The Selection Trilogy

The Selection ***1/2
by Kiera Cass
Book Type: YA, Fantasy, Dystopia, Romance
Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
summary found on goodreads
My Review: For me this book was kind of like "The Bachelor" meets a dystopic novel, meets a Shannon Hale novel. Weird right? But strangely enough it WORKED. For me. I thought Prince Maxon was adorable. I was rooting for him almost from the beginning. It really began the first time America and Prince Maxon met. Okay this is a ridiculously cheesy, sappy, silly love story but it was really fun! It has a great story and great characters that you're cheering for throughout the story! I wasn't sure I would get into this story because it wasn't chuck full of action and nobody dies BUT the friendship and love that develops in the story is real and satisfying. It was so fun to read this strange compilation of modern, futuristic, and archaic behaviors and styles. They do talk shows on t.v., wear big beautiful dresses, and live under a caste system... all of this is a result of a future war destroying the country and the world trying to find a new way to live, again. So fascinating, well developed and honestly just some good old fashioned fun. Bring on the drama! Who will get cut? Who will MAKE the cut? And in the end, who will Prince Maxon pick? Who will America pick? Call me intrigue! I can't wait to find out more!

The Elite ***1/2
by Kiera Cass
Book Type: YA, Fantasy, Dystopia, Romance
Summary:
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

summary found on goodreads
My Review: AHHHHHHHH. I don't know what it is about these books. I like them but I can't really say WHY. Okay. America is still unsure which boy she wants. FIGURE IT OUT AND MOVE ON. She does. Pretty quickly actually. I was surprised. So of course OF COURSE something horrible and devastating had to happen and confuse our dear America all over again. So she's all evasive and distant with both boys again getting close to one, pushing them away and playing the game with the other once again. She is totally like someone I knew in college who I won't name JUST IN CASE. But I believe Stuart Back may just know who I'm referring to... AHEM. Anyway. Back and forth back and forth. THEN. Out of the blue one of her crushes starts to act like he's falling for someone else. WHAT WHAT? Yeah duh America, that's what happens when you can't commit girl. So I was surprised but not shocked. Maybe a bit disappointed. Anyway. Lots of intrigue, drama, back biting, treachery, and more going on in this story. It was more exciting and fast paced than the first one once it picked up. And then the end. Oh my gosh the end. SO. I totally knew America wouldn't get kicked out of the competition. She can't or there is no third book. Right? So I kind of saw the end coming... but also totally didn't. Yeah, it was a good way to leave me hanging. Wrapped up the current drama and lack of communication and opened up the story for a totally different direction. So yeah. This book was as good as the first in the end. It kind of irritated me at first because Maxon was so lovey dovey and understanding and I was like, he's a teenage boy YEAH FREAKING RIGHT. Finally he starts acting human and making mistakes, which I liked.... I didn't love everything that happened in this story, but overall I thought it was a lot of fun. Oh gosh I can't wait for the next book. But I just need to read a few other stupid exciting books and I'll be fine. Where's my copy of Incarceron?...

