ever make.Perfect for those nights when you want all of the flavor and none of the effort. #wprm-recipe-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #f8e71c; }#wprm-recipe-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-2-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-2-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-2-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-2-33 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-2-50 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-2-66 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; } Check out this recipe Share by Email Pin Recipe

Pizza, I’ve come to realize is something you either love or you hate.

My family LOVES pizza.

In the past, before I had this recipe, I didn’t love it as much. Because instead of playing with flavor combinations and enjoying the time spent with my family, I used to be the one kneading the dough.

I HATE KNEADING.

Maybe it’s because I’m bad at it, or maybe it’s because it’s hard work, but this no-knead pizza dough recipe absolutely changed the way I look at pizza. I scoured the internet and recipe books and found numerous recipes for pizza dough. I tried all of them, but either they were too baking-powdery (is that even a word?) or they turned out too crispy. 

After much trial and error, I finally managed to create this one, which is the closest thing to yeast pizza dough in my opinion. 

It’s a quick recipe you can whip up in minutes and leaves the hungry crowd satisfied every time. 

It doesn’t include yeast, so no need to knead or to let it rise. 

The best part – it tastes delicious!

PrintEasy Pizza Base#wprm-recipe-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-3-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-3-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-3-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-3-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-3-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-3-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }The best no fuss, no mess, no yeast pizza base recipe you'll ever make.Perfect for those nights when you want all of the flavor and none of the effort. Course Appetizer, Main Course, SnackCuisine ItalianKeyword easy pizza dough, no knead pizza dough, no yeast pizza dough, pizza doughPrep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 10 minutes minutesServings 4 Pizza BasesIngredients2 1/2 cups Flour3 tsp Baking Powder1 tsp Salt1 cup Water1 tbsp Canola Oil / Extra Virgin Olive OilMy Secret Pizza Base Sauce1 tin Tomato puree1 tbsp Freshly crushed garlic1 tsp Dried Oregano1 pinch SaltInstructionsMix all ingredients together until you have an elastic dough.Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.Once your dough has rested, create smaller balls from which the pizza bases will be rolled out.Dust a counter top with flour and begin to roll out your dough. Don’t worry about your pizza base being round – make the shape that best suits your baking tray or sheet. We’ve done circles, rectangles, and once the kids even made large triangles – they each had ‘one’ slice of pizza that night. Use your own pizza sauce for the base, or blend together my secret pizza sauce and spread generously over pizza base.Add all your favorite toppings. Once your toppings are perfect remember to smother them with grated cheese. I use a mixture of white and yellow cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Now bake your pizza at 180 degrees Celcius (350 Fahrenheit) for fifteen minutes and enjoy! Need ideas for flavor combinations

Here are a few of my favorite combinations.

Island Hopper

Fried Bacon Bits

Pineapple Chunks

Chopped Bell Pepper

Crispy Onion Bits

Fresh Arugula *

Avocado Slices*

*Add after baking 

Euro Perfecto

Pepperoni

Olives

Caramelized Onions

Cherry Tomatoes

Extra Garlic

Fresh Basil*

*Add after baking

Hot Stuff

Grilled Chicken

Bell Peppers

Chilies / Chilli Sauce

Mango Slices

Crispy Onion Bits

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Pizza, I’ve come to realize is something you either love or you hate.

My family LOVES pizza.

In the past, before I had this recipe, I didn’t love it as much. Because instead of playing with flavor combinations and enjoying the time spent with my family, I used to be the one kneading the dough.

I HATE KNEADING.

Maybe it’s because I’m bad at it, or maybe it’s because it’s hard work, but this no-knead pizza dough recipe absolutely changed the way I look at pizza. I scoured the internet and recipe books and found numerous recipes for pizza dough. I tried all of them, but either they were too baking-powdery (is that even a word?) or they turned out too crispy. 

After much trial and error, I finally managed to create this one, which is the closest thing to yeast pizza dough in my opinion. 

It’s a quick recipe you can whip up in minutes and leaves the hungry crowd satisfied every time. 

It doesn’t include yeast, so no need to knead or to let it rise. 

The best part – it tastes delicious!

