Cinnamon and Sugar

Mom’s Famous Chocolate Spice Cake

Chocolate…my most favorite flavor in all the world! It was with great happiness when I picked up Ellie Alexander’s brand new release in her Bakeshop Mystery series, FUDGE AND JURY, and started reading about Ashland’s annual Chocolate Festival! The author transports us to a world of sweet confectionery with Jules, owner of her family’s bakeshop Torte, the “Queen of Sugar”. I love to bake and spend time in the kitchen and Ellie Alexander beautifully captures the feelings I have being there. She writes those feelings in such descriptive language that I feel like I’m right in Torte’s warm, cozy kitchen. “Food is an expression of art and love” is how Jules puts it and that expression truly shows as the theme is woven into a nice “whodunit” mystery. There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing with the plot moving along nicely.

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However, this series’ greatest strength is the characters and keeps me coming back to see what happens next. Jules and her mother have a tender relationship, even if Jules was quite distant during her ten years away from Ashland. They’ve made up for that time and as a result share a true friendship. Jules has wonderful staff at Torte and each of them have their own story that is touched upon in each book. I’m always eager to see what creative coffee drink Andy, the college-age barrista, will come up. I’m also glad to see that the quirky character, Lance, continues to be a fixture. He adds a dose of levity to each story. And of course Jules is always creating a fabulous yummy dessert to share with her customers.

I’m grateful that Ellie includes some of those recipes at the back of the book because you most definitely will be craving chocolate as you read! Ellie has graciously allowed me to share Mom’s Famous Chocolate Spice Cake with Mocha Frosting. Frankly I was torn about which recipe to try because they all sound amazing but this cake recipe won out for a couple of reasons. First, it’s vegan….no eggs, no dairy and I had a dinner party I needed to bake a dessert for where a vegan friend was attending as well. Don’t be put off by the word vegan because it certainly does NOT mean no flavor. My husband isn’t a huge chocolate fan (yep, I married him anyway) but he loved this cake! I think the spices nicely balanced the chocolate and I fell in love with the Mocha Frosting…it will definitely be my “go-to” chocolate frosting here on out…I just couldn’t stop nibbling on it! The second reason I chose this recipe is because it’s EASY! No bowl and beaters to clean up for the cake since it mixes up with a fork, right in the baking dish. The crumb is very tender and moist so I recommend you bake and serve as instructed without trying to create this into a layer cake. (You can see my hilarious “goof” trying to stack layers with another vegan cake from long ago at the bottom of the page.) I did add some piping with the generous amount of frosting and added gold and silver star sprinkles to dress the cake up for the party, where it was gobbled up by vegans and non-vegans alike!

Amazon Synopsis

Welcome to Torte―a friendly, small-town family bakery where the pastries are delicious…and, now, suspicious.

It’s almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for the Shakespeare and the annual Chocolate Festival. Business is cookin’ at Torte, and the store is expanding as Jules’ team whips up crèpes filled with mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate. Torte stands a chance of being this year’s confectionery belle of the ball! Life couldn’t be sweeter―unless murder taints the batter.

Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, makes a chocolate fountain that would put Willy Wonka to shame, and his truffles are to die for―literally? Yes, the world-renowned chocolatier has just turned up dead…right after sampling a slice of Jules’ decadent four-layer chocolate cake. Now all eyes are on Jules as she tries to find the mysterious ingredient in her own recipe. Can she sift out the truth before another contestant bites the buttercream?

A huge thank you to Ellie Alexander for providing an autographed copy of FUDGE AND JURY for one lucky winner! Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Thursday, January 5, 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!)

Mom’s Famous Chocolate Spice Cake with Mocha Frosting

Ingredients

Cake

1-1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (you can omit if you're not a fan)
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup water

Mocha Frosting

1/2 cup butter (or vegan margarine)
6 tablespoons cocoa powder
2-3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
5 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee

Instructions

Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Sift flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg into an 8x8-inch glass pan.
Make three wells-pour oil in one, vinegar in another, and vanilla in the last well.
Pour water over entire pan and mix with a fork.
Bake for thirty-five to forty-five minutes.
Allow to completely cool and frost with mocha frosting below.

