Recipes Archives - Page 57 of 111

Spicy Chocolate Truffles

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A FLAIR FOR TRUFFLES, the fourth book in the Sadie Kramer Flair Mysteries by Deborah Garner, is a refreshing change to the lineup of cozy mystery young protagonists out there. Sadie Kramer is self-described as an “eccentric senior citizen who carries a dog around in a tote bag.” Despite her age, she is full of life, humor, and chocolate! I drooled over all the yummy sounding chocolate truffles she gets to sample whenever she visits her neighboring business, Cioccalato. I also appreciate that the author takes a moment to remind readers that chocolate and dogs don’t mix, especially during this holiday when chocolate gifts make the rounds. Coco, Sadie’s adorable Yorkie, adds her own brand of cuteness and humor to the story and fills in as a sidekick while Sadie investigates murder.

With San Francisco as a backdrop, the reader is treated to wonderful descriptions of the best that the city has to offer, along with a culinary tour of not to miss eats. It’s like a mini-vacation on the page. Despite the short length of this book, Ms. Garner manages to create a full-bodied mystery with fun characters, clues, and suspects, while throwing in entertaining humor!

I had the privilege of contributing the recipe for Spicy Chocolate Truffles included in A FLAIR FOR TRUFFLES. Using pantry staples, these creamy candies are quick to make. And by rolling the finished candy in holiday-themed sprinkles, these truffles are the perfect gift for any special occasion, year-round!

Amazon Synopsis

Sadie Kramer’s friendly offer to deliver three boxes of gourmet Valentines truffles for her neighbor’s chocolate shop, Cioccolato, backfires when she arrives to find the intended recipient deceased. Even more intriguing is the fact that the elegant heart-shaped gifts were ordered by three different men.

With the help of one detective and the hindrance of another, Sadie will search San Francisco from the prestigious financial district to a low-life bar, to iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, looking for clues. With the help of her trusted sidekick Yorkie, Coco, will Sadie manage to find out “whodunnit” before the killer finds a way to stop her?

A special thanks to Deborah Garner for providing a winner with their choice of either print or an e-book copy of A FLAIR FOR TRUFFLES. Contest ends Tuesday, February 19, 2019 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!)

Spicy Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

Truffles:

1 14-ounce sweetened condensed milk
16 ounces good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips or bars chopped into small pieces
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder, depending on how spicy you like it
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Garnish:

Your choice of cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, non-melting confectioners' sugar, or holiday-themed candy sprinkles

Instructions

For the truffles:

Heat the sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan just until the edges start to bubble, stirring constantly. Do NOT allow to boil.
Place the chocolate in a medium-sized heat-proof bowl. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and allow to sit for two minutes. Add in the vanilla, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne powder and stir until the chocolate is fully melted.
Cover and refrigerate until chilled, around 1 hour. Mixture should be firm but not hard.
Roll the chilled mixture into small balls then roll into your choice of garnish.
Serve truffles at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

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Peanut Butter and Bacon Homemade Dog Treats

I’m happy to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours presenting MURDER, SHE MEOWED! This seventh book in the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series by Liz Mugavero, brings the reader to Frog Ledge, Connecticut where protagonist, Stan (Kristan) Conner is preparing for her nuptials. Weddings are supposed to be joyous times but Stan is feeling nothing but stress because her mother is planning the wedding of her dreams and not those of her daughter. Adding to Stan’s angst is her own sister forcing a bachelorette party on the bride-to-be, complete with a handsome guy jumping out of a huge cake. Except the poor man is stabbed to death inside the cake while waiting for his cue to entertain and drags Stan into focusing on murder instead of wedding plans. Ms. Mugavero weaves a tight tale that helps the reader feel the emotions the characters feel and visualize the scenes they occupy. I greatly enjoy how, with each book, she’s stretched the protagonist and supporting characters. This has brought about personal and external challenges, growth and change which reflect how endearing the characters have become to readers throughout this series.

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The mystery itself is well-plotted. The victim seems like a happy-go-lucky guy which makes it harder to imagine someone would actually want to murder him. Yet as Stan delves into his life, she finds people who were jealous of him and the suspects start piling up. I’ll admit the creepy stalker and Fatal Attraction scenario with a chocolate bunny was a clever idea and captured my attention. It added a unique twist with an interesting ending that I didn’t see coming. While Stan has a way of getting involved in investigations, her future sister-in-law, a sergeant with the Connecticut State Police, hasn’t always been happy about her meddling. It was nice to see how she’s finally recognizing that Stan has valuable insight and welcomes it to help capture the killer. MURDER, SHE MEOWED is another terrific addition to an entertaining and endearing series!

