Featured Blog

Waffles, Crepes, & Suspense--Oh,my! Investigating A Fifth of the Story by Katherine Hutchison-Hayes
Friday, May 3, 2024 by Sally Jo Pitts

Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipes come from Katherine Hutchison-Hayes’ Suspense/Thriller novel, A Fifth of the Story

CIA operative Brock O’Reilly meets with two agents. Using a restaurant as a backdrop, the author gives the reader a sense of the characters and how they interact. (Wait until you see what’s in the North Pole special they order.)

Here is the scene:

Brock winced as he gingerly pushed his swollen, bloody hand into the glove. He got out of his car and limped to the restaurant. Each step became more excruciating than the last. He kept his eyes down and his peripheral vision sharp, watching every person who walked by.

Brock entered the rally point and looked around but couldn’t get a visual on Berkley or Dexter.

While waiting for the hostess to seat the patrons ahead of him,

Brock wondered if he could’ve prevented any of the recent nightmarish events. Like a TV rerun, he continued to replay the deaths of his fellow agents, and an abysmal chasm opened within him. Maybe I’m responsible.

“Any particular table for you today?” the hostess asked.

“I’d like to be seated at table ten if possible.”

“Right this way.”

She led Brock to a dark corner booth separated by a wide glass partition he hadn’t noticed earlier. She handed him a menu before walking back to her station.

Brock picked up the menu and instantly decided he needed caffeine—

lots of it.

“Sir, are you dining by yourself, or are you expecting company?”

his waiter asked.

He looked up. “I’m expecting two friends,” Brock said. “But I’ll take

a triple expresso while I wait.”

No sooner had the waiter hurried off than Berkley walked into the

restaurant. Brock waved him over to the table.

“Good timing,” Berkley said breathlessly and handed Brock a nondescript backpack. “This is for you.”

“Thanks. I think?”

Brock hauled the heavy bag onto the seat next to him. Before long, the front pocket of the bag began vibrating. He opened the pocket, retrieved the vibrating phone, and answered it.

“Yeah?”

“You can hang up. It’s just me making sure you’re connected,”

Berkley said. “Go ahead and check the inside pocket.”

Brock searched the pocket and found a ticket to JFK for the next

day. He was flying under an alias. He nodded to Berkley. “Got it.”

“Also, inside the backpack is a wallet complete with an ID card with

your new name and enough cash to get to New York. Pay your portion

of today’s bill with the cash provided.”

“Wait a second, where’s Santa’s lookalike?”

A high-pitched laugh rang through the restaurant. “I suppose you

mean my partner, Agent Dexter. He’ll be here in a few. The guy’s a

total foodie and stopped to chat it up with people he knows in the

kitchen,” Berkley said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he went ahead and

ordered for us.”

Brock looked up while he was being served his expresso. Santa had

walked from the kitchen and was headed toward their table. “Speaking

of the devil,” Brock said.

“Might I recommend item number eight?” Santa winked and sat

across the table.

Brock checked the menu. “Thanks. I think I’ll go with your recommendation.”

“I’ll get the North Pole special, too,” Berkley said, chuckling.

“Excellent choices.” Santa tapped his menu. “Because I already ordered for us.”

Author Katherine Hutchison-Hayes, who enjoys being a foodie herself, shares this recipe for the North Pole Special that Agent Dexter orders.

                                                      North Pole Special

                         (Maple Bacon Waffles and Sausage-Cheese Stuffed Crepes)

For the recipes go to Investigatin’ Recipes above under Investigator’s blog or Click Here.

More about A Fifth of the Story:

There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock?an agent of the CIA?finds himself in the middle of the mess. He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety, but very possibly, Brock’s own life.

In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive.

In the midst of the chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization.

It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization or find himself?and those he loves most?at their mercy.

A Fifth of the Story is the suspenseful, action-packed tale of one man's courage and resilience as he works against the clock to save the lives of his two best friends and, ultimately, the freedom he's fought for as a CIA agent during one of the US's history's darkest hours, using the backdrop of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate test of friendship.

About the author:

Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. is a multi-talented individual who has been actively involved in leadership roles for many years. She is an author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor, with a passion for delivering impactful messages that resonate with her audience. Her unique style of storytelling, infused with quick wit and real-life experiences, makes her a sought-after speaker for various events and conferences.

She currently serves as a content editor and writing coach for Iron Stream Media, where she is responsible for ensuring the quality of content produced by the team. Additionally, she works as a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines, where she provides feedback on manuscripts to ensure that the content is culturally sensitive and inclusive.

As a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations, an online magazine for Christian writers, Katherine actively supports and encourages aspiring writers to hone their skills and pursue their passion for writing.

