Farmer’s Daughter Apple Crisp

Somehow I missed out on the first book in Peg Cochran’s Farmer’s Daughter mystery series, but am thankful that her second book, SOWED TO DEATH, found its way onto my Kindle! This delightful cozy features protagonist, Shelby McDonald, a blog writing farmer who is also a widow, trying to raise her two children. I enjoyed that Shelby is a bit older with a unique family situation different than the typical heroine. She has a lot of stressful responsibilities that the author weaves in to the murder mystery surrounding a neighboring farmer. Shelby’s blog, The Farmer’s Daughter, effectively gives the reader an entertaining peek into what it takes to run a farm along with growing and preserving their own food. Shelby also struggles to raise her children, one of whom is a young teenage girl. Peg’s description of the drama involving the mother and her daughter struck home, and left me chuckling at times, as my family is entering that stage with my own granddaughter.

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The character development in SOWED TO DEATH draws the reader in and made me want to spend time with Shelby, her family, and friends. But it is the carefully crafted mysteries that kept me turning pages wanting to see what happens next and how the various threads of plot were going to weave together. There are several believable suspects and I found it a unique twist with Shelby’s brother-in-law being both the investigating detective and a potential suitor. Now having missed the first book (and I’ll be remedying that) I found book two easy to jump in to and didn’t feel like I was missing out on too much information. The story flows with a good pace and kept me entertained!

Peg Cochran includes a few delicious recipes at the back of the book along with mentions of several things that Shelby prepares that I’d love recipes for as well. Peg has graciously allowed me to share her recipe for Apple Crisp. Sometimes simplicity is best and in this case it holds true. The fresh flavors of apples are allowed to shine with a simple light crust topping of flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter. With a dollop of vanilla ice cream along side the warm crisp, dessert doesn’t get any better!

Amazon Synopsis

The county fair is the highlight of the year for the small town of Lovett, Michigan—especially for food-and-lifestyle blogger Shelby McDonald, who writes as the Farmer’s Daughter. She’s submitting jams and jellies she’s created from the produce she grows at Love Blossom Farm in hopes of harvesting a blue ribbon.

But the townspeople get more than just the excitement of hayrides, tractor pulls, and cotton candy when Shelby’s neighbor and volunteer fireman, Jake Taylor, extricates the body of Zeke Barnstable instead of a dummy during a demonstration of the Jaws of Life. The fact that Jake and Zeke were known to be at odds plants suspicion in the minds of the police. As evidence against Jake grows, Shelby knows she has to plow through the clues to weed out the true killer and save her friend.

A special thanks to Peg Cochran for offering a signed copy of SOWED TO DEATH for one lucky winner! Contest ends Monday, August 21, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Farmer's Daughter Apple Crisp

Ingredients

6 - 8 apples, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Arrange apples in a greased casserole dish or 10-inch pie plate.
Mix sugars, flour, and cinnamon and cut in butter.
Pack sugar and flour mixture over apples
Bake for 45 minutes or until golden on top.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Tips

We thought the apples should be cut a little smaller than quarters, especially if you have large apples like ours were.
Best eaten warm, the same day it is baked. It's still good the following day but the crisp topping does get a bit soggy the longer it sits.

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Matcha Green Tea Macarons with Ginger Buttercream Filling

I’m very happy to be a part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour introducing VANGIE VALE AND THE MURDERED MACARON. To be honest, the author, R.L. Syme, had me at the mention of macaron and her cover made me eager to dive into the book and try her cookie recipe! Aside from finding a delectable macaron cookie recipe that I couldn’t stop eating (more about that later) I found a story that left me salivating for more! Ms. Syme creates a refreshing, unique protagonist in Vangie Vale and sets up situations that allows both the character and the plot to shine. I love that not only is Vangie a part-time baker, she is a matchbaker AND the part-time pastor of the town’s community church. The matchbaking business was dreamt up by her sister as a marketing tool, but Vangie has a knack for matching up a patron to a drink, pastry, or a sandwich. She claims she’s not psychic but some might disagree. Being the pastor gives Vangie the inside track on the residents and because of her compassionate nature, people open up to her which helps in her investigation when brutal murders rocks her town.

