Cinnamon and Sugar

Salmon Mini Quiches

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STAR TANGLED MURDER is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Days Mysteries by Nancy J. Cohen. With such a long-running series, I’m always impressed that the author comes up with unique themes and ways to murder the victim. And, in this newest release, she proves once again to know how to entertain her readers. The protagonist, Marla, and her detective husband, Dalton, are visiting a local living history village over the Fourth of July weekend. Ms. Cohen’s descriptive voice captures the awful humidity of the Florida summer heat, the taste of historical dishes prepared by volunteers, hear the cries and screams of the Seminole battle reenactment, and see how long ago settlers tried to eek a new life in the wilderness. Along with the vivid setting, the author always includes several subjects for the reader to learn about, which whets my appetite for diving even deeper into the various matters on my own.

Marla is a full-time working hairstylist and owner of a salon, on top of being a mother to a toddler. She’s portrayed as a bit frazzled and exhausted by all her obligations, which make her relatable. Despite everything going on, she still finds time to assist Dalton in investigating the murder—by tomahawk, no less—that happened during their visit to Pioneer Village. Dalton, getting ready to retire, willingly welcomes her help since most people would rather share secrets by gossiping with someone who is not a police detective. Marla may come across as brash sometimes, but she gets the job done. The pace of the mystery is spot-on, and while there are historical details intertwined with the story, it didn’t slow it down – instead, it enhanced it. And while I had my suspicions on who the culprit was, I wasn’t sure, nor did I know, the motives behind the killing. The heartwarming wrap-up of the story left me content and cheering on the upcoming changes in Marla and Dalton’s lives.

Ms. Cohen conveniently provides several recipes at the back of the book featuring a menu for Fourth of July and Next Day Brunch. While I was mightily tempted by the root beer cake recipe, in the end I decided to try the Salmon Mini Quiches recipe first. I love that these are crustless so gluten-free guests can eat, and the fact that they’re baked in a mini muffin pan makes them convenient one-or-two-bite nibbles. These couldn’t be simpler to make by starting with canned pink salmon. Seasoned with garlic, dill, and shallots, these tasty morsels work well for brunch or added to an appetizer tray any time of the year.

Amazon Synopsis

Hairstylist Marla Vail and her husband get tangled up in murder when their Fourth of July visit to a living history village ends with a bang—and a body.

Salon owner Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton are having a blast visiting a Florida living history village over Fourth of July weekend. But when a Seminole battle reenactment turns up a real dead body, it sets off fireworks among the villagers. One of the cast members has gone off script to murder the town marshal with a tomahawk in his head.

As Dalton gets involved in the investigation, Marla determines to help him solve the case. Her flare for uncovering secrets reveals that everyone in the village is a suspect. Instead of celebrating the holiday with red, white, and barbecues, she discovers secrets, lies, and false avenues. Did the marshal’s murder have anything to do with a lost Confederate payroll, or did his plans to renovate the park light a fuse that he couldn’t snuff out?

In a place where history comes alive, the dead bodies are piling up. Marla would rather be chilling and grilling, but somebody’s mind is on killing. If she’s not careful, her sleuthing might blow up in her face like a faulty firecracker and she’ll become the next victim.

A special thanks to Nancy J. Cohen for providing an e-book copy of STAR TANGLED MURDER! Contest ends March 26, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST and is open worldwide. 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!)

Salmon Mini Quiches

These display well on a platter and provide an elegant touch to your brunch buffet. Quiches that are left over may be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Ingredients

1 6 ounce can pink salmon, drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 eggs
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Few drops of lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together and spoon into a greased 24 mini muffin pan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until puffed, set, and lightly browned around the edges.
Remove to a plate and serve.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

I made these a second time and used leftover baked salmon instead of the canned salmon. It worked great and I preferred the milder taste of the fresh salmon... although canned salmon makes it super convenient to make at the spur of the moment.

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

Shamrock Cookies

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What can be better than celebrating the release of A FLAIR FOR SHAMROCKS, the seventh book in the Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery series by Deborah Garner, on St. Patrick’s Day?!? From the festive adorable cover—and Coco, the darling Yorkie, steals the show—to O’Paddy’s, the Irish pub Sadie finds herself stranded at in Irishton, California, and to the Irish food and drinks, this book fits the bill for evoking the spirit of the emerald isle. I just love that the plucky protagonist, Sadie, is a woman of a certain age. She’s carefree and spirited and loves to travel with her sidekick, Coco, tucked into one of her many, many bags. With fun and well-developed characters, like the pub’s potbellied pig named Paddy, who forms a close friendship with Coco, the story revolves around the regulars who frequent O’Paddy’s.

