No foolin'. A Free Ebook Offer and Recipe from Author N.Y. Dunlap

No foolin'. A Free Ebook Offer and Recipe from Author N.Y. Dunlap
Monday, March 31, 2025 by Sally Jo Pitts

Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipe comes from N.Y. Dunlap’s ebook, The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy: A Second Chance Christian Romance. (Nicole is offering a chance to win a free ebook. Read on!)

In this excerpt of The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy, Isabelle grapples with the aftermath of her family’s unexpected disagreement over her mother’s funeral arrangements. Reunited with her childhood best friend Peter, they are busy making empanadas during the chat. Or rather, she’s taking her anger out on dough and he’s being incredibly supportive.

Here’s the Scene:

Isabelle gave Peter a high-five, walking toward the counter with a big ceramic bowl. They couldn’t have consciously coordinated it any better. Peter’s heart practically had wings now.

He dug around the cupboard and pulled out an old tin colander. “So, Sofia.”

“This morning, Dad and Aunt Sofia were arguing. I’m not sure how I found my way in the middle of it.” Isabelle shoved a few fingers into her glossy, dark hair while summarizing the dispute.

“Why not have both your Sofia’s funeral and Vincent’s requested cremation?” he suggested. “Coupling your aunt’s traditional with your dad’s newer practices. I don’t see how things could get worse. Compromise is the key.”

“I’d love to believe Sofia wanted to negotiate. She just returned from Barcelona. Had a mission to speak with the priest.” Isabelle nibbled her lip as she poured flour and butter into a bowl, not measuring any ingredients. Her movements were those of someone comfortable and practiced in the kitchen. “It’s Sofia’s way or her wrath.”

Peter grinned. Sofia had many qualities. She could’ve auditioned for a Golden Girls spinoff. She barked and boasted a vicious bite. “I see, Izzy. Before things get around to Vincent’s ideas, your mom, Maria, would be at the de Leon plot in Spain. I remember when we went that one time. The de Leon twins introduced us to a long line of family there. I understand that Sofia wants a place to take flowers. Be able to visit Maria. Talk to her and keep her in memory.”

“That’s most likely her plan for my mom. Dad would be ruthless enough to sue her for kidnapping a coffin. She’d be the oldest person in prison.” Isabelle scoffed.

“She might not go to jail, though. Sofia de Leon appears harmless. Soon as the cops cuffed her there’d be public backlash. Oh, and a Go Fund Me.”

“Hmmm, I see it now.” Isabelle’s hands vigorously worked as she combined ingredients for the dough. “I’d be head of her get out of jail free campaign.”

“You always had a way with words,” Peter added, finding it hard to keep his eyes from a woman whose happiness suddenly meant more than his own. He hoped Isabelle hadn’t noticed the feelings swimming in his eyes. After such heartbreak, his only expectation, or hope rather, was her happiness. He would do anything to help her find peace, whether she loved him back or not. He cleared his throat, returning to the conversation. “It would have to be elaborate like your adventure stories.”

“I’d have to write a unique pitch for her petition, gather all the right photos. And all at the expense of further alienating my father.” Isabelle snickered, slamming her fist into the mound and kneading it with all her might. “Even though Sofia is a cute little old lady, she kind of wouldn’t deserve the help.”

Peter leaned against the counter now. A smallest smile at the borders of his mouth as he watched her bash the dough.

Author Nicole Dunlap says, to avoid Izzy-level frustration (LOL), these easy beef empanadas are created with store-bought dough.

Beef Empanadas

For the recipe click here.

For additional recipes on this blog, click here.

More About The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy:

Following her mother’s death, financial analyst Isabelle Chevalier struggles with depression and finds herself at a crossroads. With purpose slipping through her fingers, her mundane life takes an exhilarating turn when childhood best friend Peter unexpectedly reenters her world. As a way to cope with her emotions, Isabelle works to revive their friendship. She pours her heart into her connection with Peter, unknowingly causing a chain of mishaps. Can she navigate the jagged edges of love and loss, or will her quest for passion lead to more hilariously disastrous misadventures?

Free eBook Opportunity:

Comment below with your favorite Spanish dish or a dish you’d like to try. One commentor will receive a free ebook. The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.

About the Author:

N. Y. Dunlap is an emerging Christian romance novelist who loves to string together words in a creative, poignant way. God called, and she listened. You can expect to read romantic stories that abide by faith, hope, and love.

Nicole graduated with a master’s in educational counseling from Azusa Pacific University where the motto, “God first,” encouraged her to work with inner-city youth and their families.

Nicole lives in sunny California with her husband and three children. Please consider joining her newsletter.

TO JOIN SALLY JO’S NEWS AND RECEIVE A FREE SHORT STORY & SPECIAL COOKBOOK CLICK HERE.

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Comments

N Y Dunlap From California At 4/2/2025 11:13:37 AM

Reply to others I love stir fry’s, Mary! Rebecca and Linda, enchiladas are a winner. A nice trick is to layer the tortillas. Saves time and delicious. Wenonah, you must paella. Jane’s right. And it’s a gorgeous dish. Sheri crunch chimichangas... yum! MsElle3 guac is perfect on everything.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Hey Nicole, love the idea of layering the tortillas.

Nicole (N Y Dunlap) From At 4/1/2025 2:35:43 PM

Thank you for hosting my debut novel, Sally Jo!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

My pleasure!

Mary From Wisconsin At 4/1/2025 1:34:18 PM

I love stirfrys. I add salsa to my egg rollups.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That sounds good.

Rebecca From Wimberley Texas At 4/1/2025 1:01:12 PM

Cheese enchiladas

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

One of my favorites, too.

Wenonah From Arizona At 4/1/2025 10:17:59 AM

Paella came to mind when you said "Spanish dish" but I haven't had that. I'll have to ask my sister as she & her husband have gone to Spain a few times. Empanadas is what a friend brought on a hike with our kids and shared with me. I have all the ingredients and will try making it ??

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Hope it turns out for you.

Linda Kish From US At 4/1/2025 8:10:49 AM

Chicken enchiladas.... we had them for dinner last night

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Yummy.

Sheri From SC At 4/1/2025 4:22:01 AM

Chicken chimichangas

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Great choice!

MsElle3 From California At 4/1/2025 4:15:34 AM

My favorite dishes would be a better question. But you can never go wrong with chips and guacamole, with a side of cheese enchiladas and Spanish rice. Top it with a nice salsa and beef fajitas. Yeah, that sounds about right. Congrats on the new book. It looks like a fun read. :)

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You are making me hungry!

Jane From ENGLAND At 4/1/2025 4:14:39 AM

Paella is a must

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I had to look this one up! The paella is the original one-pot meal. Starting with cooking a wide variety of ingredients from land and sea. Veggies, shellfish, chicken and pork, everything goes. Sounds amazing.

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