Stan is the owner of the Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie and bakes special treats for the town’s pets. Ms. Mugavero provides several recipes at the back of the book for our furry friends and I knew my grand-puppy, Piper, would adore her Bacon and Peanut Butter Homemade Dog Treats. A dog would likely be happy with any good treats, be they some of the Serenity Store’s range of dog products or these homemade treats, but I felt like spoiling my girl today. These whole-grain bites are full of flavor thanks to a generous amount of peanut butter and bits of bacon. And I was right… Piper danced around and begged just as soon as her nose caught a whiff of these treats! I liked that they were easy to mix up and they freeze well so we can spoil our four-legged fur-baby for weeks to come.
In case you aren’t sure whether the same food or ingredients would suit your cute canine, it’s better to seek some professional advice on that. There are various websites that can provide you with the necessary information, considering your dog’s breed type and age. You can get more details here.

Amazon Synopsis

Kristan “Stan” Connor loves concocting tasty organic treats for dogs and cats-and she also loves her fiancé, pub owner Jake McGee. But she’s not so enthusiastic about finding a dead body at her own bachelorette party . . .

Stan and Jake’s wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls’ night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren’t her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan’s kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm-who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list-and Stan’s making a vow to find the killer . . .

A special thanks to Liz Mugavero for providing THREE print copies of MURDER, SHE MEOWED for three lucky winners! Contest ends February 12, 2019 and 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!)

Peanut Butter and Bacon Homemade Dog Treats

Recipe courtesy of Chris Carrington

Ingredients

1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 cups plus 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, add the peanut butter, milk, and egg. Stir until well mixed. Add the flour and baking powder. Mix well to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Knead the dough until it is firm and elastic. You can knead directly in the bowl, or if you prefer, on a level workspace. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour onto your workspace and place the kneaded ball of dough on top. Flatten the dough a bit and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and oats on top. Knead the dough four or five more times to distribute the bacon and oats.
Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes and cool on a wire rack.
You can store these peanut butter and bacon dog treats in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, if they last that long. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.

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

Gertie’s Saint Patrick’s Cheesecake

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CORNED BEEF AND CAUSALTIES is another holiday novella in the Tourist Trap Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. While I prefer full-length books, I do adore the Tourist Trap Mysteries and the ability to visit South Cove, California even if for a short read. And I’m always drawn to St. Patrick’s Day themed stories… especially since my maiden name is McMahan. Protagonist Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More is getting ready for the town’s first ever St. Patrick’s Day event. And what an event it turns out to be with perhaps just a little too much flowing green beer. Ms. Cahoon captures the festival’s shenanigans and celebratory spirit with fun descriptions and events.

When the sweet woman, who Jill felt a close connection to after their brief chance meeting, is found murdered on a deserted beach, she feels the need to get involved. I liked how the author has the townspeople come together to piece together the victim’s last hours on earth to help solve the mystery. Even though it is a novella, I felt the story contained all the necessary elements to make it a delightful read: good characters, a mystery to be solved, clues sprinkled around, and a satisfying conclusion.

Not only is Jill’s shop known for its coffee drinks but also for its sweet treats, especially cheesecakes. Jill’s friend, Sadie, who is the owner of Pies on the Fly, creates the desserts and comes up with a special cheesecake especially for St. Patrick’s Day. She names the cheesecake after the fun visitor who shows up at the end of the book… Gertie might be real or imagined or mystical… either way, the cheesecake inspired by her appearance embraces the epitome of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The creamy, slightly minty filling perfectly complements the chocolate crust and received high praise from my friends! While the spring green color is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, this is so yummy you’ll want to make it throughout the year.

Amazon Synopsis

South Cove, California, is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—and there’s going to be a parade of suspects.

Jill Gardner’s store, Coffee, Books, and More, is raking in the green as her little coastal town holds a big festival for St. Patrick’s Day. But the locals aren’t exactly feeling the luck of the Irish, thanks to the rowdy behavior of some of the tourists who are pouring in.

Then a woman who just visited Jill’s shop is found dead near the shore. The fireworks display on the beach may have already happened, but the real fireworks have just begun . . .

A special thanks to Lynn Cahoon for providing a winner with an e-book copy of CORNED BEEF AND CASUALTIES. Contest ends Sunday, February 10, 2019 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!)

