Christmas Diamond, a Novella: Inspired by The Jewel series and the Virtues and Valor series (9 page)
Authors: Hallee Bridgeman
Tags: #the jewel series, #virtues in valor, #world war ii, #viscolli family, #key west, #christmas, #christmas story, #christmas novella, #free read, #bridgeman, #christian, #christian fiction, #christian romance, #Contemporary, #contemporary christian fiction, #contemporary christian romance, #contemporary inspirational fiction, #contemporary inspirational romance, #debi warford, #edgy christian fiction, #edgy christian romance, #edgy inspirational fiction, #edgy inspirational romance, #fiction, #hailey bridgeman, #haley bridgeman, #halle bridgeman, #hallee bridgeman, #inspirational, #inspirational christian fiction, #inspirational fiction, #inspirational romance, #love, #olivia kimbrell press, #romance, #traditional romance, #the jewel trilogy, #sapphire ice, #greater than rubies, #emerald fire, #topaz heat
Season the grouper fillets with salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place into buttered baking dish.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of softened butter over the top of each fillet. Pour in the lime and orange juices, then cover each fillet with 3 slices of lime and 2 slices of orange.
Bake in 325º degrees F (165º degrees C) oven until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.
The Side Dish:
This is the consummate complimentary side for the Key West Grouper. It uses cauliflower instead of a grain and has a pleasing kick of cilantro.
1 head cauliflower
1 to 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1
/
4
cup cilantro
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1
/
2
tsp or less salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)
Using a food processor, shred the cauliflower.
Chop the cilantro.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add cauliflower. Season with up to
1
/
2
tsp salt, then sauté until soft and just starting to turn golden brown, (usually about 10 minutes).
Remove from heat, then add 1 Tablespoon lime juice and cilantro.
Taste and add more lime juice if desired.
The Dessert:
No Key West menu would be complete without a Key Lime Pie.
1
1
/
2
cups (28 oz) sweetened condensed milk (two 14 oz cans)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 cup key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest
2 whole large eggs
4 TBS unsalted butter
1
1
/
2
cups graham cracker crumbs
1
/
2
cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375º degrees F (190º degrees C).
Melt the butter.
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 375º degrees F (190º degrees C) until brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Allow to cool to room temperature before filling.
Lower oven temperature to 325º degrees F (165º degrees C).
In a bowl, combine the condensed milk, lime juice, and eggs. Whisk until well blended and place the filling in the cooled pie shell. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Once chilled, combine the plain Greek yogurt and powdered sugar and spread over the top of the pie using a spatula. Sprinkle the lime zest as a garnish on top and serve chilled.
The Virtues and Valor series
the battle begins in 2013 …
SEVEN
women from different backgrounds and social classes come together on the common ground of a shared faith during the second World War. Each will earn a code name of a heavenly virtue. Each will risk discovery and persevere in the face of terrible odds. One will be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Introduction … Heavenly Heroines
Part 1 … Temperance's Trial
Part 2 … Charity's Code
Part 3 … Mission of Mercy
Part 4 … Homeland's Hope
Part 5 … A Parcel for Prudence
Part 6 … Grace's Ground War
Part 7 … Flight of Faith
INSPIRED
by real events, these are stories of
Virtue and Valor
.
&&&&