Her work in poetry, art, and writing has earned her numerous awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference.

Connect with her at https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/

Share This Blog:


 

 


Previous Posts

Rabbit Stew in WWII, The Road Remembered by Kaye D. Schmitz
Sally Jo Pitts

10/1/2024

Rabbit Stew in WWII, The Road Remembered by Kaye D. Schmitz
Sally Jo Pitts

10/1/2024

An excerpt and a recipe worth savoring from Caroline Powers’ A Future and a Hope
Sally Jo Pitts

9/15/2024

Yum. Cream Puff Bars Recipe and The Road Home by Malissa Chapin
Sally Jo Pitts

9/1/2024

A Novel of Extraordinary Faith--Food Scene and Recipe from R.F. Whong's Blazing China
Sally Jo Pitts

7/31/2024

Civil War and Hot Water Cornbread from Annette O'Hare's Northern Light
Sally Jo Pitts

7/15/2024

Regency Romance and Recipe from author Linore Burkard
Sally Jo Pitts

6/30/2024

Book Giveaway, Novel Scene, & Recipe from Dawn Kinzer's Where Love Is Planted
Sally Jo Pitts

6/2/2024

Cathead Biscuits & Chocolate Gravy-Food Scene and Recipe from Kathy Harris's Deadly Conclusion
Sally Jo Pitts

5/14/2024

Waffles, Crepes, & Suspense--Oh,my! Investigating A Fifth of the Story by Katherine Hutchison-Hayes
Sally Jo Pitts

5/3/2024

Finally Forever Food Scene and Recipe from author Karin Beery
Sally Jo Pitts

3/31/2024

New Second Chance Romance and recipe from Jennifer Slattery
Sally Jo Pitts

3/1/2024

Southern romance and cornbread come together in Mary A. Felkins' new novel
Sally Jo Pitts

1/31/2024

We Three Kings: Bearing the Gift of German Cookie Inspiration
Sally Jo Pitts

1/8/2024

Christmas Novella Giveaway & Cranberry Walnut Recipe
Sally Jo Pitts

11/30/2023

An Audiobook Giveaway and Novel Food Scene from Author Travis W. Inman
Sally Jo

10/31/2023

A Novel Soup Scene from Shelia Stovall's Welcome Home to Redbird Falls novella
Sally Jo

9/30/2023

An Amish Picnic Scene and Quiche Recipe from PeggySue Wells.
Sally Jo

8/31/2023

Star Trek Inspired Novella Food Scene by Linda Wood Rondeau
Sally Jo

7/31/2023

Princesses, a Kingdom, & Cobbler
Sally Jo

7/3/2023

Johnny Cakes Recipe and Food Scene from Cynthia L. Simmons
Sally Jo Pitts

6/7/2023

Zoe M. McCarthy's Above the Lake Food Scene and Recipe
Sally Jo Pitts

5/1/2023

Sarah Hamaker's Protecting Her Witness Food Scene and Recipe
Sally Jo

4/1/2023

Novel Use of Food by Nora Roberts
Sally Jo Pitts

2/28/2023

3 Ways to Feed Your Body, Soul, and Spirit in February
Sally Jo

1/31/2023

Attitude and health link together
Sally Jo Pitts

1/15/2023

A Simple Christmas Main Dish from Winter Deception
Sally Jo

12/13/2022

A Standoff food inspiration from author Patricia Bradley
Sally Jo Pitts

11/9/2022

SECRETS AND SOUP
Sally Jo

10/16/2022

A Novel Food Scene with Grits
Sally Jo

9/18/2022

Rich New Orleans Flavored Novel Scene by Mary A. Felkins + recipe
Sally Jo PItts

8/14/2022

Ready for a good cup of coffee?
Sally Jo

7/18/2022

Apricot Pie, A Novel Idea
Sally Jo

6/16/2022

"Zero Guilt Calories" makes an appearance in Novel Use of Food
Sally Jo Pitts

5/15/2022

Some Like it Hot!
Sally Jo

4/17/2022

Winner, Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference
Sally Jo

4/11/2022

Can you RUN FASTER?
Sally Jo

3/15/2022

Valentine's Day and Novel Traditions
Sally Jo

2/13/2022

Christmas Special & Chocolate Recipe
Sally Jo

12/16/2021

Breaking Bread with author Zoe McCarthy
Sally Jo

10/14/2021

African Pizza, A Novel Use of Food
Sally Jo

9/15/2021

"Taste & See" Davalynn Spencer's food scene and recipe from Always a Wedding Planner
Sally Jo

