AtoZ2020 - Z is for Zephyr - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Hello and welcome to the last day of the AtoZChallenge. Thank you so much for coming on this vampire drabble journey with me. I hope you have enjoyed it. I have one last offering for you here.

Z is for Zephyr

noun - a light, gentle breeze

It's a warm night and the hotel's air-conditioning is something out of the ark, of course I opened the window. Took me twenty minutes too, the damn thing was painted shut. There was a sign saying: 'do not open', bloody health and safety gone mad, it's only the second floor.

The breeze must be blowing over the river because it's gone all misty. I can even see it coming in the window from where I'm lying. It's cold and smells like wet earth and something unpleasant. Never seen anything like it. It's swirling into a column; it almost looks human.

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: Z is for Zillionaire

AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

Recipe: Rosemary and Parmesan Potato Waffles #Vegetarian #GlutenFree

If you are looking for today's AtoZ post - sorry, I will be getting to it later. The WittegenPress Website is playing silly whatsits for no reason I know about, so I am having to chase that around and my creativity is suffering. Never fear, I will write today's drabble, I just have to sort that out first.

Recipe: Rosemary and Parmesan Potato Waffles

So these are based off of Nigella's Garlic & Parmesan waffles from her book, "At My Table", but these have a flavour profile I like even more and made up on the spot, so I though it would be good to share them.

Yes I know Parmesan isn't vegetarian, but it is easy to find vegetarian equivalents - in fact that's what we usually use since it's a) cheaper & b) just as nice. We buy the pre-grated fresh Italian hard cheese from the supermarket.

They are absolutely delicious with eggs and maple syrup - and yes they are savoury waffles, but the salt and sweet is divine.

Makes 7 waffles (10cm x 12cm/ 4''x 4.7'') - 1 serving = 2 waffles, but they can be reheated later if there are too many.

Ingredients

• 400g / 2 cups mashed potato (I had left over from the night before, but you could use defrosted frozen mash or make it fresh)
• 4 tbsp (60ml) butter
• 8 tbsp (120ml) milk
• 2 eggs
• 45g/ ~3/8cup finely grated Parmesan (or vegetarian equiv)
• 4 tbsp cornflour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary (I like the grind it in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder to make it distribute better and release its flavour)
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter and leave to stand to cool down.
2. Preheat the waffle iron.
3. Using a fork or something similar, break up the mash so that it is light pieces, not one lump.
4. In a large bowl whisk together the cooled butter, eggs and milk.
5. Add in the potato a little at a time, whisking it in each time. I used a flat manual whisk, but you could use an electric hand whisk or a bowl mixer if you prefer.
6. Add the Parmesan, cornflour, baking powder, rosemary and salt and pepper and beat until smooth(ish).
7. Add about an ice cream scoop of batter to each side of the waffle iron if using a square one (ours is electric and looks like a sandwich maker) - if using a round one go with what you are used to and close. You'll soon know if you used too much because it will squidge out the sides 😂.
8. Cook for about 7 mins total or until golden brown - different waffle makers will vary.
9. If making lots, pop the cooked ones in a low oven until ready to eat.

As I mentioned above, these are lovely with eggs and a touch of maple syrup. They make a wonderful breakfast or brunch, but they would also go well with meats or as a side for a main meal as well.

The amounts of cheese and seasoning are all very handwavy - you can go with whatever you like best, but I was very pleased by the overall taste of these.

Enjoy! Stay safe.

Banner Background Photo by nabil boukala on Unsplash

AtoZ2020 - Y is for Yesteryear - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Hello, sorry this is late today. Technical woes. Here is today's vampire drabble. Thank you so much for sticking with me and my tiny vampire stories this year. See you tomorrow for the last day.

Y is for Yesteryear

"I miss swords," Paul said, "and duels."

"Come again?" Mike responded.

"Swords and duels," Paul said, fiddling with his glass of red wine, "they were such fun. And they made a great cover for dinner. No one ever questioned a bloodless corpse if he had an obvious hole in him."

"You're weird," Mike decided.

They'd been friends for twenty years and Paul was usually thoroughly modern but, just occasionally, he reminded Mike he was much older.

"Anyway, blood bags are much easier," Mike added, sliding a glass across the table.

Paul took a sip and sighed.

"I still miss duels."

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: Y is for Yuki-onna

AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

AtoZ2020 - X is for Xenolith - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Good moring, I hope you are all well and safe. This year for the AtoZ I am writing vampire drabbles, each one inspired by a vampire word. Well X is always difficult and this word isn't usually associated with vampire, but geology, but I decided to use it as a metaphore. Enjoy 💖

Don't forget that today is podcast day over at Virginia's blog.  A new naughty episode of the Sexy Stories podcast is live, with the companion eBook ready for download from all the major retailers for all the extra plot. Today we have frolicking werewolves.

