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THE DIVA SAYS CHEESECAKE, the fifteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis, hits all the right marks for capturing my attention and keeping it throughout the entire book. And if you haven’t read any in the series, this can be read as a standalone. However, with the memorable and relatable characters that populate the series, it’s been a pleasure reading from the first and watching the character growth and the changes over the years. Protagonist Sophie Winston is one of those people you’d love to have as your best friend. She’s kind, she loves to share her baked goods, and she’s ready to jump in and help whenever someone has a problem. The author weaves a puzzling mystery into the charming setting of Old Town Virginia, set against the backdrop of A Midsummer Night’s Dream festivities. Her descriptive voice makes the words come alive on the pages so that the reader feels like they’re right there experiencing everything Sophie does. Another favorite aspect of each book is the advice column question, to either Sophie or her nemesis, Natasha, and the corresponding answer that begins each chapter. These are entertaining all on their own!

When Bobbie Sue Bodoin, the Queen of Cheesecake’s husband is found murdered, she begs Sophie to solve the crime. Adding to the urgency, the police have named one of Sophie’s close friends, Bernie, as the prime suspect. I love the loyalty that Sophie and her friends show toward each other and they all pitch in to help Sophie sleuth. I also enjoyed that with the spotlight turned on Bernie, the reader has an opportunity to know him better and find out some of his closely held secrets. There are plenty of suspects for Sophie to sift through, and the clues are woven in for an armchair detective to collect. I’ll admit I was thrown off scent by some of the twists and turns, but it made the story even more intriguing as it unfolded.

Did someone say cheesecake? With the title and theme of the book, Ms. Davis does an admirable job of weaving in mouthwatering descriptions of cheesecake throughout the book and includes several delectable recipes. I was intrigued by her Blackberry No-Bake Cheesecake recipe. It sounded like a refreshing for a summer dessert with no need to turn on the oven. I loved that it needs to be made the day before serving, which frees up time when entertaining guests. While it had a lighter consistency than baked cheesecake, it was creamy and oh-so-yummy and I’ll be making this again and again, whenever blackberries are in season!

Amazon Synopsis

Old Town’s midsummer festivities are getting a tasty addition this year. To coincide with a public performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Bobbie Sue Bodoin, the Queen of Cheesecake, has hired Sophie to organize a dinner with a dessert buffet on the waterfront. Bobbie Sue’s homegrown company is thriving, and since her baking dish overfloweth, she wants to reward her employees.

Bobbie Sue has only one menu demand: no cheesecake! But her specialty isn’t the only thing missing from the evening—Tate, Bobbie Sue’s husband, is too, much to her annoyance. Next morning, however, Tate’s dead body is discovered. Bobbie Sue insists she didn’t kick her spouse to the curb, and begs for Sophie’s help finding the real killer. Digging in, Sophie discovers an assortment of Old Town locals who all had reason to want a piece of Tate. Can she gather together the crumbs the killer left behind in time to prevent a second helping of murder?

A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a print copy of  THE DIVA SAYS CHEESECAKE. Contest ends June 8, 2022 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!)

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Blackberry No-Bake Cheesecake

This is a lovely, creamy not overly sweet cheesecake for hot days.

Ingredients

• 9 graham crackers (one pack)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted + 1 tablespoon for greasing the pan
• 2 cups (around 12 ounces) blackberries, plus some for decorating
• 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 (8-ounce packages) cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy (whipping) cream

Instructions

1. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9- or 10-inch springform pan. You can use parchment paper around the sides if you like.

2. Placed the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine. While it's running, pour in the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan and set aside. Wipe the bowl and blade of the food processor clean.

3. Cut cream cheese into 8 chunks and place in food processor.

4. Place sugar and cornstarch in a heavy bottomed pot and stir with a whisk to blend and get rid of chunks. Do not heat yet. Add 2 tablespoons of water and whisk to combine.

5. Wash the blackberries and pour them into double paper towels so they won't be soggy. Add to the pot with the sugar mixture. Cook on medium high, stirring constantly, until they bubble. Turn the heat down and simmer stirring for 1-1/2 minutes. Pour through a sieve into the food processor on top of the cream cheese. Pulse four or five times, then push on and mix together until no white spots show.

6. Whip the cream until it begins to take shape. Beat to a soft peak.

7. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese, 1/3 at a time, until mixed. Pour into the prepared springform pan and refrigerate overnight.

