"There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein." Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith
Mention the word synopsis to any writer, and you'll elicit fear or an overwhelming dread at the thought of having to write one.
I think most authors agree that writing a synopsis is no fun! After we've worked months, or years, to refine and polish our novels, how can we reduce them to 10 pages, five, two or one page, and then whittle them down even further to a paragraph or even a single sentence?
We can't let the synopsis be our enemy. It has to be our friend to help us sell our work. If you're not familiar with what a synopsis is, here's a simple definition: the summary of a novel.
But in summarizing your novel, you want to show that editor, agent or publisher that you can tell a knock down, drag out, darn good story that they're gonna want!
One agent told me that she doesn't read the synopsis until after she's read some of the sample writing sent along with it. So remember, you're writing (the actual novel pages) will always speak louder than the synopsis, because all the synopsis is, is plotting. But regardless, it must be clean, tight and extraordinarily well written!
There are varying lengths for a synopsis, the longer lengths, of course, being the easiest! Sometimes an agent will ask for a "short synopsis." This usually means one to two pages. Page length may or may not be specified. If a "synopsis" is requested (with no page limit mentioned) you're pretty safe to send 5 pages. If a "detailed synopsis" is asked for (with no specifications), up to 10 pages is acceptable.
However, just be sure to carefully read the guidelines of whomever you're submitting to. Some agencies and publishers are very specific about the page length of the synopsis.
The formats for a single page and a multi page document do differ. A one page synopsis is written in block paragraphs with double spaces between paragraphs. More than one page requires the entire document to be double spaced.
Still thinking the task impossible, especially the one sentence synopsis, or one line hook? Read this example from Elizabeth Lyon's The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit: "As the Civil War rages, a woman's passion for the wrong man blinds her to the love of the right one." That's a one line synopsis for Gone With the Wind!
If you're fighting with the idea of writing a synopsis, it's time to stop. As with writing a query, there are lots of great tools out there to help, such as Blythe Camenson's and Marshall J. Cook's Your Novel Proposal, and The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit, mentioned earlier. Visit Charlotte Dillon's website at www.charlottedillon.com/SynopsisSamples.html for some great sample synopses. You can also find articles at http://www.ehow.com/ on how to write, as well as format, a synopsis.
Writing a synopsis can be difficult, but it can be done!
Have you written a synopsis for your latest completed work? Are there any other tools you'd like to recommend that have helped you?
Tweet me @: maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Recipe Friday: Scary Movie Night Pizza
"Don't mix this movie with pizza." From the movie Grim (1995)
Halloween is Sunday, so scary movies will be shown all weekend long. Of course, if you don't like what's on TV, you can rent your own selection of DVDs--and then enjoy with a pizza!
If you could design your own scary movie marathon, what would it include? I love old movies, so here are a few for my list:
Scary Movie Night Pizza
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup luke warm water
1 T olive oil
1 T sugar
1 t salt
2 1/2 to 3 cups all purpose flour
1 14 oz. can pizza sauce (I use Contidina)
5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
assorted toppings of choice (pepperoni, onions, peppers, ham, etc.)
Pour water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over water, then stir to dissolve. Stir in oil, sugar and salt. Add flour gradually to form a stiff dough. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Lightly flour hands and knead dough until it's smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 35-45 minutes).
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly spray two pizza pans or baking dishes with cooking spray. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll out two 12 inch rounds. Place each round on baking sheet or pizza pans. Spread each with pizza sauce, sprinkle with assorted toppings, then top with cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Makes 6-8 servings.
What are some of your favorite scary movies, and do you prefer pick-up, delivery, or pizza made from scratch?
Tweet me @: maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Halloween is Sunday, so scary movies will be shown all weekend long. Of course, if you don't like what's on TV, you can rent your own selection of DVDs--and then enjoy with a pizza!
If you could design your own scary movie marathon, what would it include? I love old movies, so here are a few for my list:
- Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
- The Bad Seed (1956)
- Psycho (1960)
- The Cat People (1942 version)
- Island of Dr. Moreaux (1933 version)
- Cloverfield (2008)
- Paranormal Activity (2007)
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Signs (2002)
- The Others (2001)
- Now that we've got our movies lined up, time for pizza! Here's an easy recipe that's cheaper than delivery and uses no gas for pickup! The dough is adapted from a pizza recipe found in I'm in the Mood For Food: In the Kitchen with Garfield, by Jim Davis and Barbara Albright.
