I had the pleasure of meeting up again with Jenn McKinlay at Left Coast Crime in Honolulu last month. She is just as humorous in person as she is in her books and I was excited to have the chance to read the newest release in her Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, CARAMEL CRUSH. Of course there was absolutely no time to read during the conference, so I decided to start the book on the flight home to Los Angeles. Now typically I never read on an airplane… I hate, hate, hate to fly and the stress makes me unable to focus on the words in front of me. Instead, my eyes glaze over as I watch mindless movies or tv shows, while I pretend I’m anywhere but on the airplane. Jenn’s book proved to be the exception! Not only did I read the entire way, I wasn’t quite ready for the jet’s wheels to touch down because I only had two chapters left to go to finish the book. Her sassy humor captivated me from the very first page and pulled me into the story, making me forget where I was.
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Jenn weaves a tantalizing tale involving a bridezilla, a long-ago debt that Mel thinks she can never repay, and a man murdered just before Mel delivers breakup cupcakes. There were unexpected twists to the clever plot and subplots, that I didn’t see coming. I greatly enjoy seeing the relationship Mel has with her best friend and bakery co-owner, Angie. It has a ring of authenticity… they care about each other but they also have squabbles that long-time best friends can have; especially those who also work together day in and day out. Angie’s mother and her future mother-in-law are a hoot, and even though they only had a cameo appearance, I hope to see more of them in future books. Mel and her boyfriend, Joe, (who is also Angie’s brother) are progressing ever so slowly in their relationship, but they are sweet together.
And just as sweet as Mel and Joe are together, the recipes Jenn includes at the back of the book are amazingly sweet! So many delectable cupcake recipes to choose from, I had a difficult decision about which one to share. In the end I chose Key Lime Cupcakes with Key Lime Buttercream because that happens to be one of my granddaughter’s favorite pies and I knew she would love these cupcakes. The cupcakes are tender and moist while the buttercream tops them off with a zingy creaminess which made them a hit in my household! Thanks, Jenn, for allowing me to share your wonderful recipe!
Amazon Synopsis
Love is in the air at Fairy Tale Cupcakes as Angie prepares for her wedding, but co-owner, Mel, is preparing for a breakup. Her old friend, Diane Earnest, is dumping her fiancé after discovering he’s only marrying her for her money. She wants Mel to personally deliver a batch of caramel breakup cupcakes to the louse and give her a play-by-play of his reaction.
When Mel finally tracks the man down, the look on his face isn’t the reaction she was expecting: he’s dead. After the police arrive and see the incriminating cupcakes, Diane becomes their prime suspect. If she hopes to taste freedom again, Mel and Angie must make sure the real killer gets their just desserts…
I’m happy to be able to offer winner’s choice of either an e-book copy or print copy of CARAMEL CRUSH plus a special thank you to Jenn McKinlay for providing a cool swivel measuring spoon from her Cupcake Bakery Mysteries for one lucky winner! Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest ends Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Print and swag limited to U.S. residents only. Winners will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
- Line a cupcake tin with 12 cupcake paper liners.
- Sift the dry ingredients together in a big bowl.
- Melt the butter and add the beaten egg to it.
- Add the butter and egg mixture to the dry ingredients, then stir in the milk until smooth.
- Zest half of a lime, and add it to the bowl.
- Squeeze in the juice of half the lime (2 tablespoons), and mix well.
- Scoop into the cupcake liners and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat butter on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Mix in key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Add in powdered sugar, mixing until it reaches desired consistency.
- Spread or pipe on cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with a candied lime peel, if desired.
- You can substitute regular limes if you can't find Key Limes. Just remember, fresh is always best so don't use the bottled juice.
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Leslie Karst, Jenn McKinlay, and me at LCC
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ahh, how fun you got a chance to meet up with her in beautiful Hawaii! I think your comment about sassy humor sums up one of the reasons her books are a fave of mine too!
I would prefer a print copy, thanks so much for the chance to win!
I’d love either but really enjoy a paperback since I love the feel of a book in my hands. Key lime cupcakes sound so
delicious and especially for an Easter treat. Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway.
I love key lime anything! And while I like both, I always prefer a book in the hand over an e-book. 🙂 Thanks for the contest!
I prefer print. I can’t wait to try these cupcakes. I make a key lime cake that everyone loves and usually do one at Easter. I will have to do these cupcakes this year.
The recipe for key lime cupcakes sounds to die for. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of CARAMEL CRUSH! I would love a print copy if I were so fortunate as to be selected. 🙂
I prefer print books. I love key lime and will definitely be making those cupcakes!
The Key Lime cupcakes sound good. Love the cupcake series-would like a print book
I prefer print but would take an e-book. I’m looking forward tot he book & the cupcakes.
I love print books but I also like to save the author/publisher always-increasing postage from having to mail it so I guess either is fine! (It’s so easy to retrieve a e-book when it’s just gifted on Amazon) Thank you for an awesome looking recipe and the chance to enter the giveaway!
I prefer ebooks because I can change the font size and style.
Any more, I prefer ebooks, they are just easier for me. I do love a paperback every once in awhile, I do still love being able to turn pages and smell the book.
I like a e-book if it isn’t signed. If it is signed a prefer a print copy. Thank you for the chance to win this book.
