Kim, Author at Cinnamon and Sugar

Spanish Chocolate Cake

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MURDER ONCE REMOVED is the delightful debut novel by S.C. Perkins and I was fascinated by the premise of this first book in the Ancestry Mystery series! Protagonist, Lucy Lancaster, uses genealogy (combing through websites, library archives and DNA) to solve a long ago murder mystery while tracking down a current day killer. Lucy is the epitome of southern sassiness with a big ol’ side helping of creative intelligence. I adore her interaction with her best friends, Serena and Josephine along with the purported former drug lord turn restaurant owner, Flaco of Big Flaco’s Tacos (whose food descriptions will have you drooling). Their repartee gives opportunities for some humorous one-liners and laugh out loud moments which kept me highly entertained. Ms. Perkins has created great character development and descriptive voice even for minor characters. She effectively uses the flavors of food, language, and the historical sites of Austin to bring the setting to life and make the reader feel like they’re right there.

The book grabbed my attention from the very first sentence and kept me glued to the pages. The murder plots from both 1849 and current day are well entwined. I was fascinated with the amount of research the author obviously has done to understand and explain the process of genealogy, without making it complicated for the reader. Ms. Perkins also interjects some interesting history about the State of Texas without detracting from the pace. As the threads of the story are woven together and suspects are considered and then abandoned, Lucy finds herself working with the FBI, particularly a handsome agent who is also a history professor. This is a fun twist to a potential romantic attraction. The exciting reveal was fast paced, keeping me on the edge of my seat, yet never felt rushed. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this well-written debut!

While there aren’t any recipes included in the book, there’s a huge variety of food mentioned that had me craving tacos, cookies, casseroles and cupcakes! After finding the murder victim, Lucy and her best friend bake up casseroles and Chocolate Cinnamon Cake to take to the victim’s co-workers because “that’s what good Southern girls do”. Ms. Perkins graciously has allowed me to share her recipe for Spanish Chocolate Cake which is a delicious recipe passed down to her from her late Nana… which makes it all that more special! Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy touch to the rich, moist cake while buttery pecans add crunch to the fudgy frosting creating a delectable dessert to serve to family and friends.

Amazon Synopsis

Except for a good taco, genealogist Lucy Lancaster loves nothing more than tracking down her clients’ long-dead ancestors, and her job has never been so exciting as when she discovers a daguerreotype photograph and a journal that prove Austin, Texas, billionaire Gus Halloran’s great-great grandfather was murdered back in 1849. What’s more, Lucy is able to tell Gus who was responsible for his ancestor’s death.

Partly, at least. Using clues from the journal, Lucy narrows the suspects down to two nineteenth-century Texans, one of whom is the ancestor of present-day U.S. senator Daniel Applewhite. But when Gus publicly outs the senator as the descendant of a murderer―with the accidental help of Lucy herself―and her former co-worker is murdered protecting the daguerreotype, Lucy will find that shaking the branches of some family trees proves them to be more twisted and dangerous than she ever thought possible.

A special thanks to S.C. Perkins for providing a winner with a hardcover copy of MURDER ONCE REMOVED. Contest ends Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to 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!)

Spanish Chocolate Cake

My father’s side of the family has been making this cake since it was given to my grandmother in 1970. It’s basically a variation of the classic Texas Sheet Cake, but we’ve always called it Spanish Chocolate Cake due to its wonderful cinnamon kick.

Ingredients

Cake ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon to 3 teaspoons cinnamon, depending on your tastes (recommended: 2 teaspoons
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
Pinch of cinnamon if desired
6 tablespoons whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream
16 ounces powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped into small pieces, plus extra for garnish if desired

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. If using a glass baking dish, turn the oven down to 325 degrees.
Use a 9 x 13 sheet pan, lightly buttered and floured, or lined with parchment paper.