8. To serve, loosen the sides with a slim knife if necessary, and remove from the pan. Decorate with blackberries.

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DEATH PLANS A PERFECT TRIP is the sixth book in the Charlotte Adams Professional Organizer Mysteries by Mary Jane Maffini. While it may be the first I’ve read in the series, it certainly won’t be my last. I found this easily read as a standalone, but the captivating story makes me want to go back and read from the beginning. Ms. Maffini pens an enthralling mystery while catering to those with wanderlust with wonderful details and delectable descriptions. I enjoyed how she starts each chapter with a practical organizational tip relating to travel. And while I don’t have any trips planned, these tips alone are worth keeping. The protagonist, Charlotte Adams, is thoroughly likeable and had me cheering for her throughout the story. All the characters are fully developed and the descriptions are so vivid, I felt like I was right there alongside Charlotte, meeting and talking with them. I especially enjoyed “meeting” Charlotte’s two rescue dachshunds, Truffle and Sweet Marie. While they didn’t inhabit many pages, they still managed to shine.

I’m always impressed when an author can juggle a current day mystery while weaving in a mystery from long ago. Ms. Maffini expertly writes such a story in this newest release. She carefully doles out clues from Charlotte’s mysterious childhood, which adds to the layers of intrigue surrounding the current day disappearance of her famous author mother. The fast-moving plot kept me turning pages to find out what happened to Charlotte as a child and what happens to her next as she transverses Europe hunting for her mother. As the pages flew by, the suspense mounted and I couldn’t put the book down. I’ll admit, I was quite stunned with the reveal, having no inkling of who the culprit was. And then there was a twisty-turvey curveball thrown that had me gasping. While I catch up with the previous books in the series, I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the next in this highly entertaining series!

As Charlotte and her boyfriend, Jack, scour European cities in search of her mother, Jack makes sure they take the time to sample the local cuisine. Not only is the book an armchair traveler’s and armchair detective read, it’s also caters to foodies with mouthwatering descriptions. The author includes a recipe for biscotti at the back of the book, which sounds quite delightful. Ms. Maffini is also sharing her recipe for Portuguese Yogurt Cake with us today. I just adore the simplicity of a Bundt cake, yet the cake still seems so festive. The cake itself is moist with a delicate flavor. As suggested by the author, I added a swirl of raspberry jam, which my taste testers loved. With a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar and a handful of fresh raspberries for garnish, this makes a delicious dessert to serve on any occasion.

Amazon Synopsis

When her mother disappears, professional organizer Charlotte Adams will have to take off on a very disorganized trip across Europe to save her life . . .

It’s not unusual for Esme Adams to dash off overseas with no warning, but when weeks pass and Charlotte still hasn’t heard from her, she begins to worry that her mother’s in danger and has gone into hiding. Before she can even begin to guess where to start looking, though, Charlotte finds her own home ransacked and then set ablaze. Determined to escape a more serious attack while the police investigate, she sets off for Europe, hoping to track down her mother at one of her secluded getaway spots.

As Charlotte follows a winding trail of clues through Paris, Lisbon, Milan and beyond—narrowly missing her mother in each city, and just as narrowly eluding her pursuers—secrets begin to emerge about her mother’s shadowy past. A history of ties to criminal organizations, an infamous bank heist, and a gentleman thief who may have been her one true love all raise questions about her mother’s true identity and the peril she faces. As Charlotte processes the dizzying implications about her mother, her own childhood memories, and the father she never knew, she’ll have to work fast to catch up with her mother, before her mother’s past catches up with them all . . .

A special thanks to Mary Jane Maffini for providing winner’s choice of either an ebook or print copy of  DEATH PLANS A PERFECT TRIP. Contest ends May 26, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST and print 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!)

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Portuguese Yogurt Cake

From author Mary Jane Maffini: We were served this simple and delicious cake for breakfast on a visit to Lisbon to research Death Plans a Perfect Trip. We fell in love with it and had to include it in the book. The proprietor of our B & B used an old family recipe and declined to share it, although he was very generous with servings of the cake in various versions. This is the recipe I reconstructed through research and trial and error. It’s pretty close to the original and it’s always a big hit. This cake is excellent plain with a dusting of icing sugar. You can vary it by swirling in your favorite jam or preserves or even chopped chocolate, fifteen minutes into baking. Sliced fruit would work too. It’s a very flexible cake.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unflavored whole milk Greek yogurt. Don’t use low fat! You can use flavored yogurt though if you want to switch it up. I like vanilla-bean flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 extra-large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups unbleached sifted white flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon good quality vanilla or 1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring or both!

