I had such a good time at the Fan Con. I got to meet so many new people, speak on multiple panels, and share books with fellow readers! If you are in the Missouri/Arkansas area, make plans to attend next year’s event! Bonus…all proceeds help fund the library!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
With surnames like Brannon and Shannon in my family tree, you know I love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! But why do we celebrate it? It’s the feast day of Saint Patrick, commemoration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Now that’s something to celebrate! Some Irish families enjoy making Irish Soda Bread. Never heard of it? Here’s the recipe I use from Serious Eats for you to try out:
Ingredients
15 ounces all-purpose flour, such as Gold Medal (3 cups; 425g)
1 3/4 teaspoons (7g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use the same weight or half as much by volume
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 450°F (230°C) at least 15 minutes in advance. Roughly cover bottom of deep 10-inch cast-iron or enameled Dutch oven with sheet of parchment paper; no need to trim.
2. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl and whisk for full minute to combine. Stir in buttermilk with flexible spatula until dough is fully moistened and no pockets of flour remain. For extra-fluffy results, stop folding as soon as dough comes together. For extra-chewy results, fold dough about 20 seconds more. Scrape sticky dough into prepared Dutch oven and smooth with spatula into rough boule-like shape. Score deeply into quarters with sharp knife or razor, cleaning the blade between each slice.
3. Cover and bake until well risen and golden, 45 minutes. Remove lid and continue baking until chestnut brown, with an internal temperature of 210°F (99°C), 12 to 15 minutes longer. Invert onto a wire rack, discard parchment, turn right side up, and cool until crumb has set, about 30 minutes. Cut thick slices to accompany hearty soups and stews, or slice thinly for sandwiches. (This will be easier if bread cools at least 2 hours.) Store up to 24 hours in an airtight container and toast to freshen bread before serving.
Yummy!
Freebie for YOU from my friend, Lynn Blackburn!
If heart-pounding suspense with a touch of romance is your kind of read, you won’t want to miss Unseen Enemy by award-winning author Lynn Blackburn.
In Unseen Enemy, danger lurks in the shadows. When the enemy is unseen, who can you trust? Packed with tension, unforgettable characters, and twists you won’t see coming, this story is the perfect introduction to Lynn’s gripping romantic suspense.
And the best part? You can get it for free right now!
Lynn Blackburn is known for crafting fast-paced, faith-filled thrillers that keep readers turning pages late into the night. Whether you’re new to her books or a longtime fan, Unseen Enemy is the perfect way to experience her storytelling firsthand.
Stay Connected with Lynn: For exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more thrilling reads, follow Lynn here:
Don’t miss out—grab your free book today and step into the world of Unseen Enemy!
Robin’s Writing World
I recently attended a writers’ retreat, which I realized I deeply needed. So much fun and fellowship. Despite acquiring an inner ear infection the last day, it really was a wonderful, beautiful time in Arizona.
