Sunday, July 8, 2018

Welcome V.M. Burns!










A very warm welcome to V.M. Burns who is very busy writing. Her book, TRAVELLIN' SHOES debuts July 1st. She also writes the Dog Club Mystery series which releases in August. Be sure to check out her giveaway at the bottom!






Thank you, Krista, for inviting me to share a recipe on the Mystery Lovers Kitchen. I’m going to start my time with you by sharing a secret. Unlike the hosts of this site and most of the guests, I’m not a big cook. I really have to be in the right mood to cook. However, I do enjoy eating. I enjoy eating, a lot. So, out of necessity, I have learned to cook and when I’m in the right mood, I cook a lot. I like easy recipes with lots of flavor which relate to my culture. I love cooking the foods I enjoyed eating as a child, soul food. My newly released mystery series combines my love of food with my African American culture.
TRAVELLIN’ SHOES, is the first book in my new RJ Franklin Mystery series. This mystery series is set in St. Joseph, Indiana and is based on my hometown of South Bend. It is steeped in the spiritual traditions of the African American church and all the titles in the series are pulled from Negro Spirituals. Each book includes unique and original soul food recipes that provide a taste of the culture.

When the choir director at a local church is bludgeoned, shot, and set afire in the mayor’s neighborhood, Detective RJ Franklin is pulled in to investigate. But nothing is as it seems. Not even the victim is who he claimed to be. With very little to go on, RJ sets out to catch a killer. With a lot of help from his colorful Godmother, Mama B, his partner and a new love interest, RJ has to follow the trail and solve the murder before someone he cares about becomes the next victim.

Since the vast majority of African-Americans were first brought to the United States as slaves to work southern plantations, both cultures share many common bonds. One of those shared bonds is the superstition around black eyed peas. African Americans and Southerners believe that eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day will bring good luck. However, black eyed peas can be a delicious meal anytime of the year. Here is a cold salad which will be great for summer barbecues and picnics or anytime you want a little taste of the South without dealing with the heat of the kitchen. It’s also a perfect dish to bring to church suppers when you’re not in the mood for slaving over the stove.


BLACK EYED PEA SALAD


Ingredients:


2 15-oz cans of Black eyed peas, drained

1 large tomato, diced

1 small red pepper, cored and seeded

1 small green bell pepper, cored and seeded

½ medium red onion

1 jalapeno (seeds removed)

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

¼ cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar

¼ cup canola oil

½ teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste.


Instructions:






I’m not a fan of tomatoes so I didn’t include them.


1. Roast the peppers, onion, and jalapeno on a grill until soft (Optional: this recipe is equally tasty if you don’t roast the vegetables first).





2. Remove the charred outer skin and chop finely.








3. Whisk the rice wine vinegar, canola oil, sugar in a separate bowl.




4. Add salt and pepper to taste.


5. Combine chopped vegetables with the black eyed peas and toss together with the marinade.


6. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours before serving.



Enjoy as a cold salad or as a salsa with chips!











V. M. (Valerie) Burns was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She is the author of two other mystery series: The Agatha Award nominated Mystery Bookshop Mystery series and The Dog Club Mystery ebook series which will release in August 2018. Valerie currently lives in Eastern Tennessee with her two poodles.









V.M. Burns is giving away a copy of TRAVELLIN’ SHOES to one person who leaves a comment. US ONLY.

Don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!


65 comments:

  1. Thanks for being with us today, Valerie! I love all kinds of legumes but have never tried black-eyed peas. However this is going on the menu this week! Perfect with some grilled chicken.

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    1. Thanks for having me Peg Cochran. I love this site. I think you're right. This makes a great summer side and should be great with grilled chicken.

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  2. Valerie, lovely to have you here. Your book looks amazing! ~ Daryl

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    1. Thanks Daryl. I appreciate the invite. I have been looking forward to hanging out here.

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  3. Who Ohio another new to me author! Thanks for the chance to get to know this author and read her book.

    soblessed0208(@)Gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for commenting Shamekka. I hope you enjoy the book and the recipes. Good Luck!

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  4. Welcome. And don't worry--I've got a couple of female leads who can't cook their way out of a paper bag, although I enjoy it when I'm in the mood. This colorful dish looks perfect for a summer meal. Now I have to go look for your books!

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    1. Thanks Sheila. I definitely have to be in the mood to cook, especially in the summer when its hot. So, this recipe works well.

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  5. Welcome to the Kitchen, Valerie! Though I spent 3 years in South Bend, at Notre Dame, I don't know a lot about the history of the city beyond its role in the auto industry, so it will be fun to learn more on your pages!

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    1. Leslie, it's always nice to meet another Domer. Thanks for allowing me to hang out with you ladies today.

