Thursday, December 13, 2012

SANTA IS COMING!

To a bookshelf near you!


This is DAY ONE

of the GREAT HOLIDAY ZAMFEST!


The Great Holiday ZAMfest is my way of saying thanks so much to everyone who has been there for me this year. This has been a pretty tough year but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and things are looking pretty good! 

For the next twelve days starting today I'm doing an ebook-a-day giveaway. All you have to do is comment to enter the daily drawing and I'll pull a new name from the hat each night. The TWELFTH day will be Christmas, that's when I'll put the name of anyone who leaves me a comment on all twelve blogs, into a drawing and one very lucky person will win the grand prize-- a $50 dollar Amazon Gift Card. 

So come EVERY DAY and comment on all twelve blogs to be entered for the GRAND PRIZE!

In honor of the anthology I did with LB Gregg, Josh Lanyon, and Harper Fox, we're joining forces to have a little fun today! As everyone knows, I have been oh, so thoroughly and completely out of touch this year. The holidays are upon us and so I thought we'd check in on Chandler, Steve and Poppy to see if they've got the holiday spirit...




Dear Diary,

Chandler is my uncle but he is also is my new Dad (because my mom and dad died). He and his husband Steve adopted me, and now I belong to both of them. 

My new Dad Steve is Santa Claus.I don't tell my friends because they might be sad their dad isn't Santa too. 

Being Santa's little girl is fun for me, because I don't have to write a letter to tell him what to bring me for Christmas. I can just tell him while he's taking me to school. 

Anyhow, I'm mad though, because he says I can't have a llama, even though that's what I really want. I saw a llama at the zoo, and they jump, boing, boing, boing. It's really funny. 

Today, my Grandma is here and we're going to make snacks. She makes them with square cereal and we shake them in a bag. 

Grandma is helping me write this. We are saving the recipe in here so I can make it again.

Love,

Poppy
P.S. My Dads call me Pop-Tart.

On the FIRST day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...Chex Muddy Buddies, just like Grandma Makes:


INGREDIENTS

*9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
*1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
*1/2 cup peanut butter
*1/4 cup butter or margarine
*1 teaspoon vanilla
*1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.


For More His For The Holidays from my pals LB, Harper, and Josh, check out these websites!

To purchase His For The Holidays
To purchase I Heard Him Exclaim









68 comments:

  1. I loved this story... Thanks for this recipe!

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  2. The mixture sounds lovely - can somebody describe Chex to a Brit so alternatives can be found?

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    1. I'd say Chex is like a crisp square cereal. I don't know of a British equivalent. It's like a woven square but light, unlike a shredded wheat product. It's about a half inch square. Good luck! I wonder if cereal snack mix is a strictly American thing. People like to sort of graze on cereal here, a lot. :D

      ZAM

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    2. I understand Shreddies is close, but it has a bit more malt taste, in place of Wheat Chex, and I have heard that Crispix is sold there and can be used in place of the rice or corn Chex.

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    3. That sounds like a good alternative! Thanks Tawny. :D

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  3. I'm up in the middle of the night so i had to visit the Zamster! Great fun! Happiest holidays. ; )

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  4. What fun! I don't know why they won't let Poppy have a lama, or even a llama, I love all of mine! Alpacas too. LOL!

    Abraalpacas@gmail.com

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    1. Hahah. Llama, yes. Someone (I'd blame Poppy but her fictional grandma was helping her write) doesn't spell... I grew up on Lama Ave, so I guess it's an old habit.

      I love Alpacas too! Stay tuned for my cowboy contemporary, due out sometime in late summer of 2012, for some alpacas.) In the meantime I might pick your brain about them.

      :D

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    2. (grin)Shh! I figured you had done it on purpose.
      Pick away, lol. 14 years of experience being owned by and raising the fuzzy little critters. :)

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  5. Happy holidays, ZAM ^.^ Loved meeting you at GRL, even if I was too shy to talk to you.

    Erica
    eripike at gmail dot com

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    1. Me too! Thanks so much, never be too shy to talk to me, I'm probably so nervous I'll chatter like a magpie and you won't have to squeeze a word in edgewise. Happy Holidays! Stay tuned for more!