8/13/2021

Always a Wedding Planner--Food Scenes with Authors
Sally Jo

7/11/2021

Always a Wedding Planner--Food Scenes with Authors
Sally Jo

6/13/2021

Always a Wedding Planner--Food Scenes with Authors
Sally Jo

5/14/2021

Spring ... a time for Cheesecake ... and Betrayal
Sally Jo

3/15/2021

Love Inspired Cookie
Sally Jo

2/19/2021

A Taste of Small Town
Sally Jo

1/13/2021

Filet Mignon & Rosemary Potatoes a la Justice Delivered
Sally Jo

12/13/2020

Tis the Season for Cranberries
Sally Jo

11/23/2020

Winter Deception Ebook Available for Pre-order
Sally Jo

11/1/2020

Cuban Sandwich Celebration "Designed to Love"
Sally Jo

10/25/2020

A $1.99 sale & free book opportunity "designed to love"
Sally Jo

10/20/2020

Cozy Up to Autumn and Ablazing Grace
Sally Jo

10/12/2020

A Christian Writer's World--Blog guest
Sally Jo

10/2/2020

Just Released
Sally Jo

9/20/2020

Cover Reveal
Sally Jo Pitts

9/17/2020

Chicken & Dumplings and Dinner on the Grounds
Sally Jo

9/11/2020

Craving Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler?
Sally Jo

8/20/2020

Chicken from a Cozy Mystery
Sally Jo

7/11/2020

Novel Use of Food by author Kaye Schmitz
Sally Jo

6/13/2020

Novel Use of Macarons
Sally Jo

5/13/2020

A Favorite Recipe from Novel Writer Kathy Harris
Sally Jo

4/15/2020

Novel Giant Pancake
Sally Jo

3/14/2020

Agatha Christie’s Novel Use of Food
Sally Jo

2/1/2020

Can You Buy Love?
Sally Jo

1/3/2020

Banana Millet Muffins and a Taste of Grace
Sally Jo

11/15/2019

Novels and Food
Sally Jo

10/16/2019

Novel Strawberry Ice Cream
Sally Jo

9/15/2019

Hamilton Harbor Legacy book #2 Coming in October
Sally Jo

9/7/2019

Fried Pickles, A Novel Use
Sally Jo

8/19/2019

Fried Cornbread and Family Memories
Sally Jo

7/22/2019

Mashed Potatoes and Emotion
Sally Jo

6/12/2019

Food in a Debbie Macomber Novel
Sally Jo

4/7/2019

Puff Pastry, A Novel Delight
Sally Jo

3/6/2019

Apple pie and a good book
Sally Jo

2/8/2019

Investigating books and food
Sally Jo

1/6/2019

Nuture: December’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo

12/1/2018

Endurance: November’s Inspirational Word
Sally Jo

11/2/2018

Tranquility–October’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo

10/1/2018

Harmony - September’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo

8/31/2018

Determination - Inspiration for August
Sally Jo

7/31/2018

Adventure: July’s Inspirational Word of the Month
Sally Jo

7/1/2018

Challenge: June’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo

6/1/2018

Perspective: May’s Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo

5/2/2018

Ambitious: April’s word of inspiration
Sally Jo

3/31/2018

Creativity - The March Word of Inspiration
Sally Jo

3/1/2018

February’s word of inspiration: STRENGTH
Sally Jo

2/1/2018

Envision: January’s inspirational word
Sally Jo

1/9/2018

A Healthy Christmas Gift Idea
Sally Jo

12/11/2017

Investigating Kitchen Tips for the Holidays
Sally Jo

12/4/2017

What to do with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Sally Jo

11/19/2017

The 66-Day Experiment to Redeem Time Finale
Sally Jo

11/1/2017

Concluding the 66-Day Experiment to Redeem Time
Sally Jo

10/29/2017

Investigating Bible Study Time
Sally Jo

10/21/2017

Find your Weak Spot in the 66-Day Experiment
Sally Jo

10/15/2017

The 66-Day Experiment and the Family Life Cycle
Sally Jo

10/8/2017

Finding Time in Your Day for the Want-to’s
Sally Jo

10/1/2017

Make Time for Bible Time
Sally Jo

9/25/2017

Make Time for Exercise
Sally Jo

9/16/2017

Planning Healthy Meals Your Family Will Eat
Sally Jo

9/10/2017