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As the reader delves into the book, the layers of complexity in both Vangie’s personal life and the plot are slowly revealed with intricate twists and turns that kept me turning pages. In addition to a suspenseful plot, I found the dialog and interaction between Vangie and the characters highly entertaining. Ms. Syme comes up with some delightful sentences that are spot on, such as “So much L.A. in one little package,” to describe an actress. And her perfectly delectable descriptions of the shop’s macarons are drool worthy and made me want to visit the town of St. Agnes, Montana for a taste testing!

The recipe at the back of the book, The Murdered Macaron Recipe is a Matcha green tea macaron with ginger buttercream filling. Yes, it is a unique flavor combination but I loved the earthy, delicate green tea flavor that melded with the spiciness of both fresh and crystallized ginger. The flavors were even more enhanced the day after making them and I had a hard time sharing the batch with a variety of people… I wanted them all for myself! Naturally gluten-free, these delectable cookies rely on egg-whites whipped into a meringue and sweetened with both confectioners’ sugar and granulated sugar. Instead of wheat flour, fine ground almond flour is used. The ginger buttercream filling was amazing and I’m already dreaming of other ways to use it!

Amazon Synopsis

Small towns and gossip go together like flaky crust and sweet pastry cream. Between the police scanners, the coffee ladies, and the senior center, no secret is safe for long. But Vangie Vale wants nothing more than to stay under the radar…especially the police radar. So when her new bakery is linked to a murder investigation, nothing will stop the gossip mill from connecting her to the dead body. Can’t have that. In order to clear her good name and keep her face off the front page, this bakery owner becomes extra nosy…with a little side of breaking-and-entering… But when she comes face-to-face with the Sheriff, Vangie can’t ignore the fact that one of her macarons was involved in a murder. She has to find the real murderer.

A special thank you to R. L. Syme for providing some yummy macaron treats for the giveaway! This giveaway is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and you can use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest ends August 14, 2017 and is limited to U.S. residents only. Winner will be announced on this page and on Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours site, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Green Tea Macarons with Candied Ginger Buttercream-6

Matcha Green Tea Macarons with Ginger Buttercream Filling

Ingredients

For the cookies:

142 grams confectioner's sugar
115 grams fine almond flour
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
89 grams room temperature egg whites
71 grams granulated sugar
pinch cream of tartar

For the filling:

3 ounces softened butter
1-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 ounces sour cream
1-1/2 teaspoons grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger

Instructions

For the cookies:

Make sure you weigh all the ingredients (even the egg whites), instead of using cups and teaspoons as measurement. Those are less precise than weight measurements, and precision is super important with these cookies.
In a food processor, combine the almond flour, confectioner's sugar, and matcha powder. Grind together until it's a fine, incorporated powder.
Sift into a large bowl (if there's a lot of material left, then grind again, and keep sifting).
In a silver mixing bowl, begin whipping the egg whites and cream of tartar, starting on low speed and gradually increasing.
Slowly pour in the granulated sugar, allowing them to incorporate together.
If you'd like your macarons to be more green than they will be with matcha only, put a couple drops of green gel food coloring in the mix (not liquid coloring -- gel only). I like the light green color, so it's up to you.
Once the egg whites form stiff peaks, put the dry ingredients in and fold them, until they are just incorporated, and there are no streaks left. But don't over-fold. It's a delicate balance.
Transfer to a piping bag and pipe out little 1/2-inch circles (with about an inch between them) either on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.*
Once they're all piped out, smack the cookie sheet onto your counter a few times to get rid of any air bubbles in the cookies, then leave the cookies out on the counter for about 20 minutes, until the cookies have a bit of a crust.**
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). ***
Once cookies have formed their crust, cook for 10 - 12 minutes, watching not to over-bake. (Be careful of altitude--if you're at higher altitude, the air is thinner, so that affects your baking time.) Take out the cookies and let them cool. Do not fill before they're completely cool.

