Spicy Cucumber Salad

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DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA is the first book in the brand new LA Night Market series by Jennifer J. Chow. There is so much that captivated me from the very start, from the surprising setting of Los Angeles, which Ms. Chow manages to make feel like a small community, to the food—oh my, the food!—to the protagonist’s family and culture, to the intriguing murder. With fascinating characters and action packed into the story, I couldn’t help but turn pages to find out what happened next. The protagonist, Yale Yee, is one of those characters who seem shy, withdrawn, and full of self-doubts in the beginning (what twenty-something-year-old eschews cell phones and social media and instead immerses herself in a failing bookstore and Jane Austen?). But, as the stakes mount, she finds the inner strength to overcome the obstacles that face her. I appreciated the character growth over the course of the book, especially when Yale is faced with her super successful, famous cousin, Celine. Charged with entertaining and then working with her cousin at a night market food stall representing her father’s restaurant, the theme of ‘family is everything’ is woven throughout, despite Yale’s misgivings.

The attention to cultural details in the book and to the well-plotted mystery makes the story flow. The reader is taken on a culinary journey as Yale tries to make sense of a murder after someone consumes her cousin’s bubble tea concoction. I greatly enjoyed how Yale uses food to entice (or perhaps coerce) potential suspects to reveal their secrets as she tries to prove her cousin’s innocence. Despite their polar opposite personalities, the two cousins work to find common ground and understanding in their quest to find the murderer. This adds a depth of emotion to the story and you can’t but hope that the tragedy will help the two cousins find lasting friendship and that future books in the series will continue to feature them both. The unique murder weapon was well thought out and added intrigue to the plot, making it difficult to guess the culprit from the myriad of suspects. With a hair-raising conclusion, the clues fell into place, along with a desire to find out what happens next to Yale and her family!

Did I mention the food? Not only does Ms. Chow showcase her Chinese cultural dishes but also touches on dishes from other ethnicities throughout the storyline. You’ll be drooling over all the descriptions and will leave you with the desire to take out your passport and book a culinary tour. There are a couple of recipes at the back of the book, one for bubble tea and the other for Spicy Cucumber Salad—both yummy! In the end, I decided to showcase the Spicy Cucumber Salad, which makes a great accompaniment to any roasted or sautéed meat entrée or whenever you want a refreshing way to showcase your bountiful garden harvest of cucumbers. I liked that it was easy to make and was also a step up from the typical garden salad fare often found at my dinner table, making for a nice presentation to whet your appetite.

 

Tangy and a touch of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad makes a great accompaniment to any roasted or sautéed meat entrée or whenever you want a refreshing way to showcase your bountiful garden harvest of cucumbers. Recipe shared with permission granted by Jennifer J. Chow, author of DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA.

 

Amazon Synopsis

When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to play tour guide to a relative she hasn’t seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it’s a wonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village Night Market. Yale hasn’t cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine’s career as a social media influencer as adequate experience, but because she’s just lost her job at her local bookstore, she feels she has no choice.

Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, it eventually picks up thanks to Celine’s surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They’re quite shocked that their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit—literally—when one of their customers turns up dead. Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drink as a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work together to find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they’ll be serving is time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Jennifer J. Chow and Berkley Publishing for providing a print copy of  DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA. Contest ends July 17, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tangy and a touch of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad makes a great accompaniment to any roasted or sautéed meat entrée or whenever you want a refreshing way to showcase your bountiful garden harvest of cucumbers. Recipe shared with permission granted by Jennifer J. Chow, author of DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA.