Wonder

Wonder *****
by R.J. Palacio
Book Type: Juvenile Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Summary: You can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
My Name is August.
I won't describe what i look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?
summary found on goodreads
My Review: This book is absolutely phenomenal. I experienced a myriad of emotions while reading this story from triumph, laughter, and joy to heart breaking sadness and tears. I absolutely loved it. It is a beautiful, heart rending story about a young boy who is just a little different... looking. He has a face that invokes fear on those who see him. But he is just a normal kid, in his mind. He starts public school for the first time in fifth grade, he's had enough surgeries and procedures that he is stable and can handle being away from home for extended periods of time. He goes in as a "lamb to the slaughter" according to his father, and finds a place in this world. He struggles a lot as he tries to make friends and enjoy being in a school setting. I loved the family relationships in this book. I LOVED how his sister adores him and stands up for him but it still human, she's embarrassed to have her new friends meet him. But he is a part of her and embarrassed or not, she isn't ashamed of who he is. I love how much his parents love and protect their son but learn to let go a bit in this story. They start to allow him room to grow. 
The story is told from multiple perspectives, which at first I wasn't happy about, but just a few paragraphs into the first new voice I realized how brilliant that tactic was. We see the same story from multiple views. We see Auggie the way other people see him, not just himself. We feel the shock and horror of meeting him for the first time and the peace and love that develops for him as his character is discovered. 
Throughout the story there are many cruel and horrible people who treat August and his friends as though they are freaks. I absolutely love that his friends stand up for him, that they prefer his company over the "popular kids" and they choose to be "rejects" rather than give up August's friendship. Oh the woes of being a middle schooler. I love the line towards the end of the story: "I didn't destroy a Death Star or anything like that, but I did just get through the fifth grade. And that's not easy, even if you're not me."
I love August's character. He is a very intelligent young boy and is very aware of the way he looks to other people. He is self-deprecating but has a great sense of humor. He is able to joke about the way he looks. He knows that people fear him, he's used to the looks and whispers that erupt whenever he's around. He's not blind to his uniqueness. But in the end, he IS just like everybody else. He has his nerdy side - his love for everything Star Wars, and his vulnerable side - his response to how he is treated and other events in the story. But he is not a baby. He is SO strong. I've had friends bad mouthing me and been treated badly before and it hurts, but August handles the hand he's dealt incredibly maturely.
This book is fabulous. Absolutely wonderful. I read it in less than a day. The chapters are short which makes it easy to whip through. The characters are dynamic, realistic, imperfect, and heart felt. It is easy to follow August on this journey. I can't say enough good things about this book. But I will stop here. Read this book. You won't regret it.

 

Banana muffins

Healthy Banana Muffins

inspiration: allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c wheat flour
• 1 c gluten free flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 banana mashed
• 1 1/2 c applesauce
• 6-8 dates
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 c melted butter
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. 
3. Blend together bananas, dates, applesauce, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Breakfast Smoothie Anyone?

This morning I wanted my usual breakfast smoothie but we were completely out of spinach! I've tried other greens before and almost puked they were so gross. I just haven't figured out how to do that yet. So I decided to try a different route. A beet. Yeah, we had a beet and fruit smoothie at Jamba the other day that was absolutely delish! So this is our rough draft... :)
Fruit and Beet Smoothie
source: me!
serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 beet, peeled and diced small
• 1 carrot, chopped 
• 1 c strawberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 orange, peeled or juiced
• 1 T flax seed
• 1 c milk
• 1 T honey (optional)
• 5-6 ice cubes

Directions

1. Throw all ingredients into blender and blend until creamy and smooth.

 

Speedy Shrimp and Spinach Salad

When it comes to cooking, everyone appreciates a meal which is easy to make... tasting especially good sometimes just becomes an added bonus. Throw in being healthy and you've got a keeper for sure! Even with a slice of whole wheat bread, this meal barely hits 200 calories, but with all the flavor and filling feeling it leaves you with, you wouldn't know it! And it take less than ten minutes to make!

Warm Shrimp and Spinach Salad
Source: Me! (Jessica)
Servings: 1 if served as main dish, 2 if served over pasta.

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp minced garlic (or one clove fresh)
~15 grape tomatoes
~12 cooked, tail-off shrimp (mine is the 50-70 count from Costco)
~1 cup raw baby spinach
salt
pepper
lemon juice
balsamic vinegar
parmesan cheese

Directions:
In a skillet over medium heat melt coconut oil. Add garlic and saute until golden. Add shrimp and cover. Cut tomatoes in half and add to the skillet once the shrimp has (mostly) thawed. Salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking covered for a couple minutes to allow tomatoes to slightly stew. Remove cover and continue cooking for another minute to allow some of the water to evaporate. Add spinach and toss with tomatoes, shrimp, and juices. Transfer to plate and drizzle with lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

A new twist on chicken cordon bleu

For people who stupidly buy chicken tenderloins when planning to make chicken cordon bleu.... Or  because you have left over rotisserie chicken... Or because you're too lazy to make chicken cordon bleu but are really in the mood for that flavor... Or even just because it's good :)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

source: tastykitchen.com

Ingredients

casserole

• 1 whole Cooked Chicken, Bones Removed, Meat Diced Or Shredded (Rotisserie Chicken Is Excellent, Should Be 5-6 Cups Of Chicken)
• ½ lbs Very Thinly Sliced Deli-style Honey Ham, Rough Chopped
• ¼ lbs Thin Sliced Baby Swiss Cheese

sauce

• 4 T Butter
• 4 T Flour
• 3-¼ c Whole Milk
• 2 T Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 T Dijon Mustard
• 1-½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ¼ tsp White Pepper

topping

• 6 T Butter
• 1-½ c Panko Bread Crumbs
• ¾ tsp Seasoning Salt
• 1-½ tsp Crushed Dried Parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
   
