Cinnamon and Sugar

No-Bake Rum Ball Cookies

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SEASONED WITH MURDER is the twelfth book in the Cookies & Chance Mysteries by Catherine Bruns. With a cruise ship setting, protagonist Sally Muccio and the entire gang set sail for a fun-filled, semi-working vacation. With her dad headlining a mortuary event, Sally and her coworker have been slated to work in the galley to cater desserts (her famous, or shall I say infamous, fortune cookies and coffin cookies) for the event. Except not all goes as planned when Sal’s nemesis, and her grandmother’s best friend, Nicoletta Gavelli, joins the cruise. Ms. Bruns knows how to set the stage for misadventure and mayhem from the very start and the story pulled me in and kept me entertained throughout the entire book. I just adore the cast of core characters—they’re lovable, some are humorous (especially Sally’s dad and grandmother), some are caring, and others add spark. I really enjoyed that Sally’s husband, Mike, and their young daughter, Cookie, are on page more this time around. It’s not easy to juggle family life, work, and trying to solve a mystery, but the author is to be commended for the ease with which she seems to craft each scene.

When Sally finds the galley director stuffed in the freezer, Nicoletta immediately becomes the number suspect after a very public argument with the victim. As much as Sally doesn’t want to, it becomes apparent she’s going to have to investigate, especially after Nicoletta is thrown into the brig. The author does a marvelous job including descriptions of the ship and the brig area, and the details add to the authenticity without detracting from the fast-moving plot. With a ship-full of people, guests and employees alike, there was a boatload of suspects to consider. Was it a disgruntled employee or did one of the guests have a bad experience with the victim? Sally delves into uncovering secrets as she bakes up a storm. There are twists and turns with misdirection thrown in for good measure, that kept me guessing. With the delightful cast of core characters and an intriguing plot, this is a book worth savoring while dreaming of a tropical vacation!

Being the owner of Sally’s Samples cookie bakery, Sally and her best friend, Josie, are constantly baking up sweet treats, even while on board the ship. The author includes several delicious recipes at the back of the book. I was honored when Catherine asked if I’d like to contribute a recipe to be included. When I found out the setting was a cruise ship, bound for the Bahamas, I immediately thought of tropical drinks mixed with generous amounts of rum… and came up with a no-bake Rum Ball Cookie recipe. I typically think of rum balls as a holiday treat, but being no-bake means they’re perfect for hot summer weather with no need to turn on the oven. With a food processor and a few simple ingredients, these cookie treats will be sure to evoke island breezes as you nibble away. And, of course, if you’d rather make these for the holidays, they can conveniently be made up to a month ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or up to three months ahead and stored in the freezer.

Amazon Synopsis

Full time baker and sometime sleuth Sally Muccio is excited to be traveling on her first cruise along with family and friends. Sal and coworker Josie have been hired to cater desserts for the mortuary event onboard that her father is headlining and are also looking forward to some fun and relaxation in the sun.

But the ship’s itinerary doesn’t go as planned when the body of Southern belle and galley director Sarah Leigh Walker is discovered in the freezer. To make matters worse, Sal’s nemesis, the elderly and cranky Nicoletta Gavelli, is accused of the ice-cold crime after a very public and ugly argument with the victim.

Despite Nicoletta’s sharp tongue, Sal knows the woman isn’t guilty and would never refuse to help her. With the real killer still cruising the decks, Sal and Josie must work fast to track them down before Nicoletta’s last hope sinks faster than the Titanic.

A special thanks to Catherine Bruns for providing a print copy of SEASONED WITH MURDER! Contest ends September 28, 2022 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!)

