Cinnamon and Sugar

#giveaway Celebrating Cinnamon & Sugar’s 10th Year Blogiversary

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many, many wonderful authors and their fans who have
made my blog a success! I truly appreciate the generosity of these talented authors who share
their books and delicious recipes with the cozy mystery community.
Readers and authors alike have inspired me
to write my own books and dream up tasty treats to share!

To celebrate my 10th Blogiversary, I’m giving away

A prize pack containing:
Print copy of Chocolate Can Be Deadly
Chocolate candy from See’s (a California icon!)
Rose Petal Soap
$10 Amazon gift card
$5 Starbucks gift card
Plus a bunch of fun swag!

Contest ends 2/23/25 and I’m so very sorry that due to shipping costs, it’s limited to U.S. residents only.

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Thank you to everyone for being a part of my journey!!!

And a gentle reminder that my newest Cupcake Catering Mystery, Chocolate Can Be Deadly, is still priced at only $0.99 for the ebook version on Amazon and is also available to download for free on Kindle Unlimited!

Click here to visit Amazon: CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY

Banana Pancakes

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THE WAGTAIL MURDER CLUB is the tenth book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries by Krista Davis. First off, the setting of the Sugar Maple Inn in Wagtail, Virginia is absolutely charming and I wish it were a real place! Between the town, protagonist Holly Miller and her family, and her menagerie of pets, you couldn’t ask for a better place to while a few hours away, immersed in this book. Adding to the adorableness, is a new rescue dog, Squishy, who moves in and steals each scene he inhabits. I’ll have to admit he tugged at my heartstrings more than a few times. The author has an admirable way with descriptions, bringing each of the characters and the setting to life. Holly’s relationship with her grandmother and her mother is delightful, and I enjoyed how they interact and work together. The only discord in the story is the arrival of Ben, Holly’s ex-boyfriend. I won’t spoil the plot with details, but I hope this is the last we see of him and his sense of entitlement and condescending ways.

With Ben and his new attorney colleagues in town to discuss opening a satellite office, there’s some drama going on. Plus, folk in Wagtail are up in arms about a released convict moving to town, and living across the street from Holly’s mother. When one of the visiting attorneys plunges to her death, it soon becomes apparent that it was anything but accidental and is similar to the death of a young woman numerous years before. Could there be a connection between the two murders? Holly, with the assistance of her darling dogs, her grandmother, and mother, starts investigating. There are many suspects to sift through, with misdirection around every corner. I always love a good whodunit that features a long-ago crime that is somehow related to the current day crime. Ms. Davis does an admirable job tying the two together into a cohesive story. It’s always a pleasure visiting Wagtail and I can’t wait to make a return visit with the next book in the series!

You can always count on several yummy recipes included in the Paws & Claws Mysteries, some for humans, some for pets, and some that can be shared with our furry friends. In this newest release, Ms. Davis includes a recipe for Banana Pancakes, using three simple ingredients and all are safe for our pups to eat in moderation. I think I’ve found my new favorite breakfast! These take just a minute to mix the batter up with a fork, using banana, eggs, and flour (I’ve made these three times and substituted gluten-free flour once, and oat flour another time… it works perfectly). And before you know it, you’ve got beautifully browned, yummy pancakes sitting on your plate. Missy has never been a fan of bananas so I wasn’t sure if she’d want to eat a small pancake. She sniffed it but didn’t back away, so I offered her a small nibble. Once she downed it, she snatched the entire pancake off the plate (leaving the banana garnish behind) and ran to the back of the dining room table to gobble it up, lol. Apparently she didn’t want me changing my mind about her getting such a special treat. Missy gives this recipe two paws up and wants to know when I’m making them again!

Amazon Synopsis

Holly Miller is on her way home to Wagtail, Virginia when she spots something in the grass not far from her car. It turns out to be an adorable black Labrador in a cage with a note attached to his collar. My name is Squishy. I am a very good boy. Please take good care of me. Holly takes Squishy home to the Sugar Maple Inn, which she owns with her grandmother, who also happens to be the mayor of Wagtail. They decide to foster Squishy at the Inn. Days later, Holly is surprised to see her ex-boyfriend Ben checking in with a group of his attorney colleagues who all seem to think that he and Holly are still an item!

Aided by Squishy, Holly’s rascally dog and cat find one of Ben’s fellow attorneys who has died from a non-accidental fall. Is the fiend a resident of Wagtail or a visitor? Holly bands together with her mom, grandmother, and beloved elderly Inn butler, Mr. Huckle, to uncover the killer and the truth about Squishy. Because nothing brings a town together like murder.

