Topaz Heat (Christian Romance) (The Jewel Series) (33 page)
Read Topaz Heat (Christian Romance) (The Jewel Series) Online
Authors: Hallee Bridgeman
Tags: #contemporary inspirational fiction, #edgy inspirational fiction, #boston, #contemporary, #inspirational christian fiction, #haley bridgeman, #love, #hailey bridgeman, #debi warford, #emerald fire, #greater than rubies, #sapphire ice, #hallee bridgeman, #fiction, #romance, #christian romance, #inspirational romance, #olivia kimbrell press, #contemporary inspirational romance, #christian, #contemporary christian fiction, #christian fiction, #halle bridgeman, #edgy inspirational romance, #edgy christian fiction, #the jewel trilogy, #topaz heat, #edgy christian romance, #inspirational, #inspirational fiction, #traditional romance, #bridgeman, #contemporary christian romance
The Sandwich:
Derrick lived under Robin's roof from the time he was 18-years-old. Robin learned very quickly how to feed a "growing boy". When he comes home, she knows exactly what to feed him.
1 3-pound Bottom Round Beef Roast
2 TBS flour
2 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt works best)
1
/
2
tsp fresh ground pepper
1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
Onion rolls
1 large sweet onion
1 green bell pepper
2 TBS butter
provolone cheese
Mayonnaise
Salt and pepper all sides of the roast. Rub with flour.
Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C).
In a skillet large enough for the roast, heat the extra virgin olive oil. Place the roast in the oil and brown each side just until browned.
Remove and place in roasting pan. Add about
1
/
2
cup water. Bake at 350º F (180º C) for 2
1
/
2
to 3 hours. Remove from oven and let cool.
Thinly slice the onion and the pepper.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and the pepper. Let cook, slowly, until the vegetables are soft. Remove from pan.
Split each onion roll in half. Slather with mayonnaise. Place cheese on one side of the bread and a generous helping of roast beef on the other. Top the beef with the onion and pepper. Serve with plenty of paper towels for this wonderful, messy sandwich.
The Dessert:
Maxine works with the pastry chef at the Viscolli Hotel in Boston to make her baby sister the perfect vegan birthday cake for her 30th birthday. This recipe is so wonderfully delicious, you'll never miss the dairy or eggs.
FOR THE CAKE:
4 cups cake flour
1
1
/
2
cup sugar
1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt works best)
2 tsp aluminum free baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups water
1
/
4
cup coconut oil
1
/
4
cup palm shortening
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp lemon juice
FOR THE FROSTING:
1
/
4
cup coconut oil
1
/
4
cup palm shortening
3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
1
/
2
tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp coconut milk
Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C).
Lightly grease two 8" round cake pans with palm shortening. Dust with flour.
FOR THE CAKE:
Sift the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, combine the in a separate bowl, combine coconut oil, palm shortening, water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and, using a mixer beat on low until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife can be inserted into the middle and come out clean.
Remove from pans and cool on wire cooling rack.
FOR THE FROSTING:
Place the coconut oil and palm shortening in mixing bowl. Beat on high until fluffy. Gradually add in the coconut creamer, vanilla extract and salt. Mix for 3 minutes.
Turn mixer to low and slowly add the confectioner sugar. When it is fully incorporated, turn the mixer to high and beat for 2 minutes or until fluffy.
SUGGESTED
group discussion questions for
Topaz Heat
.
When asking ourselves how important the truth is to our Creator, we can look to the reason Jesus said he was born. In the book of John 18:37, Jesus explains that for this reason He was born and for this reason He came into the world. The reason? To testify to the truth.
In bringing those He ministered to into an understanding of the truth, Our Lord used fiction in the form of parables to illustrate very real truths. In the same way, we can minister to one another by the use of fictional characters and situations to help us to reach logical, valid, cogent, and very sound conclusions about our real lives here on earth.
While the characters and situations in
The Jewel Series
are fictional, I pray that these extended parables can help readers come to a better understanding of truth. Please prayerfully consider the questions that follow, consult scripture, and pray upon your conclusions. May the Lord of the universe richly bless you.
Sarah's dislike of Derrick is evident in
Topaz Heat
.
1. Do you think that dislike ultimately hurt her relationship with God?