by Terra Kelly
Pulled Pork Mac n’Cheese
Ingredients:
1 lb (16 oz box) pipette noodles, boiled
For Mac n’ Cheese Bechamel Sauce:
8 Tbsp salted butter
8 Tbsp flour
6 cups heavy cream
5 cups cheese (16 oz container ricotta cheese,
2 cups shredded Vermont cheddar,
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese)
½ tsp ground nutmeg
6 scallions, sliced
2 Tbsp parsley paste, (Gourmet Garden Herbs)
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot sauce to taste
Pork Shoulder Marinade
(recipe by Steven Raichlen:)
12 cloves garlic, chopped finely
4 tsp coarse salt
1½ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup dry white wine
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
4 tsp hot sauce
6 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 scallions, white and green portion
finely chopped
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
9 lb pork shoulder
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Directions:
For Marinade: Prepare marinade the night before you will prepare the pork shoulder. Let pork shoulder rest in marinade for about 12 hours, turn the pork a few times to ensure all the sides of the shoulder are touching the marinade.
In large marinade bag: Add garlic, salt, lime juice, white wine, red wine vinegar, hot sauce, parsley, scallions, and rosemary, mix together and then add the pork shoulder. Let marinate for 12 hours.
To cook pork shoulder: In roasting box or oven, let cook for 4-6 hours, or until it is 165 degrees F. Let rest for ½ hour. Shred meat with fork.
For mac n’ cheese: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Boil pasta while making béchamel sauce. In dutch oven or large stock pot, on stove top heat pan on medium heat, melt butter, then slowly add flour and whisk the butter and flour together to make a roux, stir continually for about 2 minutes.
Then slowly add in cream, whisking cream and roux together. Next add nutmeg and continue to whisk together for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened and leaves layer on spoon.
Stir in ricotta cheese, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, scallions, parsley, season with salt and pepper, then add hot sauce to taste. Fold in pulled pork, cooked pasta and pour in 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
Bake mac n’ cheese for 20 minutes or until starting to bubble. Turn oven to broil. Top mac n’ cheese with shredded cheese and place under broil for about five minutes, or until browned.
You’re Mine: Excerpt
Joshua and Kenzie’s Story
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After working all week getting her boutique ready for opening day in one month, Kenzie was ready for a little break. Her new friend, Annie, who worked next door to Kenzie in the gift shop, convinced her to go out for a few drinks. Kenzie met Annie her first day at the boutique. Annie came by bearing gifts of coffee and fresh pastries. Since Kenzie never started her day until she had a tall cup of coffee- they hit it off.
It has been ten years since she lived in Wilmington and yet it felt the same. The town was big, but not too big, and everyone was always so friendly- that sweet Southern hospitality. When she had to move back to Arizona with her family she felt cheated out of the opportunity to learn more about North Carolina. Her father was called to another tour of duty in Afghanistan and her mother wanted to be closer to family. Even after moving back to Arizona her heart never left the coastal city.
Only two-months after her family moved back to Arizona, they received a call that her father was injured. Two months. That was all running around in Kenzie’s head, and the words, “If only they would’ve stayed in North Carolina.” When her father returned home, life changed for everyone.
When Kenzie moved back to North Carolina, it was more for selfish reasons. For ten years one face haunted, well, more like intensified her every dream. Kenzie had hoped to find that kind boy from high school but figured the odds were not in her favor. When she walked into The Clam Bake, she noticed the bar was not your typical establishment. The place had an elegant feel with cherry wood bar stools, vaulted ceiling, professional paintings on the walls- rather than florescent beer signs. The food was prepared by a professional chef and the menu had incredible seafood options.
Annie had gone to the restroom, so Kenzie was standing by the bar taking in her surroundings. She was in her lucky leather jacket, well... who knows how lucky? Her father had brought the jacket back after one of his tours, so to her it was lucky. Knowing her father was home safe from another tour that always felt good. She was drinking a beer, and she hated beer. Note to self, don’t let Annie order her a drink again. As she sat the beer bottle on the bar she heard loud laughter. She moved from behind a pillar and two full high-top tables and was in perfect position to see a fancy party taking place. As she stood there watching them laughing and teasing each other. She could tell it was a wedding party but not as fancy as your normal wedding extravaganza. There was a blond guy sitting there laughing and pointing at someone. He looked tall, his hair was short, but there was something that was keeping her eyes locked in place. He had this adult version of a baby face and smile that would make any women’s panties melt.
Her heart rate increased, and her mind reeled back to her junior year. The boy in her every dream was tall, and holy shit, looked just like this guy. Somehow their eyes met and in that moment she felt an immediate pull to him and now he was walking her way. Shit, she couldn’t remember his last name. Hell, she couldn’t even remember her own name at the moment. If this was “the boy,” she planned to play the lotto for the rest of her life. Finding this one man in a big city was like finding a needle in a haystack- especially if you couldn’t even remember his last name.
