Cinnamon and Sugar

Giveaway Celebrating Cinnamon & Sugar’s 2nd Year Blogiversary!

I am very excited to be celebrating Cinnamon & Sugar’s second Blogiversary with a $25 Amazon gift card giveaway!

I am overwhelmed by 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 both me and my followers. You have all given me inspiration in the kitchen, along with “pushing” my creative envelope to become a better photographer, videographer, and blog writer….although I know I have so much more to learn in those areas!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my journey!!!

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A Quartet of Gourmet Popcorn Recipes

I am delighted to turn my blog over to Paige Shelton today! She is getting ready to release her new book
BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE, the second book in her Dangerous Type Mystery series and is celebrating with an autographed book giveaway. She is also sharing a quartet of gourmet popcorn recipes …perfect for munching on while enjoying a great book or a movie! You can read my review located below the Rafflecopter link.

The contest ends Monday, February 6, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipes 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!)

Welcome to Cinnamon & Sugar, Paige!

The mystery in BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE, the second book of the Dangerous Type series, is centered around a murder that occurs during the Star City Film Festival. The fictional Utah town in the series is a lot like Park City, the place where the Sundance Film Festival originated. I’ve never heard of a murder occurring during the festival, but every now and then celebrities as well as festival attendees have a brush or two with the law. I’m glad there has never been real a murder, but the fictional “what if” was certainly fun to write.

When I was in college, I became friends with a woman who lived across the hall from me. Michelle. She’s probably the reason I finished college because, at the time, everyone was required to take a computer programming class and I was not computer programming inclined. Michelle, however, majored in it. Thank goodness for Michelle. We bonded over other things too; popcorn being one of them. I ate a lot of popcorn back then. Popcorn and Kraft Mac and Cheese done in my hot pot were my two main staples.

Michelle and I have stayed in touch, and though we live on opposite sides of the country we’ve had a chance to meet up again a few times in the last couple of years. She remembered my popcorn obsession, and was sweet enough to give me this book of popcorn recipes, PARTY POPCORN.

Photo Credit: Paige Shelton

As I wrote BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE and the film festival atmosphere got me in the movie mood, I went through a number of the recipes, enjoying snacks as I wrote the story. Here are a few of my (and my family’s) favorites, though I might have made a few small changes from the book.

I’ve found that there’s nothing better than popcorn popped on the stove. However, in second place is Pop-Secret Homestyle microwave popcorn. It works great with all the recipes and is, of course, quicker than on the stove. I used Pop-Secret for these recipes.

A quartet of gourmet popcorn include delicious recipes for Bacon Teriyaki, Cake Batter, Cinnamon Roll, and Scotcheroos. Easy and yummy treats!

Photo Credit: Paige Shelton

CAKE BATTER This is pretty sweet, but it does not disappoint. This is a salty/sweet combo that doesn’t include chocolate, which I thought I would miss, but I didn’t. * 8 cups popped popcorn * 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted * 3 – 4 tablespoons yellow cake mix * 1 teaspoon salt * 1 tablespoon rainbow-colored sprinkles * Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernals. Whisk together the butter, cake mix, and salt in a small bowl. Drizzle over the popcorn. Use a large rubber spatula and gently stir to coat. Sprinkle the sprinkles over the popcorn and serve immediately.

Photo Credit: Paige Shelton

CINNAMON ROLL * 8 cups popped popcorn * 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 3 tablespoons canned cream cheese frosting * Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernals. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Place the canned cream cheese frosting in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir until the frosting is smooth and has an even consistency. Drizzle the melted frosting over the popcorn. Sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture. Using a large rubber spatula, gently stir to coat. Serve immediately.