Optional:

• 1/2 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips or sliced fruit or jam or preserves.
• Icing sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).

2. Grease and flour a tube pan. Be generous! You don’t want it to stick.

3. In a stand mixer, cream yogurt and butter until smooth. Add eggs one by one beating well. Add vanilla and or almond flavoring if using.

4. Add sugar slowly, mixing well as you go.

5. Add flour and baking powder to the mixture until blended.
6. Pour into greased tube pan.

7. Bake 45 minutes at 375 degrees (F).

8. Fifteen minutes into baking, swirl in chocolate, fruit or jam if using. Then continue to bake until tester comes out clean. Sometimes it takes longer! When cool, remove from pan and dust with sifted icing sugar. You could ice this cake if that’s how you roll.

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SLAYED BY SOUVLAKI, the fifth book in the Callie’s Kitchen Cozy Mystery series by Jenny Kales, brings the reader to the Greek island of Kalos when Callie, her boyfriend, and her family go on vacation. First of all, Ms. Kales’ strong descriptive voice paints such a vivid and alluring picture of the island, that I feel the need to add the Greek isles to my travel bucket list. The author captures the sights, sounds, and tastes of this magical location, making the reader feel like they’re right there alongside Callie. I also appreciated the author’s attention to details and giving the armchair traveler a peek at all the island has to offer visitors… ancient catacombs anyone? Ms. Kales has also put together a strong cast of characters, each memorable and each exhibiting growth and change throughout the series. I especially appreciate that Callie, her family, and close friends are kind and supportive of each other. There’s no snarky sarcasm to tear them apart. That said, I found it endearing that Callie’s relationship with her tween daughter portrays the usual emotional growing pains that happens at that age. It added a bit of light heartedness.

With such an idyllic setting, it’s hard to believe that murder would dare show up, especially on their first night dining at Dimitrios, a family friend’s, restaurant. Unfortunately, one of the handsome waiters is found murdered and local authorities pin the blame on Dimitrios. Callie can’t stand to watch her father become so distraught over the injustice done to his childhood friend, so she decides she needs to get involved. Her detective boyfriend, Ian Sands, isn’t so happy about it since they’re not on American soil. But with some creative help from her grandmother (who is such a delightful character!) and her adorable Greek Aunt Sweetie, Callie finds ways to ask questions and piece together clues. From Greek fishing boats, to ancient catacombs, to azure seas, to tourist-y shops, to wild rides atop a scooter, Callie combs the island and questions those who might have known the victim. It was gratifying that along the way, Ian begins to appreciate and come to accept Callie’s efforts. A hair-raising reveal had me on the edge of my seat and the gratifying and heartwarming end has me hoping for more Callie adventures!

As with most people on vacation, Callie and her family embark on a culinary extravaganza, eating their way across the island. So many delectable dishes and desserts were mentioned, that I was hungry throughout the book. Be sure to check out the Greek recipes – sweet and savory alike – at the back of the book. I was tempted to try the author’s recipe for Saint Fanourios Olive Oil Cake (Fanouropita), especially since it’s vegan without having to do any special tweaks. The olive oil gives it a nice moistness and the orange juice and orange liqueur give it a tempting flavor. Baked in a bundt pan, the cake takes on an elegant appearance with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar just before serving!

Amazon Synopsis

Callie Costas can’t believe she is finally traveling to Greece with her significant other, Detective Ian Sands. However, this isn’t your average voyage: Callie’s father has invited a slew of colorful family members to his beautiful childhood village to celebrate his recent marriage. Callie is especially delighted to be reunited with her Greek “Aunt Sweetie” aka Glykeria.

The Costas family’s Greek getaway turns to Greek tragedy when murder turns up on the menu at the seaside restaurant of her father’s friend, Dimitrios. A restaurant employee has been killed and Dimitrios is a prime suspect.

With a hodge-podge group of tourists and villagers to round out the suspect list, can Callie help her father clear his friend’s name, before the killer skewers her?

A special thanks to Jenny Kales for providing a winner with their choice of print copy or an ebook copy of SLAYED BY SOUVLAKI.  Contest ends Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST and 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!)

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Saint Fanourio Olive Oil Cake (Fanouropita)

St. Fanourios is the finder of miracles and lost things. The name Fanourios means to reveal or disclose. His feast day is August 27th. Once the item is found, you must bake a cake before August 27th the following year and bring it to the priest for a blessing. It should then be shared with others. Note: this vegan cake does not contain eggs or dairy.

