Dutch Apple Cobbler in Cast-Iron Skillet

Click on book to visit Amazon

STILL KNIFE PAINTING, the first book in the Paint & Shine Mysteries by Cheryl Hollon, is a good start to a brand new series. The reader is introduced to the introverted protagonist, Miranda Trent, who is just starting up her new business, Paint and Shine. This cultural adventure tour combines scenic painting, a traditional Southern dinner at her farmhouse, and a moonshine lecture and tasting, which all sound like fabulous ideas! I love this new twist for a cozy mystery setting. I was intrigued that the location is set in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest in rural Kentucky. The author captures the feeling of the rural isolation (often no cell phone service… I can’t imagine!), the beauty of the land (great for scenic painting), and the food and moonshine libations of the area. The author begins the book with a lovely acknowledgement indicating her parents grew up in the area that the book showcases and she spent her summers there visiting her grandparents. I was a little uncomfortable how several of the characters came across as bumpkins. Being a Southern California gal myself, I’m not familiar with Kentucky or the attitudes/beliefs of the rural residents but I would hope that her portrayal was simply an artistic exaggeration.

As the mystery over who killed Miranda’s prickly Southern cook unfolds (even though the police rule that it was an accident) I enjoyed that Miranda uses her artistic abilities to record clues and her impressions of suspects. I also liked that she joins forces with Austin, the handsome park ranger and potential love interest, to solve the mystery. They work well together and he respects her talents and quest for justice. While I guessed early on who the culprit was (well, I wasn’t 100% sure) I had no idea what the motivation for murder was. Ms. Hollon pens some unique twists and adds in a couple subplots to keep the reader entertained. I was thrown a bit when the point of view switched from Miranda to the sheriff, and then switched again to the coroner (who happens to be the sheriff’s wife). The few switches are clearly marked with asterisks so I didn’t feel lost but it’s a technique that isn’t often used in cozy mysteries. On the plus side it does move the story along by providing information that Miranda, as the protagonist, wouldn’t have access to. The author wraps up the murder mystery with an exciting conclusion yet leaves the reader wanting to know more about what happens to Miranda and her fledgling business, which is the sign of a good read!

There are plenty of mouthwatering recipes included at the back of the book and I especially love that the author also includes several moonshine cocktail recipes to pair with the dishes. I just had to try her Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet recipe. While rustic looking, the flavors are scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. The recipe serves a large family (or plenty of leftovers for a few people). I decided to halve the recipe and use my 7-inch cast-iron skillet since there isn’t enough people to share with due to Covid-19 keeping friends and family apart. It worked perfectly and served warm with ice cream, this delectable dessert was pure down-home comfort!

 

While rustic, Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet is scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cheryl Hollon, author of STILL KNIFE PAINTING.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Miranda Trent has set up a sweet life in a scenic corner of Appalachia—until she stumbles across the trail of a killer . . .

After inheriting her uncle’s Red River Gorge homestead in Eastern Kentucky—smack dab in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest—Miranda comes up with a perfect business plan for summer tourists: pairing outdoor painting classes with sips of local moonshine, followed by a mouthwatering sampler of the best in southern cooking.
 
To Miranda’s delight, Paint & Shine is a total success—until someone kills the cook. As the town’s outsider, suspicion naturally falls on Miranda. Murdering the best biscuit baker of Red River Gorge is a high crime in these parts. Miranda will have to prove her innocence before she’s moved from farmhouse to jail cell faster than she can say “white lightning” . . .

 

 

 

A special thanks to Cheryl Hollon for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of STILL KNIFE PAINTING! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, July 8, 2020 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!)

 

 

 

 

While rustic, Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet is scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cheryl Hollon, author of STILL KNIFE PAINTING.

Print
Dutch Apple Cobbler in Cast-Iron Skillet
Ingredients
Filling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 4 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 8 - 10), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
To make the filling:

  1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees (F).

  2. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice and flour, and cook until sugars dissolve, about 5 minutes. Add the apples and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have slightly softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and remove from the heat.

To make the topping:

  1. In a medium bowl, use a fork to mix together the flour, 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, the baking powder, and the salt. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, and using the fork, to bring mixture together into a sticky dough. Scatter pieces of the dough over the top of the apple mixture in the skillet.

  2. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the cinnamon. Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar.

  3. Place the skillet on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake until top is golden brown and both the filling and the topping are cooked through, about 40 minutes.

