Penn’s Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies

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BONBON WITH THE WIND, the much anticipated fourth book in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series by Dorothy St. James, is another entertaining edition to a charming series! This newest release continues the story of protagonist, Charity Penn, who goes by the name of Penn. I love how the author has developed Penn’s character from the very first book and continues her progression through this fourth book. Penn is finally learning to trust her friends and open herself up to love which adds a dimension of emotion to the story. While this can be read as a stand-alone I personally think it is better to start at the beginning. The metamorphosis the protagonist experiences after inheriting her grandmother’s chocolate shop (whom she never even knew existed while growing up) can be better appreciated by reading the books in order. The author’s strong descriptive voice brings the setting of Camellia Beach in full focus as the island experiences the devastation following a hurricane. The reader can feel the anguish the residents feel as they inspect the damage caused to their homes and business. I love how they work together to recover from the disaster.

BONBON WITH THE WIND brings a greater element of the paranormal to the story as well…not that Penn believes in ghosts or anything. I was greatly intrigued in the way the legends of the island were portrayed and woven into the story and into the murder. As Penn learns to trust her friends in matters of the heart, she also has to learn to trust them as she hunts for the killer of the elderly treasure hunter. I enjoyed seeing her work as a team instead of shutting them out. The mystery was well-paced and the clues were sprinkled throughout, although I didn’t guess right. With a suspenseful reveal, Ms. St. James wraps up the threads of the story into a highly satisfying conclusion.

Penn’s shop, The Chocolate Box, creates all sorts of yummy chocolate delicacies for the residents and visiting ghost hunters. When the hurricane damage halts delivery of their supplies, Penn and her chocolatier, Bertie, scramble to create treats with ingredients they can rummage together from the grocery store and their dwindling pantry. One of the recipes Penn comes up with is her Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies, which uses only THREE ingredients. (If you haven’t read any books in this series, Penn isn’t a cook or a baker or a chocolatier, so the simpler the recipe, the better.) I was intrigued but couldn’t quite picture how it would turn out. Let me tell you, not only was it one of the easiest recipes I’ve made, but it was super yummy too! The graham cracker mixture turned chewy (in a good way) while the chocolate chips added just the right amount of bitterness and texture to the mix. I added a quick drizzle of melted chocolate chips to the top of the brownies to make them a bit more visually appealing, but they’d still be delicious without it. Next time I need a spur-of-the-moment dessert, I’ll be making these Chocolate Chip Brownies since I always have these ingredients stocked in my pantry.

 

Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies uses only THREE pantry staple ingredients, yet the results create a delicous, chocolatey treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Dorothy St. James, author of BONBON WITH THE WIND.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Penn’s perfect life on Camellia Beach is threatened. A powerful hurricane is heading their way.

There’s a legend in the Sea Islands that before a hurricane hits if you see the Gray Lady walking down the beach, you’re doomed. Joe Davies, a local treasure hunter with an unquenchable sweet tooth, claims to have seen the Gray Lady walking toward him just that morning and is terrified for his life. Penn saw the woman, too. But she doesn’t believe in such silly stories.

After the storm passes, Joe Davies’ body is found washed up onshore. Did the Gray Lady claim another victim? Many on the island believe that is exactly what happened.

Penn is sure there’s another explanation. She follows the clues and hints of lost gold to discover that the truth behind the treasure hunter’s death is as much of a maze as the boating channels winding their way through the local marshes.

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Dorothy St. James for offering one winner a print copy of PLAYING WITH BONBON FIRE. Contest ends Wednesday, February 19, 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!)

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Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies uses only THREE pantry staple ingredients, yet the results create a delicous, chocolatey treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Dorothy St. James, author of BONBON WITH THE WIND.

Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies-2728
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Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies

The secret to this recipe is not to over mix the batter. Penn has shared with this editor all the other ways that she's messed up this ridiculously simple recipe, but dear reader, we know that you have more sense than to repeat any of her appalling mistakes. This is a recipe that was given to her, so she doesn't know the original origin. But, let me tell you, I've tested this one myself. And although there are only three ingredients, if you use a good quality chocolate, you're going to find it difficult not to eat all of these brownies for yourself.

Ingredients
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 6 ounces Fair Trade Chocolate Chips (I prefer dark or semi-sweet)
Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients together.

  2. Spread in a 9 x 9 square inch pan (ungreased).

  3. Bake in a 350 degree (F) preheated oven for 30 minutes.

  4. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

  5. Depending on how you cut the brownies, the recipe makes about 2 dozen.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes

  1. If you plan on serving brownies on a platter, create two foil slings and line baking pan with them before spreading dough for easy removal.

  2. If desired, melt 1/4 cup (1.5 ounces) Fair Trade chocolate chips and place in a piping bag or ziplock bag. Snip a corner of the bag and drizzle over cooled brownies. Allow drizzle to set before serving.

Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies uses only THREE pantry staple ingredients, yet the results create a delicous, chocolatey treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Dorothy St. James, author of BONBON WITH THE WIND.

 

 

 

 

 

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Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies uses only THREE pantry staple ingredients, yet the results create a delicous, chocolatey treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Dorothy St. James, author of BONBON WITH THE WIND.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Penn's Surprisingly Simple Chocolate Chip Brownies uses only THREE pantry staple ingredients, yet the results create a delicous, chocolatey treat! Recipe shared with permission granted by Dorothy St. James, author of BONBON WITH THE WIND.

 

 

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.

Print
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.

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

#giveaway Celebrating Cinnamon & Sugar’s 5th Year Blogiversary

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many, many wonderful authors and their fans who have made my blog a success! I truly appreciate the generosity of these talented authors who share their books and delicious recipes with the cozy mystery community. You have all inspired me both in the kitchen and in writing my own books! 

Thank you to all of you for being a part of my journey!!!

 

To celebrate, I’m giving away five $10 Amazon Gift Cards!
Five gift cards – Five winners

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jinx’s Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

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This past November I had the opportunity to attend a Kensington Cozy Con and meet several “new to me” authors. I was intrigued when I heard the tagline premise of one series “Golden Girls meets Jersey Shore” so I made a point to speak with the author, J.D. Griffo. Much to my pleasure not only was his book, MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE, a fun read but it also contained several recipes. While there are three books in the series so far, I opted to start with the first book. I loved that the co-protagonist, Alberta Scaglione, is a grandmother who joins forces with her reporter granddaughter, Jinx. It gives a nice range of points of view of the crime from the two age perspectives, although once Alberta got involved, she didn’t let her age slow her down. Rounding out the core cast of characters is Alberta’s ex-nun sister, and her almost ex-sister-in-law who they all like better than their own brother. Lots of Italian phrases fly between the women and each chapter starts with an Italian saying, which flavors the book. For the most part, the phrases are translated or given in context so the reader can figure it out.

There are lots of zany antics as the four women team up to find out who murdered Alberta’s high school nemesis, who was found floating in the lake in front of Alberta’s home. As they start asking questions and uncovering information, they begin to call themselves the Ferrara Family Detective Agency. I liked how they divided up the work between themselves and shared the responsibilities. As the suspect list grows, so does Jinx’s desire to solve the case and prove that she’s a capable investigative reporter instead of turning over their findings to the local police. There were a couple situations that needed a suspension of belief but I read for entertainment and escape, which this book fully delivered. The suspenseful ending wrapped the threads of the story together in one satisfying read. Mr. Griffo has set the stage with his characters to fully entertain in future books!