Sadie’s talent for creating conversation and making friends lends itself toward solving a new mystery because she has quite the flair for landing herself in the middle of murder investigations. While the book is a quick read, Ms. Garner manages to pack a lot in. There are plenty of suspects, lots of clues, a couple of twists, and a misdirection or two which I happily followed. The reveal caught me by surprise and while it seemed a bit rushed, everything was explained and the loose ends were tied up. A Flair for Shamrocks is a delightful cozy mystery, perfect for settling in with an Irish coffee or a dram of whiskey, and spending the evening with Sadie and Coco!

I’m honored to have been able to have my recipe for Shamrock cookies included in the book and to share it with you today! Mint-flavored sugar cookies decorated with royal icing (and/or sprinkles) in the quintessential St. Patrick’s Day shape, are sure to bring a smile and good luck to everyone you share them with!

“Laughter is brightest where food is best.” – Irish Proverb

Amazon Synopsis

When flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer’s car breaks down outside a small Oregon beach town, the repair lands her in unexpected lodging above an Irish pub for St. Patrick’s Day. With pub games, green beer, and a potbellied pig named Paddy in the mix, it’s bound to be a unique holiday.

But not all is what it seems in Irishton, especially when the owner of the pub turns up dead. An assortment of local characters could be guilty, but only one is the killer. Sadie and her sidekick Yorkie will need the luck of the Irish to solve the mystery..

A special thanks to Deborah Garner for providing a print copy of A FLAIR FOR SHAMROCKS! Contest ends March 22, 2023 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!)

Shamrock Cookies

Ingredients

Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Kelly green gel food coloring
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Royal Icing:

3 tablespoons Meringue Power (I use Wilton brand)
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
5 tablespoons warm water
Kelly green gel food coloring
Green sprinkles or St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles

Instructions

Cookies:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for 2 minutes on medium speed.
Add in the egg, peppermint extract, and 1 teaspoon Kelly green gel food coloring. Beat until thoroughly incorporated.
In a separate, medium-size bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add to the sugar mixture. Mix just until incorporated.
If you desire a deeper shade of green, add additional gel food coloring, mixing well to fully incorporate.
Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Sprinkle a flat surface or dough mat with flour and roll out a portion of the dough to about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness.
Using shamrock cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Refrigerate the shapes for 10 minutes, then place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness. The bottom edges of the cookies should just start to turn golden, although with the green coloring, it’s not that noticeable.
Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheet and allow to completely cool on a wire rack.

Royal Icing:

Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer). Cover icing surface with a damp paper towel to keep from crusting over.

Putting it together:

Tint a portion of the royal icing a light green, if desired. Place the light green icing in a pastry bag fitted with a size 2 or 3 piping tip (or if you don’t have, you can always use a Ziplock bag and snip a tiny hole in the corner). Place some of the white royal icing in another pastry bag fitted with a sized 2 or 3 piping tip.
Decorate the shamrocks with the royal icing. If desired garnish with sprinkles.
Or, if you prefer to coat the shamrocks with a thin layer of icing for decorating with sprinkles only, thin a portion of royal icing with water until it is easily spreadable. Spread over the surface of the shamrock cookie and add sprinkles as desired.
Allow the cookies to completely dry then place in an airtight container with wax or parchment paper between the layers. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Royal Icing tips:

It is imperative that your bowls, spoons, spatulas, beaters and anything else that comes in contact with this icing is grease free. I use Dawn Liquid Dish soap on these items because I know it will remove any trace of residual grease.
For stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water.
Cover the icing bowl with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap in between working with it.
For longer storage, store in a Ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Icing will keep for one week.

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

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

If you’ve followed my blog for long, you’ll realize that I almost never feature books that aren’t considered culinary cozy mysteries. But, I just had to make an exception for A DEADLY COMBO by Karen A. Phillips, who just so happens to be the fabulous cover designer who’s created ALL my Cupcake Catering Mystery series covers! Not only is she a genius when it comes to graphic designs, but Karen is equally a master at spinning an intriguing mystery! To celebrate the new release, one of Karen’s friends baked up the most adorable sugar cookie boxing gloves. Thanks to Blair Lonergan for sharing her recipe below along with a photo of the cookies she made.