PrintEasy Pizza BaseThe best no fuss, no mess, no yeast pizza base recipe you'll ever make.Perfect for those nights when you want all of the flavor and none of the effort. Course Appetizer, Main Course, SnackCuisine ItalianKeyword easy pizza dough, no knead pizza dough, no yeast pizza dough, pizza doughPrep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 10 minutes minutesServings 4 Pizza BasesIngredients2 1/2 cups Flour3 tsp Baking Powder1 tsp Salt1 cup Water1 tbsp Canola Oil / Extra Virgin Olive OilMy Secret Pizza Base Sauce1 tin Tomato puree1 tbsp Freshly crushed garlic1 tsp Dried Oregano1 pinch SaltInstructionsMix all ingredients together until you have an elastic dough.Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.Once your dough has rested, create smaller balls from which the pizza bases will be rolled out.Dust a counter top with flour and begin to roll out your dough. Don’t worry about your pizza base being round – make the shape that best suits your baking tray or sheet. We’ve done circles, rectangles, and once the kids even made large triangles – they each had ‘one’ slice of pizza that night. Use your own pizza sauce for the base, or blend together my secret pizza sauce and spread generously over pizza base.Add all your favorite toppings. Once your toppings are perfect remember to smother them with grated cheese. I use a mixture of white and yellow cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Now bake your pizza at 180 degrees Celcius (350 Fahrenheit) for fifteen minutes and enjoy! Need ideas for flavor combinations

Here are a few of my favorite combinations.

Island Hopper

Fried Bacon Bits

Pineapple Chunks

Chopped Bell Pepper

Crispy Onion Bits

Fresh Arugula *

Avocado Slices*

*Add after baking 

Euro Perfecto

Pepperoni

Olives

Caramelized Onions

Cherry Tomatoes

Extra Garlic

Fresh Basil*

*Add after baking

Hot Stuff

Grilled Chicken

Bell Peppers

Chilies / Chilli Sauce

Mango Slices

Crispy Onion Bits

Sweet Chilli Sauce

This dessert recipe isn’t just packed with creamy, crunchy, caramel-minty goodness, it’s also a South African favorite. 

It is served for any and every occasion and even makes it’s way to the outdoors for a dessert after a barbeque.  No one exactly knows who created it, or where the original recipe was first made, but it’s a classic in every South African home. 

Just like with most folk recipes, every family has their own little twists and turns they add to their version of this popular dessert. Today, I’ll be sharing with you my family’s recipe.  My husband has a sweet tooth like no one I’ve ever met, yet he doesn’t really care much for baked desserts. But when it comes to a Peppermint Crisp Tart, he’s frequently threatened to eat the whole tart by himself. 

The best part about this dessert, is that there is no baking involved. It’s easy, quick, and simple to make with only a few ingredients.

Now onto the ingredients…

In South Africa we have a very popular candy bar called Peppermint Crisp, which is made by Nestle (A South African Company). I’m not sure if you have something similar where you live, but rest assured you can use any mint chocolate you can get your hands on. Your creamy filling might just not be dotted with green and chocolate speckles.

If you want to use the original South African classic, you can purchase it here:

Aubergine Foods

Wallmart

 

recipe.

 2 packets of  Coconut Biscuits (We use Tennis biscuits, but any square shaped coconut biscuit will work)

385g (1 tin) Caramel

3 bars Peppermint Crisp (or substitute with minty chocolate)

500ml Cream

2 Tbsp Melted Butter 

method.

 

This is the easiest part!

1. Whip your heavy cream until stiff or peaks begin to form. 

2. In a seperate bowl beat your caramel until it’s nice and creamy. (I prefer using an electric blender)

3. Now, put away the electric blender!

4. Grate 2 of your Peppermint Chocolates

5. Carefully fold in the caramel mixture with the whipped cream and crated peppermint chocolate – doesn’t that look yummy!

6. Crush all your coconut biscuits until they’re roughly small blocks. If you want you can go even finer, but I like the crunchy texture. Feel free to use your own discretion. You can even use a food blender for this step. 

7. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter. Now line the bottom of a baking dish (I usually use a glass rectangular dish) with the biscuit mixture. 

8. Layer your creamy caramel layer on top of the biscuits.

9. Grate your last chocolate and sprinkle over the top.

10. Refrigerate for 2 hours and enjoy!

Alternatively you can use the following steps to create a more layered Peppermint Crisp Tart

1. Whip your heavy cream until stiff or peaks begin to form. 

2. In a seperate bowl beat your caramel until it’s nice and creamy. (I prefer using an electric blender)

3. Now, put away the electric blender!

4. Grate 2 of your Peppermint Chocolates

5. Carefully fold in the caramel mixture with the whipped cream and crated peppermint chocolate – doesn’t that look yummy!

