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The beginning of the holiday season always has me anticipating the sweet Christmas Moonglow novellas written by Deborah Garner. Her newest release, GINGERBREAD AT MOONGLOW, is no exception, spreading magical holiday cheer to readers! Not only is this a heartwarming tale, the author provides a cornucopia of delectable holiday treat recipes at the back of the book, submitted by her fans… but more about that in a bit. The protagonist, Mist, runs Moonglow Café at the Timberton Hotel. She is also in charge of accommodations, meals and activities for the Christmas guests who spend the holiday at the hotel. In her spare time, Mist is an artist, specializing in miniature paintings that celebrate each season. She uses her gift to create treasured and meaningful keepsakes for each of her guests, providing insights into issues they may be facing. Mist has a special tranquility about her that brings calmness to her guests. I also found myself relaxing as I turned the pages, losing myself in the story. I love how the author helps the reader see and experience what Mist sees using lyrical descriptions of items melded into memories that Mist wants to share with those around her.
As I mentioned, there are many delicious recipes included, twenty-one in all! I was honored to have three of my recipes included: Gingerbread Cookies (with a little spicy kick), Gingerbread-Eggnog Trifle, and Homemade Eggnog, just in case you want to make the trifle when eggnog isn’t readily available. I’m sharing my recipe for Gingerbread-Eggnog Trifle because when the holidays get too hectic, it’s nice to have an elegant dessert that is super-fast to make. Relying on boxed mix, boxed pudding and purchased eggnog, then layered together… it’s as simple as that! I like to serve mine in individual wine and/or cocktail goblets so that guests can help themselves at my home. However, if I’m taking it to a gathering, layering in a trifle dish makes it easy to transport. A few crumbles of gingersnap cookies or mini gingerbread boys to garnish and you’ll have your holiday guests oohing in no time at all!
Amazon Synopsis
The small town of Timberton, Montana, boasts an ambiance of near-magical proportions during the Christmas season, due in no small part to resident artist and chef Mist’s mysterious way of working small miracles in people’s everyday lives. Each year, return guests and new arrivals mingle with local townsfolk to enjoy companionship, exquisite decor, and exceptional cuisine at The Timberton Hotel.
As the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses mix with heartfelt camaraderie and sweet romance, guests share reflections on family, friendship, and life. Although decorating the outside of a gingerbread house may prove easier than deciding what goes inside, no one leaves Timberton without renewed hope for the future.
A very special thanks to Deborah Garner for providing one lucky winner their choice of either print or an e-book copy of GINGERBREAD AT MOONGLOW! Contest ends Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. 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!)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) box gingerbread cake mix, baked according the package directions* (or your own favorite recipe)
- 1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups eggnog (store bought, low-fat or full-fat version is fine)
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- 2 (8 ounce) containers Cool Whip
- Mini gingersnaps or gingerbread boy cookies for garnish (optional)
- 3 cups whole or 2% milk (if you want to be really decadent, use half and half)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- Dash of fresh grated nutmeg
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Bake the cake mix according to package instructions. Cool completely before assembling the trifle.
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Add pudding mix to a large bowl and whisk in the eggnog and bourbon if using. Whisk for 2 minutes until the mix is thoroughly smooth. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or can be made up to 1 day in advance.
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Once the cake is cool, crumble half the gingerbread into the bottom of a trifle or glass bowl.**
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Spread half the pudding mixture over the cake, then spread 1 container of Cool Whip over the pudding. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
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Chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Garnish with mini gingersnap or gingerbread boy cookies as desired.
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In a heavy saucepan, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt and nutmeg together. Set aside.
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In a microwave safe bowl, heat the milk in the microwave until hot. Don’t boil. I use my ‘beverage’ button for this step.
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Once the milk is hot, slowly add it to the egg mixture continually whisking to keep the eggs from overheating.
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Place saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop and, whisking constantly, heat the mixture to 160 degrees (F). If you don’t have a thermometer, the mixture should coat the back of a spoon but for safety, use a thermometer.
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Remove eggnog from heat and pour through a strainer.
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Completely chill the eggnog before using.
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*If you can't find a gingerbread cake mix, you can substitute a spice cake mix. Add 2 teaspoons ground ginger and replace 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil called for in the mix with 2 tablespoons molasses. Bake as directed on package.
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**You can also make individual servings using wine goblets or cocktail glasses.
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I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have never participated in a cookie exchange party, but think it would be fun.
Not really. Have traded with a couple of people on a couple of occasions. But thats it
Cool whip? That stuff has dreadful ingredients.
No cookie exchanges, but I’ve have been gifted some lovely cookies upon occasion.
By the way, the shot from the side as you filled the glass is really well done.
Thank you, Libby!
I’ve never participated in a cookie exchange. I’m pretty fussy about what kinds of cookies I eat.
