Benvenuto al Italia! Welcome to Italy in my next Silhouette Intimate Moments release in August. Deadly Memories is the last (for now) in my series about the men and women of the Anti-Terrorism Security Agency (ATSA). The hunt for stolen uranium and their personal searches take my characters to that ancient land of extravagant food, wine and people. As you can tell from the title, Deadly Memories, my characters' memories were not pleasant. Jack's deadly memories focus him on vengeance. Sophie's memory of a villain's deadly intent could get her killed—before she can recall his secrets. As they drive mountain roads and hide out in remote villages to escape the villain, they find beauty and warmth as well as passion and danger.
My memories of a trip to Italy years ago are much more pleasant. Those and my research helped me to indulge myself with Italian culture and lore. I steeped myself in the language and history, architecture and scenery as I created villas and villages. Of course, I had to sample the wine and recipes that accompanied my characters' journey from Venice to Tuscany. Here is one of the recipes I found delicious as I ate—um, worked my way through the story.
Pollo Al Mattone, or Tuscan Pressed Chicken
1 small chicken, split down backbone; or 4 deboned chicken breasts
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for basting
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, sliced for garnish
Press the chicken to form a uniform thickness, as flat as you can. Marinate in lemon juice for 30 minutes, turning after 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and discard the juice. Rub the chicken on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, chopped sage, and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in an iron skillet over medium heat. When it is hot, add the chicken and place a weighted lid on top of the chicken. Cook for approximately 55 minutes, turning 3 or 4 times and basting with pan juices. Cut the cooked chicken into pieces and serve immediately. If using deboned chicken breasts, cut cooking time in half. Garnish with lemon slices.
Buon appetito!
Susan Vaughan
4 comments:
What great timing; I was just looking at that pot of sage on my deck, thinking I needed to fix some chicken. The recipe sounds terrific and Tuscany is my favorite place in the entire world, so this will almost be like taking an Italian vacation.
Good luck with Deadly Memories; it sounds terrific! Intimate Moments is the line that's going to become Silhouette Suspense, right? In September?
Okay, Susan, I'm salivating all over my keyboard...
Yum, Susan, not just on the recipe, but on the book. I know it's going to be as great as your others. Looking forward to the great read you always deliver,
Ginny
JoAnn and all, thanks for your comments. And yes, Silhouette Intimate Moments will become Silhouette Romantic Suspense in 2007. Starting in September, the covers will begin to change, with both line names there. It should be an interesting ride.
Susan Vaughan
Post a Comment