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It’s been 1-1/2 years since the last release of a Cookbook Nook Mystery book by Daryl Wood Gerber and I am beyond happy that there is a new addition! PRESSING THE ISSUE, the sixth book in this delightful series, finds Jenna Hart and the town of Crystal Cove, California, getting ready for a Renaissance Fair. While I have never attended a “Ren Fair”, the author’s descriptive voice brings the sights, sounds, and yummy tastes to life and the reader will feel like they are right there. Ms. Gerber effectively uses “fair-speak” between the characters which adds to the festive atmosphere, providing fun entertainment. Jenna owns the Cookbook Nook, a shop I would dearly love to spend lots of time in. Not only does Jenna have plenty of Renaissance-themed decorations and period music for her shop but she has also located and stocked numerous medieval-themed cookbooks. I love the clever names assigned to these cook books and who knew there were so many out there?
Jenna is helping her good friend, Bailey Bird, plan her wedding, which is scheduled to be held at the Boldini Vineyards. When they find the winery’s owner murdered, Jenna’s curiosity and sense of justice drags her into getting involved. Plus she needs to find a resolution for the bride-to-be’s wedding venue. There are plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and plenty of twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. Ms. Gerber includes a unique condition called “Face Blindness” in the book and I found the use intriguing! The chilling climax ties all the subplots together and provides a satisfying conclusion. I so enjoyed catching up with Jenna and the characters surrounding her. They have been allowed to grow and develop in their personal lives and relationships and it’s been a pleasure sharing their adventure!
The Renaissance Fair provides so many opportunities to indulge in yummy food and you will be drooling while reading the decadent descriptions. Fortunately for the reader, Ms. Gerber provides numerous recipes at the back of the book to indulge in! I was immediately drawn to Sin-in-a-Cup Frozen Cheesecake Bites for several reasons. First off, chocolate and cheesecake… yum! Plus since these are small individual portions that can be kept in the freezer I can indulge my cravings whenever they pop up instead of needing to finish off an entire batch right away. The addition of fresh raspberries and Grand Marnier put these little bites of heaven over the top and is one of the very few desserts I decided to not share with anyone else. It’s that good!
Amazon Synopsis
As the annual Renaissance Fair comes to Crystal Cove, Jenna Hart’s Cookbook Nook is packed with tasty treats and all things medieval, while her pal Bailey is ready to swoon over her upcoming nuptials at a local vineyard. But when the two friends discover the body of the vineyard’s owner bludgeoned by a winepress, all their merriment fades, along with their hopes for a vintage year.
Which churlish varlet did the deed? Was it the victim’s errant brother, who stood to inherit the vineyards? Or the owner’s crestfallen ex-girlfriend? Mayhap it was the newly arrived comely wench, or her jealous husband. Fie on them all! Verily, Jenna can’t rest until justice is served, and she vows to track down the killer. But can she sniff out the truth before the villainous culprit strikes again?
A special thanks to Daryl Wood Gerber for providing one winner with their choice of print books from the first 5 books in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series or an e-book copy of PRESSING THE ISSUE! Contest ends Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 11:59 pm PST and print 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!)
These are easy but messier than all get-out to prepare. You'll want to lick your fingers a lot. Try not to or you will OD on chocolate. LOL. Also, don't be disappointed if the first few times you try to make them they don't turn out "pretty". Working with chocolate and ice cube trays isn't easy. But the result is divine. Remember, you'll want a square-shaped ice cube tray, not the rectangular kind. If you do use the rectangular kind, then forgo serving these little tasty treats in mini muffin cups.
- 8 - 12 ounces semi-sweet chips (8 ounces is probably ample)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon liqueur (I like an orange-based liqueur like Grand Marnier)
- pinch of kosher salt
- 12 raspberries
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In a medium bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and coconut oil for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave longer, if necessary, until just melted, about 15 - 30 seconds more. It's okay on this round of microwaving if the mixture is not completely smooth. Don't overcook.
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Pour a teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each ice cube mold. Using clean fingers, press the chocolate around the sides of the mold completely. Freeze the mold until the chocolate is solid, about 10 minutes. If you feel you didn't get enough chocolate around the mold, remove from freezer and add more chocolate and repeat the pressing and freezing action. You'd like a nice "crust" to form.
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Meanwhile, in another medium bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, liqueur, and salt, and mix until light and fluffy.
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Remove the ice cube mold from the freezer and fill 12 cubes about half full with the cream cheese mixture. Press a raspberry into the center of each cube. Fill the rest of the cube with the cream cheese mixture and top with melted chocolate. (You might need to remelt the chocolate. Again, don't overcook. Zap in 15-second intervals. Do not overcook. You do not want the chocolate to seize.)
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Freeze the mold until the mixture is solid, about 90 minutes.
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Invert the mold to release the cubes. If you need to, twist the mold to make the treats pop out, or loosen each treat with a knife.
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Serve in mini cupcake holders, if desired. Keep frozen whatever you don't eat.