I’ve been to several cookie exchanges over the years and they were fun. I think my grandsons would enjoy this truffle.
No I have never participated in a cookie exchange but it sounds fun
I’ve never been to a cookie exchange. I have done a cookie contest at work before and that’s fun.
I have participated in a cookie exchange before. It was fun!
I’ve never been to a cookie exchange..though i have exchanged cookie recipes. I do not use cool whip, i either make my own whip cream, or if pressed use Redi-whip
Real whipped cream is certainly much better than Cool Whip but a lot of people don’t have the time to go that route. I also found that if desserts sit in the refrigerator for too long, real whipped cream starts to “melt” before serving, especially whipped cream like Redi-Whip. I think homemade whipped cream holds up better than the aerosol cream.
No cookie exchanges. I would love to as I have lots of great recipes!
I haven’t done a cookie exchange but it sounds like fun.
I have participated in cookie exchanges… I’ve also been doing ornament exchanges for the last few years & love ’em!
Cheers~
Kelly Braun
I’ve never done a cookie exchange party before, but it sounds really fun.
Yes – back in the 60s/70s! Great way to get new recipes.
I have never been to a cookie exchange party, but have been to ornament exchange parties — they are so much fun, getting to trade or steal ornaments from your good friends all in good fun ~
I never been in a cookie exchange party it sounds good. great review.
Penney
I have never been to a cookie exchange party. Thanks for the chance.
I have never participated in a cookie exchange. But they look fun.Thanks for the chance.
Yes I have done a cookie exchange for years. So much fun!
cookie exchanges are a great way to get new cookies and recipes
No I never participated in a cookie exchange party. But thank you for a chance to win print copy of Gingerbread At Moonglow.
Not really just with family so that may not count…Book sounds wonderful and Christmasy…should I win I would love an ebook please…and thank you for any chance.
Marilyn [email protected]
Once, a very long time ago, when I lived in a different state, I did participate in a cookie exchange party.
Have to say never had an opportunity to participate in a cookie exchange.
I haven’t participated in a cookie exchange party but I sure would like to! I’ve never lived in a neighborhood that did things like that and my group of friends keeps shrinking for one reason or another so there aren’t enough of us left to have one.
I’ve never participated in a cookie exchange party, but I think it would be something I would like to do in the future.
I have never participated in a cookie exchange party,
I did participate in a cookie exchange once. I felt like I was making cookies for days. When some people just brought store bought cookies, I didn’t do it again.
That would have been such a disappointing experience and certainly defeats the whole purpose of a cookie exchange party!
I have definitely participated in cookie exchanges. Fortunately, every time I have it’s been a very pleasant experience and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Since we have just recently moved and haven’t gotten to know that many folks yet, I don’t think I will be that big a thing this year other than sharing those that I make with the the few we have met. I love cookies as does my husband so there’s usually some sort of homemade cookie in the house at all times.
I did a cookie exchange at work many years ago. It really did not work out for me. I never did another.
Many years ago at my work place we did a cookie exchange and it waa fun.
Never have, sounds like fun.
I uaed to host a cookie exchange. I think I need to start it again. Thank you for the chance.
I have never done a cookie exchange party.. I would end up having no one speak to me after they officially discovered I can’t cook cookies. I have tried and they always end up little (or big) hard blobs. I can’t even get the ones from the store to turn out 😉
Maybe someday I will get it right, but I’m sure family wouldn’t believe it really made them myself.
I never have, which is strange because I love to bake. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of one near me. Maybe that says something about my baking. Lol
Yes, I have participated in a cookie exchange before. Great idea except I find there is always at least one kind in the exchange that my family refuses to eat.
A friend and I get together every year to bake cookies – we usually make at least 7 different varieties and usually double recipes of each. She is coming over on the 22nd for our 8th year in a row!!! I’m so looking forward to spending the day with her.
I think a cookie exchange would be very fun! I would love to win this book
Sounds like fun
Once, and that was enough!
I participated in one last year. It was fun exchanging recipes and trying others cookies.
No I’ve never been in a cookie exchange but would like to.
I have never had the opportunity to do a cookie exchange but sounds fun!!! Thank you for the chance!!!
I haven’t though I do make cookies to give away. A cookie exchange sounds fun. Thank you for the chance. I LOVE this series!
We used to have a cookie exchange at work and I really miss it now that I have retired.
I’m not enough of a baker for a cookie exchange!
I’ve gifted cookies & have received cookies, but have never joined a cookie exchange party.
Unfortunately, I have not, but I have always wanted to! I have read a lot of books about them, and they seem like so much fun! ??
I have a cousin who has had cookie exchange parties.
I participated in an exchange, that for some reason didn’t turn out as planned! Wouldn’t mind trying again sometime. ?