For the filling:

Whip the butter in a standing mixer until it's creamy.
Add the confectioner's sugar slowly, until it's thick, then add the sour cream.
Add the grated ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. Mix until incorporated.
Stir in the crystallized ginger.
Pipe the filling into the center of the cookies and sandwich them together, check for size fit with each cookie.
Eat and enjoy!

Tips

*I like a variety of sizes so made large (up to 1-1/2"), medium, and small-sized cookies. For the larger cookies I added 1 - 2 minutes extra baking time.
**If you live in a humid environment, it may take longer for the cookie to develop a crust. I've had it take close to an hour with other recipes on hot summer days, but be patient. The "crust" is what keeps the cookie top from cracking during baking. If the crust has developed properly, the cookie should not feel sticky when touched.
***You don't want these cookies to brown, so I would recommend baking at 325 degrees (F).
After the cookies have baked, remove the parchment paper (with the cookies still attached) to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I thought the cookies were still very good the following day, after the flavors had melded together.

My Note:

I took the liberty of adapting the author's ginger buttercream recipe by only making half the original but adding additional confectioners' sugar to make it thicker. The filling recipe above is the one that I made and proved to be sufficient to generously fill the macarons.

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Tour Participants:

August 1 – Blogger Nicole Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
August 2 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
August 2 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 3 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW
August 4 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 5 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
August 5 – My Funny View of Life – REVIEW
August 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 6 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 7 – Sleuth Cafe – CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
August 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 8 – Teresa Trent Author Site – INTERVIEW
August 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
August 9 – The Power of Words – SPOTLIGHT
August 9 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
August 10 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
August 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 11 – Book Babble – REVIEW
August 12 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
August 12 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
August 13 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW
August 13 – Girl with Book Lungs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 14 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
August 14 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST

I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Crispy Zucchini Strips

When I was offered the chance to read an advance copy of DEADFALL, the 19th book in the Alexandra Cooper series by Linda Fairstein, I jumped at the chance. A longtime fan, I’ve looked forward to each and every release and this newest book didn’t disappoint. Ms. Fairstein takes the reader to a variety of New York area landmarks in each book and DEADFALL focuses on the zoos, specifically the Bronx Zoological Park. I truly enjoy each location and the bits and pieces of history and facts that are woven into the plot. With the zoo and its conservation efforts towards saving endangered species as the backdrop, the protagonist, Alexander (Alex) Cooper sets out to clear her name in the assassination of her boss, District Attorney Paul Battaglia, and bring the perpetrator to justice. I appreciated the attention brought to a variety of endangered species and reminds us of our responsibilities towards preserving these magnificent creatures, both great and small.

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The reader is treated to a variety of settings in this new story, including a Montana wild game hunting ranch, as Alex pieces together conspiracies that touch on the mystery surrounding the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia. There is a tangled web of intrigue that involve a secretive fraternity of wealthy, influential men who belong to private hunting reserves. Ms. Fairstein skillfully weaves the threads of the story together, building the pieces of evidence together to entice the reader and draw them in until you can’t put the book down. The thrilling conclusion left me breathless and turning pages late into the night to read the final page.

Being a suspense thriller book, DEADFALL does not contain recipes. However, the protagonist and her friends have to eat. I was happy to see that Alex is recovering from her kidnapping ordeal and her appetite is coming back in this new book, so she frequents a few restaurants for a bite to eat now and then during the story. At one of the restaurants she enjoys some Zucchini Strips so I decided to create a recipe… especially since zucchini is almost too plentiful this time of the year for those who are lucky enough to have summer gardens! I tried several different methods for cooking the Zucchini Strips: baking and frying; salting the zucchini before cooking and skipping that step; regular flour and panko bread crumbs and gluten-free versions. It’s a good thing I love zucchini! My takeaway? Pre-salting added a better flavor while frying produced the best overall crispness. Baking the zucchini strips turned out better than I expected and if I make these often I would go that route for health reasons. And I was very happy with the gluten-free version. Bottom line? I think I found a new favorite way to use up some of summer’s bountiful zucchini crop!

