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NO PARM, NO FOUL is the second book in the Grilled Cheese Mysteries by Linda Reilly. With the delectable setting of the Grilled Cheese Eatery during Halloween, the reader’s senses are in for a treat! Scrumptious food—check. Close-knit friends—check. A Scary-Licious food competition—check. A dead competitor that bodes ill for protagonist, Carly, and her friends—check. A missing vampire cape that might be a clue—check. Ms. Reilly weaves together a tale worthy of Halloween with characters and clues alike lending spirit to the holiday.
Despite the murder mystery genre, the author creates kind and caring core characters, particularly Carly. She’s one of those people you’d love to count as a friend with her trusting nature and her loyalty to those she cares about. Despite the short time that she’s been in Balsam Dell, Vermont, following the death of her husband, she’s managed to fit right in and her grilled cheese restaurant has developed quite the following amongst the young and the old alike. And, of course, who can resist her little Morkie, aptly named Havarti? The sweet dog has such a delightful personality that complements Carly’s character.
With clues surrounding the murder pointing to Carly’s love interest, Ari, being the culprit, Carly can’t help but get involved trying to figure out who wanted her restaurant’s competitor dead. I loved how the author uses one of Carly’s elderly regulars as a source for clues via the former teacher’s unique poetry. As someone who loves to learn, I appreciated the inclusion of the poetry and was even more impressed with the author’s skill at writing it to fit the needs of the mystery. As the pressure mounts to clear Ari’s name, there are many suspects who pop up. I was kept guessing as the clues unfolded and at the surprising reveal the pieces fell into place with a highly satisfying conclusion.
With a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches being served throughout the story, I’d suggest having one on hand every time you pick up the book. Ms. Reilly includes a couple of recipes at the back of the book and they sound fantastic. I was particularly drawn to Alvin’s Panko Perfection with its sun-ripened tomatoes, the crunch of the panko, the tang of Parmesan, and oozing, melted cheese. The recipe calls for sharp cheddar, but as Carly always says—use whatever cheese tickles your palate. The sandwich didn’t disappoint, and the panko crumbs kept the tomatoes from causing the bread to become soggy. This is a delicious way to use up the bountiful crop of summer garden tomatoes, and, if you’re not lucky enough to have a garden, the combination of the ingredients will elevate any grocery store tomato to pure deliciousness!
Amazon Synopsis
After a long hot summer in Balsam Dell, Carly Hale is ready for crisp Vermont weather and gourmet grilled cheeses at her Grilled Cheese Eatery. And the upcoming Halloween food competition is the perfect way to impress the locals.
But Ferris Menard, the owner of Sub-a-Dub-Sub, is nursing a serious grudge against Carly. Two days before the competition, one of Carly’s employees quit his part-time gig at Menard’s sub shop, sending Menard into a serious snit. In a confrontation at the Eatery, Menard accused Carly of sabotage and vowed to bring her down.
That’s when Menard’s body is found in his kitchen the morning after the competition, a steak knife sticking out of his heart. But Menard had a slew of enemies, and if Carly doesn’t figure out which one is the culprit, she might find herself—or someone she cares about—serving grilled cheese sandwiches under lock and brie!
A special thanks to Linda Reilly for providing a print copy of NO PARM NO FOUL. Contest ends August 7, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Carly was surprised and delighted when Alvin Robinson wanted to try his hand at creating his own grilled cheese recipe. Using panko crumbs to coat the tomato slices was creative and fun, and result was a sandwich so delicious that Carly added it to her menu. Alvin used sharp cheddar, but as Carly always says--use whatever cheese tickles your palate! Havarti, Gouda, and Swiss all make fabulous substitutions.
Recipe is for one sandwich, so simply multiply the ingredients by the number of people you're serving.
- 4 - 6 thickly sliced rounds (about 1/2-inch wide) of a firm, ripe Roma or plum tomato (depending on the size of your bread)
- Salt
- 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs (approx.) Carly uses plain, but you can also use seasoned panko.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (approx.)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 2 large slices of coarse white bread
- Salted butter, softened
- 4 thick slices sharp cheddar cheese
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Place the tomato slices on a plate, and then lightly salt both sides.
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Place the beaten egg/water mixture and the flour in separate bowls.
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Mix the panko crumbs with the Parmesan cheese and place in a shallow dish.
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Dip each tomato slice into the flour, coating both sides, and shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten egg mixture. Dredge each slice through the panko/Parmesan mixture until each side is thoroughly coated.
