Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Episode 11- James Patterson




This episode of Undercover with Deb and Beth is dedicated to the prolific, Jame Patterson.  From his Alex Cross Mysteries, to the Women's Murder Mystery club, to the many twisty, turny, sexy thrillers, to his kid's series- James Patterson covers a variety of genres.  He's a reader's writer. 

Once you start a James Patterson book, you can't stop.  They are fast paced, in your face stories that keep you guessing until the last word. 

You also won't want to miss Deb and Beth's discussion of the fall TV season that leads to a conversation of "You must be a loser if you still buy Cd's." 

To listen to this episode click here.  Or go to iTunes, search under podcast, key word- Deb and Beth.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Summer Reading-Episode 10

This episode of the Undercover with Deb and Beth podcast is chock full ideas for fun summer reads.

We discuss some of the HOT books of the summer, books being made into movies, and basically what we've been doing so far this summer. 

Grab a beach chair, your favorite beverage of choice and hang out with us awhile.

Find our link here.    Or go to iTunes, key word search -Deb and Beth.
Be sure to share what you've been reading this summer!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Deb and Beth, Unplugged, Episode 9




Ever wonder how Deb and Beth come up with their book chat topics?  Well, so do we!  Sometimes the best laid plans go a little askew and a new plan is born.  That's just what happens on this episode.  Listen in while Deb and Beth dish on what they've been reading but also other random topics of the day.  Important topics like, new flavors of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.  Go here to listen directly to this podcast or go to iTunes to download-key word Deb and Beth under podcasts. 

This episode is actually chock full of authors and books- Katherine Center, Joshilyn Jackson and Jennifer Cruise to name just a few.  You'll have to listen in to find out the rest of the story....and flavors.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Kindle vs Nook, Episode 8

Let's get ready to RUMBLE!


Have  you gone to the dark side reading fans?  Meaning have you stepped over to the e-readers?  Specifically the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes and Noble Nook?

On this episode of Undercover with Deb and Beth, we discuss the merits of both, the pros and cons, what we like and what we don't about these extremely popular devices.  You decide after listening here directly or go to iTunes, key words - Deb and Beth.


              VS            

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Love is in the Air....Contemporary Romance Novels Episode 7




Who doesn't Love Love?  And in the spirit of the Season of Love, Deb and Beth are talking  Romance Novels.  There are so many genre's to choose from when talking romance.  In this edition, we focus on the Contemporary Romance novel and what draws us to this format.  We discuss our favorite authors and why.  If you enjoy a good boy meets girl story mixed with an edge- you'll enjoy this podcast.  And listen up Men- you might even learn a thing or two about what us women folk enjoy in a romance novel-(hint it's not what you might think.)


Go to our link here go to iTunes (keyword-Deb and Beth) to download this podcast.  Approximate length-24 minutes. 

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Our Best and Worst Reads of 2010

Deb and Beth discuss their favorite and not-so-favorite reads of 2010.  It's true that Beth may be the only person on the planet NOT to like the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.  And it's also true that Deb may be the only other person on the planet NOT to have read Harry Potter...but find out here (or seach Deb and Beth in the iTunes search bar) what else they do and don't like.

Looking for authors to read this winter?  Deb and Beth discuss Phillippa Gregory, JD Robb, Stephanie Meyers, JK Rowlings, and Jean M. Auel, and Jen Lancaster.  As always it's an upbeat podcast with a very eclectic mix of favorites.

Any books you haven't read yet but want reviewed by us?  Leave us a comment and let us know!  Are you an aspiring author who would like us to review your work?  We're always looking for new reads.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Deb and Beth

Monday, November 8, 2010

Holiday Cooking Hot Spots- Episode 5

The holiday season is fast approaching and never wanting to be behind the eight-ball, Deb and Beth are dishing up their favorite go-to blogs for recipes and holiday entertaining ideas.  In a special twist, they are sharing some of their tried and true recipes too!

Listen here for the podcast or go to iTunes, key word Deb & Beth to download for listening fun later. 

