Cinnamon and Sugar

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

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IRISH SODA BREAD MURDER is a compilation of three tasty novellas by Carlene O’Connor, Peggy Ehrhart, and Liz Ireland. Even though it’s not St. Patrick’s Day yet, these three stories will get you in the mood to celebrate while nibbling on a delicious slice of bread. I like that the first book, Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor, is actually set in Ireland. The author captures the spirit of the emerald isle with its feisty personalities as protagonist Tara Meehan helps her Uncle Johnny and Aunt Rose with a local psychic convention. Who knew psychics could be so competitive?! It sets the stage for a lot of humor, which added to the appeal of the story. I also liked that it’s Uncle Johnny who bakes multiple loaves of soda bread for the bake sale charity event. Unfortunately, one of those loaves ends up killing one of the psychics. I’m always amazed at how the author can weave so much information and investigations into such a short novella. There were plenty of suspects—none of the psychics liked each other. I must applaud the author for using some clever tactics for Tara to get information. With a heartwarming ending and a wedding right around the corner, I can’t wait to find out what happens next with Tara!

The next story in the installment is An Irish Recipe for Murder by Peggy Ehrhart, featuring Bettina Fraser and Pamela Paterson, longtime friends, neighbors, and Knit and Nibble club besties. The author’s tantalizing descriptive skills bring each scene to life, especially where food is concerned, and the St. Patrick’s theme is on full display. I like the protagonists are of an older generation yet are actively involved in the community. When one of the judges at the Irish soda bread baking competition dies after sampling a piece, Bettina feels responsible since it was her idea to have the bake-off. This is a gently paced mystery as Bettina and Pamela start asking questions around town and digging into the judge’s background. Since the Irish soda bread from each competitor had been sitting on a table unattended, there are suspects galore. As they gather clues, like pieces of a puzzle, including some that don’t seem to belong, the culprit slowly begins to be made clear, until the final resolution.

The third and final story is Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread Man by Liz Ireland. This clever plot with memorable characters is probably my favorite of the bunch. While I love all the previous stories set in the North Pole with protagonist Mrs. April Claus and her husband, Santa, it was a delight to visit April’s Oregon home to take care of repairs to her inn, with three of her elf friends tagging along. The author does a marvelous job of bringing the characters to life and setting the stage for a multi-faceted mystery. The elves bring humor to the story as they try to remain incognito, as does April entering an Irish soda bread baking competition, despite being a terrible cook. When April discovers her inn was being used to store stolen goods and a murder takes place, she and the elves must solve the crime before the elves’ true identities are discovered. This is a fun, fun read with enough action and clues to keep the reader engaged!

There are a couple recipes included in the book and I just had to try out the recipe for traditional Irish Soda Bread. It is actually quite easy to make since there’s no kneading or dough rising time required. And even if you can’t locate an Irish brand of flour, regular all-purpose flour works just fine. With a slathering of creamy butter, this dense and flavorful bread is a delicious accompaniment to any meal–whether or not it’s St. Patrick’s Day–or for a special afternoon snack with a mug of hot tea.

Amazon Synopsis

It’s almost time for the delicious warmth of Irish soda bread, but be careful where you bite–some of these recipes call for murder in this delicious collection of cozy mystery novellas featuring the popular St. Paddy’s Day treat.

IRISH SODA BREAD MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR
There’s very little time left before her wedding, but nonetheless Tara Meehan is helping out at her Uncle Johnny’s salvage mill for the day. Aunt Rose set up a convention for local psychics, including a bake sale to raise money for charity, but now she’s sick and available only via an iPad Johnny is carrying. The event promises to deliver a real pot of gold until Rose’s biggest rival shows up. Before Tara can utter a simple “top o’ the morning” to the man, he drops dead—with Johnny’s soda bread in his hands. It’s up to Tara to identify the deadly baker before another victim ends up chasing the rainbow straight into a grave . . .

