Cinnamon and Sugar

Lindsey’s Raspberry Lemon Bundt Cake

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MURDER AT THE LEMONBERRY TEA is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah. From the endearing characters—protagonist Lindsey Bakewell and her giant Newfie, Wellington, to a bakery in a ‘haunted’ lighthouse, to hijinks that keep you on your toes, and a puzzling murder to solve, this newest release did not disappoint! It’s no wonder I eagerly wait with great anticipation for each new book. Ms. Hannah has created a wonderfully delicious world that draws the reader in with the darling cover, and keeps them engaged throughout the story. The strong descriptive language the author employs brings the charming community to life (a lighthouse bakeshop on the shores of Lake Michigan? Yes, please!) and makes the characters seem like real people you’d love to hang out with. I also liked that Lindsey’s best friend, Kennedy, is back in town with her family… all staying with Lindsey for their visit. It makes for some fun antics, as Kennedy is prone to do. Lindsay’s parents are also a bigger part of the story and it’s so sweet to see their love for each other and their supportive interaction.

With British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry on the premises to record a new baking show, Lindsey and her friends and family are beyond excited. I adore the theme of hosting a baking show and Ms. Hannah brings the scenes to life. Everything has been prepared for perfection… until the star, Vivi, shows up. It turns out she’s a diva and goes out of her way to make the people around her miserable. It goes from bad to worse when an unknown woman slaps Vivi during their filming session, and then Vivi disappears. Then disaster hits when Lindsey finds the murdered body of Vivi. Lindsey and her gang dive into discovering what happened. Secrets… so many secrets are uncovered. With tourists and the baking show crew in town, there’s a plethora of suspects to sift through. Ms. Hannah’s writing is so entertaining that even with the well-plotted clues, along with the twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, I decided to sit back and enjoy the read instead of trying to solve the case. As I read through to the very last word in the book, I was reminded again why this series remains at the top of one of my favorites!

You can always count on mouthwatering mentions of decadent treats mentioned throughout the story, and I always eagerly check out the recipes at the back of the book. Lindsey’s Raspberry Lemon Bundt Cake caught my eye with its perfect combination of tart, fruity flavors, and the ease of making bundt cakes look pretty. While there may be a lot of components to this cake (from raspberry puree, to the cake, to a lemon soaking syrup, and topped with a raspberry lemon glaze), they work together beautifully to create a truly deliciously, moist dessert that’s company worthy.

Amazon Synopsis

Lindsey’s patrons have a new outdoor patio where they can eat their treats in the glorious summer weather. But even more exciting is that the Beacon Bakeshop is going to host British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry—and what could be a more appropriate event than a tea party?

What Lindsey didn’t realize is that Vivi is here to put some distance between herself and her recent professional and personal scandals. Despite assurances that Vivi is as sweet as a chocolate-dipped strawberry, Lindsey is cooling rapidly toward the culinary icon . . . especially after she banishes Lindsey’s beloved dog, Wellington, from the bakeshop and then flirts outrageously with Lindsey’s boyfriend.

She’s not the only one feeling hostile, though. While Vivi’s in the middle of making a tart in front of the cameras, a woman runs up and slaps her. Soon, Vivi’s nowhere to be found, and folks are speculating on whether she’s run off with her secret lover or just laying low due to embarrassment. That is, until Lindsey finds a body bobbing near the surface of Lake Michigan. It’s a sour ending for the diva, but Lindsey is determined to squeeze the truth out of every clue until she finds the killer . .

A special thanks to Darci Hannah for offering a print copy of MURDER AT THE LEMONBERRY TEA to one lucky winner! Contest ends November 24, 2024 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!)

Lindsey's Raspberry Lemon Bundt Cake

Ingredients

Raspberry puree:

1 cup raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons water

Lemon cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
1 8-ounce brick-style cream cheese, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup lemon zest, finely grated (I use 3 - 4 whole lemons for this)
2 tablespoons canola oil

Lemon soaking syrup:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Raspberry lemon glaze:

1/3 cup raspberries
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Raspberry puree:

In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of water. Bring the mixture to simmer over medium heat and crush the berries as they cook. Cook for 10 minutes or until mixture has thickened. Using a wire-mesh sieve, strain raspberry mixture, pressing pulp with the back of a spoon so that all the seeds are removed. Cover the puree and chill for 1 hour.

