Category Archives: Pie

Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie

HOSPITALITY AND HOMICIDE, the eighth book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon, has plenty to keep the reader entertained: A young missing boy, a friend who seems to be going off the deep end, romance, and… a murdered bed & breakfast owner. Jill Gardner has her hands full juggling school while running her business Coffee, Books, and More. She is also trying to balance her relationship with her boyfriend, Greg, who just so happens to be the town’s local law enforcement. Things are rarely quiet in the tourist town of South Cove, California and Jill finds herself involved in trying to solve another murder. 

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The story flows and it captured my attention from the beginning. This is one of those books that I read in one sitting as I turned pages and ignored how late it was. I love the characters of South Cove and enjoy that in each book different residents are introduced and given a prominent role in the storyline. This gives the reader better insight into the town, and while HOSPITALITY AND HOMICIDE can be read as a standalone, starting from the beginning is a great way to see the characters grow and develop. The author does a wonderful job in stretching the characters, allowing them to gain skills and growth as humans. I especially like the transformation Jill’s Aunt Jackie has gone through…she is very sweet with her beau, Harold. One character that I hope doesn’t change too much is Toby! Part-time barista and part-time law enforcement officer… no wonder there’s a line of women waiting to buy coffee drinks whenever he’s working. I’d be joining that line too…

While the author doesn’t include any recipes with the book, there is certainly lots of yummy food and desserts mentioned! The protagonist definitely has a thing for cheesecake and I was fortunate to be able to share Lynn’s recipe in a previous post, which you can see by clicking on this link:  Sadie’s Lemon Summer Surprise. Another delectable dessert that the characters enjoy in this book is Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie and I was honored when Lynn asked me to develop the recipe for this post. Sure you could use boxed instant pudding to make the pie but you’d be missing out on a chocolate pie full of fudgy rich flavor and texture. A generous amount of sweetened meringue is piled on top to lighten the pie’s creaminess then browned to bring out a delicate flavor. This Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie is as delectable as it is comforting, making you feel like you’re sitting at your grandma’s table enjoying her home cooking or sitting in a quaint cafe! 

Amazon Synopsis

A visit to the serene coastal town of South Cove, California, could make anybody feel refreshed and inspired. But as Jill Gardner-owner of Coffee, Books, and More-discovers, some folks won’t live to tell about it . . .

Mystery author Nathan Pike checked into South Cove Bed & Breakfast to compose a compelling novel, not commit murder. But things get real when a rival B&B owner ends up exactly like the victim in his draft-undeniably dead. As Nathan prepares to complete his magnum opus behind bars, Jill’s the only one who can prove his innocence and deconstruct the plot of a twisted killer!

 

 

 

A special thank you to Lynn Cahoon for providing an e-book copy for one lucky winner! Contest ends Tuesday, May 23, 2017 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!)

 

 

 

Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie is a rich, chocolaty pie that is lightened by a generous topping of fluffy, fool-proof, meringue.

Print
Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie

Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie

Ingredients

    Pie
  • 1 9-inch baked pastry shell
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 cups whole milk, divided
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • Meringue
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 3 egg whites