No-Bake Rum Ball Cookies

Makes 35 - 40, depending on size of balls made

Ingredients

1 (11 ounce) package vanilla wafers (such as Nilla Wafers)
1 cup confectioners' sugar (plus more for rolling)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (plus more for rolling)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/3 cup spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan)

Instructions

Using a food processor, pulse the entire package of vanilla wafers until they are fine crumbs.
Add the 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and corn syrup and pulse until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the rum through the chute of the mixture until well combined. If the mixture doesn't hold together when you pinch it, add more rum, a teaspoon at a time, until the mixture easily forms a ball.
Using a teaspoon (or small cookie scoop), scoop the dough from the food processor and form the dough into balls.
Add a small amount of confectioners' sugar to a shallow bowl (and if desired a small amount of cocoa powder to another shallow bowl) and roll the balls into either the sugar or the cocoa powder until well coated.
Place the rum balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 2 hours. Transfer to an airtight storage container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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

Apple-Pie Filled Cupcakes

I’m so excited to share that BUTTERCREAM BETRAYAL is finally here! I’m celebrating with a giveaway and I’ve extended the sale price for another week so don’t miss out. Click on the title to go to Amazon:

BUTTERCREAM BETRAYAL

What it’s about:

Intent on getting their two mischievous dogs under control, Emory Martinez and her half sister, Vannie, join a group dog training program led by Shawn Parker. With a graduation certificate just within grasp and a party to celebrate their hard-won achievements, what could go wrong? For starters, their two dogs have decided to wreak havoc during the party and tempers flare. It turns out not everyone is pleased with the dog trainer and his mother, the condo association president. Whispers of the mother and son’s misbehavior, or worse, fly amongst the barks, whines, and growls of the canines.

When Emory finds the body of Mrs. Parker amidst an explosive situation, it becomes apparent there is more truth to the whispers instead of just gossip. Could one of the canine-loving participants be responsible? Or an outsider who hated her heavy-handed rule over the condo homeowners? Emory, Vannie, and octogenarian Tillie must sift through the clues to find out who has been betrayed and who has decided to take justice into their own hands.

Recipes included, like the Apple-Pie Filled Cupcakes I’m sharing today!

I’m giving away a print copy of Buttercream Betrayal plus a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky recipient. Contest ends September 18, 2022 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!)

Be sure to scroll to the bottom and check out the schedule for the Great Escapes Book Tour for an additional chance to win a copy of my book along with an Amazon gift card.

Apple Pie-Filled Cupcakes

Makes 16 - 18 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

1 box vanilla cake mix
Ingredients called for on box: eggs, water, and oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Apple Pie Filling

1 pound tart apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

Buttercream Frosting

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, defrosted
Optional Garnish: Cinnamon sticks, coarse demerara sugar

Instructions

Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
Prepare the cupcakes according to the cake-mix package directions, adding the cinnamon and nutmeg to the bowl with the dry mix.
Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full with the prepared batter and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are fine.
Remove the cupcakes from the tins and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Apple Pie Filling

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring until combined and the apples are coated with the mixture.
Cook over medium heat until the apples soften, about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently and lower heat when the filling begins to bubble. Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to evaporate.
Remove from heat and cool completely.

Buttercream Frosting

Using a stand mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 3 minutes on medium-high speed. Reduce the speed to low and add the cinnamon and salt. Once combined, slowly add the confectioners’ sugar.
Once the sugar has been incorporated, add 3 tablespoons of the defrosted apple juice concentrate. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until light and fluffy. If needed, add additional apple juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Putting it together:

Using a rounded teaspoon measuring spoon, scoop out the centers of the cupcakes.
Spoon the cooled filling into the centers, packing it in.
Using a large star tip, pipe swirls of the buttercream over the tops of the cupcakes. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and garnish with cinnamon sticks if desired.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
September 13 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
September 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – The Mystery of Writing – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
September 15 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW
September 15 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
September 15 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
September 16 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST
September 16 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW
September 16 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT
September 16 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
September 17 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
September 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
September 17 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
September 18 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT
September 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
September 18 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT
September 19 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 19 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
September 20 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 20 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

Tour page: https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-great-escapes-book-tours/buttercream-betrayal-cupcake-catering-mystery-series-by-kim-davis/

Early reviews are coming in for Buttercream Betrayal!