Cake instructions:

Combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Heat butter, cocoa, and water to a boil, and then pour over the flour mixture.
Add the buttermilk, baking soda, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix all ingredients and pour into prepared 9 x 13 pan.
Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

Icing Ingredients:

Using a saucepan on low heat, cook butter, cocoa, a pinch of cinnamon if desired, until blended. Add milk or cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pecans, and mix to combine.
Once the cake has been cooled and iced, garnish with additional pecans if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tip

Make sure to spread the icing as soon as you make it. It sets up quickly.

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Sprinkled with Fun Cookies

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SPRINKLED IN MALICE, the seventh book in the Cookies & Chance Mystery series by Catherine Bruns captured my attention from the very first page with its endearing introduction to protagonist Sally Muccio Donovan. We also meet her best friend, sidekick, and baker all rolled into one feisty woman: Josie. I was lulled into a sense of well-being, reading with a smile on my face, enjoying the fun Sally is planning to celebrate her husband’s birthday when wham… the action starts and it was an edge of your seat read from then on out. Ms. Bruns has written a well-plotted mystery that brings the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions. There are plenty of suspects that kept me guessing and the subplots add to the layers of entertainment. The conclusion and wrap up of the story left me cheering and made SPRINKLED IN MALICE one of my new favorites in this series so far.

I also greatly enjoy how the author expertly inserts just enough humor to lighten the mood at the right times using Sally’s parents and grandmother. In particular her father, Domenic Muccio, brings outrageous shenanigans to the page. His “Father of Death” blog and his new book covering the subject of death, had me laughing out loud. Sally’s Grandma Rosa is adorable as she manages to mix up cliché sayings with cute results. I never knew there were so many clichés out there, but Ms. Bruns provides ample examples over the course of this series.

Sally’s bakery sells mouthwatering cookies to the community. While Josie is the full-time baker, Sally is trying to learn and increase her baking skills by starting out with some easy to make recipes. I was delighted when Catherine asked if I’d like to provide a recipe for her book and I loved the theme of sprinkles… and knew my granddaughters would love any cookies that utilized lots of sprinkles too. While I bake all kinds of cookies, sometimes it’s nice to have a basic, mix up in minutes, type of recipe so I came up with Sprinkled with Fun Cookies which start with a cake mix. These cake-like cookies take mere minutes to scoop onto a baking sheet and the grandkids and their parents alike, loved the taste. I’ve made these several times, swapping out the colors of the sprinkles, to fit whatever holiday theme I need to serve them at, making them versatile year round.

Amazon Synopsis

Spring has officially arrived, and while the weather outside may still be frightful, Sally Muccio is feeling especially delightful as she prepares a family dinner in honor of her husband’s birthday. Sal’s determined to make it an unforgettable night for Mike and even includes homemade fortune cookies like the ones her bakery serves, with messages personalized for each guest.

The evening is memorable, but not as Sal had hoped, when Mike and a friend find themselves in the middle of an armed robbery…and only one will make it out alive. It’s just the beginning of more grief for Sal, who soon discovers the robbery is related to a scheme that spells financial ruin for her family. Add in her morbid father’s book signing at the bakery complete with coffin shaped cookies, a sister who won’t stop eating them, and an accidental gig at a local strip club, and Sal once again finds herself in deep dough. Only this time, there may not be a way out…

A special thanks to Catherine Bruns for providing a winner with their choice of print or an e-book copy of SPRINKLED IN MALICE. Contest ends Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 11:59 pm PST. Print is limited to 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!)

Sprinkled with Fun Cookies

Ingredients

1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 oz.)
1 egg
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting*

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (optional, but helps develop crust on frosting)
Pinch of salt
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 - 3 tablespoons half and half or milk

Garnish

1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until completely combined.
Scoop cookie dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll into a ball. Place on prepared baking sheets and lightly flatten the dough balls with either your hands or a spatula.
Bake, one pan at a time, for 9 - 11 minutes. The tops of the cookies should start to crack a bit but the centers should remain soft.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then remove to a wire cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

In the bowl of a standing mixer, whip the butter, vegetable shortening (if using) and a pinch of salt until creamy, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
Reduce the speed of the mixer to low and slowly add in approximately half of the confectioners' sugar and beat until incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons half and half (or milk) and beat until smooth.
Beat in the remaining confectioners' sugar.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes. If frosting is too stiff, slowly add additional half and half until desired consistency is reached.
Frost the completely cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles. Allow the frosting to set before storing in an airtight container.

