Kim, Author at Cinnamon and Sugar

Auspicious Almond Cookies

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

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

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

Amazon Synopsis

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

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

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

A special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for offering a print copy of STAR-CROSSED EGG TARTS to one lucky winner! Contest ends January 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Auspicious Almond Cookies

Makes about 24 (2 dozen) cookies

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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

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

Rustic Vineyard Grape and Rosemary Flatbread

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

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What it’s about:

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

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

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

Rustic Vineyard Grape & Rosemary Flatbread

By Sophie Brooks @thewanderingfork

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

Ingredients

For the dough:

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

For the topping:

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

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

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

Preheat the Oven

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

Shape the Dough

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

Add the Toppings

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

Bake the Flatbread

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

Serve Warm

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

Wine Pairing

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

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 6 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

January 6 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

January 7 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

January 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

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

January 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 10 – Angel’s Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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

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

January 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 13 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 13 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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

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

January 15 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

January 16 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

January 17 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 17 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

January 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

January 19 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

About Daisy Landish:

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

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

Purchase Links: – Amazon – B & N – Publisher – Apple – Smashwords – Everand – fable

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.