Alberta is quite an accomplished Italian cook and provides many delicious meals. Jinx, on the other hand, decides she needs to meddle with the recipes and make them gluten-free and dairy-free, with often not such great results, adding to some humor as she tries to feed her aunts. The author has included several recipes at the back of the book and while Jinx may have failed with several of her attempts, she excelled at creating gluten-free and dairy-free Snickerdoodles. Since I have to eat gluten-free and my husband has to eat dairy-free, I decided I had to try Jinx’s Snickerdoodles. Oh my goodness… they were so yummy and most of the people I shared with never guessed they were both gluten-free and dairy-free! The cinnamon had just the right amount of spiciness to add warmth to the soft “buttery” cookie base, while the burst of sugar on the outsides of the cookie melted in my mouth. This will be a recipe I reach for again and again whether or not my recipients have special dietary considerations.

 

Both gluten-free and dairy-free, Jinx's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles has just the right amount of cinnamon to add warmth to the soft “buttery” cookie base, while the burst of sugar on the outsides of the cookie melts in your mouth. Recipe shared with permission granted by J.D. Griffo, author of MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE.

 

Amazon Synopsis

For Alberta Scaglione, her golden years are turning out much more differently than she expected—and much more deadly . . .
 
Alberta Scaglione’ s spinster aunt had some secrets—like the fortune she squirreled away and a secret lake house in Tranquility, New Jersey. More surprising: she’s left it all to Alberta. Alberta, a widow, is no spring chicken and she’s gotten used to disappointment. So having a beautiful view, surrounded by hydrangeas, honeysuckle, and her cat, Lola, sounds blissful after years of yelling and bickering and cooking countless lasagnas.

But Tranquility isn’t as peaceful as it sounds. There’s a body in the water—and it belongs to Alberta’s childhood nemesis. Alberta suspects foul play and when Alberta’s estranged granddaughter, an aspiring crime reporter, shows up, it only makes sense for them to team up and investigate.

 

 

 

 

 

I’m happy to offer one winner an autographed copy of MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE! Contest ends Sunday, February 2, 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

Both gluten-free and dairy-free, Jinx's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles has just the right amount of cinnamon to add warmth to the soft “buttery” cookie base, while the burst of sugar on the outsides of the cookie melts in your mouth. Recipe shared with permission granted by J.D. Griffo, author of MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE.

Print
Jinx's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (I like Earth Balance vegan butter sticks, but feel free to experiment)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract (I found Simply Organic brand to be...simply the best)
  • 3 cups gluten-free flour (King Arthur or Krusteaz are my faves)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • A couple pinches of sea salt
For the topping:
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (F).

  2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  3. Mix sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  4. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl and stir into the butter/sugar mixture.

  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.

  6. Scoop out the dough into large balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar.

  7. Place on the prepared baking sheets.

  8. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown - do not overcook.

  9. Enjoy!

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note

  1. If the dough seems too sticky to roll into balls, refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Both gluten-free and dairy-free, Jinx's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles has just the right amount of cinnamon to add warmth to the soft “buttery” cookie base, while the burst of sugar on the outsides of the cookie melts in your mouth. Recipe shared with permission granted by J.D. Griffo, author of MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE.

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Pin to Pinterest:

Both gluten-free and dairy-free, Jinx's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles has just the right amount of cinnamon to add warmth to the soft “buttery” cookie base, while the burst of sugar on the outsides of the cookie melts in your mouth. Recipe shared with permission granted by J.D. Griffo, author of MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Both gluten-free and dairy-free, Jinx's Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles has just the right amount of cinnamon to add warmth to the soft “buttery” cookie base, while the burst of sugar on the outsides of the cookie melts in your mouth. Recipe shared with permission granted by J.D. Griffo, author of MURDER ON MEMORY LAKE.