Lemon cake:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). Generously grease and flour a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan, being sure to coat all the nooks and crannies. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sugar and continue to beat for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and continue to beat after each addition. Beat in lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and oil.
Reduce speed to low and add the flour mixture. Mix until all the flour is incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Spoon half the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. With the back of a spoon, make a shallow trench in the middle of the batter while turning the pan in a full circle. Spoon the cooled raspberry puree mixture into the trench and smooth with a spatula. Top with remaining batter. Run a knife through the batter a few times to swirl the filling. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Place cake into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a wire rack or large plate.

Lemon soaking syrup:

Place the 1/3 cup of lemon juice and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and immediately brush onto the warm cake with a pastry brush, making sure to cover the entire top and sides of the cake. Allow the syrup to soak in before adding more. Once all the syrup has been added, set the cake aside to cool completely, about 2 hours.

Raspberry lemon glaze:

Place the 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Add the 1/3 cup of fresh raspberries and mash well, creating a raspberry-lemon juice. In a wire-mesh sieve and the back of a spoon, strain the mixture into a clean bowl.
Place the powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Gradually add the strained raspberry mixture until a thick, pink glaze is formed. You can tweak the glaze by adding more juice if it's too thick or more powdered sugar if it's too thin. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and allowed to rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh raspberries for garnish if desired. Enjoy!

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

Eggnog Scones

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I’m delighted to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour presenting A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mysteries by Debra Sennefelder! Filled with holiday cheer, the jingling of bells, the ho-ho-ho-ing of Santa, sweets, and… murder… the reader is in for a treat with this newest release! With the annual Jingle Bell Stroll right around the corner, food blogger Hope Early is looking forward to creating new memories with her beau and his two young daughters. I love the character development Hope has gone through over the course of the series and the changes in her life. She not only cares deeply for her family and friends, but gives back to the community by fostering small business ideas and opportunities for those in need. While this book can be read as a standalone, if you appreciate getting to know the core characters, you’ll want to start at the beginning. Ms. Sennefelder has done a remarkable job bringing each one to life on the pages, and their individual personalities and quirks make the reader unable to resist their charm. The Christmas spirit is on full display as well with a merry winter wonderland, and you’ll want to curl up in front of the fire with a glass of eggnog while reading to enjoy the mood.

But, unfortunately, someone disrupts the celebrations by stabbing Santa in the back. When Hope discovers the dead Santa, holiday festivities take a back seat to finding the culprit. Hope’s insatiable curiosity and her quest for justice drives her to ask questions and pry into the victim’s background. It doesn’t take long to find a plethora of suspects with the man’s ex-wife and new wife heading the naughty list. While Hope may be a bit pushy in her snooping, I did like how she asks for help from her close friends. I especially like that one of them is a retired mystery author, who offers gossip and advice on hunting down clues. As Hope narrows down the lists of suspects, tension and danger rises until the edge-of-your-seat reveal. Lest the reader forget it’s the Christmas season, the story’s heartwarming conclusion is wrapped up with a giant bow and left a huge smile on my face with the anticipation of what’s next in store for Hope!

I love checking out the back of the books in this series because you can always count on several delectable recipes to try out at home! When I came across the recipe for Eggnog Scones, I knew I had to try it. Flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry flavored with the quintessential holiday indulgence… yes please! While the recipe doesn’t use the usual huge amount of butter, the richness of the eggnog keeps these tender. With the addition of the eggnog flavored glaze, you don’t even need to serve these with other accompaniments, unless you want to. Perfect for nibbling on while reading a holiday-themed cozy or for serving to family while opening gifts on Christmas morning, these Eggnog Scones make the yuletide season extra yummy!