Photo Credit: Paige Shelton

BACON TERIYAKI This next one is weird because it’s not sweet, but savory, and very rich. Though it’s not my favorite, my husband loves it. And it has bacon, so it’s obviously part of the “perfect” food group. * 8 cups popped popcorn * 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar * 6 tablespoons teriyaki sauce * 3 tablespoons light corn syrup * 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces (cooked or the real bacon pieces in packages at the grocery store; I mostly used the packaged) * 1/4 teaspoon baking soda * Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernals. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, and corn syrup until the mixture reaches a slow bubble. Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat immediately and stir in the bacon pieces. Mix in the baking soda. Pour the teriyaki-bacon mixture over the popcorn. Using a large rubber spatula, gently stir to coat. Spread the popcorn evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake the popcorn for 15 minutes. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before packaging or transferring to a bowl to serve immediately. The popcorn may be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Photo Creds: Paige Shelton

SCOTCHEROOS This one has become one of our recent favorites. * 8 cups popped popcorn * 3/4 cup butterscotch chips * 3 tablespoons peanut butter * 1/4 cup milk chocolate melting candy * Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernals. Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and melted (this may take 5-10 minutes). Remove from the heat immediately. Pour the butterscotch-peanut butter mixture over the popcorn. Using a large rubber spatula, gently stir to coat. Spread the popcorn mixture on a large piece of parchment paper or a large silicone baking mat. Place the chocolate melting candy in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds. Stir until melted and smooth. If needed, heat for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the chocolate to a zip-top bag or piping bag. Press all the air out of the bag and snip the corner off. Use this bag to drizzle the chocolate across the popcorn. Allow to cool until the chocolate drizzle had hardened, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to serve immediately.

The popcorn book is full of many delicious recipes, so if popcorn’s your thing you might want to check it out. We’ve really enjoyed it. If movies and murder mysteries are your things, you might want to check out BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE. Thanks so much for letting me stop by today, and happy popping! See you at the bookstores.

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My Review

BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE, the second book in the Dangerous Type Mystery series by Paige Shelton, is a terrific addition to the series! I loved catching up with Clare Henry and her grandfather, Chester, at their family store, The Rescued Word. I would adore spending time puttering around this stationery, typewriter and book repair shop. Paige provides so much character to both the people who populate the shop and the town of Star City, Utah that I felt like I’ve been there and met them. She’s also not afraid to tackle controversial issues, such as polygamy, but does it in a sensitive manner so no matter what side of the equation you’re on, it’s not abrasive or insulting. I enjoyed getting a peek at a lifestyle that I know virtually nothing about. The connection between Clare and her boyfriend, Seth, is very sweet. It’s cute “watching” them push their glasses up at the same time and while he’s a numbers person and she’s a word person, they completely compliment each other. With the Star City Film Festival taking place and the town filled to capacity with stars and fans, the fast moving plot has plenty of room to pack in the suspects. It kept me turning pages late into the night and kept me guessing until the suspenseful reveal.

Be sure to read all the way through to the end of the book for a preview of book 3 in this series. But fair warning…if you read it you will be on pins and needles waiting for it to release!

I tried the Bacon Teriyaki Popcorn recipe when I found out that my granddaughter’s NCL group had an Asian-themed dinner planned. It fit the theme perfectly and was a hit!

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I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oatmeal Raspberry Crumble Bars

I love anything to do with whales! I find them to be majestic, a bit mysterious, creatures that captivate my imagination. I had the lovely good fortune to be in Hawaii one early March during the whales migration and experience a whale breaching at least 30 times within a 20 minute period! Since I am highly susceptible to motion sickness I avoid boats but this whale came close to shore and we could watch from firm ground. It was magnificent and a truly unforgettable experience!