Mocha Frosting

Whip butter in mixer.
Sift cocoa powder, sugar, and spices together.
Slowly alternate adding powdered mixture and coffee.
Once incorporated, beat until creamy and fluffy.
Spread generously on chocolate spice cake.

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Years ago, when I was starting to experiment with fondant in cake decorating I volunteered to create a “piggie” cake for a vegan friend. Vegan cakes are made without eggs or dairy but I never appreciated the stability eggs bring to cakes until I tried stacking the vegan cake and covering with fondant. I was in tears as the cake toppled and tore until my husband said to just tell the birthday girl and party goers that the big bad wolf blew the house down…I did and everyone had a good laugh then ate the cake because it still tasted great.

This is what the cake was supposed to look like

This is what the big bad wolf blew down!

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

Vee’s Beef Stew

Ever since I saw the cover of ICED UNDER by Barbara Ross, the fifth book in her Maine Clambake Mystery series, I’ve been on pins and needles waiting to read it! And when Barbara released her novella in the Christmas book, EGGNOG MURDER, featuring Julia Snowden in October, my appetite for this series was whetted even more. So it was with great glee that I poured a steaming mug of tea, curled up on the couch with a fluffy blanket, and lost myself in the snowy world of Busman Harbor, Maine and Boston!

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Barbara weaves a tight tale of Julia’s family history while unraveling the secrets the family has closely guarded for almost 100 years which culminates in the murder of a long lost cousin. The multi-faceted layers of the story kept me turning pages late into the night…that OMC syndrome (“one more chapter”) was in full force. I so enjoyed getting to know Julia’s mother, Jacqueline, more. In past books, Jacqueline has seemed exceedingly reserved and I never really warmed to her. However, in ICED UNDER, we learn the full story of what has made Jacqueline the woman she is and I now see her in a different light, and admire who she is. Julia is a strong character and it’s from her dedication and love for her mother, that she involves herself in solving the mystery.

Both the setting and the plot are well developed, and Barbara’s descriptive language pulls me in, making me feel like I’m right there with the characters. She includes an especially touching sentiment when the murdered cousin’s caretaker tells Julia, “When you are needed most, that is when the work is most rewarding.” I have seen that type of dedication first hand with the people who work with my special needs granddaughter. I am always astounded at their capacity for caring and it is definitely at the forefront this time of the year! Barbara manages to capture the emotional impact of that kind of dedication in the book, which adds to the strength of the story. She also utilizes true historical events as the basis for Julia and Jacqueline’s ancestors building…and losing…their family fortunes. I was fascinated with the “Ice Kings” and appreciated the list of books the author provides at the back of the book for reading further on this subject.

As with the previous books, Barbara also includes recipes in ICED UNDER. She graciously allowed me to share her maternal grandmother’s recipe for Beef Stew. One of my husband’s favorite dishes, he couldn’t wait for me to make this recipe! Easy to put together (I loved that you don’t have to brown the beef) it’s hands off baking for several hours, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas. The addition of lemon juice and cocktail pearl onions adds a depth to the flavor. Vee’s Beef Stew will become a regular in my dinner rotation, especially during cold winter months!

Amazon Synopsis

The snow is deep in Maine’s Busman’s Harbor and the mighty rivers are covered in ice. Snowden Family Clambake Company proprietor Julia Snowden and her mother, Jacqueline, are hunkered down for the winter when a mysterious package arrives—heating up February with an unexpected case of murder . . .

Inside the mystery package is an enormous black diamond necklace that once belonged to Julia’s great-grandmother and disappeared in the 1920s. Who could have sent it—and why? Julia’s search for clues takes her on a perilous journey through her mother’s troubled family history, from a squabble over the family fortune in “frozen water” to the recent unexplained death of Jacqueline’s long-lost cousin Hugh—who’d been missing and presumed drowned for more than forty years. To protect her mother’s inheritance, Julia must fend off a small army of feuding relatives, solve the mystery surrounding Hugh’s demise, and get back home before the next blizzard buries them all . . .

A huge thank you to Barbara Ross for providing an autographed copy of ICED UNDER for one lucky winner! Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Monday, January 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!)

