May W4WS

Our Mission:
• Help writers bring awareness of their book(s) to tens of thousands of new people.
• Help writers reach Amazon Top 100 in at least one category (i.e., suspense, free, etc.).
• Increase sales of their book(s).
• Drive new traffic to their blog and increase their fan base.
• Create verbal and viral buzz.

Hosted by Stephen Tremp, Christine Rains, C. M. Brown, and M.Pax, writers who are helping other writers to succeed. You can find W4WS at Twitter hashtag: #W4WS, on Facebook and all around the blogosphere. Writers4Writers meets on the third Monday of every month to promote 1-3 authors. The featured writers for this month are: Laura Eno and Marian Allen. Hop over to their blogs to say hello and then give a tweet or shout out about their books on your blog, Facebook, or your social media tool of choice.

Want to do more? Click here to join us on our monthly journey to bring attention to new writers. The next featured writer could be you!

How to be happy

During the A to Z challenge Annalisa Crawford discovered Rebecca Bradley's  list of five ways to be happy. Rebecca decided to make it a meme to spread the happiness around the blogosphere and I decided to join them. I'm so excited about this meme because I have discovered that being happy is much more rewarding than being unhappy.

How it works: Simply list your five ways to be happy, tag five people, and remember to tag back to the person who tagged you like I did in my first sentence. Below are my five ways to be happy.

1. Smile, giggle, laugh out loud.
2. Do what you love. Love what you do.
3. Believe that something wonderful will happen to you everyday.
4. Learn to love and laugh at yourself.
5. Take more naps.

Here are some happy people I know: Stina Lindenblatt, Tara Tyler,  Laura Eno, Magical Mimi, and S.P. Bowers.

Don't take my word for what being happy can do for you, check out this article on Smiles from the Huffington Post.

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Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness. ~ William E. Gladstone

Jewel of Shaylar by Laura Eno

Today I'm helping a fellow writer spread the word about her new book Jewel of Shaylar. I've only read the first chapter excerpt on her blog, since it just released today, but it sounds fascinating! 

 

Archaeologist David Alexander investigates the cave where his father disappeared and hurtles into another world, one filled with magic and bizarre creatures. The mad ravings in his father's journals of icemen and dragons may not be fantasies after all.

Convinced his father may still be alive, David begins a treacherous journey to find him and discover a way home. Along the way, he encounters a few unlikely friends. A Dreean warrior, a beautiful thief and a satyr join him as he searches.

David's arrival into this new world sets off an explosive chain reaction of events. Faced with powerful adversaries and few clues, he may not get the chance to rescue his father before disaster strikes, condemning both of them to death. Or worse.

Intrigued??? You can read the entire first chapter, too. Just click the link and hop over to Laura's Blog.

Purchase at:

KindleUS  

 
KindleUK

Nook

Smashwords

Meet Laura Eno:                                                                

Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you could find your way down the rabbit hole.

Follow Me!

http://lauraeno.com/blog

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraEno

http://twitter.com/lauraeno

Do you know Laura? Have you checked out her blog? Will you join her down the rabbit hole?

Unexpected Encounters

A few weeks back I was sitting at my children's archery class reading a book by James Scott Bell when a daughter of a friend said, "My dad knows him. He's his pastor."  I could not believe my good fortune. I've been reading Mr. Bell's books for the past several months and out of the blue someone I've known for nine years happens to mention that she knows him and proceeds to tell me how I can meet him. Which of course I did and brought along my copy of his best selling book, Plot & Structure. Mr. Bell was warm and personable and when he saw me standing there like a silly school girl holding his book, he kindly offered to sign it.
See...

Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to talk about writing, since he was wearing his pastor hat that evening, but he did offer some sound advice from 2nd Corinthians. If you are a fan of Mr. Bell and would like to hear him speak he will be sharing his writing wisdom at several upcoming events. For me it was just nice meeting him, unexpectedly, and getting my book signed. It was also a gentle reminder to read what you love wherever you are. You never know when a friend might introduce you to the author.

Have you read any books by James Scott Bell? Do you have a favorite? Have you had any unexpected encounters recently?

The Event: On May 29th I'm joining Alex J. Cavanaugh, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu, and Stephen Tremp for a Blog Hop that focuses on health.  Getting healthy is an issue of concern for many bloggers. Whether it's gaining weight over the holidays, negative health issues, or just a desire to live better, we could all benefit from some helpful healthy advice.