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
    2. Prep the cooked meringue stabilizer
  2. In a small saucepan, blend the sugar, salt, and cornstarch with water.
  3. Stirring constantly, cook over low heat until thickened.
  4. Allow to cool to room temperature while you prepare the pie filling and meringue.
    5. Pie
  5. Heat 2-1/2 cups of milk over medium heat just until bubbles start forming around edges. Don't let the milk boil.
  6. In a small-sized bowl, whisk together remaining 1/2 cup milk with 3 egg yolks. Set aside.
  7. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
  8. Add the egg yolk mixture to the cocoa mixture, whisking until smooth.
  9. Very slowly add the hot milk to the cocoa mixture, whisking constantly; return the mixture to the saucepan.
  10. Heat the pie filling over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a full boil. Allow to boil for 30 seconds then remove from the heat.
  11. Stir in the butter and vanilla until thoroughly incorporated.
  12. If mixture seems lumpy, strain filling through a sieve. You may need to use a spatula to push mixture through.
  13. Pour hot mixture in to the prepared pastry shell and set aside while you make the meringue.
    14. Meringue
  14. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff.
  15. Gently fold in the cooled cornstarch mixture.
  16. Spread the meringue over the chocolate filling, making sure the meringue seals to the crust all the way around.
  17. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  18. Allow pie to cool on wire rack for 1 hour then refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.
  19. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.
    20. Tip
  20. My granddaughter said she would have liked whipped cream on this pie. If you're like her, omit the meringue and chill the pie completely, at least 3 hours. Once pie is thoroughly chilled, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slowly add in 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pie and serve. (The addition of confectioners' sugar keeps the whipped cream from rapidly deflating and will last several days in the refrigerator.)
https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/sugar-high-chocolate-meringue-pie/

 

Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie is a rich, chocolaty pie that is lightened by a generous topping of fluffy, fool-proof, meringue.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie is a rich, chocolaty pie that is lightened by a generous topping of fluffy, fool-proof, meringue.

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

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

 

Sugar High Chocolate Meringue Pie is a rich, chocolaty pie that is lightened by a generous topping of fluffy, fool-proof, meringue.

 

 

Talia’s Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies

The third book in the Deep Fried Mystery series by Linda Reilly, A FRYING SHAME finds Talia Marby entered in Steeltop Foods’ first annual cook-off and bake-off contest with her Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies. As owner of Fry Me a Sliver eatery, the large cash prize would go a long way towards helping her business. When the contest winner is found murdered and Talia’s new friend, and the runner-up in the contest, becomes the suspect, Talia finds she must become involved and find the killer. In addition to the murder mystery of who killed the contest winner, the author has many subplots that twist and turn, keeping the reader turning pages. I wasn’t sure how some of the subplots connected to the overall story but in the end, Linda does an amazing job of weaving them together, creating a cohesive, exciting book.

Click on the book to visit Amazon

The characters in this series are endearing. Talia is a good boss and a good friend, showing her caring nature in the way she treats both friends and employees. I love her employee, Martha, a crusty sort of woman, adds another dimension to the story. Talia is dating Ryan Collins, but he has a minor role in this story as he is out of town on business. But, could there be trouble with their relationship when he stops returning her phone calls and texts? Along with a number of viable suspects there were also non-suspects who had secrets or were hiding something which keeps the reader guessing and second guessing themselves trying to figure out the killer.

I was happy that Linda includes the recipe for Talia’s Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies at the back of the book. The apple filling is so delicious I could literally eat it on its own and would be terrific served over ice cream! I found the pie dough a bit tricky to work with even after trying to make it twice. It cracked and crumbled when I filled the pies… but maybe I tried adding too many of the delicious apples. However, one of my young taste testers said that the pies were like eating cookies with apple pie filling. And then it dawned on me that once the pastry was deep-fried it reminded me of the texture of sable cookies! Of course you can take the easy route and use pre-made refrigerated pie crust, such as Pillsbury…which I did as well. Either way, these are a fun dessert to both make and serve!

Amazon Synopsis

The town of Wrensdale is abuzz with excitement when Steeltop Foods sponsors a cooking contest to promote its new product, the Flavor Dial. With a $25,000 prize at stake, all the contestants are on edge, including Talia Marby, owner of Fry Me A Sliver. She hopes her mini deep-fried apple pies will win her the money to pay off the renovations on her restaurant. But when Norma Ferguson wins with her flaky-top chicken stew, the tensions dial up even more.
 
After Norma is found dead at her cooking station, the police suspect a losing contestant got a little too hot under the collar. Now it’s crunch time as Talia works to catch the killer and clear her name before another cook gets burned.