“Davis outdoes herself in this latest caper, including side stories on puppy mills, blackmail, money laundering, theft, and secret alliances. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest episode in the lives of a charming and funny cast, and now I am eager to find out what happens in the next one.” ~ James Cudney, This Is My Truth Now

“A cozy mystery to savor! The murder mystery is top-notch and very absorbing… This series features one of my favorite casts of likable, ‘I know I’d enjoy being friends with them’ characters.” ~ Linda Langford, Chatting About Cozies

Blueberry Coffee Cake with Crumble

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A COLORFUL SCHEME is the fourth book in the Pen & Ink Mystery series by Krista Davis. You can always count on this author delivering a topnotch story with a riveting mystery, colorful characters, and a charming setting, and this newest release doesn’t disappoint. Protagonist Florrie Fox is a delightful young woman, sweet as she is kind, to both her friends and customers alike. Not only does she manage a bookstore, but she’s also a talented adult coloring book creator. The supporting characters are equally well-rounded and are people you’d like to spend time with. I enjoyed that Florrie’s sister, Veronica, has a greater role in the story, acting as the wedding planner for Florrie’s wealthy boss who is marrying a famous romance author (their second time marrying). A bit of humor is thrown in with Veronica needing to tackle wedding plan issues… until an issue turns serious with the discovery that the bride is missing.

There are multi-faceted mysteries for the reader to muse over in the story and I greatly enjoyed the literary thread of writing and publishing set amongst the wedding festivities. From an agent, to authors, to author and journalist wannabes, to a literary critic, Ms. Davis creates stressful situations that might lead to strife and even murder. On top of that, Florrie discovers she has a stalker who won’t leave her alone even when confronted. When a murder victim is discovered after the wedding festivities, Florrie can’t help but become involved. With plenty of suspects to choose from (there were over 500 guests at the wedding and reception!) it takes Florrie’s sharp mind and colorful art pencils to narrow down the list. The creative use of Florrie’s artistic skills to capture details of the people and clues involved in the case is unique and added another layer of entertainment to her sleuthing. I’ll admit I was way off the mark in guessing who the culprit was, but it was a fun read following along with Florrie’s investigations. As the story concluded, all questions were answered and the subplots fit together quite satisfactorily. It left me wanting to immediately color the inviting coloring book cover before picking up the next book in the series.

Another highlight of Krista Davis’s books are the tempting recipes she includes at the back of the book. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try out her recipe for Blueberry Coffee Cake with Crumble. Chock full of fresh blueberries in a tender vanilla cake, the cinnamon, brown sugar-based crumble adds both flavor and a pleasing crunchy texture. And since this makes a generous amount, it’s perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings!

Amazon Synopsis

Coloring-book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion. But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.

Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex–FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.

When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects . . .

A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a print copy of A COLORFUL SCHEME! Contest ends September 14, 2022 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!)

Blueberry Coffee Cake with Crumble

Use a 9" x 13" baking pan.

Note: butter must be softened.

Ingredients

For the Crumble

1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cake

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for baking pan
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups blueberries (two 6-ounce clamshell packages)

Instructions

For the Crumble

Place all the ingredients in a bowl. Using your fingers, squish them together, rubbing them between your fingers as you go, until they are all mixed and crumbly. Set aside.

For the Cake

Grease the baking pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and stir well with a whisk or fork to combine.
Cream the sugar with the butter. Add the eggs and beat, one at a time. Alternate adding the milk and the flour mixture. Add the vanilla and beat briefly.
Stir or fold in the blueberries gently. Pour into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with the crumble mixture.
Bake 40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

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

Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes

I’m celebrating Jenn McKinlay’s fabulous new cupcake cookbook and sharing one of her equally fabulous cupcake recipes!

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Fairy Tale Cupcakes is the fictional bakery in the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries. This long running New York Times bestselling series features childhood friends Melanie Cooper, Angie DeLaura, and Tate Harper as they cook up yummy cupcakes, become embroiled in various shenanigans, and solve murder mysteries in their hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

What is not fictional, however, are the cupcakes that they create and bake. From the imagination of Jenn McKinlay and the kitchen of Christie Conlee, these delicious cupcake recipes have been baked and frosted to perfection. And now, for the first time ever, we’re sharing them in a single volume with you. Happy Baking!

I’m sharing a reprisal of Jenn’s scrumptious Orange Dreamsicle Cupcake recipe from her cozy mystery BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF. These moist, delicious orange cupcakes are topped with a dreamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Reminiscent of a childhood favorite ice cream treat, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with young and old alike!

Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes

An orange cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream.