  4. Serve warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream.

While rustic, Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet is scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cheryl Hollon, author of STILL KNIFE PAINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

While rustic, Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet is scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cheryl Hollon, author of STILL KNIFE PAINTING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

While rustic, Dutch Apple Cobbler in a Cast-Iron Skillet is scrumptiously delicious from the cinnamon-y tender apples to the buttery cinnamon sugar crunch coating the rich, biscuit-like topping. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cheryl Hollon, author of STILL KNIFE PAINTING.

 

Orange Scones

Click on book to visit Amazon

NACHO AVERAGE MURDER, the seventh book in the Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day, is a delightful visit to Santa Barbara, California! I was especially thrilled when I found out that the protagonist, Robbie Jordan, was making a trip from her Indiana residence back to her hometown. I grew up in the area and it was obvious that Ms. Day researched it thoroughly. She accurately captures the sights, sounds, flavors, and smells of the location, from the beaches to the mission grounds, to the restaurants and Latin-inspired food, to the quaint shops and the historical culture. I enjoyed how she infuses her story with our Southern California Latino heritage via the dishes Robbie ate and the Spanish phrases we use frequently, no matter our ethnic background. It added to the authenticity of the locale.

Robbie’s visit is instigated by her tenth high school class reunion, where the mean girls are still the mean girls. I liked that Robbie feels like she’s moved beyond the self-doubt they inflicted on her in high school and how she reaches out to try to connect. It shows an insight into Robbie and the growth of her character over the years. While in town, she finds some disturbing information that perhaps her mother’s untimely death might have really been a murder connected to her involvement with local environmental activism. It becomes even more suspicious when her mother’s friend dies in the same manner.

Ms. Day weaves an intriguing mystery that involves a possible cold case and questionable environmental agriculture practices. Robbie treads carefully as she begins to ask questions to find out what really happened to her mother and friend since her usual posse of friends and law enforcement isn’t there to back her up. I did feel that Robbie took a few too many chances walking in deserted areas on her own but the author’s tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of her foolhardiness brought some humor to the scenes. As the story develops it becomes clear that people are hiding secrets and as a result, there are lots of suspects to keep the reader guessing. Plenty of clues are sprinkled throughout and I fell for the misdirection thrown in several times. But as the reveal unfolds it all begins to tie together into a cohesive, entertaining read!

While Robbie may not be doing the cooking in this newest installment, she does partake of some amazing meals while in Santa Barbara. Always on the lookout for new recipes to add to her menu at Pans ‘N Pancakes in Indiana, she makes notes of the dishes and takes pictures. Ms. Day shares those recipes with a Southern California flair, at the back of the book. It’s not unusual to have orange trees dotting the backyards in most neighborhoods, so I was drawn to the recipe for Orange Scones. These flaky pastries are easy to mix up and the sweet, orange glaze boosts the wow factor. Scrumptious on their own, a smear of orange marmalade would make them even more delectable!

 

These flaky Orange Scones are easy to mix up and the sweet, orange glaze boosts the wow factor. Scrumptious on their own, a smear of orange marmalade would make them even more delectable! Recipe shared with permission granted by Maddie Day, author of NACHO AVERAGE MURDER.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Robbie Jordan is temporarily leaving Pans ’N Pancakes, her country store in South Lick, Indiana, to visit Santa Barbara, California—where wildfire smoke tinges the air, but a more immediate danger may lie in wait . . .
 
While looking forward to her high school reunion back in California, Robbie’s anticipation is complicated by memories of her mother’s untimely death. At first, she has fun hanging out with her old classmates and reuniting with the local flavors—avocados, citrus, fish, and spicy Cali-Mex dishes. But then she gets wind of rumors that her mother, an environmental activist, may not have died of natural causes. With the help of friends, Robbie starts clearing the smoke surrounding the mystery—but what she finds could make it hard to get back to Indiana alive . . .

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Maddie Day for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of NACHO AVERAGE MURDER! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, July 1, 2020 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!)

 

 

 

 

These flaky Orange Scones are easy to mix up and the sweet, orange glaze boosts the wow factor. Scrumptious on their own, a smear of orange marmalade would make them even more delectable! Recipe shared with permission granted by Maddie Day, author of NACHO AVERAGE MURDER.

