Introduction:
Little did Erin O'Malley know that she
was about to experience the most life altering year of her existence. The
sudden passing of her Aunt Ireland would bring bittersweet emotions along with
newfound friends. Their special tea parties and blissful Sundays spent baking
would always remain treasured memories in Erin's
heart. However, this was not the only treasure which Erin bared, for Erin's aunt left a part of her legacy underneath a blue
blanket in the closet. Curiosity of the unknown only heightened the excitement
of what Erin was about to reveal about her
aunt as well as herself. Either way, nothing or no one could have prepared her
for what came next, like her aunt's secret life and Erin’s
purpose in it all.
Excerpt from Chapter One:
Erin recalled peering out of the window, remembering a
certain instance with her aunt. “Come to
the kitchen!” Aunt Ireland
yelled. Erin skipped into the kitchen,
where her aunt had a beautiful tray of Erin’s
favorite cookies, cinnamon sugar. Erin sat at the kitchen table eating her cookies and
sipping an icy, cold glass of milk.
While Erin was gobbling down her
goodies, her aunt would be preparing the tray with dainty teacups for tea
time. The sight of the silver tray sent Erin from her chair and immediately to her aunt’s
side. “Is this what I think it is?” Erin asked. Aunt Ireland had nodded “yes,” picked up the tray,
and lead Erin into the Florida
room. The Florida
room was one of Erin’s favorite places in the
house, because the French doors led to a balcony, which overlooked the
enchanting woods. Erin recalled Aunt Ireland
placing the tray on the white, wrought iron table and taking her hand, as they
moved towards an old, wooden chest. Erin always smiled at the cheerful paintings of children
playing in colorful autumn leaves. There
was another painting that she was extremely fond of, which consisted of
children sledding beside a quaint, snowy cottage. She particularly loved the way the smoke
bellowed from the chimney, while a small family gathered out front, enjoying
mugs of something delicious. Erin liked to imagine it was hot chocolate with lots of
mini marshmallows.
Ireland's Charming
Cinnamon Cookies:
3
tbsp. white sugar
1tbsp.
ground cinnamon
1
cup dark brown sugar
1/2
cup white sugar
1
cup butter (softened)
2
eggs
2
tsp. vanilla extract
2-1/2
cups of all purpose flour
3/4
tsp. baking soda
1/4
tsp. salt
Pinch
of nutmeg
1.
Preheat oven @ 300 degrees F.
2.
Combine 3 tsp. white sugar and cinnamon with pinch of nutmeg in a bowl and set
aside.
3.
Blend dark brown sugar and white sugar in a large bowl with mixture on medium
speed. Add butter and blend until grainy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing
until light and fluffy.
4.
Whisk flour, baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl. Add to sugar
mixture, mixing at low speed just long enough to combine. Over mixing will make
the cookies tough!
5.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls, then roll each ball into cinnamon-sugar mixture
to coat. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 300 degrees F for
18-20 minutes. Remove from sheets and let cool on racks. Caution: Eating these
cookies may cause you to smile and be surrounded by family and friends!
About The Author, Michelle Tighe
Michelle Tighe, a New Jersey
native, graduated from Gloucester
City High
School and has worked as a Legal Secretary for
the past seventeen years. She is happily married and has a son. Michelle has
always enjoyed writing poetry and reading. She is excited to pursue her
lifelong dream of publishing
Erin’s
Adventures in Dreamsville, a children’s book.
Serendipity Media Group Publishing
For Sale in softcover and e book format.
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