A special thanks to Krista Davis for offering a hardcover copy of THE WAGTAIL MURDER CLUB to one lucky winner! Contest ends February 16, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below 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!)

Banana Pancakes

Share with your dog, but you eat the maple syrup.

These are the quickest, easiest pancakes I have ever made. Because of the moisture in the banana, you may not even need milk. I have made them with milk and without. They're a little bit thinner with milk, but my preference is without milk. However, if you make them with bananas that are too green, you may find the mixture too dense. All you have to do is add one or two tablespoons of milk for additional moisture. While these are for people, your dog can also have a bite, just not too much. If you want more than two pancakes, simply double the recipe.

Makes 2 pancakes.

Ingredients

1 banana, preferably ripe with a few spots on the peel
2 eggs
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
Canola oil
1 - 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions

Mash the banana with the back of a fork in a medium bowl. Add the eggs and use the fork as a whisk, blending the eggs with the banana. It won't be smooth; there should be some lumps.
Add the whole wheat flour and whisk it in with the fork.
Preheat a stove burner on medium and set a small or medium frying pan on it.
Pour a tablespoon or so of the canola oil onto the warm pan (eyeball it). Swirl to spread it, then pour in half of the banana mixture. You may need to adjust the heat if it gets too hot. When the bottom is set, flip the pancake to cook the other side until it's a light brown color.
Move the pancake to a plate, add more oil to the pan as needed, and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Serve with maple syrup for humans. Your pups will be thrilled to eat them without the maple syrup. Or for extra banana flavor, slice another banana and sprinkle the slices over the top.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

I made these with gluten-free flour once, and with oat flour another time. Both substitutions for whole wheat flour worked perfectly. If you use a gluten-free flour blend, make sure the ingredients are safe for your pup.
While the directions say to make these into two large pancakes, I made one of the batches into small pancakes. It took more time to cook up all the batter, but did make it easier to give just one small pancake to Missy.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Apple Muffins with an Added Suprise

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I’m delighted to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour presenting SEAMS LIKE THE PERFECT CRIME, the fourteenth book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries by Lois Winston! I’ve had my eye on this series for a while but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to finally read one… and now I need to add the previous thirteen books to my TBR list! Despite not know the entire backstory of protagonist Anastasia Pollack’s life, the author did an admirable job weaving in just enough information so that I never felt lost… although I have enough curiosity to make me determined to read and find out. This is one of those books where you love the characters, except for those who are meant to be hated. And thrown in for some humor is the Shakespearean-reciting African Grey parrot, called Ralph. Each of the players had very distinctive personalities, but I like Anastasia is a capable woman with a soft spot for those who need help. She may be a bit of a pushover, but when the situation calls for it, she stands firm and does the right thing. You can tell what kind of woman Anastasia is by the way her teen son lives his life and responds to those who need help as well. It added heartwarming moments to the storyline.

But as all cozy mysteries are prone to do, there is a murder and Anastasia gets involved after her son finds the victim. Goodness, the lead up to and the crime is certainly a page-turner! (Be sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book… it’s eye opening how the plot came to be.) Given the victim is a brand-new neighbor, Anastasia doesn’t know much about him or the people he knows. There is an added level of difficulty in finding out the suspects and the motives for his death, and the author is methodical in laying out the clues and the investigation. The plot moves along at a quick pace and as the story progressed, I found myself unable to put the book down until I’d read the very last sentence.

I enjoyed reading the instructions for Anastasia’s Quilted Memories Ideas at the back of the book. I’m not terribly crafty, but I love the idea of saving favorite clothing items (especially from children) and creating something that will last. And while the book itself doesn’t have any recipes, Anastasia’s best friend is constantly bringing delectable goodies to their office, with mouthwatering descriptions. You can read a brief excerpt (below) relating to Lois Winston’s recipe I’m sharing today—Apple Muffins with an Added Surprise! I loved how moist these muffins were, thanks to both apple and zucchini used in the batter. The cinnamon adds a nice flavor while the cream cheese filling adds richness. These make an excellent and delicious breakfast treat or perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up!

Amazon Synopsis

When staffing shortages continue to hamper the Union County homicide squad, Detective Sam Spader once again turns to his secret weapon, reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack. How can she and husband Zack Barnes refuse when the victim is their new neighbor?

Revolutionary War reenactor Barry Sumner had the odd habit of spending hours mowing a small patch of packed dirt and weeds until his mower ran out of gas. He’d then guzzle beer on his front porch until he passed out. That’s where Anastasia’s son Nick discovers his body three days after the victim and his family moved into the newly built mini-McMansion across the street.