Gertie's Saint Patrick's Cheesecake

Ingredients

2 pre-made chocolate graham cracker crusts

Filling:

4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/3 cup green Crème de menthe liqueur

Topping:

Whipped Cream
Shaved Chocolate

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (F).
Microwave chocolate on High 45 to 60 seconds, stirring once halfway through microwaving, until melted. Set aside.
Mix together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth. Stir in liqueur.
Pour filling evenly over crusts.
Drop melted chocolate randomly onto filling. Let it sink, then with a knife, cut through chocolate and filling to swirl to marble.
Bake 1 hour, 10 minutes until set. Turn oven off and open door slightly. Cool cheesecake in oven 1 hour.
Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate 3 hours.
Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate if desired, right before serving.

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

Heavenly Hot Fudge Sauce

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HOT FUDGE MURDER, the second book in the Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe Mystery series by Cynthia Baxter is a sweet mystery with lots of yummy, cold treats to whet the reader’s appetite! I greatly enjoyed the way the author starts each chapter with a historical blurb on ice cream. Not only was it entertaining but it was educational. I was also intrigued “watching” how the protagonist, Kate McKay, puzzles over flavor combinations to create new ice cream flavors for her shop, Lickety Splits. So many unique flavors and most of them sound divine! While the ice cream and charming shop provide a relaxing, inviting setting, it’s not long before murder intrudes, disrupting a party Kate has been hired to cater. Worried what it might mean for both her fledgling business and her town’s tourist trade, she knows she must step in and find the killer before financial ruin becomes a reality. Kate isn’t a sophisticated investigator, but her determination to ask questions despite her reluctance is sweet. While I figured out the killer early on, there was a twist to the story that I didn’t expect. This provided great satisfaction to a light-hearted read.

I enjoyed Ms. Baxter’s descriptive voice which helped me visualize the settings and the characters so I felt like I was right there experiencing what Kate was experiencing. I also loved Kate’s relationship with her ‘Grams’ and her niece, Emma. They have an adorable closeness that is heart-warming. She also has a great sidekick in her best friend, Willow. Opposites, they complement each other and provide opportunities for good dialog. The author also sets up potential romances for Kate in future books. Personally I hope she steers clear of the over-done love triangle and allows Kate a realistic relationship. However, one of her potential suitors is from her past and I thought it was a clever way to learn some of Kate’s backstory. While I haven’t had a chance to read the first book in the series, HOT FUDGE MURDER is easily read as a standalone. Ms. Baxter provides just enough information to help the reader connect with the characters without detracting from the main plotline. I look forward to seeing what happens next to Kate and seeing what delectable ice cream flavors she comes up with in future releases!

I’ll admit, I adore ice cream! Anything with chocolate, nuts, or caramel, and I’m in heaven. Fortunately for the reader, there are a couple recipes at the back of the book. One is a sorbet, and it sounds remarkable. While I greatly enjoy that type of frozen dessert, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try Heavenly Hot Fudge Sauce because, well, chocolate! And any kind of ice cream is oh so yummy when drenched in hot fudge. I liked the ease of making this hot fudge sauce in the blender and especially loved the author’s recommendation that it works well for dipping other foods into, like fruit or cake… but I’ll admit I was just as happy eating a spoonful straight from the jar for dessert! I’ll be keeping a jar of this heavenly yumminess in my refrigerator to reward myself with at dessert time and just might share a jar or two with some lucky friends.

One thing the author mentions in her book is Kate’s involvement in food photography. I was more than intrigued when she talks about how mashed potatoes are used to mimic ice cream when photographing, so there’s not the issue of melting. Plus, shaving cream is used in lieu of whipped cream. I had to try it for myself since I’ve struggled with melting dishes of ice cream and trying to run them back and forth from the freezer trying to snap a few photos before running the dish back to the freezer to chill before starting all over again. It worked amazingly well and now that you know my secret…

Amazon Synopsis

Just six weeks after the grand opening of Lickety Splits Ice Cream Shoppe, owner Kate McKay has been enlisted to whip up sundaes at the most decadent soiree in the Hudson Valley. If only Kate knew how deadly sticky her sweet deal will turn out . . .

Once Kate arrives at a glamorous gala hosted by world-famous fashion designer Omar DeVane, she’s instantly intimidated by the mogul’s luxurious mansion and the frosty personalities of his handlers. But the party completely loses its flavor when guests follow screams to a room that’s eerily empty—except for Omar’s freshly murdered body . . .