Vee’s Beef Stew

Ingredients

Author's Note: One of my most precious possessions is a book of handwritten recipe cards given to me by my maternal grandmother Ethel McKim. When I planned for Julia and her mother to be snowed in, I knew I would turn to this book full of comfort foods for many of the recipes. This one is made by Vee Snugg in the book, and it's as homey and delicious as you might imagine. I have provided amounts for the vegetables, though according to my grandmother's note, you can use as many or as few as you please.

Ingredients

2 pounds of beef, cubed
6 carrots, cut in three-inch chunks
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in half
1 (15-ounce) jar pearl onions drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
3 ounces water
1 teaspoon sugar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 tablespoons instant tapioca
6 drops Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, mix well tomato sauce, water, sugar, lemon juice, instant tapioca, and Worcestershire Sauce.
In a casserole dish, pile meat in the center.
Place all the vegetables around the edges.
Pour tomato mixture over all.
Cover and cook in a preheated oven at 225 degrees for 6 to 7 hours.
Can be prepared in advance and reheated.
Makes a delicious brown sauce.
Serves 4 to 6.

My Notes:

The next time I make this, I will swap out the water and add 1 cup beef broth. Plus, I will stir it a few times during the baking time to make sure the top pieces of beef stay covered with the gravy to keep the beef extra moist and tender.
The only potatoes I had were huge and soaked up a lot of the gravy. If you have a lot of potatoes, I would recommend adding an additional 1/2 cup liquid.

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LA Lime Pie

Back in October when I attended the Ladies of Intrigue conference in Huntington Beach, I had the pleasure of listening to a panel discussion that included author Linda O. Johnston. Later that day I had the opportunity to meet her and talk a bit about her books. Linda writes a couple of series but the book that caught my attention was TO CATCH A TREAT from her Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series. First off, I loved the play on the title since To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant is one of my favorite classic movies. Next, the adorable cover with the darling dogs and delectable showcase of goodies invited me in. And then as I began reading, the well crafted plot with the interesting and well-developed characters kept my attention as I turned the pages.

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The protagonist, Carrie Kennersly, is endearing with her close relationship to her brother. She is very protective and has become almost a mother to him after their parents divorced and went on to create new families. Carrie also has a soft heart when it comes to animals, working both as a vet technician in addition to owning a bakery that caters to pets (and humans too). The author weaves information into the story about pet rescue shelters with a plea to help find forever homes for these animals…which adds to the appeal of the book. The setting of Knobcone, California is a delightful, beautiful place. The descriptions of the mountains and lake have me curious if the setting was based on Big Bear, a mountainous community not too far from where I live and a location I have visited often. Even if not, it was still fun to imagine it as that location.

Since Carrie Kennersly owns two bakeries, one for pets and one for humans, it’s a natural that the author includes recipes for each at the back of the book. All the recipes sound delicious, both for myself and for our grandpuppy. A special thank you to Linda for allowing me to share the recipe for LA Lime Pie. Using three pantry/refrigerator staples for the filling, which is poured into a prepared graham cracker crust, this dessert is super quick and easy to make. However, the resulting creamy, custard-like sweet-tart filling tastes like it could be a labor intensive dessert and is oh so yummy! While it’s not a traditional holiday dessert, the cool, refreshing flavor is a nice change from heavily spiced fare and I know that LA Lime Pie will be highly requested in my family throughout the year.

Amazon Synopsis

Carrie Kennersly, veterinary technician and owner of the Barkery and Biscuits bake shop, agrees to a day of hiking with her brother Neal—mostly because she wants to meet and critique his latest romantic interest, Janelle Blaystone. But instead of judging her, Carrie feels only sympathy for Janelle, whose beloved black Labrador, Go, was recently dognapped.

Janelle thinks the culprit is Ada Arnist, a wealthy homeowner spotted at the dog park where Go was stolen. Soon after Janelle confronts Ada, though, the woman is found dead. With Janelle and Neal on the suspect list, Carrie must solve the mystery before the police bark up the wrong tree.

I am happy to be able to provide an autographed copy of TO CATCH A TREAT for one lucky winner! Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Thursday, December 22, 2016 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!)

