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Vicki Delany’s Hummingbird Cake

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THERE’S A MURDER AFOOT, the fifth book in the Sherlock Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany, is another entertaining addition to one of my favorite series. Protagonist Gemma Doyle is part owner and the manager of the Sherlock Homes Bookshop and Emporium in West London, Massachusetts. Despite not being a huge fan of Sherlock, Gemma is quite knowledgeable and has a sharp sense of observation not unlike the famous detective. I’ve always enjoyed the setting of the bookshop but in this new release Gemma and her good friends head across the pond to London, England. It was a treat to be introduced to Gemma’s family which adds another layer of insight into her character. I especially enjoyed seeing her interact with her mysterious sister, Pippa. The set up makes it seem like the reader might be treated to future storylines featuring both sisters. One of the great strengths of Ms. Delany is her character development which makes the story come alive.

When Gemma’s father is accused of murdering his estranged and felonious brother-in-law, Gemma knows she has to get involved in finding the truth. Despite pointing out overlooked clues to the detective in charge, Gemma still can’t convince him of her father’s innocence. I loved how she teamed up with her friends to ask questions as the trail led her to the dark world of art forgery with her sister providing some background practical assistance. Again there are parallels to the original Sherlock books and this series for the sharp reader to pick out. With clues sprinkled throughout the quest, I was still surprised with the twists and turns the plot took. An exciting finish wrapped up the book and left me wanting the next in this series to be available sooner than later!

While there aren’t any recipes in the book, Ms. Delany has graciously shared her own yummy Hummingbird Cake creation for this post. Oh my goodness… so many delicious ingredients packed into one cake! Rich, thanks to loads of walnuts and coconut, and exceptionally moist thanks to a generous amount of pineapple and bananas. Hummingbird Cake is a bit reminiscent of carrot cake but imbibes a tropical flavor that is enhanced with the tangy cream cheese frosting. I greatly appreciated that the leftovers were just as delicious, if not more so, the next day after being refrigerated. I’ll be making this cake for special occasions especially since I know it will hold up to storing for a day or two.

 

 

Rich, thanks to loads of walnuts and coconut, and exceptionally moist thanks to a generous amount of pineapple and bananas. Hummingbird Cake imbibes a tropical flavor that is enhanced with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Recipe shared with permission granted by Vicki Delany, author of THERE'S A MURDER AFOOT.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Gemma Doyle and her friends travel to London for a Sherlock Holmes convention–but will Gemma’s father take the fall for a felonious forger’s fatality?

The 6th of January is Sherlock Holmes’s birthday, and lucky for Gemma Doyle, January is also the slowest time of the year at both the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, and Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. It’s a good time for Gemma and her friends to travel to England for a Holmes Convention. For Gemma, the trip provides an opportunity to visit her parents, Jayne Wilson is excited about seeing all the sites London has to offer, and Ryan Ashburton just wants to spend some time with Gemma. But the trip is immediately derailed when Gemma’s father Henry recognizes his brother-in-law Randolph Denhaugh, who disappeared more than thirty years ago on the night he stole a valuable painting from his own parents.

Henry, a retired detective with Scotland Yard, has been keeping tabs on the man’s career as a forger of Old Masters and he warns Randy to stay away from his family. It’s up to Gemma, with the help of her friends, to plunge into the “lowest and vilest alleys” of London to save her father from prison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to the publisher, I’m happy to offer one winner a hardcover copy! Contest ends Wednesday, February 12, 2020 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!)

 

 

 

Rich, thanks to loads of walnuts and coconut, and exceptionally moist thanks to a generous amount of pineapple and bananas. Hummingbird Cake imbibes a tropical flavor that is enhanced with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Recipe shared with permission granted by Vicki Delany, author of THERE'S A MURDER AFOOT.

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Vicki Delany’s Hummingbird Cake

I once made this cake for a pot luck. The owner of Saylor’s House Café in Bloomfield, Ontario was there and she liked the cake so much she begged me for the recipe. It’s now featured on their regular menu!

Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 large)
  • 1 can (8-ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter two 9 inch-by-2 inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of pans with parchment paper. Butter the paper and dust pans with flour, tapping out any excess; set pans aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
  3. Place oil, vanilla, and sugar in an electric mixer and beat until well combined, about 2 minutes.

  4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating to combine after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is fluffy and pale yellow.

  5. In a medium bowl, stir together banana, pineapple, walnuts, and coconut. Add to egg mixture, stir until well combined. Add flour mixture; blend well.

  6. Divide mixture between prepared pans. Bake until golden brown, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking.