6. Layer the bottom of a baking dish (I usually use a glass rectangular dish) with the square biscuits.

7. Cover the biscuits with a layer of your creamy caramel mixture. 

8. You can continue layering biscuits and filling until your dish is full, just remember to always finish on a creamy filling layer.

9. Grate your last chocolate and sprinkle over the top.

10. Refrigerate for 2 hours and enjoy!

 

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe PrintBanana Loaf RecipeIn our home this is the ultimate go-to whenever there are a few overripe bananas lying around. It’s the perfect ending to every meal, perfect snack or lunch box filler. And for someone who doesn’t really bake (like me) this is a fool-proof recipe.Keyword banana, bananabread, bananaloaf, lunchboxfiller, snackPrep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 50 minutes minutesServings 4EquipmentOvenWhiskBread TinIngredients8 tbsp Butter1 cup Sugar2 Eggs3 Bananas Preferably very ripe1/2 tsp Salt1 tsp Baking Soda1 1/4 cup FlourInstructionsCream the butter, sugar, eggs, and bananas togetherFold in salt, baking soda, and flour.Pour batter into a greased baking tin and bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 Celcius.Serve warm with butter, honey, and grated cheese.

The story behind this recipe…

When I lived in the city you couldn’t tease me with a piece of lamb. Yes, now and then I would enjoy it, but it wasn’t part of our grocery list if you know what I mean.  I’ve always preferred white meat to red, so if you need a chicken recipe – I think I’ve got them all! But now that my husband is farming sheep, I’ve had to teach myself how to make the best of our new farm-to-table lifestyle. 

In the beginning, my lamb dishes were flavorless, tough, and quite frankly, nothing what lamb should taste or look like. But, if I really put my mind to something (and I’m equipped with the right tools), I can usually conquer any challenge.

Mastering lamb wasn’t any different. 

Over the last few years, I’ve learned how to make a lamb stew that always results in guests asking for more. I’ve learned how to cook lamb ribs before roasting them on an open fire, leaving the meat tender, juice, and the fat nice and crispy.

But when it came to lamb shanks, I’ve been hesitant.

When it comes to cooking I’m not much of a recipe follower. I like to color outside the lines and add what my heart desires, my senses tell me and most of all, what I have in the pantry or the fridge. 

This recipe was no different. 

I searched for various recipes online, but not one of them was right for me. Eventually, I ended up combining about seven recipes into one and the results were amazing! I won’t show you pictures of the clean-eaten bones – but take my word for it – my guests (and picky husband) loved it!

So if you’re looking for a crowd pleaser that will be good enough for your most cherished guests, perfect for your Christmas table or just a nice heart-warming meal over the winter – this is it.

Please let me know how yours turned out!

Scroll Down to get the full recipe.

