I recently had the pleasure of not only meeting author Ellen Byron at the Ladies of Intrigue in Huntington Beach, but also sitting at her table during the conference and luncheon. I was intrigued (pun intended..lol!) with her Cajun Country Mystery series and picked up her latest release, BODY ON THE BAYOU. I was instantly transported to the Pelican State and into a locale that exudes the charm of the South.
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Synopsis
Magnolia Marie Crozat, aka Maggie, has been drafted to serve as Maid of Honor to Doucet Plantation’s co-docent, Vanessa Fleer. Maggie would rather skip being a part of the very pregnant bride-to-be’s festivities but feels sorry for the young woman. She also hopes it will give her a chance to smooth things out with the Crozat family’s arch-enemy and soon-to-be groom, Police Chief Rufus Durand. Unfortunately, nothing goes according to plan and Maggie is soon scrambling to host parties for the bridal couple and house the bride’s obnoxious cousin, Ginger, at the Crozat family’s B & B.
When Ginger is found dead in the bayou on the Crozat B & B’s property, Maggie knows she need to find the real killer since Rufus Durand would like to pin the murder on her family. But as she starts asking questions and digging into Ginger’s life, she finds too many people hated her, including Ginger’s own cousin, the bride-to-be, Vanessa. Maggie’s Maid of Honor duties now include keeping the bride out of jail and getting her to the church on time. Will she be able find the the murderer or will the wedding plans be derailed?
My Review
While this is the second book in the series (and yes, I will be reading the first one!) it was easy to read as a standalone. Ellen provides just enough backstory so I felt like I knew the characters and never got lost. The small town setting of Pelican, Louisiana, will draw you in and make you feel like you’re in bayou country. Local Cajun traditions, superstitions, and names are sprinkled throughout the book adding flavor to a fun, zany at times, read. Maggie has a very close, loving relationship with her family which includes both her parents and her grandmother. They work well together running the family’s B & B. Maggie also has a romance simmering with Detective Bo Durand, but with the bad blood between his cousin, Rufus, and her family, they keep it hidden. Bo has a young non-verbal autistic son who blossoms with Maggie’s art tutoring. The scenes are heartwarming and the subplots blend in with the mystery without detracting.
Along with an authentic setting and charming characters, Ellen provides a few delectable recipes with her book. She’s allowed me to share her recipe for Bananas Foster Coffee Cake a la Ninette (who is Maggie’s mother). I, for one, did not realize that Bananas Foster was created in New Orleans! This recipe foregoes the dramatic flambé but still offers plenty of flavor with a rich, moist coffee cake and a cinnamon-spiced crunchy topping. Both my husband and granddaughter (independently) did not want to try this dish since they don’t care for bananas in breads or cakes. However, I insisted they had to take one bite….which instantly changed their minds and they oohed and aahed over its yumminess! I had to limit how much they munched on since other people wanted to eat the coffee cake too. Easy to put together with pantry staples and a few ripe bananas, Bananas Foster Coffee Cake a la Ninette is the perfect dish for a holiday breakfast or brunch!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
I am happy to be able to provide an autographed hardcover copy of BODY ON THE BAYOU for one lucky winner! Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided (3 at a time)
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce banana liqueur (note: if you don't have this, use 3 ounces rum)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 2/3 cup Bisquick baking mix
- 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F), with rack at center level of the oven.
- Spritz an 8" x 8" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the dark brown sugar and stir to combine.
- Add the rum and banana liqueur and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often to blend the ingredients and keep them from crystallizing.
- Add the banana chunks and cook for 2 - 3 more minutes, gently stirring to coat the bananas with the thickening liquid.
- Scrape the caramelized banana mixture into a medium heatproof bowl.
- Use your spatula to break up the bananas into small pieces (but don't mash them into pulp.)
- Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter until melted, then add the vanilla.
- Let the mixture cool down until moderately warm, then quickly whisk in the eggs.
- Place the 2 cups of Bisquick in another medium-sized bowl and add the wet ingredients. Stir together.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, then cut in the butter. Use a pastry blender to combine ingredients until the streusel is crumbly.
- Put half the cake batter in the cake pan.
- Top with half the streusel.
- Top that with the rest of the cake batter and then cover that with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake for 35 - 45 minutes, until the center is firm.