      ZAM

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  6. Poppy's story is adorable. It was fun to check back in with them. Also, thanks for the recipe.

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    1. Hi Jennifer. I loved writing Poppy. You're welcome for the recipe. I admit it's kind of right off the box, but like Rice Crispie treats, you can't beat the classics.

      :D

      ZAM

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  7. I have this one so I can say - if you don't, get it, it is a cute holiday read.

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    1. Thanks Kaytee! Hope your holiday season is just terrific!

      ZAM

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  8. Poppy is so cute. :) I love Muddy Buddies! :D

    lkbherring64(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks Lisa! We all need a little chocolate peanut butter something as a pick-me-up for those long stretches of shopping!

      ZAM

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  9. Hi ZAM! Happy Holidays & coda writing! I'm thrilled that Josh's codas have spread to some of my other favorite authors! I love love love this. Now if I can only get this comment to post I'll have a perfect start to the day! Cheers! Linda/boxtersushi

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    1. YOU DID IT! Sometimes I have such a hard time with getting the internet to perform, and other times, comments post before I'm quite ready and I think, Oh, now I look like an idiot!

      Thanks for stopping by Linda, I admit if Josh hadn't egged me on I might not have done this, Josh has all the very BEST ideas!

      ZAM

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    2. You're my winner for today LE, so if you could, please contact me at zamaxfield at zamaxfield dot com and I'll give you a choice of any ebook from my back list! Easy Peasy!

      ZAM

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  10. How adorable is this? I love it. :-)

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    1. Big smileys for you! :D

      Hope you have the very best of holidays Josh, and I'm crossing my fingers that you get a little snow!

      ZAM

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  11. I love this story and actually *just* re-read it this weekend to put me in the holiday spirit. :)

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    1. Aw, thanks Elle. Nothing sadder than a sad Santa, huh? I didn't write a holiday story this year and it's KILLING ME. I am writing one ahead for next year, that's my goal. Look for a holiday novella in an anthology coming out in 2013 from Riptide!

      In the mean time, I'm so glad you enjoyed I Heard Him Exclaim!

      ZAM

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  12. How fun. I love that this is a journal entry from Poppy. Just planning to start re-listening to all of these.

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    1. I really enjoyed the audio version of this book, particularly Harper's Nine Lights. I think Toby's voice is what does it for me, I just love him so much anyway, and then to hear the softly accented voice, wow. I listen to it often, even in the summertime.

      I thought the man who did mine wasn't...what's the word...cheerful enough. He seemed to read me very seriously, and since the book was constructed wholly of whimsy...I don't know. Maybe I'd never like listening to my work... Probably.

      Have a lovely holiday season Tiffany! Stay tuned for chances to win up until Christmas!

      ZAM

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  13. Cute story! I don't know if it is just my grandmother, or a generational thing, but half of her recipes have measurements that are not real. A pinch, a dash, until it taste right.

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    1. Mine too, mine was Austrian, and she did everything by feel! In our Christmas cookies there's a "Knife Tip" of cream of tartar!

      Have a happy holiday season Tara, and stick around!

      ZAM

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  14. Love the post - Poppy sounds like a happy child. I loved you book 'I heard him Exclaim'. I could really use their help to decorate this year!!

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    1. Thanks, I could use their help too! I know I've said this, but I lost all my Christmas things in the fire last January. I deliberately went with things that weren't quite the same so I could enjoy them without thinking, oh, it's a poor substitute.

      So this year, colored lights on the tree instead of white, and whimsical, multicolored ornaments that are more circus-y than christmas-y. No more red and green tartan ribbons.

      Maybe I'll get another Victorian style tree down the line, but this one is it for this year.

      ZAM

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  15. I loved Steve and Chandler's story last year so good to see a little snippet too!
    My son does our lights and decs but not to their extent.

    Littlesuze at hotmail dot com

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    1. Hey Suze! Isn't it nice to have kids who do that? They're just awesome, even if they don't go crazy like the guys in the story!

      Happy Holidays!

      ZAM

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  16. I will have to try this recipe. Sorry to read that you had a fire last January. Thanks for your contest!

    strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com

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    1. Thanks! I don't think any recipe with Chocolate and peanut butter can go too far wrong!