The Objective: Share with everyone something you have done that affected your health in a positive way. You can share an awesome low cal low fat tasty recipe. Post simple tips to lose weight. Or a testimony on what has helped like joining Weight Watchers. Recommend a routine like P90X or Insanity. Or stretches one can do while sitting in their office chair working or writing.

The Linky Link is below if you'd like to join in and pass on some healthy advice to your fellow bloggers. As Oscar Wilde said: The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.

It's another first Friday and another book trailer. This month's feature is Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Z is for Moose is a picture book which I blogged about for the letter Z during the A to Z Challenge.

Overview: Zebra is gathering everyone together. It's Zebra's job to coordinate a big event. It's going to be an alphabet book! But the job isn't as easy as Zebra thought. Moose means well, but meaning well isn't everything. A bad surprise is coming his way. Moose is big, and he'll make big trouble. How can Zebra save the day? 

My Review: I loved this book. As a mother who believes in bedtime stories and a  former first grade teacher I've read a ton of picture books. Consequently,  it takes a lot for a book to make me laugh out loud and even more to make me want to read it as soon right away. This book did both. The title immediately pulled me in because everyone knows Z is not for Moose.  I wanted to solve the mystery of how the alphabet got so messed up. I wanted to know why Kelly Bingham thinks Z is for Moose. I also loved Paul Zelinsky's illustrations of Moose and Zebra . I laughed at each turn of the page as I watched the increasing conflict between Zebra and Moose. It was amazing to see these two characters come alive in only 32 pages. This book gets an A+ from me and will definitely become a part of my picture book library.

Today is also Celebrate the Small Things Blogfest with Tara Tyler over at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author. The rules are simple; think of something that happened to you this week that made you smile, laugh or jump for joy and celebrate with a Friday post on your blog. Go here for full info but in short: sign up on the linky list, celebrate small things of awesomeness with a Friday post, hop around and congratulate others on their celebrations. That's IT!

Today I am celebrating another A to Z challenge successfully done! 26 letters never seemed so overwhelming when I used them to teach my first graders how to read, but blogging about one letter for six days a week almost did me in. However, I survived to blog another day and for that I celebrate! 

Another first Wednesday of the month, another IWSG post. Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh for hosting the group. Please hop over to Alex's blog list and check out the blogs who participate. 

After successfully completing my second A to Z Challenge, I'm entering the month of May feeling pretty confident. However, now that the challenge is over and all the hoopla has died down, I need to focus my energy on my WIP sitting on my desk waiting for me to finish the next round of revisions. I did a few pages here and there in April, but it wasn't nearly as much fun as hopping around reading blogs and reveling in all the positive comments I received from the friendly folks on the blogosphere.

During the challenge I got positive feedback on everything I wrote. Now, I wonder if I'll be able to settle back into the solitary life of me and my characters and feedback once a month at my critique meetings. Which, as most writers know, isn't always very positive  Honest yes, positive, not all the time. When I think about what lies ahead I'm reminded of a quote by mystery writer, Meg Chittenden:

“Many people hear voices when no one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing.”

I hope the voices I hear move me along to a finished project and that I can settle back into doing the same thing all day, everyday, even when no one is leaving me a positive comment.

What plans do you have for the month of May?

Today is the final day of the 2013 A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I blogged the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sunday. Amazingly, I made it all the way from A to Z! Just like last year I had fun and made a few friends along the way. A very special Thank You to Arlee Bird for creating this wonderful event and to each and every one of you who took the time to stop by and leave me a comment. Your kind words inspired me through all 26 letters. I look forward to seeing you around the blogosphere!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Zucchini Cookies                                      

My Review –  I grew up eating fresh zucchini from our backyard garden. Each summer after planting rows and rows of zucchini we ate it until it was coming out of our ears. My mother was very creative in her zucchini dishes but thought of it only as a vegetable. As an adult I still love zucchini but I have discovered zucchini tastes even better as a dessert. Zucchini Cookies is a new recipe for me, but according to my daughter, it needs to be a family favorite. As these cookies baked the sweet smell of cinnamon drew family members from all over the house into the kitchen. Suffice it to say I was not short of cookie tasters. Zucchini Cookies are soft and light and were ready to eat in only eight minutes. These cookies were good without the lemon glaze, but with the glaze they become absolutely scrumptious!

Fun Facts – Zucchini comes from the Italian Zucca that means squash. Zucchini means then small squash. Though squashes didn't originate in Italy, it is believed that the Italian name was adopted because many feel the Italians are credited with developing this food. The French and many other English speaking countries call this a Courgette.