Scary Movie Night Pizza
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup luke warm water
1 T olive oil
1 T sugar
1 t salt
2 1/2 to 3 cups all purpose flour
1 14 oz. can pizza sauce (I use Contidina)
5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
assorted toppings of choice (pepperoni, onions, peppers, ham, etc.)
Pour water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over water, then stir to dissolve. Stir in oil, sugar and salt. Add flour gradually to form a stiff dough. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Lightly flour hands and knead dough until it's smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 35-45 minutes).
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly spray two pizza pans or baking dishes with cooking spray. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll out two 12 inch rounds. Place each round on baking sheet or pizza pans. Spread each with pizza sauce, sprinkle with assorted toppings, then top with cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Makes 6-8 servings.
What are some of your favorite scary movies, and do you prefer pick-up, delivery, or pizza made from scratch?
Tweet me @: maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Spooked by Rejection?
Several months ago, I started a discussion in the Fiction Writers/Writer's Digest online community asking, "How do you handle rejection?" I received several comments, and originally posted this article back in June. For those who participated in the discussion but never saw the blog post, here it is again. To those seeing it for the first time, hope it's beneficial, as well as encouraging!
Into every writer's life, some rain must fall--though sometimes it may feel more like a deluge." Robert Masello from Robert's Rules of Writing, Rule 55: Get Rejected
As writers, we must accept rejection. If we're not prepared for it, we don't need to be writing. As Robert Masello says, "You will send your work out--to agents, editors, publishers--and it will come back to you like a boomerang. Turned down, passed on, rejected. It's a rite of passage, and the sooner you make your peace with it, the better off you'll be."
It's important not to take rejection personally. It's your work that's being rejected, not you as a person. Agents, editors and publishers are concerned about the bottom line. They want to make money, and they want you to make money, too. If you're not a right fit for them, it's a lose/lose situation. Author turned agent Jennifer Lawler says, "My problem isn't how much bad writing crosses my desk. The problem is how much good writing I see. I have to figure out which of these good projects is most likely to sell."
Recently, I asked writers from a couple of online writing groups how they handle rejection, and I received a variety of responses. I'm happy to report that no sociopaths replied, so no mention of dart boards, voodoo dolls or stalking appeared--PHEW!
But before I detail those comments, I'd like to mention a gentle reminder. Respect is the most important element of any business transaction. Respect equals the Golden Rule: treat others as you would have them treat you.
Sending a nasty email in response to a rejection letter won't do anything to endear you to that agent/editor/publisher or their agent/editor/publisher friends. And detailed blogging about your rejections and expletive filled opinions about those who rejected you won't get you far. You'll establish a reputation, but not exactly the one you want.
Here are a few other points to keep in mind. Regardless of how many rejections you get, keep persevering! Bestselling author Bob Mayer says he got published because he submitted to everybody! But do your homework. Make sure that whoever you're submitting to takes the type of project you're offering.
There's someone out there who will love your story just as much as you do. You wouldn't want someone representing you who felt only so-so about your work. Just like you wouldn't want to marry someone who only felt so-so about you!
Sometimes, as author Holly Jacobs says about one of her books rejected more than once, "...it was a matter of finding the right desk on the right day for the right line." This particular book, Everything But a Groom, became one of Booklist's Top 10 Romances in 2008.
If someone is kind enough to offer constructive criticism in a rejection letter, by all means heed the advice! One rejection letter I received (the most crushing ever) offered some excellent instruction and made me a better writer.
Suggested changes usually apply to mechanics, rather than story elements. Agents are hesitant to explain why they reject something regarding your story. Jennifer Lawler explains, "This business is subjective; what I think is wrong with your novel may be what the next agent thinks is right with it." Here’s one last tip: Do not email an agent and ask why you were rejected. As busy as they are, they don’t have time to answer you!