 

Print
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
  • 6 Persian cucumbers (washed)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili (I like to use Laoganma's Spicy Chili Crisp)
  • Salt to taste
Instructions

  1. Slice or use mandoline to cut cucumbers to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.

  2. Peel and mince cloves of garlic.

  3. Place cucumbers and garlic in a bowl.

  4. Add soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, chili, and salt.

  5. Mix together and refrigerate for at least ten minutes before serving.

 

Tangy and a touch of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad makes a great accompaniment to any roasted or sautéed meat entrée or whenever you want a refreshing way to showcase your bountiful garden harvest of cucumbers. Recipe shared with permission granted by Jennifer J. Chow, author of DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tangy and a touch of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad makes a great accompaniment to any roasted or sautéed meat entrée or whenever you want a refreshing way to showcase your bountiful garden harvest of cucumbers. Recipe shared with permission granted by Jennifer J. Chow, author of DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Tangy and a touch of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad makes a great accompaniment to any roasted or sautéed meat entrée or whenever you want a refreshing way to showcase your bountiful garden harvest of cucumbers. Recipe shared with permission granted by Jennifer J. Chow, author of DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA.

 

 

 

Darn Fine Blueberry Buckle

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MURDER IS NO PICNIC, the third book in the Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series by Amy Pershing, is a delicious read with fun, engaging  characters! I’m always excited when I start a book and discover it has a holiday theme. In this newest release, the 4th of July is just around the corner and protagonist Samantha (Sam) Barnes is ready to delve into finding the perfect food to celebrate. As a Cape Cod food reporter, i.e. the Cape Cod Foodie, I greatly enjoyed how the author weaves Sam’s hunt for the very best blueberry buckle in the world with the murder of the woman who makes it. Except, authorities are calling it a tragic accident, but Sam is pretty certain there was foul play involved. As the pot is stirred to find suspects and the plot thickens as secrets are revealed, the police pounce on Sam’s boyfriend’s cousin. In an effort to prove his innocence, Sam steps up her investigation with the help of her close friends. Ms. Pershing writes a well-paced mystery and for those with sharp instincts, the clues will help you suss out the killer… or at least make you suspicious. I also loved how Sam and Detective Vivian Peters—Vivvie to her friends—have developed more of a friendship, as they bond over Sam giving the detective sailing lessons… which just might come in handy in the investigation.

In cozy mysteries, the mystery goes hand-in-hand with both characters and the setting, and Ms. Pershing has those in spades! With witty dialog and humor to lighten the scenes, Sam and her friends have great chemistry. Their get-togethers to talk over clues and suspects always include plenty of mouthwatering food. And, as in previous books, her adorable, goofy dog, Dioge, steals each and every scene. And who can resist the charm of Cape Cod? From the beaches, to the open water, to the dunes, to the weathered houses, the strong descriptions make it all come to life, making me want to visit, and since that’s not possible at the moment, makes me yearn for the next book in the series!

As the Cape Cod Foodie, Sam’s life revolves around food, all for the betterment of readers. Be prepared to be hungry as you read! Thankfully, the author includes several recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to try. And, of course, there’s a recipe for Darn Fine Blueberry Buckle, which lives up to its name! I wasn’t familiar with “Buckle” but according to Ms. Pershing, the term comes from the way the streusel topping buckles when you cook it. My taste testers loved the thick, crunchy streusel topping, which enhances the sweet vanilla cake studded with fresh blueberries. With a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this really is darn fine!

 

Blueberry Buckle has thick, crunchy streusel topping which enhances the sweet vanilla cake studded with fresh blueberries. With a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this really is darn fine! Recipe shared with permission granted by Amy Pershing, author of MURDER IS NO PICNIC.

 

Amazon Synopsis

The Fourth of July is coming, and for professional food lover Samantha Barnes, it’s all about the picnic. Okay, and the fireworks. And the parade. But mostly the picnic. What could be better than a DIY clambake followed by the best blueberry buckle in the world? Sam has finally found the perfect recipe in the kitchen of Clara Foster, famed cookbook author and retired restaurateur, and she’s thrilled when Clara agrees to a buckle baking lesson.

But when Clara dies in a house fire blamed on carelessness in the kitchen, Sam doesn’t believe it. Unfortunately, her doubts set in motion an investigation pointing to the new owner of Clara’s legendary restaurant—and a cousin of Sam’s harbormaster boyfriend.  So, in between researching the Cape’s best lobster rolls and planning her clambake, Sam needs to find Clara’s killer before the fireworks really start….

