Monthly Archives: September 2012

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First things first: Hi, I've missed you! I'm back in the field at work, testing patients on our computer diagnostic system, so I'm no longer able to cook during the day, work at night. Such is the life of a regular working stiff, though, so I have to get used to it.

Second: I've sold over 60 copies of my book in just a few short weeks! Are you one of the cool people reading Passion's Tide? You should be!

Third: 

I GOT A KITCHENAID MIXER!!!!!

You won't believe how excited I am about this thing. It's so pretty, and shiny, and powerful, and HEAVY! Why didn't anyone tell me it weighs like 30 pounds?! But anyway, it's beautiful, and it's all mine!!

THANKS ELLEN AND DAD!

So after making cookies with the mixer (which took like...two seconds!) I decided to jump right in, feet first, in typical Sarah fashion: without reading instructions.

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And you know what? Everything came out better than expected. So watch out world! Sarah's come a long way in a year, and she's ready  to kick some more culinary ass!

Handmade pumpkin ravioli with sage cream sauce ...continue reading →

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I've mentioned my nephew, Charlie, a few times already.

You know, the cutest damn kid in the world? And I'm not just saying that because I'm related to him, in fact, I consider many people I'm related to to be quite un-cute! 

You know who you are.

(Anna, I'm just kidding. You know you're beautiful.)

P.S. for clarity, I will be supplementing this recipe with toddler speak, so that Charlie may understand this post and appreciate the love I have for him. 

Fsh in a haT

But anyway, one of Charlie's favorite things (probably his favorite word, too!) is Goldfish ("Fsh") crackers. I don't think I've ever seen him more than five feet away from a cup full of them, and he's munching on them all day, every day ("more, peas!").

So when I found this idea in my Dinner Express (better homes and gardens) book, I knew I would have to adapt it for my favorite little guy! ...continue reading →

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What is Taco Tuesday (or T2), you might ask? 

Well, this alliterative holiday is a weekly ode to deliciously cheap tacos,and a great way to relax with your friends. I have been attending Taco Tuesday celebrations for over 2 years, and it's definitely nice to have something in the middle of the week to look forward to, so you're not just waiting for Friday to hurry up and get here.

We gather at the bar around 8 and partake of $1.00 tacos, play pool and darts, and hang out on the deck if it's nice outside.

At the center of this group is our faithful friend, Taco Dan. Dan is the genius behind the counter, the master of the grill, the wizard of the fryer. He has made us delicious tacos week after week for years, and he has patiently listened to more intoxicated ramblings than I care to remember.

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Well, Dan has moved on to bigger and better things. *sniff sniff* His final Taco Tuesday was last week, but a power outtage left me without the means to finish my surprise cake.

Yeah, go ahead and take a closer look at those pictures. They aren't real tacos... ...continue reading →

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Oh blog, I've missed you so. I've been a negligent poster for the past month, because I've been frantically working to get my book finalized and available on Amazon.

And guess what?

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I did it :)

I, Sarah West (I decided to shorten it, as German-sounding names don't really work for Romance novels), am a published author! So far the feedback from my readers has been extremely positive, and I'm so thrilled that this labor of love is finally available for everyone to read!

Passion's Tide (I know...I can't say the name with a straight face either) is a swashbuckling adventure romance that takes place during the golden age of piracy. The protagonist, Amber, is a feisty, strong-willed woman who finds herself captured by the handsome (obviously!) pirate captain, Logan.

Unwilling to let herself be a quiet prisoner, Amber fights back, and the story turns into a battle of wits and intense desire on a journey across the Atlantic ocean.

pirate, party, booty, snacks, easy, kids, books, Passion's Tide, Sarah Westendorf, Sarah West, fun, biscoff, puppy chow, white trash, chex, chex mix, peanut butter, powdered sugar, skulls, pirates of the caribbean, theme, desserts, snacks, gold, treasure, chest, booty

As a writer, I find myself equally drawn to sexy romances and Indiana Jones style adventures, so I made sure that my story had a great deal of both. There's rogue pirates, drunken antics, sword fights, looting, plans gone awry, and a great deal of...well, romance. If you know what I mean.  ...continue reading →