PrintFinger Lickin’ Lamb Shanks#wprm-recipe-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-5-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-5-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-5-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-5-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-5-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-5-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }Don't be intimidated by this classic. This recipe isn't only easy to make, but will leave you with tender, flavor-packed lamb shanks. Recipe instructions included for both slow cooker and pressure cooker options. Slow Cooker Duration: 20 Hours Pressure Cooker Duration: 3 Hours Course Main CourseCuisine South AfricanKeyword beginner lamb shank recipe, crockpot lamb shank recipe, easy lamb shank recipe, lamb shank recipe, lamb shanks, pressure cooker lamb shank recipe, slow cooker lamb shank recipePrep Time 12 hours hoursCook Time 8 hours hoursTotal Time 20 hours hoursServings 4 PeopleEquipmentSlow Cooker / Pressure CookerRoasting DishOvenIngredientsMarinade1 tbsp Smoked Paprika1 tbsp Dried Oregano1 tbsp Crushed Garlic1 tbsp Apricot Jam I use home-made1 tbsp Chili Oil Chili flakes can also be usedOlive Oil For drizzling4 Lamb ShanksSalt Add to tastePepper Add to tasteVegetables1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper Diced1/2 Red Bell Pepper Diced1/2 Green Bell Pepper Diced1/2 cup Celery Diced2 Onions Large4 Carrots Peeled and DicedInstructionsThe MarinadeCombine your all your ingredients (not the roasting vegetables) and rub into thawed lamb shanks. Drizzle with olive oil and leave to marinate in fridge for 8-12 hours. The Quick RoastTurn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 degrees Celcuis. Place the lamb shanks (with marinade) into a large roasting dish and add all the roast vegetables.Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. This brief period will encourage the juices and flavors of the spices and vegetables to mingle. Slow Cooker Recipe (8 hours cooking time)Add all the contents of your roasting dish to your slowcooker/crockpot. Add 500ml of beef stock to the pot. For this step I used a crockpot on the slow cooker setting. I cooked it for eight hours with the air release valve open over low heat. Only after the first four hours did the heavenly scent start to fill my kitchen.After eight hours I removed the shanks and vegetables from the crockpot and placed them back into the roasting dish.Use the leftover broth to make a delicious gravy by thickening it with soup powder and cooking on high heat for 10 minutes. Pour gravy over lamb shanks and vegetables before serving. Personally, I always serve lamb shanks with fluffy garlic roasted mashed potatoes.Pressure Cooker Recipe (3 hours cooking time)Place the lamb shanks (with marinade) into your pressure cooker and saute on high heat for ten minutes to get the juices flowing.Add 500ml of beef stock to the pot. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 1 hour.After the first hour release the pressure and add the roasting vegetables to the pressure cooker. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 1 hour.Release the pressure and remove lamb shanks and vegetables from the pressure cooker and into a roasting dish. By now they will be tender. Roast for 30 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 degrees Celcius.Set your pressure cooker on the saute function and add a little soup powder or thickening agent to the broth to create the gravy.Pour gravy over lamb shanks before serving. Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes.NotesI have used this recipe in both my slow cooker and pressure cooker and the results were amazing both times. Depending on your available time and kitchen equipment, choose the recipe that works for you.

If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below.

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window.addEventListener("load", function () { var jQuery = window.jQueryWP || window.jQuery; jQuery(document).ready(function () { if(jQuery) { var form_container = jQuery("#mailerlite-form_3[data-temp-id=649a3388d5a2a] form"); jQuery(".mailerlite-subscribe-submit", form_container).prop('disabled', true); jQuery.post('https://milanwatson.com/wp-admin/admi...', { "action" : "ml_create_nonce", "ml_nonce" : jQuery("input[name='ml_nonce']", form_container).val() }, function (response) { if(response.success) { jQuery("input[name='ml_nonce']", form_container).val(response.data.ml_nonce); jQuery(".mailerlite-subscribe-submit", form_container).prop('disabled', false); } }); if ( typeof form_container.validate == 'function' ) { form_container.submit(function (e) { e.preventDefault(); }).validate({ submitHandler: function (form) { jQuery(this.submitButton).prop('disabled', true); form_container.find('.mailerlite-subscribe-button-container').fadeOut(function () { form_container.find('.mailerlite-form-loader').fadeIn() }); var data = jQuery(form).serialize(); jQuery.post('https://milanwatson.com/wp-admin/admi...', data, function () { form_container.find('.mailerlite-form-inputs').fadeOut(function () { form_container.find('.mailerlite-form-response').fadeIn() }); }); } }); } } }); }, false); Easy Pizza Base The best no fuss, no mess, no yeast pizza base recipe you'll ever make.Perfect for those nights when you want all of the flavor and none of the effort. #wprm-recipe-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #f8e71c; }#wprm-recipe-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-6-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-6-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-6-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-6-33 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-6-50 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-6-66 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; } Check out this recipe Share by Email Pin Recipe Banana Loaf Recipe In our home this is the ultimate go-to whenever there are a few overripe bananas lying around. It’s the perfect ending to every meal, perfect snack or lunch box filler. And for someone who doesn’t really bake (like me) this is a fool-proof recipe. #wprm-recipe-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #f8e71c; }#wprm-recipe-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-7-33); }#wprm-recipe-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-7-50); }#wprm-recipe-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-rating-7-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-7-33 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-7-50 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-rating-7-66 stop { stop-color: #f8e71c; } Check out this recipe Share by Email Pin Recipe

I simply love tiramisu!

And although there is absolutely nothing like the real creamy, coffee, crumbly dessert, I don’t always have time to pull out all the stops. I also usually don’t have all the ingredients within reach.

This recipe is so easy to make and unless you’re having a famous chef over for dinner, I doubt they’ll even notice the difference. 