X is for Xenolith

noun
a piece of rock within an igneous mass which is not derived from the original magma but has been introduced from elsewhere, especially the surrounding country rock.
They dance, they drink, they laugh, and I watch from among them. Such sheep.

Not one of them has the sharpness of instinct to sense me. How much the human race has lost to progress. Once someone would have noticed, looked at me as other, as not them. Now I could stand among them with fangs bared and they would think it a joke.

They have no concept of the alien predator among their herd. Nothing makes their spines tingle.

I insert myself into their community with no effort.

Where is the game? Where is the challenge? I am bored.
Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: X is for seX and Episode 4 of the podcast is live for listening.

AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

AtoZ2020 - W is for Wolf - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Greetings and welcome to day 23 of the AtoZChallenge and the letter W. I am writing vampire drabbles this year and vampires have always been associated with wolves, so my inspiration word is wolf. Enjoy.

W is for Wolf

"No," Markus shouted, using his speed to put himself in front of the boy.

Karin laughed and her wolves growled.

"Feeling brave, Marky?" she jeered.

"No more," Markus said. "It ends."

"Even vampires die when torn to shreds, Markus," Karin laughed some more. "You are weak brother."

"The senseless killing stops, Karin," he replied.

She moved her hand and the wolves snarled. Their vampire bloodline always had an affinity with wolves.

"Move, Markus," she warned him.

"No," he replied and reached for the power he had never used.

His body shifted and he howled. The wolves joined him in chorus.

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: W is for Werewolves

AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

AtoZ2020 - V is for Victim - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Greetings one and all, I hope you are having a good day and are safe and well. This year for the AtoZ  I am posting 100 word stories inspired by vampires. Today I have to give you a warning, this story has an attempted attack on a woman, so if that will trigger you, please stop reading now. To everyone else, please enjoy the drabble.

V is for Victim

Sarah stopped, glancing over her shoulder. She had heard footsteps, but the path was empty. Pulling her jacket tighter, she quickened her pace, turning into the alley to reach her car.

Halfway down something hit her, spinning and pushing her against the wall.

"Saw you at the club," her assailant said, fetid breath making her screw up her nose. "You all think you're too good. I'm gonna show you good."

He reached down to his fly.

Sarah relaxed. It took him a second to notice. He stared as she smiled, letting her fangs lengthen.

"Big mistake," she said and attacked.

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: V is for Vampires

 AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

AtoZ2020 - U is for Undead - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Good morning my lovely people, I have no excuse for this not being out at 6 this morning, we've just entered the 'did not write it in advance' part of the month 😂. I hope you are all well and safe. This year I am posting a vampire drabble (100 word story) every day for the AtoZChallenge. Enjoy! 💖

U is for Undead

Jack looked down at the bullet hole in his chest.

"Ow, what did you do that for?"

"Oh god," Daphne repeated to herself like a mantra.

"Shoot him again," Kal insisted.

"No, don't shoot him again," Jack countered, "that hurts, and I only have a limited blood supply with me."

"He's undead, he's going to eat us," Kal declared. "Daph, shoot him."

"I've never eaten you before, why would I start now?" Jack pointed out.

"You're newly undead!" Kal decided.

"I'm three hundred years old," Jack said.

"Oh," Daphne said, lowering the gun.

Jack hated misunderstandings, he really did.

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

Q. Have you had any unfortunate misunderstanding in your life? Were they resolved okay.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: U is for Unbelievable

 AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

AtoZ2020 - T is for Thirst - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Good morning my friends, I hope you are safe and well. Welcome to my blog for another vampire drabble this AtoZChallenge. A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words and I am inspired by vampires this year. Enjoy!

T is for Thirst

Ah, the joys of lockdown; my girlfriend is beginning to look delicious.

Of course, she knows I'm a vampire, but I've never explained exactly how I deal with my condition. She thinks I get transfusions from the family physician. Actually, I go out, find someone malleable but strong, and take a quick drink.

There are plenty of idiots out there breaking the lockdown, but I can't risk it. There's no way I can be infected, but something I touch could bring it into the house.

We may have talk about her becoming a vampire a little earlier than I expected.

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

Q. It there anything you are craving while in lockdown that you just can't get?

I'm really lucky, we have not run short of anything significant. My only craving is for chocolate, and we have plenty of that.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: T is for Tom

My apologies, I realise I forgot to attach this part to my last couple of days posts.

 AtoZChallenge Master List

Click here to see all the other wonderful bloggers taking part.