The following are links to the  Blogs discussed today:

The Tasty Kitchen

The Noble Pig

Recipe Girl

Cook Like a Champion

And now for some cooking fun:

From Deb-
I love when unexpected guest stop by during the holidays- (not) but seriously, as long as the house is looking swanky with holiday decor, why not share the Christmas love.  Do yourself a favor and think of your favorite go to appetizer and make up a big ole' batch of it.  Use some now and then save the rest for later, even better if it's freezeable.   Keep an extra bottle of whatever it is you like to serve as a beverage around and when your friends and loved ones show up- they'll never know you planned in advance for such an occasion.  You'll be able to pull something out of the fridge and serve it up 'a la Ina Garten or Martha Stewart.

Here's a favorite.  It comes from the Pioneer Woman blog, cookbook and I'm sure you could find it on The Tasty Kitchen.  It's perfect for making ahead and serving later!  Plus it looks and tastes like you've worked for hours.  You'll be the talk of the block for your kitchen cunning and perhaps you'll even be able relax and enjoy the visit knowing you've got it covered.

Olive Cheese Bread
from the Pioneer Woman blog, The Pioneer Woman Cookbook and The Tasty Kitchen blog
(I think I've got it covered....I'm really not trying to copyright infringe....)

1 can black olives drained (14.5 oz size)
1 jar pimeiento stuffed green olives (6 oz )
2 green onions
1 stick butter (softened)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (real- no substitutions!)
1 pound Monterey Jack cheese grated
1 loaf crusty french bread

Drain olives (black and green) and give them a rough chop.  Chop green onions.  In a large bowl, combine olives, onions, buter, mayo and cheese.  Mix thoroughly (and try not to eat by the spoonfuls!)  Spread generously on split open french bread.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or unitl cheese mixture is thoroughly melted and starting to turn brown on the edges in a 325 degree oven.    Cut into diagonal slices and serve immediately.

Make Ahead Tips-
Extra Cheese mixture can be made ahead and stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.  (Great for a long weekend of entertaining....Thanksgiving, Bowl Game Days...)
OR
Spread mixture on bread, tightly wrap it all up and store in the freezer for up to six months.  Thaw before baking.   Enjoy!

From Beth-
First let me say that I have personally sampled Deb's Olive Cheese Bread and I liked it so much I requested it as a condition of travelling back to Ohio to visit this past summer!  Being the "new girl" in Massachusetts we don't, sadly, have a lot of drop-in holiday guests yet.  I suppose it's good though because a) I'm not a very good cook; and b) we do a lot of formal entertaining and a drop-in guest might just throw me over the edge.  My husband's job requires that we hold several holiday gatherings for different groups.  Did I mention I'm not a very good cook?  I'm feeling stress hives just thinking about this year's entertainment calendar.  I like to encourage folks to drink at my gatherings...heavily.  I don't much care for cooking but I do have a secret weapon recipe that everyone seems to like, it looks good, it's easy, and it always turns out tasty, no matter what I do to it.  Of course it's a Pillsbury Bake-Off winner, as all of my go-to recipes seem to come from the back of a box!

Savory Crescent Chicken
1 3oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 TBSP butter (don't use margarine, just don't do it)
2 c cubed or shredded chicken (this is a great time to pick up a Rotisserie chicken from the store...)
1 TBSP chopped chives or onion (or both!)
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 TBSP milk
1 TBSP chopped pimiento (don't skip this ingredient, it makes a difference)
1 8 oz. can Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 TBSP butter, melted
3/4 c seasoned breadcrumbs or croutons, crushed

Heat oven to 350.  In medium bowl beat cream cheese and 1 TBSP butter until smooth.  Add chicken, chives or onion, salt, pepper, milk and pimiento; mix well.

Separate crescent dough into 4 rectangles.  Firmly press perforations to seal.  Spoon 1/2 cup of chicken mixture onto center of rectangle.  Pull 4 corners of dough to center of chicken mixture; twist firmly.  Pinch edges to seal.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Brush tops of sandwiches with 1 TBSP melter butter; sprinkle with crushed croutons.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Serves 4.

Forget chicken cordon bleu, this dish looks just as appetizing with 1/2 the work!  Mix-ins to try: 1/2 cup mushrooms; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup diced red pepper (instead of pimiento), or 1/2 cup chopped spinach.  You can make this dish ahead but don't brush the dough with butter and breadcrumbs until you are ready to bake.  Enjoy!