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Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf

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BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER, the sixth book in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein, is the best so far! Actually, from the very first, Ms. Klein has penned laugh-out-loud cozy mysteries with memorable and endearing characters. With each new book released, the stories keep getting better and better and I’m definitely hooked. Book five ended with a non-mystery cliffhanger and I was relieved to find book six picks up right where it left off. The protagonist, Poppy, is back to juggling the B & B she runs with her zany Aunt Ginny, along with her baking business creating delicious paleo treats for her love interest’s shop, and providing baked goodies at the huge Beauty expo happening in their town. There is non-stop action and antics, especially when Aunt Ginny comes onto the scene and lucky for the reader, she frequents the pages. Poppy also has a tongue-in-cheek snarky humor which comes in handy when dealing with not only her aunt and her mischievous cat, Figaro, but those who would like to make her life difficult.

While the characters might be what draws me to this series, Ms. Klein pens a sharp plot that hits all the marks for creating a puzzling murder with subtle clues to keep the reader on their toes. She’s written a most unusual method for murder and I applaud her creativity! As Poppy investigates alongside her longtime high school nemeses (another terrific plot addition) she does so with methodical thoughtfulness despite the antics that keeps the story lighthearted. As she narrowed in on the suspects, I was thrown off course by the twists introduced. The author’s attention to detail ensures the reader a highly satisfying ending with no dangling threads left unanswered… except for wondering when the next book will be released!

With Poppy baking so many treats, the reader will be drooling over the descriptions. Ms. Klein provides several delectable paleo recipes at the back of the book. I couldn’t help but crave her Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf with Cherry Mascarpone Filling which Poppy served as little sandwiches at an afternoon tea at the B & B. Even if you don’t have to eat gluten-free, you can always substitute all-purpose flour. Super rich and super chocolaty, the addition of the cherry mascarpone filling (I used it as a spread instead of a filling – either way it’s scrumptious) ratcheted up the yum factor! This is a delectable treat for brunch or for an afternoon tea, or for anytime you feel like spoiling yourself!

 

Super rich and super chocolaty, Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf with Cherry Mascarpone Filling (or spread) ratcheted up the yum factor! A delectable treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or for anytime you feel like spoiling yourself! Recipe shared with permission granted by Libby Klein, author of BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Easter weekend on the Jersey Shore is hopping. Poppy’s Bed and Breakfast is busier than ever, but she needs to leave things in the hopefully capable hands of Aunt Ginny—and paws of Figaro the black smoke Persian. She’s selling her paleo muffins and keto cookies at the Health and Beauty Expo in Cape May’s Convention Hall. Normally sharing a booth with the love of her life would be a treat, but she’s recently discovered secrets that throw her new romance into chaos.

But more secrets are about to be exposed at the expo. In his keynote address, prominent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Lance Rubin reveals his breakthrough anti-aging technology. Unfortunately, someone has one-upped him with a truly foolproof anti-aging formula: murder. With the plastic surgeon dead under his own UV mask, and bedlam reigning in the hall and back at the B&B, Poppy needs to follow a twisted trail marked by glowing footprints to unmask a killer . . .

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Libby Klein for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Monday, July 5, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

Super rich and super chocolaty, Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf with Cherry Mascarpone Filling (or spread) ratcheted up the yum factor! A delectable treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or for anytime you feel like spoiling yourself! Recipe shared with permission granted by Libby Klein, author of BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER.

 

Print
Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf
Ingredients
Chocolate Loaf
  • 1-3/4 cups gluten-free flour (or substitute regular all-purpose flour)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if this is already in the gf flour blend or if using all-purpose flour)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup small or mini chocolate chips
Cherry Mascarpone Filling
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Morello Cherry Preserves, room temperature
Instructions
Chocolate Loaf

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees (F). Grease bottom only of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

  2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Mix together.

  3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar and butter. Add eggs; blend well. Stir in cream.

  4. Add the dry ingredients and stir until the batter comes together. Do not overmix.

  5. Fold in chocolate chips.

  6. Pour into the greased loaf pan.

  7. Bake at 350 degrees (F) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes then remove from the pan to cool completely.

  8. After the loaf has cooled, wrap tightly and store in refrigerator. this will cut in half-inch slices much better if it is refrigerated. Cut with a serrated knife and fill with Cherry Marscapone Filling.

Mascarpone Filling

  1. Beat mascarpone with hand mixer to loosen it up. Add cherry preserves and combine well. This spreads best if it is whipped up right away before it's needed and used immediately.