Amazon Synopsis

A wild heart beats within New York City. Amid concrete and skyscrapers, the Wildlife Conservation Society works to preserve and protect the animal kingdom both within and beyond the borders of the five boroughs. But dangerous creatures don’t always have claws and fangs, as Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper and NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace know all too well. Predators lurk close to home, and in the aftermath of the shocking assassination of an iconic public figure—someone Alex has worked with for years—the trio must unravel the motive behind the shooting to discover who is the bigger snake: the killer or the victim.

The murder investigation provides more questions than answers, as a tangled mess of secrets slowly comes to light. From street gangs to secret societies, from big-game hunting to the illegal animal trade, from New York City zoos to the highest offices in city government, Alex has her work cut out for her—especially since the task force handling the investigation, led by the US Attorney, seems to be more against her than with her. As tensions rise between Alex and the feds, she must determine just how far she is willing to go to uncover the truth—and uphold the integrity of the office she has so proudly served.

Thanks to Dutton Publishing, I am able to offer a hardcover copy of DEADFALL for one lucky winner! Contest ends Monday, August 14, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Crispy Zucchini Strips

Ingredients

1-1/2 lbs zucchini (about 4)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1-1/2 cups panko crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Instructions

Trim the ends from the zucchini, cut them in half crosswise, then cut each piece into lengthwise wedges about 1/2-inch thick.
Toss the zucchini strips with kosher salt then lay them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with a layer of additional paper towels. Let rest for 30 minutes then blot excess moisture from the zucchini.
Mix the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and pepper in a large plastic bag. Place a handful of zucchini strips in bag and shake to cover them with the flour mixture. Place flour-coated zucchini on a plate and repeat with the remaining strips.
Whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow dish. Set aside.
Combine the panko crumbs and grated cheese in a shallow dish.
Using one hand, dip a zucchini strip in the egg mixture, coating on all sides.
Next, place the dipped zucchini strip into the panko-cheese mixture. Using your opposite (clean hand) toss the crumb mixture over the zucchini strip and gently press to adhere.
Transfer the panko crumb-coated zucchini to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips.
Once all the strips are coated, pour vegetable oil into a skillet, 1/4-inch deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees (F). A panko crumb dropped into the hot oil should immediately sizzle and start to brown.
Very carefully place several zucchini strips into the hot oil and fry until the coating turns golden brown. Flip fries over as needed to brown all sides. Once fries are golden brown, remove to a wire rack while you cook the remaining fries.
Serve immediately with marinara sauce and/or ranch dressing.

To bake the Zucchini Fries:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Heavily spray 2 baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Coat the zucchini strips as indicated in the above directions and place on the sprayed baking sheets.
Spritz the tops of the zucchini with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake until the zucchini is tender, about 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans half way through the baking time. Be careful to not overcook; you don't want them mushy.
If the coating hasn't browned enough, remove pans from oven and turn the broiler on.
Broil one pan at a time, flipping zucchini fries as necessary until coating is golden brown. Keep a very close watch as they broil since the coating can burn quickly.
Transfer hot zucchini fries to a plate and enjoy!

Tips

If you want to make these gluten-free, substitute cornstarch for the all-purpose flour and use gluten-free panko-style bread crumbs or crushed Rice Chex cereal.
If you don't want to go through the extra steps of salting the zucchini then skip that step and add 3/4 teaspoon sea salt to the flour mixture. I found that salting the zucchini allowed excess moisture to release which resulted in more flavorful fries that are tender without overcooking.
You can reheat the zucchini strips by either re-frying in a skillet with a bit of added oil or placing on baking sheet and reheating in a 450 degree oven for a few minutes. I successfully reheated using my toaster oven and toasting for 6 - 7 minutes, flipping the strips over once.