Ingredients

Cupcakes

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs separated and whites beaten until stiff
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon orange extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup orange juice

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk or whipping cream

Instructions

Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with paper liners.
Combine butter, sugar, egg yolks, zest and orange extract in a large mixing bowl and cream these ingredients together thoroughly.
Sift flour, salt and baking powder together in a separate mixing bowl.
Add dry ingredients to creamed ingredients a third at a time, alternately with the orange juice.
Fold in the beaten egg whites.
Spoon batter into cupcake liners until half full.
Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, cream the butter and vanilla extract together. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides of bowl often.
Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.
For best results, keep icing in refrigerator when not in use. This icing can be stored up to 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.
Makes 3 cups of icing.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes:

To make the Dreamsicle frosting swirls, tint 1/4 of the frosting light orange. Fit a disposable pastry bag with a large star tip.
Place 1/3 of the orange frosting down one side of the pastry bag then fill with 1/3 of the remaining vanilla buttercream. Refill pastry bag as needed, until all cupcakes are frosted.
Using even pressure, pipe large swirls onto the top of the cupcakes.
Eggs are easier to separate when they are cold but whip up better when they are room temperature. Separate the egg whites as soon as you remove from the refrigerator but then allow them to come to room temperature while you collect the rest of the ingredients. Then beat the egg whites until stiff right before you need them.

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Synopsis:

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura’s Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel’s mother. Now Mom’s a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man’s shady past and discover who served him his just desserts.

Lemon Zucchini Bread

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TWO PARTS SUGAR, ONE PART MURDER, is the first book in the brand-new Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns. With humor woven into an intriguing murder and a sassy, social media savvy protagonist, the story kept me glued to the pages. From the very first paragraph, I was entertained by the author’s descriptive voice, which is frequently humorous, and had me laughing out loud several times. After a disastrous wedding with her being left at the alter—livestreamed no less—protagonist Maddy Montgomery finds herself inheriting a bakery, a house, and a giant 250-pound English mastiff named Baby. It’s a far cry from her globe-trotting, pampered lifestyle provided by an overindulgent, but distant, father. This sets the stage for Maddie to find self-reliance as she attempts to fit into an unknown lifestyle in rural New Bison. I enjoyed the learning curve Maddie experiences and the character arc woven into the plot. Ms. Burns does an admirable job of creating memorable characters, besides Maddie, and, by far, Baby, steals each scene he inhabits! I also appreciated the small-town vibes given off by the people who welcome Maddie into their midst, particularly her great-aunt’s friends known as the Baker Street Irregulars. They are quick to jump into action to help her out, no matter the problems that crop up.

But not everyone is happy to see Maddie move into town to take over her great-aunt’s bakery. Pressures mount for her to sell the bakery and her new home, but with the will stipulating she must live in New Bison for a year before taking any actions, she’s stuck. And when the mayor is found murdered in Maddy’s bakery with her fingerprints on the weapon, she becomes suspect number one. This fast-paced whodunit weaves Maddie’s aunt’s demise into the current murder, taking the reader on a whirlwind ride. She finds there are secrets people are loath to part with, but she must uncover them to find the clues to save herself and her aunt’s business. As she begins unraveling the clues, the pressure builds for her to abandon her inheritance. Will she stick it out to find the truth and clear her name or will her former indulgent lifestyle become a siren call she can’t refuse? With a hair-raising reveal, the author answers that question and brings together the threads of the story into a succinct and satisfactory conclusion that has me pleading for more!

While Maddy may not know how to bake, or even cook, her great-aunt left behind her recipes and a capable baker named Leroy to keep the bakery running. Be prepared for many mentions of mouthwatering treats mentioned throughout the book… I think I was drooling almost as much as Baby! Thankfully, the author includes several recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to make at home to satisfy those cravings. I was especially delighted to find a recipe for Lemon Zucchini Bread. Simple to make, the lemon juice gives it a lighter flavor and the lemony glaze makes it taste indulgent. It’s a yummy way to use up summer’s overabundant garden crop and I’ll be making it again and again to share with family and friends.

Amazon Synopsis

When Maddy Montgomery’s groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, it’s a disaster that no amount of filtering can fix. But a surprise inheritance offers a chance to regroup and rebrand—as long as Maddy is willing to live in her late, great-aunt Octavia’s house in New Bison, Michigan, for a year, running her bakery and caring for a 250-pound English mastiff named Baby.