      Best,

      ZAM

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  17. Wow! Yum! This sounds like a treat for this weekend! :D

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    1. Yep, I was thinking that too!

      Have a great holiday season,

      ZAM

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  18. I came here redirected from Josh Lanyon blog. I hope it's not too late to comment.
    Poppy's snack is so ... sugar laden that I couldn't really eat it :). I'm more healthy snacks type, but for each (especially children) their own.

    0401romance(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yeah, I admit that most of the recipes I use during the holidays are more about nostalgia than good health. Still, we try to use them sparingly on top of the actual food we're supposed to eat.

      Stay tuned for more of the Zamfest!

      ZAM

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  19. I just finished I Heard Him Exclaim a few days ago, and it was wonderful to see a bit more about Steve, Chandler, and Poppy. I'm glad to see they are all happy and together.

    margec02 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi, so glad you enjoyed it. Poppy has to be one of my favorite characters, I was so determined to see her happy too, not just the guys.

      Look for more seasonal fun right here until Christmas!

      ZAM

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  20. Loved this story and this little journal entry is so cute. Poppy's recipe sounds interesting but I think I'll stick to Chocolate Crackles made with Rice Bubbles :)

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    1. Hey Helen, I am not sure what a chocolate crackle is, or a rice bubble, but it sounds a little like Rice Crispy Treats made with Cocoa Krispies, in which case I'm am on board!

      Happy holidays,

      ZAM

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  21. Unfortunately I don't have any of the ingredients except margarine and vanilla. If I did, I'd be making it right now!!Sounds yummy. :)

    aelnova@aol.com

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    1. There's a whole season in which you can bake up a storm, or stir (in this case) and I think it would be fine to tackle it any time of year.

      Stay tuned for more holiday frolicking,

      ZAM

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  22. I haven't read this story yet, but will definitely be getting a copy today!

    And thanks for sharing the recipe - sounds yummy!!

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    1. All the stories in the His For The Holidays anthology were so much fun, I don't think you can go wrong there. I was so honored to be in a book with such great writers.

      Thanks and happy holidays!

      ZAM

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  23. Sounds like a very good story. Thanks for the recipe.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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    1. Thanks! There will be more holiday chit-chat and recipes to come! Stay tuned!

      ZAM

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  24. This looks like a great story...sounds as yummy as the recipe ;)
    manning_J2004 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi June, thanks for stopping by! Keep coming back for more of this year's holiday ZAMfest!

      ZAM

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  25. Wonderful!! I also can't wait to try the recipe =)

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  26. Yummy. I like Chex treats because Rice Chex are one of the few cereals I can eat. They have some really fun recipes.

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  27. This looks just lovely! I haven't had Chex mix in so long, either, and always liked the rice Chex as a kid...

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

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  28. I will have to try this it sounds a but like my friend's recipe for puppy chow!
    Juliana
    OceanAkers @ aol.com

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  29. That was the cutest diary entry! I especially liked the P.S. :)

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  30. How could a reader go wrong with these authors

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  31. Oh. Poppy is such a cutie.

    cojazzchick AT yahoo DOT com

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  32. awesome story.great recipe thanks for sharing.

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  33. Pop-Tart LOL
    So sweet! :)
    goingtoreadnow(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. What a sweet letter, authentically kid like! Sigh. I love Chex. Can't eat the muddy buddies, though. Sounds yummy!

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  35. I'm late to the party, but thanks for the recipe. Sounds great!
    books2read69(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  36. Just discovered that my posts have been coming in as "Unknown". So, I'm trying again. Hope this works.

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  37. Loved this book, three of my favorite authors and a new one. Just started reading it again to get in the holiday spirit. Some great holiday stories out there, loved Jet Mykles reindeer books and new for this year enjoyed Santa's Naughty Helper. May try the recipie with my six-year old- did gingerbread men decorating with his class this year and wow, it was a lot of work.

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  38. Thanks for the recipe :)

    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. Adding my name...

    ~Rush~
    taina1959@yahoo.com

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  40. It's always lovely to see how old friends are doing, even the fictional kind!

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