Just a few ingredients, ten minutes of your time and BAM! You whipped up an amazing Tiramisu that will have your guests begging for more. 

the list.

4 tsp instant coffee

4 tbsp coffee liqueur

250g tub mascarpone

85g condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

4-8 sponge fingers (depending on how much cookie you like)

1 tbsp dark cocoa powder (more or less) or you can use grated dark chocolate

the how. STEP 1 – Make the Coffee

Add 2 tbsp of boiling water in a jug and add the instant coffee, stir until dissolved. Now, add the coffee liqueur and 75ml of cold water. Set aside.

STEP 2 – Create your Cream

Grab your mascarpone, condensed milk and vanilla extract, now beat them together until the result is a thick, smooth cream.

STEP 3 – Layer it Up!

Yes, you can be finicky and create the perfect layered tiramisu, but if you’re like me, always in a hurry, this works best.

Destroy the sponge fingers! That’s right, break them into pieces and soak them in the coffee for just a few moments. Now grab a wine glass, a dessert bowl, or even pretty champagne flute, and put a few bits of the sponge at the bottom. Generously add some cream before sifting a touch of dark cocoa over the top. Chill for an hour, or four (depending on how much in a hurry you are to taste your creation) and enjoy!

 

get creative.

 

You can create as many layers as you want, or stick with one layer of each. Decorate with mint leaves, cherries, or even berries.

 

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

27 July 1876 – Somewhere in Colorado
The sun beat down without mercy, causing sweat to trickle down his neck and his back.

Bright sunlight, dust, and sweat caused his eyes to burn, as he kept his gaze on the horizon. Boone Caldwell reached for the kerchief in his pocket and dragged it over his eyes, hoping it would ease the burning.

He had spent the last eighteen days on horseback, and just like him, his horse, Lucky, was looking forward to reaching their destination.

Where that was, Boone hadn’t yet decided.

Boone hadn’t had a destination, or a home for that matter for the last eleven years. The last time he had a place he called home, was the day before he left to join the civil war. The 10th Regiment Indiana Cavalry had been raised in the spring of 1864.

He could still remember how proud he had been when he wore his uniform for the very first time.

How proud his father had been…

Boone had left his home and everything familiar back in Jefferson County, Indiana, and marched off to war.

Because he was only seventeen at the time, he had been lucky enough not to be on the frontlines, but instead was tasked to guard chuck wagons and help in the camps. Over the next year he followed his regiment through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. After being enlisted for only thirteen months the Union got the upper hand and Boone was released from his duties. He mustered out of Vicksburg, Mississippi on the 31st of August in 1865.

Boone’s father had been one of the one-hundred-and-eighty-two brave souls in their regiment that had lost their lives during service. With no family to go home to, Boone didn’t return to Indiana but instead allowed himself to be lured by the promise of finding gold.

With nothing but a knapsack, a horse, and a hat to his name, he set off to find gold. Many others were lured by the riches of finding gold after suffering during the war. Freed slaves, soldiers, and even immigrants began to travel West; all suffering from gold rush fever.

Boone wasn’t any different.

He’d heard the news of John White’s big strike at Grasshopper Creek in Montana, and decided that would be a good place to start his life as a miner.

For ten years he traveled through various states, trying his luck at every new location where gold had been discovered. New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, and Kansas, to name only a few.

Cherry Creek hadn’t delivered as much gold as Boone had hoped for over the last year, but it had delivered enough to keep him from using the money he had saved up from previous finds. Like that large rock, he had found in a stream in Nevada. It had been a magnificent son of a gun, weighing in at 7 ounces. He’d made quite a few more good finds in Nevada, but none reaching that weight.

That had been his largest find to date. Not only had it paid for the Colt Peacemaker on his hip, but it had allowed him to buy a Boss of the plains hat as well. The coins that were jangling in his saddlebag were also mostly from that find.

His someday-fund, as Boone liked to think of the drawstring bag he saved his money in.

Because someday he hoped to settle down, but until then, he and Lucky were destined to scour the streams for more gold.

He didn’t have a specific town, or state for that matter, in mind for their next stop, but he knew heading West was always a good choice when you were looking for gold.

Some might be afraid of the West; some wouldn’t dare travel there alone; but Boone had a spine of steel and enough wit to have survived this long.