AN IRISH RECIPE FOR MURDER by PEGGY EHRHART
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, the Arborville, New Jersey, Advocate is sponsoring a soda bread–baking competition. Bettina Fraser is excited—her bake-off idea was the one to get the green light! But when a town councilman acting as a judge keels over after sampling an entry, the party atmosphere dies just as quickly. Now it’s up to Bettina and her Knit and Nibble knitting club bestie, Pamela Paterson, to find the killer responsible for the murderous morsel.

MRS. CLAUS AND THE SINISTER SODA BREAD MAN by LIZ IRELAND
When April Claus arrives in Cloudberry Bay, Oregon, to check on her flooded inn, her biggest worry is to keep everyone from realizing her three companions—Jingles, Juniper, and Butterbean—are elves. But soon enough she has more serious worries—it looks like her hapless caretaker Ernie has been storing stolen goods at the inn! Then one of Ernie’s shady pals is found dead, and the murder weapon turns up in a decorative loaf of soda bread at April’s craft fair booth. It’s up to April to uncover the killer before she spends St. Patrick’s Day in the county jail!

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for offering a print copy advance readers copy (ARC) of IRISH SODA BREAD MURDER to one lucky winner! Contest ends January 12, 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!)

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Inspired by Darina Allen

Ingredients

1 pound all-purpose flour (Irish brands such as Odlums can be purchased on Amazon)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda (You can purchase on Amazon or substitute with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
12* ounces buttermilk (if you can get it, use Jersey buttermilk from Jersey cows)
Author's Note: If desired, a handful of raisins or currents can be added to the mix.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, and bicarbonate of soda. The bicarbonate of soda may have lumps: if it does, use a sieve to break them up and sprinkle into the mix, or use the palm of your hand to break up the lumps.
Make a well in the center of the bowl (clear space in the middle). Pour in buttermilk. Using your hand in a claw shape, place in the well of buttermilk and begin to stir outward, thus mixing the buttermilk with the dry mixture. Stir until combined. *If dough is overly dry, add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
Flour a countertop or work surface. Place the combined mixture on top. Do not knead. Instead, "tidy it up" with your hands, pat around it, then flip it over. Tuck the dough underneath all around add a tad more flour if needed. Dough should be about an inch and a half thick.
Place on a thin baking pan. Cut a deep cross on top of the dough--this is the "blessing", but practically it helps the loaf cook through. Prick the four corners to "let the fairies out" (optional but why not?!). Place in the oven immediately.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a rack. Slather with good Irish butter, such as Kerrygold.

Author's Note:

If you do not wish to make from scratch, you can purchase Odlums soda bread mix, both white and brown, and it will still be delicious.

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

Sparkling Angel Cookies

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ANGELS AT MOONGLOW is the tenth book in the Moonglow Christmas novella series by Deborah Garner. Each holiday season, I look forward to curling up with the newest addition and reading about the charming residents of Timberton, Montana, especially about protagonist Mist. She is the embodiment of the Christmas spirit, and brings a sense of magic to the pages with her pure, sweet nature. Joining her this year is her baby daughter, who brings joy, as only children can, to all those who come to the Timberton Hotel to celebrate the holidays. Ms. Garner knows how to write strong descriptive scenes, so that the reader experiences the smell of fresh evergreen boughs, feel the chill from the falling snow, taste the cinnamon and sugar glazing crunchy walnuts, hear the joyous voices singing carols, and see the festive decorations decorating the tree. The Christmas wonder on the pages is like seeing each new discovery through the eyes of an excited child waiting for Santa’s arrival and the joy of sharing the holiday with friends and family. Angels at Moonglow is the perfect short holiday read to cozy up beneath a comforting quilt, sipping on eggnog or hot cocoa, and immerse yourself for a couple of hours in pure Christmas bliss!

