Connie Stevens – Romantic Interview & Recipe for Romance – Part 1 of 2

Shannon here: Heartsong Presents author, Connie Stevens shares a glimpse into her real life romance and a recipe her hubby loves. Since her book isn’t out yet, all comments will go into the drawing for Trish Perry’s book, The Perfect Blend, but Connie has promised to come back in January when her book releases. Deadline: Sept 11, 8:00 PM Central. I’ll post the winner in the comments on  Sept 11. If you find your name there, contact me to claim your book. Here’s Connie:

     1.    What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?  

When you’ve been married for 37 years romance takes on many threads that, all woven together, say “I love you”. To me, a thoughtful and compassionate act that indicates my spouse is putting my needs before his own is the ultimate romantic gesture, because doing so says that he cherishes me. With that explanation, the most romantic thing he does is the little things—like leaving the TV turned off, holding my chair when we sit down at the dinner table, simply touching my hand, and always kissing me goodnight.

     2.    What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for your spouse? 

I kidnapped him. I secretly made reservations at a hotel, packed a bag and a picnic lunch. I had plotted ahead of time with his boss who gave his permission for me to come and kidnap him from work. It was so much fun to see his reaction and the expression on his face. He loved it.

      3.    Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?

Banff, British Columbia. There is a little inn there with giant evergreens surrounding it and a tumbling creek a few feet from the covered porch.

     4.    What’s the most romantic present your spouse ever bought for you?

This will sound funny, but the most romantic gift he ever gave me was my laptop. When I first started writing, he was less than supportive. He didn’t understand my passion and drive for wanting to write. But when he saw how much I loved it, how I NEEDED to write, buying me a laptop for Christmas said that he not only supported me, but encouraged me.

     5.     Do you and your spouse have a favorite romantic vacation destination?

Hmm, that’s a tough one, because we have more than one. We love the north Georgia mountains and the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ve also returned to Williamsburg, VA three times. And of course, the Canadian Rockies.

     6.    What simple gesture does your spouse do that melts you every time?

He rubs my back.

     7.    Who is most romantic, you or your spouse?  

Me. I’m the writer so I’m the romantic in the family. I used to get irritated at his lack of romance until I finally understood that he demonstrates his love in other ways besides candlelight dinners and moonlit strolls.

Recipe for Romance:

JOHN’S FAVORITE HOT CHICKEN SALAD

4 cups hot cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped onion (optional)
¼ cup chopped green pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ cup toasted slivered almonds
½ cup mayo
½ cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken (or celery) soup (do not add water)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed potato chips

In large bowl, mix chicken with veggies, lemon juice, seasonings, and almonds. Blend in mayo, sour cream and soup. Spread mixture into a 9 x 13 lightly greased baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and raise temperature to 400. Sprinkle cheese and crushed potato chips over the top. Return to oven and continue baking for another 10 minutes. Veggies will still be somewhat crunchy.

Options: Use a combination of green, red, and yellow peppers. Add ½ cup of sweet corn and/or peas. Substitute crushed corn chips for crushed potato chips.

About Connie: 
Connie lives in north Georgia with John, her husband and best friend of over 35 years. She and John are active in a variety of capacities in their home church. One cantankerous kitty, misnamed Sweet Pea, allows them to live in her home. (John calls her Crabby Tabby.) Connie has been in love with crafting stories since high school, but she only began pursuing a writing career since 1995. Some of Connie’s favorite pastimes include reading, sewing, and gardening. She is particularly fond of her roses, hydrangeas, and azaleas. She also enjoys making quilts to send to the Cancer Treatment Center Of America. Since Connie will not have the opportunity to be a grandmother, she is grateful to her sisters for sharing their grandchildren with her. Connie’s debut novel, LEAVE ME NEVER, will release in January 2011. Visit Connie’s website at http://www.conniestevenswrites.com

Come back Sept 10 as Connie shares insight into the fictional love story of her characters and the hero’s favorite recipe.