Amazon Synopsis

Hope Early is fully immersed in the spirit of the Christmas season, until the sounds of joyful carolers are silenced by the words “Ho-ho-homicide” . . .

Food blogger Hope Early always gets a hearty holiday laugh from knowing that the weeks leading up to Christmas are as frantic as they are festive. But in spite of everything she has to do, the one thing she always has time for is the annual Jingle Bell Stroll, a night when the community gathers to sing their hearts out and enjoy each other’s company. This year’s caroling feels especially heartwarming, until the final note lands with a thud when Hope finds the body of the man who’d volunteered to play Santa, a knife plunged into his back.

With virtually the whole town present at the caroling, the list of suspects seems endless. It doesn’t take long, though, for both Hope and the police to turn a sharp eye on the victim’s bitter and vindictive ex-wife, along with his new wife, who may have been after his money. Then Hope unearths a clue that suggests the dead man may have been hiding a sordid past and connections to unseemly characters. But as she closes in on the killer, they’re determined to wring her neck before she can ring in the new year . . .

A special thanks to Debra Sennefelder for offering a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner! This is an exclusive giveaway on this blog post page only. Check out the other tour participants listed at the bottom of the page for other giveaway opportunities. Contest ends November 20, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST. 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!)

Eggnog Scones

Calling all eggnog lovers! And even those of you who aren't, because this scone recipe is going to become your new favorite. I promise. These light and flaky scones have a hint of eggnog flavor in the pastry and in the glaze with a subtle hint of cinnamon. These are perfect for a quick breakfast or with a cup of tea for an afternoon snack. They would also make a delicious Christmas morning treat.

Ingredients

For scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup eggnog, plus extra for brushing scones before going into the oven

For glaze:

1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2-1/2 tablespoons eggnog
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

Scones:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).
Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cut in cold butter.
Mix in vanilla and eggnog with a spoon, then knead with your hands to incorporate all the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Form dough into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges. Place each wedge on a baking sheet lined with either a silicone mat or parchment paper or use a baking stone, spacing them half inch apart. Brush with eggnog.
Bake for 18 - 20 minutes. Cool on baking rack.

Glaze:

Mix the powdered sugar with the eggnog and vanilla. Add in the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Drizzle glaze over cooled scones. Enjoy!

Note from Debra:

I use a baking stone for my scones.

Note from Cinnamon & Sugar:

I forgot to add the cinnamon and nutmeg to the glaze, so your finished product may appear different. Either way, these are still tasty!

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 11 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 12 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 13 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 14 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

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

November 14 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

November 15 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

November 15 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

November 19 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 20 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

November 20 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 20 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

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

Extra-Cheesy Alfredo

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FONDUE OR DIE is the fifth book in the Cheese Shop Mysteries by Korina Moss. While I haven’t had the chance to read all the other books in the series (and plan to remedy that asap) this was such a fun story that it didn’t take long at all to find myself involved in the world of cheese! I also appreciated that the author carefully includes some backstory so that I never felt at a loss on the characters, yet there was never a lag in the pacing. Protagonist Willa Bauer and her Curds & Whey crew are gearing up for the annual Labor Day Dairy Days. I simply adore the camaraderie they share, whether working or playing together, or forming their “Team Cheese” amateur sleuthing group. Each character has their own unique personalities, and it’s obvious Ms. Moss has put a lot of thought and development behind each one to make them feel so authentic. She’s also brought the town of Yarrow Glen and the surrounding area to life, filled with descriptive details to make a person want to visit such a charming area.

Dairy Days may be filled with all sorts of fun festivities, but someone seems to be going out of their way to sabotage the Miss Dairy pageant. While the “pageant” may be outdated, it’s still become an important scholarship opportunity for local girls, and the organizer, Nadine, is adamant it continues. When Nadine is found murdered, the police focus their suspicions on Willa’s employee, Mrs. Schultz. Given the number of participants in the pageant and festival, there is a wide pool of suspects to draw from. Willa and her Team Cheese know Mrs. Schultz is innocent, so begin their own investigation. There are twists aplenty with danger and suspense to keep the reader turning pages. With the final conclusion leaving a smile on my face and a hint of things to come, I couldn’t help but wish I already had the next book in hand!