After a melee breaks out at the viewing, Spader zeroes in on the widow as his prime suspect. However, Anastasia has her doubts. There are other possible suspects, including a woman who’d had an affair with the victim, his ex-wife, the man overseeing the widow’s trust fund, a drug dealer, and the reenactors who were blackmailing the widow and victim.

Keep reading for an excerpt from the book:

Anastasia Pollack, magazine crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth of my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, needs copious amounts of caffeine and baked goods to deal with everything I dump on her—from a communist mother-in-law to more dead bodies than the average big city homicide cop encounters in a lifetime on the force. Luckily, her BFF, food editor Cloris McWerther, keeps the magazine break room well stocked with both. Most of the time:

After suffering through the usual bumper-to-bumper morning commute, I arrived at work in time to snag a coffee in the break room. Unfortunately, I found only crumbs remaining on the plate of whatever goodies Cloris had provided this morning.

I popped my head into her cubicle and mumbled a half-hearted, “Morning.”

She took one look at me and frowned. “Get up on the wrong side of the bed?”

I held up my coffee mug. “Notice anything missing?”

“Should I?”

“Mondays are bad enough, but starting the week without a Cloris confection is a violation of the United Nations ban on torture.”

“Before you report me, check your desk.”

I spun around and stepped across the hall. A ginormous apple muffin sat on a napkin beside my keyboard. I called across the hall to her. “You’re now officially in my will.”

Cloris snorted. “So, I inherit your debt?”

“You never know. I may win the lottery someday.”

“You don’t play the lottery.”

“That could change.”

“I won’t hold my breath, but you’re welcome for the muffin.”

I blew her a kiss. “Best BFF ever.”

A special thanks to Lois Winston for providing three winners with a print or ebook copy of SEAMS LIKE THE PERFECT CRIME. Print limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends February 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. Contest is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour and the winner will be announced on this page and notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Apple Muffins with an Added Surprise

Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

Muffin Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated zucchini
1 small peeled and diced apple, any variety suitable for baking

Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:

6 ounces whipped cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg yolk, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Grease a 12-count muffin pan or line with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry muffin ingredients except the sugar.
Using a stand mixer, whisk together the oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Fold in the zucchini and apples.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir together only until combined.
Using the stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, place a scoop of muffin batter into each muffin cup. Add a scoop of the cream cheese mixture. Then another scoop of muffin batter.
Bake at 425 degrees (F) for 5 minutes. Leaving the muffins in the oven, reduce the temperature to 350F and continue baking 15 minutes more.
Cool muffin tin on wire rack before removing muffins.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note:

I added some coarse sparkling sugar to the tops of the muffins before baking.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 4 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 5 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 6 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE

February 6 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

February 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – CRAFT POST

February 7 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 8 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – RECIPE POST

February 8 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

February 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

February 10 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

February 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 12 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

February 13 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 15 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tunnel of Fudge Cake

I’m so excited to share that CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY is finally here! I’m celebrating with a giveaway and I’ve extended the ebook sale price of only $0.99 for another week so don’t miss out. Ebook, print, and Kindle Unlimited versions are available on Amazon. Click on the title to go to Amazon. Print is available at most online book retailer sites.

CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY

Print is available at most online book retailer sites.

What it’s about:

Catering a post-Valentine’s Day Death by Chocolate dessert party should have been a delicious way to wrap up a week of romantic festivities. But when the new fiancé of the hostess is found dead during the event, clutching one of Emory’s chocolate cupcakes and a heart-shaped box of chocolates close by, the guests and the police put her at the top of their suspect list. With her cupcake catering business melting away as word spreads about the poisoning, Emory, and her octogenarian pal, Tillie, will need to pry into the sticky, dark secrets of the attendees. Will they uncover who’s been hiding a rotten center, or will the killer stir up danger and frost Emory for good?

Includes chocolate recipes, like the Tunnel of Fudge Cake I’m sharing today!

To celebrate the release of CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY, I’m giving away two $10 Amazon gift cards! Please use the Rafflecopter below the recipe. Contest ends February 2, 2025 at 11:59 PST. 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!)