- Serves 6 - 8.
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Yes, I have visited the bayou. I’ve been to Louisiana several times. Thank you for the chance to win.
I never been there but I would love to go. This sounds very good thanks, and a new Author for me
Penney
I’ve been to Louisiana several times and, yes, I have visited a bayou.
I visited Louisiana once back in the 60s but didn’t visit a bayou.
I have been to Louisiana many times as I live in Texas and we are neighbors. I love the state and it’s many rich traditions.
i have never been to the bayou, i have been to new orleans. thanks for the chance.
I have been to New Orleans but not to the bayou yet.
Never have visited, but I would love to.
Nice post. Never been to the bayou’s but have been to Tennessee. Looks like a great cake. Will have to try
I visited New Orleans about 17 years ago. I’ve always wanted to go back! Thanks.
Oh this banana foster coffee cake looks awesome. I’ll have to try it soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the giveaway.
No, I’ve never been to the Bayou, would like to one day though.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this before. I love bananas and it sounds amazing! This book is definitely on my to read list too!
This looks like a really interesting read. The recipe looks so yummy. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book and sharing this recipe!
I have visited yet, but someday…
I had to watch the video to clarify that the butter, eggs, and booze are all the liquids used.
Sounds mighty tasty.
I’m so glad the video helped!
I haven’t been on the bayou but have read a lot of books by Linda Joyce that are about the bayou!
I’ve never been lucky enough to travel to Louisiana—-but I’d sure like to get down there and visit the bayou.
I have been to the bayou about 3 to 4 times. I adore Louisiana, and food just tested better there!
I’ve never been to the bayou. I haven’t really been too far away from California at all. I get car sick so traveling, while I love going places, doesn’t hold quite as strong an appeal to me as it might for someone else.
I visited New Orleans and took a tour on the bayou. It was interesting watching gators come after the marshmellows
I have not ever been to the Bayou or New Orleans but love reading stories written with their settings in that location. There are so many myths and legends held there and no book could ever be boring as long as they are based there. Thanks for the giveaway.
Yes, I have been to the bayou and was surprised at how beautiful and peaceful it is, despite the dangers that lurk in the water and on the land. I wouldn’t even have seen the gators if they hadn’t been pointed out to us. I love the beauty of the Antebellum South and it is one of my favorite places to visit. Can’t wait to read “Body on the Bayou”.
I have never visited the bayou, but there are several favorite films and books set in the bayou. It is a delightful culture, language, and culinary treats…it’s on my ‘bucket list.’
We visited the bayou in Closed to the border of Mississippi and Louisiana. We went on a alligator tour. That was neat. Got to hold a baby alligator. Would love to win a autographed hardcover copy of Body On The Bayou. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I would love to visit New Orleans
I have never been to new Orleans! From what I see its so unique! Always wanted to go there
No, I haven’t been to the bayou, but I did go to a Sugar Bowl in New Orleans many years ago! Had a great time even though my team lost by a wide margin!
I drove through there years end years ago but have never visited. I would love to.
I have been to Louisiana several times and have visited the bayou. Thanks for the chance to win!
No, I have never visited there.
Thank you for the chance to read about it!
Nice take on an old favourite! Thank you for the recipe, the review, and a chance to win the book.
the Louisiana bayou is beautiful and mystical! have been there 3 times
I have never visited the bayou but I would love to one day
No, but, would love to.
I have never visited the bayou but would love to some day.
I have never visited the bayou but would love to.
I love the bayou and all of Louisiana….wonderful mystical place
Have not visited NOLA. Sounds like a good read.
Thank-you for the opportunity.
I have never visited there, thanks for the giveaway!
Never been to New Orleans but love too. The food talks to me.
I have visited Louisiana …both Baton Rouge and New Orleans…but only passing through. The Book sounds fascinating. Thank you for the chance.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I haven’t visited Louisiana. But would love to someday
Thank you all so much for your comments! I haven’t had a chance to respond individually, but I’m so grateful for your interest in my books and in the fascinating area that I write about.
Yes I have visited the bayou! It was awesome!
I haven’t ever been to the bayou! Its one of the places e seen but not been there, I haven’t read any of your books, they look so interesting!!!
Unfortunately, I have never visited the bayou!