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I was delighted to pick up the new release, WHALE OF A CRIME, the seventh book in the Gray Whale Inn Mystery series by Karen MacInerney. I’ve been a long time fan of this series, and while I haven’t read every single one (they’re on my Kindle waiting for me!) each book is easily read as a standalone. Karen includes heart-tugging scenes regarding the plight of whales and I appreciate how she wove facts about these magnificent mammals into her story. The protagonist, Natalie Barnes, is a personable young woman and as owner of the Gray Whale Inn, finds herself surrounded by colorful characters that add to the appeal of this series. She has a sweet relationship with her niece, Gwen, and I enjoyed seeing their interaction. When Gwen’s mother (and Natalie’s sister) shows up, the fireworks start with the contentious relationship. It adds drama to the story, without detracting from the plot, and had me hoping for a reconciliation. The author deftly wove this subplot into the grand finale with satisfying results.

The mystery itself kept me guessing and I so enjoyed the multi-layered subplots. Between a murder, an old crime of a stolen tiara, someone sabotaging Natalie’s inn, an abandoned kitten, and a whale in distress, the book was never slow. I had a hard time putting it down when it was time to attend to other commitments. Be prepared to be hungry while reading this book as both Natalie and her husband, John, are great cooks! Fortunately, Karen includes numerous recipes at the back of the book, and they all sound fabulous. Karen was gracious enough to allow me to share her recipe for Oatmeal Raspberry Crumble Bars. Oh my, this is one of those treats that I really didn’t want to share with anyone else. Super easy to make, I adapted it to make it both gluten-free and dairy-free so I could share with my husband and my granddaughter’s therapist. See, I did share after all! These delectable bars are melt-in-your-mouth yummy with the sweet tang of raspberry jam and I will certainly be making this again soon!

Amazon Synopsis

When a tour company books the Gray Whale Inn for a full week, innkeeper Natalie Barnes can’t wait to get cooking — and to hitch a ride on the antique schooner Summer Winds, getting up close and personal with the local whales. But when one of the humpback whales turns up dragging a mass of fishing gear from its tail, the tour takes a dark turn. It turns darker still when the schooner’s handsome captain winds up attached to the vessel’s anchor, sixty feet underwater… and not by accident. Before long, the tour naturalist (and Natalie’s best friend’s beau) is behind bars, charged with a murder Charlene swears he didn’t commit. Stir in a surprise visit from Natalie’s quarrelsome sister, midnight kitchen sabotage, a sick orphan kitten, and a mysterious investor with plans for a massive resort on the quaint island, and Natalie’s got a recipe for potential disaster. When a second body turns up just outside the inn, the heat is on Natalie to solve the double murder… or risk ending up with her own goose cooked.

A special thank you to Karen MacInerney for providing an e-book copy of WHALE OF A CRIME for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

Oatmeal Raspberry Crumble Bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter (or vegan margarine, such as Earth Balance) softened
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Grease an 8-inch square pan, then line it with greased foil.
Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats in a medium-sized bowl.
Rub in the butter using your hands or a pastry blender to form a crumbly mixture.
Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top and press lightly into the jam.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned.
Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/oatmeal-raspberry-crumble-bars/

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Poncho’s Pineapple Salsa

A warm tropical location, colorful characters, and a plot that keeps you turning pages sums up Catherine Bruns’ brand new release, DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA. The sixth book in the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series, which is written by different authors, DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA is Catherine’s first contribution to the series and the first I’ve read…and I’m hooked!

Click on the book to visit Amazon

I so enjoyed the protagonist, Carrie Jorgenson. She’s had a very difficult life and has moved from Vermont to Hawaii to escape it, thinking once she’s reunited with her surfer boyfriend, life will be perfect…except it’s not. Carrie starts the story out as a weak personality, wanting to please everyone else without regard to her own well being but discovering the murder victim provides the catalyst for her personal growth. Not only does the author portray Carrie becoming a stronger person but she also provides more humorous moments. I got several laughs over her desire to become a professional singer when in reality her voice can end a karaoke party pretty quick. And then there’s Tad, a quirky character, full of life and encouragement, and I’m hoping that he will fill the role of future sidekick. The story starts out with a quick pace that continues throughout the entire book. There are many, many people who wanted the Big Kahuna dead and the author kept me guessing the entire time, right up to the suspenseful finale!