Tunnel of Fudge Cake

Ingredients

Cake

3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder + extra for Bundt pan
1/2 cup boiling water
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups pecans, finely chopped
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon salt
5 eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

Chocolate Glaze

3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish Ideas

Pecan halves or chopped nuts, chocolate leaves or hearts, chocolate shavings, colorful sprinkles, fresh raspberries

Instructions

Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Heavily grease a 12-cup Bundt cake pan, then dust it with cocoa powder. Set aside.
Place 2 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate into a small heatproof bowl, and pour the boiling water over the chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, pecans, confectioners' sugar, and salt.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla together.
Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter together until light and fluffy. Reduce the mixer to low, add the egg mixture and beat until combined. Add the chocolate mixture and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Batter may appear curdled but that is normal. Mix in the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Don't over mix.
Pour the batter into the Bundt cake pan. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges slightly pull away from the pan and the top springs back when lightly touched. A skewer won't give an accurate measurement of doneness, so don't use.
Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack. Cool in the pan for 1-1/2 hours, then invert onto a serving plate and cool completely.

Chocolate Glaze

Once the cake is completely cooled, heat the cream, corn syrup, and chopped chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until smooth, then stir in the vanilla.
Remove from heat and allow to thicken for about 30 minutes.
Drizzle glaze over the cake. Add garnish if desired. Allow it to set for about 20 minutes before serving.

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I’m delighted to announce that CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY will be featured in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. Mark your calendars and visit each blog for some fun conversations, a recipe, reviews, and a chance to win a gift card!

February 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 14 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

February 15 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE

February 15 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

February 16 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 17 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 20 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

February 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

Auspicious Almond Cookies

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STAR-CROSSED EGG TARTS is the second book in the Magical Fortune Mysteries by Jennifer J. Chow. While I really liked the first book in the series, this one exceeded my expectations, and I enjoyed it even more! Protagonist Felicity Jin has found her stride and is more confident with her baking skills—especially where it pertains to her magical abilities in writing personalized fortunes for her fortune cookies—and seems more secure in her relationship with her mom and her best friend, Kelvin. Her belief in herself gives the overall story a feeling of joy and strength, even when things go wrong. Ms. Chow imbues each core character with personalities that draw the readers in and make you want to spend time in the bakery, eating pastries, and sipping tea. She also adds an emotional level to the book when Felicity’s father shows up, the first she’s seen of him after he abandoned her as an infant. How Felicity handles the situation is testament to the growth and self-confidence she’s experienced since finding her skills and solving a murder in the first book.

With Felicity catering tiers of egg tarts for an outdoor wedding and Kelvin providing the flowers, the worst they thought they’d have to contend with was the heat in the middle of July in the San Joaquin Valley. Instead, Felicity finds one of the wedding attendants murdered with Kelvin’s gardening shears, hidden beneath her dessert table. While I’d classify this as a character-driven story, Ms. Chow knows how to write a well-plotted mystery at a good pace that kept me turning pages. As Felicity and Kelvin dig into the lives of the wedding party, they find secrets they’d rather remain hidden, which the victim had planned on broadcasting during the wedding speeches. There are clues to follow, but I still didn’t guess correctly as Felicity and Kelvin unveiled the killer. I enjoyed how they worked together more closely this time to solve the case and I look forward to the changes that are hinted at in future books!

Running a bakery means Felicity and her mom are constantly baking delicious treats, so be prepared to get hungry as you read the scrumptious descriptions. Ms. Chow has included the recipe for Auspicious Almond Cookies at the back of the book, along with floral tips and how-tos to make your own corsage or boutonniere, along with lace votive holders. You know my affinity for cookies, so of course I had to try the Auspicious Almond Cookies. Besides being utterly delicious, I like that these only take one bowl to mix up with no electric appliances to haul out. The cookie is soft and chewy, with the nutty sweet flavor of almond. The added crunch of the single almond slice is appealing and the egg glaze makes the cookie shiny and golden brown. They’re perfect for a snack or a simple dessert after lunch or dinner!

Amazon Synopsis

Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the “cake” of tiered egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and local florist Kelvin generously steps in for him and the wedding goes smoothly—until cake cutting time.

That’s when Felicity finds Miles’ dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. With the detective’s sights on Kelvin, Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding’s attendants. They each had something to hide—and a reason to quiet Miles forever. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father.

When the groom gets poisoned at the send-off party and winds up in a coma, the stakes are even higher, not to mention Felicity’s feelings for Kelvin are beginning to feel more than friendly. Will Felicity’s magic return in time to catch the true culprit and rescue her budding relationship with Kelvin?

A special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for offering a print copy of STAR-CROSSED EGG TARTS to one lucky winner! Contest ends January 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below 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!)