Book Buddy – Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham pictures by Paul O. Zelinsky   I love this book. Even though my kids are far beyond picture books, I have to buy this one. It is such a fun read. Each time I get to the end, I feel like Moose, and want to read it again.    

Z is for Zebra. Zebra is absolutely certain he’ll be able to direct everyone to appear on the correct page, at the appropriate time, without any mishaps, unnecessary drama, or hurt feelings. It’s the ABCs, for goodness’ sake. How difficult can it be?
Oh, dear.  Zebra forgot about moose. 

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE – if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends, but most of all you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Yogurt (Greek) Cookies                     
My Review – I love Greek Yogurt and figured I couldn't go wrong with these Greek Yogurt Cookies and I was right. They were so light and fluffy that I'd gobbled down three (or was it four?) before I even realized it. They were a hit with the family, too.

Fun Facts – Called “yiaourti” in its native country, Greek Yogurt has been produced in Greece for hundreds of years. Traditionally, Greek Yogurt may be made from either ewe’s milk or cow’s milk, though cow’s milk is most commonly found in brands sold in the United States. Its thick and creamy texture, created by straining or boiling away excess liquid, defines it from other types of yogurt. The lower water and higher fat content of this yogurt variety make it less likely to curdle when heated. It is typically higher in protein, lower in lactose, and lower in carbohydrates than other types of yogurt.
These unique traits make Greek Yogurt uniquely beneficial. Not only is it useful as a cooking ingredient and substitute for other less healthful foods, it is delicious and offers a more appealing texture.

Book Buddy – A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

The worst part of the "Roosevelt Recession" in 1937 is that Mary Alice has to spend a year in a rural town with her feisty and conniving Grandma Dowdel. After enduring many outrageous schemes, Mary Alice eventually learns to appreciate her grandmother's wisdom and her ways. 





Are you a fan of Greek Yogurt? Richard Peck? Looking forward to the end of this challenge?

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE –  if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends, but most of all you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Xiaodianxin饼干 (Chinese for cookie) 

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My Review – Xiaodianxin is cookie in Chinese, so I found a recipe for  Chinese Almond Cookies. I'm not sure if they are actually a traditional Chinese cookie, but I love eating them.

Fun Facts – The history of the Chinese almond cookie is unclear. Like chop suey and fortune cookies, it appears to have originated after the first wave of Chinese immigration to the U.S. in the mid-1800s.  There is no record of almond cookies prior to the early 1900s.

Some say the Chinese almond cookie is adapted from the Chinese walnut cookie, a plain cookie with a walnut in the center, which was thought to bring good luck. Also called an almond biscuit or almond cake, today it is found in bakeries in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, as well as Chinatowns in cities worldwide.

Book Buddy – Xenocide by Orson Scott Card

The war for survival of the planet Lusitania will be fought in the hearts of a child named Gloriously Bright. On Lusitania, Ender found a world where humans and pequininos and the Hive Queen could all live together; where three very different intelligent species could find common ground at last. Or so he thought. Lusitania also harbors the descolada, a virus that kills all humans it infects, but which the pequininos require in order to become adults. The Startways Congress so fears the effects of the descolada, should it escape from Lusitania, that they have ordered eh destruction of the entire planet, and all who live there. The Fleet is on its way, a second xenocide seems inevitble.

X is a challenging letter. What did you blog about today? Have you read any books that begin with the letter X?

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE – if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends but most of all, you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Waffle Iron Cookies                     

My Review – When I first saw this recipe for Waffle Cookies I thought, Hooray! A way to make cookies in the summer without the oven. Not so. This recipe is a disaster! First, I tried using the Universal Recipe, to save time, but the finished product was softer than I expected. So, I made the actual waffle cookie mix, which was much worse! It stuck to the waffle iron and came out in a pile of crumbs. In the end I went back and made the cookies with the Universal Recipe. They tasted good, but in the future I think I'll stick to the oven.

Since I'm not one to waste food, I'll crumble the waffle cookies over some vanilla ice-cream, but this is definitely a recipe to be skipped. However, there is a silver lining to this experiment, I learned how to make superfine sugar using my (for food use only) coffee grinder. Superfine sugar looks like powdered sugar, but taste a lot better. I may not be using this recipe, but I will be making superfine sugar again.