  7. Transfer pans to a baking rack to cool. Let pans cool 15 minutes before removing. Cool completely before icing.

  8. Recommended icing: Your favorite cream cheese frosting

Makes one 9-inch layer cake
Cinnamon & Sugar's Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Cream together 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 4 ounces softened butter and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Beat in 2 cups confectioners' sugar. Once incorporated add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Beat in an additional 2 cups confectioners' sugar and whip for 3 minutes until light and creamy. If necessary, add an additional 1 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice if consistency is too stiff.

Rich, thanks to loads of walnuts and coconut, and exceptionally moist thanks to a generous amount of pineapple and bananas. Hummingbird Cake imbibes a tropical flavor that is enhanced with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Recipe shared with permission granted by Vicki Delany, author of THERE'S A MURDER AFOOT.

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

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Rich, thanks to loads of walnuts and coconut, and exceptionally moist thanks to a generous amount of pineapple and bananas. Hummingbird Cake imbibes a tropical flavor that is enhanced with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Recipe shared with permission granted by Vicki Delany, author of THERE'S A MURDER AFOOT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Rich, thanks to loads of walnuts and coconut, and exceptionally moist thanks to a generous amount of pineapple and bananas. Hummingbird Cake imbibes a tropical flavor that is enhanced with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Recipe shared with permission granted by Vicki Delany, author of THERE'S A MURDER AFOOT.

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70 thoughts on “Vicki Delany’s Hummingbird Cake”

  2. I had a layover at the airport many years ago but, sadly, never was able to visit beyond. The book sounds great, as does this cake!

  4. I visited London’s few years ago on a study abroad trip. Had so much fun and plan to go back one day.

  5. I have visited London a long time ago such fun places to see and do. Thanks for your great generosity.

  6. I’ve never visited London but I’ve always wanted to go, maybe that’s why I love stories set in London so much. Vicki Delaney is a very talented author and I’d be absolutely thrilled to win! Thank you for the chance.

  7. I have visited London only in books which is the way I prefer because I am not fond of flying. This book sounds very interesting.

  8. I have not had the pleasure to visit London even though I really would like to. I would love to visit all the old bookshops and such in England.

  12. No, I have been to a number of other countries but not to England …yet!!!

    Having traced a portion of my ancestors back to England and being a direct descendant of a Mayflower passenger it would be so nice to go visit.

    Thank you so much for the giveaway!

  13. Yes, I have had the privilege to visit London. It was early 1980s and my grandmother and one of her sisters came to visit us as we were stationed in The Netherlands. One weekend we took a (Dutch) tour to Paris. Another weekend tour was to London. Grandma, her sister, and our 2 kids stayed at the hotel when we first got there and rested; hubby and I walked around and saw some sights & bought postcards.
    Another time we went to London with a Chapel tour group. In our free time we went to eat fish & chips. At least hubby & I had the fish & chips; the kids had put up a fight to eat at the McDonald’s so we fed them first. Hubby said he hadn’t come to London to eat at a McDonald’s!

  16. I’ve never been outside the United States.

    Can’t wait for the opportunity to read “THERE’S A MURDER AFOOT” by Vicki Delany. Always enjoy this author’s books.

    My Mom use to make Hummingbird Cake and we loved it.

  19. I have visited London around 6 times
    It is my favorite city. I made a hummingbird cake for Christmas one year. I had never heard of it until it was mentioned on a show on HGTV. They said it was also called Dr. Bird Cake. It was delicious. I hope to try your recipe. I haven’t read any books in the Sherlock Holmes series yet but look forward to in future.

  23. I have never been to London but would loved to go it would be so interesting.

    Tighefan42atgmaildotcom

  35. The only way I’ve ever visited London is in my dreams and books, but oh là là (oh wow) what fun I’ve had! Thanks! My sister would like the Hummingbird cake for sure

  37. I have never visited London, but would love to see it one day. I have heard of hummingbird cake. I noticed one of the ingredients is bananas, so I would not like it. Looks good though. Thanks for the chance.

  41. I’ve never gotten to visit London. My sister even lived there for several years, but now she’s back in the states.

  42. No, I’ve never visited London. I’ve never been out of the country. Would love to go, though. Thank you for the chance to win this great giveaway!

  55. No, I’ve never been to London. But, I would love to visit one day. Thank you for the recipe and chance to win.

  56. I have visited London and had a great time – love the historical sights and the theater and the food was amazing.

  57. I have made Hummingbird cake on the past.
    It had so much fruit and nuts that it the cake part was scarce. I will try this recipe, sounds yummy. England will be my first stop if I ever go abroad. TY for chance to win your book.

  58. I have never been to London, England. The cake looks divine but I would never make it since I am the only one that eats baked sweets and I would eat the whole thing in a short time! Thank you for the opportunity!

  59. London is my dream destination! So many ancestors from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Hummingbird cake is delicious! Have had it several times in South Carolina. Will definitely try this recipe! Thanks for the chance!

  68. No I haven’t. I’d love to someday but no money and mo passport at this time.
    scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com

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