Missi’s Mac and Cheese

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THE DOUBLE CHEESE BURGER MURDER, the second book in the Burger Bar Mystery series, by Rosie A. Point packs a lot of story into a quick read. Typically books in a series can be read as a standalone but in this instance I’d highly recommend starting with the first book. There is an unsolved case involving the protagonist’s mother (that appears to run through several books) which has brought Detective Christie Watson to the small town of Sleepy Creek. Plus she’s in trouble with her boss back in Boston and given strict orders to not get involved in any police matters. Of course she can’t help herself when a young woman drops dead right in front of her. The action and plot start right off the bat which pulled me in to keep turning pages and find out what happens next. Personally I’m more partial to longer stories but Ms. Point does an admirable job of weaving in both the central murder mystery with the cold case. While the cold case is left unsolved in this book with little hints at what future investigations might hold, I didn’t feel like it was an irritating cliffhanger. Instead, it was enough to whet my appetite and make me look forward to future installments. I’m intrigued with how Christie will figure out how she can continue investigating without getting fired from her job for disobeying orders.

I really enjoy the character of Christie. She’s funny yet driven to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Although she’s a detective, her investigations border on what an amateur sleuth would do since she’s not supposed to get involved. Nor does she have access to technology and resources like a normal, on-duty detective would have. This keeps the book in the “cozy” realm instead of straying into a police procedural. Christie also has several supporting characters and I enjoyed their repartee, especially with her best friend, Grizzie, who owns the Burger Bar, the best place in town for mouthwatering food.

While there aren’t any recipes in the book, Ms. Point has compiled the Burger Bar Cookbook with some of Grizzie and Christie’s favorite foods. One of the dishes they enjoy is Missi’s Mac and Cheese. Rich, without the use of heavy cream, this comfort dish has plenty of flavor thanks to the addition of crisp, smoky bacon. I was distracted helping my granddaughter with a project while I was making this dish and accidentally used the whole pound of pasta. But, despite not having as much sauce to pasta ratio as the recipe calls for, the Mac and Cheese was still delicious and provided warming comfort on a cold winter night!

 

Missi's Mac and Cheese is rich, without the use of heavy cream and has plenty of flavor thanks to the addition of crisp, smoky bacon. Recipe shared with permission granted by Rosie A. Point, author of THE BURGER BAR MYSTERIES.

 

Amazon Synopsis

A poisoning, a mystery, and a murderer on the loose…

Suspended detective Christie Watson has decided not to get involved in any more murder cases. If the Captain back in Boston finds out she’s been investigating, she’s fired!
But when a local artist is poisoned, and Christie’s best friend’s cousin is accused, she realizes that she can’t stay out of this case. Especially when their might be a murderer watching her every move.
Can she solve the case before she becomes the next victim?

 

Free Download!!!

A huge thank you to Rosie A. Point for so generously giving everyone an e-book copy of
THE BURGER BAR MYSTERIES RECIPE BOOK! Use this link to download your FREE copy: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f60ke0fphn

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Rosie A. Point for providing one winner with an e-book boxed set of all six of the Burger Bar Mysteries! Contest ends Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 11:59 pm PST. 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

Missi's Mac and Cheese is rich, without the use of heavy cream and has plenty of flavor thanks to the addition of crisp, smoky bacon. Recipe shared with permission granted by Rosie A. Point, author of THE BURGER BAR MYSTERIES.

Print
Missi's Mac and Cheese

Serves 3, depending on how hungry you are!

Ingredients
For the Pasta
  • 3-1/2 cups macaroni pasta, dry
  • 6 slices bacon - fried and cut into pieces
  • Cheddar cheese for the top
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1-1/2 cups milk
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
Instructions

  1. Heat your oven at 350 degrees (F).

  2. Cook your macaroni until it's tender - but not too soft, it should be al dente - according to the directions on packaging.

  3. While the macaroni cooks, start on your sauce. Place a saucepan on the burner, heat it on medium-high, and add your oil.

  4. Once your oil is hot, add your flour and stir. You should have a sort of paste at the bottom of the pan. If it's too crumbly, add some more oil. Cook it, but use care to not burn.