I sat on a panel with Jen at Left Coat Crime and she was just a delight. And funny! I’ve been reading her books for quite awhile now even before I met her, because her novels are good and addictive. You read one, you want more. Great recipe, too. Such a win-win!
I enjoy reading book copy or ebook. The books looks great. 🙂
I would enjoy this book. Love to bake. I read the book copy or ebook. Thank for a chance
I’d love a print book please/ I’ve never baked with Key Limes but this recipe for the cupcakes has me wanting to. I love Key lime pie..
Key lime is one of my favorite flavors so will be making these. I always use Jenn’s butter cream frosting recipe from an early book. I met her at an event in Phoenix and she told me how she developed recipe. Quite a process!!!
Sorry forgot. Print copy PLEASE!!!!!
i love all the Left Coast Crime pictures! I would prefer a print copy, and appreciate the review and the giveaway!
I want to make those cupcakes. The book is on my wish list, it sounds wonderful. I like print books, guess I’m old school, I just love books. Yours are awesome.
I would love to win a print copy. Thanks for a great review, recipe & giveaway.
Recipe and book both sound delicious! Print copy should I win, please.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I’m not sure I have every had Key Lime anything but I would love to try it sometime. I would like a print copy if I win. Thank you for the chance.
i would prefer a print copy
I would love a print copy.
I am partial to print books.
This does sound tasty and refreshing.
By the way, your tea cup is beautiful!
I’d prefer a print copy. 🙂
I love this series! Print, please.
I have branched out into both areas…eBook and print. However, at this time, I’d love to win a print copy of “Caramel Crush.” I am a big fan of Jenn McKinlay, and look forward to her new book.
Love Key Lime pie so this sounds really good!!! Thanks for the chance for the book!!!
It was great to meet/see both you and Jenn at this year’s Left Coast Crime. And I will also mention that the panelists on the Sunday panel did a wonderful to self-moderate since both the moderator and timekeeper were AWOL! Of course, I LOVE reading Jenn’s cupcake mystery series, and would prefer a print copy.
It was so great meeting up with you too, Grace! I was so sorry I missed out on the Sunday session with Jenn… I know she did a fabulous job on the panel and I’m sure kept everyone entertained at the same time 🙂
ebook please…and the cupcakes sound wonderful…Key Lime is one of my favorite flavors
Love Jenn, love her books. And love Key Lime anything!
I like having a print copy book, but most of the time I can get an e-copy faster and easier to find.
Love Jenn ‘ s books. My friend and I cannot read the new book.
I just got a Kindle so I’m starting to do ebooks more. I have a Nook but find better deals on Amazon. Those cupcakes look delicious and pretty!
This is a really great series, can’t wait to read. The cupcake recipe looks amazing. I prefer a print book.
E-book
I love reading a book. Easier to keep try of where I left off.
I like think I would like a print book, because I love the cover. Thanks for the giveaway
I still love print but sometimes it’s easier to read an ebook on my kindle. I love this series.
I love holding a real book. Thanks for offering the giveaway and for the yummy sounding cupcake recipe!
I did get a kindle for Christmas but I still prefer a print book. An ebook is just not the same for me but I’ve only had it a few months. I could end up changing my mind, maybe…. lol
Would prefer hardcopy. Recipe looks luscious. And we do like key lime. Thanks for the chance to get the book. And for the cupcake
I have been binge reading this series and love it! I prefer a hardcopy of books. I like key lime pie so I am sure I would like a key lime cupcake.
Thanks!
I prefer the print copies of books! I’m a book sniffer. ❤️
I like the print copy please afterwards I give it to my Senior Center
print please. the cupcakes sound great thanks for the chance,
Print copy, please. And thanks for the chance!!
Print copy. Thanks so much!
I love having this series in print, they’re so pretty to look at! 🙂 Thanks for the recipe and the chance to win too! I’m excited to read it!
Hello! Loved the interview & the recipe sounds great (gonna Veganize it). I’m a paperback kinda gal… I love the feeling of the actual book in my hands & the joy of turning pages- papercuts & all ?
Cheers-
Kelly Braun
I like either one I love the feel of a book but I am also running out of space! These cupcakes look delicious and I can’t wait to try them! Thank you for the chance!,
I’m old fashioned and prefer to have a book in hand that I can turn pages. I’ve read all her books and look forward to reading this one.
I am still a dinosaur and cant move beyond print books….so if i win, I’d like a print copy please. Thank you for the chance!
I prefer a print copy please.
Love the blog post and recipe. I love caramel so this book sounds tasty. And…you had me at “sassy humor.” I love reading print books and read whenever I can.
I have to say that I prefer a print book. There are two reasons for this. First, I can only read ebooks on my phone. While, I don’t really mind reading this way, it’s just difficult because it is small. Secondly, and probably most important to me, I really do like the way a printed book feels in my hand. I hope this doesn’t sound too weird, but I really do like the smell of a printed book. I guess that’s why I have always loved books.
I prefer the print copy!
I don’t have a preference for eBook or print. I just love books in any form!
Love the book’s name! Will be reading it. Thanks also for the recipe! Prefer a printed book.
Print copy, please. I love all of Jenn’s books! Really looking forward to reading Caramel Crush.
I love print copies of books. I just love the feel of a book. Love the recipe. Can’t wait to try it.