Tips

For seasonal-themed Sprinkled with Fun cookies, substitute 15.25 ounces white or yellow cake mix for the Funfetti mix. Gently stir in 1/3 - 1/2 cup seasonal-colored sprinkles to the batter AFTER all the cookie ingredients have been mixed together. Bake according to directions above.
*Feel free to use your favorite pre-made canned frosting.

Notes

Makes 30 - 32 cookies

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Gluten-Free Banana Cupcakes

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SOMETHING READ, SOMETHING DEAD is the fifth book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates (aka Vicki Delany) and I’m so happy that this series has continued to flourish with its new publisher. The protagonist, Lucy Richardson, lives and works in the coolest spot imaginable: a lighthouse turned library! This Outer Banks setting in Nags Head, North Carolina is brought to life by the author, who weaves a tale of murder, stalking, and a disintegrating lighthouse into wedding celebrations. The backdrop is set amidst unpleasant out-of-town family descending upon the town to sow their discord. The drama that ensues is enough to make the bride, Josie, want to follow through on her wishes to elope, or hide out until the disagreeable guests have left town. Ms. Gates has created well-developed characters and allowed her protagonist to shine in the face of adversity as Lucy supports her cousin/best friend, Josie. Some of the out-of-town guests are nasty people and it wasn’t hard to think that someone, or even many people, would want to do away with one of them.

Ms. Gates also weaves in a few subplots that effectively kept me guessing about who the culprit was with a unique twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. The entire town is also pulled into the drama when a huge crack is discovered at the lighthouse library and the safety of the building is questionable. It provided an uplifting way to showcase the small-town spirit and the heartwarming conclusion left me cheering for Lucy and her friends and counting down the days until the next book!

While there aren’t any recipes in this series, the bride-to-be, Josie, owns a bakery while her fiancé owns Jake’s Seafood Bar. There are so many yummy mentions of food and Ms. Gates has kindly shared her recipe for Gluten-Free Banana Cupcakes as served at Josie’s bridal shower held at the lighthouse. These moist cupcakes rely more on the bananas for their richness and flavor instead of being heavy on butter or oil, which I truly appreciate. I left a few cupcakes unfrosted and served them as breakfast cupcakes (aka muffins) which was a hit with my granddaughters. Note: If you don’t have to eat a gluten-free diet, feel free to substitute regular all-purpose flour. But if you must eat gluten-free, you’ll feel spoiled when you bite into one of these delectable mini cakes!

Amazon Synopsis

Dark deeds in the Lighthouse Library threaten to send Lucy Richardson’s soon-to-be-wed cousin Josie to an early ‘til-death-do-us-part.

Winter falls on North Carolina’s Outer Banks as Lucy Richardson and her friends joyfully help her favorite cousin, Josie O’Malley, plan her wedding. The owner and head baker of Josie’s Cozy Bakery and her fiancé, chef Jake Greenblatt, want a small, simple wedding.

But to their horror, Josie’s imperious grandmother, Gloria, descends with the “Louisiana Mafia”: a gaggle of aunts and cousins who intend to take control of the wedding plans. Gloria doesn’t do small and simple, and cousin Mirabelle has her own ideas for Josie’s wedding, something grand and lavish—and paid for by Josie’s parents, of course—that will kickstart her fledgling event planning business and get her work shown on the covers of wedding magazines. To make matters worse, Mirabelle focuses her full Southern charm on the prospective groom…and Jake doesn’t seem entirely adverse to her attentions.

To smooth the waters, Lucy hosts a bridal shower at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. But it turns deadly when Mirabelle collapses—soon after eating the gluten-free treats Josie prepared specifically for her. Now, to save her favorite cousin from prison, Lucy will have to bring a crook to book in this fifth festive Lighthouse Library mystery from national bestselling author Eva Gates.