If you love cheese, you’re going to want to read through the recipes at the back of the book. The second I read the title, “Extra-Cheesy Alfredo,” I knew I had to make it. Using four kinds of cheese, including a smoky mozzarella, this highly satisfying dish is extra rich, creamy, and oh so yummy! Once the cheeses are shredded (don’t be tempted to buy pre-shredded since they won’t melt as creamy) the sauce comes together quickly. The addition of some garlic and pepper rounds out the flavors and when tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a match made in cheesy heaven!

Amazon Synopsis

The small town of Yarrow Glen’s neighbor, Lockwood, hosts an annual Labor Day weekend bash: Dairy Days. And Willa Bauer and her cheese shop, Curds & Whey, refuse to miss out on the fun. Willa is thrilled to celebrate her favorite thing―she is a cheesemonger after all―and this festival goes all out: butter sculptures, goat races, cheese wheel relays, even a Miss Dairy pageant. Too bad the pageant runner, Nadine, is treating Dairy Days prep like it’s fondue or die and is putting everyone around her on edge. When Willa finds Nadine’s dead body under years’ worth of ceramic milk jugs, the police aren’t sure whether the death was an accident. But fingers are pointing at Willa’s employee, Mrs. Schultz, who steps in to help the pageant after Nadine’s death. Someone wanted Nadine out of the whey, and Willa is going to find out who.

A special thanks to Minotaur Books for offering a print copy of FONDUE OR DIE to one lucky winner! Contest ends November 10, 2024 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!)

Extra-Cheesy Alfredo

Nothing's more comforting after a stressful day than this extra-cheesy dish. It's a perfect blend of smoky and salty flavors, and the heart meal Team Cheese needed to get our sleuthing gears in motion.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 pound Pasta of your choice. (Linguine is the classic choice. I like fusilli.)
1 quart heavy cream
1/2 cup butter
4 clove garlic, minced
2-1/2 cups Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or simply Parmesan), shredded
1/2 cup smoked mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup Asiago cheese, shredded
1/4 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cream cheese, cut into bits
Black pepper

Instructions

In a large pot, bring water to a boil for the pasta. Cook as directed.
In another pot, slowly heat the heavy cream and butter on LOW. Continuously stir just until the butter melts. (You can use a double boiler if you prefer.)
Add the garlic and the shredded cheeses, plus diced cream cheese.
Stir with a whisk until the sauce is smooth.
Remove from heat and season to taste with black pepper.
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and fold in.
Serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

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

Tear-and-Share Christmas Tree Pizza Bread

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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PIZZA is the fourth book in the Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley. I eagerly await each new release in the series and this newest one didn’t disappoint. This character-driven cozy mystery kept me engrossed not only in the investigation, but had me invested in their relationships and antics. Ms. Quigley’s humor shines on the pages (especially with the metaphors), yet brings a sensitivity to each person’s personality and circumstance. Protagonist and pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is the heart that holds her crew together, while her sidekick, Sonya, is her sounding board not only for the murder investigation but for keeping Delilah true to herself. With Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner, the author explores family relationships and how people deal with dysfunctional issues, especially around the holidays. It brings an emotional depth to the story that can sometimes be missing in mysteries.

But being a mystery, there has to be a murder. Ms. Quigley has created a doozy of a death with a doozy of a method! I was actually stunned as I read through to the reveal and I applaud her creativity. (No spoilers here, but it includes a snow sculpture.) Given the Chrismukkah party that facilitated the crime, there are a lot of suspects to consider. There are clues to follow but, in the end, I was having too much fun reading to try to solve the mystery. With twists and turns, and handsome Detective Capone (yes, from that family!) trying to keep Delilah safe and out of the investigation—and Delilah doing all she can to keep a valued employee and friend free—the plot moved at a fast pace. The heartwarming and humorous conclusion has me eagerly anticipating to find out what happens next with Delilah and crew!