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Hard plastic ice cube trays work better than soft silicone style molds.
(Makes 12)
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I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No I have never been to a Renaissance Fair. I would like to go sometime. Thank you for the chance
Karina, hope you do go. They’re fun! ~ Daryl
i HAVEN’T DONE A REN FAIRE.
Doward, I hope you will one day. So much fun. You become “another person” for a day. ~ Daryl
No, I never attended a Renaissance Fair.
Maybe someday, Karen. 🙂 ~ Daryl
Used to sell meat pies at the Old English Fair in Peoria, IL in the 70’s. The park had a stone oven that we baked the pies in and it was always one of the hottest days of the year and it was sweltering in front of that oven! ( In full costume! ) The line of people was always a mile long and we were constantly hustling to turn out the pies as fast as possible.
After the park closed, we rewarded ourselves for a hard working day as many of us gathered together and had our own feast. The Mead flowed freely, the talk and laughs were loud and merry, and time with friends was cherished.
Kathleen, that sounds like such hard work, but worth it for the camaraderie. Good for you. ~ Daryl
No, I’ve never attended a Renaissance Fair. However, that’s only because I’ve never had the chance. I would love to attend one and think it would be tons of fun.
Kay, maybe one will come your way soon. Hoping for you. 🙂 ~ Daryl
Yes I have been to Several Renaissance Fairs.
Several? Georgette, so far the largest number I’ve heard is 4. I’ve been to 3. I intend to make it again this year. 🙂 ~ Daryl
I haven’t been to a Renaissance Fair but it would be delightful to take one ine. All those savor meat pies mentioned above sound wonderful. I can visualize the costumes readily and would love to attend in costume myself. Every time I have seen one advertised in the area we have been on vacation. This has my interest piqued enough to watch for the notice early!
Keep your eyes peeled for the advertisements, Mardell. What is fun is you can buy tickets at the door, so you can go on the spur of the moment. ~ Daryl
Yes, I’ve been to a Faire. It was a lot of fun.
Daniele, verily, I say, “Whee!” ~ Daryl 🙂
We have attended faires when we lived in Texas. We really enjoyed the atmosphere.
Merry, I bet the fairs are fun in all parts of the country, don’t you? ~ Daryl
Going to make these today, they sound yummy!
What’s nice, Angela, is they can last a long time, if you can control yourself. LOL ~ Daryl
I went once with my mom and grandma as a kid. It was so much fun! One of the best days. I loved the re-enactments and everyone walking around dressed up. All the tents selling goods were so cool too!
Amanda, I think it is a wonderful family affair. ~ Daryl
It has been years but I did visit one in Ohio. It was the last week-end and the food vendors was out of a lot of stuff. It was fun seeing everyone dressed up.
I have to make that recipe!
Marsha, I’m sorry the vendors were out of things. I didn’t even think about that. Yes, going early would be a good idea. ~ Daryl
Not a “big” one. When the kids were in grade school the schools in the area did a Renaissance Fair with booths to highlight the changes the Renaissance period & the many changes it made in the world. What I remember the most was trying to remember their monetary system. We were given coins to represent farthings, penny, halfpenny, etc remembering what was what had us all in stitches. The booth I worked was for painting whatever the kids wanted on their cheeks.
Ah, Della, this sounds so sweet! ~ Daryl
I have had many opportunities to go to one but i didn’t as i didn’t think the scooter would make it all day before the battery died out although i would of loved to go as in Ca they have a lot of them! [email protected] love the recipe!
Peggy, getting around in the rough outdoors can be a challenge. ~ Daryl
Our family did attend a Ren Faire in the next state every year when the kids were small. They always enjoyed the story of the season, the jousting, and all of the different acts that went on during the day. The food and crafts were always a big hit too.
scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com
Margaret, I love the play acting that goes on, as well. I think that’s my favorite part. ~ Daryl
I have been to several faires and I love them. So much fun. Especially the spaghetti juggling!
Okay, Sharon, I’ve never seen spaghetti juggling. Sounds hilarious! ~ Daryl
I have actually been to a Renassaince Faire. There is one in Ohio and I went with my cousins one year. It was interesting and fun!
What fun, Melissa, to make it a family affair. ~ Daryl
I have, but it was a long time ago when I was a kid. I remember it was fun, tho.
Jana, time to go as an adult! 🙂 ~ Daryl
I haven’t attended a Renaissance Fair. Thank you for a chance to win a print book from the first 5 books in the Cookbook Nook series or an e-book copy of Pressing The Issue.
You’re welcome. ~ Daryl
Yes, I enjoy them . The last one I went to was when my boyfriend and I had just met. It was muddy and crowded and he absolutely hated it. Don’t know if I will ever be able to enjoy one again. 🙁
Oh, sad, Jackie. Go without that boyfriend. They can be fun. Maybe on a lesser busy day? 🙂 ~ Daryl
I want to say I went to one, but I’m not positive. I find the costumes fascinating and fun.