While the headline-grabbing crime brings a steady stream of journalists to the sleepy village of Wolfert’s Roost, Kate knows things won’t return to normal until Omar’s killer is brought to justice. And with the scandalous case driving customers away from Lickety Splits, she has no choice but to put down the ice cream scooper and expose the culprit on her own . . .

As Kate crashes high-profile photo shoots and mingles with fashion’s biggest influencers in search of clues, the puzzling truth about Omar’s fame and fortune rises to the surface—and with it, the key to his killer’s twisted motive. Kate will have to navigate the celebrity lifestyle to save her fledgling business, but her attempts to freeze cold-hearted criminals in their tracks could lead to a double scoop of deadly trouble . . .

A special thanks to Cynthia Baxter and Kensington for providing a winner with a print copy of HOT FUDGE MURDER. Contest ends Wednesday, January 30, 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!)

Heavenly Hot Fudge Sauce

The secret to this utterly divine topping is whipping it up in a blender. Not only does beating it improve the texture, adding air to food, anything from carbonated beverages to whipped cream, always makes it taste better.

This hot fudge sauce is fantastic not only on ice cream, but also on pound cake, strawberries, or bananas, or for a chocolate fondue... in fact, there's probably not a single food that couldn't be improved by dipping it in hot fudge sauce!

Be sure to use a better-quality cocoa powder, like Ghiradelli. It may cost a little more, but it's so worth it!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1/3 - 1/2 cup cocoa powder
2-1/2 cups sugar
1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the butter, cocoa, sugar, salt, and evaporated milk. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and let it boil for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the vanilla. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend it for about 3 minutes.
It is best served immediately, but after cooling it, it can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated right before using.

Tip

A jar of this yummy stuff makes a great gift, especially when it's tied with a cute ribbon!

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Pecan Cookies

I’m excited to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour introducing GOWN WITH THE WIND! This fourth book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries by Stephanie Blackmoore is the first I’ve read in the series and most certainly not the last. In fact, I’m anxious to start at the beginning and immerse myself in the adventures of wedding planner and B & B owner, Mallory Shepherd. Even though I haven’t read the previous books, I was able to jump in and feel like I knew the characters. Ms. Blackmoore offers enough backstory to make the reader comfortable but never detracts from the ongoing plot. First off the premise of GOWN WITH THE WIND sets up the story with plenty of opportunities for chaos: Mallory has been hired to plan her ex-fiance’s wedding and it is scheduled to be held at her own B & B! Add in a bridezilla, the groom’s mother who is also known as ‘Hurricane’ Helene, stolen valuable Gone With the Wind memorabilia, and an unsolved murder. The pace never lets up and kept me turning pages faster and faster as jaw dropping events filled the story.

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The bride-to-be’s grandmother is a Gone With the Wind enthusiast and the author effectively captures the spirit of the classic and weaves it into the story. There are many memorable characters and I especially liked Pickles, the Maine Coon Cat named as such because he loves to eat pickles. While he holds a minor role, he steals the scenes he is featured in. The unsolved murder mystery from the previous year is effectively woven into the story with the current murder of the bride-to-be’s nemesis. I admired the twists and turns throughout the course of the book and there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. The suspenseful reveal wrapped up the threads of the mysteries and provides a satisfying conclusion!

Between running the B & B and hosting weddings, Mallory and her sister, Rachel, provide plenty of mouthwatering dishes for their guests. In keeping with the bride’s Gone With the Wind theme, pecan cookies were baked to serve as treats for the wedding party. I was happy that the recipe was included at the back of the book (including others). However, with only five ingredients I was a little hesitant on how they would turn out… but then my husband (who doesn’t like nuts) took one bite and then consumed several more cookies and I knew I would be making this recipe again and again! These vegan crunchy cookies highlight the best of caramel flavors and buttery pecans and can be served plain or rolled in confectioners’ sugar for an extra burst of sweetness. As another tester said, “These cookies are like crunchy pecan pie!” Either way, friends and family will be happy to have you share these with them!

Amazon Synopsis

Professional wedding planner Mallory Shepard knows her job is challenging under any circumstances. But when the groom is your ex and someone invites murder, there may never be another tomorrow . . .

Mallory’s fine—really—handling the wedding arrangements for her ex, Keith. But his fiancée, Becca, has at the last minute decided to switch from a Japanese-cherry-blossom theme to a Gone with the Wind theme. She wants to honor her ailing grandmother, who owns an impressive collection of GWTW memorabilia—and who is fiercely at odds with the groom’s mother over the nuptial plans.