Be prepared to get hungry while reading all the delectable dishes mentioned throughout the story. The author has kindly included several recipes at the back of the book and it’s worth reading just for the humorous introductions alone! As Delilah so succinctly muses in the book, ‘Food was my love language, my gratitude language, my sympathy language, my “thank you for your service” language.’ And I have to agree with her wholeheartedly! When I saw the recipe for Tear-and-Share Christmas Tree Pizza Bread, I knew I had to try it. With the holidays right around the corner, this is such a great appetizer for gatherings, and it feeds a crowd. (Hint: you can fashion the dough balls into any shape to fit the occasion!) While it might be a little time consuming, using store-bought pizza dough simplifies the process. AND, little hands can easily help out, making this a fun family project. The pizza dough is filled with chunks of mozzarella cheese sticks (and bits of pepperoni if you like). After baking, it’s given a good brushing of melted butter mixed with parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs. Served with a simple side of marinara sauce, your guests will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree!

Amazon Synopsis

Pizza chef Delilah O’Leary and her kitty companion, Butterball, get into the holiday spirit as Geneva Bay, Wisconsin hosts the nation’s premier snow sculpting championship. The annual event transforms the charming resort town into a wonderland of snow castles, ice rinks, and cozy cups of cocoa.

On the eve of the festival though, a too-good-to-be-true Chrismukkah catering gig brings some frosty tidings and heralds an unexpected visit from Delilah’s high-intensity older sister. Suddenly it seems that the holidays may not be the hap-happiest season of all. And when one of the town’s snowy sculptures reveals a chilling surprise, murder threatens to put the celebrations―and Delilah’s crew―on ice for good.

A special thanks to Minotaur Books for offering a print copy of SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PIZZA to one lucky winner! Contest ends November 3, 2024 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!)

Tear-and-Share Christmas Tree Pizza Bread

Sonya here. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but no matter your background or religious affiliation, the people of the world are united by a common love of melted cheese. Hence, we developed a crowd-pleasing holiday recipe that's essentially pizza, but in a festive guise. At Delilah & Son, we always have extra pizza dough knocking around, but if you're making this at home, you can use any brand of good-quality pre-made dough.

It may seem strange that I'm recommending using mozzarella sticks for this--the kind you put in a kid's lunchbox--instead of some fancy artisanal cheese. But for this recipe, you want to keep the moisture level low so the dough balls stay crispy.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

7 mozzarella sticks
1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh basil, cut into a thin chiffonade
Marinara, warmed (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces and set aside. If you're me, you'll need one extra mozzarella stick so you can peel off some cheese strands, drape them over your top lip, and walk around the kitchen pretending you have a cheese mustache until Delilah notices and tells you to get back to work.
On a floured surface, divide pizza dough into two equal pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut the dough into 2-inch squares (you'll need 30 - 35 squares).
Wrap a dough square around each piece of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball. Arrange the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. You can, of course, make other shapes if you prefer. What you do with your balls in the privacy of your kitchen is your own business and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Brush egg wash on those doughy little balls and bake them until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush your balls again! This time with the butter mixture. Sprinkle the basil on top. It's important to serve this warm so that the cheese will have the maximum gooeyness. Add a side of warm marinara for dipping.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note:

If desired, add chopped bits of pepperoni with the cheese before forming the dough ball.
I used yellow bell pepper to shape stars and the tree trunk. Cheddar cheese would also be a good choice.

Notes

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

Maple Cream Pie

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IN THE BLINK OF A PIE is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this is my favorite! Protagonist Leila Khoury, manager of her family’s maple syrup Sappy Endings Farm, has found her stride and self-confidence. She’s thinking of new ways to bring in new business to the farm and hosting a pie baking contest before Thanksgiving is just the yummy boost they need. Ms. Bruns has crafted an inviting setting with the maple syrup farm, with tidbits of the syrup production to give it authenticity. Her core characters are appealing and well-developed, and I love the direction Leila and her love interest, Noah, are heading in. It adds a heartwarming touch to the overall story. There’s also an underlying emotional depth on mother-daughter relationships as well as Noah’s young daughter’s response of Leila being in her life, which made me invested in the outcome. Family is definitely a strong theme throughout the book!

