Leagh Matthews – Authors & Their Pets & Recipe for Romance – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Leagh Matthews shares about her Maltese mix, Bentley, plus a recipe for Figgy Pudding, and a chance to win a copy of her novel, Women’s Fiction with a Speculative Element, Carol of the Rooms. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing, U.S. only. Deadline: June 29th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Leagh:

Thank you Shannon for allowing me to hang out with your reader friends today. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Bentley joined our family a little over a year ago. He is a Maltese mix and definitely knows his own mind.

It depends on where I am writing, but if I’m in the recliner, Bentley is often right beside me with his head resting on my leg. Sometimes it looks like he’s even reading what is on the screen.  If I’m in a chair, he’s usually laying on his bed nearby or on the floor beside me.

Bentley has brought us so much joy and lifts my spirit. He is the child that I never had and often goes with me to provide pet therapy in the nursing homes, for a ride and walk, or to local stores he’s allowed to visit.

Here’s a favorite recipe:

 Figgy Pudding 

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Additional Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Servings: 14

Yield: 1 bundt cake

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup dried figs, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried pitted dates
• 1 ½ cups white whole-wheat flour
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups dry bread crumbs
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 small apple, peeled, cored, and grated
• 1 cup dried currants or raisins
• 1 (2.45 ounce) package sliced almonds, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps.  finely chopped candied orange peel
• 2 tbsps. finely chopped candied lemon peel
• 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• ½ teaspoon orange-vanilla flavoring

Frosting:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, grated
• whip cream for garnish
• zest of one small orange

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients
2. Gently heat buttermilk and figs in a saucepan over medium-low heat until softened, 10 to 15 minutes; set aside until cool.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a tube pan. Grease one side of a sheet of aluminum foil.
4. Add the dates, dried figs and water to a medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then add to a blender and puree.
5. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt together into a bowl.
6. Beat eggs in a separate, large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed for 1 minute. Add the cooled fig and buttermilk mixture, bread crumbs, melted butter, almonds, candied fruit, orange marmalade, orange zest, and orange-vanilla flavoring; beat on low speed until blended.
7. Gradually mix in the sifted flour mixture until just incorporated.
8. Spoon batter into the prepared pan and cover with the greased foil. Fill halfway.
9. Bake in the preheated oven until firm and pulling away from sides of the pan, 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours.
10. Prepare the sauce by stirring the sugar and cream in a medium saucepan over low heat. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until incorporated.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack.
12. Pour the sauce over the pudding, allow to soak in slightly. Top with fresh figs and vanilla ice cream or heavily whipped cream. Serve warm.

Note: The cake will not be completely solid but will have a little jiggle to it.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories 317

Fat 11g

Carbs 54g

Protein 6g

***Can also make these in muffin tins and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Question for Readers: What is your favorite breed of dog and why?

About Leagh: Diana Leagh Matthews shares God’s love through her story from rebel to redeemed. Her day job is as a volunteer coordinator, but at night she writes and hunts genealogy. She gives programs as a speaker, teacher, vocalist, and presents historical monologues. Leagh (pronounced Lee) is the author of Carol of the Rooms, History Made Real, 90 Breath Prayers for the Caregiver, and others in the Breath Prayers series. She also writes the history behind hymns. Sign up for her monthly newsletter on her website. Learn more & connect:

Leagh’s Website                 Leagh’s Facebook              Leagh’s TwitterX

Leagh’s Instagram             Leagh’s Pinterest               Leagh’s Linkedin

About the book – Carol of the Rooms:

Driven. Divisive. Dissonant.

Terri Neely is propelled by greed and ambition. She refuses to let anyone—except for her beloved Gramps—past her hard exterior. Long ago, her faith waivered, and her love of music turned to hate.
That is until an accident forces her to view the soundtrack of her life as she visits her past, present, and future.
Can the songs in Terri’s life change her heart and restore her faith before it’s too late?

Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Leagh’s other titles?

Get your copy/copies now!

Carol of the Rooms            Leagh’s Books

Come back June 21st for Lori DeJong!