His body rocked back and forth in the saddle, as Lucky walked at an easy pace. Some would say he could’ve been born in the saddle. Boone had no trouble sleeping, eating, or shooting straight from horseback.

The scent of spruce trees carried to him on the breeze as he admired the mountains in the distance. The Rockies were just as majestic as the tales he’d heard about them. Regardless of the heat, or the fact that it was summer, snow-capped the peaks.

“Won’t ‘cha look at that, Lucky. Ain’t it the prettiest sight?” Boone asked his horse while rubbing his neck.

He often had conversations with Lucky, especially when they’d been riding without seeing a single person for days.

The horse whinnied, as if he agreed with Boone.

Boone glanced up at the sky and saw it was a little past noon. “The next stream we find, we’ll take a rest. We can rather put in a few more miles after dark, than riding in this heat.”

He thought about what food he had in his saddlebag and decided it would be jerky and canned beans for lunch. It was a good meal, but when you’ve been having it every day for going on three weeks, it lost its appeal.

“Let’s hope we find a stream with one of those large plain cottonwoods for shade. Might even take a nap,” Boone considered as he reached for his bottle.

There was little more than two swallows of water left. He cursed under his breath for drinking it before he knew where they would next find water.

“Where there are mountains, especially snow-capped mountains, there’ll be streams.” He assured both himself and Lucky.

They covered a few more miles before Lucky’s ears twitched. Horses could smell water miles away and Lucky only did that when he heard a stream trickle through the landscape or smelt a lake.

“Go find it, boy.” Boone sat up straight in the saddle and took hold of the reins just in time as Lucky began to gallop in a north-western direction.

Sure enough Lucky had heard a stream. With no shade trees in sight, Boone urged him further upstream until he saw the perfect tree for an afternoon nap. It was a plains cottonwood, larger than most houses.

Its branches stretched out like a man after a long day’s ride, its lush foliage green as emeralds. Its shadow was dark and wide, promising a reprieve from the hot sun. As they neared the large tree, Boone heard the sound of water falling.

Curiosity made him urge Lucky on just a little further than the tree.

A smile curved his mouth at the sight of the rocky outcrop with water falling over its edges. Couldn’t have been more than five feet high, but it was a waterfall nonetheless. At the foot of the waterfall was a sparkling clear pool luring Boone to cool down before his nap.

He slid out of the saddle, leaving Lucky to roam free while he moved towards the stream. Boone leaned over the bank and filled his water bottle before he drank deeply. When he opened his eyes he saw Lucky doing the same only a few feet away.

“See, Lucky, I told you we’d find a nice spot to rest.” Boone grinned at his horse before he began tugging off his boots.

A falcon’s cry sounded through the air. Boone looked up from his boots just in time to see the falcon swoop low over the creek. Its cry could be heard for miles around.

For a few moments, Boone didn’t have a single care in the world. He basked in the serenity and the beauty of the falls and the landscape that surrounded him. During his travels, he had seen many beautiful places, but something was different about this place.

It seemed to feed his soul on some elementary level.

He drew in a deep breath and relished the scent of pine and spring water before he let it out on a deep sigh.

A few moments ago Boone had planned on riding long after dark, but now he couldn’t imagine leaving this place at all.

His mind began to race at the speed of a runaway train as he looked around and ideas began forming in his mind. He calculated how much money he had in his someday-fund and glanced at Lucky who was grazing nearby, tired of a long day’s work.

There would always be more gold, Boone realized, but would he ever find another place like this? Colorado was one of the states that offered land to accelerate the settlement of the West. He wasn’t sure exactly how many acres he could claim, but he knew it would be in the vicinity of a hundred-and-fifty.

Surely hundred-and-fifty acres would be enough for a homestead and perhaps even a few head of cattle? There was the filing fee, but Boone would pay it in a heartbeat if it meant he could call this little patch of paradise home.

He straightened up from where he had been kneeling on the bank of the creek and moved towards Lucky. With the patience of a man who had all the time in the world, he unsaddled his steed.

“I think we’re done ridin’, Lucky. Whatcha say about you and me makin’ us a home right here?” Boone asked as excitement began to course through his veins.

The horse nickered before shaking his head up and down. Sometimes Boone really thought the horse understood everything he said. “You like that idea, huh?”

Boone chuckled and glanced at the small waterfall once more. “We’ll call it Falcon Falls.”