  5. Add your milk while whisking the mixture to prevent the flour-oil from causing clots.

  6. Add dashes of paprika, salt and pepper.

  7. Allow the sauce to thicken on medium heat, stirring constantly.

  8. Add your cheddar cheese and stir it through (this will help with the thickening).

  9. Once your sauce is thick, remove from the heat.

  10. Drain your pasta.

  11. Mix the pasta, sauce, and bacon pieces together, then pour into a casserole dish. Top with your extra cheese.

  12. Put in the oven and allow to bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown.

Missi's Mac and Cheese is rich, without the use of heavy cream and has plenty of flavor thanks to the addition of crisp, smoky bacon. Recipe shared with permission granted by Rosie A. Point, author of THE BURGER BAR MYSTERIES.

 

 

 

 

 

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Missi's Mac and Cheese is rich, without the use of heavy cream and has plenty of flavor thanks to the addition of crisp, smoky bacon. Recipe shared with permission granted by Rosie A. Point, author of THE BURGER BAR MYSTERIES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Click on book to visit Amazon

If you’re anxious to dive right in and start reading this series, the entire box set is only $0.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited! Click here to visit Amazon: The Burger Bar Mysteries Box Set 

 

 

 

Missi's Mac and Cheese is rich, without the use of heavy cream and has plenty of flavor thanks to the addition of crisp, smoky bacon. Recipe shared with permission granted by Rosie A. Point, author of THE BURGER BAR MYSTERIES.

 

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

Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

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I always know I’m going to be highly entertained when I pick up a book by Cindy Sample and her newest release, DYING FOR A DOUBLE, is no exception. This eighth book in the Laurel McKay Mystery series finds Laurel McKay Hunter trying to bring in clients after teaming up with her new husband and step-father in opening their own private investigation firm. Ms. Sample writes great tongue-in-cheek humor and I was laughing out loud as Laurel tried to come up with good marketing tag lines for their agency. Laurel also seems to consistently find herself in zany, troublesome positions, despite her best efforts, which adds additional layers of humor. Not only does the protagonist provide laughs, but the author has developed a good supporting cast of quirky characters, particularly Laurel’s Gran. Gran is known as being Trouble with a capital T and she steals each scene she’s in. Despite the situations Laurel finds herself in, I appreciate the fact that she and her husband have a blended family and she’s committed to her kids. It brings a sense of everyday-ness to the story and makes Laurel feel more relatable.

Another entertaining feature of Ms. Sample’s books is her description of the various locations each book takes place at. It’s obvious that she invests a lot of time researching the locales and career situations Laurel and her cohorts find themselves in. In DYING FOR A DOUBLE, Laurel starts in Coloma, California, a historic town known for being the center of the Gold Rush, participating as an extra on a movie set. The author’s strong descriptive voice helps the reader see, feel, smell, taste, and hear what the characters do. From Coloma, Laurel and her best friend, Stan, head to Hollywood. I got a chuckle out of her description of trying to drive in the bumper-to-bumper traffic on Southern California freeways. She captured it perfectly. With so much fun going on in the story, Ms. Sample still manages to pack in a well-plotted mystery with subplots to keep the reader intrigued and coming back for more.

While there weren’t any recipes in this particular book (there are some in her other books) Ms. Sample has kindly provided a recipe for Double Chocolate Mousse Cake. I’ve made a few similar recipes in the past, however none have been so easy or so non-fussy to make. Despite the fairly short ingredient list and instructions, the resulting dessert is absolutely mouthwatering. And since there isn’t any flour in the recipe, this is also a delicious treat to share with those that must eat gluten-free. I’ll admit, I had a very difficult not eating it all up before Christmas dinner was served! I’ve included a short video tutorial at the bottom of the page on how to create the gold and silver stars that I decorated the top of the cake with. It was the perfectly decadent way to end a holiday feast!