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Kindle Fire Giveaway celebrating A GAME OF DECEIT release day!

I am very excited to be celebrating the

release day for A GAME OF DECEIT!

so I’m giving away a

7-inch Kindle Fire Tablet

along with an e-book copy of A GAME OF DECEIT and a
$10 Amazon gift card

2 runner-ups will receive a print copy of A GAME OF DECEIT

Through August 15, 2017 100% of my net sales will be donated to rettsyndrome.org
and the e-book price will be discounted to $0.99!

Don’t miss out on this low price that will benefit a good cause!

Please use the Rafflecopter link below to enter the contest. If a non-U.S. resident wins the grand prize, a $50 Amazon gift card will be awarded instead. Contest ends August 17, 2017.

My protagonist, Kathryn, gets caught in a wild fire with the detective who is investigating the disappearance of her husband. Several years ago I had to evacuate my two young granddaughters as a wild fire swept towards their home. This experience inspired both the scene in my book and my giveaway!

Excerpt

He came to a stop and rolled down his window when they reached the barrier. They were greeted by a blast of hot, sooty air. Kathryn thought the officer manning the barricade looked like a bandit. His cowboy-style hat was pulled low, mirrored sunglasses hid his eyes and a dark blue bandana covered his nose and mouth. His khaki-colored uniform had turned a dusty gray with matching combat boots.

“Hey Mike, glad you made it,” the sheriff’s deputy said after pulling down the bandana. “Captain says we can give you about twenty minutes to get in and evacuate your horses.”

“Thanks, Rudy, I owe you one.”

“Not a problem,” the deputy answered, pulling the roadblock aside. “Just do me a favor and get out of here as quickly as you can. This fire has a mind of its own, jumping roads and firebreaks like I’ve never seen. I’d hate for you and your friend to get caught in the middle of it.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be out of here before you know it.”

Kathryn started choking on the thick smoke that had swirled into the Explorer. Her breathing became more rapid and her palms started sweating.

What are you getting yourself into? Is it too late to back out?

Mike quickly rolled the window up and turned the air conditioning on high before finally turning off onto a single-lane blacktop road blocked by an elegant, wrought-iron electric gate. He pushed the remote button attached to the sun visor and the gate slowly opened. The road wound between pastures enclosed by once-pristine white fences, now grimy with soot. Drab olive-green eucalyptus trees lined the drive. The murky air caused the SUV’s headlights to come on. They crossed a stone bridge under which a dry river bed ran, then turned a bend in the road and his house came into view. But they didn’t notice. Instead, their eyes were riveted on the fifty-foot roaring flames shooting up from the hill behind Mike’s house, less than a mile away.

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Purchase links:

Apple: https://goo.gl/sVzo6B
Amazon: https://goo.gl/8muPuf
Barnes & Noble: https://goo.gl/Q6uVZP
Kobo: https://goo.gl/28Nsdo

A GAME OF DECEIT is also being featured on Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours at the following stops, with chances to win copies of my new release and a $25 Amazon gift card:

July 31 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

July 31 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

August 1 – Must Read Faster – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 1 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

August 2 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

August 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW

August 5 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 6 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT

August 7 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

August 7 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW

August 8 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW

August 9 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

August 12 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 13 – Varietats – REVIEW

August 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

Raspberry Lemon Muffins

Ever since I read the teaser chapter for MUFFIN TO FEAR by Victoria Hamilton a couple of months ago, I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for this fifth book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series to release. The author starts the book with a sweet interlude, drawing the reader in, establishing a connection to the protagonist, newlywed Mrs. Merry Grace Wynter. Merry’s happiness over being married to Virgil epitomizes what honeymooners should be like. Too frequently drama and discord is so often displayed in both books and film. Instead, the author saves the mayhem for Merry’s return home where she finds a reality television show setting up to film an episode for Haunt Hunt.