With the pie baking contest bringing visitors galore to the farm, the last thing Leila needs is for one of her neighbors to cause a scene and insert herself as one of the judges. Except the neighbor got more than she bargained for when she sampled the pumpkin pie…she ingested poison and couldn’t be saved. Not only does the murder cause a disruption to the festivities, but it doesn’t take long for people to avoid Sappy Endings at all costs. With the family business on the line, Lelia takes it upon herself to investigate and find the truth, and soon discovers she may have been the intended victim! Ms. Bruns writes a tightly plotted tale with twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged. There are suspects galore and it will take a sharp reader to catch all the clues and put them together for the solution. The heart pounding reveal brings all the threads of the story together in one highly satisfying conclusion!

Be sure to read through to the end of the book for several delicious pie recipes…they all sound utterly decadent! I was delighted to create the Maple Cream Pie recipe for the book, in keeping with the maple syrup and pie baking contest theme. With a graham cracker crust to provide both a pleasing crunchy contrast and a subtle flavor, the maple shines through in the creamy filling. While the ingredients may be simple, the richness of the custard filling complements the maple flavor, making this a comforting dessert to serve!

Amazon Synopsis

Sometimes, there’s no one you can crust…

It’s Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can’t wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats.

But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it’s not just Leila’s perfect day that’s in jeopardy—her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying truth: the killer wasn’t targeting her neighbor, but someone even closer to home!

Can Leila figure out who’s behind the murder, before the dough hits the fan?

A special thanks to Catherine Bruns for offering a print copy of IN THE BLINK OF A PIE to one lucky winner! Contest ends October 30, 2024 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!)

Maple Cream Pie

Ingredients

9-inch pre-baked graham cracker crust, cooled
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups whole milk, divided
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, divided

Instructions

Combine the cornstarch and salt in a heavy saucepan. Whisk in 1/2 cup cold milk until the mixture is smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and 3/4 cup maple syrup.
Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Stir frequently starting out but as the mixture heats, stir constantly to keep from scorching. Reduce the heat to low once it begins bubbling and cook an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Whisking constantly, add a 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks. Slowly and whisking constantly, add the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan containing the milk mixture.
Over medium-low heat, cook the mixture until it begins to bubble, then cook an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter.
Cool to room temperature without stirring.
Once filling has cooled, add 1 cup heavy cream to a chilled medium-size bowl. Whip on high until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low and slowly add 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar. Increase speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
Whisk 1 cup of the whipped cream into the fully-cooled filling. Pour into the cooled pie crust.
Spread the remaining whipped cream over the pie filling.
Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, whip the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Reduce speed and add 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, then increase speed and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a piping bag and large star tip, pipe the whipped cream around the edges of the pie to decorate.
Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes:

If you want to make this using non-dairy milk and non-dairy whipping cream, add an additional 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the saucepan before adding the non-dairy milk. I used almond milk. For the whipped cream, I used the Silk brand, and found I needed to increase the amount of cream used since it doesn't whip up as the same volume as regular cream. Whip the full 1-1/4 cups for adding to the pie and topping it, and then an additional 1/3 to 1/2 cup for piping around the edges. The confectioners sugar measurement remains the same.