But among other complications, Becca gets into a fight with an old childhood rival over a replica Scarlett O’Hara wedding gown. She wins the dress—but soon becomes a murder suspect when the other woman is found dead in Becca’s swimming pool. And it’s up to Mallory to solve the mystery behind this unhappy occasion, before a different kind of civil war breaks out . . .

A special thanks to Stephanie Blackmoore for providing THREE print copies of GOWN WITH THE WIND for three lucky winners! Contest ends January 13, 2019 and 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!)

Pecan Cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

Grease a cookie sheet and preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Beat coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Slowly add flour and pecans. Beat until smooth.
Roll spoon-size portions of dough into balls and slightly flatten.
Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack and cool completely.

Tip

Use the lightly spoon and level method for measuring the flour. If the dough appears too dry and crumbly to roll into balls, mix in additional melted coconut oil to the dough, 2 teaspoons at a time, until dough is cohesive.
You can roll the warm cookies in confectioners' sugar, or sift the confectioners' sugar over the tops to garnish. I found non-melting confectioners' sugar worked the best (available on the King Arthur Flour website).

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

Raspberry Bars

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LIVE AND LET PIE, the ninth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander, is another charming addition to a sweet series! Protagonist Jules Capshaw, owner of the newly expanded and remodeled Torte Bakeshop in Ashland, Oregon, is an easy to love character. She is the type of person you’d want to hang out with and get to know… and if you’re lucky, sample all the yummy goodies she creates in her bakery kitchen! I love the friendships she has developed with her employees and how she freely mentors them to enhance their talents. She also has a very close relationship with her mother which is endearing. The story starts out after the marriage of Jules’ mother to the town’s detective, The Professor. Jules wasn’t sure about her mother moving forward but has learned to love and respect her new stepfather. I enjoy how the author continually gives the characters new learning experiences to expand their personal growth and I find it touching how emotional interaction is brought to some of the scenes.

While the delightful characters bring readers back to the series again and again, Ms. Alexander also provides a compelling murder mystery to intrigue us. She does provide a lot of setup before the cold case murder is brought to light but once Jules’ investigation starts, the plot moves forward with many twists and turns. She creates an interesting scenario with the connection between the decades-old victim and the murder victim that happens right after the first gruesome discovery. Jules’ investigation uncovers surprising conflicts surrounding the lack of housing and land available in the town. Ms. Alexander also touches on the plight of homelessness, especially homelessness affecting families. This hidden social issue is heart wrenching but the author treats the subject with sensitivity.

The reader will savor the descriptions of yummy foods coming from the kitchen of Torte and thankfully Ms. Alexander provides several recipes at the back of the book. I was drawn to the Raspberry Bars because you can use either frozen or fresh raspberries, making this an ideal dessert year-round. The crunchy brown sugar crust is layered with simple raspberries and then topped with a gooey-chewy nut and coconut layer for a satisfying treat!

Amazon Synopsis

Life is sweet once you step into Torte, everybody’s favorite small-town bakeshop. But what happens when it becomes the scene of a crime?

The heat is on for pastry chef, family business operator, and unlikely sleuth Jules Capshaw. Just when she thought she could enjoy some time away from the kitchen, Jules manages to discover a skull during a picnic by the lake. As if unearthing remains that may be connected to a missing-persons case from the 1960s isn’t enough on her plate, Jules must contend with the unsolved matter of her own marriage while her estranged husband Carlos sails the open seas, awaiting a verdict. Then there’s Jules’s bitter landlord Edgar, who is intent on making a sweet deal on a vacant lot down the block from Torte―until he turns up dead. If only Jules could find a recipe that would let her bake her cake and eat it, too…

A special thanks to Ellie Alexander for providing a winner with a print copy of LIVE AND LET PIE plus some Torte swag. Contest ends Tuesday, January 8, 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!)

Raspberry Bars

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/3 cup coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
1 package frozen raspberries (thawed and drained). If fresh raspberries are in season, Jules highly recommends using them!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Sift 1-1/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Stir in lemon juice.
Add to flour and mix until it resembles coarse cornmeal. Press into a greased 7" x 11" baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool.
In a new mixing bowl, combine eggs, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and vanilla. Stir in nuts and coconut.
Spread raspberries over cooled crust and then pour the egg mixture over the raspberries.
Bake for 30 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.