Monday, May 25, 2015

Happy Memorial Day!

























My father grew up in a country where people were afraid to speak their minds. They were even afraid of the neighbors. They never knew who might turn someone in for having an opinion against the government. Or just an unpopular opinion. He learned early on that he had to be careful what he said and to whom he spoke. Consequently, he was always amazed by the friendliness of Americans. He shushed me more than once for having the audacity to speak to a stranger, but I grew up in the United States, where I never felt the fear he knew too well.

When I see what's happening in the Middle East, I have to think of my dad and his caution. The horrid pictures of innocent people suffering unimaginable acts of cruelty remind me how much we have to be thankful for in the United States. The people who deserve our thanks for protecting our freedoms are the brave men and women of the armed forces and their families, who sacrifice so that we can live free.

We should say it every day, but especially on Memorial Day, we send our appreciation and thanks to you.



Happy Memorial Day from all of us at 
Mystery Lovers' Kitchen!

When I posted my mother's recipe for cookies made with cottage cheese, I started wondering if the same basic recipe would work in a galette. With that in mind, I bought cottage cheese and fresh berries. And then I saw Smitten Kitchen's brilliant red and blue galettes. Perfect for Memorial Day!

I switched things up, though, because while Smitten Kitchen used ricotta, I wanted to try the cottage cheese. I revisited my mom's recipe and adjusted the quantities accordingly. My version is also a step easier because I was lazy and used the food processor to make the dough. Seriously, putting in the ingredients and pulsing the dough took all of about seven minutes.

I was so impressed with the star shape that Smitten Kitchen made! Sheer genius! And really not all that hard to do. Instead of different colors, though, I mixed raspberries and blueberries. At Smitten Kitchen, they said not to worry about the juices running. So to save some of those yummy juices, I used my mother's strudel trick and crumbled up half a graham cracker over the middle where the berries would go. You don't even notice that graham cracker, but it helps keep the juices inside.

On top, I drizzled a little bit of lemon sugar icing to add the white of the stars in our flag. This is a super easy recipe. The only caveat (because I always forget!!!) is to move your dough to the baking sheet BEFORE filling it. 


Star Berry Galette
inspired by Marianne's Windmills and Smitten Kitchen's star galette

1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces (1/2 cup butter)
1/2 a graham cracker sheet 

2 cups berries (raspberries and blueberries)
3 to 4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
half a lemon
pinch of salt

1 egg, whisked
coarse sugar (optional)

1/2 lemon
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 400. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place cottage cheese, flour, salt, sugar, and COLD butter into food processor (use pastry blade if you have one) and pulse until it forms a ball. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for one hour.

Roll out the dough to about 15 inches. Trim the dough into the shape of a pentagon. Make a short slit in the middle of each of the long sides. Fold gently and MOVE DOUGH TO BAKING SHEET. Crumble the graham cracker as finely as you can over the middle of the dough.

In a bowl, mix the berries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Pour the mixture in the middle of the prepared dough and spread to within 1 1/2 or 2 inches of the edge. Fold the first part of the dough (with a point) over the berries. Follow with the next point, adjusting the edges as you go so that the berries show in the shape of a star. Brush the dough with the egg. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

When the galette has cooled, whisk the lemon and powdered sugar together into a drizzling consistency and drizzle over top.

Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or gobble it plain!

Dump the ingredients in and pulse.

So quick to make in the food processor.

 
Trim into a pentagon and make a little slit in the long sides.
 
Pour the berries in the middle and spread.

Fold the points inward so that the berries are in the shape of a star.

Make Windmills with the scraps!


Stop here, or -

Add a lemon sugar drizzle!




I can't believe that we're only a week and a day away from the release of 
THE DIVA STEALS A CHOCOLATE KISS!
I'm giving away a copy today. Leave a comment to enter. 
And don't forget to leave your email address so I can notify you if you win!
Good luck!

118 comments:

  1. Wonderful Memorial Day tribute and backstory. This Galette is a delicious, beautiful treat for the long weekend. And hooray for the book's release soon!! So excited!! EMS591@aol.com

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  2. Thanks for that story and reminder Krista--I didn't know that about your dad. And the galette is a stunner!

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  3. Happy Memorial Day! I am very thankful I live in the USA (we have so many freedoms that other countries don't allow), and for the our brave military.

    The Star Berry Galette looks so yummy! Thank you for the recipe. I am waiting patiently for THE DIVA STEALS A CHOCOLATE KISS to be released.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I'm so looking forward to "visiting" the Diva again. It's been too long!

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  5. Love the star shape--what a smart idea. And another pie crust recipe to try. One of these days I'll get one right.