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Amy Pershing for providing a print copy of  MURDER IS NO PICNIC. Contest ends July 10, 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 Buckle has thick, crunchy streusel topping which enhances the sweet vanilla cake studded with fresh blueberries. With a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this really is darn fine! Recipe shared with permission granted by Amy Pershing, author of MURDER IS NO PICNIC.

 

Print
Darn Fine Blueberry Buckle

Far be it from me to claim this is the world's best blueberry buckle, but it's pretty darn fine! If you can find huckleberries, that's great, but regular blueberries are fantastic in this recipe. A couple of tips: Squeeze the streusel before breaking it up in clumps for the topping. Also, tossing the blueberries with a bit of flour before folding them into the batter will keep them from clumping. And finally, placing your cake pan on a small baking sheet can help keep the bottom of the cake from overbrowning.

Serves 8

Ingredients
Streusel:
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 8 pieces and softened
  • Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)
Cake:
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 10 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 pint (about 2 - 2-1/2 cups) fresh blueberries
Optional:
  • Whipped cream to serve alongside
Instructions
To make the streusel:

  1. Using a mixer at low speed, beat the flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt (if using) to combine and break up any brown sugar lumps.

  2. Still on low, add the softened butter and beat for 2 - 3 minutes until the mixture looks like wet sand.

To make the cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).

  2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together.

  4. In another larger and heavier bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and salt (if using) at medium speed until light and fluffy, abut 3 -4 minutes.

  5. Add the vanilla and the egg, beating well.

  6. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk.

  7. Toss the blueberries in a separate bowl with 1 - 2 tablespoons of flour and then fold them gently into the batter with a spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use the spatula to spread it into an even layer.

  8. Top with the streusel: Take a handful of the streusel and squeeze it into a clump. Break the clump into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the batter. Keep this up until you've used all of your streusel.

  9. Bake the cake for about 40 - 45 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

  10. Transfer the cake pan to a wire rack to cool for about 15 - 20 minutes.

  11. Run a thin knife around the edge of the cake, top it with a plate, and gently invert the cake onto the plate, streusel side down. Using another plate, invert the cake again, so that it is streusel side up. (This is easier than it sounds.)

  12. Serve in wedges with whipped cream on the side (optional, but, really, who doesn't want that option?). Ta da!

 

Blueberry Buckle has thick, crunchy streusel topping which enhances the sweet vanilla cake studded with fresh blueberries. With a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this really is darn fine! Recipe shared with permission granted by Amy Pershing, author of MURDER IS NO PICNIC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Blueberry Buckle has thick, crunchy streusel topping which enhances the sweet vanilla cake studded with fresh blueberries. With a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this really is darn fine! Recipe shared with permission granted by Amy Pershing, author of MURDER IS NO PICNIC.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Blueberry Buckle has thick, crunchy streusel topping which enhances the sweet vanilla cake studded with fresh blueberries. With a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this really is darn fine! Recipe shared with permission granted by Amy Pershing, author of MURDER IS NO PICNIC.

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Crinkles

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A HINT OF MISCHIEF is the third book in the Fairy Garden Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber. This charming and magical tale combines the best of cozy mysteries: a well-plotted murder, delightful characters, and an inviting setting. And I can’t overlook the cover… it’s magic all on its own. With a wide cast of characters, both human and fairy alike, the author thoughtfully provides a list at the front of the book for easy reference. But despite the number, Ms. Gerber does an admirable job with unique descriptions and the ability to make each character come to life on the pages. I also like how she opens each chapter with a literary quote about a fairy—who knew there were so many mentions out there?! The protagonist, Courtney Kelly, is owner of the adorable shop, Open Your Imagination, in Carmel-by-the-Sea in coastal California. The garden shop specializing in creating fairy gardens gives Courtney plenty of opportunities to teach customers how to craft their own fairy gardens, which readers can replicate at home. And stealing each scene she inhabits is Courtney’s adorable fairy, Fiona. Ms. Gerber’s detailed description of Fiona and all her fairy folk, brings magic to the pages and makes it entirely believable that fairies do exist.