Fun Facts – The waffle iron dates back to around the 14th century. Originally they were constructed of two hinged iron plates that were connected by long, wooden handles. Most waffle irons at this time were imprinted with elaborate patterns on the plates, such as coat of arms, religious symbols, or landscapes.

The Dutch pilgrims brought waffle irons to America in the 1620′s. Later in 1869, Cornelius Swarthout patented the first waffle iron in the U.S. They sat on wood or gas stoves and the cast iron plates were joined by a hinge that swiveled. In 1891 John Kleimbach, a German immigrant living in Shamokin, Pennsylvania became a traveling salesman of waffles after fashioning an iron for the Mansion House Hotel. Kliembach sold waffles for a penny each or ten cents for a dozen. He was a sensation at the Chicago World's Fair.

In 1911, General Electric produced its first electric waffle iron, with the help of Thomas J. Steckbeck.  Steckbeck is credited with designing the first-of-its-kind heating elements that used a built in thermostat to prevent overheating, a common problem with early versions. With his revolutionary design and General Electric funding, the first fully electric waffle iron rolled off the assembly line July 26, 1911. In 1939, the “Twin-O-Matic” is designed by Karl Ratliff for the New York World’s fair.  In 1953 frozen waffles are sold in grocery stores for the first time. In 1964 Maurice Vermersch introduces the Brussels waffle recipe at the New York World’s Fair and the Belgium waffle is born.

Book Buddy – Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

"Sometimes you know in your heart you love someone, but you have to go away before your head can figure it out."
To trace the path of her missing mother, Sal embarks on a journey from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents. On the road, Sal tells the strange and exciting story of her friend Phoebe. As the miles pass, Phoebe's tale becomes more and more outrageous, while Sal's own story begins to emerge. In unraveling Phoebe's mystery, Sal comes ever closer to finding out the truth behind her own bittersweet journey. What will she find at the end of the road?

I've been so busy A to Zing, I've forgotten to take time to celebrate the small things. This week I'm celebrating, that for the second year in a row, I made it from A to Z in the A to Z challenge. Now, I'm wondering what I'm going to blog about next month.

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE – if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends but most of all, you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Vanilla Wafers                                           

My Review – After years of buying Vanilla Wafers, to use in my banana pudding, it took the A to Z challenge to help me discover that I could make my own. I'm not sure how these cookies would hold up in a banana pudding as they are much softer and a lot sweeter than the boxed version. The taste is similar to a very rich sugar cookie and is extremely delicious! I baked two-dozen and they barely lasted long enough for me to take the picture. Since this cookie is ready in 30 minutes, including prep time, I will bake them again. I'm just not sure if I'll use them in my banana pudding, although telling my guests I'd baked the wafers myself would make me feel like a real Martha Stewart.

Fun Facts – If you've ever done type of baking you're probably familiar with vanilla or, at least, vanilla extract, but are you aware that the history of vanilla goes back to ancient times? The vanilla, defined as "little pod" in Spanish, bean was first cultivated by the Totonac Indians of Mexico. They used it in rituals long before Columbus came to America. It was also used as a medicine and as a perfume. Interestingly enough, the Totonac Indians didn't use it for flavoring. It was adopted by the Aztecs after the Totonacs were conquered in the 15th century. The Aztecs mixed it with chocolate to make their tasty drink chocolatl.

Book Buddy  – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader", the third book in the series (fifth in chronological order) of The Chronicles of Narnia, where Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, as well as their priggish cousin, Eustace Scrubb, return to Narnia. There they accompany King Caspian on a voyage to find the seven lords who were banished when Caspian's uncle Miraz stole the throne. This perilous journey brought them face to face with many wonders and dangers, as they sailed toward Aslan's Country at the eastern end of the world.

Have you read any the Chronicles of Narnia? Do you have a favorite? Do you think you'll try these vanilla wafers in your next banana pudding?

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE – if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends but most of all, you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Universal Cookie Mix                       

My Review –As this challenge winds to an end you might be saying to yourself, all those cookies are nice, but that is too many recipes for me. Have I got a recipe for you! It's the Universal Cookie Mix. A generic cookie base made from a cake mix where you can have your choice of add-ins from apple chips to toffee bits. I've used this type of universal mix before and I can say they are (practically) fail-proof as well as a life-saver in a cookie baking emergency. And we all know how often those come around.