When I receive a rejection letter, I file it away and decide who I should query next. Here's some encouraging insight from other writers on rejection. I promised anonymity to all respondents so I took the liberty of creating new identities for them. Which identity do you best relate to?
"I run to my writer friends for comfort, advice and 'been-there-toos.'" The Seeker
"I framed my first non-form rejection letter. Now I just file the others away." The Sentimentalist
"My best idea is to avoid rejection and take control of my own destiny." The Optimist
"I get to work on rewrites. Nothing lights a fire under my behind more than someone telling me I'm not good enough!" The Fire Marshal
"I used to get really depressed when I got rejected. Now I just shrug and look for someplace else to send the story." The Realist
"I've worked in competitive environments all my life: air personality/operations manager/account manager/radio talk show host, TV sports anchor, etc. Slumps are part of those businesses, and so too are rejections from agents and publishers. You can't dwell on them, you have to learn from them. 'No' is just a word, losing is not a lifestyle." The Coach
"Just got one yesterday that put me in the pits. My guy took me out to dinner and stopped by the candy shop to buy me fudge." The Foodie
"In the spreadsheet I maintain to keep track of which book went where and to whom, I make entries as appropriate, put the correspondence in the trash and go on. Emotional energy is too precious to waste on something you can't change." The Detail Specialist
"If you are referring to that pile of paper in the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet pushed into the corner of a back bedroom closet, that's my wall paper collection. I simply find the minimal use of ink on the page breathtaking. It will make perfect wall covering for my bathroom. And for the hallway, I'm going to use the ones with the nice little hand written notes at the bottom. Those will make some great conversation. And when I run out of paper from that pile, I'll pull out the big guns. These are the ones that say "I just love the piece but I'll have to pass." Those will be framed and line the kitchen back splash." The Interior Decorator
"I found that in the process of becoming a serious writer, the rejections didn't mean so much after a while. It became a part of the process. Now when I get a rejection, I send that piece out to the next publisher on the list." The Perseverer
"I tend to over think things. There's no way I can know the reason for the rejection. So I just ignore it and move on. Getting better at the craft is a personal experience. The process of getting published has absolutely nothing to do with the journey of becoming a better writer." The Philosopher
"The way I look at rejection is through a 'lock and key' comparison. A new rejection letter is just a key that doesn't fit my lock. The next agent or publisher might be just the right key, so I don't get discouraged, I just keep searching until I find the right fit." The Locksmith
"I just submitted my first proposal, and though I'm encouraged, I'm prepared for the infamous 'no.' If it's rejected, I'll tweak if/where necessary and send to the next agent/publisher. I'm always up for a challenge." The Fearless
To that last response one writer said, "When your book is finally accepted by a publisher, and is finally in print, and you get a few, or many good reviews, you are going to ask why it was rejected so many times to begin with. There is no answer to that question. I know because I am going through that right now."
I hope you’ve been inspired by these words of wisdom, advice and humor from fellow writers on confronting the “Dreaded R!”
How do you handle rejection?
Tweet me @:maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Into every writer's life, some rain must fall--though sometimes it may feel more like a deluge." Robert Masello from Robert's Rules of Writing, Rule 55: Get Rejected
As writers, we must accept rejection. If we're not prepared for it, we don't need to be writing. As Robert Masello says, "You will send your work out--to agents, editors, publishers--and it will come back to you like a boomerang. Turned down, passed on, rejected. It's a rite of passage, and the sooner you make your peace with it, the better off you'll be."
It's important not to take rejection personally. It's your work that's being rejected, not you as a person. Agents, editors and publishers are concerned about the bottom line. They want to make money, and they want you to make money, too. If you're not a right fit for them, it's a lose/lose situation. Author turned agent Jennifer Lawler says, "My problem isn't how much bad writing crosses my desk. The problem is how much good writing I see. I have to figure out which of these good projects is most likely to sell."
Recently, I asked writers from a couple of online writing groups how they handle rejection, and I received a variety of responses. I'm happy to report that no sociopaths replied, so no mention of dart boards, voodoo dolls or stalking appeared--PHEW!
But before I detail those comments, I'd like to mention a gentle reminder. Respect is the most important element of any business transaction. Respect equals the Golden Rule: treat others as you would have them treat you.