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  6. Your father's story is meaningful, Krista, and a powerful reminder of the freedoms we have and how important it is to maintain them, even at great sacrifice. Thank you for the moving post, and for your fantastic recipe. Congratulations on the new Diva, and enjoy your Memorial Day.

    ~ Cleo

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  7. Thank you for sharing your father's story, Krista. We all need a reminder to appreciate and defend the freedoms we have. And thanks for the recipe - that sounds yummy! bunkielisa at gmail dot com

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  8. Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway!

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  9. This recipe is making my mouth water! Can't wait to try it and read the next Diva book :) lilflynracer @ msn.com

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  10. Looks lovely...wish I had one here now. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com

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  11. this recipe sounds so easy and good. Thanks for the chance to win.
    nlb1050@yahoo.com

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  12. I would love to win this book!
    Joannlowehunter@aol.com

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  13. A beautiful story about your dad and a good reminder of our freedom that we so often take for granted. Can't wait for your book to come out - congrats! kimdavishb@gmail.com

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  14. Thanks for sharing you dad's story. I would love to win this book.
    Spedmiller@aol.com

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  15. Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for the recipe and the wonderful giveaway! areewekidding@yahoo.com

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  16. What a beautiful tribute! Yes, for freedom! Yes, for the freedom to express ourselves!! And what a gorgeous pastry! Love it.

    Daryl / Avery

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  17. Thanks so much for sharing the story about your father. And that galette looks lovely! I love the food processor technique.
    harbingerdc(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Perfect patriotic treat! Looks oh so yummy! =_

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  19. Sounds like a great recipe and book...I would love to win

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  20. The galette looks wonderful! And I'd love to win the book. Thank you.

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  21. Looks so yummy trichieATwindstreamDOTnet

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  22. What a lovely treat which looks like a winner. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  23. Thank you, Krista for sharing your story about your father. I served in the Army from 1968 - 1970. I was stationed in Okinawa during the time that Japan wanted control of the island. The was rioting in the streets, curfews. It was a very trying time for the military families. And, now, almost 50 years later, there's rioting in our streets. Will there ever be peace in our world? Thanks for sharing the recipe. I wish Icould have a piece with my morning coffee.Also, thanks for this giveaway. j_mazur@msn.com

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  24. That's a nice looking galette.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  25. A great tribute and beautiful galette. Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  26. Thanks for the chance to win. sable677 at yahoo dot com

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  27. Happy Memorial Day! lkleback@hotmail.com

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  28. Fingers crossed that I win a copy if I am eligible. This is Dawn Addison Smedley, dawnsmedley69@gmail.com

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  29. Thank you for sharing with us. We are very lucky to live with the freedom we have.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    MarshaMysteryreader@yahoo.com

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  30. This is Jody Schwoerer's official comment. She's unable to leave one.

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  31. What a yummy looking recipe! Thank you for the giveaway. I hope you have a pleasant holiday.
    debprice60@gmail.com

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  32. Krista, thanks for sharing with us on such a special day. Sometimes we take so much for granted here. As for Diva, I am so looking forward to the next book! Love the cover and can't wait to read the next adventure. (extra yum on chocolate in the title!)

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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  33. I can't wait to read the new Diva book. Thanks for the giveaway! cking78503@aol.com

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  34. Thank you for the wonderful story about your father---we all need a reminder about how lucky we are to live in the free world and to give thanks for our military personnel today. I'd love to win your book--thanks for the contest.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  35. This looks so good.. Congratulations on your book.. grandmatinaof2(at) gmail.com

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  36. Happy Memorial Day and thank you for the post!

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  37. Happy Memorial Day to all! I'm remembering my late parents today, both World War II veterans. As an Army nurse and first lieutenant, my mom outranked my dad, a Navy seaman.

    My, that galette looks delicious.

    cwsullivan53@gmail.com

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  39. The galette looks delicious, and I love the star design on top. Thanks for yet another chance to win the latest Diva book. As with all of your offerings, I'm looking forward to it.

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  40. Loved the recipe. Wish I had some berries this morning.

    Bettyjo.english@gmail.com

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  41. Loved the recipe. Wish I had some berries this morning.

    Bettyjo.english@gmail.com

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  42. Love the trcipe. Wish I had some berries this morning.

    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  43. The recipe looks great. I love thud series.
    Moonbay7399@gmail.com

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  44. Great recipe! I would love to win!