Catherine includes several recipes at the back of the book, including Poncho’s Pineapple Salsa, which she has graciously allowed me to share. Poncho is the chef at Loco Moco Café where Carrie works and where the Big Kahuna meets his demise. Terrific as an appetizer served alongside tortilla chips or served over grilled fish or chicken, this dish will transport you to tropical paradise! I’ve been to Hawaii numerous times and one of the must-have dishes is Pulled-Pork sandwiches. Catherine includes a recipe for Pulled Pork in her book and my husband is dying for me to make it. Made in a slow-cooker, it will be the perfect accompaniment for Super Bowl parties along with Poncho’s Pineapple Salsa!

Amazon Synopsis

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns, comes an Aloha Lagoon Mystery that proves sometimes paradise isn’t all it’s served up to be.

New to both Hawaii and the Aloha Lagoon Resort, Carrie Jorgenson has big dreams of stardom. But while she awaits fame and fortune, she’s forced to accept a job waitressing at the resort’s The Loco Moco Café. It isn’t long before she discovers the dish on her new boss—also known to many as “The Big Kahuna.” Hale Akamu is rich, handsome, repulsive…and dead. When Carrie discovers Hale’s lifeless body, she’s suddenly forced into yet another role—amateur sleuth. With everyone from Carrie to the saucy chef to the café’s hot assistant manager under suspicion, Carrie needs to track a killer before she becomes his next main entrée!

Be sure to grab a copy DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA while it’s on sale for $0.99! This special release price ends soon.

A huge thank you to Catherine Bruns for providing winner’s choice of either a print copy or an e-book copy of DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA for one lucky winner! Print limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

Poncho’s Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 green chile peppers, chopped
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Dash of salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together pineapple, red and green peppers, corn, onions, green chile peppers, orange juice and cilantro.
Season with cumin, salt and pepper.
Cover and chill in fridge until serving.
Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with grilled fresh fish or chicken!

Tip

Most major chain grocery stores sell pre-cut fresh pineapple.

https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/pineapple-salsa/

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I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chilled Coffee Souffle

I am very happy to help Tonya Kappes celebrate her new release, SCENE OF THE GRIND! This first book in her brand new Killer Coffee Mystery series is off to a buzzing start. I enjoyed reading from the start as the protagonist, Roxanne Bloom prepares to open her new coffeehouse, The Bean Hive, in Honey Springs, Kentucky, and begin a new chapter in her life. Too often I start a series in the middle or towards the end and have backtracking to do so it was a delight to find this series as it debuted. The first part of the book has a lot of details on Roxanne’s background, the struggles of getting her business ready to open, and being introduced to characters. I felt like the author was taking her time to set the stage not only for this particular book but also for future books. Some might think it’s a bit slow starting out, however, I like knowing backstory and having the chance to get to know the characters.

Click on the book to visit Amazon

Once the murder takes place, the mystery moves along quite nicely with plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing. There is a heartwarming theme of pet rescues and adoptions and I loved the sweet scene where Roxanne finds the perfect match with Pepper, the dog meant for her. SCENE OF THE GRIND is sprinkled with darling Southern sayings and mannerisms, giving it an authentic feel. The author creatively uses adorable business names along the lake’s boardwalk….and made me want to have the chance to visit this charming location!

The Bean Hive serves up tasty treats and Tonya Kappes has included several yummy recipes* at the back of the book. I decided to try the Chilled Coffee Souffle…it sounded so unique and refreshing…and it is! I was a bit worried while making the recipe because I really couldn’t envision what it was supposed to turn out like (I like a cooking challenge, what can I say?). I changed a bit of the recipe to make it easier with a more attractive serving presentation, which resulted in yum! I loved the foamy light coffee scented top layer which complimented the full-bodied sweet coffee bottom layer. It reminded me of a café latte, which is my favorite coffeehouse drink. (*Recipe submitted by Andrea Stoeckel who said, “This recipe is one of the first my grandmother taught me over fifty years ago!”)