Sending a nasty email in response to a rejection letter won't do anything to endear you to that agent/editor/publisher or their agent/editor/publisher friends. And detailed blogging about your rejections and expletive filled opinions about those who rejected you won't get you far. You'll establish a reputation, but not exactly the one you want.
Here are a few other points to keep in mind. Regardless of how many rejections you get, keep persevering! Bestselling author Bob Mayer says he got published because he submitted to everybody! But do your homework. Make sure that whoever you're submitting to takes the type of project you're offering.
There's someone out there who will love your story just as much as you do. You wouldn't want someone representing you who felt only so-so about your work. Just like you wouldn't want to marry someone who only felt so-so about you!
Sometimes, as author Holly Jacobs says about one of her books rejected more than once, "...it was a matter of finding the right desk on the right day for the right line." This particular book, Everything But a Groom, became one of Booklist's Top 10 Romances in 2008.
If someone is kind enough to offer constructive criticism in a rejection letter, by all means heed the advice! One rejection letter I received (the most crushing ever) offered some excellent instruction and made me a better writer.
Suggested changes usually apply to mechanics, rather than story elements. Agents are hesitant to explain why they reject something regarding your story. Jennifer Lawler explains, "This business is subjective; what I think is wrong with your novel may be what the next agent thinks is right with it." Here’s one last tip: Do not email an agent and ask why you were rejected. As busy as they are, they don’t have time to answer you!
When I receive a rejection letter, I file it away and decide who I should query next. Here's some encouraging insight from other writers on rejection. I promised anonymity to all respondents so I took the liberty of creating new identities for them. Which identity do you best relate to?
"I run to my writer friends for comfort, advice and 'been-there-toos.'" The Seeker
"I framed my first non-form rejection letter. Now I just file the others away." The Sentimentalist
"My best idea is to avoid rejection and take control of my own destiny." The Optimist
"I get to work on rewrites. Nothing lights a fire under my behind more than someone telling me I'm not good enough!" The Fire Marshal
"I used to get really depressed when I got rejected. Now I just shrug and look for someplace else to send the story." The Realist
"I've worked in competitive environments all my life: air personality/operations manager/account manager/radio talk show host, TV sports anchor, etc. Slumps are part of those businesses, and so too are rejections from agents and publishers. You can't dwell on them, you have to learn from them. 'No' is just a word, losing is not a lifestyle." The Coach
"Just got one yesterday that put me in the pits. My guy took me out to dinner and stopped by the candy shop to buy me fudge." The Foodie
"In the spreadsheet I maintain to keep track of which book went where and to whom, I make entries as appropriate, put the correspondence in the trash and go on. Emotional energy is too precious to waste on something you can't change." The Detail Specialist
"If you are referring to that pile of paper in the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet pushed into the corner of a back bedroom closet, that's my wall paper collection. I simply find the minimal use of ink on the page breathtaking. It will make perfect wall covering for my bathroom. And for the hallway, I'm going to use the ones with the nice little hand written notes at the bottom. Those will make some great conversation. And when I run out of paper from that pile, I'll pull out the big guns. These are the ones that say "I just love the piece but I'll have to pass." Those will be framed and line the kitchen back splash." The Interior Decorator
"I found that in the process of becoming a serious writer, the rejections didn't mean so much after a while. It became a part of the process. Now when I get a rejection, I send that piece out to the next publisher on the list." The Perseverer
"I tend to over think things. There's no way I can know the reason for the rejection. So I just ignore it and move on. Getting better at the craft is a personal experience. The process of getting published has absolutely nothing to do with the journey of becoming a better writer." The Philosopher
"The way I look at rejection is through a 'lock and key' comparison. A new rejection letter is just a key that doesn't fit my lock. The next agent or publisher might be just the right key, so I don't get discouraged, I just keep searching until I find the right fit." The Locksmith
"I just submitted my first proposal, and though I'm encouraged, I'm prepared for the infamous 'no.' If it's rejected, I'll tweak if/where necessary and send to the next agent/publisher. I'm always up for a challenge." The Fearless
To that last response one writer said, "When your book is finally accepted by a publisher, and is finally in print, and you get a few, or many good reviews, you are going to ask why it was rejected so many times to begin with. There is no answer to that question. I know because I am going through that right now."