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While there have been a few murders around Merry’s home, Wynter Castle, she never thought her castle was haunted. Pish, one of her dearest friends, isn’t so sure and somehow ends up with the cast and crew of Haunt Hunt on her property. From there the fireworks start. The author provides fun insight into filming the reality show: from setting up equipment to the interaction between cast and crew, to the fake scenes that goes along with putting a show together. She provides great, snarky descriptions of some of the cast members, which lends itself readily to what you would expect of a reality tv show. I loved the quirkiness of the characters, both from the show and townspeople. I especially enjoyed seeing Merry’s caring and mentoring relationship with Lizzie, the teenager from town. It adds another sweet dimension to the story aside from the murder. There were so many viable suspects who would have wanted to see the arrogant, fake tv actor/psychic dead. Just when I thought I was sure I had figured it out the author would dole out a new clue and I would change my mind all over again. There was a satisfying conclusion and the various threads of the story were pulled together for an enjoyable read!

The author provides a couple delectable muffin recipes with her book including one gluten-free one, that I’m anxious to try! Victoria asked that I create an additional muffin recipe for my blog post so after brainstorming with my granddaughter (who adores muffins for both breakfast and quick after-school snacks) came up with Raspberry Lemon Muffins. With summer in full swing, raspberries are ripe and plentiful while providing fun color. Lemon juice and zest adds a sunny burst of flavor and a tart tang to the batter that mixes up quickly. Enjoy!

Amazon Synopsis

Newlywed baker Merry Wynter has some unwanted guests looking for ghosts at Wynter Castle…

While Merry is distracted by her quickly planned marriage to Virgil Grace and a blissful honeymoon in New York, her friend Pish invites the ghost-hunting crew from the TV show Haunt Hunt to investigate Merry’s home, Wynter Castle. Merry soon discovers that not only is the crew out of sync, there are so many feuds and squabbles, it’s a miracle they get a show produced at all.

It all goes from bad to worse when the show’s psychics claim to have contact with people murdered on Merry’s property. When two cast members are found dead, Merry and Virgil must figure out who’s picking off the Haunt Hunt team before their hard-earned happily ever after is cut short.

A special thank you to Victoria Hamilton for providing a print copy of MUFFIN TO FEAR for one lucky winner! Contest ends Monday, July 31, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to Canadian and U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Raspberry Lemon Muffins

Ingredients

2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons salt
1 cup granulated sugar
Lemon zest from 1 lemon
3/4 cup milk (2% or whole)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
4 - 5 ounces fresh raspberries, washed and patted dry. Reserve 12.
Coarse sparkling sugar, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).
Line muffin tin with paper liners, spritz with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium-size bowl, mix the milk and lemon juice together and set aside. The mixture will curdle but that is normal.
In a large-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.
Add the vanilla, egg, and vegetable oil to the lemon and milk mixture, whisking to fully incorporate.
Add the wet ingredients to the flour ingredients, stirring until incorporated. Batter may be a little lumpy, but do not overmix.
Fold the fresh raspberries (except for the 12 raspberries) into the batter and stir just until incorporated.
Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full, place a reserved raspberry on top of each one, and if desired, sprinkle liberally with coarse sparkling sugar.
Bake for 15 - 18 minutes. Muffin tops should spring back when gently touched.
Remove from oven and allow to cool in muffin tin for 3 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

Makes 12 - 15 muffins.
Muffins are best eaten shortly after baking. If you do have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently toast to reheat before serving.