Print
Orange Scones
Ingredients
Scones
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Zest of one large orange
  • 2 cups unbleached flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 egg
For the glaze
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (from the orange you just zested)
Instructions
Scones

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F) and set oven rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  2. In a medium-sized bowl, gently toss flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk sour cream and egg until completely smooth. Set aside.

  4. In a large bowl, stir sugar and orange zest together until sugar is moistened and zest is evenly distributed. Pour in flour mixture and toss to combine.

  5. Grate frozen butter into mixture using a medium grater. Using your hands, work in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Gently stir in sour cream mixture until just about combined. Do not overwork the dough.

  6. Very gently press the dough against the sides of the bowl a few times and form a ball. The dough will be sticky at first but will come together as you form it.

  7. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and gently pat into an 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Use a very sharp knife to cut into eight triangles (like a pizza). transfer triangles onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between.

  8. Bake scones for 15 - 17 minutes or until the tops begin to turn golden. Don't take them out too early or they will be too soft. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

For the glaze

  1. While the scones bake, prepare the glaze. Melt butter in a glass dish in the microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice until smooth.

  2. Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze on the scone tops and sides with a spoon.

These flaky Orange Scones are easy to mix up and the sweet, orange glaze boosts the wow factor. Scrumptious on their own, a smear of orange marmalade would make them even more delectable! Recipe shared with permission granted by Maddie Day, author of NACHO AVERAGE MURDER.

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

These flaky Orange Scones are easy to mix up and the sweet, orange glaze boosts the wow factor. Scrumptious on their own, a smear of orange marmalade would make them even more delectable! Recipe shared with permission granted by Maddie Day, author of NACHO AVERAGE MURDER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

These flaky Orange Scones are easy to mix up and the sweet, orange glaze boosts the wow factor. Scrumptious on their own, a smear of orange marmalade would make them even more delectable! Recipe shared with permission granted by Maddie Day, author of NACHO AVERAGE MURDER.

 

 

Potluck Beans

 

 

I’m still celebrating the release of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION with another giveaway and recipe from my book! Today I’m sharing the recipe for Potluck Rootin’ Tootin’ Beans which were served at a western-themed party my protagonist helped cater with her sister. My dear friend, Janet, always served these Potluck Beans as a side dish at her delicious barbecues where friends gathered to enjoy a fun evening or watch a major sporting event together. (I miss those days where it was safe to hang out with friends!) She kindly allowed me to share her recipe, which I’ve slightly adapted. My family loves to eat this as an entrée with warm cornbread muffins served alongside.

 

 

Using canned convenience products, the ease of making Potluck Beans belies the savory deliciousness of this dish, whether served as a side dish or an entrée. Recipe from cozy mystery Sprinkles of Suspicion by Kim Davis.

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

One glass of cheap California chardonnay cost Emory Gosser Martinez her husband, her job, and her best friend. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of her troubles.

Distraught after discovering the betrayal by her husband and best friend, Tori, cupcake caterer Emory Martinez allows her temper to flare. Several people witness her very public altercation with her ex-friend. To make matters worse, Tori exacts her revenge by posting a fake photo of Emory in a compromising situation, which goes viral on social media. When Tori is found murdered, all signs point to Emory being the prime suspect.

With the police investigation focused on gathering evidence to convict her, Emory must prove her innocence while whipping up batches of cupcakes and buttercream. Delving into the past of her murdered ex-friend, she finds other people had reasons to want Tori dead, including Emory’s own husband. Can she find the killer, or will the clues sprinkled around the investigation point the police back to her?

Print, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited versions are available here:

SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION

 

 

 

 

 

One lucky winner will win their choice of either print or an e-book copy of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION plus a Sur La Table cupcake kitchen towel and a $5 Amazon gift card. Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, June 28, 2020 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!) For those outside the U.S., I’m happy to offer the winner e-book copies of both my books SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION and A GAME OF DECEIT via BookFunnel instead.

 

 

 

 

 

Using canned convenience products, the ease of making Potluck Beans belies the savory deliciousness of this dish, whether served as a side dish or an entrée. Recipe from cozy mystery Sprinkles of Suspicion by Kim Davis.

Print
Potluck Beans
Ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
  • 1 (3-pound) can pork & beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Salt to taste (I don't add but some people might think it necessary)
Garnish Suggestions
  • Crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Chopped red or green onions
  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced black olives
  • Pickled jalapeño slices
Instructions

  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat with the chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any grease.