LA Lime Pie

Ingredients

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup, or a little more, lime juice, preferably fresh
1 9-inch prepared graham cracker pie crust

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
Combine the condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice, and blend until smooth.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and bake for 8 - 10 minutes.
Let the pie stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before refrigerating.
Chill completely.
You can put whipped cream on it, if you like, before serving.
Also, you can garnish it with lime slices.

Tips

If you want to make your own graham cracker crust mix 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free is fine) with 1/4 cup sugar and 5 tablespoons melted butter. Pat into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
If you are concerned about consuming under-cooked eggs in the filling, bake the pie 15 - 18 minutes until the filling reaches 160 degrees (F).

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Christmas Crackles

I’m very excited to be a part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour presenting DEATH ON LILY POND LANE by Carrie Doyle! I’m happy to say that I actually had the chance to read DEATH ON WINDMILL WAY, the first book in her Hamptons Murder Mystery series before starting this second book, and while not necessary to read in order, it’s nice when it works out that way. Be sure to check out the very generous giveaway the author is providing: a print set of BOTH books!!!

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While I enjoyed the first book in this series I felt like Carrie Doyle found her stride with DEATH ON LILY POND LANE. This mystery starts out quickly at the beginning of the book and pulls you in. She has included secondary mysteries that build the suspense and kept me turning pages until the reveal, which had it’s own heart-stopping action. Antonia Bingham, the owner and chef at Windmill Inn, is an interesting protagonist. Recovering from an abusive marriage to a policeman, she has a deeply ingrained distrust of the “law”. Yet as she gets pulled into the murder mysteries, she must grow and learn to trust even if it’s only a bit. She also shows more confidence from book one to book two and it’s a delight to see Antonia find her stride and find out what she’s capable of. While there’s some romance in the book, it’s not an overwhelming component of the story and I found it to be a more realistic depiction of the real world.

As an innkeeper and chef, Antonia keeps a strong food theme running through the book…be prepared to become hungry while reading! While there aren’t any recipes included with the book, Carrie Doyle has graciously provided a recipe for Christmas Crackle. According to Carrie, “When I went to boarding school my roommate’s mother would send us “Christmas Crackles” and now I make them for my boys. They actually sell out at their school bake sale very quickly.” Using only three simple ingredients and no baking, Christmas Crackles are a cross between cookies and candy. Once I made them I remembered that my mother used to make these when we were young but we called them “Haystacks”…I like Christmas Crackles much better but no matter the name, these are oh so yummy!

Amazon Synopsis

Death on Lily Pond Lane

Springtime in the Hamptons comes late, but it’s worth it! Brisk walks on the bright chilly beach, cinnamon buns at tea time, blooming forsythia and….murder? Innkeeper Antonia Bingham has hit her stride as the proprietor of East Hampton’s Windmill Inn. After solving a series of murders, Antonia has taken on more work as an estate manager, giving her entree her into some of the area’s most glamorous homes. Once inside, Antonia checks the heat, looks for leaks or damage, and finds the occasional dead body. As the police can’t be trusted, it’s up to Antonia—a modern day Miss Marple, with an overly enthusiastic adoration of carbs and a kamikaze love-life—to put her skills of deduction to use. Nestle in with a steaming mug of your favorite tea and get ready to peek behind the gates of the mansions of the Hamptons, as Antonia Bingham solves another shocking and devastating murder.

Death on Windmill Way

The Hamptons are known for beautiful beaches, luxurious living, millionaire mansions, and now…murder! Antonia Bingham, a renowned chef and the new owner of East Hampton’s Windmill Inn, escaped to the Hamptons to get away from a harrowing past. Yet now she finds herself in more danger than ever when she discovers the inn’s previous owners may have been victims of murder. Will her overly inquisitive personality be her downfall as she digs up secrets in her attempt to solve the crime?
In the first book of the “Hamptons Murder Mystery” series, bestselling author Carrie Doyle Karasyov (The Right Address; Wolves in Chic Clothing) brings readers behind the scenes for an exclusive glimpse of life within one of the most spectacular playgrounds of the rich and famous. Antonia’s investigation weaves through the lives of the celebrities, year-round locals and the wealthy summer residents who all call the Hamptons home in her quest to reveal a dangerous killer.

