Best Short Stories of 2013

Dishwasher Salmon and an Unforgettable Story

salmondishwasher_previewMy latest short story, Christmas Wishes, which is also included in the bestselling anthology Christmas Romance (The Best Short Romances of 2013), is not only a story about love, moving forward, and wishing, but there is also a side story about a fish.A fish? Yes, a fish. And not just any fish, but a salmon to be exact.I have received many lovely letters about that silly fish. Most ask: "Can you really cook a fish in the dishwasher?" The answer is simple. Yes, you can cook a fish in the dishwasher. Yet, if you are like Lee from Christmas Wishes, I strongly suggest that you do so at your own risk! :)For those of us who can cook, here is the recipe for Dishwasher Salmon. Enjoy! (But remember to never use dish soap when cooking! LOL)

 

Dishwasher Salmon

 Ingredients

4 6-ounce salmon fillets 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper heavy duty aluminum foilDill Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter 2 leeks, white part only, finely chopped, then thoroughly washed 1 jalapeño chili, seeds and membranes removed, finely diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock 1 1/2 cups lightly packed fresh dill, stems removed before measuring 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

  1. Cut two 12-inch square sheets of aluminum foil.
  2. Place two fillets side by side on each square and fold up the outer edges.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon lemon juice over each fillet. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Fold and pinch the aluminum foil extra tightly to create a watertight seal around each pair of fillets. Make sure the packet is airtight by pressing down on it gently with your hand. If air escapes easily, rewrap.
  5. Place foil packets on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run dishwasher for the entire "normal" cycle.
  6. When cycle is complete, take out salmon, discard foil, place one fillet on each plate, and spoon a generous serving of dill sauce overtop.

Don’t have a dishwasher? Bake foil-wrapped packets in a preheated 400°F oven for 12 minutes.Sauce

  1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a sauté pan.
  2. Add the leek, jalapeño, and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the leeks are translucent—but not brown.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add the stock. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. (Adjust heat as required to maintain simmer.) The liquid should reduce by half.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Transfer to a blender or food processor and add the dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Puree until smooth. Reserve and reheat just before serving. Stir in the sour cream at the last minute.

About Danica Winters: Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing).  She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.
 
Christmas WishesChristmas Wishes
Published September 26, 2013
Available in Paperback November 1, 2013
Length: Short Story
Publisher: Books To Go Now
ASIN: B00FHBT8G4
Purchase Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads              
Pages: 30
Blurb: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused.In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?
Christmas Wishes

ChristmasRomance HighRes(1)Christmas Romance (The Best Christmas Romances of 2013)Short Story Anthology Authors: Danica Winters, Jennifer Conner, Sharon Kleve, Casey DawesBlurbs:Christmas Wishes-Danica Winters: For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes—but not for Lee Llewellyn, a mother who has recently lost her son to an accident and her husband to the resentment it caused.In a chance encounter, she is given the gift of company on Christmas, but is she ready to move forward and start living again?Central Bark at Christmas-Jennifer Conner: When Tennyson’s boyfriend left her for her best friend from high-school, all Tennyson received in the break up was her dog. She’s sworn off men and now is rebuilding her life. The only thing Par does is work. He barely has time to do anything he wants for himself other than take his dog to the dog park. When Par and Tennyson find an abandoned dog at the park named Duke. Will they find room in their hearts to take him in?And can this Christmas season weave some special magic for the two of them?Halo's Wish-Sharon Kleve: Halo Ann Carlyle wishes for a home, family, and a boat-load of pets. What she gets is a bruised hip, a lump on the head, a broken ankle, and her new yellow Honda Civic is demolished.Rich McFarland, a sexy veterinarian, keeps showing up in the most unexpected places, promising everything she's ever wanted.Halo believes she only has time to pursue her career as a pet detective and must ignore her growing attraction to achieve her dreams.Will Halo trust her heart, and find a way to get both before Christmas?Christmas Hope-Casey Dawes: Clara Misowski is convinced Sam Richards’ cheese making operation would be a perfect stop for her culinary tour group.He’s adamantly opposed to anything to do with a group of women on his farm.Can she convince him to open his heart to company, Christmas, and maybe even her?Check it out on Amazon!