  2. Add the remaining ingredients, except the salt, and stir until thoroughly combined.

  3. Bring to a simmer then turn to low and cover the pot. Cook an additional 30 minutes, stirring often.

  4. Remove from heat and season with salt before serving, if desired. Allow guests to garnish their bowl of beans with a variety of choices.

Notes:

  1. If serving for a party, place hot Potluck Beans into a slow cooker and cook on the low setting to keep hot for several hours.

  2. This recipe makes a large batch, enough for 10 guests as an entrée or 20+ servings as a side dish. When I prepare for our family, I divide the prepared beans and freeze half of the portion to enjoy for an easy meal later on. Be sure to thoroughly chill the beans in the refrigerator before placing in the freezer. Either defrost using the microwave option or in the refrigerator overnight. Never defrost at room temperature.

Using canned convenience products, the ease of making Potluck Beans belies the savory deliciousness of this dish, whether served as a side dish or an entrée. Recipe from cozy mystery Sprinkles of Suspicion by Kim Davis.

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Using canned convenience products, the ease of making Potluck Beans belies the savory deliciousness of this dish, whether served as a side dish or an entrée. Recipe from cozy mystery Sprinkles of Suspicion by Kim Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise for Sprinkles of Suspicion:

“…there is enough action, including a few surprises – plus baking – to maintain a steady momentum. An engaging cozy best enjoyed with a plate of cookies.” – Kirkus Reviews

“You are going to love this delicious new cozy mystery! Kim Davis pens characters who come to life and a story you won’t want to put down, not to mention recipes that will make your mouth water.” – Paige Shelton, New York Times Best selling author of Farmer’s Market, Country Cooking School, Dangerous Type, Scottish Bookshop mysteries

“Sparkling prose, a deliciously twisty plot, and a colorful cast of characters make this debut cozy a surefire winner!” – Linda Reilly, author of the Cat Lady Mysteries and Deep Fried Mysteries

“Sprinkles of Suspicion contain all the necessary ingredients for a fun culinary read – a charming heroine, an intriguing mystery and recipes to die for.” – Catherine Bruns, USA Today Best Selling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries

“A delightful cozy with a cool California setting and an imminently likable heroine.” – Ellen Byron, Best Humorous Lefty Awards winner and author of the Agatha Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Cajun Country Mysteries and The Catering Hall Mysteries

“This very well-written first-in-a-series from Kim Davis is a great read, hard to put down, and filled with intense “comeuppances” and realistic family dynamics.” – Kathleen Costa, Kings River Life Magazine

“This story moves along at a great pace and doesn’t lag anywhere. There is always something happening, drama, twists, and yes, cupcakes. So well-plotted, I was totally taken in by the entire story and flabbergasted when the real killer was revealed.” – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

“A good first in a series, Sprinkles of Suspicion was a story that had me so absorbed that I didn’t even realize the sun had gone down until I could no longer see the words.” – Lisa Ks Book Reviews

“This book has all the qualities of a top notch cozy mystery.” – Karen Kenyon, Reviewer”…added ‘sprinkles of delight and flavor’ to this fun cozy-mystery and kept me hooked from the beginning to finish…!” – Diary of a Book Fiend

“This book started off with a bang… This is a well-written, fun mystery and the reader is bound to have a good time with this one!!” – Moonlight Rendezvous

“If you love cozy mysteries, murder stories, and a great plot, then Sprinkles of Suspicion is a must-read.” – Trudi LoPreto, Readers’ Favorite

 

 

Using canned convenience products, the ease of making Potluck Beans belies the savory deliciousness of this dish, whether served as a side dish or an entrée. Recipe from cozy mystery Sprinkles of Suspicion by Kim Davis.

 

Gimlet Cupcakes

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made the launch of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION such a huge success! I debuted at #38 on Amazon’s Cozy Culinary Mystery spot — a dream come true to be in the top 50!

 

Based on the popular Gimlet Cocktail, these Gimlet Cupcakes replicate the flavor by using layers of premium gin and zesty fresh limes. Recipe shared from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

 

I’m celebrating with another giveaway (see below) and a recipe for Gimlet Cupcakes which I developed for the book. These cupcakes have earned top ratings from my taste testers! While there are a lot of steps involved, the components work together to layer the flavors of the gin and lime cocktail. I’ll be the first to admit that I wouldn’t make these often because of the time involved but for a special occasion to treat yourself or family, or to celebrate a memorable event, these capture the feeling of a party!

