Taste of Halloween Pumpkin Bread Recipe

 

Hi everyone,

To celebrate the start of October (and Halloween season) I’m sharing my recipe for pumpkin bread.

Next week, I’ll be showcasing a new Halloween-themed anthology, Halloween Horror Vol. 2. Stay tuned for links and more!

Taste of Halloween Pumpkin Bread

1 ½ cup flour

½ tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

¼ cup water

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. allspice

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Sift together flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices. Pour into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until it’s all just combined (don’t over stir!) Add chopped walnuts if you’re using them.

Pour into well-buttered 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until done in the middle. Remove from pan and cool on a rack.

Options: If you like your pumpkin bread extra spicy, feel add a little bit more of the allspice and nutmeg. (I do!) Or add a ¼ tsp. of pumpkin pie spice to give it an extra boost.

Serving suggestions: I like this bread plain, but you can eat it with butter, or transform it into a dessert by adding whipped cream, or serving it with ice cream. However you eat it, it makes a yummy snack!

And if you’re looking for something spooky to read, why not check out my horror novella, Nightmare in the North? Read all about it here:

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/nightmare-in-the-north

Happy Haunting!

Kelli

Friday Food Blog: Spring Layer Cake

Hi everyone!

Since it's Friday, I decided to share a Friday Food Blog. Here's a recipe that's a favorite in my family. This easy-to-make colorful cake is a perfect spring treat!

Pastel Layer Cake

Ingredients:
1 package (2 layer size) yellow cake mix
1 package (4 serving size) Jell-o Lime Flavor Gelatin
1 package (4 serving size) Jell-o Lemon Flavor Gelatin
2 tubs (8 oz. each) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed

Directions:
Prepare cake mix according to directions on the box.

Divide batter into 2 bowls. Add lime gelatin to one bowl, lemon to the other. Stir thoroughly. Pour each into separate greased 9 inch round cake pan. (You’ll have 1 lemon and 1 lime.)

Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. (Oven times vary, so check cake.)

Cool 15 minutes and remove cakes from pans. Let cakes completely cool on a wire rack.

Place one cake (lime or lemon, your choice) on a serving plate and spread with ½ tub of whipped topping. Top with other cake layer. Frost cake with remaining whipped topping. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Options:
This simple recipe can be modified in a variety of ways. You can change the Jell-o flavors to create your own combinations: orange-pineapple, cherry-black cherry, blue raspberry-raspberry, etc. Or make a cake with one flavor (all orange or all lime).

If you want a more natural option, substitute homemade whipped cream for the Cool Whip.

Enjoy!

And if you’re looking for something to read, be sure to check out the book pages of my site. Whether you love romance, horror, sci-fi, or maybe want to write a story of your own, I’ve got something for everyone!

Kelli

 

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - November 2018 Issue

Hi everyone!

In this issue of the Quill, I’m announcing the release my new romance anthology, Cupid’s Schemes, revisiting my online writing course, sharing news plus a few blog links, and a fast Q&A session.

NEW ROMANCE RELEASE

Cupid’s Schemes - A Collection of Sweet Romances

In these 16 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.

Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:

* a Medieval knight courting a pretty lady

* two neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it

* a dehydrated mermaid rescued by a handsome stranger

These lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/boZxkZ

BREAKING NEWS

My Gothic historical romance, REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST, just got a 4 ½ star review from Night Owl Romance. Read the review here: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Nikkitrueblue-reviews-Redemption-From-A-Dark-Past-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins

Looking for something to read this weekend? Check out my newly updated Books2Read page. It features my romances (in all genres), my horror fiction & more!

https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins

November is National Novel Writing Month!

If one of your goals is to finally write that short story or novel, then don’t miss out on FICTION WRITING FOR BEGINNERS. This online course is designed for anyone who is interested in writing and needs practical advice on how to get started, PLUS motivation and encouragement to keep writing.

Thirteen easy-to-follow classes cover the writing process from start to finish. You’ll learn where writers get ideas, how to create characters, get expert tips on writing your story, and find out how to submit it for publication. Everything you need to know to start writing is wrapped up in this comprehensive and fun course.

Each class is self-contained and self-directed. This way, you can learn about a specific topic at your own pace, and not worry about completing the class by a certain deadline. Short writing exercises at the end of each class highlight the subject matter and get you writing.

If you’ve always wanted to write, Fiction Writing for Beginners will get you started. Visit the course page to learn more and enroll: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

Remember, November is NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month!

KELLI’S BEEN GUEST BLOGGING

Here’s a pre-Thanksgiving treat - my simple side dish recipe for wild rice & broccoli. https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2018/11/guest-cook-kelli-wilkins.html

Looking for a yummy autumn treat? Get my recipe for pumpkin bread here:

https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2018/10/guest-cook-kelli-wlkins.html

Read about my latest horror novella, Nightmare in the North. Post includes an excerpt!

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/single-post/2018/10/12/Spooky-October-Spotlight-on%E2%80%A6-Nightmare-in-the-North-by-KWilkinsauthor-horror-bookboost-FridayReads

SHARING FUN PHOTOS

In September, I became a photo contributor on istock and Shutterstock. I’m uploading images in all categories: Halloween, nature, travel, and more! Visit my profile pages to view my pictures.

https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/kelliwilkins

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kelli+wilkins

Don’t forget, I’m also on Instagram! I shared lots Halloween photos throughout the month of October. https://www.instagram.com/kelliwilkins2/

4 FAQ

Q: You’ve written several horror stories and 19 romances. Between horror and romance, does writing one come more naturally than the other? What inspires you to pick up the pen to write a horror story?

A: I originally started out writing horror short stories, and then I alternated with romance. I think I have a good balance of writing in both genres. (One half of my brain does horror the other half does romance.) I generally get inspired for horror the same way I do for romance – an idea pops into my head, the story clicks, and off I go.

I was able to combine both worlds in my paranormal romance, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover. It’s a romance, but it also has a gothic-horror feel. So does my historical, Redemption from a Dark Past. Although it’s not a paranormal, it takes place in a secluded Carpathian Mountain castle.

Sometimes after working on several romances I’ll switch and write a horror story. It allows me to change up my writing style, use different settings, and create characters you wouldn’t find in romance. My horror short stories are more psychological/spooky/creepy than gory, and I like to explore the darker aspects of a story and not always give the characters a happy ending (as I do in my romances).

Q: Share with us one thing about yourself that we wouldn’t think to ask.

A: Even though I write horror stories, nobody ever asks me about the paranormal. One thing you probably wouldn’t think to ask: “Do you believe in ghosts and the supernatural?” The answer is definitely yes.

Q: What types of books do you read? Romance? Horror? 

A: I have a very eclectic bookshelf. There are all sorts of new age, self-help, horror, romance, mystery, and non-fiction books on my selves. (It’s like a mini-library.) Basically, if a book looks interesting and the subject appeals to me, I’ll give it a try. Right now I’m reading the Preston & Child “Pendergast” series of books. They’re suspense/mystery with excellent plots and great characters. 

 I’m always reading! When I finish my writing for the day, I like to lose myself in a book that I haven’t written. It’s nice to read something where I don’t know what’s going to happen next.

Q: What are you working on right now? What can your readers expect from you in the near future?

A: I’m working on a non-fiction romance guide, Cupid’s Schemes Volume 2, a collection of sci-fi stories, and outlining new romances. 2019 will be a busy year for me. Stay tuned for new release news and updates on my blog and social media pages.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Quill. Please share it with your social media friends. I welcome questions and comments from readers and authors, so feel free to drop me a line via my site, blog, or social media. 

Happy Reading,

Kelli