Amazon Synopsis

Scene of the Grind is the first in USA TODAY bestselling author Tonya Kappes’ new A Killer Coffee Mystery Series. The series takes place in the cozy southern fictional tourist town of Honey Springs, Kentucky.

Roxanne Bloom (her friends, though few call her Roxie) quit her job as a lawyer, divorced her cheating husband, and moved to the quaint town of Honey Springs, Kentucky where she’d spent many of her teenage summers visiting her eccentric and fun-loving Aunt Maxi.

Roxy follows her dream and opens The Bean Hive, Honey Springs first coffee house on the town’s newly revitalized boardwalk. that opens just in time for Honey Springs annual Honey Festival.

Roxy’s life couldn’t be better. Business was booming, she’s reconnected with special people from her past, including her first teenage love, and visits The Crooked Cat book store, which is still her favorite shop in Honey Springs.

One problem, Aunt Maxi and Alexis Roarke, owner of Crooked Cat, aren’t on the best of terms. Alexis leases the book store’s building from Aunt Maxi and the rent is going up.

Roxy takes Alexis a fresh cup of coffee from The Bean Hive and a tasty pastry as a peace offering between the two women, but discovers the beloved book store owner murdered and Aunt Maxi is the number one suspect.

Gossip in Honey Springs is as hot at the coffee served at the Bean Hive and Roxy has to uncover who is behind the murder not only to save her shop, her aunt, but her life.

A huge thank you to Tonya Kaapes for providing an e-book copy of SCENE OF THE GRIND for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

Coffee Soufflé

Ingredients

1 envelope (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
1-1/2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
1/2 cup whole milk (or half & half, or heavy cream)
1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 pasteurized eggs, separated**
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Combine gelatin and cold coffee in a small bowl and let set for 5 minutes to soften.
Whisk the egg yolks and set aside.
In a heat-proof bowl or the top of a double boiler, combine the coffee mixture, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt.
Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water.
Stir until sugar is dissolved and gelatin has melted.
Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the egg yolks.
Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a metal spoon and reaches at least 160 degrees (F).
Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Whip the egg whites (with a pinch of salt if desired) until soft peaks form.
Slowly add 1 tablespoon sugar to the whipped egg whites and then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
Stir egg whites and vanilla into cooled coffee mixture. Mix until egg whites are mostly incorporated but it's okay if it is a little lumpy.
Divide between several cocktail or wine glasses, making sure there's both foam and coffee liquid in each glass. Chill until set, at least 4 hours.
Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate just before serving.

Tips

Be sure there are no specks of yolk or grease present in the mixing bowl and beaters used to whip the egg whites.
**Eating raw or undercooked eggs poses a health risk to everyone, but especially to the elderly, young children under age 4, pregnant women and other highly susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems. Whole Food Markets sell pasteurized eggs or you can try this (unproven) method for pasteurizing eggs at home as provided by http://bakingbites.com/2011/03/how-to-pasteurize-eggs-at-home/ Please use your discretion when eating undercooked items.

https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/coffee-souffle/

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

Note: Eating raw or undercooked eggs poses a health risk to everyone, but especially to the elderly, young children under age 4, pregnant women and other highly susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems. Whole Food Markets sell pasteurized eggs or you can try this (unproven) method for pasteurizing eggs at home as provided by: Baking Bites. Please use your discretion when eating undercooked items.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Missy DuBois’s Sweet-Milk Biscuits

I love being introduced to new authors and new series and was delighted to have the chance to read SOMETHING FOUL AT SWEETWATER by Sandra Bretting. Set in Louisiana, Sandra brings Southern charm via her protagonist, Missy Dubois. Missy runs a hat shop, Crowning Glory, catering to brides and wedding parties. I loved hearing Missy’s “voice” right off the bat. She’s chatty, uses Southern colloquialisms that had me laughing out loud at times, and she is a tiny bit self-deprecating, making her instantly likable. Missy’s best friend, Ambrose “Bo” Jackson, provides a nice balance to Missy and is owner of Allure Couture, designing bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses. They make a good team and there is definitely chemistry happening in their relationship but it doesn’t detract from the mystery. The author paints strong descriptive scenes bringing the sights, sounds, and smells of the humid bayou to life.