A special thanks to Eva Gates for providing a winner with a hardcover copy of SOMETHING READ SOMETHING DEAD. Contest ends Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. and Canadian 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!)

Gluten-Free Banana Cupcakes

Its January in the Outer Banks, and Lucy Richardson and her friends are joyfully helping her favorite cousin, Josie O'Malley, plan her wedding in Something Read Something Dead. Lucy and Josie’s mother throw a shower at the Lighthouse Library, and Josie, being Josie, insists on doing the baking herself. Two of the desserts she makes are gluten-free, including these tasty cupcakes.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (6 tablespoons total)
2 eggs, room temperature
2 medium overripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, mashed banana, and buttermilk and continue to beat until combined.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just till combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling 2/3 full (about 1/4 cup of batter per cupcake).
Bake for 23-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting with your favorite frosting.

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Eggnog Scones

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BROKEN BONE CHINA, the twentieth book in the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs is an entertaining addition to an enduring series. Protagonist, Theodosia Browning, is owner of the charming Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina. During her shop’s catering job at the Top Flight Balloon Club event, Theodosia and her tea sommelier, Drayton, are witness to a horrific calamity when a drone collides with one of the balloons. I’m impressed by the way the author uses a technical and unique murder method… the tragedy could have been pulled from current day news headlines. Ms. Childs brings the action to life, starting from the very first pages, and her description of Theodosia’s balloon ride reinforces my determination that I never want to give it a try myself.

I greatly enjoyed the interaction between Theodosia and Drayton, who are long-time friends. They work well together, both at the shop and in their search for finding the murderer. Their hunt involves a priceless American Revolutionary war flag which gives the reader a peek into historic places and architectural sites. As the duo ask questions and dig into the victims’ pasts, they find many suspects to focus on. The clues are scattered throughout the story and just when I would think I had it figured out, a new clue pointed me in a completely different direction.

Ms. Childs sprinkles her tale of murder with specialty tea events at Theodosia’s shop, like a Nancy Drew Tea, a Beaux Arts Tea, and a Floral Tea Cups competition, in which miniature floral arrangements are created in tea cups… brilliant! She also provides lovely ideas for hosting your own tea party at the back of the book along with delicious recipes. I was drawn to the recipe for Eggnog Scones, which are flaky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth yummy. While eggnog might not be available year round, this recipe is worthwhile to keep for the holiday season. But just in case you don’t want to wait that long, I’ve provided an eggnog recipe to make at home. These scones are an amazing accompaniment to tea or for a special breakfast treat.

Amazon Synopsis
It is Sunday afternoon, and Theodosia and Drayton are catering a formal tea at a hot-air balloon rally. The view aloft is not only stunning, they are also surrounded by a dozen other colorful hot-air balloons. But as the sky turns gray and the clouds start to boil up, a strange object zooms out of nowhere. It is a drone, and it appears to be buzzing around the balloons, checking them out.

As Theodosia and Drayton watch, the drone, hovering like some angry, mechanized insect, deliberately crashes into the balloon next to them. An enormous, fiery explosion erupts, and everyone watches in horror as the balloon plummets to the earth, killing all three of its passengers.

Sirens scream, first responders arrive, and Theodosia is interviewed by the police. During the interview she learns that one of the downed occupants was Don Kingsley, the CEO of a local software company, SyncSoft. Not only do the police suspect Kingsley as the primary target, they learn that he possessed a rare Revolutionary War Union Jack flag that several people were rabidly bidding on.

Intrigued, Theodosia begins her own investigation. Was it the CEO’s soon-to-be ex-wife, who is restoring an enormous mansion at no expense? The CEO’s personal assistant, who also functioned as curator of his prized collection of Americana? Two rival antiques’ dealers known for dirty dealing? Or was the killer the fiancée of one of Theodosia’s dear friends, who turns out to be an employee—and whistle-blower—at SyncSoft?

A special thanks to Laura Childs for providing a winner with a signed hardcover copy of BROKEN BONE CHINA. Contest ends Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to 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!)