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I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Nutella Buttercream Filling

From the moment I heard that Jenn McKinlay was writing a romantic comedy, in addition to her cozy mysteries, I knew I just had to read it. ABOUT A DOG, the first in the Bluff Point Romance series, did not disappoint! I found it to be the ultimate beach read: entertaining, humorous dialog; an easy read; characters you can love and characters you can hate; an adorable puppy; and romance with just the right amount of zing. The protagonist, MacKenzie “Mac” Harris, wants the world to see her as self-confident and someone who has figured out her life, but inside she’s still trying to get over being left at the alter in her small hometown, Bluff Point. After fleeing to Chicago to pick up the pieces, she’s done nothing but insulate herself from love and instead, has immersed herself in her career. Returning home, after being gone seven years, for her best friend’s wedding Mac’s plan is to get in and out of the town just as quickly as she can. The scenario sets the stage for the lively banter between the best friends along with humorous scenes that keeps the reader entertained and turning pages. Jenn McKinlay is wickedly witty and it translates to a fun book! I read with a grin on my face just about the entire book… except when it was appropriate to hate a character or worry about the lovable puppy.

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I enjoyed the development of the characters and the close friendship Mac has with her two best friends. But it’s Mac’s two elderly aunts along with the rescue puppy, Tulip, the who steal each scene that they’re in! They each provide a nice subplot to go along with the main romantic theme between Mac and Gavin, without detracting from the story. The small town setting is quaint where everyone knows everyone’s business and as Mac finds out, no one forgets anything that happened in the past. Jenn creates great chemistry between Mac and Gavin, carefully building the tension until the conclusion. There is also a teaser chapter for the next book, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, which made me sorry it wasn’t available right then and there!

While the book doesn’t contain recipes, one of Mac’s best friends owns a Whoopie Pie shop. Honestly, I’ve never tried whoopie pies so when I read through Jenn’s recipe I realized they’re like mini cakes with the frosting sandwiched between two halves. It’s hard to classify them: are they cookie, cake, or cupcakes? It doesn’t really matter… they’re just yummy! Jenn shared her recipe at Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen (click on link to see her recipe) a while ago and she filled her chocolate whoopie pies with a more traditional marshmallow buttercream filling. I deviated and went with more chocolate and mixed up a Nutella buttercream filling, flavoring it with Frangelico for the adults. Either way, I’m happy to have discovered this East Coast treat!

Amazon Synopsis

Mackenzie “Mac” Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine, after being left at the altar—and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend’s off-limits brother. Now, seven years later, she’s back to attend her best friend’s wedding—safe, or so she thinks, from the mistakes of her youth.

But Gavin Tolliver has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin, the town’s veterinarian, can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love…

A huge thank you to Jenn McKinlay for providing a print copy of ABOUT A DOG plus a bag tote for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Nutella Buttercream Filling

Ingredients

The Cookies:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk, well shaken

The Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup Nutella
3-4 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur (or sub milk)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

The Cookies:

Mix together dry ingredients – flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl at medium speed until fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla.
Alternately mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk until smooth.
Spoon ¼ cup mounds of batter about two inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes until top is puffed and springs back when touched.
Cook completely on a wire rack before filling.

The Filling:

Beat together the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and nutella until smooth.
Add in 3 tablespoons of Frangelico liqueur (or milk) and beat filling until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes on medium speed. If filling appears too stiff, add additional liquid, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Putting it together:

Spread a heaping tablespoon of the filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another. Easy Peasy!

Tip

If you cook 2 baking sheets at a time, be sure to rotate them front to back and swap the sheets from top to bottom half way through baking time. This will help them bake more evenly.

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I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

I am very excited to be celebrating the

release day for A GAME OF DECEIT!

so I’m giving away a

7-inch Kindle Fire Tablet

along with an e-book copy of A GAME OF DECEIT and a $10 Amazon gift card

2 runner-ups will receive a print copy of A GAME OF DECEIT

A GAME OF DECEIT is also being featured on Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours at the following stops, with chances to win copies of my new release and a $25 Amazon gift card:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

along with an e-book copy of A GAME OF DECEIT and a
$10 Amazon gift card