 

 

A huge thank you to Linda Reilly for providing a signed copy of A FRYING SHAME to one winner. Contest ends Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. 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!)

 

 

Talia's Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies are a special treat! Flaky crust, fried until golden and crispy, encases sweet apples laced with cinnamon & nutmeg.

Print
Talia’s Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies

Talia’s Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies

Ingredients

    Dough (or use your favorite pre-made refrigerated pie crust)
  • 2 cups flour, plus a little extra for coating
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus additional oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup milk
    • Filling
  • 4 Cortland apples, peeled, cored, and sliced*
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

    Prepare the filling:
  1. In a large frying pan, combine the apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
  2. Cook gently over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and cool.
    4. Prepare the dough**:
  4. Blend the flour, vegetable oil, and milk with a fork, then form into two separate balls.
  5. Coat each dough ball with flour.
  6. Roll out the first one onto a floured cutting board until it's 1/8-inch thick.
  7. Cut out rounds that are 4 inches in diameter.
  8. Repeat with the second dough ball.
  9. Set aside the rounds.
    10. Deep-frying:
  10. Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooked apples in each dough round.
  11. Moisten the edges of the dough with cold water and fold in half over the apple mixture.
  12. Press the edges with a fork to crimp and seal.
  13. Repeat with the remaining rounds.
  14. Place pies on a tray or cookie sheet that's been lightly sprinkled with flour, then chill for 15 minutes while you heat oil.
    15. Frying:
  15. In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees, using just enough oil to cover the pies. A candy/deep-fry thermometer will help gauge the oil temperature.
  16. Lower the pies into the hot oil with a slotted spoon, frying only a few at a time.
  17. Fry about 2 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden.
  18. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  19. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.
    20. Tips
  20. *If you can't find Cortland apples, substitute 2 Granny Smith and 2 Golden Delicious apples.
  21. **If using pre-made refrigerated pie crust, unroll the dough and cut out 4-inch circles, then proceed with recipe.
  22. If apples extrude a lot of moisture after softening, remove apples from the pan and cook the liquid down until syrupy, stirring constantly. Add the reduced liquid to the apples and proceed with recipe.
  23. If you like, you can add an icing drizzle to the mini pies after frying. Mix 5 tablespoons powdered sugar with 1-1/2 teaspoons water. If too thick to easily drizzle, add a few drops of extra water at a time, stirring until combined and it reaches the right consistency.
https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/deep-fried-apple-pies/

Talia's Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies are a special treat! Flaky crust, fried until golden and crispy, encases sweet apples laced with cinnamon & nutmeg.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Talia's Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies are a special treat! Flaky crust, fried until golden and crispy, encases sweet apples laced with cinnamon & nutmeg.

 

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

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

 

Talia's Miniature Deep-Fried Apple Pies are a special treat! Flaky crust, fried until golden and crispy, encases sweet apples laced with cinnamon & nutmeg.

Supereasy Hawaiian Pie

The setting of tropical Hawaii with believable and truly likable characters makes MURDER AT TURTLE COVE, the newest release in Kathi Daley’s Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery series, a pleasure to read. Kathi starts the book off with a bang, providing an exciting scene in which the protagonist, Lani Pope, encounters sharks while surfing, and then finds a human arm right afterwards! While I would be filled with frantic terror and felt some while reading, Lani exhibits the proper way to handle the situations. It highlights her training as a Water Safety Officer at the Dolphin Bay Resort, located on the North Shore of Oahu (a spectacular location, by the way!). She feels obligated, on top of letting her curiosity guide her, to finding the killer, since she was the one to find the victim. Her search takes her to the famed food trucks on the island. I found the bits and pieces of insight the author provides about the food trucks and their culture to be quite interesting.