 

 

Click on book to visit Amazon

 

With the success of the release of Sprinkles of Suspicion I’ve decided to leave the special sale price of $0.99 up until the the end of this contest, Sunday, June 21, 2020. If you haven’t done so already, grab it before the price goes up or download for FREE via Kindle Unlimited! Print is also available.

 

You can visit Amazon by clicking here:

SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION

 

Amazon Synopsis

One glass of cheap California chardonnay cost Emory Gosser Martinez her husband, her job, and her best friend. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of her troubles.

Distraught after discovering the betrayal by her husband and best friend, Tori, cupcake caterer Emory Martinez allows her temper to flare. Several people witness her very public altercation with her ex-friend. To make matters worse, Tori exacts her revenge by posting a fake photo of Emory in a compromising situation, which goes viral on social media. When Tori is found murdered, all signs point to Emory being the prime suspect.

With the police investigation focused on gathering evidence to convict her, Emory must prove her innocence while whipping up batches of cupcakes and buttercream. Delving into the past of her murdered ex-friend, she finds other people had reasons to want Tori dead, including Emory’s own husband. Can she find the killer, or will the clues sprinkled around the investigation point the police back to her?

 

 

 

One lucky winner will win their choice of either print or an e-book copy of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION plus a cupcake bangle bracelet. Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, June 21, 2020 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!) For those outside the U.S., I’m happy to offer the winner e-book copies of both my books SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION and A GAME OF DECEIT via BookFunnel instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on the popular Gimlet Cocktail, these Gimlet Cupcakes replicate the flavor by using layers of premium gin and zesty fresh limes. Recipe shared from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

Print
Gimlet Cupcakes

Makes 15 cupcakes

Ingredients
Cupcakes
  • 1-1/4 cups (161g) cake flour
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • Zest from 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup gin
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon pure lime oil, optional
Glaze
  • 1/2 cup (64g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons gin
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Zest from 1 lime
Frosting
  • 4 cups (506g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons gin
  • 1/8 teaspoon pure lime oil, optional
  • 1 drop mint green and 2 drops yellow gel food coloring, optional
Garnish Suggestions
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Candied lime peel
  • Lime fruit gel candies
  • Sprinkles or candy confetti
Instructions
Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line cupcake tins with paper liners.

  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Whisk the gin, lime juice, and pure lime oil (if using) together. Set aside.
  4. In the bowl of a standing mixer, whisk the eggs on medium speed for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the sugar and the lime zest and continue to whisk an additional minute.
  6. With the mixer running on low, slowly add the vegetable oil. Increase mixer to medium and whisk an additional minute.
  7. Reduce mixer speed back to low and add half the flour mixture to the sugar mixture. Beat on low until mostly incorporated.
  8. Add half the gin mixture and stir to combine.
  9. Repeat with remaining flour and gin mixture and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

  10. Fill cupcake liners about 1/2 - 2/3 full. Batter is quite thin, and I like to use 1/4 cup measuring cups for filling liners. Bake 12-15 minutes. Edges will be slightly golden and a wooden skewer inserted into center should come out clean.

  11. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the cupcake tin for 5 minutes.
  12. Move the cupcakes to a wire rack and immediately proceed with glaze.
Glaze
  1. Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, gin, lime juice, and lime zest.
  2. Pierce each warm cupcake 4 times with the tines of a fork.
  3. Brush the glaze over the cupcakes, allowing the liquid to soak in before applying more. Be sure to use all the glaze.
  4. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before proceeding with the frosting.
Frosting
  1. Place butter and salt into the bowl of a standing mixer and whip until the butter is creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed.
  2. With the mixer running on low speed, add confectioners’ sugar a little at a time, mixing until sugar is coated with the butter.
  3. Whisk the gin and lime juice together along with the pure lime oil and gel food coloring if using.
  4. Once the butter and sugar mixture is creamy, slowly add the gin mixture.
  5. Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for approximately 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  6. Frost the cupcakes and garnish if desired.