Eggnog Scones

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons butter, cubed and softened
1 egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup eggnogg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
Combine egg, sour cream, and eggnog in a separate dish, then add to dry mixture. Combine until mixture holds together. If needed, a splash more of eggnog can be added.
Pat dough into a large circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Now cut dough into 10 to 12 triangles and place on a well-greased (or parchment-lined) baking sheet.
Bake scones for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Hint:

For a sweet topping, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons eggnog and drizzle over scones.

I’ve made eggnog for numerous years when eggnog is out of season at the grocery stores. I’ve scaled the recipe down so there won’t be a huge amount left over after making this recipe.

Homemade Eggnog

Ingredients

1 egg
Pinch of salt
2-1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of fresh grated nutmeg

Instructions

In a heavy pot, whisk together sugar, salt, egg, and vanilla.

In a microwave safe container, heat the whole milk in the microwave until very warm (I use the beverage button on my microwave.)

Once heated, whisk the milk very slowly into egg mixture.

Place over low heat and stir constantly until mixture reaches 160 degrees. (If you don’t have a thermometer, mixture will be thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon with a thin film. However, for safety, a thermometer is a must.)

Remove mixture from heat upon reaching 160 degrees and add heavy cream and the grated nutmeg. Stir to combine.

Use a fine mesh strainer and strain eggnog before chilling.

Eggnog should be consumed within 3 days.

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Lucy’s Date-Stuffed Cookies

I’m excited to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour introducing ONE FETA IN THE GRAVE! This third book in the Kebab Kitchen Mystery series, by Tina Kashian, is a delightful sun-drenched, seaside cozy mystery. The author brings small-town Jersey shore and boardwalk culture to life. The reader will feel like they are immersing themselves in the last hurrah of hot summer days with a sand sculpture contest, a wine and food festival featuring local restaurants, and carnival rides. You can smell the Coppertone, taste the cold ice cream, and hear the laughter, until murder brings the festive atmosphere to a screeching halt… I love the way Ms. Kashian uses words to paint vivid pictures of both her settings and her characters. She wraps the theme of family and friendship into the story with heartwarming results.

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Ms. Kashian brings protagonist, Lucy Berberian, and the supporting cast to a tightly-developed plot. Lucy would rather not get involved in murder, especially given her previous close calls with killers. Even though she knows the town is suffering financial distress by the interruption to their last summer tourist event, she’s determined to let the town’s detective (who dislikes Lucy and her family) solve the case. I loved seeing how the author weaves her tale, pulling Lucy into getting involved despite her reluctance. I find it adds to the creativity of the plot and avoids the “just because of curiosity” excuse. It also gives Lucy more of a human connection to the other characters in the book, allowing the reader to relate more. The exciting conclusion wraps the threads of the plot and subplot together for a satisfying and entertaining read!

Lucy is a first generation American with an Armenian, Greek, and Lebanese heritage. When her parents immigrated to the Jersey shore, they opened their Kebab Kitchen restaurant which Lucy now manages. While Lucy isn’t much of a cook, her mother is inspiring her to learn. Thankfully, Lucy isn’t the chef and instead, the mouthwatering food coming from the kitchen belongs to Lucy’s romantic interest, Azad. Fortunately for the reader, Ms. Kashian includes several recipes at the back of the book. They all sound fantastic! I chose to feature her recipe for Date Stuffed Cookies. The sweet, cinnamon-y filling is encased in flaky cookie dough, so it’s almost like a mini turnover. I loved the ease of working with the dough and my taste testers loved the flavor… even those who said they didn’t like dates! For a fun change from regular flat cookies, I’ll be making these to add elegance to my holiday cookie platters.