Lani has a contentious relationship with her boss and as a result, finds herself in some uncomfortable situations. Although for the reader, it lends itself to humor, especially when she finds herself assigned to the hated resort family pool. She is a strong, self-sufficient young woman but has a tender heart and is quick to help out anyone who needs assistance. Like taking in an abandoned young boy and abandoned kittens! Lani also has a sweet relationship with a group of senior citizens who jump at the chance to sleuth for her. I loved seeing their interaction together and loved that Lani’s boyfriend, Luke, enjoys their company just as much as she does. It adds to the entertainment of the book.

The author provides several subplots twisting throughout the murder mystery, and we find out more about her mysterious neighbor, Shredder. He’s been an enigma in previous books but has more of a presence in this one. The unexpected curve ball thrown in at the ending had me on the edge of my seat! Kathi provides an exciting twist of events that had me turning pages faster and faster, leaving me wanting more as I read the very last page!

Kathi provides several delicious recipes at the back of the book and she has graciously allowed me to share her Supereasy Hawaiian Pie… and yes, it is super easy, and boy is it super delectable and will having you dreaming of the islands! It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients create an amazing dessert. My granddaughter is having a pineapple-themed party in a few months and this will definitely be on the menu! 

 

 

A huge thank you to Kathi Daley for providing winner’s choice of print or an e-book copy of MURDER AT TURTLE COVE to one winner. Print limited to U.S. residents only. With the Easter holiday, I’m extending the contest to end on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. 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!)

 

 

 

Supereasy Hawaiian Pie combine a few pantry and dairy staple ingredients together, creating a delectable dessert that will have you dreaming of the islands!

Print
Supereasy Hawaiian Pie

Supereasy Hawaiian Pie

Ingredients

  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (6 servings)
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 1 9-inch graham cracker crust
  • 1 small container Cool Whip
  • 1 can sliced pineapple
  • 8 maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine crushed pineapple with its syrup, dry pudding mix, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
  2. Spoon into prepared pie crust.
  3. Frost with Cool Whip and decorate top with pineapple slices and cherries.
  4. Sprinkle with coconut.
  5. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.
    6. Tips
  6. I will use a deep dish pie plate when I make this next time. There is a generous amount of filling in this recipe!
  7. Pat sliced pineapple and maraschino cherries dry before garnishing the pie.
https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/supereasy-hawaiian-pie/

 

Supereasy Hawaiian Pie combine a few pantry and dairy staple ingredients together, creating a delectable dessert that will have you dreaming of the islands!

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Pin to Pinterest:

 

Supereasy Hawaiian Pie combine a few pantry and dairy staple ingredients together, creating a delectable dessert that will have you dreaming of the islands!

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

Be sure to check out Kathi Daley’s brand new Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery, EASTER ESCAPADE, coming April 21, 2017! 

In the first ever crossover episode, Zak and Zoe join forces with Hawaiian visitors Luke and Lani, to find out who killed a historian visiting Ashton Falls in order to find a treasure map left by his grandfather a hundred years earlier. Meanwhile, Ellie and Levi move in with Zak and Zoe while the boathouse is being renovated and Alex helps Ellie prepare the nursery for baby Eli who is due to be born any day. Throw in some humor and Easter fun and you have a Zak and Zoe crossover mystery.

Peanut Butter Pie

 

It’s a pleasure to be a part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour presenting SILENCE OF THE JAMS, the second book in the Down Home Café Mystery series, by Gayle Leeson!

Click on the book to visit Amazon

This book has a well thought out plot but more than that, is character driven, bringing the story to life. Amy Flowers owns the Down Home Café and has been in business only a short time. Her best friend and cousin, Jackie, helps her run it. Jackie’s mother abandoned her and as a result, is estranged from her mom, even though she pops into town every so often. Jackie’s story was hinted at a bit in the first book, but in SILENCE OF THE JAMS, her unfortunate circumstance is fully explored. Ms. Lesson captures the essence of the emotional distress and upheaval the situation causes Jackie and her family, weaving it into the mystery plot, creating layers of tension. The social issue of substance abuse is also a part of the equation, highlighting not only illegal abuse but abuse of prescription drugs and how willing people are to share their own medication with others which can result in dire circumstances. This theme is quite apropos with what is currently happening in our society, but the author does so in a manner that isn’t heavy handed and fits right into the plot. I appreciate when an entertaining book can tackle current social issues, making the reader give pause and consider the message given.