2. Put cooked shredded or diced chicken on the bottom of the baking dish. Rough chop the ham and scatter it over the top of the chicken. Lay the Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
   

For the sauce:

3. Melt the butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. When butter is melted, quickly stir in the flour to form a smooth roux. Do not brown!
   
4. Once the roux is smooth and bubbly, slowly pour in the cold milk while stirring briskly to make a smooth sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
   
5. Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, smoked paprika and white pepper. Bring sauce just back to a low boil and turn off heat.
   
6. Pour sauce evenly over the casserole, being certain to get some of the sauce around the edges of the pan.
   

For the topping:

7. Melt the butter in the microwave in a medium sized microwaveable bowl. Heat it for 30 seconds at a time and stop once it’s melted.
   
8. Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in the panko bread crumbs, seasoning salt and crushed dried parsley. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
   
9. Bake casserole uncovered for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly throughout and topping has turned a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.
   

 

Even sugar-free these are GOOD

Slightly Healthier Cinnamon Rolls
Adapted from: the pioneer woman

Ingredients

• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 c coconut Oil
• 1/2 c honey
• 2 packages active dry yeast (4 1/2 tsp)
• 8 c (plus 1 c extra) whole wheat or all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (heaping) baking powder
• 1 tsp (scant) baking soda
• 1 T (heaping) salt
• 1 c melted butter
• 2 c erythritol or sugar
• generous sprinkling cinnamon

maple frosting

• 1 package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 T pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 c confectioners' sugar or erythritol (thrown in blender)

Directions

1. For the dough, heat the milk, oil, and honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat to just below a boil. Set aside and cool to warm. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit on the milk for 1 minute.
2. Add 8 cups of the flour. Stir until just combined, then cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set aside in a relatively warm place for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup flour. Stir thoroughly to combine. 
3. Use the dough right away, or place in a mixing bowl and refrigerate for up to 3 days, punching down the dough if it rises to the top of the bowl. (Note: dough is easier to work with if it’s been chilled for at least an hour or so beforehand.)
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. To assemble the rolls, remove half the dough from the pan/bowl. On a floured baking surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30 x 10 inches. The dough should be rolled very thin.
6. To make the filling, pour 3/4 cup to 1 cup of the melted butter over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to spread the butter evenly. Generously sprinkle half of the ground cinnamon and 1 cup of the sugar over the butter. Don’t be afraid to drizzle on more butter or more sugar! Gooey is the goal.
7. Now, beginning at the end farthest from you, roll the rectangle tightly towards you. Use both hands and work slowly, being careful to keep the roll tight. Don’t worry if the filling oozes as you work; that just means the rolls are going to be divine. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face down. When you’re finished, you’ll wind up with one long buttery, cinnamony, sugary, gooey log.
8. Slip a cutting board underneath the roll and with a sharp knife, make 1/2-inch slices. One “log “will produce 20 to 25 rolls. Pour a couple of teaspoons of melted butter into disposable foil cake pans and swirl to coat. Place the sliced rolls in the pans, being careful not to overcrowd. (Each pan will hold 7 to 9 rolls.)
9. Repeat the rolling/sugar/butter process with the other half of the dough and more pans. Cover all the pans with a kitchen towel and set aside to rise on the countertop for at least 20 minutes before baking. 
10. Remove the towel and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown. Don’t allow the rolls to become overly brown.
11. While the rolls are baking, make the maple icing: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar; continue beating until well combined and smooth.
12. Remove pans from the oven. Immediately drizzle icing over the top. Be sure to get it all around the edges and over the top. As they sit, the rolls will absorb some of the icing’s moisture and flavor. They only get better with time… not that they last for more than a few seconds. Make them for a friend today! It’ll seal the relationship for life. I promise.