A huge thank you to Carrie Doyle for providing one winner a print copy of BOTH the books in her Hampton’s Murder Mystery series, DEATH ON WINDMILL WAY and DEATH ON LILY POND LANE. Some of the other tour participants are also giving away sets of books so check them out for additional chances to win. I’ve provided the links to their pages at the bottom.) Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Tuesday, December 20, 2016 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!)

Christmas Crackles

Ingredients

One package of semi-sweet chocolate morsels (approx. 12 oz.)
One package of butterscotch morsels (approx. 11 oz.)
One can canister (approx. 5 oz.) of La Choy Chow Mein Noodles

Instructions

In a medium-sized pan, melt the chocolate and butterscotch together over low heat until entirely melted.
Stir in the chow mien noodles until they are completely coated with the chocolate mixture.
On a tray lined with wax or parchment paper, use a tea spoon to scoop the mixture and arrange into little clusters.
Freeze until hard.*
Let thaw 15 minutes before eating (to save your teeth.)

Tip

*You can also refrigerate these if you're going to consume within a few days but for long term storage it's best to freeze.

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December 12 – A Holland Reads
December 12 – A Blue Million Books
December 13 – Community Bookstop
December 14 – Melina’s Book Blog
December 14 – Island Confidential
December 15 – The Power of Words
December 15 – StoreyBook Reviews
December 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy
December 16 – Deal Sharing Aunt
December 17 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder
December 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
December 18 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!

Cranberry Orange Cookies

As Christmas draws closer I enjoy reading inspirational themed stories in addition to cozy mysteries. SILVER BELLS AT MOONGLOW, by Deborah Garner, is a sweet Christmas themed treat which weaves a beautiful mosaic of Christmas sights, sounds, and smells and introduces us to memorable characters. The protagonist, Mist, has a calming magical influence on those she comes in contact with and I’ll be the first to admit, her magic worked on me as I read this story during this most hectic season of the year. I so enjoyed sitting down with a hot cup of honey-sweetened tea, wrapping myself in a cozy comforter, and losing myself in the world of Timberton Hotel in snowy Montana. Deborah has a gift of transporting the reader through eloquent descriptions be it of the delicious baking, the Christmas ornaments, or Mist’s miniature paintings. I was left with the comforting feeling that this really is the most wonderful season of all!

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The Timberton Hotel hosts an annual cookie exchange and Deborah has included 22 recipes in her book! I am very excited that she used THREE of my own recipes, but I’m anxious to try them all! So many cookies…so little time… I’m sharing my recipe for Cranberry Orange Cookies since they add a very colorful and festive look to cookie platters and dessert tables. But don’t worry, not only are they pretty they are deliciously flavorful too! Jewel-toned dried cranberries and orange juice add holiday flavors to this cake-like cookie which has been rolled in sparkling white and red sugars, adding another level of texture and visual appeal. They mix up quickly using a food processor and the dough can be kept refrigerated (or frozen) until you are ready to bake. I hope you enjoy these as much as my friends and family have!

Amazon Synopsis

Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there’s more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door’s wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.

A huge thank you to Deborah Garner for providing winner’s choice of either an e-book or print copy of SILVER BELLS AT MOONGLOW for one lucky winner! Print copy limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Monday, December 19, 2016 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!)

Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup (4.7 ounces) dried cranberries
3/4 cup (5.3 ounces) granulated sugar
2 cups (9 ounces) all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (4 ounces) cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring (optional)
Red and white coarse sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Using a food processor, pulse the dried cranberries and sugar together until the cranberries are finely chopped, about 20 pulses.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse to combine.
Add the cold butter pieces and pulse to incorporate, until the mixture is the size of small peas. This can take about 20 pulses.
Whisk the orange juice, egg, orange extract, and food coloring (if using) in a small bowl.
Drizzle the orange juice mixture over the flour mixture in the food processor and pulse until a dough forms.
Place the dough in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F).
Place 1/4 cup red coarse sugar and 1/4 cup white coarse sugar in a shallow bowl and mix. Set aside.
Scoop the cookie dough into 1-inch to 1-1/2-inch balls, then roll in the coarse sugar mixture.
Place the sugar-coated dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 12 cookies to each sheet.
Bake 11 to 14 minutes or until the tops of the cookies are just set and the bottom of the cookies are barely golden.
Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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Serafina’s Pizzelles (Italian Christmas Waffle Cookies)

When I started seeing reviews this past September for CHEDDAR OFF DEAD, the second book in the Undercover Dish Mystery series by Julia Buckley, I knew I needed to add it to my reading list. And when I found out it was centered around Christmas I moved it up in my pile of books so I’d have it at the ready in early December to start reading. CHEDDAR OFF DEAD lived up to and even exceeded my expectations both for a riveting, well written plot and for the holiday setting!

