If you’ve been following this blog, you know that one of these days I plan to write an epic historical novel. And my current work-in-progress is a paranormal romance. These are just two of the reasons I am thrilled to welcome Sharon Buchbinder today to tell us a little bit about her Historical Paranormal Romance, KISS OF THE VIRGIN QUEEN (The Wild Rose Press, October 14, 2015). She also shares a slow cooker recipe for pot roast, which is the perfect homey dish for this cold and stormy time of year!
Who is your main character? Tell me about her.
Makeda, Queen of Sheba, the country now known as Ethiopia. She was born in 985 B.C.E., ascended the throne at the age of 15, and travelled to find wisdom and meet and fall in love with King Solomon at the age of 18.
What would Makeda, Queen of Sheba choose for her last meal?
Injera bread, spicy beef stew (key wat), and tej, honey wine, and dates and pomegranates for dessert. This is her comfort food, all the flavors she grew up with and was served as a child.
How about you? What would you choose for your last meal?
Grits with loads of butter, fried eggs and fried green tomatoes. My family roots are in Kentucky. This is my comfort food.
Why should someone bite into KISS OF THE VIRGIN QUEEN?
As the only foreign Queen mentioned in the Bible who appears to be considered an equal to King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba has been claimed by no less than three countries and four major religions. The idea of a romance between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, two great and powerful heads of state is irresistible. Likewise, many wonder what happened to their descendants. This book contains both story lines.
Do you have a recipe you’d like to share?
I don’t have a recipe for Ethiopian spicy beef stew, but I do have my mother-in-law’s pot roast recipe. Using a crock pot makes this recipe a “set it and forget it” meal prep.
Gert’s Pot Roast, Slow Cooker Style
- 3 pounds brisket
- Large container Paprika
- One large onion
- One 1 pound bag baby carrots
- One head cauliflower or 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6-8 Beef bouillon cubes
- 6-8 Cups water (depends on size of cooker)
- Olive oil
- Horseradish
- Place entire bag of baby carrots on bottom of slow cooker
- Chop onion and sauté in olive oil until light brown. Place onions in slow cooker on top of carrots.
- Coat brisket in Paprika and sear in hot pan that you’ve used for onions. Place brisket on top of onions.
- Cut cauliflower into florets. Place florets (or potatoes) on top of brisket.
- Put in 6-8 beef bouillon cube and pour 6-8 cups of water over everything. Amount of water depends on size of your cooker and how salty you like your food.
- Cover and simmer on medium/high for 6-8 hours–depending on how hot your cooker gets.
- Serve on a large platter with side of horseradish.
Thank you so much! KISS OF THE VIRGIN QUEEN sounds so intriguing! And I have to say, your cover is perhaps the sexiest to ever be featured on BOOK BITES! Also, this pot roast recipe sounds like something I will make very, very soon. I love using my crock pot, because “set it and forget it” is definitely the way to go. You also got me thinking about Ethiopian Beef Stew. Would you believe I have Moroccan Beef Stew cooking as I type up this blog post? I’m NOT EVEN JOKING!
You can connect with Sharon Buchbinder on her Website. And you can find KISS OF THE VIRGIN QUEEN on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.
Nina, thank you for hosting me on your beautiful blog!