Last November I highlighted the second book in the Cajun Country Mystery series by Ellen Byron even though I had not read the first book (which was sitting on my Kindle, somehow lost among the hundreds of books I seem to have collected). So I decided I should catch up and read PLANTATION SHUDDERS, and boy, am I glad I did! This debut cozy transports the reader to the bayou town of Pelican, Louisiana with the residents’ local customs, colloquialisms, and manners. I enjoyed the bits and pieces of history on the Cajun and Creole families that were woven into the book. Maggie Crozat is a smart and sassy protagonist while her Grand-Mère adds charming humor and a provides a wonderful sounding board for her granddaughter. I enjoyed the close-knit family life Maggie is fortunate to have. There’s a depth of emotion that is felt as you read about their tribulations and joys, both personal and in running their family plantation mansion turned bed-and-breakfast, throughout the story.
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The murder mystery is unique in that first, one of the guests, a cranky, elderly man, drops dead in the middle of the Crozat’s cocktail hour. Unfortunately, within minutes the man’s wife drops dead too. The author creates scenes with tension and a diverse set of characters, each realistically contributing to the list of suspects. Maggie has strong motivation for finding the killer. Pelican’s Chief of Police would love to see Grand-Mère take the fall for the murder since his family has had 150 years of enmity with the Crozats. He will do almost anything to see them fail. The murder investigation also places a huge financial burden on the Crozat family, who are still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. The ending culminates with a suspenseful reveal that will have the reader wanting more!
Ellen also shares a few recipes at the back of the book, all which sound divine. She has graciously allowed me to share her recipe for Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding, especially fitting for celebrating Mardi Gras! While PLANTATION SHUDDERS does not take place during Mardi Gras, the story does center around the town celebrating Fete L’ete, an event which honors the end of summer. This decadent dessert includes both bourbon and pecans which have a natural affinity for each other and is a fitting end to any special occasion!
Amazon Synopsis
It’s the end of the summer and Prodigal Daughter Maggie Crozat has returned home to her family’s plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast in Louisiana. The Crozats have an inn full of guests for the local food festival–elderly honeymooners, the Cajun Cuties, a mysterious stranger from Texas, a couple of hipster lovebirds, and a trio of Georgia frat boys. But when the elderly couple keels over dead within minutes of each other–one from very unnatural causes– Maggie and the others suddenly become suspects in a murder.
With the help of Bo Durand, the town’s handsome new detective, Maggie must investigate to clear her name while holding the family business together at the same time. And the deeper she digs, the more she wonders: are all of the guests really there for a vacation or do they have ulterior motives? Decades-old secrets and stunning revelations abound in Ellen Byron’s charming cozy debut, Plantation Shudders.
A special thank you to Ellen Byron for providing a signed copy of PLANTATION SHUDDERS and some awesome swag for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST, and limited to U.S. residents only. 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
- 4-1/2 cups lightly packed bite-size croissant pieces (about 4 croissants)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup bourbon, plus 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
- Dry bread uncovered at room temperature for 12 hours (or dry the bread in a 250-degree (F) oven for one hour.)
- Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish
- Arrange the bread in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pecans over the bread, making sure they're evenly dispersed.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, 1/3 cup bourbon, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour mixture slowly and evenly over the bread.
- Cream the butter with the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of bourbon, then dot the pudding with the mixture.
- (Note: you can chill the pudding, covered, for anywhere from an hour to a day before baking, but this is optional.)
- Bake the pudding in the middle of the oven until it's slightly puffed and golden, and the middle has set - approximately 40 minutes.
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I have not, but the city has been on my bucket list of places to visit for a long time. Thanks for sharing the yummy sounding recipe in time for Marti Grad! And thanks for the chance to win!
I haven’t attended but was there on business the week once and watching the preparations was quite an experience.
Yes, went to Mardi Gras when i was in college-My uncle was in a Krewe so fun to see him all dressed up and the after party was crazy fun!
as always the recipe looks amazing. haven’t been to mardi gras. but i do enjoy king cake and jambalaya!
I have never celebrated it at all but I think I should start.
I don’t generally other than having pancakes for dinner. 🙂
I have never been to New Orleans at all, let alone in time to celebrate Mardi Gras. But I have always wanted to!
No, I’ve never been lucky enough! Would love to visit one day (anytime of the year, actually!) and celebrate the fun and madness! 🙂
No, I have not been lucky enough to visit. My friends and I have it on our to do list.
Never have, but I hope to someday. I did stay up last night watching festivities via FB, but I’m sure it’s NOTHING like being there.
Thank you for the chance! =)
Not for Mardi Gras. Was there one time in summer. Great city
Np. Never had the opportunity. But have done so in spirit. Recipe looks good. Books look great. Thanks for the chance to get them
This recipe sounds amazing! (I also like king cake and New Orleans!)