Even though there is the subplot of Jackie and her family, Amy is still the central protagonist. She is deeply involved with Jackie’s dilemma, while at the same time trying to find out who murdered the Director of the Chamber of Commerce as he was eating breakfast at her café. She worries people will think it was her fresh batch of strawberry jam that killed him! The author provides plenty of suspects, each with viable reasons why they wanted him dead. One of the supporting characters, Homer Pickens is a truly likable and admirable man. I loved the scenes he showed up in with his wit and couldn’t wait to find out who his daily hero was for inspiration. 

Of course the Down Home Café has plenty of mouth-watering food to keep the townspeople coming back! Thankfully, Gayle Leeson has included many delicious recipes at the back of her book and was gracious to let me share her Peanut Butter Pie recipe. I’ve heard of this pie before, but have never tried it…. and I discovered I’ve been missing out! Sweetened creamy peanut butter forms the bottom layer, while a rich, fuss-free, custard forms the middle layer, and is then topped with a fluffy meringue and garnished with additional peanut butter sprinkles. I was intrigued with her method for creating the meringue with the addition of a cooked sugar and cornstarch mixture. But, after making it and then observing the leftovers over the course of a few days, I will be using this method from here on out! The meringue didn’t shrink nor did it “weep” and get soupy after a few hours. The stability was amazing! The only thing I will try different next time is adding some chocolate chips to the bottom peanut butter layer…peanut butter and chocolate are one of my favorite flavor combinations 🙂

Amazon Synopsis

In the latest Southern cozy from the author of The Calamity Café, small-town chef Amy Flowers can’t take her freedom for granted when she’s served up as a murder suspect… 

It’s Independence Day in Winter Garden, Virginia, and the residents are gearing up for their annual celebration. The Down South Café is open and flourishing, and Amy Flowers is busy making pies and cakes for the holiday. The only thorn in her side is Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln, who is trying to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site.
 
When George collapses while eating at the Down South, everybody assumes it’s a heart attack—until the autopsy declares it to be poisoning. Now, it’s up to Amy to prove her innocence before her liberty is lost.

 

 

A very special thank you to Gayle Leeson for providing (1) – signed paperback of SILENCE OF THE JAMS, Down South Cafe t-shirt, and Flirty Apron Oven Mitt Set! This giveaway is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and you can use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest ends April 16, 2017 and is limited to U.S. residents only. Winners will be announced on this page and on Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours site, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

 

 

 

Peanut Butter Pie has sweetened creamy peanut butter on the bottom, while a fuss-free, custard forms middle layer, and is then topped with fluffy meringue.

 

Print
Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 9-inch piecrust, baked and cooled
  • 2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch, divided
  • 3 eggs, separated
  • 2-1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
  2. Place the confectioners' sugar in a bowl.
  3. Cut in the peanut butter with a pastry blender until crumbly.
  4. Set aside 2 tablespoons for garnish and sprinkle the remaining crumbs into the pie shell.
  5. In a saucepan, combine 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup cornstarch, egg yolks, and milk.
  6. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
  7. Add the butter and vanilla, stirring until the butter melts.
  8. Pour into the pie shell.
  9. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining sugar and cornstarch with water. Cook over low heat until thickened. Cool slightly.
  10. Beat the egg whites until stiff.
  11. Fold in the cornstarch mixture.
  12. Spread the meringue over the hot filling, sealing the edges.
  13. Sprinkle the reserved peanut butter mixture over the top.
  14. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  15. Allow pie to cool completely before serving.
  16. Yield: 8 servings
https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/peanut-butter-pie/