Without further ado, I’m delighted to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour presenting A DEADLY COMBO!

My Review:

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A DEADLY COMBO is the first book in the Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery series by Karen A. Phillips. This debut mystery delivers a one-two punch with its fast-paced plot and characters that make you sit up and take notice. I adore that the protagonist, Raquel, aka Rocky, is a retired woman of a certain age. Instead of whiling away time sitting in a rocking chair, knitting away (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) she’s kicking butt and holding her own in the boxing ring at the Never Look Back gym. This brings a unique component to the cozy mystery/noir genre in that our heroine is physically strong and can defend herself if the need arises. Personally, I think Rocky is a reflection on modern day women’s mindset of strength and resilience, compared to those of previous generations… and myself being one of those women of a certain age, I heartily approve. Joining Rocky in sleuthing is her 78-year-old father. His innocent, flirtatious manner and witty banner add some humor to the pages, and he steals each scene he inhabits.

The author’s attention to detail and strong descriptive, and often humorous, voice makes the words on the pages leap to life. It adds to the enjoyment as the story unfolds. With strong characters, a great setting, and humor to round the book out, a mystery still needs well-plotted clues with compelling suspects. Have no doubt, Ms. Phillips delivers it all and more! When Rocky’s sister, Bridget, is suspected of murdering the vintage trailer restorer after she’s heard threatening him, Rocky immediately jumps in to prove her innocence. Rocky and Bridget have a tenuous relationship and Ms. Phillips adds in an element of emotional depth, that includes a long-buried family tragedy. Rocky must learn to overcome the tragedy and find inner strength to track down the killer and protect her family. With a hair-raising conclusion, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, until I got to the end. The terrific start to this first book in the series has me eagerly waiting for a ringside seat to the next book!

With A DEADLY COMBO being a cross between a cozy mystery and a traditional mystery (maybe edgy cozy mystery is a good description?) there is some mild language included.

Amazon Synopsis:

What do boxing and vintage trailers have in common? Meet Raquel AKA Rocky Nelson, a retired single woman with an attitude and love for boxing.

Sisters Rocky and Bridget are enjoying each other’s company at a vintage trailerfest until they stumble over a corpse. The dead guy is none other than the local trailer restorer Bridget was overheard threatening to kill. Mounting evidence leads police to focus on Bridget as a person of interest. Desperate to prove her sister innocent of murder, Rocky dons her own deerstalker cap and goes sleuthing until she runs into police detective Thompson who warns her off his case in no uncertain terms. But Rocky is tenacious if not stubborn. Combined with a 78-year-old father who becomes her sidekick, Rocky uses her courage and skills learned in boxing lessons to protect her family and keep from becoming the killer’s next victim.

A special thanks to Karen Phillips for providing one winner with a copy of A DEADLY COMBO plus an Amazon Gift Card! Contest is limited to U.S. residents only and ends March 10, 2023 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!)

The only Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookie recipe you’ll ever need! These easy bakery-style treats are soft, thick and perfect for decorating. Recipe shared with permission granted by Karen Phillips, author of A DEADLY COMBO, and Blair Lonergan.

Photo cred: Blair Lonergan

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Recipe shared courtesy of Blair Lonergan. The only sugar cookie recipe you’ll ever need! These easy bakery-style treats are soft, thick and perfect for decorating.

Ingredients

Cookies:

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract or reduce to 1/4 teaspoon for a more subtle flavor

Royal Icing (Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman)

2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted, plus more if needed
1/3 cup 1/3 cup whole milk
2 egg whites

Instructions

Cookies:

Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing to combine. Add vanilla extract and and almond extract; mix until incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture; mix on low until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Place each portion on a piece of lightly-floured parchment paper or a lightly-floured silicone mat. With a lightly-floured rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use more flour if the dough seems sticky.
Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Carefully remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Arrange the shapes about 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
You can re-roll the dough scraps to cut out additional cookies, but you will need to chill the cut-out dough on the baking sheets in the fridge or freezer for at least 10 minutes before baking. This will give the dough a chance to firm up again so that the cookies don’t spread in the oven.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or just until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.