One of the annual traditions at Timberton Hotel is the cookie exchange. Thanks to contributing fans of the author, there are 20 holiday and cookie recipes at the back of the book to try at home, so it’s like getting a mini cookbook along with a Christmas story to usher in the season. I was happy to create the recipe for Sparkling Angel Cookies for the book, and I’m delighted to share it with you here. Starting with a boxed Angel Food cake mix, these light, chewy cookies, with a hint of orange flavor, are a breeze to make. I used coarse sparkling sugar to give the cookies the appearance of newly fallen snow glittering in the sunlight, but any color of sanding sugar can be used to evoke the celebration of any holiday. Not only will your elves gobble these up, but Santa will be sure to linger over his plate of cookies and a glass of milk if you leave these out for him come Christmas Eve!

Amazon Synopsis

The small Montana town of Timberton has always provided a joyful Christmas retreat for visitors as well as those who live in the area. When guests check into the hotel for the holidays, they’re often unaware that resident chef and artist, Mist, has a way of working magic in people’s lives.

This year, an angel ornament project offers guests and local townsfolk a chance to reflect on others in their lives. As always, time spent together, exquisite food, and camaraderie allow guests a chance to trade worries for a sense of peace. One thing is certain: no one leaves Timberton without a renewed sense of hope for the future.

A special thanks to Deborah Garner for offering a print copy of ANGELS AT MOONGLOW to one lucky winner! Contest ends December 15, 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!)

Sparkling Angel Cookies

Using a boxed cake mix for the base, these light, chewy cookies are a breeze to make.

Makes 3 dozen.

Ingredients

1 box Angel Food cake mix
1 egg
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Coarse sparkling sugar, or your color choice of sanding sugar

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a must as the cookies are sticky!
Add the cake mix to a large bowl. Whisk the egg, water, and extract together, then stir into the cake mix until smooth. Dough will be loose.
Chill for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them at least 2 to 3 inches apart since these cookies spread.
Generously sprinkle the tops of the unbaked cookies with sparkling sugar (or your choice of sanding sugar).
Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until edges are a light golden color. Remove from oven and cool cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
Store leftovers in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between the layers.

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This will be my last blog post for December as I take some time off to spend time with family and friends. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!

Grant’s Festive Feta Appetizers

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YOU FETA WATCH OUT is the fifth book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly. From the absolutely darling holiday cover to the festive cheer, to the Christmas Carol theme, to the puzzling murder of a stage actor, this book is the perfect read to usher in the holidays. As you read, you’ll feel like you’ve been wrapped in a soft and cozy afghan, sipping hot cocoa in front of a warm fireplace, while the snow falls outside in chilly Balsam Dell, Vermont. With attention to details and a strong descriptive voice, the author brings each scene and the setting to life without detracting from the pace of the plot. You can always count on Ms. Reilly penning a page turning story filled with people you’d love to spend time with. In a nutshell, her core characters are kind and caring, especially protagonist Carly Hale. She treats her friends and family equally with respect and love. I especially enjoyed watching her relationship with Ari change and grow over the course of the series. It’s added a layer of sweet emotional involvement to the stories.

But of course, a cozy mystery needs, well, a mystery and in this newest book, an arrogant actor playing opposite Scrooge, meets his demise. The author sets up conflict right away and with the victim being a detestable excuse for a human being, there are suspects galore to keep readers guessing. Unfortunately, law enforcement turns their gaze on Carly’s best friend, Gina, as the primary suspect when several clues point in her direction. Carly, true to her nature, jumps in to clear her friend of all suspicions. As she delves into the life of the victim, old misdeeds from his past may have come back to haunt him. There are twists and turns aplenty, and the quickly moving plot kept me turning pages. In the end, as the clues became clear and the killer was revealed, all the threads of the story wove together in a highly satisfactory manner. Changes may be coming for Carly, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

Owning a grilled cheese eatery, there are all sorts of delectable items being consumed and talked about during the story. I also love how Carly relates past experiences to food associated with those events. It was a unique way to introduce backstory for new readers so they wouldn’t get lost in the story without slowing down the plot. Ms. Reilly also includes a couple of recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to try. With the holidays gearing up, I couldn’t wait to try Grant’s Festive Feta Appetizers. I frequently use feta cheese crumbled on salads, pasta, or omelets, but that’s about all I’ve used it for. Using feta as a base for a refreshing appetizer is pure genius. The salty tang of feta cheese, the sweetness of firm tomatoes, mixed with fresh basil, balsamic glaze, and Greek seasoning, makes for a delicious and satisfying topping to naan bread or as a dip for sturdy crackers. Plus the red, white, and green of the dish complements traditional holiday colors, making this the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings!