While all the charming characters and the fairy garden shop might seem to make the reader forget that this is a murder mystery, the author starts the action from the very first page, which sets the pace for the book. She does an admirable job of weaving everyday work and play into the untimely death of a celebrity in town, who came to celebrate an old friend’s birthday. With the large gathering of sorority sisters for the birthday, there are plenty of suspects to go around. Except, fingers point toward a local young woman with a troubled past, who the celebrity gets into an altercation with. Courtney and Fiona jump into the investigation, intent on finding the real killer. Ms. Gerber expertly doles the clues out and leads the reader on a chase to find the truth. Courtney, at times, can be a bit overly forward in delving into the truth, but her tenacity is rewarded. Fiona is more actively involved in the investigation this time, which adds to the overall appeal and I’m happy to know that another Fairy Garden Mystery is in the works!

This might be a fairy garden book, but there are still plenty of mouthwatering dishes being served at the garden tea, at the birthday party, and at Courtney’s boyfriend’s restaurant. If you’ve read any of Ms. Gerber’s other books, you’ll know that she is an excellent cook and provides almost mini cookbooks with each mystery. A Hint of Mischief is no different with plenty of yummy recipes to choose from. I couldn’t help but want to make the recipe for Chocolate Crinkles. Sweet from the sugar included in the dough and then rolled into both granulated and powdered sugar before baking, these cookies are heavenly. The crisp edges and the chocolate fudgy texture make these cookies almost impossible to limit to eating only one or two.

 

Chocolate Crinkles are rolled into both granulated and powdered sugar before baking, giving the cookies a crisp edge and a fudgy interior cookie - heavenly! Recipe shared with permission granted by Daryl Wood Gerber, author of A HINT OF MISCHIEF.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Courtney has thrown a few fairy garden parties—for kids. But if a local socialite is willing to dip into her trust fund for an old sorority sister’s fortieth birthday bash, Courtney will be there with bells on. To make the job even more appealing, a famous actress, Farrah Lawson, is flying in for the occasion, and there’s nothing like a celebrity cameo to raise a business’s profile.

Now Courtney has less than two weeks to paint a mural, hang up tinkling windchimes, plan party games, and conjure up all the details. While she works her magic, the hostess and her girlfriends head off for an indulgent spa day—which leads to a fateful facial for Farrah, followed by her mysterious death. Could the kindhearted eyebrow waxer who Farrah berated in public really be the killer, as the police suspect? Courtney thinks otherwise, and with the help of her imaginative sleuth fairy, sets out to dig up the truth behind this puzzling murder . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Daryl Wood Gerber for providing a print copy of  A HINT OF MISCHIEF. Contest ends July 3, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Crinkles are rolled into both granulated and powdered sugar before baking, giving the cookies a crisp edge and a fudgy interior cookie - heavenly! Recipe shared with permission granted by Daryl Wood Gerber, author of A HINT OF MISCHIEF.

 

Print
Chocolate Crinkles

Yield: 4 dozen

Ingredients
  • 8 ounces melted butter
  • 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
  • 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar, for rolling
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, mix butter, chocolate, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Blend in the eggs and vanilla.

  3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add mixture to the sugar mixture and mix well.

  4. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls, about 1 tablespoon. You might need to moisten your fingers.

  5. Pour extra granulated sugar into a pie tin. Pour powdered sugar into a separate pie tin. Coat each ball with granulated sugar and then with powdered sugar. Place balls about 2 inches apart on the parchment paper.

  6. Bake 10 - 12 minutes. These will look slightly gooey in the "cracks" when removed from the oven. That's fine. Do not overbake.

Chocolate Crinkles are rolled into both granulated and powdered sugar before baking, giving the cookies a crisp edge and a fudgy interior cookie - heavenly! Recipe shared with permission granted by Daryl Wood Gerber, author of A HINT OF MISCHIEF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Chocolate Crinkles are rolled into both granulated and powdered sugar before baking, giving the cookies a crisp edge and a fudgy interior cookie - heavenly! Recipe shared with permission granted by Daryl Wood Gerber, author of A HINT OF MISCHIEF.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Chocolate Crinkles are rolled into both granulated and powdered sugar before baking, giving the cookies a crisp edge and a fudgy interior cookie - heavenly! Recipe shared with permission granted by Daryl Wood Gerber, author of A HINT OF MISCHIEF.