Ingredients

• 3-3/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt (I use Greek sea salt.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest peel
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
• 1 tablespoon brandy, cognac, or bourbon whiskey (optional)
• Confectioners' sugar to decorate

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease and flour a large Bundt pan or tube pan. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda. Stir to combine and set aside.

4. In another mixing bowl, combine sugar, olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, liqueur, and brandy (or substitutes) if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and sugar is dissolved.

5. Gradually stir wet ingredients into the dry until the mixture is well combined. Do not overmix. The batter will be very thick. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

6. Set pan on middle rack and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cake cool for at least 2 hours, then sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Note:

1. Other add-ins can include: ½ cup golden raisins, 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans).

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CAJUN KISS OF DEATH, the seventh book in the Cajun Country Mysteries by Ellen Byron, ends the series with a bang. A longtime favorite series of mine, Ms. Bryon pulls out all the stops with a topnotch mystery, characters who will linger in my memory, and the drool-worthy bayou setting of Louisiana in addition to a jaunt in New Orleans. With a strong descriptive voice, the author takes the reader on a ride where you can see, taste (oh, especially taste!), feel, smell, and hear all the things the setting has to offer. Starting the book already knowing that this will be the last one, left me with a bittersweet feeling. That said, I appreciate that Ms. Byron allows the reader to experience joy alongside protagonist, Maggie Crozat, as she settles into life with her new husband and charming stepson. She also does an admirable job of wrapping up and bringing closure to all the core characters from the series so the reader isn’t left dangling with a “whatever happened to so-and-so”.

The mystery itself is expertly woven into the fabric of the characters and the setting. When a celebrity chef ventures into the small town of Pelican to open a new restaurant, tempers fly both at his arrogance and his theft of cherished recipes from local eateries. His tragic death proves to be a murder and Maggie’s own mother becomes a suspect. Maggie’s perseverance for finding the truth gives the book a fast pace while several subplots kept the action going. With plenty of suspects around who hated the celebrity chef, by locals and out-of-towners alike, I was surprised at the Agatha Christie-style reveal – I didn’t guess the culprit in the least. And just as I thought the story was wrapping up, another heart-stopping conclusion came along. Ms. Byron has proven, once again, to be an expert storyteller!

With so many mouthwatering dishes mentioned throughout the story, I was practically drooling on the page and couldn’t wait to get to the end of the book to check out the delicious recipes the author includes. I couldn’t pass up her recipe for Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake, which not only is easy-peasy to make, but lives up to its delectable name. Ellen recommends baking the cake in a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish but since I was sending it to my granddaughter’s Fourth of July boat party, I didn’t want to worry about her remembering to bring my glass dish home. Instead, I made it in a springform pan then transferred it to a cheapie decorative plate that I didn’t mind not getting back. Topped with fresh berries and/or whipped cream, my family and guests devoured the cake with requests for me to make it again. Soon!

Amazon Synopsis

In Pelican, Louisiana, Valentine’s Day has a way of warming the heart, despite the February chill. But the air at Crozat Plantation B&B turns decidedly frigid when celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson checks in. And when the arrogant Phillippe–in town to open his newest Cajun-themed restaurant–perishes in a fiery boat crash, Maggie Crozat’s dear friend JJ lands in very cold water.

Did JJ, proprietor of Junie’s Oyster Bar and Dance Hall, murder Phillippe because he feared the competition? Might Maggie’s mother, Ninette, have bumped off the chef for stealing one of her cherished recipes? Or was the culprit a local seafood vendor, miffed because Phillippe was somehow able to sell oysters for a remarkably reasonable price, despite an oyster shortage?

Maggie had planned to devote her February to art lessons in New Orleans, a present from her sweetheart, Bo. But now she has to focus on helping her friend and her mother cross a murder charge off the menu. Meanwhile, Maggie receives a series of anonymous gifts that begin as charming but grow increasingly disturbing. Does Maggie have an admirer–or a stalker? And are these mysterious gifts somehow related to Phillippe’s murder?

Blood may be thicker than water, but this case is thicker than gumbo. And solving it will determine whether Maggie gets hearts and roses–or hearse and lilies–this Valentine’s Day.

A special thanks to Ellen Byron for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, August 22 , 2021 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake

This cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake. Since it requires only three ingredients, it's very easy. You can always add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serves 16 - 24, depending on serving size.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (don't drain; use with the juice)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Topping

• 2 large eggs
• 1 (8-ounce) package regular or low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon rum or rum flavor
• 1 pound (16 ounces) powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F).