Royal Icing:

In a large bowl, beat the powdered sugar, milk and egg whites with an electric mixer until thick and glossy. Add more powdered sugar if the icing seems too thin (the size of the eggs can affect consistency). Just play with it until it’s right. The icing should be stiff enough to “stand still” and not run when piped.

Notes:

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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Samantha’s Grandmother’s Fig Cake

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MURDER SERVED NEAT is the second book in the Cocktails and Catering Mystery series. Author Michelle Hillen Klump spins an entertaining Independence Day tale filled with sparkler cocktails, fireworks, and conflicts. What should have been a boon to her fledgling business serving cocktails to the crowd celebrating Highlands’ Independence Day festival, instead finds protagonist Samantha Warren caught in the middle of a feud. Her mother’s best friend, Patty, is dead set against the country-club tennis center while Angela, the woman who hired Samantha, is steamrolling any opposition to the plan. Ms. Klump does an admirable job setting the stage for the festival from music, food, cocktails, Texas heat, and participating characters. Her descriptive voice brings it all to life, so the reader feels like they’re right there experiencing it all. I really enjoyed that Samantha and her mother, Lillian, are close, so when Patty is accused of murder, it makes sense that Samantha would get involved to clear her mother’s best friend. Adding a twist to the equation is Patty’s son, a long-time frenemy of Samantha’s. Can they put aside their differences and help prove Patty’s innocence?

At first, reluctant to get involved in the investigation because of her close call with a murderer not that long ago, Samantha finally agrees to put her former reporter skills to work. I appreciated the protagonist has some actual skills to back up her quest to find the truth, instead of bumbling around with no thought or reason. As Samantha delves into the life of the victim, it becomes apparent that she’d been hiding secrets and had made several enemies. Invited to cater the funeral luncheon gives Samantha even more opportunities to gather clues. With an edge-of-your-seat reveal and a unique and clever save by the protagonist, the conclusion wrapped up the loose threads into a highly satisfactory story.

The yummy food and cocktails served up on the pages will have the reader drooling. Several recipes, sweet, savory, and libations are included at the back of the book to try out at home. I couldn’t wait to try the author’s recipe for Samantha’s Grandmother’s Fig Cake. Chockful of sweet figs and buttery pecans, this easy-to-make cake is topped with another layer of figgy frosting spiced with some cinnamon. The cake is super moist and the addition of warming spices added to the enjoyment!

Amazon Synopsis

Reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren has already thwarted one murder. Now, her world is shaken—definitely not stirred—once again as another killing throws her world into chaos.

Samantha is mixing up traditional cocktails at the German Texan Lodge’s Fourth of July festival—a gig she was roped into by her mother. But amidst the bratwurst and brass bands, trouble is brewing. Lodge loyalties are divided over a proposal to build a private, country-club-style tennis center on the lodge grounds. Her mom’s best friend Patty Davis is vehemently opposed to the plan. Society matron Angela Clawson is all for it. At the festival, they’re seen in a heated argument—and hours later, Angela is found dead, killed by one of the ceremonial shovels intended for the groundbreaking.

Samantha’s mother begs her to help clear her best friend’s name, but can she handle another murder case or will the whole investigation go bottoms up?

A special thanks to Michelle Hillen Klump for providing a print copy of MURDER SERVED NEAT! Contest ends March 12, 2023 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!)

Samantha's Grandmother's Fig Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda mixed in 1 cup of buttermilk
8 ounces dried figs, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 cup pecans chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla

Fig Cake Frosting:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons fig juice (if fig juice is unavailable, soak dried figs in water for 24 hours, and use 2 tablespoons of that water)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Cream together sugar, oil, and eggs.
Add other ingredients, one by one, mixing well after each addition.
Pour into a greased 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Fig Cake Frosting:

Cream the butter.
In small bowl, mix fig juice, salt, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Add powdered sugar to the butter mixture, alternately with the fig juice mixture, beating after each addition.
When cake is cooled, frost the top.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

We like cake with lots of frosting so I doubled the frosting recipe.

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

Chocolate Guinness Cake

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MURDER AT AN IRISH BAKERY is the ninth book in the Irish Village Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor. The author includes so many wonderful elements in this newest release: an over-the-top theatrical reality baking show; a historical flour mill setting; mouthwatering delectable treats; and twisty-turvey murder mysteries to solve. Added to the mix are the delightful Irish Garda, Siobhan, and her husband, Macdara. Newly married, their personal and working relationship is both tender and filled with witty repartee. I couldn’t help but chuckle over both their cravings for sweet treats, which almost, but not quite, overshadow their investigation. Ms. O’Connor’s attention to detail made the setting and the theatrics of the contestants come to life. It made me feel like I was right there, drooling over the baked goods or cringing at the rivalry between the contestants and their misdeeds.

