MAKING WELSH CAKES WITH AUTHOR J.M. DAVIES
Today we’re baking Welsh cakes with paranormal-romance author J.M. Davies, in honor of her new release, Becoming the Witch. Before we dive into that recipe, here’s a bit about Jen and her new release!
Hi everyone, I am Jen, or as most readers know me, Author J.M. Davies. I write romance novels that I hope stir your imagination and capture your heart.
About J.M. Davies
J.M. Davies, Jen, is the author of The Rise of Orion paranormal romance series as well as several contemporary and YA fantasy novels under the name Jennifer Owen Davies. Jen’s novels are available worldwide in ebook and print format.
In 2014, she was signed with Secret Cravings to write the Children of Annwn fantasy series and in 2018 signed with Limitless Publishing to write the Bound by Love series. Jen is also an indie author producing and publishing work of her own. Jen loves to create realistic and flawed characters who deserve a happy ever hopefully providing a satisfying read.
J. M. Davies, Jen, is originally from Wales in the UK, but now lives with her family in a small town in New England close to the city of Boston, the coast, and the mountains. Both countries are huge sources of inspiration for her writing. Since she could read, Jen has enjoyed an eclectic taste in books, but loves all things romance, and from her love of the written word stemmed the desire to create her own satisfying stories. Although, a shortie at only five feet tall, she has a big heart and hopes that is evident in her storytelling.
She is mom to four boys, five, if you include her husband, an adorable rescue hound called Ella, and two cats, Skittles and Blackjack. Yup, you guessed it; she has a sweet tooth, and loves chocolate—mostly Cadburys! When she isn’t writing paranormal or contemporary romance, Jen manages a local writers group called Writers Supporting Writers on FB as she loves inspiring others to pursue their dream.
She also loves discovering old treasures at yard sales and revamping them, watching Grey’s Anatomy, Game of Thrones and Homeland, walking on the beach, cooking, road biking and when there’s time the gym. She loves to chat to readers and below are some ways to stay in touch with the latest news about her books and competitions.
Connect with Jen
FB Author page | Website | Email: Jendaviesuk@gmail.com | Twitter | Instagram | Blog: https://welshjensblog.blogspot.com
About Becoming the Witch:
This is the Haunting Prequel to The Rise of Orion series.
As Miss Elizabeth Marshfield, I’ve never had a choice. My marriage to Sir Charles Dempsey is arranged. Love plays no role in this, but my sizable dowry does. On my eighteenth birthday, as I promise to honor and obey, eerie voices unlock a curse and an ancient magic I didn’t know I possessed, and they won’t rest until I answer them.
My husband suspects I ‘m mad—and mad, I may well be. But this cold-hearted brute cares naught for me as his mistress warms his bed.
I don’t know who I am anymore. Even the blacksmith, Barnaby, can’t disguise his contempt, despite saving me from a fall from my horse. So why does this insolent man affect me so? He reveals he’s a Roma called Raven, and the birthmark of the moon I have branded on my wrist proves I’m entwined in his destiny. Even talking with him could mean the hangman. But my heart has spoken, and I know nothing will ever be the same.
For once—I will choose my fate, even if it leads to a noose around my neck.
Excerpt from Becoming the Witch
“That’s enough, Lord Mathern. My, oh my, you are but an innocent. A sweet, unusual innocent. Good morning, Lady Elizabeth. May I introduce myself? I’m the Viscount of Warwick. At your service.” A pale, youthful gentleman with bright-blond hair to her right bowed low, catching her hand in his so quickly she didn’t even see him reach for it. He promptly kissed her wrist, sniffing the flesh there while staring deep into her eyes as he held her. His brown as a nut eyes didn’t blink, and the loud beat of her heart pounded in her ears as he spoke inside her mind.
You are not like the others, are you, my dear? Neither am I—I’m far more dangerous.
His silky voice purred, and she swore his side incisors elongated as he flicked his tongue over her wrist. Several chairs scraped against the wooden floor, and finally Charles joined her.
“Good Lord, Gabriel, release my wife at once. Elizabeth, come and sit next to me. There is a chair set at the table for you, my dear. Come along.”
Elizabeth stared at the viscount, unable to slow her heart rate or disconnect her gaze. What is he?
I am not human. I am old, like yourself, my sweetness. I am a vampire.
Blinking, she broke the link to the peculiar man. She allowed Charles to lead her away from the mesmerizing eyes of the viscount, unsure what a vampire was. The light chatter carried on as if nothing had taken place.
Buy Now:
Amazon U.S. | Amazon U.K. | Amazon CA
And now, let’s make some Welsh cakes!
Welsh Cakes Recipe
This is an easy recipe to follow, and is courtesy of the BBC Food. It’s become a tradition to make these on St David’s Day, the patron saint of Wales, to celebrate our Welsh heritage. As I from Wales, I tend to refer back to my homeland when writing. Becoming the Witch, which is the prequel in The Rise of Orion series, is set in Wales.
4-ozs salted butter
8-ozs self-raising flour
3-ozs caster sugar
Handful of sultanas
1 free range egg, beaten.
Milk if needed.
1. Rub the butter with the flour to make breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and sultanas, then stir in the egg. Mix, then form a ball of dough, using a splash of milk if needed.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surfaced until it is ¼” thick. Cut into rounds using a 3” cutter. As you can see, I opted to use heart-shaped cutters.
3. Now, you need to use a well- greased griddle. Put on direct heat and cook for 2-3 mins on each side until caramel brown.
4. Remove for the pan and dust with caster sugar while still warm.
Enjoy!
As those of us in the northern hemisphere grapple with the stubborn march toward spring (and try to shake off the last remnants of winter), I wish you many hours of happy reading–hopefully while reading Jen’s latest book and munching on some Welsh cakes!