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

Maids of Honor

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MURDER ON THE PAGE is the first book in the Literary Dining Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. As I wrote my review, I couldn’t help but grieve over the destruction wrought on the charming town of Asheville, North Carolina, by Hurricane Helene, the setting for this new series. Ms. Gerber’s strong descriptive voice brings the town and the surrounding area to life—before disaster hit—and gives the reader a glimpse at the appeal of the area while the brave residents of that region rebuild. Focusing on the fictional side as portrayed in the book, I appreciate even more the care the author took to help the reader experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the area. She’s filled the book with delicious food, delightful characters (how can you not love a cat named Darcy?!), books—lots and lots of books—and a puzzling mystery to solve. With the literary theme, I enjoyed the opening Jane Austin quotes at the beginning of each chapter, along with real life mysteries that readers will want to make a note of and check out. The protagonist, Allie Cat, is a caterer and personal chef. Running your own business takes a strong person, and Allie definitely possess strength…which unfortunately sometimes verges on the edge of pushiness. But she gets things done and is there to support her friends in their time of need…like when a beloved aunt is murdered.

After Allie stumbles across the body of her best friend’s aunt in the local bookstore, and when said friend, Tegan is viewed as a suspect, Allie gets to work to prove her innocence. Ms. Gerber’s tightly plotted mystery has clues for the armchair detective to follow, but what I truly adored was Allie’s investigations made use of literary detectives, from the classics to modern day mysteries. (My list of books to read grew reading Murder on the Page!) Despite it being a “locked room” mystery, Allie is tenacious for certain. She refuses to let any setbacks slow her down and uses all her resources, like her potential relationship with the local detective, to find answers.

As in Ms. Gerber’s other series, there are several delectable recipes included at the back of the book. The recipe for Maids of Honor intrigued me, just because of the name alone. Part tart, part muffin-like topping, these little dessert morsels are single serving, pop-in-your-mouth treats. Starting with a pie crust base in a 2-inch tart pan (or mini muffin pan), then layered with raspberry jam, and then an almond muffin batter, these are topped with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar after baking. I liked how easy they were to serve (like a cookie) and the pie crust base made them sturdy enough to easily transport. Personally, I had a bit of trouble getting the crust to bake appropriately (I think different ovens with their variety of heating elements might be the culprit) so I made some notes on the recipe listed below. It took some finagling, but in the end this recipe turned out to be a delicious and unique dessert that would make a delightful addition to a dessert buffet or cookie tray.

Amazon Synopsis

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a genuinely top-notch party must be in want of a theme. Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef in the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, has devised a winning formula by using her clients’ favorite books as inspiration. Her first themed event is based on Pride and Prejudice (Allie’s cat, Darcy, approves), and it’s so popular that soon she has grand ideas for future parties based on Rebecca, The Great Gatsby, Babette’s Feast and more.

Business is booming, and a rival catering company is fuming. But there’s a sting in the tale when the aunt of one of Allie’s clients and best friends, Tegan, is murdered. Tegan is the victim’s sole heir, and quickly becomes the main suspect. Allie has no doubts about her friend’s innocence, but how to prove it?

Once again, her love of literature comes to the rescue, and with some guidance from her favorite fictional detectives, including Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, Allie sifts through the clues.
With a little luck—and the kind of pluck that would make Elizabeth Bennett proud—she may be able to stop a killer from serving up a second course of murder. . .

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for offering a print ARC copy of MURDER ON THE PAGE to one lucky winner! Contest ends October 20, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. and Canadian 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!)

Maids of Honor

Yield: 12

Ingredients

1 recipe for pastry for a single-crust pie (your own or premade)
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

Put the oven rack at the bottom and preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). You may use a silicon 2-inch tart pan that doesn't need greasing, but if you use metal, lightly grease it.
Roll out the pastry and cut 12 circles, 2 inches each. Fit 1 circle into each of the tart forms. *
Spread 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam into the bottom of each tart.
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg. Add flour, baking powder, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
Drop 1 tablespoon of the batter on top of the raspberry jam that is already in the tart shell.
Bake in oven for 20 minutes. They will rise and become firm, like a muffin.
Remove from oven. Let cool slightly. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

* Depending on the shape of your tart pan, you may need to cut circle larger so that the pastry covers both the bottom and sides of the cups.
I found that the pastry crust was undercooked by the time the batter had cooked through. I'd recommend prebaking the crust for 5 minutes before adding the jam and the batter. It's possible it's due to how individual ovens bake, whether the main heating element is on the bottom of the oven or at the top.

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