I hope you’ve been inspired by these words of wisdom, advice and humor from fellow writers on confronting the “Dreaded R!”
How do you handle rejection?
Tweet me @:maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, October 25, 2010
For You, Is it Scary To Write a Query?
"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure." Sven Goran Erikkson
At a recent writers meeting, someone asked if I'd started submitting my work. After telling her that I had, she confessed something to me. Although her book was finished, she was terrified about writing the query letter. This is understandable, but we've got to put the fear behind us, and as Nike says, "just do it!"
Some agents tell writers not to be intimidated by the query process. One agent's website even says, "Many writers fear queries, but that shouldn't frighten you off. They're easy!" Although this is comforting advice (and the site does offer a tutorial), a lot rides on that query!
Nicholas Sparks says, "Above all, a query letter is a sales pitch and it is the single most important page an unpublished writer will ever write. It's the first impression and will either open the door or close it. It's that important, so don't mess it up. Mine took seventeen drafts and two weeks to write." WOW!
If you've never written a query, there are lots of great books out there to help, such as The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters and Elana Johnson's From the Query to the Call. Also, several generous authors provide advice online for free, such as Charlotte Dillon (www.charlottedillon.com/query.html), Holly Lisle (www.hollylisle.com/index.php/Professionalism/how-to-query-an-agent.html), and the aforementioned Elana Johnson (http://www.elanajohnson.blogspot.com/).
Query Shark (http://www.queryshark.blogspot.com/) will even review your query and make suggested changes. Just Googling "sample query letter" will bring up tons of information to get you on your way, as well!
But is there a secret to writing a great query? A book I read when first learning how said to use bold colorful words. Since then I've read agent interviews in which agents say, "There's no need to try to wow us with flamboyant words."
As far as the format, one agent might say, "Jump right into the story," while another says, "Starting with the genre and word count is great!"
Writer's Digest featured some standout queries in its October issue. The query comments made by the agents indicated things such as clean prose, strong conflicts, high stakes, twists, and unique stories.
Even though most of us think we've shown that in our queries, agents are looking for what sells. And sometimes, it's the luck of the draw. If your query falls into the hands of someone who absolutely loves your story, and believes in it, then you just might have a chance!
So push the fear aside, write the best query you can, and go for it!
If you've already written a query letter, how long did it take you?
Tweet me @:maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
At a recent writers meeting, someone asked if I'd started submitting my work. After telling her that I had, she confessed something to me. Although her book was finished, she was terrified about writing the query letter. This is understandable, but we've got to put the fear behind us, and as Nike says, "just do it!"
Some agents tell writers not to be intimidated by the query process. One agent's website even says, "Many writers fear queries, but that shouldn't frighten you off. They're easy!" Although this is comforting advice (and the site does offer a tutorial), a lot rides on that query!
Nicholas Sparks says, "Above all, a query letter is a sales pitch and it is the single most important page an unpublished writer will ever write. It's the first impression and will either open the door or close it. It's that important, so don't mess it up. Mine took seventeen drafts and two weeks to write." WOW!
If you've never written a query, there are lots of great books out there to help, such as The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters and Elana Johnson's From the Query to the Call. Also, several generous authors provide advice online for free, such as Charlotte Dillon (www.charlottedillon.com/query.html), Holly Lisle (www.hollylisle.com/index.php/Professionalism/how-to-query-an-agent.html), and the aforementioned Elana Johnson (http://www.elanajohnson.blogspot.com/).
Query Shark (http://www.queryshark.blogspot.com/) will even review your query and make suggested changes. Just Googling "sample query letter" will bring up tons of information to get you on your way, as well!
But is there a secret to writing a great query? A book I read when first learning how said to use bold colorful words. Since then I've read agent interviews in which agents say, "There's no need to try to wow us with flamboyant words."
As far as the format, one agent might say, "Jump right into the story," while another says, "Starting with the genre and word count is great!"
Writer's Digest featured some standout queries in its October issue. The query comments made by the agents indicated things such as clean prose, strong conflicts, high stakes, twists, and unique stories.