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Even though I have not read the first book in the series (it’s been sitting on my Kindle since its release and I somehow overlooked reading it!) CHEDDAR OFF DEAD was easy to jump in and get to know the characters. I loved the protagonist, Lilah Drake, and her very clever side job of providing clandestine dishes to those in town who don’t want anyone to know that they’re awful cooks or are too busy to cook themselves. It sets the stage for some humorous situations. There’s a strong undercurrent of romance between Lilah and Detective Jay Parker and I liked how Lilah remained feisty and true to herself when it appeared things weren’t going to work out. Plus she is very funny when she accidentally runs into him at the market and I found myself chuckling out loud. There’s a strong cast of supporting characters and each adds a nice element to the story and enhances Lilah’s character.

With so many delicious dishes mentioned in the book making me hungry, I was happy to find that the author includes some recipes at the back of the book. When I saw Julia’s recipe for Serafina’s Pizzelles (Italian Christmas Waffle Cookies) I knew I had to try them….not that I owned a pizzelle maker….but I’ve been wanting one and this was the perfect excuse…err, opportunity. The batter-like dough whips up super fast using a blender and the cookies cook incredibly quick in the pizzelle maker. The cookies have a delicate flavor and are beautifully lacy looking with the addition of a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for serving to guests or dressing up a platter of holiday treats for sharing!

Amazon Synopsis

Caterer and cook Lilah Drake is up to her elbows in deadly trouble in the latest mystery from the author of The Big Chili…

The Christmas holidays are one of Lilah’s favorite times of the year, filled with friends, family, and, of course, tons of food orders for her covered dish clients. But Lilah’s Yuletide cheer ends when she sees a most Grinch-like crime: the murder of a Santa in a school parking lot.

It turns out the deceased Kris Kringle was a complicated tangle of naughty and nice, with a long list of people who might have wanted him dead. And whoever did the deed wants to make sure that Lilah keeps quiet. Now, Lilah will have to team up with her former fling, Detective Jay Parker, to unwrap the mysteries of a deadly Christmas killer and stay alive long enough to ring in the New Year…

I am happy to be able to provide a print copy of CHEDDAR OFF DEAD for one lucky winner! Limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Thursday, December 15, 2016 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!)

Serafina’s Pizzelles (Italian Christmas Waffle Cookies)

Ingredients

Author's Note: For this recipe, you need a pizzelle baker, similar to a waffle iron, which imprints a beautiful, snowflake-like design on each cookie. The dough takes only minutes to prepare, and the cookies themselves can be hot on your table in less than half an hour. My sister-in-law, Serafina Bellini Drake, assures me that these cookies, when made with love and just the right amount of butter, taste like Christmas itself, whatever that means.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla (or almond extract, if you prefer)
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

First, preheat your pizzelle baker.
Mix flour and baking soda and set aside.
Melt butter and mix with eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a blender until smooth.
Add the flour mixture until you have a sticky dough.
Check to see that your baker is ready; spray the inside lightly with baking spray to avoid sticking.
Place a rounded teaspoonful of dough on each of the pizzelle pattern grids.
Lower the lid and hold for 30 - 40 seconds (you may have to experiment with timing).
Lift and genly pry up the cookies with a fork tine or thin knife, then set cookies on a baking rack to cool.
When cookies are finished, sift powdered sugar over them to create a lacy, holiday effect.
Your finished pizzelles will be thin, delicate, snowflake-like cookies that are sweet and addictive.

Tip

Place batter just slightly behind the center of each pattern to help center the cookie as it cooks.
Don't try to multi-task as these cookies cook very quickly.

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