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  45. Thanks to all those that served.
    Recipe I will need to try out on my folks. Looks so yummy!
    Lady.janel@hotmail.com

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  46. Awesome. Thanks!

    rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

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  47. That looks amazing! And I can't wait for another Diva mystery! Krista, you are my favorite author :) I got my mom hooked on the Domestic Diva series and I love everything you write. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
    Ericaplee@yahoo.com

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  48. Looks delicious ! Thankful for all our freedoms. Thanks to all the brave! Past, present, and future.

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  49. This recipe looks delicious!! Would love to win your new book! Thanks for chance, and Happy Memorial Day. A big thank you to all who have served and who are serving!! lpblanchard@yahoo.com

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  50. Looks delicious. Love your books!!

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  51. Simple and delicious, works for me.

    Love the video. We are a military family. Hubby was AF, son Navy, and 2 grandsons currently serving - one in the Army and one in the Marines. We tease our younger generation that somebody needs to cover the Coast Guard now! Happy Memorial Day!
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  52. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. Love your books.
    mbrown0813@wowway.com

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  53. Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for all that have served! This book and recipe look wonderful cant wait to read!!
    Reanbean1999@gmail.com

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  54. Can't wait for your new release and thank you for the recipe! ourbookaddiction at gmail

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  55. Happy Memorial Day! And a big thanks to all the people who've fought bravely for the sake of others.

    I'm so excited for the new Diva book... it feels like I've been waiting forever! I'm not saying you write too slowly, I'm just saying I get impatient for things I like. :)

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  56. It is so easy to take our freedom for granted. We need to remember to thanks those who have served and are serving for fighting for our freedom. Living in a military town, we try to make everyday a day to thank those serving.
    Can't wait to read the new book!

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  57. Just ot back from local Memorial day service. Let's remember those who died for us. rblerner@ptd.net

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  58. Looks good. ;)
    pmettert@yahoo.com

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  59. Thanks for this chance at a good read. We can't wait to try the recipe. It looks good. Our menfolk have and are serving in every branch of the military. My gramps started the tradition of bringing home recipes from the countries he was stationed in. Wish people were not so afraid of what is different. We all have so much we could share. Della at: deepotter@peoplepc.com

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  60. The recipe looks good! Can't wait to try it. Misty at: Knapp.MP@gmail.com

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  61. I love cozy mysteries, especially Krista Davis and Tthe Diva! kat8762@aol.com

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  62. This is Debbie Ward's official comment. She's unable to leave one.

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  63. Great reminder of what we have here. So thankful for all those men and women who have sacrificed everything for us to have all we do. Thank you so much for the wonderful and artful recipe. And thank you for the opportunity to win your new book. kayt18 at comcast dot net

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  64. This is Sharame Vodraska's official comment. She's unable to leave one.

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  65. This is Jennifer Cannon Doorenbos's official comment. She's unable to leave one.

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  66. This is Sherry Smith's official comment. She's unable to leave one.

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  67. This is one recipe with cottage cheese that my husband would actually eat! Happy Memorial day!

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  68. Happy Memorial day, your story is a good reminder of how we take too many things for granted in America. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your newest book :)

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  69. That's a beautiful pastry! Looks delicious, and thanks to the photos, directions are clear. Peace and freedom, and in the words of one of my students, "Drop pie, not bombs."

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  70. I think I gained weight just looking at the photograph! So yummy looking!
    teenlibn at hotmail dot com

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  71. I love your books and recipes. My kind of combination. I lost most of my stomach to illness but still.love to cook and bake even if I can only eat a few bites. !!!!!
    Oneponychick66@hotmail.com

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  72. Thank you for sharing about your father! I can't imagine what living with that kind of fear must be like. To all veterans reading this, thank you for your service! jeaniedannheim at ymail dot Com

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  73. A beautiful winner!
    So glad you have the detailed pictures. Sometimes my brain has trouble picturing what the directions mean, but the photos make it clear.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  74. Do you think I could exchange ricotta for the cottage cheese? Bobbipad at gmail dot com

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    1. Bobbipad, you might want to look at Smitten Kitchen's version. She made hers with ricotta but the ingredient amounts and baking time are slightly different. http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/07/blue-and-red-berry-ricotta-galette/

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  75. Wow that looks really yummy! :) That looks like a great book. I have read the first in the series and it was great! Thanks for the giveaway!
    magicgirl2357@yahoo.com

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  76. Hoping that every US citizen takes time this weekend and especially today to honor those who have fought for our freedom and keep us safe and those serving our country right now. Your tribute was so touching; thank you for sharing, Krista. I have not made a galette with a cottage cheese crust before, but will definitely try it soon. I have loved your books so much and would be delighted to become the recipient of The Diva Steals A Chocolate Kiss. Thanks you for the story, the recipe and the giveaway.
    Cynthia
    ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net

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  77. Such a clever design. Susan.ringler@gmail.com

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  78. Beautiful essay and recipe, Krista! And I love the Smitten Kitchen, too!

