Monday, August 23, 2010

Guest Stephanie Burkhart, a Contest and a Great Healthy Recipe!

I've been delighted to be part of the 4RV Publishing family since I signed a contract with them for my YA mystery in June. I have gotten to know many of the authors and illustrators, including Stephanie Burkhart. When she asked if she could run a contest with prizes on the blog - I was delighted! The recipe is pretty fantastic too. It's nice to see something healthy instead of the vintage recipes which usually require a defibrillator...-AA

I just want to thank Amy for having me today on my blog tour for my children's book, "The Giving Meadow."


Just a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, Brent, and two sons, Andrew and Joseph. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995.

I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me. The Giving Meadow is my first children's book and my first book with 4RV Publishing.

BLURB:

The Giving Meadow is about a caterpillar who hatches from his egg in the middle of a meadow. As he travels through the meadow, he meets new friends who learn the value of sharing.

"The Giving Meadow" is wonderfully illustrated by Stephen Macquignon (also pictured). Stephen primarily works in the medium of pen and ink and color digitally. He has had the privilege to work with Director Michael Sporn of Michael Sporn Animation Inc. He is also a monthly contributor for Stories for Children's magazine.  Stephen's children's books with 4RV Publishing include Angeline Jellybean by Crystalee Calderwood and Colors by Dana Warren.

Caterpillar likes to eat and he's always in the mood to share recipes. Here's one he likes – it's a weight watcher recipe that is quick to cook.

Linguine Verde
This is a perfect dish for summer, using fresh from the garden ingredients in an uncooked sauce. The head of the pasta helps to wilt the greens and herbs.
1/2 pound linguine
1 bunch arugula, clean & torn  (about 3 cups)
1 bunch watercress, clean &torn  (about 2 cups)
2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded & cut into strips
1/2 cup firmly packed torn basil
4-5 mint leaves, chopped
4 tsp EVOO
1/2 tsp salt
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
fresh ground pepper to taste

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile combine the arugula, watercress, tomatoes, basil, and mint in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the oil and salt, toss to combine. Drain the linguine and add the greens, then sprinkle with the Romano, half of the Parmesan, and pepper. Toss to cost, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and serve. 7 points a serving
For a milder flavor: replace arugula and watercress with escarole, parsley or spinach.

GOODIE TIME: Leave a post here on the blog. I'll pick two lucky winners to receive an autographed postcard of the cover. Winners will be drawn out of a hat, and I'll return on 15 AUG to announce them.

4RV PUBLISHING:
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Childrens_Books.html

AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Meadow-Stephanie-Burkhart/dp/0982588690/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279556653&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Giving-Meadow/Stephanie-Burkhart/e/9780982588697/?itm=1&USRI=The+giving+Meadow

STEPHANIE ON THE WEB:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
http://sgcardin.tripod.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357922219
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Burkhart/e/B003R00R5I/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1

STEPHEN ON THE WEB:
http://stephen-sketch2color.blogspot.com/
http://www.jacketflap.com/StephenM
http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Macquignon/e/B003K7NUVG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

11 comments:

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Amy, I just want to thank you for having me today. Such yummies on your blog. Caterpillar is going to have a feast! I have a small correction. I'll be here tomorrow, 24 AUG to announce the winners of the giveaways.

Smiles
Steph

Mona Risk said...

Steph, what a delicious and easy recipee. My type of recipees. I am finally home and able to check blogs and a ton of emails. Amy I have delicious and easy recipees too if you are interested. My grandchildren read ( I read for them at least 20 times)Steph's Meadow. They love it.

Sherry Gloag said...

Another great blog Steph, and I love the receipe. Thanks for sharing.

Barri Bryan said...

Steph,

This recipe sounds so easy and so good. That's my kind of cooking. So what if Caterpillar is a little plump? He's as cute as a bug. He might not be happy with that comparison. lol

Barri

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Mona - it's great to see you. How does it feel to be home? Caterpillar sends ((hugs)) to your grandchildren and he's glad they enjoyed his stories. Amy's receipes sure sound yummy, don't they?

Sherry, I like to eat light during the summer time, especially here in S. California where it gets so hot.

Barri - Caterpillar loves your comparison. hehe. I think he's going to spin a cocoon soon though. Maybe tonight... I'll keep an eye on him.

Smiles to all
Steph

Andrea at Nummy Kitchen said...

Amy,

I just found your blog today while doing a search for the "mirro cooky press" and what a find! I love seeing all of your vintage recipes and actually remember the "Honey Bear Bread" photo from one of my books. I also adore vintage cookbooks, but don't post much about them on my blog. Just wanted to send a quick note and let you know how much I've enjoyed looking around, I will definitely be back :)

Steph,

Your book sounds wonderful, I have added it to my amazon cart. My daughter is 5 and about to enter kindergarten, and she is crazy about bugs! Caterpillars are one of her favorites and I'm sure she will enjoy your book, along with her two little brothers. I look forward to getting it and sharing it with my children.

Take care,
Andrea

Maggie Toussaint said...

Hi Steph!

I've gotten out of the habit of doing much cooking, though I am proud to say that I still remember what EVOO is, LOL!

Wishing you and Caterpillar every success with your blog tour.

Maggie
http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com/

Beth Reinke said...

Wow, that recipe sounds delish! Caterpillar should be happily munching if you made him some, Steph. ;o)

Lovely blog, Amy! I'm a dietitian so love healthy recipes.
Beth
www.bethbencereinke.com

Carie said...

Hi Steph,
Your caterpillar is adorable:) The recipe sounds great. Does it end up being a pasta salad or do you serve it warm?
Carie

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Carie,
it more like a salad once the noddles cool. Very fresh.

Maggie - I love Rachel Ray and EVOO

Beth - I love weight watchers, but it's been a struggle for me since having Joe. I need to go back and get serious, but it's hard because I have no child care and it's just me. Taking a 3 year old to a meeting, even mommy and me is very hard.

Andrea, nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the book!

Congrats to Andrea & Carie - winners of the Autographed PC!! Please send me an email with your snail mail and I'll get them right out to you.

Smiles
Steph

Andrea at Nummy Kitchen said...

Yay! So glad to have been picked. My daughter is so excited. I sent you an e-mail (to your yahoo address, hope that's the right one) :)

Amy, thanks for hosting!