I have to admit, I’m a grazer.

Eating small portions, but wanting to snack all the time. So appetizers are just awesome-sauce in my mind! Those little tidbits that let you try a bunch of different things without having to make the decision of what you really want to eat, cause you get to eat a bit of everything.

This is an appetizer that usually shows up at most of our family holiday gatherings and doesn’t stick around long. The kids even enjoy it- not caring one bit that they are actually getting some veggies in!

Vegetable Appetizer

2 pks crescent rolls                                                 1 pk cheddar cheese

1 8oz cream cheese                                                 Veggies: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots etc.

1 cup mayonnaise                                                   1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch party dip

Spread rolls and bake as directed, until light brown (350 degrees for 10-12 minutes). Let Cool. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise and ranch dip and then spread over. Layer with veggies and cheese, pressing down lightly onto the cheese. Refrigerate. Cut into squares and serve and enjoy!

Now, enjoy this excerpt from my guest author, Linda O’Connor and her novel, Perfectly Honest.

Perfectly Honest by Linda O’Connor

You never know where your words will take you.

When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s ‘fiancée’ for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor.

Sam O’Brien, aka ‘Dr. Eye Candy’, is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down. But when his ‘fiancée’ helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his ‘fiancée’ ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted.

Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven!

Perfectly Honest will be available at Amazon on January 14, 2015.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Linda donated a $5 Amazon card and ebook copy of Perfectly Honest to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I’ve been writing for three years, and I’m thrilled that Soul Mate Publishing will be publishing my latest novel, Perfectly Honest.I love reading romantic comedies so naturally that’s what I write. I never aspired to be a writer, but now I’m addicted. I love it. I balance writing with my work as a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic and being a mom to three sons (luckily grown and capable of throwing together a decent meal, in a pinch). Plus I like to keep active and cycle, cross-country ski, skate, walk with my husband, or dance every day.The idea to write came after working with young adults. There were some basics I thought they should know – mental health symptoms, birth control myths, how to take ownership of their health. I thought hey, if David Chilton of The Wealthy Barber fame can dole out financial advice in a barbershop, maybe I could dole out medical advice in a Romance novel. That’s how my first novel, She’s Not a Fan, was born.

For many years, I taught clinical skills to medical students and spent a lot of time writing detailed roles for actor-patients. It was great practice for developing characters in my stories. Joining the Romance Writers of America, taking online workshops, (and reading) all helped improve my writing. Medical school was challenging, but it was nothing compared to figuring out where commas go, POV, or sorting out verb tense (simple past, past perfect, past perfect progressive – did they know there were 25 other letters they could have used to name those things?)

Obviously I’m still learning, but I love the process.

I don’t write about people I know, but I definitely take inspiration from snippets of conversations or from the emotion I feel when I talk to people. My designated writing space is any place with a view of Lake Ontario, preferably outside (for three of the four seasons).

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