When a protestor against the baking show dies, Siobhan and Macdara are horrified to find out he was poisoned. Was the protestor the target or just a hapless bystander? Then a contestant is killed in what looks like a tragic accident on set. Could the deaths be related or just a coincidence, or is someone trying to sabotage the show? Ms. O’Connor pens a cunning, multi-faceted mystery that kept me glued to the pages and highly entertained. With all the twists and turns, I decided to sit back and let the story unfold instead of trying to figure out whodunit. In the end, the clever plot and resolution left me quite satisfied and eager to read the next book in this charming series!

With a baking show as the premise of the book, there are so many desserts and treats mentioned throughout the book. Be prepared to drool right alongside with Siobhan and Macdara as you read. Ms. O’Connor includes a recipe for Chocolate Guinness Cake at the back of the book. This tempting dessert fits the bill for rich and oh so scrumptious! Ultra chocolaty cake is moist and rich, thanks to a generous measure of cocoa, Guinness, and sour cream. It would be amazing all on its own but when topped with the tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting, the cake is elevated to pure deliciousness.

Amazon Synopsis

In Kilbane, opinions are plentiful and rarely in alignment. But there’s one thing everyone does agree on—the bakery in the old flour mill, just outside town, is the best in County Cork, well worth the short drive and the long lines. No wonder they’re about to be featured on a reality baking show.

All six contestants in the show are coming to Kilbane to participate, and the town is simmering with excitement. Aside from munching on free samples, the locals—including Siobhan—get a chance to appear in the opening shots. As for the competitors themselves, not all are as sweet as their confections. There are shenanigans on the first day of filming that put everyone on edge, but that’s nothing compared to day two, when the first round ends and the top contestant is found face-down in her signature pie.
The producers decide to continue filming while Siobhan and her husband, Garda Macdara Flannery, sift through the suspects. Was this a case of rivalry turned lethal, or are their other motives hidden in the mix? And can they uncover the truth before another baker is eliminated—permanently . . .

A special thanks to Kensington Books for providing a print arc of MURDER AT AN IRISH BAKERY! Contest ends March 5, 2023 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!)

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Recipe based on Nigella Lawson from the Cooking Section of the New York Times.

Ingredients

Cake:

Butter (for the pan)
1 cup Guinness stout
10 tablespoons (1 stick & 2 tablespoons) unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter (or any butter, but of course we recommend Kerrygold)
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups superfine sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Topping:

1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1/2 cup heavy cream*

Instructions

Cake:

Preheat cooker (oven) to 350 degrees (F). Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.
In a large saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Place over medium-low heat. Add cocoa and superfine sugar, then whisk. Cook just until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, combine: sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well. Add to the Guinness mixture. Now add the flour and baking soda. Whisk until smooth.
Into the buttered pan she goes, and bake until risen and firm, 45 minutes to one hour. Place pan on a wire rack and cool completely in pan.

Topping:

In a food processor or by hand, combine confectioners' sugar (break up lumps) and cream cheese and blend until smooth. Add heavy cream, mix until spreadable.
Remove cake from pan. Place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake, make it look like a nice pint of Guinness with a frothy head.

Tweak:

Add some Baileys Irish Cream in the frosting -- to taste.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

If using unsalted butter, add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the recipe with the flour.
*I found the frosting too thin as written (using 1/2 cup heavy cream). I added 2 cups extra confectioners' sugar or use only a few tablespoons of heavy cream to obtain the desired consistency.

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Mint Melty Truffles

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SIX SWEETS UNDER is the first book in the brand-new True Confections Mystery series by Sarah Fox. Set in the utterly charming Vermont town of Larch Haven, which is known for its canals and gondolas with nary a car in sight, the town exudes a cozy feel perfect for the story. The protagonist, Becca Ransom, is a former actress newly returned from L.A. back to her hometown of Larch Haven. She’s taken her place in the family-owned True Confections chocolate shop as the chocolatier. Together with her cousins, they work alongside as they take over the business from their almost retired grandparents, Lolly and Pops… who are just too adorable and shine in every scene they appear! Ms. Fox captures the comfort of the close-knit family and I enjoyed their interaction as they show their respect and love for each other. The characters are well-developed (including the darling cats, Binx and Truffles) and I especially like Dizzy, Becca’s best friend and investigating sidekick. She adds a certain pizzazz to Becca’s more cautious nature.