 

 

With a fairly short ingredient list and easy instructions, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE is a mouthwateringly decadent dessert. It's simple enough for casual gatherings and elegant enough for guests. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cindy Sample, author of DYING FOR A DOUBLE.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Heads turn when Laurel McKay Hunter gets a gig as an extra in a movie filming near her home. Why? Laurel’s a dead ringer for the female lead. The next day the actress vanishes from the set.

The frantic director recruits Laurel to double for the missing woman while she uses her off-screen investigative talents to search for her. Despite having zero acting experience, Laurel reluctantly steps in. Then she stumbles over a dead body on the set. Is the murder connected to the actress’s disappearance?

Laurel chases clues as the action moves from the historic Gold Country to sun-kissed Malibu beaches to the glamorous and sometimes seedy Hollywood scene. The intrepid detective quickly discovers all that glitters is not gold. Can she find the actress and catch a killer before it’s too late? Or will her final role be playing dead?

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Cindy Sample for providing one winner with their choice of print or an e-book copy of DYING FOR A DOUBLE. Contest ends Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 11:59 pm PST and print is limited to U.S. residents. 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!)

 

 

 

 

With a fairly short ingredient list and easy instructions, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE is a mouthwateringly decadent dessert. It's simple enough for casual gatherings and elegant enough for guests. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cindy Sample, author of DYING FOR A DOUBLE.

Print
Double Chocolate Mousse Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
  • 2 8 oz packages semi-sweet chocolate or 16- 1 oz squares
  • 2 cups (4 sticks) butter
  • 1 cup half and half or light cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 large eggs
Ganache:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1-1/4 cup chocolate pieces
Instructions
Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Grease a 10-inch springform pan.

  2. Heat all ingredients, except the eggs, in a heavy saucepan over low heat until chocolate is melted, stirring frequently.

  3. Whisk eggs in separate bowl then slowly beat the chocolate mixture into eggs.

  4. Pour batter into prepared springform pan. Bake 45 minutes, or until center looks set.

  5. Cool cake completely, then remove sides and chill 6 hours or longer.

Ganache:

  1. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream just until steaming. Don't boil.

  2. Pour over the chocolate pieces and stir until completely smooth.

  3. Pour melted chocolate mixture over chilled cake and return to refrigerator until ganache is set.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Tips:

  1. Dip a sharp knife into hot water and dry before slicing into mousse cake. Repeat with each cut.

  2. To make decorated star toppings, trace star shape patterns onto a piece of white paper. Place parchment paper over the patterns and tape edges to secure. Warm 1/4 cup chocolate pieces or candy melts in microwave just until they melt. (Stir often and don't overheat.) Place in a piping bag (or ziplock bag) and snip a small opening. Pipe chocolate over the star patterns onto the parchment paper. Allow to completely harden then peel off from parchment paper. Place 1/8 teaspoon gold (or silver) luster dust in a small dish and add a few drops of vodka to make a paste. (100 proof vodka works best.) Using a food-safe brush, paint the flat side of the stars with the mixture. Once the stars have dried, position on top of the ganache before it cools. I also used silver dragees and edible gold star sprinkles to complete the look.

    You can also use colored candy melts and a variety of simple patterns to coordinate designs for any holiday.

With a fairly short ingredient list and easy instructions, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE is a mouthwateringly decadent dessert. It's simple enough for casual gatherings and elegant enough for guests. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cindy Sample, author of DYING FOR A DOUBLE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With a fairly short ingredient list and easy instructions, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE is a mouthwateringly decadent dessert. It's simple enough for casual gatherings and elegant enough for guests. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cindy Sample, author of DYING FOR A DOUBLE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See how to make the chocolate star embellishments:

 

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

 

 

With a fairly short ingredient list and easy instructions, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE is a mouthwateringly decadent dessert. It's simple enough for casual gatherings and elegant enough for guests. Recipe shared with permission granted by Cindy Sample, author of DYING FOR A DOUBLE.

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