Amazon Synopsis

As summer comes to an end in her Jersey Shore town, Lucy Berberian continues to manage her family’s Mediterranean restaurant. The Kebab Kitchen also has a food tent at this year’s beach festival. But now a local businessman is under the boardwalk—dead by the sea …

With a sand castle contest and live music, Ocean Crest bids a bittersweet farewell to tourist season. Summer will return next year … but Archie Kincaid won’t. The full-of-himself store owner has been fatally shot, soon after a screaming match with Lucy’s best friend. Katie’s far from the only suspect, though, since Archie had some bitter rivals—as well as some relationships no one knew about. It’s up to Lucy to look into some seedy characters and solve the case before the wrong person gets skewered …

A special thanks to Tina Kashian for providing FOUR copies (winner’s choice of print or digital) of ONE FETA IN THE GRAVE for four lucky winners! Contest ends March 10, 2019 and print is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The contest is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and the winner will be announced on this page as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

Lucy's Date-Stuffed Cookies

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1/2 pound (1 cup) unsalted, softened butter
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons sugar
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup warm water

For the Filling*

1-1/2 to 2 pounds pitted and chopped dates
1 tablespoon unsalted, softened butter
1 cup hot water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg, slightly beaten

Instructions

For the Dough:

Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix butter, oil and sugar. Add flour, baking powder, and water and mix on medium speed. The dough should be a soft, pliable consistency. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and set it aside for thirty to forty-five minutes at room temperature.
For the Filling:
Combine dates, butter, hot water, sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl and mix on medium speed until well combined.

Putting it together:

Flour a work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll out dough until about 1/8-inch thick. Use a two-inch round cookie cutter or a water glass to cut out a circle shape. Place one rounded teaspoon of date filling in the center of each circle shape. Fold into a half-circle shape. Using a fork, gently press the edges together to seal.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray baking sheets with cooking spray (or line of parchment paper).
Place cookies on baking sheets. Brush each cookie with egg wash. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. Cookies should be golden, not brown. Lift cookies with a spatula and place them on cooling racks.
Makes about two - three dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note:

I found I only needed half of the filling for all of the dough. 1-1/2 pounds of dates (without pits) was too much.
I love the look of sparkling sugar on cookies, so sprinkled a bit on some of the cookies after I applied the egg wash.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 26 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW
February 26 – The Book Diva’s Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST
February 26 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
February 27 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
February 27 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
February 27 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT
February 28 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
February 28 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
February 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
March 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
March 1 – Christa Reads and Writes – GUEST POST
March 2 – Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW
March 2 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
March 2 – Brooke Blogs – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
March 3 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 4 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT
March 4 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
March 4 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 5 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW
March 5 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
March 6 – I’m All About Books – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 6 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW
March 7 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW
March 8 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
March 8 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW
March 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 9 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Peanut Butter and Spuds Candy

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MURDER IN AN IRISH PUB is the fourth book in the Irish Village Mysteries by Carlene O’Conner but the first I’ve gotten around to reading. I enjoyed it so much I’m determined to start at the beginning and catch up with this delightful series. Given the backstory about protagonist Siobhán O’Sullivan (pronounced “shiv + awn) and the multitude of siblings she is raising on her own, I would recommend starting with the first book. Despite not fully knowing the previous stories and what happened to the O’Sullivan broods’ parents, I was still captivated by the plot revolving around the international poker tournament being held in the Irish village. Ms. O’Conner captures the authentic feeling of Ireland and the small village with detailed descriptions and colloquial sayings and words which added a layer of charm. I had a good chuckle over the visual her description brought to mind when she wrote: “He had the face of a silver fox but the body of a lazy dog.” Her characters come to life and I especially liked Siobhán. Even though her family owns Naomi’s Bistro, Siobhán decided to follow her dreams and become Garda Sullivan, a policewoman. This is a bit different from other cozy amateur detectives, but she still portrays the cozy mystery spirit.

I was also greatly intrigued by the “locked room” scenario surrounding the murder. I found the author’s method impressive and quite clever to throw the investigators and the reader off from discovering the truth. I think it takes a lot of creativity to make it believable and the author pulls it together quite effectively. There are just enough clues to make the reader keep turning pages to see if Siobhán can figure it out (I certainly couldn’t but then again I was willing to go along for the ride instead of puzzling it out) and enough action to keep me turning pages faster and faster. A surprising reveal wrapped the ending up in a satisfying ending and makes me want to find out what Siobhán does next.