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  6. I'm not into a lot of beans so this recipe is not for me. You newest book Travellin' Shoes looks very interesting. I like reading about different places. I like detective mysteries. Thank you so much for the chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for commenting. Best of luck with the drawing.

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Ms. Burns, I love your Mystery Bookshop mysteries, and I love black-eyed peas, so what more could I ask? Thank you for the description of your new book, the recipe, and for hugely entertaining reading! ellenrusson(at)comcast.net

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    1. Thank you so much Ellen. I'm glad you've enjoyed the Mystery Bookshop Mystery series and I hope you enjoy the RJ Franklin series too. You'll probably recognize that River Bend, Indiana in the Mystery Bookshop series is St. Joseph, Indiana in the RJ Franklin books. Best of luck in the drawing and thanks for the kind words.

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  9. Being from the south (Arkansas), I have definitely grown, picked, shelled, cooked and eaten my fair share of black eye peas. My whole family loves them. However, I've not had this recipe before which I will very soon rectify. Sounds delicious! I do love to cook, but there are times when you need something tasty, easy to fix and prepared ahead of time. This fits all those bills.

    The concept behind the RJ Franklin Mystery series sounds amazing and one I'd love to explore. Love that the titles are all going to be from spirituals. The write up for "TRAVELLIN' SHOES" has me placing this book on my TBR list.

    I would love the opportunity to read not only "TRAVELLIN' SHOES" but the whole series. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Thanks, Kay. I have, unfortunately had to pick and shell peas too. Definitely, not my favorite thing, although I do enjoy eating them. I hope you enjoy the recipe and the mysteries. Thanks for adding Travellin' Shoes to your TBR list and I wish you luck in the drawing.

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  10. Hi Valerie! Your book sounds like it will be an amazing read. I like how you are using titles of Negro Spirituals as titles for your books. I was wondering if you would be including the lyrics to the corresponding songs in each book? That would be really interesting.
    I grew up with New Years Black Eye Peas. As a child I disliked them and would count out enough to satisfy my mother. Then when I had my own children and could not get to my mom’s for New Years, I panicked. That first year we ate canned ones. It was worse than the ones from my childhood. All that year I experimented with cooking them. The next New Years, I was ready! Haha. I have loved them ever since. I guess having to eat so many that year I was learning, I acquired a taste for them. I will definitely be making your recipe. I might switch out the canned ones, though, for homemade.
    Thank you for the opportunity!
    cristinaalaska(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. What an awesome story. I remember one year deciding to skip the New Years Black eyed peas and then panicked and ran to the store and ate canned. I wasn't in love with them either back then. Swap out canned for homemade and enjoy. Good luck with the drawing.

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  11. You had me at black-eyed peas! Looking forward to reading your books, Ms. Burns.��

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    1. Awesome. I hope you enjoy the recipe and the others in the back of the book. Best of luck with the drawing.

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  12. Yum, Valerie! My mom made a version of this with four kinds of beans and I always loved it. Heading out to find your new book!

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    1. Thanks, Edith. I hope you enjoy the recipe and the my new series. I appreciate the support.

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  13. Thaks for a chance,I love to try this recipe, it sound delish,I would like this book series,sounds great

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    1. Thank you, Colissa. I'm glad you like the recipe and I hope you enjoy the series too. Good luck in the drawing.

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  14. The recipe sounds great! I have been looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the chance to win it.
    debprice60@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks, Deb. I am so excited you are interested in reading my book and I hope you enjoy this new series. Best of luck in the drawing.

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  15. Love reading and enjoy finding recipes at end of story.
    judytucker1947(at)gmail(dot)cpm

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    1. I enjoy finding recipes in stories too. I hope you enjoy the ones in Travellin' Shoes.

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  16. My Grandmother used to chase me around on New Year's Day trying to get me to eat just one black-eyed pea for luck. I'm not a big fan of them by themselves, but I love combining them with favorite ingredients like cheese, onions and jalapeños. I know I will love your salad and can't wait to try it! Thanks so much for visiting Mystery Lovers' Kitchen and introducing us to your new book ~ bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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    1. I have some favorite meals that just aren't the same without black eyed peas. I agree they are great with a lot of different things. My favorite is pork chops, black eyed peas and macaroni and cheese. Good luck in the drawing.

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    2. Looks like I got my responses confused. I love the story about your grandmother chasing you around to get you to eat black eyed peas. She was definitely concerned about you having good luck for the new year. Best of luck!

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  17. Black Eyed peas are so wonderful with fish, chicken and salads. Travellin Shoes sounds captivating and intriguing. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I agree with you. Black eyed peas go with a lot of different dishes. I love pork chops, black eyed peas and mac & cheese.