Peanut Butter Pie has sweetened creamy peanut butter on the bottom, while a fuss-free, custard forms middle layer, and is then topped with fluffy meringue.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

 

Tour Participants

April 3 – Laura’s Interests 
April 3 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews 
April 3 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting
April 4 – Book Babble
April 4 – Island Confidential 
April 5 – Bookworm Mom 
April 5 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews 
April 6 – The Power of Words 
April 6 – Texas Book-aholic 
April 6 – Shelley’s Book Case 
April 7 – A Blue Million Books 
April 7 – Books,Dreams,Life 
April 8 – StoreyBook Reviews 
April 8 – Author Annette Drake’s blog 
April 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews 
April 9 – Brooke Blogs 
April 10 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder 
April 10 – Community Bookstop 
April 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! 
April 11 – Melina’s Book Blog 
April 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy 
April 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower 
April 12 – Maureen’s Musings 
April 13 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! 
April 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews 
April 14 – Bibliophile Reviews 
April 14 – A Holland Reads 
April 15 – Queen of All She Reads 
April 15 – deal sharing aunt 
April 16 – Varietats 
April 16 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews 

 

 

Peanut Butter Pie has sweetened creamy peanut butter on the bottom, while a fuss-free, custard forms middle layer, and is then topped with fluffy meringue.

 

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mini Strawberry Tarts

While I read a lot of entertaining books that I really enjoy, every so often a new series comes along that, from the very first page, completely captivates me. Such is the case with ELEMENTARY, SHE READ by Vicki Delaney! From her quirky, endearing protagonist, Gemma Doyle (who may or may not be distantly related to the author of Sherlock Holmes) to the setting of the quaint New England Cape Cod town, I loved it all. And I was especially enthralled with Gemma’s shop, Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium located at 222 Baker Street, adjacent to her best friend’s shop, Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. I wish it was a real shop because I could spend hours browsing there! Gemma is a British transplant and brings a unique inflection to the New England setting. She is amazingly perceptive at noticing the smallest of details yet is a bit of a klutz and quite forgetful at times. Gemma is also very outspoken and directly honest, which makes people around her uncomfortable at times, but she has a good heart and never does it with malice. 

Click on book to visit Amazon

While I’ve never read any Sherlock Holmes books (gasp! I can’t believe I’ve overlooked them or am even admitting it!!!) I envision Gemma as a modern day type of Holmes with her best friend, Jayne, a reluctant Watson. The pair complement each other, bringing light humor to the situations they find themselves in. The plot moves along at a fast pace and the author weaves in a priceless magazine that contains the first published Sherlock Holmes story, with a reclusive multi-millionaire, feuding heirs, and a murdered caregiver. There are numerous suspects and Gemma methodically examines them all while dealing with the town’s new detective that seems to have it in for her. The reveal neatly wraps up the threads of the story in an exciting conclusion, leaving me wanting more!

While there aren’t any recipes included with the book, Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room provides plenty of tempting treats to whet your appetite. Vicki has graciously shared her recipe for Mini Strawberry Tarts. These delectable bites are the combination of flaky, buttery crusts providing the perfect platform for the rich, creamy custard and garnished with juicy, sweet strawberries. A delicious ending to spring and summer dinners while elegant enough to impress both family and guests!

Amazon Synopsis

Gemma Doyle, a transplanted Englishwoman, has returned to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage her Great Uncle Arthur’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop–located at 222 Baker Street–specializes in the Holmes canon and pastiche, and is also the home of Moriarty the cat. When Gemma finds a rare and potentially valuable magazine containing the first Sherlock Homes story hidden in the bookshop, she and her friend Jayne (who runs the adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room) set off to find the owner, only to stumble upon a dead body.