 

 

 

Cardamom Pecan Pie

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MUDDLED THROUGH by Barbara Ross is the tenth book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries. A long-time fan of this delightful series, I eagerly await with anticipation to find out what feature of Maine the author will reveal for the new release. In this newest addition, it’s mud season and I enjoyed the skillful way the theme was woven into the storyline. Of course, the setting of Maine isn’t the only thing that brings me back again and again to the series. With strong characters, unique settings, and tightly plotted mysteries, Ms. Ross continues to be a fan favorite. If you’re new to the series, you can read this as a standalone, but trust me, you’ll greatly enjoy starting at the beginning and following the journey of protagonist Julia Snowden, along with her family and friends. Julia is a strong young woman, but with the last book, life has thrown some challenges at her with the demise of her relationship to Chris, and losing both her apartment and her winter job running a supper restaurant. She’s still trying to figure things out but, in the meantime, murder strikes Busman’s Harbor again, this time affecting her sister, Livvie’s boss and friend, Zoey.

The action starts right from the very first page and continues with plenty of intriguing suspects. I appreciate the loyalty Julia shows to both Livvie and Zoey, despite circumstances and clues pointing at Zoey’s guilt over the death of her cantankerous shop neighbor. Thrown into the mix is a controversial pedestrian mall that is dividing the town. As Julia hunts for clues and talks to townspeople, it becomes apparent there are several people hiding secrets, including the prime suspect, Zoey. With a fast-paced plot, I quickly turned the pages to find out what happened next and with an edge-of-your-seat reveal I didn’t see coming, the threads of the story wrapped up into a memorable read.

As with previous books, there are recipes included that showcase the flavors of Maine and/or have a family connection to the author like the recipe for Mrs. Gus’s Cardamom Pecan Pie. In real life, the pie is a variation that the author’s sister-in-law makes for Thanksgiving. In the book, Mrs. Gus, wife to the owner of the townspeople only café, makes the pies to sell in the restaurant when local fresh fruit isn’t available during winter and early spring. I loved that the pie uses maple syrup instead of the usual corn syrup. With plenty of sweetness and a generous amount of pecans, the hint of cardamom elevates the flavor to scrumptious!

Cardamom Pecan Pie has plenty of natural sweetness thanks to maple syrup and a generous amount of pecans. The hint of cardamom elevates the flavor to scrumptious! Recipe shared with permission granted by Barbara Ross, author of MUDDLED THROUGH.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Mud season takes on a whole new meaning in the coastal town of Busman’s Harbor, Maine, when local business owners sling dirt at one another in a heated feud over a proposed pedestrian mall. Vandalism is one thing, but murder means Julia Snowden of the Snowden Family Clambake steps in to clean up the case . . .

When Julia spots police cars in front of Lupine Design, she races over. Her sister Livvie works there as a potter. Livvie is unharmed but surrounded by smashed up pottery. The police find the owner Zoey Butterfield digging clay by a nearby bay, but she has no idea who would target her store. Zoey is a vocal advocate for turning four blocks of Main Street into a pedestrian mall on summer weekends. Other shop owners, including her next-door neighbor, are vehemently opposed. Could a small-town fight provoke such destruction? When a murder follows the break-in, it’s up to Julia to dig through the secrets and lies to uncover the truth . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Barbara Ross for providing a print copy of  MUDDLED THROUGH. Contest ends June 29, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardamom Pecan Pie has plenty of natural sweetness thanks to maple syrup and a generous amount of pecans. The hint of cardamom elevates the flavor to scrumptious! Recipe shared with permission granted by Barbara Ross, author of MUDDLED THROUGH.