Even though most of us think we've shown that in our queries, agents are looking for what sells. And sometimes, it's the luck of the draw. If your query falls into the hands of someone who absolutely loves your story, and believes in it, then you just might have a chance!
So push the fear aside, write the best query you can, and go for it!
If you've already written a query letter, how long did it take you?
Tweet me @:maria_mckenzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Recipe Friday: Chocolate Decadence
"And above all...Think chocolate!" "Betty Crocker"
I know there are a few people out there who don't like chocolate--but only a few! The recipe I'm sharing today is for Mint Chocolate Eclair Cake. Eclair cakes are easy to make, but don't tell anyone that when you serve this one at your next dinner party. Let your guests think you slaved hours over this elegant dessert just because they're worth it!
Although this cake is very low in fat, it's sinfully delicious and tastes decadently rich. My recipe is adapted from one by nutritionist Lynn Hoggard that appeared several years ago in the Raleigh News and Observer. I cut the amount of sugar used in the topping by half, to keep the chocolate flavor more intense, as well as to cut back on carbs.
By the way, this is one of my husband's favorite desserts. The first time he tasted it, he said, "Oh, My..." So now hubby calls this "Oh My, Pie."
Prep time is minimal, but it does need to sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. So do plan ahead if you want to serve it for company. Hope you enjoy!
Mint Chocolate Eclair Cake (or Oh My, Pie)
Cake
1 (16 ounce) box chocolate graham crackers
2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 t peppermint extract
3-4 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 (8 ounce) carton fat free whipped topping
Topping
6 T cocoa
3/4 cup sugar
3 T cornstarch
1 cup skim milk
1 t vanilla
1 T low fat margarine
Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar, cornstarch and milk. Stir until well combined. Slowly bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and low fat margarine. Set aside and let cool. (A quick way to cool is to fill the bottom of a large mixing bowl with ice water and set the pan on top.)
Cake: Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with graham crackers. Break crackers in half if necessary to fit in pan.
In large mixing bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Whisk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Pour half mixture over prepared graham crackers. Top with remaining pudding mixture, then another layer of graham crackers.
Spread topping over top layer of graham crackers. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
Makes 18 servings.
Have you ever made an eclair cake?
Tweet me @: maria_mckeknzie. Thanks for stopping by!
I know there are a few people out there who don't like chocolate--but only a few! The recipe I'm sharing today is for Mint Chocolate Eclair Cake. Eclair cakes are easy to make, but don't tell anyone that when you serve this one at your next dinner party. Let your guests think you slaved hours over this elegant dessert just because they're worth it!
Although this cake is very low in fat, it's sinfully delicious and tastes decadently rich. My recipe is adapted from one by nutritionist Lynn Hoggard that appeared several years ago in the Raleigh News and Observer. I cut the amount of sugar used in the topping by half, to keep the chocolate flavor more intense, as well as to cut back on carbs.
By the way, this is one of my husband's favorite desserts. The first time he tasted it, he said, "Oh, My..." So now hubby calls this "Oh My, Pie."
Prep time is minimal, but it does need to sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. So do plan ahead if you want to serve it for company. Hope you enjoy!
Mint Chocolate Eclair Cake (or Oh My, Pie)
Cake
1 (16 ounce) box chocolate graham crackers
2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 t peppermint extract
3-4 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 (8 ounce) carton fat free whipped topping
Topping
6 T cocoa
3/4 cup sugar
3 T cornstarch
1 cup skim milk
1 t vanilla
1 T low fat margarine
Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar, cornstarch and milk. Stir until well combined. Slowly bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and low fat margarine. Set aside and let cool. (A quick way to cool is to fill the bottom of a large mixing bowl with ice water and set the pan on top.)
Cake: Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with graham crackers. Break crackers in half if necessary to fit in pan.
In large mixing bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Whisk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Pour half mixture over prepared graham crackers. Top with remaining pudding mixture, then another layer of graham crackers.
Spread topping over top layer of graham crackers. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
Makes 18 servings.
Have you ever made an eclair cake?
Tweet me @: maria_mckeknzie. Thanks for stopping by!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)