Auspicious Almond Cookies

Makes about 24 (2 dozen) cookies

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
5/8 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract (1 teaspoon if less almond flavor is desired
1 egg
24 almond slices

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). Put parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Cut in the butter (very important, don't skip this) until mixture resembles cornmeal.
Add the almond extract.
Combine white and yolk of egg; add half of it to the bowl. Mix well. The dough will appear too crumbly in the beginning, but when you mix it long enough, it will get the right consistency (that's why you only need half an egg). Reserve remaining half egg.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Set them 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Press down with your thumb to flatten each cookies slightly. Place an almond slice in the middle of each cookie.
Combine the reserved half of the egg with 1/2 tablespoon water to make a light egg wash glaze. Using a basting brush, cover the tops of the cookies with the glaze. You can adjust the amount of glaze on each cookie depending on how much almond cookie shine you want.
Bake in oven until the the edges of the cookies are golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then place on wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These taste even better the second day when the almond flavor has set in.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rustic Vineyard Grape and Rosemary Flatbread

I’m pleased to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour spotlighting Wine and Whispers: A Cozy Mystery (Sophie Brooks Mysteries) and sharing the recipe for Rustic Vineyard Grape and Rosemary Flatbread today! Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of this new release too.

Click on book to visit Amazon

What it’s about:

In the heart of wine country, secrets run as deep as the vines.

Sophie Brooks, a food blogger and digital nomad, heads to Sonoma’s wine country to explore its
famous vineyards. But when a mysterious disappearance shatters the idyllic landscape, Sophie
must uncover the truth hidden among the whispers and the wine.
Food blogger and digital nomad Sophie Brooks is on her first stop in Sonoma, California, where
the wine flows as freely as the secrets. Eager to showcase the region’s farm-to-table dining
scene, Sophie is ready to indulge in the local wines and meet the passionate people behind them.
But when one of the vineyard’s owners goes missing, the peaceful countryside takes a dark turn.
As whispers of betrayal and old grudges swirl through the vines, Sophie finds herself caught in
the middle of a mystery that threatens to unravel the very fabric of this picturesque wine country.
With her sharp instincts and a love for uncovering the truth, Sophie must navigate the delicate
balance between tasting fine wines and untangling deadly secrets.
Can she solve the mystery before the whispers turn into something more dangerous?

A special thanks to Daisy Landish for providing one winner with a print copy of WINE & WHISPERS. Contest ends January 19, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST and is open internationally. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. Contest is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour and the winner will be announced on this page and notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Rustic Vineyard Grape & Rosemary Flatbread

By Sophie Brooks @thewanderingfork

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:

1-1/2 cups seedless red or black grapes, halved
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese or grated Parmesan, optional

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or sheet in the oven to heat.

Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rustic oval or rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.

Add the Toppings

Brush the dough generously with olive oil. Arrange the halved grapes evenly across the surface, pressing them gently into the dough. Sprinkle the rosemary leaves and flaky sea salt over the top. If using cheese, scatter it lightly over the flatbread.

Bake the Flatbread

Transfer the flatbread (with the parchment paper) to the preheated baking stone or sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the grapes are slightly blistered.

Serve Warm

Remove the flatbread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice into pieces and serve as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.

Wine Pairing

This flatbread pairs beautifully with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
A buttery Chardonnay enhances the sweetness of the grapes and the earthiness of the rosemary while complementing the richness of the olive oil and goat cheese. Look for a lightly oaked Chardonnay for a balanced pairing.
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing contrast to the savory and sweet notes, with citrus and herbal undertones that echo the rosemary and flaky sea salt.
If you prefer red wine, try a Pinot Noir, whose light body and fruity notes harmonize wonderfully with the grapes.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 6 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

January 6 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

January 7 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

January 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 9 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 10 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 11 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

January 12 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 13 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 13 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

January 15 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – RECIPE

January 15 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

January 16 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

January 17 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 17 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

January 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

January 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

About Daisy Landish:

Daisy Landish is a sweet romance and cozy mystery author, whose clean and sweet stories have
tugged at readers’ heartstrings around the world. When she’s not writing love stories, Daisy
spends her time reading, hiking at dawn, and riding into the sunset on her horse, Rosebud.

Author Links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/daisylandishromance
Twitter/X https://www.twitter.com/daisy_landish
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/daisylandishromance
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/daisy-landish
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daisylandishbooks
Books 2 Read https://books2read.com/ap/RaNzqq/Daisy-Landish
Overdrive https://www.overdrive.com/creators/3244971/daisy-landish
Newsletter https://www.daisylandishromance.substack.com
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/daisylandish
Website http://www.daisylandishromance.com