 

Super rich and super chocolaty, Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf with Cherry Mascarpone Filling (or spread) ratcheted up the yum factor! A delectable treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or for anytime you feel like spoiling yourself! Recipe shared with permission granted by Libby Klein, author of BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

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Super rich and super chocolaty, Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf with Cherry Mascarpone Filling (or spread) ratcheted up the yum factor! A delectable treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or for anytime you feel like spoiling yourself! Recipe shared with permission granted by Libby Klein, author of BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

Super rich and super chocolaty, Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf with Cherry Mascarpone Filling (or spread) ratcheted up the yum factor! A delectable treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or for anytime you feel like spoiling yourself! Recipe shared with permission granted by Libby Klein, author of BEAUTY EXPOS ARE MURDER.

 

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77 thoughts on “Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf”

  2. I have gone to a few. Not my favorite thing to do because of all the crowds. However, I love the excitement you get from them plus all the new things to look over. That part is fun.

  3. Yes, I’ve attended expos – some locally and some we traveled some distance to attend. They have been for a wide array of reasons – photography, clowning, motorcycle and home & garden. It’s a fun way to meet like minded folks, get new ideas and to just have fun.

  6. I have gone to a Collectors Expo a few times, so much fun. Thanks for this amazing giveaway.

  7. I’ve been to a few car expos. They were fun but not really my cup of tea. Would love to go to a book expos.

  8. I got to see William Shatner at a car expo years and years (decades) ago. So fun! This recipe looks so yummy. Anything described as super chocolaty gets my attention. I was just going to start this series, so perfect timing on the article.

  9. No, I haven’t. I think a food expo. and/or a gardening expo. would be a lot of fun, though! The book sounds like a great read! I love that Poppy is described as having a snarky humor! What is one of my favorite qualities in a main cozy character..sarcastic wit ! I also love that the sidekick is a kitty! Figaro….what a great name! The recipe sounds delicious! I love anything chocolate!

  10. Yes when I lived in northern Ca there were a lot that we went to but then moved to Iowa and they don’t have hardly any. They are so much fun.

  12. Yes, I have visited medical device manufacturer expo, RV, garden, comic con and bridal.

  13. Not a food expo but gardening and pets ones. I tend to find them a bit too crowded and busy for my take. I do love that series and will be keeping my eyes open for the next installment.

    • Thank you so much, Jacquie! Since Beauty Expos just released, Antique Auctions Are Murder won’t release until February 2022. Keep watching!

  15. I have gone to several Fire Fighters Expos. My husband is a retired Firefighter. We went very year. Thank you for the recipe and wonderful giveaway!!!

  16. Home, art and gun expo. They were okay, but an author expo would rule! Lol. I know there are a lot of events, but they never seem to be near Utah. Lol, what does that say about this state? I did travel to Colorado a few years ago to RWA to meet Brenda Novak and about 400 other authors, it was so cool. Outside of my favorite genre, but it was fun and I purchased a lot of books. Please come to UTAH! =)

  18. Yes, my daughter and I attended the beauty expo in Chicago 6 years ago. It was a lot of fun! My husband and I have also attended a couple Ag Expo’s.

  24. No I haven’t. Thank you for the chance the recipe sounds delicious. The book sounds interesting and fun to read! ?

  25. No I haven’t. Thank you for the chance the recipe sounds delicious. The book sounds interesting and fun to read! ?
    Chocolate is my favorite flavor.?

  29. I have attended several home and garden expos in the past which were a lot of fun. Thank you for the giveaway!

  30. No, I haven’t attended any expos but I would like to! Thanks for another wonderful Giveaway!!

  33. I have gone to several wedding expos when I was planning my wedding.. (oh that reminds me of a very funny story about a prize I won at the expo… What a hot mess that was lol)
    That being said I also went to several baby and mom expos also. They were so much fun to go to. (I wish there was a expo for parents of teenagers who just want some time to relax before senior year starts, I’d be all over that lol)

    • Back in the day, the teenage expo was called an arcade. I don’t know what they’d have now. A bunch of chairs to sit in while texting each other?

  37. When I was younger I attended expos regularly, but now that I’m a very senior citizen I just don’t have the energy to be on my feet long enough to enjoy it.

  38. I went to a couple hunting expos with my husband and we’ve been to a few home expos. They are pretty fun, but sometimes they are much too crowded, you need to time it just right.

  40. It’s been ages since I’ve gone to one! I love this series and Poppy and Aunt Ginny! Would love to win this book!!

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