While the book doesn’t include recipes, Siobhán and her brothers and sisters own Naomi’s Bistro in the village of Kilbane. They produce a multitude of mouthwatering meals for their customers. Ms. O’Connor had the opportunity to meet Chef Noel McMeel at the Chicago Irish American Heritage Center earlier this year at the annual IBAM, Irish Books and Music festival. She was fortunate to have the chance to chat with the chef, who offered his permission for her to share his recipe for Peanut Butter and Spuds Candy. I’m happy that she passed along the recipe to me to share! Two simple ingredients produce a sweet confection while peanut butter provides a nice contrasting flavor and visual appeal in the rolled dough. This unique candy is sure to please anyone with a penchant for sweets!

Amazon Synopsis

When competing card sharps stir up Siobhán O’Sullivan’s quiet Irish village, a poker tournament turns into a game of Hangman . . .

In the small village of Kilbane in County Cork, for a cuppa tea or a slice of brown bread, you go to Naomi’s Bistro, managed by the many siblings of the lively O’Sullivan brood. For a pint or a game of darts—or for the poker tournament that’s just come to town—it’s the pub you want.

One player’s reputation precedes him: Eamon Foley, a tinker out of Dublin, called the Octopus for playing like he has eight hands under the table. But when Foley is found at the end of a rope, swinging from the rafters of Rory Mack’s pub, it’s time for the garda to take matters into their own hands. Macdara Flannery would lay odds it’s a simple suicide—after all, there’s a note and the room was locked. But Siobhán suspects foul play, as does Foley’s very pregnant widow. Perhaps one of Foley’s fellow finalists just raised the stakes to life and death.

With conflicting theories on the crime—not to mention the possibility of a proposal—tensions are running high between Siobhán and Macdara. Soon it’s up to Siobhán to call a killer’s bluff, but if she doesn’t play her cards right, she may be the next one taken out of the game . . .

A special thanks to Carlene O’Connor for providing a winner with a hardcover copy of MURDER IN AN IRISH PUB. Contest ends Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to 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!)

Peanut Butter and Spuds Candy

Recipe shared with permission granted by Chef Noel McMeel, author of Irish Pantry. "LIFE'S TOO SHORT NOT TO BE IRISH," they say. To show that I'm Irish through and through, I'm going to share my recipe that combines my favorite Irish thing, the potato, with enough sugar to make my sweet tooth sing. An unlikely pairing, maybe. But here's a case of the sum being even better than its parts.

Ingredients

1 small floury potato (such as russet)*
4 cups (400g) confectioners' sugar, plus more for rolling**
1/2 cup (125g) crunchy peanut butter

Instructions

Peel and cube the potato. Cover the potato with cold water in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Cook until the potato is fork-tender, then drain the potato through a colander and place the cubes in a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher until fluffy.
Sift the sugar into the potatoes a little at a time, stirring to mix. Don't panic when the potato gets watery. Keep adding the sugar until the mixture starts to look like dough.
Lay out parchment paper and sprinkle it with confectioners' sugar. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it's thinner than a piecrust but not falling apart.
Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until it's smooth but not runny, checking after each increment. Spread over the dough
Roll up from the long side like a jelly roll and put in the refrigerator for 2 hour, until firm.
Slice into small pieces. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Notes:

Makes about 1 pound candy.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

* U.S. potatoes are huge, often weighing over 1 pound! Pick a small potato that weights about 6 ounces.
** Depending on the size of your potato, you may need to use more confectioners' sugar. Just keep adding to the potato mixture, in small increments, until a pliable dough is formed.

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I’ll answer the comment questions here: Have you ever been to Ireland? No, but my husband and I are planning a trip this fall to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary! I loved getting a preview of Irish village life and an introduction to Irish words and people in this book.

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I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re interested in the IRISH PANTRY by Noel McMeel, click on the book to visit Amazon. Chef Noel McMeel is a chef from Northern Ireland, who is the executive head chef at Lough Erne Golf Resort and Hotel in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. He describes his cooking as “modern Irish cuisine”.

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