Amazon Synopsis

Christmas in the close-knit community of Balsam Dell promises to be especially festive for Carly Hale this year when a prominent theater company comes to town to stage A Christmas Carol. But it turns out that Scrooge is not the most ill-tempered character in the production, as blowhard actor Prescott Lennon proves when he begins berating everyone else in the cast for their poor theatrics. When his arrogant behavior threatens the production, someone decides to resolve matters with a fatal solution—and frames Carly’s friend Gina for the murder.

With such an unlikable victim, Carly finds herself faced with a long list of suspects, including a grieving widow who hasn’t shed a tear, an ambitious understudy looking for his big break, and all the cast members Lennon mistreated. But there’s a ghost of a clue in the air as rumors begin to surface that the dead man had a shady past that may have come back to haunt him. With her friend still on the hook, Carly will have to sort out past misdeeds from those of the present, even as her pursuit of the killer scares the dickens out of her . . .

A special thanks to Linda Reilly for offering a print copy of YOU FETA WATCH OUT to one lucky winner! Contest ends December 8, 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!)

Grant's Festive Feta Appetizers

Christmas Eve at the eatery was the perfect place for Grant to test his Festive Feta Appetizers. They're easy to whip up in a short time, and a crowd pleaser at any event at which you serve them.

Ingredients

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 plum tomatoes, finely diced
3 or 4 scallions, chopped
8 ounces crumbled feta cheese
2 packages of naan bread (or one package of 12 naan rounds)
1 - 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning (less is more)
Shredded fresh basil
1 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
combine the olive oil, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, and crumbed feta in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Top each naan bread with the mixture; sprinkle lightly with Greek seasoning.
Top with bits of shredded fresh basil, to taste.
Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Cut into halves or triangles for easy eating.
The feta mixture can also be served cold as a dip along with crispy crackers. Just remind your guests--no double dipping!

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

Blameless Pumpkin Spice Swirl Beignets

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BLAME THE BEIGNETS is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton. This newest release finds the protagonist, Emily, happily married to Brett, settling in to her new life. They love the outdoors, kayaking and hiking around Brett’s lakeside home, and I liked how this set the theme for the mystery. The author brings the forests, trails, and lake setting to life with vivid descriptions. And while I may be a city girl, she made it so idyllic it made me want to explore the great Wisconsin outdoors myself. Emily also owns and runs Deputy Donuts alongside her former father-in-law. I just adore their sweet relationship, as well as how Emily interacts with both her employees and her customers. She’s one of those people you’d love to call a friend and spend time with. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the mascot of the shop Deputy Donut—Dep for short—the cat! He has quite the personality and steals each scene he inhabits… which sets the stage for the opening chapters, which contain quite the kerfuffle when Dep and Gigi, the wedding gown wearing dog, collide.

The author has written an entertaining story that’s packed full of intertwining plot threads. Clues are sprinkled about and there are plenty of suspects surrounding the murder of an unscrupulous man, to keep the reader guessing. When Emily’s young employee, Hannah, gets caught up in the investigation, and becomes a suspect, Emily feels the need to ask questions. Except Hannah seems to be hiding something, which only makes her appear guiltier. Hannah’s overbearing older sister isn’t making the investigation any easier either. Emily’s quest takes her out onto the waters of the lake (I love how Dep enjoys kayaking almost as much as she does), and on the paths of the forest, following a trail of pumpkin spice beignets, one of Deputy Donuts’ specialties. I couldn’t help but worry about their safety, but Emily is a seasoned amateur sleuth and knows how to conduct herself. In the end, all the subplots came together perfectly, with a sweet ending to a delicious cozy mystery!