When the town’s gondola races in full swing, tempers flare between Pops and the town’s curmudgeon and troublemaker, Archie, who is against any type of tourism. Not long after, Archie is found murdered and Pops becomes the prime suspect. Ms. Fox does an admirable job entwining a ten-year-old unsolved disappearance of a teen girl with the current day murder. Becca has ample reason to get involved and ask questions, and I appreciated how she was subtle about going about it and not so in your face. It felt like her investigation was more organic than being forced. Given the menacing character of Archie, it didn’t come as a surprise that there were lots of suspects who might have wanted to see him gone. There are clues for the sharp reader to follow, but in the end, the twists caught me off-guard, and I guessed incorrectly. Six Sweets Under is a delicious start to a delectable cozy mystery series, filled with delightful characters in a charming and unique setting.

As the True Confections chocolatier, Becca experiments and makes delicious sounding truffles and treats. Be prepared to have chocolate on hand to nibble as you read. Or, try making a batch of Mint Melty Truffles from the recipe provided by Ms. Fox at the back of the book! The delicately mint-flavored, melt-in-your-mouth, truffle filling is encased with a generous portion of dark chocolate. I found it difficult to limit myself to just one or two and my family was more than happy to help me consume these tempting treats. These make a delicious gift for your favorite people or as a way to spoil yourself!

Amazon Synopsis

Former actress Becca Ransom lived her dream in Hollywood for seven years before returning to her hometown of Larch Haven, known as the Venice of North America. The Vermont town has canals instead of roads, gondolas instead of cars, and charming cottages plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. It’s also where Becca is pursuing her newest passion as a chocolatier at True Confections, the chocolate shop owned by her grandparents, Lolly and Pops.

While Becca’s testing new flavors and reconnecting with old friends, the town is gearing up for the annual Gondola Races, popular with both residents and tourists, with one exception. Local curmudgeon Archie Smith wants nothing more than to keep tourists away from Larch Haven. He’s determined to derail this year’s event and does his best to stir up trouble for the organizers, including Becca’s grandfather.

Following a heated argument with Pops, Archie is found floating face-down in the canal, and Pops finds himself in hot water as one of the top suspects. Becca’s determined to clear her grandfather’s name, but when the case heats up, she could be facing a sticky end.

A special thanks to Sarah Fox for providing a signed print copy of SIX SWEETS UNDER! Contest ends February 26, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST and open to to Canadian and U.S. residents. 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!)

Mint Melty Truffles

Makes approximately 24 truffles

Ingredients

8 ounces milk chocolate
4 ounces whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
8 ounces dark chocolate

Instructions

Finely chop the milk chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
In the top of a double boiler, heat the cream over medium-low heat until it's just starting to bubble. Remove the cream from the heat, add the chopped mint, and let the mixture steep for approximately 12 minutes. Then return the cream to the stove and heat again until it's just starting to bubble.
Using a strainer, pour the cream into the bowl of milk chocolate, and discard the mint. Mix the cream and chocolate together until all the chocolate has melted and the ganache is smooth. Leave the ganache to cool to room temperature, then put the ganache in the fridge until it is chilled and completely set.
Remove the ganache from the fridge and use a teaspoon or small ice cream scoop to spoon up approximately half an ounce of ganache at a time. With your hands, quickly roll each scoop of ganache into a ball and set it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the fridge and chill the ganache balls. Leave them in the fridge until you're ready to dip them.
Roughly chop the dark chocolate and set approximately one-quarter of it aside (this is the seed chocolate). Put the remainder of the chopped chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water. Melt the chocolate and heat it until it reaches 113 - 118° F (45 - 48° C).
Remove the boil from the double boiler. Add the seed chocolate and stir until the chocolate cools to 90° F (32° C). At this point, the chocolate should be in temper.
Line another baking tray with parchment paper. Using a truffle fork or regular fork, dip each ganache ball into the tempered chocolate, making sure it is completely coated, and then set on the prepared tray.
Leave the truffles to set at room temperature or, if necessary, chill the truffles just long enough to set the chocolate.

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