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Weaving murder, superstitions, voodoo queens, and bridezillas into the story, Sandra pulls you in for an entertaining read. She provides plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and turning pages to find out what happens next. Even though this is the second book in the Missy DuBois Mystery series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Even though there aren’t any recipes included with the book, Sandra Bretting has provided Missy DuBois’s Sweet-Milk Biscuits recipe for me to share. Buttery, fluffy, and oh so delicious, these biscuits are easy to mix up for a quick breakfast or snack. The one thing that struck me as the biscuits were baking is that the comforting aroma instantly transported me to my childhood, reminding me of biscuits my Texan dad baked for us on weekends. He wasn’t a cook but did like to make breakfast. Even though I don’t have his recipe, and he has been gone many years, these biscuits are so similar to what I remember and they made a treasured childhood memory more special.

From the Publisher

Louisiana hat maker Miss DuBois is making a name for herself veiling Southern brides-to-be with her sophisticated designs. She’s also gaining a reputation for unveiling murderers . . .

Missy is shocked when she sees the asking price for the Sweetwater mansion . . . in a good way. With business thriving at Crowning Glory, it would be nice to set up shop surrounded by alabaster columns and gleaming mahogany. The Southern connections only deepen when it turns out the real estate agent is Mellette Babineaux, a college classmate and sorority sister. But when Missy drags her best friend Bo along to the mansion for a second look, they barely make it past the live oaks before they discover Mellette’s dead body in a shed. Now, for the sake of her college friend, Missy finds herself investigating everyone from a superstitious Cajun caretaker to a Rolls Royce-driving billionaire–and finding that lots of closet space can mean lots of skeletons, too . . .

A huge thank you to Sandra Bretting for providing winner’s choice of either a print copy or an e-book copy of SOMETHING FOUL AT SWEETWATER for one lucky winner! Print limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

Missy DuBois’s Sweet-Milk Biscuits

15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

30 minutes

Yield: 8 - 9 biscuits

Ingredients

Ask any Southerner about the key to a great biscuit, and she (or he) will invariably point to the milk. I personally never trust any biscuit recipe that calls for plain, garden-variety milk. In my book series, which is called the Missy DuBois Mystery series, Missy and her friends enjoy sweet-milk biscuits, usually alongside a platter of crispy fried chicken and a tall glass of sweet tea. (Apparently, we Southerners love our sugar.) This is the best recipe I’ve found to make melt-in-your-mouth sweet-milk biscuits like grandma (or “Nana”) used to make.

Ingredients

6 Tbs unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbs sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 Tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup fat-free or low-fat buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Cut butter into small pieces. Spread the butter pieces on a plate and (briefly) place in the freezer while you measure out and mix the dry ingredients. The butter should be cold, but not frozen.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Knead the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small crumbs (about the size of a pea).
Make a hole in the middle of the flour and add buttermilk. Gently stir until the dough is mixed together but still tacky. If it’s too dry, add more buttermilk.
Pour the mixed dough out onto a floured surface and pat gently into a rectangle.
Fold the dough on itself, and then pat down to about an inch thick.
With a 2 ½ inch round biscuit cutter (I cheat and use a Campbells soup can with the top & bottom removed), push down to cut the dough and pull up again.
Arrange the biscuits on a parchment-lined cookie sheet almost touching each other and bake for 13-16 minutes until browned.
Slather with butter and enjoy!

https://cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com/sweet-milk-biscuits/