Be prepared to drool over the scrumptious mentions of donuts and other treats! The author has thoughtfully included some recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to try. With beignets holding a starring role in the story, I just had to try the Blameless Pumpkin Spice Swirl Beignets. With the addition of a generous amount of pumpkin spice, these are definitely not short on flavor or enjoyment despite skim milk and only a small amount of butter has been used, making these a bit lower cal than typical beignets. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve had beignets and these brought back some wonderful memories of New Orleans, and I was delighted at how easy they were to make. These are a great choice for a Saturday morning breakfast treat (the author includes instructions on how to make the dough ahead of time) or an afternoon coffee break!

Amazon Synopsis

With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .

Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . .

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for offering a print arc copy of BLAME THE BEIGNETS to one lucky winner! Contest ends December 1, 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!)

Blameless Pumpkin Spice Swirl Beignets

Ingredients

1/2 cup skim milk
1/8 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons fast-acting (instant) yeast
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 egg (large or medium), beaten
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon your choice vanilla, calvados, brandy, rum, or bourbon extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (purchased or mix your own)
Vegetable oil with a smoke point of 400 degrees (F) or higher (or follow your deep fryer's instruction manual)

Instructions

Grease a medium bowl thoroughly and set aside.
Warm the milk to 115 degrees (F) and place in your large mixer bowl if you're using an electric mixer, or a large mixing bowl if you're mixing by hand.
Add the sugar and yeast. When the mixture bubbles (be patient--this can take up to 15 minutes), add the butter, egg, salt, and flavoring extract if using. Add one third of the flour. Mix by hand or with your mixer until the flour is incorporated. Similarly, add the next 1/3 and then the last one 3rd of the flour. Mix until the dough is smooth. If dough is too sticky add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Dough should be tacky when touched.
Tightly covered the dough with a damp cloth and then plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise and puff up--an hour or two, depending on the warmth of the room.
Coat your hands with flour. Lightly squish the dough into a ball and place it in the greased bowl you have prepared. Move the dough ball around to grease its outside. Again, cover the bowl tightly with a damp cloth and then a layer of plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise again for 1 to 2 hours in a warm place.
You can refrigerate the dough for as much as 48 hours. Remove it from the refrigerator an hour before forming.
When you're ready to form the beignets, coat your hands with flour and lightly knead the pumpkin pie spice into the dough, not uniformly. You want to end up with swirls of spice. Don't overwork the dough.
On a lightly floured pastry cloth, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. If the dough has toughened too much to roll it thinly, cover it with a damp cloth and leave it alone for about 10 minutes to allow the dough to loosen, and then roll it to 1/4-inch thick. Cut in strips about 2 inches wide, and cut the strips into approximate squares. Some of them will end up as triangles, and that's fine. Cover the uncooked beignets with the damp cloth and allow them to rest while you heat the oil.
Pour 1 to 2 inches of oil into a deep, cast-iron skillet set on your stovetop. For safety's sake, put a lid that fits on the skillet nearby in case the oil overheats and flames up--this should not happen, but if it does, extinguish the fire with the lid. Set the burner's heat to medium and slowly heat the oil to 350 degrees (F). Again, be patient.
Or you can use a deep fryer, following the manufacturer's suggestions.
Using a spatula, gently slip the pieces of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to splash. Fry in small batches. Do not overcrowd, and keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, adjusting the heat as necessary. Fry for about 1-1/2 minutes until golden brown, turn with tongs, and fry an additional 1-1/2 mintues.
Lift with tongs and drain on paper towels.
While the beignets are warm, press powdered sugar through a sieve onto them or shake them with powdered sugar in a clean paper bag. Some of the sugar will soak into the warm beignets. If you like, you can add more as it cools. If possible, serve the beignets while they're warm.

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

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.