Joshua walked up to Kenzie at the bar and looked down at her empty hands. “Can I buy you a drink?”
Kenzie smiled. “Um, sure, anything but a beer. I’m not a beer girl.”
Laughing, Joshua leaned up against the bar and called to Stacy, “Can you make her a special, on the house?”
Stacy was drying a few glasses. “You got it, bro! You want your usual?”
Kenzie looked confused. “Okay, what just happened? Do you work here?”
“Part-time for fun, I still have a day job,” he said, and put his hand out. “Not sure if you remember me, I’m Joshua. Joshua Winters.”
Kenzie wanted to slap herself, Winters… Yes! How did she forget that gorgeous last name? “You looked familiar,” she admitted, then reached out and shook his hand. “I’m Kenzie Waters.”
Joshua looked at her for a long moment. How was this even possible? Why was she here? “I remember your name, it’s not a name that’s easy to forget,” he admitted, and grabbed her drink from Stacy to hand to her. Then he took a long swallow of his bourbon which he loved on the rocks. Taking a moment to swallow the warm liquor. “Have you been in Wilmington long?”
Ten years, and yet every feeling she ever felt for him came rushing back. Even though she avoided him like the plague in high school, she was still a woman with urges. Somehow Joshua stirred-up some serious urges. She could remember running home and locking her bedroom door for some much needed privacy. If only they could’ve known her father would get injured two months into his tour-of-duty in Afghanistan. They could’ve stayed in North Carolina a little longer, instead of moving again for the millionth time. Not that she would ever want to see her father get injured; it’s just that she would’ve loved the opportunity to stay near Joshua in Wilmington. But then again, would she have talked to him or just run home to her bedroom every moment she got?
She glanced up into those memorable hazel eyes. “Only a few months. I’m opening a boutique right around the corner from here.”
Just then Annie walked up. “Sorry, there was a line and only three toilets. Why is it that bars insist on having only a few toilets?”
Joshua laughed.
“We only get busy here on Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, people can use the restrooms next door.”
Annie turned her head to the side. “I’m sorry, we haven’t met. I’m Annie, Kenzie’s friend.”
“Hi, I’m Joshua. Nice to meet you.”
Kenzie turned to Annie. “You ready to head out? I still need to take care of a few things at the boutique tonight.” She looked at Joshua. “Stop by Curvalicious Boutique sometime and say hi.”
At that moment, Isabel and Georgie walked up next to Joshua. Izzy gasped. “You work at Curvalicious Boutique?” She turned to Georgie, one of Alyssa’s twin sisters. “It’s supposed to have bridal stuff. I’m dying for it to open.”
Kenzie nodded. “I’m the owner. Only one more month and its complete. I’m on a count down.” She paused for a moment, then looked more closely at Isabel. “You’re Isabel Sloane, right? You’re an anchor for the evening news, on channel three?”
“That I am. Today, I have much less make-up on and my clothes are more comfortable.”
Kenzie laughed. “You’re the reason I keep my channel set to three. I love your personality on TV and now in person.”
Isabel flushed. “Awww, thank you so much for saying that. I love what I do and adore meeting my fans.”
“You seem very excited about my boutique. Who do you know that is getting married?”
Izzy did a pirouette. “Me! My handsome man, Drew, and I will get married in April.”
Kenzie didn’t know what to say at that moment. Did she get her first client? “How exciting! I have supplies stored at my house while I finish setting up the boutique. Do you need to plan now?”
Izzy squealed with delight. “Oh sweetie, that would be amazing. Can I get your number and I’ll call you on Monday?”
After they chatted for a few more minutes, Izzy and Georgie headed back to the wedding party. Kenzie shook her head and laughed. “Oh my word, my potential first customer could be the Isabel Sloane from channel three! What are the odds?”
Joshua laughed. “When my family is around, the odds will always be in your favor.”
He stood there leaning against the bar watching her leave while he nursed his bourbon on the rocks. His world had just spun on its axis, how was this even possible? Kenzie Waters was in Wilmington. Drew and Alex walked up next to him. Drew laughed and in a teasing tone said, “You’re drooling.”
Josh shoved his brother. “Bite me.”
Alex chuckled. “So, what is she doing here, ten years later?”
Josh was not listening to his brothers; his mind was still reeling around the fact that Kenzie was here in Wilmington. Here. In Wilmington. He straightened up, downed the rest of his bourbon. “I’m outta here, those math tests won’t grade themselves.”
Alex and Drew looked at each other and then at Josh. Alex seemed confused. “Wait, at least tell us if she remembered you?”
