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FIVE FURRY FAMILIARS is the fifth book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon. Filled with magic, mouthwatering morsels, and a murder to solve, this newest release kept my attention with its mesmerizing tale. Protagonist, Mia Malone, is a kitchen witch, newly come to her power and training. I love her grandmother is her instructor and the relationship they have. Sometimes it’s fraught with misunderstanding and irritation, but they always find a way to overcome and support each other. And, of course, the furry familiars all steal each scene they inhabit from Mia’s cat, Mr. Darcy, to her boyfriend’s new Maltese, to the three abandoned kittens taken in—they’re all adorable! While this can be read as a standalone—the author does an admirable job of filling in some backstory without slowing down the pace—each new book builds on what’s happened previously. And if you love character development, then I highly recommend starting at the beginning to follow along with all the changes and growth that occur over the series.
While it was fun to immerse myself with kitchen witch lore and delightful characters, Ms. Cahoon stays true to the genre and it doesn’t take long for a murder to solve. This time it’s Mia’s best friend and roommate, Christina, and her boyfriend, who’s suspected to killing Christina’s ex-boyfriend and wannabe fiancé. Since the deceased was only visiting Magic Springs for a ski holiday and didn’t know many people, there weren’t a lot of suspects. Still, Mia is determined to find the culprit and starts her own investigation. I found the pace moved quickly, and I didn’t want to put the book down until I’d read the very last page. My only tiny quibble is that the ending seemed really rushed but, by the conclusion, all my questions had been answered. If you like a bit of magic with character-driven cozy mysteries, then I highly recommend this series!
Owning a catering company (despite not being hands-on all the time), Mia is often fixing dishes to serve. Ms. Cahoon offers a recipe at the back of the book for the reader to try at home. I like that Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is one that she often fixes alongside her husband. It makes for a nice casual dinner for two, with enough left over for lunch the following day. If you have a family of four, then it makes plenty for one meal. Starting with pre-cooked chicken breasts, this meal comes together quickly despite the number of spices used. Full of flavor and topped with a delicious yogurt and cucumber sauce, these chicken gyros just might become a part of your regular lunch or dinner rotations.
Amazon Synopsis
To keep her cooking school and catering business, Mia’s Morsels, afloat, Mia’s handed off oversight to her boyfriend Trent’s mother while she focuses on earning a steady paycheck. Too bad her mean-spirited boss at the lodge keeps the misery flowing as steadily as the money. At least her roommate, Christina, is still dedicated to Mia’s Morsels—though she’s also distracted, thanks to her clingy mother’s constant demands. And the distraction only grows when Christina’s old flame shows up in Magic Springs, Idaho, in his Escalade, claiming out of the blue to be her fiancé.
The arrival of some homeless kittens, as well as Trent’s new familiar, a cute little Maltese, brings more chaos—as well as a strange spiritual energy that seems to emanate from the animals. But before Mia can figure out what kind of paranormal pets she has on her hands, she finds herself with a murder to solve—when a body is found in the lodge rental of Christina’s suddenly attentive ex . . .
A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for offering a print copy of FIVE FURRY FAMILIARS to one lucky winner! Contest ends March 3, 2024 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!)
From the author, Lynn Cahoon:
Now, I'm not sure this recipe would make a good delivery option, unless Mia's Morsels made up a packet of the chicken, fresh vegetables, pita bread, and sauce in a kit for families to make at home. But it would be a great picnic basket recipe. Especially if you could keep the chicken warm in a wide mouth thermos.
The Cowboy (my husband) and I make this on a weekday night. And have leftovers for lunch the next day. Enjoy!
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- Pita or flatbread
- Chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
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Cook the 2 chicken breasts on a grill, then shred the meat into a large bowl after they cool. (You could cook extra breasts the night before to save time for this recipe.
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Add to the chicken the sunflower oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, red vinegar, and honey. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
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Spread on a baking tray and broil for 5 minutes. Mix in 1/4 cup chicken stock and put back in the the oven for another 5 minutes.*
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Place the chicken on a warmed pita or flatbread with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Top with prepared tzatziki sauce.
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Mix together the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, dill, and mint. Chill until serving time.
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I used a store-bought roasted chicken and shredded the breasts, reserving the thighs for another meal. Since it was already salted, I omitted adding extra salt. 1 teaspoon of black pepper is more than our family likes, so I reduced and seasoned according to taste.
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*I moved the oven rack down (closer to just above middle of the oven) so chicken wasn't directly beneath heating element to keep the garlic from burning. If chicken begins overbrowning during the 5-minute cycle, stir and continue. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The gyros sound great… Less onions for me though.
Really enjoy your newsletter and giveaways!
I love the 5 familiars concept. Looking forward to reading this book
They sound and look delicious!
I absolutely love this series! I’m on book 3 now just 1 more and I’ll be caught up, I love this recipe thank you
Penney