2. Combine the cake mix and pineapple in a large bowl, stirring until well blended. Add the cup of pecans and mix well to incorporate.

3. Transfer the batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, spreading so it covers the whole pan.

4. Beat the eggs with the cream cheese until well blended. Add the rum flavoring, then the powdered sugar one cup at a time, making sure to mix the ingredients together at medium speed before adding the next cup.

5. Pour the mixture over the cake layer, making sure the cake layer is entirely covered.

6. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes or until set. Cool and cut into squares.

Note:

1. If you're skipping the topping and making only the cake, bake at 350 degrees (F) for approximately 25 - 35 minutes until firm to the touch.

2. If you'd rather use a springform pan, bake the cake with the topping for 50 - 60 minutes.

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BIG LITTLE SPIES, the seventh book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries by Krista Davis, is another fun romp through the charming town of Wagtail! The protagonist, Holly Miller, co-owns pet-friendly Sugar Maple Inn with her grandmother, Oma. I love the close relationship they have. Their furry sidekicks, Trixie, Twinkletoes, and Gingersnap, add appeal with their delightful antics. Trixie especially, with her penchant for finding dead bodies and dragging Holly into investigations. One of the many strengths of this series are the characters, both human and pet alike, whether they be the core characters or visitors enjoying all that Wagtail has to offer. As the story progresses, there are a lot of people to remember. However, there is a handy character list at the beginning of the book for referencing. In addition to the pet-centric town setting, the author always manages to set up a memorable event to capture the reader’s attention. In this newest release, visitors are flocking to the town to participate in the ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ pet adoption charity ball. With vivid descriptions, I felt like I was right there, enjoying all the tastes, smells, and delights that the town has to offer.

Ms. Davis is quick to set up the scenario for a crime to happen, and keeps a strong pace as the story unfolds. When Trixie finds the body of a visiting pet detective, Holly becomes involved. Could it be one of her guests who did the dastardly deed? As the clues are revealed, Holly finds lots of viable suspects including connections to residents in Wagtail. With a dash or two of romance, a glamorous pet and human ball, and secrets galore, this solid cozy mystery kept me turning pages until I’d read the very last word.

Running the Inn with her grandmother, Holly’s chef serves up plenty of mouthwatering food and treats for human and pet guests alike. There are several recipes at the back of the book and I was happy to see that there are several delectable recipes for people and a few safe options for dogs. I was drawn to the author’s recipe for Salted Brownie Picnic Cake (definitely for people and NOT for dogs!) because, well, chocolate! The rich, melt-in-your-mouth cake, doesn’t need frosting. However, a simple garnish of some whipped cream and summer berries makes this even more scrumptious.

Amazon Synopsis

The ladies of the Wagtail Animal Guardians, WAG for short, are in town for a pet adoption charity ball, and Holly is making sure to roll out the red carpet for her special guests. She and her furry best friend Trixie are busy keeping the WAG ladies happy and preparing for the ball when they learn that a retired judge has lost his prized pup.

The venerable citizen has hired a pet detective who has some personal ties to Holly’s new guests. His presence ruffles some feathers, and when the PI is found DOA not long before the ball, Holly wonders if one of the WAG ladies had a motive for murder. To make matters worse, some pet-loving guests of the ball nearly suffer the same deadly fate. Holly and Trixie will have to sniff out the clues and leash a callous killer before they strike again….

A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a winner with a print copy of BIG LITTLE SPIES plus her famous dog bandana!  Contest ends Wednesday, April 7, 2021 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!)

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Salted Brownie Picnic Cake

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for sprinkling
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 3 large eggs
• 1-1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Flaked salt like Maldon
• Summer berries (optional)
• Sweetened Whipped Cream (optional: see recipe below)

Sweetened Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).

2. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave at half power in 30-second increments, stirring when the mixture begins to melt. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.

4. Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and light yellow. Add the vanilla and continue beating. Add the 1/3 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix. Add the chocolate mixture and mix until combined.

5. Pour into the pan, sprinkle with 2 generous pinches of flaked salt, and bake 20 - 25 minutes, or until the center is just set.

6. Cool completely in the pan before turning onto a serving plate and peeling off the parchment paper.

7. Serve plain or with Sweetened Whipped Cream and summer berries.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

1. Beat the cream until it begins to take a shape. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until it holds a peak.

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