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  79. Happy Memorial Day! I am looking forward to the release of this book and can't wait to read it. I also printed the recipe and plan to make it soon! busymother@gmail.com

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  80. Thanks for sharing about your dad. My dad was a proud WWII vet. We buried him on Memorial Day 2008. I am remembering him a lot today.
    sharonbabyme@yahoo.com

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  81. Oh yum! Another great recipe, good job. What a great Summer sweet treat.
    We just got back from one of our local Memorial Day Parades and the T.V. is set to watch the National Parade. I am so proud of our Military and all that they do for us and our country. There are so many different parades and memorial events happening (sinceThursday) I wish I could make it to all of them.
    We had the opprotunity to see The Spirit of America last Fall in Albany (NY,) I really wish they would put that on DVD; I would love to own it for days like this.

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  82. Lovely story, great recipe! Happy Memorial Day! Excited for the upcoming release. I love this series! Fingers crossed!
    Scouts579 (at) aol (dot) com

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  83. Thanks for the great post. Thanks for your books. Happy M Day to all. Jdcows@yahoo.com Bev

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  84. Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing your story and your recipe! Love the cover!
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations, Barbara! You won a copy of THE DIVA STEALS A CHOCOLATE KISS!

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  85. Thank you for sharing your story about your dad. The recipe looks delightful. Thank you for the chance to win! crossxjo(at) Hotmail (dot) com

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  86. The recipe looks just delicious. Thank you for sharing, and for your poignant Memorial Day thoughts, and for the fun chance to win. rencw@verizon.net

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  87. That looks so lovely! Yum! Happy Memorial Day!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  88. Yum! and it's pretty too!
    Woofmew@aol.com

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  89. I can't imagine living in a place where I couldn't talk to everyone. It just comes naturally to me. Your pastry looks so good. I wish I had one now. And, a book to read while eating it. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  90. Wow, that looks good! And I can hardly wait for your new book to come out - just hope I don't spend all night reading it (I have school/work the next day; and, if I finish the book to soon, I'm just frustrated with myself for not pacing myself). book__wyrm at sbcglobal dot net

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  91. Oh, my, that looks delicious. Will have to try this. Can hardly wait for the new book.

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  92. Your story of your Father reminds us that we should not take our freedom lightly, nor the men and women who have lost their lives defending our right to these freedoms. Thanks for sharing.

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  93. The Galette looks like a delicious, holiday dessert. Krista, I can't wait for your book' release!! servedogmom@yahoo.com

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  94. Great story and the recipe looks delicious.
    jenne.turner@unt.edu

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  95. Thanks for the giveaway! Love this series! smmolloy1105@yahoo.com

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  96. Krista, you never cease to amaze me with stories and recipes you concoct! Thanks for sharing with us. (I'm also a huge fan of smittenkitchen) Can't wait to read the next Diva!

    lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

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  97. Lovely dessert for Memorial Day. Patiently waiting for the book release. fsumom99@aol.com

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  98. My Dad was in the Navy in 1941 and in the South Pacific. I have many letters he wrote to my Mom during that time that I want to compile. I'm so thankful to all who served. Joan. joansomersdesign@gmail.com. http://www.somersethouse.me

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  99. The galette looks delicious and I'm sure your book is divine - I'd love to win a copy!
    e.froneberger@gmail.com

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  100. Nice post I come from a long line of vets am very proud of them. My husbands uncle was killed at the Battle of Okinawa in WWII. This recipe sounds wonderful. thanks for chance to win your book too.
    Lhxp73@yahoo.com

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  101. It looks delicious. I have never made a galette. I think I need to rectify that!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  102. I am the world's worst cook but this looks delicious and I might just have to give it a try. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your Giveaway. bhandy1661@hotmail.com

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  103. Looks wonderful. Perfect for summer.

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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  104. Love this series, looking forward to reading this one.
    dotkel50@comcast.net

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  105. Excited to try this recipe, and to read this book.
    frybbe@gmail.com

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  106. This looks SO delish! immortalb4 at gmail dot com

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  107. Thank you for sharing your Father's story with us all! I am thankful every day those who sacrifice everything so that I have the freedom to say and do what I want! This recipe looks great!
    edtercross7304@yahoo.com

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  108. Loved the article...the recipe looks yummy...
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  109. This is Jill George's official comment. She's unable to leave one.

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  112. I have such sympathy for those who's voices are stifled due to their government. I am thankful that we Americans are not subjected to that. Thank you for sharing.
    Sandy in So. Cali
    sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com

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