I haven’t been during Mardi Gras. I have been in New Orleans for a business trip. The recipe looks delish. Thanks for a chance to win!
No, but I think it would be fun!
No I have not attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I have been to New Orleans several times. I always enjoy visiting!
No, I’ve never been to New Orleans or celebrated Mardi Gras. Thanks for the chance to win.
I have been to New Orleans several times, but I have never been there for Mardi Gras.
I’ve never been to nola, always wanted to. A fb friend is there and posting pics & videos! Great giveaway, review & recipe! Thanks for the chance!
I have been to New Orleans for a wedding, but have never been there for Mardi Gras. Loved Cafe du Monde and their beignets and chicory coffee!
I have been to New Orleans but not during Mardi Gras. I love the beignets!
I have been to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans only one year. Way too many people. I would love to win a signed copy of Plantation Shudders. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
I’ve never been to New Orleans but love Bread pudding
I’ve never been to New Orleans but love Bread pudding will add this to my list of bread pudding
I’ve never had the pleasure of going to NOLA and definitely never for Mardi Gras but it looks amazing.
No i have been disabled for 32 years so have been battling a disease for all that time so going anywhere is out of the question but at home like tonight my hubby is making a real good dish and we celebrate at home all of the holidays especially last couple of years as homebound. Am so happy Kim scored another print copy from another author 2 pts for Kim thank you! Such a wonderful recipe hubby came in and wrote that one down he said he might cut back on the brandy as i like too much and with my meds well we will leave it at that.
No I have never celebrated Mardi Gras but it sure looks like fun.
I haven’t properly celebrated in New Orleans.
We did go to a Mardi Gras dinner at Publix Aprons Cooking School last weekend. Your bread pudding sounds better. Theirs was too sweet.
I have never been to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras but it looks like it is on much fun! I would also love to viisit the sites in this old city The bourbon bread pudding sounds yummy Thanks for this giveaway
I’ve never visited New Orleans.
If I could ever get my hubby to travel, I’d head for New Orleans.
I’ve never been to New Orleans before so I’ve missed out on all that Mardi Gras wild and crazy fun. LOL
I haven’t had the pleasure of going yet but I am definitely going one day! I love bread pudding and this little extra kick in it sounds great! Thanks !
I’ve never been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras unfortunately.
have been to New Orleans and love it! would love to be there for Mardi Gras
First…Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding! Oh, my! Second…I’ve never visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but my mother did awhile back. She was this sweet, single lady who everyone fell in love with. She didn’t have to show any body parts to be given hand falls of beads and coins. She was treated so well, she thought she was “Queen of the Mardi Gras.”
I’ve been to Metairie, next door to New Orleans, for Mardi Gras many years ago. Looking forward to trying this recipe!
I’ve never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I’ve been there twice, many years ago. Once for a sci fi convention, once with co-workers to sight see & attend a Diana Ross concert. We wandered thru the French Quarter, ate beignets at Cafe Du Monde, and visited many of the small shops in the area. I have always wanted to go during Mardi Gras and is something on my bucket list 🙂
No I have not.
I’ve never been to New Orleans. It’s sounds like a crazy time!
Thanks for all the great comments! If you don’t make it to NOLA for Mardi Gras – which is indeed a crazy time – try getting there for JazzFest, which is beyond awesome. Good luck, all!
I’ve been but not on the “worst” day of the year!
I’ve never been to New Orleans. I think it would be awesome to visit during Mardi Gras. Sounds like some really wicked fun going on!!
Nope, I’ve never had the opportunity to visit New Orleans at any time of the year. Thanks for the bread pudding recipe, it sounds yummo!
I have never been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but have visited New Orleans several times. In my opinion, there is no better food cooked in the nation.
No but I’ve always wanted to. Thanks for the giveaway!!
That recipe looks YUMMY! Love visiting NO but I don’t think I could handle the Mardi Gras crowds.
No, I’ve never been but I would love to go someday.
Yes I have but it has been over 30 years ago. Would love to go again.
I love the recipes & I would be thrilled to win this book. I went to New Orleans Mardi Gras when I turned 21. I went with some girl I worked with & we took Amtrak there. I had loads of fun & would love to do it again. Thanks for your generosity.
i never have….would be fun if i ever have the chance though!
I never have. Sounds like fun though.
No I’ve never been to New Orleans.
Never been to Mardi Gras, have been to New Orleans. Great city to visit.
I never been to New Orleans but I would love to go and see the Mardi Gras.
Penney
No, I was too young when my grandparents live near New Orleans. They Gave us bags of beads and saved a King’s cake for us to try.
I have never been to NOLA but it is definitely on my bucket list… especially for Mardi Gras! Great review- Thank you for the chance ?