Based on the popular Gimlet Cocktail, these Gimlet Cupcakes replicate the flavor by using layers of premium gin and zesty fresh limes. Recipe shared from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Based on the popular Gimlet Cocktail, these Gimlet Cupcakes replicate the flavor by using layers of premium gin and zesty fresh limes. Recipe shared from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Based on the popular Gimlet Cocktail, these Gimlet Cupcakes replicate the flavor by using layers of premium gin and zesty fresh limes. Recipe shared from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

 

Here are some blurbs from reviews received for Sprinkles of Suspicion:

Once again, the writing is delightful and the characters are nicely and vividly fleshed out. They added ‘sprinkles of delight and flavor’ to this fun cozy-mystery and kept me hooked from the beginning to finish, for sure!
~Diary of a Book Fiend

Her (Emory) trusting nature definitely gets her into sticky situations and makes her an easy mark. The pace is steady and her cluelessness adds a touch of humor. An enjoyable read.
~Christa Reads and Writes

Sprinkles of Suspicion kept me on the edge of my seat. The revelations make you go “Say whaattt????” The identity of the killer was surprising.
~The Book Decoder

. . . .a fun debut. . . Sprinkles of Suspicion sets up a promising new series. You’ll enjoy meeting Emory here and be anxious to find out where cupcakes and murder take her next.
~Carstairs Considers….

Wow!! This book started off with a bang . . . This is a well-written, fun mystery and the reader is bound to have a good time with this one!! Highly recommend.
~Moonlight Rendezvous

This story moves along at a great pace and doesn’t lag anywhere. There is always something happening, drama, twists, and yes, cupcakes. So well-plotted, I was totally taken in by the entire story and flabbergasted when the real killer was revealed.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Emory is a hilarious character with a true flair for baking which really brings the story to life. Looks to be a fun series that I will thoroughly enjoy.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

This new series is just amazing! . . . Very enjoyable new series that checks off all the boxes for me. There are also many recipes and I might have to give some of the cupcake ones a whirl. We give this book 5 paws up.
~Storeybook Reviews

Your basic cozy mystery only with the sweetness of cupcakes galore and some yummy recipes for us to try! I love both the cozy mystery and a book with recipes sprinkled inside so this was a win win situation!
~Gimme the Scoop Reviews

Near the end, as Emory finds respite, I finally find a character I love. Tillie steals the show, bringing humor and fun to the book. Hopefully, she’s be able to teach Emory a thing or two.
~Cozy Up With Kathy

My favorite character is Tillie – she is a hoot and I hope we see a lot more of her in future books. You’re never quite sure what she’s going to do or say next, and her heart is genuine.
~Reading Is My SuperPower

A good first in a series, SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION was a story that had me so absorbed that I didn’t even realize the sun had gone down until I could no longer see the words. With a lamp flipped on, I finished this mystery to its satisfying conclusion, and am already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
~Lisa Ks Book Reviews

 

Based on the popular Gimlet Cocktail, these Gimlet Cupcakes replicate the flavor by using layers of premium gin and zesty fresh limes. Recipe shared from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

Streusel-Topped Maple-Pumpkin Scones

Click on book to visit Amazon

THE GRIM READER, the fourteenth book in the Bibliophile Mystery series by Kate Carlisle, brings the reader back to the delightful setting of Dharma, a quaint wine country town situated in Sonoma County in Northern California. A long-time fan, I’ve greatly enjoyed previous books that has protagonist, Brooklyn, and her new husband, Derek, surrounded by their family and close friends. THE GRIM READER brings them all back together for the first annual Book Festival in Dharma. The close-knit relationships Brooklyn and Derek’s family have together is heartwarming. I love how they’re supportive of each other with nary a jealous or snide remark to be seen within the in-laws. In fact, Brooklyn and Derek’s mothers have become best friends and together they are a force to be reckoned with. I greatly enjoyed seeing Brooklyn’s mom, Becky, take center stage in this story, which helps give the reader glimpses of why Brooklyn is who she’s become in adulthood. One of the greatest strengths in this series is the character development Ms. Carlisle brings throughout the arc of the books and builds on that development with each passing page.

While Brooklyn and Derek’s families may be kindhearted, caring individuals (and most of the community is as well!) a greedy predator is gobbling up local vineyards and using the harvests to produce inferior boxed wine. He goes out of his way to harass and threaten the Book Festival committee, particularly, Becky. Early on in the book I thought I knew which way the mystery would go but Ms. Carlisle throws in several twists to keep the reader on their toes. I love how she intertwines a rare mishandled first edition copy of Little Women into the mystery along with scenes showcasing Brooklyn’s bookbinding and restoration skills. With plenty of suspicious suspects to keep the reader guessing, the plot unfolds at a nice pace until the dramatic reveal. The author does a great job of wrapping up all the threads in the story into an entertaining conclusion that left me wishing the next book in the series was ready for me to read!

