And a good book to curl up with when it’s raining or snowing outside.

Who am I kidding? Finger food?

You had me at…no dishes.

As I’ve already confessed in another blog, I’m a grazer. I’m always looking for finger food! (And a good book…) But, I digress, as I’m sure you’ve come here looking for something, anything, to throw together for a last minute party, or when an unexpected guest shows up and you suddenly have to become the hostess with the most-ess.

Don’t worry, I’ll hook you up with something, fast, easy and delicious.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

-1 8 oz cream cheese room temperature                    – 2 T brown sugar

-1 stick butter at room temperature                           -3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

-1/2 t vanilla                                                                    -chopped walnuts or pecans

-3/4 c confectioners sugar

Beat cream cheese and butter together in bowl.  Add vanilla, confectioners sugar and brown sugar. Stir in chocolate chips.

Serving method #1:

Mixture will be soft. Leave in bowl and refrigerate until mixture can be shaped into one or two balls. After mixture is firmer, roll the ball(s) in walnuts or pecans.

Serving method #2:

Mixture is so soft that it can be served in a dip. Simply place mixture in a bowl.

Serve with chocolate graham crackers.

What? You need a good book suggestion? Well check out my guest today, Ryan Jo Summers and her book When Clouds Gather.

When Clouds Gather by Ryan Jo Summers

Darby Adams has a successful Bed & Breakfast Inn, a wonderful son and a happy life in the coastal town of Driftwood Shores. Then a guest is found dead in one of her rooms. Suddenly she is the number one suspect and her world is spiraling out of control.

The surviving family wants answers so they hire new-in-town private investigator Sam Golden to undeniably prove her guilt and have her put away. Sam begins his new case in a dual role, in the guise of being Darby’s much needed friend while looking for the evidence to send her to prison.

Until strange things begin happening at the B & B–scary things. Finally Sam has to question his thoughts on her guilt or innocence. Meanwhile, Darby leans on Sam to weather each new challenge and threat. Feelings begin to develop between Darby and Sam. Until Sam is forced to tell Darby the truth about him, effectively destroying what trust they had.

Until a new threat forces Darby to trust Sam once more. She will bet her freedom and life on his skills, but can she trust her heart?

Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Ryan donated a pair of hand-painted ceramic penguin holiday mugs, paired with a $5 Amazon card from Sophia Kimble 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

Ryan Jo Summers is a North Carolina writer who pens contemporary romance blended with an unexpected twist. “Whispers in Her Heart’ combines mystery and horses with the mystical paranormal.

Her latest book out, “Shimmers of Stardust” combines Christian elements in a time travel love story. Next up will be “When Clouds Gather”, a romantic mystery.

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