 

Print
Mrs. Gus's Cardamom Pecan Pie

Mrs. Gus gets up at 4:00 every morning to bake the pies for her husband's restaurant. In the winter and spring when fresh local fruit is unavailable, Mrs. Gus gets creative with non-fruit options. In the real world this is a variation on the pie my sister-in-law, Maria Kent, makes every other Thanksgiving for the big Carito family gatherings. Though it seems like there are a thousand dessert offerings available at that feast, I always go for this one.

Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients
Crust:
  • Make or buy your favorite single-crust pie crust
Filling:
  • 1 cup real maple syrup
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cubed and softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions

  1. Roll out dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

  3. Toast the pecan halves by spreading them on a baking tray and baking them for 8 - 10 minutes. Allow them to cool.

  4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F).

  5. Combine maple syrup, light brown sugar, whipping cream, and molasses in a sauce pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool 5 minutes. Whisk in butter, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk in egg yolks.

  6. Spread pecans evenly over the crust. Pour syrup mixture over pecans.

  7. Place in preheated oven and reduce heat to 325 degrees (F). Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until filling is set and center giggles slighty when gently shaken.

  8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

 

Cardamom Pecan Pie has plenty of natural sweetness thanks to maple syrup and a generous amount of pecans. The hint of cardamom elevates the flavor to scrumptious! Recipe shared with permission granted by Barbara Ross, author of MUDDLED THROUGH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Cardamom Pecan Pie has plenty of natural sweetness thanks to maple syrup and a generous amount of pecans. The hint of cardamom elevates the flavor to scrumptious! Recipe shared with permission granted by Barbara Ross, author of MUDDLED THROUGH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Cardamom Pecan Pie has plenty of natural sweetness thanks to maple syrup and a generous amount of pecans. The hint of cardamom elevates the flavor to scrumptious! Recipe shared with permission granted by Barbara Ross, author of MUDDLED THROUGH.

 

 

 

Turtle Fudge

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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S FUDGE by Nancy Coco is the tenth book in the Candy-Coated Mystery series. This newest release is another fun return to Mackinac Island where summer is in full swing with the Midsummer Night’s Festival. The author does a marvelous job of bringing the unique island setting to life, with its shops, tourists, and no motorized vehicles (aside from emergency vehicles). Instead, the sound of birds, lakeside waves, and the clomping of horses pulling carriages can be heard, and the aroma of chocolate fudge fills the air. The protagonist Allie McMurphy owns the McMurphy hotel and fudge shop and is elbow deep in fudge as she caters to the tourists pouring in. Another strength of Ms. Coco is the development of her characters over the course of the series. Allie is genuinely likeable and you can’t help but adore her bichonpoo pup, Mal. The entire cast of core characters, including Jenn, her best friend, and Officer Rex Manning, her boyfriend, have shown growth and change over the years, making them relatable. It’s like catching up with old friends whenever you pick up the newest book.

Unfortunately, Mal has a penchant for sniffing out dead bodies. However, this time around, Allie is the one to find the first victim floating in the lake right after the festival’s fireworks show. Who could have wanted the festival’s chairwoman dead? Thrown into the list of suspects is a disqualified beauty pageant contender. As Rex investigates, Allie is determined to let him do his job without interfering… except Mal sniffs out another victim and another committee member is threatened. Allie can’t stand by and risk becoming a victim herself, having joined the committee. There are plenty of suspects to question and regrettably, despite Rex’s admonishment to not put herself in danger, Allie seems to put herself at risk by constantly taking Mal for a walk. She even strays from the “safer” populated areas of downtown. As she susses out secrets and digs to find the truth, the list of suspects grows. At the hair-raising reveal, I was shocked by the culprit… which always makes me happy when I’m fooled by misdirection and a well-plotted story!