“Yes. I don’t know why she’s here, well, besides the fact she’s opening a boutique. Sorry guys, I gotta get outta here. Talk to you later.” He kissed the girls’ goodnight and headed home. The school where he taught was only two miles away. So, he had a house in between the bar and school and walked wherever he went.
On impulse, he walked toward where the boutique was located. He stopped and bought a bottle of white wine and two glasses, then drummed up the courage to go see her. He could see there was a light on and it looked like someone was pacing back and forth. The windows were covered with brown paper and several signs were plastered all over the paper about the opening. He knocked on the door and noticed the shadow pacing stop. “It’s me, Kenzie. Joshua.”
When Kenzie left The Clam Bake, she made-up an excuse to Annie so she could be on her own for awhile. Could tonight get any crazier? What are the odds she would stumble upon Joshua and his family tonight? And at the bar where he worked? Yup, she needed to grab a lottery ticket first thing in the morning. She was pacing back and forth in the front room of her boutique trying to take-in what happened. When she heard the knock, it startled her… but then he spoke. She froze in place. When her legs cooperated, she worked her way toward the door. She opened the door, and the wind blew his scent of bourbon and fresh soap. He was too intoxicating for her.
“Joshua? What’re you doing here?”
“Um… Can I come in? I brought wine,” he said, then he held up two wine glasses in one hand, and a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the other. “I was walking home, but my feet took this route instead.” He was trying to decide if this was a bad idea. Then decided it was a terrible idea. As much as he loved seeing her standing there at the bar tonight, he still couldn’t let go of the past.
Kenzie smiled and motioned for him to follow her to her office. Since there was minimal furniture in the space she made herself at home on the floor. The office was huge, one corner had her desk, the rest of the room was open and spacious. The walls were painted a light blue with a dark blue trim. There was a tall floor lamp by her desk and boxes against one wall. Several papers and books were scattered around. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor; her head was bent down. In a low voice, she said, “I’m glad your feet took you this way.”
Joshua felt a little shaken by her words. He sighed and poured them each some wine. “Me, too. This place is huge; you could almost live here,” he said, pausing for a beat. “You don’t live here, do you?”
“No, I need a life still,” she said, taking a long swallow of her wine, loving the tart citrus flavors as they slid down her throat. Looking up at Joshua. “Your feet took you to my new shop? We don’t sell men’s clothing here, you know that, right?”
He chuckled. “I had a feeling that was the case. I’m trying to not feel slighted.” He glanced around. “So, you’ll have bridal stuff here too, like Izzy mentioned?”
She was tracing the rim of her wine glass with her index finger. “Yup, in a separate room though. I’m excited to offer a little of everything here,” she said, taking another sip of her wine. “That was exciting to get to meet Isabel tonight. So, who is she to you, your sister?”
Joshua shook his head. “No, my future sister-in-law. She’s marrying my older brother Drew in April. You remember my three brothers, Drew, Grant, and Alex. Today, Alex and Alyssa got married on the beach.” He looked beyond Kenzie toward the wall, lost in thought, and felt uncomfortable. As wonderful as it was to be sitting there talking with Kenzie after all these years, he needed to work on letting go of the past first. He stood. “I gotta get going, I have math tests to grade. I work at The Clam Bake Thursday, Friday, and every other Saturday. Stop by and grab a drink sometime.”
Kenzie felt a little speechless at the moment. She nodded to him and watched him leave. Joshua Winters, holy shit. Well, one thing was for sure, she wasn’t waiting another ten years for this opportunity. It was now or never.
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About Terra Kelly
Terra Kelly writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
She loves walking her dog, snuggling with her two cats, and relaxing with her amazing hubby. A steamy romance book is never far from her grasp and 2:00 a.m. seems to be the sweet spot to finally put a book down and sleep. She laughs loudly, smiles often, is a bit of a klutz and tries to always find the positive in everything.
Writing was not on the list of must-do's for her career, but she always had stories swirling around in her mind. Now, today she couldn’t imagine her life without writing. She enjoys writing when the mood strikes and will stay up late to get all her thoughts out.
When she’s not writing, she’s creating recipes and learning all about bourbon and wine. Terra has had a food blog for several years–at Cafe Terra–that’s why you will find recipes made by the characters in her Winters Family Series. Each recipe has been tested and devoured! She considers herself a bourbon and wine lover. Each book will express her love for both types of alcohol, along with beer thrown in the mix.
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www.terrakelly.com
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Also by Terra Kelly
The Winters Family Series:
Catch Me (Book One)
Need You (Book Two)
You’re Mine (Book Three)
Let’s Dance (Book Four)
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Torn Pieces Series:
Falling Deep Into You (Book One)
Take This Pain Away (Book Two)
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Stand Alone Book:
Hannah’s Story: A Second Chance