Maddy doesn’t bake, and her Louboutins aren’t made for walking giant dogs around Lake Michigan, but the locals are friendly and the scenery is beautiful. With help from her aunt’s loyal friends, aka the Baker Street Irregulars, Maddy feels ready to tackle any challenge, including Octavia’s award-winning cake recipes. That is, until New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed, and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife . . .

Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions, too. But Maddy’s going to need a whole lot more than a trending hashtag to save her reputation—and her life.

A special thanks to Valerie Burns for providing a print copy of TWO PARTS SUGAR, ONE PART MURDER! Contest ends September 7, 2022 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!)

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup finely shredded unpeeled zucchini (don't squeeze or dry)
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 egg
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest

For the glaze (optional, but why wouldn't you?)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl and set aside.
Combine sugar, zucchini, cooking oil, egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a separate bowl and mix together.
Add the dry ingredients to the zucchini mixture and stir until just combined.
Pour batter into a greased loaf pan (9"x5").
Bake at 350 degrees (F) for 45 - 50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, and then remove from pan and cool completely.

Optional Glaze

Combine ingredients for the glaze and drizzle over the bread. If the bread isn't cool, the glaze will soak into the bread and be even more lemony.

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

Win a prize pack of 4 books!

I’m pleased to be teaming up with Poisoned Pen Press
with a giveaway featuring all four books in the
East Hamptons Murder Mystery Series
by Carrie Doyle!

One lucky winner will be awarded all four books!

Contest ends 8/31/22 and is limited to 18 years and older, residing in the U.S.
Please use the Rafflecopter link below to enter.

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The Hamptons are known for beautiful beaches, luxurious living, millionaire mansions, and now…murder! Antonia Bingham, a renowned chef and the new owner of East Hampton’s Windmill Inn, escaped to the Hamptons to get away from a harrowing past. Yet she finds herself in more danger than ever when she learns about a curse that haunts the inn—all previous owners have died suspiciously.

When she’s not cooking sumptuous meals for her guests Antonia digs into the investigation to uncover who’s behind the curse. Could the culprit be a guest at the inn, or is there a killer on the road? And the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she gets to being the next victim—will she solve the case in time to save herself?

Brisk walks on the bright chilly beach, cinnamon buns at tea time, blooming forsythia and…murder?

East Hampton innkeeper and chef Antonia Bingham has settled in to town and taken on extra work as an estate manager, giving her entree into some of the area’s most glamorous homes. Once inside, Antonia checks the heat, looks for leaks or damage, and finds the occasional dead body. It’s up to Antonia—a modern day Miss Marple with an adoration of carbs and a kamikaze love-life—to put her skills of deduction to use.

Despite a busy high-season schedule and an inn booked to capacity, Antonia has agreed to investigate a cold case in her beloved adopted hometown, East Hampton, NY: the killing of Susie Whitaker, whose brutal 1990 slaying on a tennis court in the poshest part of town was never solved.

And the person who has hired Antonia? Prime suspect Pauline Framingham, a manipulative pharmaceutical heiress from a powerful family. As Antonia attempts to unravel the mysteries of the past she unearths even darker secrets and ultimately wonders if it would have been best to let sleeping dogs lie. To make matters worse, past acquaintances and love interests reappear in the Hamptons, disrupting Antonia’s world and causing her to scurry to the fridge for comfort.

Antonia Bingham, chef and proprietor of the Windmill Inn, is looking forward to baking goodies for her customers and relaxing after a busy summer. But when a Labor Day visit by two slick Wall Streeters ends with their gruesome deaths in a summer rental house, Antonia gets pulled into the murder investigation!

Soon she’s wading through social media, the local nightclub scene, and other unfamiliar haunts of the young and glamorous, all while managing her inn and restaurant. And the timing couldn’t be worse: Nick Darrow, Antonia’s movie star crush, is back in town and ready for a commitment… while the arrival of Antonia’s sinister ex-husband threatens to bring everything crashing down.

I’ve had the pleasure of hosting Carrie on my blog previously, and she shared her recipe for Christmas Crackles. Click below to check out the recipe and read my review on Death on Lily Pond Lane: