Sail into supernatural suspense with CHRIS ROGERS author of PARADISE CURSED
Meade Plantation novel , book 1 ). I incorporated this recipe into the Belle Meade novels not only because Beaten Biscuits were authentic to the 19th century ( and a staple in a Confederate soldier ’ s daily rations ), but because Beaten Biscuits also communicated social status . Because only the wealthier people of that time who had either slaves or servants could afford to have someone to stand and “ beat the biscuit dough ” for 30 minutes or more in order to get the dough to rise . Remember , they didn ’ t have baking powder back then like we do today .
Further , when To Whisper Her Name released , I added a page for Beaten Biscuits on my Novel Sweets & Savories page where I included the full history of these biscuits along with an image of an authentic 19th century biscuit press , and step-bystep instructions on how to make the biscuits . I love sharing real history with my readers and , in turn , they seem to relish it too .
Recipes — or receipts as they were called in the 19th century — are also a fabulous way to connect with readers . Who among us hasn ’ t clicked on an image of a yummy pie or cake to learn more ? It thrills me when I receive notes and pictures from readers who ’ ve made recipes from my novels and have served them at their book club meetings .
While visiting the pages of my Novel Sweets & Savories , readers are also extended an invitation to stay connected with me via eUpdates and to get free autographed book plates and book marks . I also utilize recipes in my giveaways to readers . When a new novel releases , I ’ ll share the recipe for a Southern dish included in the story — a pie , for instance — and then will give away several pie plates or cake stands as a promotion for the book .
As readers , we read to be moved , to be stirred emotionally . And I ’ ve found that stirring things up in the kitchen is a great way to nurture that . Because for me , when I read a novel I don ’ t want to merely identify with the characters — I want to become them . So why not let our readers taste what our characters are tasting too ?
After all , as Tempy the head cook at Carnton says , “ A Southern table is never full . There ’ s always room for one more .” •
Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today ’ s most popular writers in the historical romance genre . She and her husband live in Nashville , Tennessee , not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for seven of her award-winning novels .
A story of jealousy and possession set on the schooner Sarah Jane , where problems from humanity ’ s dark side tend to grow darker . Although most passengers are unaware of the bizarre happenings , a greedy malignant spirit roams the ship , and a young artist finds his paintings take on a strangely prophetic quality .
Sail into supernatural suspense with CHRIS ROGERS author of PARADISE CURSED
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