Nigella's Garlic & Parmesan Mash in the Instant Pot

💖Looking for today's AtoZChallenge post? Please scroll down to the previous entry.💖

Nigella's Garlic & Parmesan Mash in the Instant Pot

So I tried out Nigella's recipe for garlic and Parmesan mash last night and it is delicious, but since I use my Instant Pot for everything these days, I couldn't resist adapting the recipe for that. Hence, here you go. For those wondering, the recipe comes from her book "At My Table" which is an amazing book, so go check it out.

Makes enough for 6-8 people - but keeps up to a week in the fridge and can easily be reheated.

Ingredients

2 kg (4.4lb) potatoes
8 fat cloves of garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
75g (2/3 stick) butter
50g (1/3 cup/ 2oz) Parmesan (grated) or veggie equiv

Optional topping

50g (~5/8 cup) Dried breadcrumbs or panko (since I had no breadcrumbs, I took a crust of brown bread, crumbed it up and dried it out in the oven before using it)
50g (~1/2 stick) butter
35g (1/4cup /1.5oz) Parmesan (grated) or veggie equiv

Instructions

1. Peel and quarter all the potatoes.
2. Bruise the garlic cloves with the back of a knife, but do not remove the skins (they will prevent them sticking to the bottom of the pot).
3. Put 1 cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
4. Add the bruised garlic and a tsp of salt to the water.
5. Put the potatoes into a steamer basket and then into the Instant Pot.
6. Put on the lid, make sure the knob is to sealing and set for high pressure for between 8-16 min. It will depend on the potatoes - they need to be very tender.
7. Do a quick pressure release after 8 mins and check the potatoes, if they are not done, put the lid back on and do another few mins with QPR. It will come to pressure quickly because it is still hot.
8. Once the potatoes are done, remove the steamer rack and place on the side.
9. Tip the water from the bottom of the pot into a jug and make sure there are no garlic skins still in the pot.
10. Put the butter in the pot and allow to melt (it will be on keep warm, so is perfect for this).
11. Add the potatoes and the garlic cloves (without the skins - they should come away very easily) back in the instant pot. (If using a potato ricer, use it at this stage).
12. Sieve the cooking water over the potatoes in the pot to make sure all garlic skin is removed.
13. Mash the potatoes using your mashing method of choice, unless you have already used something like a ricer. I have one, but can never be bothered to get it out, so I use a regular hand masher. Keep going until it is smooth or at your preferred consistency. After all you are the master of your mash (I have been watching too much Chef John from Foodwishes.com 😂).
14. Add the Parmesan and stir in - now check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
15. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan (390F/350F fan)
16. Butter a 30x25cm (12x10'') baking dish (I used a Pyrex one).
17. Spread the mash into the baking dish using a spatula.
18. Rub together the breadcrumbs, butter and Parmesan (if using the topping) to form a crumble mixture.
19. Sprinkle the crumble over the top of the mash.
20. Pop in the oven for 20-30 mins until piping hot and the topping is toasty.

And what is even better, is the left overs can be made into waffles, which is the next recipe in Nigella's book, BTW. I made them this morning and my husband and I had them with a fried egg each and they were delicious. You'll have to check out her book for that though. 😉

Banner BG Photo by Varun Gaba on Unsplash

AtoZ2020 - S is for Stake - Vampire Drabbles - #AtoZChallenge

AtoZChallenge 2020 - Vampire Drabbles

Welcome to my blog for the letter S. I have always liked this letter because my twin's name begins with it. It's also such a versatile letter. This year I am writing vampire drabbles (100 word stories) every day inspired by a vampire word. What else could I go for with the letter S than stake? Enjoy 💖

S is for Stake

"What the ever-loving f…"

"Oh, those old things, do you like my display?"

Lila stared at her new friend.

"They're stakes," she said.

"I know," Maggie replied with a smile.

"They are one of the few things that can kill us, and you have a wall full of them," Lila pointed out when the other vampire showed not the slightest discomfort.

"Well, yes," Maggie replied, "but they're trophies."

Lila made a confused face.

"Well, I had something of a wild youth," Maggie explained, "and I attracted attention. Each of those is a hunter who came after me. Ah, the memories."

Thank you so much for visiting - drop your comments and links below - I try and visit back everyone I can.

Q. Do you have trophies (I don't mean of things you have killed ;) - more things that make you remember good times)?

I'm not really a trophy kind of person, mostly I prefer things I can use or watch or read. I suppose the wedding cake top we still have after 23 years is a kind of trophy.

This year I am also taking part as my alter ego Virginia Waytes - all about the characters and setting for my new paranormal romance podcast and eBooks, Sexy Stories - The Manor. Check out today's post: S is for Succubus