Susan’s back with some awesome summer side dishes to accompany BBQs, to take to family picnics or just to spice up your Monday night dinner. So…for the next three days we’re pairing yummy recipes with some scorching snippets.

Uncle Charlie’s Potato Salad  (makes 5 lbs)

This potato salad was my grandfather’s recipe.  He used to work in a German deli in Brooklyn, so you know this one is good!

It doesn’t need the mayonnaise, but you can add it if you like.

5 lbs small potatoes, boiled and sliced (you can peel them if you like)

1 TBS salt

3 TBS sugar

½ cup water

½ cup cider vinegar

2 TBS oil

1 medium onion, grated

dash of white pepper

mayonnaise (optional)

When cooking potatoes:  to test for doneness, poke with a matchstick.  If it goes in and the potato falls off when it is lifted, they are done.  Once they are boiled, peel then (easier to do while they are still hot) and slice.

Bring water and vinegar to a boil.  Mix all other ingredients (except mayonnaise) in a large bowl.  Add water and vinegar mixture.  Mix well.  Cool.  Add mayonnaise to taste.

How about a sizzlin’ snippet to go with our scorching side dish?

This is from Screwdriver, book 2 of Cocktales.

Casey looked closer at the AC unit. “Damn. I was afraid of that.”

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I was hoping it was an issue with the belt, but the motor bearings are shot. I’m going to need to order a part.”

“So it’s not getting fixed today?”

“I’ll see if I can rig a work around for the time being.” He stood and stretched. “God bless it,Jordan. I apologize if this offends you, but it’s hot as hell in here.” Reaching for the hem of his t-shirt, he whipped the thin cotton over his head and fanned himself with it.

Her now-familiar blush returned and Casey felt compelled to prod, to see if his suspicions aboutJordan’s underlying naughty side were true. “Just so you know, I absolutely will not be upset if you decide to follow suit and work shirtless for the rest of the afternoon.”

The twinkle in her eyes let him know she enjoyed his joke. “I’m fine with my shirt on.”

“You sure?” he teased, taking a step closer. “I don’t mind helping you peel it off.” He reached out but she darted away, her smile widening.

“Casey,” she said, swatting his hands away. She dodged behind the AC unit and he followed.

The two of them played a quick game of cat and mouse as Casey chased her around the storage closet.

He’d just captured her,Jordansquealing loudly, when the door to the closet opened.

“Jordan? Are you okay?” a deep voice asked from the hallway.

Gabriel peered around the door and Casey wondered what his best friend thought he was seeing. They certainly presented a risqué picture—Casey shirtless, his arms wrapped aroundJordanfrom behind while she laughed.

“Hey, Gabe.” Casey releasedJordanand pulled his shirt back on. “What are you doing here?”

Gabriel’s response was slow in coming as his gaze traveled from Casey toJordan. “I was checking on your progress.” Gabriel’s eyes landed back on Casey’s face and they narrowed angrily. “Looks like you’re making some.”

Shit. Casey’s suspicions about Gabe’s feelings forJordanwere confirmed in an instant. His friend was hot for the accountant.

Problem was…so was Casey.

“We were taking a break,” he explained.

Gabriel looked atJordan, his expression softening. “You’re blood-red,Jordan. You need to get out of this heat.”

Casey glanced at her face. Gabriel made the same mistake he had.Jordanwasn’t hot. She was blushing. Big time.

“I’m okay, Gabe. No worries,” she answered. “I can see why you two are friends. Casey’s cure for the heat wave is going topless too.”

Gabriel’s expression darkened even further as he snapped his gaze to Casey once more. “Topless?”

Screwdriver is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, Kobo and Ellora’s Cave.