From Beefcake to Carrot Cake

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday, where this we week go from hunka-hunka-hot-Beefcake in the form of another Kristen Ashley alpha hero (Brock also known as Slim from WILD MAN) to a delicious hunk of Carrot Cake (recipe below).

WARNING: This blog post is for adults only. Some of the language in the quotes may offend some, as it is explicit. If this is a problem for anyone, then you can scroll right down to the carrot cake recipe, if not, sit back and enjoy Heidi and the other gals thoughts on Brock (also known as Slim) from WILD MAN by Kristen Ashley.

So how does a beefcake (and I’m talking drool-worthy-bad-ass-but-oh-so-damn-sexy beefcake) connect with carrot cake?

Tessa (the heroine in WILD MAN) is a baker…correction an awesome baker; pies, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake. I was hankering for some fresh baked goods while reading this book. Good thing fantasizing about the aromatic and delicious sounding treats have zero calories.

I don’t have Tessa’s exact carrot cake recipe, so you’re stuck with my version. I’m pretty sure she would approve of this recipe.

I’m also certain that Brock/Slim would gladly lick the icing, slowly, and with purpose, taking his time, expertly swirling his tongue and hitting the sweet spot…off the icing spoon of course.

What were YOU all thinking, eh?

You can share your thoughts in the comment section. Right now please join me in welcoming, reviewer Heidi Wiley as she shares her thoughts about WILD MAN.

Plus, the Sassy-Kick-Assy-Dessert-Lovin’ bunch are back to chime in with their favorite quotes from the book.

REVIEW OF WILD MAN by HEIDI WILEY

WILD MAN is the second installment in the Dream Man Series.

Author Kristen Ashley has succeeded in building a story around two people that already had a beginning, but tied in circumstances of the past that could tear apart their future.

I immediately liked Tessa.  She is strong, sweet and has a willingness to forgive without being walked on. Brock is quick tempered but dedicated to his woman, his job and his family and will do anything to protect and take care of them.

There are authors who shy away from including children or young adults into their storylines and if they do, they’re at times only mentioned in passing. Kristen Ashley not only includes them, she gives each of them their own unique voice and personality that fits perfectly into the narrative of the main characters lives.

The author surrounds this couple with plenty of challenges; a rocky beginning, conflicted family issues, a crazy ex-husband and an even a crazier ex-wife, drug dealers and snicker doodles, but still manages to incorporate a scorching  sexy romance and bring it all together for a great read.

Highly recommend 5 stars

Heidi’s Favorite Quote:

“You ever,” he dipped his face close, mouth and eyes still smiling, “ever lock onto your control while we’re enjoyin’ each other, I’ll know one thing.  And that is, I’m not doin’ it right.”

Oh my.

“Brock–” I whispered but stopped when his face dipped even closer.

Favorite quotes from some of the members from the Sassy, Classy, Kick-Assy Group

From Ladybug (who by the way has claimed Brock/Slim as her absolute favorite. We all have a favorite, mine is still Tack, so I have stepped aside and given Ladybug full access to Slim, although, Tess may have something to say about this.)

For all those who think we treat these characters as real people…we don’t really. Reading books in this genre provides great fantasy escapism, and it’s a shitload of fun discussing these books with these gals.

Moving on to Ladybug’s favorite quotes:

“Tess, I learned somethin’ early about you.  You are the only woman I know who doesn’t need words.  Everything you do speaks for you and it never lies.  Just your hand on me, babe, says it all.”

One of Ladybug’s favorite exchanges between Slim and Tess is when Slim drinks straight from the milk carton.

Tess said, “Um… well, now that we’re on that subject, it’s somewhat unhygienic for you to drink out of the milk jug.”

“Babe, I had my tongue in your mouth for ten minutes this morning.  How’s that any different?”

Pat Fordyce’s fave: “No one calls me Brock, they call me Slim.”

“But you aren’t slim!” Tess said.

Luci Cassar’s fave: “You wanna tell me, sweetness, how dessert for seventeen people translates into seven pies and two cakes?” Brock asked.

“Babe, you think I found the women of my dreams at 45 years old and I’m gonna let anything happen to her, think again. That’s a long fuckin’ time to wait for what you want. I waited. I found it. I’m pullin’ out all the stops to take care of it.”

Kelly Bennett’s:  Slim said, “I can’t make any promises about where this is gonna go but what I can do is give you me, keep you safe while you walk on the wild side and work my ass off to do what I can so this never goes bad for you.”

Grettel Ballestero’s: “Don´t you see? I’d walk through fire if you were what I was walking to.”

Scarlett’s:  Tess talking to Elvira (By the way, Elvira appears throughout the series in each book. She’s as sassy as they come and says whatever is on her mind, no filter…kind of like the Sassy Chicks here.)

“When a woman means something to him, he takes care of her. He told me this and I believe him. I mean something to him. I don’t know what you’ve heard or who this Hawk guy is but I know who Brock is to me. Now I’d love to have cosmos with you and the girls. But I won’t listen to anyone trash talking Brock because he also means something to me and only he and I know what’s going on between us and all that other shit, well, Elvira, it just doesn’t matter.”

Selena Robins’ faves: “Darlin’,” Brock said. “The last time I walked into a mall was two presidents ago.”

I stared at him in shock. Then I asked, “Is that even possible?”

“I got a dick and I was single so, yeah, it’s possible.”

Tess said, “When my phone rang at the bakery, this usually meant someone wanted to order a birthday cake. When Brock’s rang at the Station, this usually meant someone had a cap busted in their ass. My job was WAY better.”

CARROT ZUCCHINI CAKE

Ingredients

3 eggs

4 egg whites

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1-1/3 cups vegetable oil

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups finely shredded carrots

2 cups finely shredded zucchini

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts

FROSTING:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

5 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Whole or chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F

In a large bowl beat eggs, egg whites and sugar until frothy.

Gradually beat in oil.

In a separate bowl combine: dry ingredients.

Add all dry ingredients (except the carrots and zucchini and nuts, keep them on the side for now) to the frothy mixture.

Beat for 5 minutes.

Stir in carrots, zucchini and nuts.

Pour into three greased 9-in. round baking pans.

Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched.

Cool 5 minutes before removing from pans.

Cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

Directions for Frosting:

Add cream cheese and butter in a large bowl.

Beat until smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla.

Continue beating until sugar is dissolved.

Spread between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

Garnish with whole or chopped nuts if desired.

For another Tasty Tuesday Recipe, please click here to stop by Nancy Lauzon’s blog as she shares a recipe for Crock Pot Lasagna

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