Fun Facts – The first cookies were created by accident. Cooks used a small amount of cake batter to test their oven temperature before baking a large cake. These little test cakes were called "koekje", meaning "little cake" in Dutch. In earlier American cookbooks, cookies were given no space of their own but were listed at the end of the cake chapter. They were called by such names as "Jumbles," "Plunkets," and "Cry Babies." The names were extremely puzzling and whimsical.

Book Buddy – The Underneath by

A calico cat, about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, this feline, this creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath...as long as they stay in the Underneath.

Do you have a favorite cookie recipe you'd like to try using the Universal Cake Mix? Have you read The Underneath? Do you think you will?

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE – if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends, but most of all you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Tea Cakes                                                    
My Review – When I was very young my paternal grandmother used to make me Tea Cakes. From what I'm told I used to walk next door to her house and bang on her backdoor with a rock she kept by the door for me because I was too little to knock hard enough for her to hear me. She would let me in and together we would bake tea cakes. According to my mom she even baked me tea cakes on the day she died. I've never forgotten her, her love for me, or her tea cakes. I don't have her recipe, but making these brought back fond memories of homemade tea cakes.

Fun Facts – Culinary historians say the cookie may have been slaves' version of the English tea cake. With very little provisions, those enslaved Africans took what was available and made their own version. People often preferred teacakes, because the basic ingredients (sugar, flour, milk, and eggs) were generally on hand. In the days before families bought prepackaged baked goods, mothers cooked these by the dozen. They stocked them in flour sacks or pillowcases to keep them fresh, pulling them out when children returned from school or the family wanted something sweet. Every woman had her own special recipe, often passed down from her mother or another close relative.

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Over time, cooks have experimented with other ingredients to enhance the teacakes. Some prefer simple additions, such as vanilla extract, while others might add raisins or nuts, depending on their preferences. Around Easter, children enjoy spreading colored icing and sprinkles on top of their teacakes. Tea cakes became a treasure--comfort food that became a special treat during the holidays.

Book Buddy – Tea Cakes for Tosh by Kelly Starling Lyons

I found this book and book trailer while researching this blog post.  It was published in December 2012 and reminds me of making Tea Cakes with my Grandmother. I am so happy to have discovered this little Tea Cake Treasure.

Tosh loves his grandma Honey and her delicious golden tea cakes. When she tells the story of how the cookies became part of their family, he feels like he's flying back in time. But then one day, Honey starts forgetting things, even an ingredient for the tea cakes. Inspired by his love for his grandma and respect for his family's heritage, Tosh finds a way to give Honey and himself a special gift that keeps the memory alive.

Have you ever made Tea Cakes? Does your family have a recipe they've passed on through the generations?

I'm taking part in the fourth A to Z Challenge where for the month of April I will blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays. The participation list is HERE – if you want to join in. You'll make many new friends, but most of all you'll have fun!

My theme – I have selected a cookie for each day and a book that begins with the letter of the day. I also added a few fun facts about the cookie and/or its ingredients. In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, usually small cake. By definition, a cookie can be any of a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft.

Snickerdoodles                                         

My Review – Snickerdoodles are my cookie weakness. I love them so much, I could eat the entire batch in one sitting. I'm not sure if it's because they are so easy to make, or that they are sugar, on top of sugar, with a little cinnamon thrown in, or just how fun it is to say Snickerdoodle. When baking Snickerdoodles I always start with a basic sugar cookie mix, then roll the cookie dough in a sugar cinnamon mixture before baking. Snickerdoodles taste great with, milk, ice-cream or just one after the other.

Fun Facts – Snickerdoodles are drop cookies topped with cinnamon sugar that are cited in print from at least 1889. They were very popular in New England and Pennsylvania during this time. There are a few different beliefs about where the name came from. According to Wikipedia, some believe the cookies have a Dutch or German origin with their name being interpreted from the German word Schneckennudeln, or cinnamon-dusted sweet rolls. Some even believe the name originates from a series of tall tales around a hero named Snickerdoodle from the early 1900's. We may never know the true history behind the name, Snickerdoodle, but fortunately history gave us the most important part – the recipe!

Book Buddy – Stuart Little by E.B. White

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he's shy and thoughtful, he's also a true lover of adventure.

Stuart's greatest adventure comes when his best friend, a beautiful little bird named Margalo, disappears from her nest. Determined to track her down, Stuart ventures away from home for the very first time in his life. He finds adventure aplenty. But will he find his friend?

Do you like Snickerdoodles? Can you say Snickerdoodle really fast five times without smiling? What is the funniest cookie name you can think of?