The highly perceptive Gemma is the police’s first suspect, so she puts her consummate powers of deduction to work to clear her name, investigating a handsome rare books expert, the dead woman’s suspiciously unmoved son, and a whole family of greedy characters desperate to cash in on their inheritance. But when Gemma and Jayne accidentally place themselves at a second murder scene, it’s a race to uncover the truth before the detectives lock them up for good.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes will delight in the sleuthing duo of Gemma and Jayne in Elementary, She Read, the clever and captivating series debut by nationally bestselling author Vicki Delany.

 

 

A special thanks to Vicki Delaney for providing a hardcover copy of ELEMENTARY, SHE READ for one lucky winner! Contest ends Friday, March 17, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST, and is 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!)

 

 

Mini Strawberry Tarts are flaky, buttery crusts which provide the perfect platform for the rich, creamy custard & garnished with juicy, sweet strawberries.

Print
Mini Strawberry Tarts

Mini Strawberry Tarts

Ingredients

    Pastry
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
    • Pastry cream
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Topping
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
  • Strawberries to decorate

Instructions

    Pastry
  1. Mix flour and confectioners' sugar together in a bowl.
  2. Add butter and rub in gently with your fingertips to make flaky crumbs.
  3. Add the egg yolk and gently work together with fingertips to form a dough. If the dough is too sticky, gently mix in a teaspoon of flour at a time, until it is easy to handle and forms a ball.
  4. Very gently knead the dough 2-3 times with your hand to form a ball.
  5. Flour work surface lightly and dust rolling pin with flour.
  6. Gently roll out the pastry to 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Cut into circles to fit tart pans. Use a glass of appropriate size if you don’t have a round cookie cutter.
  8. Place the circles over the tart tin and gently push them down.
  9. Prick the pastry cases in several places with a fork.
  10. Freeze for at least one hour. Can be left overnight.
    11. Pastry Cream
  11. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk the egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of the sugar together until the mixture forms ribbons when the beaters are lifted, 3 or 4 minutes.
  12. Beat in flour to make a thick pale yellow mixture, almost a paste.
  13. Heat the milk gently with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.
  14. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, bring to the boil.
  15. Very slowly, pour milk onto the egg yolk mixture, stirring all the time to avoid curdling.
  16. Pour the mixture back into the pan and heat on low to medium. Keep stirring with a whisk as you heat it. It will quite suddenly become thick and creamy.
  17. Reduce the heat immediately and cook for a minute or two, but keep whisking all the time.
  18. Remove from heat and pour straight into a bowl. Cool slightly.
  19. If not using immediately, cover with plastic wrap to keep skin from forming and refrigerate until needed.
    20. Bake the pastry cases
  20. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
  21. Bake pastry shells for 5 minutes.
  22. While the shells are cooking, beat one egg with a fork.
  23. Remove the tarts from the oven.
  24. Gently brush the pastry cases with beaten egg and then put them back in the oven for 5 minutes.
  25. When done, they should be lightly golden round the edges.
  26. Cool for five minutes.
  27. Remove pastry shells from the tin and cool on a baking rack.
    28. Fill tarts
  28. Slice strawberries if they are too large to fit neatly on the tart.
  29. Whip 1/4 cup of cream with 1/2 teaspoon of confectioners' sugar.
  30. Whisk pastry cream lightly. Add whipped cream to pastry cream and mix on low speed
  31. Fill tart shells with cream.
  32. Top with the fruit and dust with confectioners' sugar.
    33. Tip
  33. Use pre-made frozen tart shells or refrigerated pie dough to simplify this recipe.
  34. If you don't have mini tart pans, regular-sized or mini muffin tins can be used.
https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/mini-strawberry-tarts/

 

Mini Strawberry Tarts are flaky, buttery crusts which provide the perfect platform for the rich, creamy custard & garnished with juicy, sweet strawberries.

 

 

 

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Mini Strawberry Tarts are flaky, buttery crusts which provide the perfect platform for the rich, creamy custard & garnished with juicy, sweet strawberries.