Allie spends a lot of time in her fudge shop, making a multitude of flavors. On top of that, she gives two fudge-making demonstrations a day. All I can say is yum! I loved reading all the descriptions and couldn’t wait to try several of the recipes included in the book. Chocolate, caramel, and pecans called to me first, in the Turtle Fudge recipe. It did not disappoint and was every bit as delicious as I’d expected. One of the things I love about Nancy Coco’s recipes is that they are so doable. Candy caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk are effectively used to keep the fudge becoming grainy like some finicky recipes happen. Since everything is melted in the microwave, the fudge comes together quickly and the only hard part is waiting the two hours until it sets. But once it does, it’s difficult to limit yourself to just a piece or two or ten!

Turtle Fudge utilizes pantry-stable items like caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk yet the resulting treat is candy shop worthy! Recipe shared with permission granted by Nancy Coco, author of A Midsummer Night's Fudge.

Amazon Synopsis

After a summer celebration on Michigan’s Mackinac Island ends in murder, hotel and fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy puts on her sleuthing hat . . .THERE’S NO SUGARCOATING A KILLER’S SCHEME

During the Midsummer Night’s Festival, Allie decides to take her bichonpoo, Mal, home to spare her furry little ears from the sounds of fireworks. But on her way back, Allie spots a body in the lake. Just minutes ago, Winona Higer was crowning the event’s Queen—could the competition have really been that deadly?

While she ponders the mystery the next morning, Allie prepares her favorite dark chocolate cherry fudge recipe. But she’s soon recruited to sub for the late Winona and serve as parade float judge, among other duties. As she hears rumors and gossip, and learns of mean pranks and threatening notes, her instincts kick in—despite her boyfriend the cop’s disapproval. Now, between managing a new hire and keeping the tourists filled with fudge, she’s dealing with a case that’s boiling over . . .

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Nancy Coco for providing a print copy of  A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S FUDGE. Contest ends June 19, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turtle Fudge utilizes pantry-stable items like caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk yet the resulting treat is candy shop worthy! Recipe shared with permission granted by Nancy Coco, author of A Midsummer Night's Fudge.

 

Print
Turtle Fudge

Makes 64 pieces

Ingredients
  • 14 ounces soft caramel pieces
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions

  1. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave on high, caramel pieces and heavy whipping cream - stir every thirty seconds until melted and smooth.

  2. In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high, stirring every thirty seconds until chocolate is nearly all melted. It will continue to melt after you take it out. Stir until smooth. Add salt and vanilla. Stir.

  3. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. Pour in half the chocolate fudge. Add half the nuts. Pour caramel on top. Add remaining nuts and cover with remaining fudge.

  4. Cool for 2 hours until set. Cut into one-inch pieces.

  5. Enjoy!

 

Turtle Fudge utilizes pantry-stable items like caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk yet the resulting treat is candy shop worthy! Recipe shared with permission granted by Nancy Coco, author of A Midsummer Night's Fudge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Turtle Fudge utilizes pantry-stable items like caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk yet the resulting treat is candy shop worthy! Recipe shared with permission granted by Nancy Coco, author of A Midsummer Night's Fudge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Turtle Fudge utilizes pantry-stable items like caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk yet the resulting treat is candy shop worthy! Recipe shared with permission granted by Nancy Coco, author of A Midsummer Night's Fudge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread

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BAYOU BOOK THIEF is the first in the brand-new Vintage Cookbook Mystery series by Ellen Byron and every bit as charming as I’d anticipated! From captivating diverse characters to dastardly deeds to iconic New Orleans locales, the author pens a vivid tale featuring protagonist, Ricki James. From the very first page, I couldn’t read fast enough as I wanted to get to know the quirky characters and their backstory. Keeping a firm grasp on the pacing of the mystery, Ms. Byron prudently doles out those details, which only made me more intrigued. Ricki is a compelling protagonist in that she was born in New Orleans, then adopted at birth by her NICU nurse and then grew up in Los Angeles. After the demise of her husband and a scandal concerning her previous employer, she returns to New Orleans. Despite her tragic life, Ricki has a sense of humor and a strong sense of justice, mostly in thanks to the couple who raised her. I was pleased that while they’re not physically with Ricki, having retired to Mexico, their long-distance relationship is strong and loving. This gives the book a balance of community and family that can often be missing in mysteries.