I have been to a Renaissance Fair and it was a lot of fun.
I lived near a Renaissance Fair site for many years and never went—-no I’m sorry.
Aw, Sue, I hope you’ll give it a chance. ~ Daryl
Yes, I attended with a group of friends.
When I lived in MN, we would go to the Renaissance Festival every year! Sadly, it’s been 30 years since I lived in MN! It was a lot of fun!!
I have never been to a Renaissance Faire. Would love to one day!
I have never been to a Renaissance fair.I have friends who have been to one, and they all have fun stories to tell. Thanks for the recipe….it sounds and looks yummy! I’ll have to try it.
Over the years, I have been to several Renaissance Fairs — In Ohio and California.
They transport visitors into a different time. It’s exciting to meet people who dedicate
their time to learning old ways and sharing them with many others. Delightful !!!
Perfect setting for a Cook Book Mystery !!!
Actually, I have visited a couple of Ren faires, and enjoyed it. I love to watch the glassblowers!! My brother & his family go to one every year and even dress up!!
I’ve never been to a Renaissance fair and I’m not sure if they have them in Hawaii. It sounds like it’d be interesting.
Gabrielle, a Hawaiian festival? That might be interesting. 🙂 ~ Daryl
I haven’t made it to a Renaissance Fair…yet, it seems whenever they are in town something else is always going on, but I do plan on getting there one day.
Debbie, isn’t it funny how life just gets in the way sometimes? ~ Daryl
I’ve been to a Renaissance fair at least once and I think 2-3 times (it’s been a while–it was when my children were young.) We really loved it and I have a photo of the younger one dressed as a knight, w/ chainmail, helmet, shield and sword. Just precious.
“Have you ever attended a Renaissance Fair?” I have, and I liked it just fine!
As I told Daryl at her party, I have always wanted to go to the festival in Oregon but never have attended!
I have been to a Ren fair and loved it. I have to say i drooled over this recipe in the book. Will have to see if I can find someone to make it for me, lol
Kay, so glad you enjoyed this recipe. ~ Daryl
I did go to a few but it was many years ago.
It’s been a LOONG time! King Richard’s Fair, every September/October in Carver, Massachusetts. Lots of fun!
Look forward to reading this.
I have never been to a Renaissance fair.
No I haven’t but would love to.
I went to a Renaissance Fair a long time ago up in Wisconsin, it was a lot of fun, there were people dressed up & we tried some of the food & I would highly recommend for everybody to try it once. Thanks for your generosity.
Yes I have..in Pennsylvania….the jester followed my college age daughter around all day…that was fun at first but a little nervous by the end of day…but the fair itself was exceptional! Kids in our school district go yearly as a field trip…and get to dress up for the day….so all my younger ones got to go…think it was 5th or sixth grade!
I have never attended a Renaissance Fair
I have never been to a Ren fair bit of sounds like fun!
Perfect timing! My daughter was supposed to go to the local Ren Faire today, but her date got delayed and now I think they will just go out for lunch!
This recipe looks wicked good!
I attended one and felt so out of place because I was the token human
Unfortunately, I’ve never been to a Renaissance Fair. It sounds like so much fun! I’m going to tell my sister we should do some research and plan a trip, so we can attend one. Thank you so much!! 🙂
No I haven’t but would like to.
Our neighboring county has a Medieval Faire in the summer. I have attended several years. They used to have a
jousting field where the knights would joust on horseback but due to liability, it has been stopped. It is always a real
entertaining time with the side shows, the various food booths, and of course the various musicians. Of course wearing
an outfit makes your visit even more fun.
Yes, I have been to a RenFest. Just the local one but go multiply times the past 3 years. Planning on trying another one this year.
Ren Fairs are so much fun! If you haven’t been then when you get a chance you should go. cocanvaz[at]gmail[dot]com
I recently found out there is one near me every summer, so I am planning on attending this year – it sounds like fun!
I only attended one time and it was probably over 25 years ago in Pennsylvania. The Cheesecake Bites sound delicious! And thank you for the opportunity to win!
I love going to the Ren Fair! Love the food – always bring home frozen meat pies to enjoy later on!
I’ve always gone to the Ren Fests, love to dress up! It’s fun, a ton of walking, plays, shows and some of the friendliest and some of the oddest folks. Tons of crafts, some totally made by hand. Good food., we love Funnel Cake. nani_geplcs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes once. In the eighties in Chicago. Rained the night before and I sank in a mud hole when I got out of car!! LOL!!!!! Went down hill from there!!!!
[email protected]
I have attended a Ren Fair before and loved it!
These look absolutely amazing! Before I make these, I’m going to have to figure out what to keep them in so they are hidden from tiny humans!
Yes, I have been to one and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This recipe looks delicious!
No, I have never been to a Festival, they sound wonderful. Will have to try your recipe too. Thank you for the giveaway. Love reading your books!
No, I’ve never had an opportunity to attend a Renaissance Fair. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Yes when I was in college. Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com