Brooklyn and Derek share many meals with their family and close friends during their visit to Dharma, especially breakfast. I was delighted to see the Ms. Carlisle provides several mouthwatering breakfast recipes at the back of the book, all which sound fabulous! I was drawn to the recipe for Streusel-topped Pumpkin Scones (I’ve been on a pumpkin kick for a while now!) and am so glad I decided to try it. My granddaughter isn’t a fan of scones but she gave these two thumbs up and went back for seconds. The sweet streusel complements the cinnamon in the scone without being overly crumbly, while the mild pumpkin brings color and good texture to the treat. She liked that these were moist and sweet enough on their own without having to drench them in additional butter and jam making them perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

 

Sweet streusel complements the cinnamon in these Maple-Pumpkin Scones without being overly crumbly. Mild pumpkin brings color and a moist texture to these tea time treats. Recipe shared with permission granted by Kate Carlisle, author of THE GRIM READER.

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

Brooklyn and her new hunky husband, Derek, are excited to be guests at Dharma’s first annual Book Festival. The entire town is involved and Brooklyn’s mom Rebecca is taking charge. In addition to all of her other event related duties, she’s got Brooklyn doing rare book appraisals and is also staging Little Women, the musical to delight the festival goers. If that wasn’t enough, she and Meg—Derek’s mom—will have a booth where they read palms and tarot cards.

Brooklyn couldn’t be prouder of her mom’s do-it-all attitude so when a greedy local businessman who seems intent on destroying Dharma starts harassing Rebecca, Brooklyn is ready to take him down. Rebecca is able to hold her own with the nasty jerk until one of her fellow festival committee members is brutally murdered and the money for the festival seems to have vanished into thin air.
Things get even more personal when one of Brooklyn’s nearest and dearest is nearly run down in cold blood. Brooklyn and Derek go into attack mode and the pressure is on to catch a spineless killer before they find themselves skipping the festival for a funeral.

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Kate Carlisle for providing one lucky winner with a print advance copy of THE GRIM READER! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, June 14, 2020 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet streusel complements the cinnamon in these Maple-Pumpkin Scones without being overly crumbly. Mild pumpkin brings color and a moist texture to these tea time treats. Recipe shared with permission granted by Kate Carlisle, author of THE GRIM READER.

Print
Streusel-Topped Maple-Pumpkin Scones
Ingredients
Maple Sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Streusel Topping
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons maple-sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon butter
Scones
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2-1/4 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup maple-sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup cold butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon cream, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Maple Sugar

  1. Stir together maple and sugar with a fork until well combined. Set aside.

Streusel Topping

  1. Whisk the flour and sugar until well combined. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter. Set aside.

Scones
  1. Place pumpkin in a sieve over a bowl so the pumpkin will drain. If possible, do this the night before and put the sieve and bowl in the fridge because cold ingredients make for flaky scones.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put in the fridge.
  3. Sift together the flour through nutmeg. Whisk in the sugar. Cut the butter into ¼-inch chunks. Add to the dry ingredients and cut in with a pastry blender or two butter knives until the mixture has a crumb-like texture.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin, ¼ cup of cream and vanilla. Fold into the dry ingredients just until it pulls together into a ball. If necessary, add cream one teaspoon at a time. Don’t overwork.
  5. Place the ball on the parchment-lined baking sheet and pat down into a 10-inch circle. Slice into 8 wedges and pull apart so each scone is separate. Brush with cream. Top with streusel. Bake until scones are brown on bottom and streusel is golden on top, about 20-25 minutes.

Sweet streusel complements the cinnamon in these Maple-Pumpkin Scones without being overly crumbly. Mild pumpkin brings color and a moist texture to these tea time treats. Recipe shared with permission granted by Kate Carlisle, author of THE GRIM READER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Sweet streusel complements the cinnamon in these Maple-Pumpkin Scones without being overly crumbly. Mild pumpkin brings color and a moist texture to these tea time treats. Recipe shared with permission granted by Kate Carlisle, author of THE GRIM READER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Sweet streusel complements the cinnamon in these Maple-Pumpkin Scones without being overly crumbly. Mild pumpkin brings color and a moist texture to these tea time treats. Recipe shared with permission granted by Kate Carlisle, author of THE GRIM READER.

