Author J R Turner Writes About Romance and Chocolate (and includes a contest)

Romance and Chocolate

by J R Turner 

     
The contest portion has ended

There are few times in a person's life they get to experience a first. By it's nature, there can only be one. A first kiss, a first touch, a first love. These are the moments that linger with us for the rest of our lives. I still remember the name of the first boy who kissed me. For me, as a writer, I count myself ultimately blessed—I get to live these moments again and again—through my characters.

The Extreme Hauntings series didn't begin as a romance. As in most of my books, however, romance became an integral part of the story. In the third book, the one I'm in the "heart" of right now, my heroine Kaylee, just turned fifteen, is experiencing her first true love. The boy next door (literally) has become the young man of her dreams (literally.)

Through Kaylee, I'm recalling the way nothing in the world matters as long as the boy of your affections is by your side. I remember how little I cared about school or parents or being in trouble—as long as I had my first love. Drawing on these memories takes me to places I cherish, and creates a story people hopefully will find as satisfying to read as they I have to write.

There is only one thing that can accompany such wonderful memories. One thing in the whole wide world: chocolate! I am a chocoholic. My favorites are Dove's dark chocolate minis, Mounds, and when I'm feeling especially motivated—homemade chocolate chip cookie dough truffles. The recipe is simple and the family loves to help me eat them!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

½ cup butter, softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1-1/2 pounds semisweet candy coating, chopped
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 tbsp shortening.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, milk, vanilla and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Shape into 1-in. balls and place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt candy coating, stirring often until smooth. Dip balls into coating and place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Melt white chocolate chips and shortening in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until runny. Drizzle stripes over truffles. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Yields 4 dozen truffles.

Contest
      
The contest portion has ended

Jenny will be giving away 3 book thongs to 3 readers. Contest runs for 3 days. (Use #3 when playing the lottery. It can't hurt)

To be eligible do one or more of the following:
* Leave a comment - 1 point
* Ask Jenny a question - 1 point
 * Link this interview to your own site or a social network site, and be sure to let me know the URL - 1 point for each link

If your email is not associated with your ID, please put the address in your response. Contest ends Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day) at 11:59 PM PST.





J.R. Turner is the author of the Extreme Hauntings series. The first book, DFF: Dead Friends Forever is available at Amazon.com, Kindle, Fictionwise, and Echelon Press.com


PVN: Jenny, thanks so much for visiting Patricia's Vampire Notes! I cannot wait to try the recipe. I noticed you did not list the number of calories so I assume there aren't any :)