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  18. This sounds yummy and I am always looking for recipes that I can make when it's too hot to turn on the oven. Thanks so much for the recipe and congratulations on the new series - it sounds fascinating! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you Autumn. I love simple recipes that don't involve my oven too. I hope you like the book.

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  19. Your salad is perfect for this hot summer. I would enjoy Travellin Shoes very much. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you. I hope you enjoy the black eyed pea salad and the book. Good luck!

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  20. Both sides of my family come from Atlanta, Georgia, so I know some southern foods--collard greens with a streak of fat/streak of lean, fried chicken, iced tea year 'round.
    I always wanted my mother's fried chicken for my birthday meal. Then I realized what I really wanted was the gravy she made in the pan after the chicken was cooked!

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. Chicken and gravy are definitely a Southern favorite (along with sweet tea). Thanks for commenting and good luck!

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  21. Black eyes! Yes! Grandma always cooked them with a little pork for seasoning. I always cook some New Year's Eve for good luck.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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    1. I cook them with pork too and I always cook them for New Years. Old habits die hard. Now, it feels awkward when I don't have them. It definitely reminds me of home.

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  22. The salad sounds great. The book does also...I’m adding it to my TBR list. I love your Mystery Bookshop series! cking78503(at) aol(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much, Chris. I'm glad you enjoy the Mystery Bookshop series and I hope you enjoy this new series too. Thanks for adding to your TBR and good luck!

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  23. Yum! I'm going to have it with BBQ'ed pork chops and twice baked potatoes!

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    1. OMG that sounds delicious. Pork chops of one of my favorite meals (it also happens to be RJ Franklin's favorite too). Enjoy!

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  24. I'd love to try this salad with some tortilla chips.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I actually tried it with tortilla chips and it was delish. I am also now a bit addicted to the Tostito's Roasted Red Pepper Tortilla Chips. Although the chips with a hint of lime are also good. Best of luck!

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  25. I love black eyed peas. This recipe sound so good. I have grown up on southern comfort food. Nothing like peas, turnip greens, corn bread, boiled cabbage. So many to list and now I'm hungry lol. Thank you so much for the opportunity to try and win.

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    1. Southern comfort foods are a favorite of mine too. My mom loved turnip greens. I'm partial to collards (in fact I just cooked some yesterday). I hope you enjoy this and the other recipes in the book. Enjoy and Best of luck!

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  26. I’m going to make your recipe, Valerie – – and I’m not waiting until New Year’s!

    Wishing you all good things with Travellin’ Shoes.
    — Elizabeth

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth. I appreciate the well wishes and hope you enjoy the recipe. Good luck!

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  27. I'm not big cook either, but that looks like a very refreshing cold salad for summer as well as New Year's.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I found this recipe very refreshing and hope you do too. I hope you enjoy the book and the recipe.

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  28. This salad sounds amazing & so does your book. Thanks for this awesome chance, I do appreciate it. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda. I appreciate the support and hope you enjoy both the recipe and the book. Good luck!

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  29. I never had black eyed peas and am not sure I could even find them around here. However, I love your Mystery Bookstore series so will be interested in the new one, even more interested in the dog new series.

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    1. I'm glad you like the mystery bookshop series and hope you enjoy this one and the dog club series. Good luck and thank you!

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  30. thank you for the wonderful recipe! I cannot wait to try it! this book looks to be a great read! thanks for the chance to win! nice to meet another new author <3

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    1. Thank you, Charlene. I hope you enjoy the recipe and the series. Good luck in the drawing.

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  31. thank you for the wonderful recipe! I cannot wait to try it! this book looks to be a great read! thanks for the chance to win! nice to meet another new author <3 amandasmother@aol.com

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  32. We love black eyed peas slow cooked with tomatoes and spinach. Thanks for the opportunity.
    browninggloria@hotmail

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    1. I have not made black eyed peas in the slow cooker. I love when I find new ways to prepare old favorites. Thanks for sharing and best of luck!

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  33. I used to hate black eyed peas, but ate them every New Years. For some reason as I got older I grew to love them. It was weird that I didnt like them since I loved every other bean, lol. This recipe sounds great. Love your books and have this one ready to read. So happy to see you on one of my favorite blog sites. (Even though like you, I dont cook unless I either have to or the mood hits me, lol)

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    1. Thanks, Kay. I appreciate the support. I wasn't crazy about them as a child. I think its the way they look. As I grew older, I learned to appreciate them too. I'm glad you enjoy my other series and hope you enjoy this one too. I love this site. So many great recipes. The next time the spirit moves me to cook, I'll be checking out some of these amazing recipes.

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