Starting over is never easy, but Ricki lands a job operating Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbooks and Kitchenware gift shop at the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for the body of a former employee who she’d accused of stealing to show up and wreak havoc on her new life and new venture. As Ricki delves into the life of the victim and starts asking questions to figure out who there are twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Ms. Byron pens a tightly plotted story peppered with secrets, lies, and betrayal. With a tempting teaser to close out the book, I cannot wait until the second book releases!

With several vintage cookbooks mentioned throughout the story, it was a pleasure to find out that several recipes from actual vintage cookbooks are included at the back of the book. Ms. Byron includes an introduction to the cookbooks featured on how she came to collect the vintage cookbook. I was drawn to the recipe for Old-Fashioned Gingerbread from the Country Fair Cookbook: Every Recipe a Blue Ribbon Winner (1975). Reminiscent of time spent at my grandmother’s home, this highly flavorful cake brought back memories. I loved Ms. Byron’s addition of diced crystallized ginger, which added a depth of delicious flavor, and with the ease of mixing up, I’ll be baking this again whenever I crave a snack cake. Served on its own or with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, this is a delicious treat!

 

Easy to mix up and with a depth of flavor provided by crystallized ginger, Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a delicious treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of BAYOU BOOK THIEF.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Twenty-eight-year-old widow Ricki James leaves Los Angeles to start a new life in New Orleans after her showboating actor husband perishes doing a stupid internet stunt. The Big Easy is where she was born and adopted by the NICU nurse who cared for her after Ricki’s teen mother disappeared from the hospital.

Ricki’s dream comes true when she joins the quirky staff of Bon Vee Culinary House Museum, the spectacular former Garden District home of late bon vivant Genevieve “Vee” Charbonnet, the city’s legendary restauranteur. Ricki is excited about turning her avocation – collecting vintage cookbooks – into a vocation by launching the museum’s gift shop, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbooks and Kitchenware. Then she discovers that a box of donated vintage cookbooks contains the body of a cantankerous Bon Vee employee who was fired after being exposed as a book thief.

The skills Ricki has developed ferreting out hidden vintage treasures come in handy for investigations. But both her business and Bon Vee could wind up as deadstock when Ricki’s past as curator of a billionaire’s first edition collection comes back to haunt her.

Will Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbooks and Kitchenware be a success … or a recipe for disaster?

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Ellen Byron for providing a print copy of  BAYOU BOOK THIEF. Contest ends June 15, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy to mix up and with a depth of flavor provided by crystallized ginger, Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a delicious treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of BAYOU BOOK THIEF.

 

Print
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread

Author's Note: My family owned a cottage on a lake in Connecticut, and one of my favorite activities was attending the local town and county fairs. I was so excited when I found this cookbook at our local library book sale. I love gingerbread, and this book includes almost half a dozen delicious recipes for it. I couldn't resist including a recipe inspired by the one described as "deep, dark gingerbread like Grandmother used to make." Country Fair Cookbook: Every Recipe a Blue Ribbon Winner (1975)

Ingredients
  • 2-1/2 cups flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup dark molases
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup diced crystallized ginger (optional)
Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

  2. Sift or stir the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt together.

  3. In another bowl, cream the shortening and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well, then beat in the molasses.

  4. Add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, alternating with the hot water. Beat the batter well after each addition to combine the ingredients. Stir in the crystallized ginger if using.

  5. Pour the batter into the greased 9-inch square baking pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cake is done. This can be determined by either pressing the top to see if it bounces back or inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note:

  1. I made this twice, but the second time I used my mini Bundt pans to bake. Reduce the baking time to 20 minutes, then start checking every 2 minutes for doneness.

 

Easy to mix up and with a depth of flavor provided by crystallized ginger, Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a delicious treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of BAYOU BOOK THIEF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Easy to mix up and with a depth of flavor provided by crystallized ginger, Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a delicious treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of BAYOU BOOK THIEF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Easy to mix up and with a depth of flavor provided by crystallized ginger, Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a delicious treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of BAYOU BOOK THIEF.

 

 

 

 

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