Cowgirl Cookies

I’m thrilled to announce my new book, SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION, releases tomorrow, June 2, 2020! To celebrate, I’m participating in lots of giveaways on several blogs. You can view the schedule of “appearances” at the bottom of the page. On this post today, I’m sharing my recipe for Cowgirl Cookies which is a riff on the quintessential Cowboy Cookies for a little girl’s party that my protagonist, Emory, helps cater. Brown sugar based cookie dough is stuffed full of oats, chocolate chips, coconut, marshmallows, and walnuts for a substantial mouthwatering cookie. I’m also offering a chance to win your choice of a print or an e-book copy of my book along with some fun cupcake baking items! Scroll through to enter and see the recipe.

If you haven’t done so already, there’s still time to purchase an e-book copy at the low price of only $0.99! Click here to go to Amazon:

SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION

Print is also available.

 

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

One glass of cheap California chardonnay cost Emory Gosser Martinez her husband, her job, and her best friend. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of her troubles.

Distraught after discovering the betrayal by her husband and best friend, Tori, cupcake caterer Emory Martinez allows her temper to flare. Several people witness her very public altercation with her ex-friend. To make matters worse, Tori exacts her revenge by posting a fake photo of Emory in a compromising situation, which goes viral on social media. When Tori is found murdered, all signs point to Emory being the prime suspect.

With the police investigation focused on gathering evidence to convict her, Emory must prove her innocence while whipping up batches of cupcakes and buttercream. Delving into the past of her murdered ex-friend, she finds other people had reasons to want Tori dead, including Emory’s own husband. Can she find the killer, or will the clues sprinkled around the investigation point the police back to her?

 

 

 

One lucky winner will win their choice of either print or an e-book copy of SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION plus some cupcake baking goodies which includes 2 cupcake potholders, cupcake batter measuring cup, cupcake-themed tongs and cake tester, and cupcake wrappers! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, June 7, 2020 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!)

For those outside the U.S., I’m happy to offer 1 winner e-book copies of both my books SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION and A GAME OF DECEIT via BookFunnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cowgirl Cookies are the riff to Cowboy Cookies for a little girl's party. Brown sugar based cookie dough is stuffed full of oats, chocolate chips, coconut, marshmallows, and walnuts for a substantial mouthwatering cookie. Recipe from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

Print
Cowgirl Cookies
Ingredients
  • 1-1/4 cups (6.25 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups (10.5 ounces) packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/4 cups (3.75 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (4.4 ounces) walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup (3 ounces sweetened) shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (2 ounces) mini marshmallows
Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together and set aside the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the flour mixture and, once it is fully incorporated, stir in the oats, walnuts, coconut, marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
  3. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
  5. Portion the dough into 2 tablespoon-sized scoops and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Make sure there is at least 2 inches between cookies to allow room to spread.
  6. Bake cookies, one sheet at a time, 12-15 minutes, until edges start to turn golden brown. The centers should remain slightly undercooked. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
  7. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Cowgirl Cookies are the riff to Cowboy Cookies for a little girl's party. Brown sugar based cookie dough is stuffed full of oats, chocolate chips, coconut, marshmallows, and walnuts for a substantial mouthwatering cookie. Recipe from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Cowgirl Cookies are the riff to Cowboy Cookies for a little girl's party. Brown sugar based cookie dough is stuffed full of oats, chocolate chips, coconut, marshmallows, and walnuts for a substantial mouthwatering cookie. Recipe from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Blog Appearances & Giveaways

June 2, 2020 – Dru’s Book Musings

June 26, 2020 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews

June 13 – 19, 2020 – Kings River Life Magazine

June 21, 2020 – Kings River Life – Father’s Day Cupcake Recipe

 

SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION GREAT ESCAPES VIRTUAL TOUR 

June 1 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – Diary of a Book Fiend – REVIEW

June 1 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW

June 2 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

June 2 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

June 2 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW  

June 3 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

June 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 3 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

June 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW  

June 4 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

June 4 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 5 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

June 5 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 6 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic– SPOTLIGHT

June 6 – La libreria di Beppe – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

June 7 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

June 8 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

June 9 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – REVIEW

June 9 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT

June 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 10 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

June 10 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

 

 

Cowgirl Cookies are the riff to Cowboy Cookies for a little girl's party. Brown sugar based cookie dough is stuffed full of oats, chocolate chips, coconut, marshmallows, and walnuts for a substantial mouthwatering cookie. Recipe from cozy mystery SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION by Kim Davis.