Why 66 days to redeem time?
Sally Jo

9/3/2017

The 66-Day Experiment to Redeem the Time
Sally Jo

8/27/2017

Writing with Momentous Meaning
Sally Jo

8/14/2017

Ezekiel’s Object Lesson
Sally Jo

8/3/2017

Jeremiah Writes Flaming Words
Sally Jo

7/29/2017

Commands to Write in Isaiah
Sally Jo

7/24/2017

How do you write on the heart?
Sally Jo

7/21/2017

Mordecai’s Life-Saving Letter
Sally Jo

7/2/2017

A Covenant Renewed & Sealed
Sally Jo

6/8/2017

Document, Document, Document
Sally Jo

5/15/2017

Write the record of a king
Sally Jo

5/2/2017

Write a Song
Sally Jo

3/31/2017

Join a Private Investigator
Sally Jo

3/6/2017

Write Upon Great Stones
Sally Jo

3/6/2017

WRITE: A Command Fit for a King
Sally Jo

2/13/2017

God’s Rewrite
Sally Jo

1/5/2017

Writing on posts and gates
Sally Jo

12/18/2016

The Bible and Writing
Sally Jo

10/16/2016

Ten Commandments Get a Second Chance
Sally Jo

9/10/2016

I will write upon these tables…
Sally Jo

8/19/2016

The Bible and Writing
Sally Jo

7/21/2016

Create a Legacy with a Play
Sally Jo

6/30/2016

The Wedding Letter
Sally Jo

5/31/2016

Beth Vogt’s new book to investigate!
Sally Jo

4/9/2016

A Teddy Bear Legacy
Sally Jo

3/19/2016

A Legacy Book
Sally Jo

1/15/2016

Christmas Nostalgia
Sally Jo

12/20/2015

What’s Cookin’ Thanksgiving?
Sally Jo

11/25/2015

Thanksgiving Tradition
Sally Jo

11/1/2015

Halloween Nostalgia
Sally Jo

10/22/2015

A Family Tradition Trip
Sally Jo

9/27/2015

Sundial-A Heritage Pass Along
Sally Jo

9/18/2015

A Vintage Birthday Banner
Sally Jo

9/4/2015

A Special Teen Promise Ring
Sally Jo

8/19/2015

A Family Heritage Shotgun
Sally Jo

8/3/2015

A Family Heritage Clock
Sally Jo

7/21/2015

A Scottish Family Heritage Wedding
Sally Jo

6/21/2015

Wedding Legacy Objects to Pass Along
Sally Jo

6/1/2015

Wedding Legacy Pass Alongs
Sally Jo

5/15/2015

Family Heritage Pass Alongs
Sally Jo

4/28/2015

Family Heritage Pass Alongs
Sally Jo

4/6/2015

Family Heritage Items to Pass On
Sally Jo

3/16/2015

Make a Family Valentine
Sally Jo

2/14/2015

Create a Family Cookbook
Sally Jo

1/30/2015

Out with the Old, in with the New
Sally Jo

1/12/2015

Background Memoir Check
Sally Jo

12/9/2014

Memoirs of Faith
Sally Jo

10/19/2014

Remembering Mother’s Cooking
Sally Jo

10/3/2014

Remembering Answered Prayer
Sally Jo

9/18/2014

Leaving a Worthwhile Legacy
Sally Jo

8/31/2014

Remembering Childhood Pets
Sally Jo

8/13/2014

Remembering Family July 4th Celebrations
Sally Jo

7/13/2014

Writing Family into Fiction
Sally Jo

6/17/2014

Hop Along on a Blog Hop
Sally Jo

6/2/2014

A Royal Heritage
Sally Jo

5/25/2014

A Visiting Preacher
Sally Jo

5/13/2014

A Lesson from Dad
Sally Jo

4/28/2014

A Lesson from Mother
Sally Jo

4/7/2014

Childhood Fears
Sally Jo

3/24/2014

Your Childhood Hometown
Sally Jo

3/9/2014

A Valentine Story
Sally Jo

2/28/2014

Remembering Your Grandparents
Sally Jo

2/9/2014

Memoir Writing–Twelve Easy Steps
Sally Jo

1/27/2014

What is Authorpreneurship?
Sally Jo

1/18/2014

REMEMBERING A FAVORITE ACTIVITY
Sally Jo

1/12/2014

A Special Christmas Gift
Sally Jo

12/27/2013

Remembering Mother’s Work
Sally Jo

12/1/2013

Remembering Your Father’s Work
Sally Jo

11/18/2013

Early Church Memories
Sally Jo

11/3/2013

Describe your childhood bedroom
Sally Jo

10/20/2013

Describe Your Childhood Home
Sally Jo

10/6/2013

What’s Your Name?
Sally Jo

9/22/2013

What is Your Earliest Childhood Memory? (Writing Your Own Background Check)
Sally Jo

9/5/2013

Write Your Own Background Check
Sally Jo

8/22/2013


    © 2024 Sally Jo Pitts
    g BB Celebration Web Design