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

I received a copy of this book and willingly provided a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

 

LA Lime Pie

Back in October when I attended the Ladies of Intrigue conference in Huntington Beach, I had the pleasure of listening to a panel discussion that included author Linda O. Johnston. Later that day I had the opportunity to meet her and talk a bit about her books. Linda writes a couple of series but the book that caught my attention was TO CATCH A TREAT from her Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series. First off, I loved the play on the title since To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant is one of my favorite classic movies. Next, the adorable cover with the darling dogs and delectable showcase of goodies invited me in. And then as I began reading, the well crafted plot with the interesting and well-developed characters kept my attention as I turned the pages. 

Click on book to visit Amazon

The protagonist, Carrie Kennersly, is endearing with her close relationship to her brother. She is very protective and has become almost a mother to him after their parents divorced and went on to create new families. Carrie also has a soft heart when it comes to animals, working both as a vet technician in addition to owning a bakery that caters to pets (and humans too). The author weaves information into the story about pet rescue shelters with a plea to help find forever homes for these animals…which adds to the appeal of the book. The setting of Knobcone, California is a delightful, beautiful place. The descriptions of the mountains and lake have me curious if the setting was based on Big Bear, a mountainous community not too far from where I live and a location I have visited often. Even if not, it was still fun to imagine it as that location.

Since Carrie Kennersly owns two bakeries, one for pets and one for humans, it’s a natural that the author includes recipes for each at the back of the book. All the recipes sound delicious, both for myself and for our grandpuppy. A special thank you to Linda for allowing me to share the recipe for LA Lime Pie. Using three pantry/refrigerator staples for the filling, which is poured into a prepared graham cracker crust, this dessert is super quick and easy to make. However, the resulting creamy, custard-like sweet-tart filling tastes like it could be a labor intensive dessert and is oh so yummy! While it’s not a traditional holiday dessert, the cool, refreshing flavor is a nice change from heavily spiced fare and I know that LA Lime Pie will be highly requested in my family throughout the year.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Carrie Kennersly, veterinary technician and owner of the Barkery and Biscuits bake shop, agrees to a day of hiking with her brother Neal—mostly because she wants to meet and critique his latest romantic interest, Janelle Blaystone. But instead of judging her, Carrie feels only sympathy for Janelle, whose beloved black Labrador, Go, was recently dognapped.

Janelle thinks the culprit is Ada Arnist, a wealthy homeowner spotted at the dog park where Go was stolen. Soon after Janelle confronts Ada, though, the woman is found dead. With Janelle and Neal on the suspect list, Carrie must solve the mystery before the police bark up the wrong tree.

 

 

 

 

I am happy to be able to provide an autographed copy of TO CATCH A TREAT for one lucky winner! Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Thursday, December 22, 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!)

 

 

LA Lime Pie utilizes 3 simple pantry and fridge staples to fill a graham cracker crust. The resulting pie is a luscious dessert that will become a favorite!

 

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LA Lime Pie

LA Lime Pie

Ingredients

  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup, or a little more, lime juice, preferably fresh
  • 1 9-inch prepared graham cracker pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
  2. Combine the condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice, and blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and bake for 8 - 10 minutes.
  4. Let the pie stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before refrigerating.
  5. Chill completely.
  6. You can put whipped cream on it, if you like, before serving.
  7. Also, you can garnish it with lime slices.
    8. Tips
  8. If you want to make your own graham cracker crust mix 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free is fine) with 1/4 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons melted butter. Pat into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
  9. If you are concerned about consuming under-cooked eggs in the filling, bake the pie 15 - 18 minutes until the filling reaches 160 degrees (F).
https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/la-lime-pie/

LA Lime Pie utilizes 3 simple pantry and fridge staples to fill a graham cracker crust. The resulting pie is a luscious dessert that will become a favorite!

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

LA Lime Pie utilizes 3 simple pantry and fridge staples to fill a graham cracker crust. The resulting pie is a luscious dessert that will become a favorite!

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

 

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