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Fry the coated sliced in a skillet with about 1/2 inch of very hot oil for about 2 minutes or until the bottom side forms a golden crust. Flip them carefully and do the other side. When done, they should be golden and crispy. Blot them lightly on a paper towel.
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To prepared your sandwich, butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, stack half the cheddar, then add the coated tomato slices side by side so that they cover the entire sandwich. Add the remaining cheddar and top with the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
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Grill over medium heat for about 3 minutes. As you grill, press lightly with a spatula or grill press, and then flip over and grill the other side for about approximately 3 minutes. Grilling slowly will ensure that the cheese is thoroughly melted and the bread is golden brown.
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Slice in half and serve with chips, pickles, tomato soup, or whatever else gladdens your taste buds. For tomato lovers, this is a dream come true!
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After experimenting, Carly found that a skillet or frying pan works a bit better than grilling for frying the tomato slices.
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To avoid accidental burns, always be super careful when frying in hot oil. Kids and pets should be kept a safe distance away from the stove to avoid injury.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have never made grilled cheese sandwiches (gasp) but I have eaten them and love them!
I just go for a plain grilled cheese sandwich. Thanks.
I know this is going to sound strange, but it is the best grilled cheese I ever had. My sister made this for me, and I wrinkled my nose at it before taking a bite, and I had the “green eggs and ham” reaction. I ended up eating two of them because they were soooo good.
French bread, or italian bread, buttered, strawberry rhubarb jam, and muenster cheese…. YUMMMMMY!!! I havent had it in years but i think it is going to be on the menu soon.
Thank you for the chance.
lilyanngill56(at)gmail(dot)com
I have made many many grilled cheese sandwiches. I love them and yours looks delicious!!!
This recipe will be delicious. We love grilled cheese in Wisconsin!
I just discovered a grilled cheese last weekend. It has dubliner cheddar and goat cheese drizzled with honey. So simple and SO good.
WOW…this will be my favorite grilled cheese recipe! I also must read NO PARM NO FOUL. I am hooked!!!! Thank you so much!
I printed out the recipe and I think it will fit right in with what we’re eating during the “Nine Days” where no meat is consumed. It is to remember the destruction of both Temples many centuries ago.
I love a plain grilled cheese sandwich.
I love a good grilled cheese and love your recipe so may give it a try soon!
My favorite grilled cheese is the classic that I grew up with. White or wheat bread, butter and American cheese.
I love grilled cheese loaded with cheese and ham and sometimes tomato.
Thanks for the chance to win.
OMWORD! That grilled cheese recipe looks delicious!! I LOVE grilled cheese sandwiches. As far as my favorite…..I’m a purist lol. I just love two slices of American Cheese in between two slices of bread(just plain white bread). Just like mother used to make. The book sounds like the kind of cozy I would really enjoy! And I LOVE the cover! SO CUTE!
My favorite is my homemade wheat bread with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s what we’re having for supper tonight. Congratulations on the new book!
I usually make my grilled cheese sandwich with
regular American cheese. I heard that Provolone
makes a good sandwich (that’s a local St. Louis
cheese) and I bought some to try. Haven’t
used it yet. Your sandwich looks yummy.
thanks txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love grilled cheese, my mom made them all the time when I was a child. My favorite had ham, cheese, tomatoes, and mayo on it. I do like to try new cheeses and other fun ingredients but I can never go wrong with the one my mom use to make!
Grilled cheese dipped in ranch dressing and tomato soup. My favorite!
I like the classic with American cheese.
I love Swiss with rye cheese grilled on rye bread or Texas toast. Sometimes I add a slice of Canadian bacon to it.
My favorite grilled cheese sandwich is from a place in Downeast Maine. Sadly it didn’t survive the pandemic, but I recreate it for myself.
Good bread, thinly sliced onion, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, and Cheddar cheese.
I love grilled cheese with bacon and tomato
Just about any grilled cheese sandwich is my favorite grilled cheese sandwich – as long as it is lightly toasted and not burned!
Yummy grilled cheese sandwiches! I like mine with cheddar cheese. Thank you for the chance to win this book! It sounds so interesting and fun to read. Plus delicious cheese sandwiches to make.☺
This sounds wonderful, love grilled cheese sandwiches!
I like a regular ole grilled cheese or sometimes a grilled ham and cheese
I enjoy eating grilled cheese sandwiches, but without tomatoes.
My favorite is Turkey & Cheese grill cheese, yum 😋
Grilled Cheese with bacon
Just a plain grilled cheese sammy works for me.
plain grilled cheese for me but the bread is key. It has to be really good bread like a sourdough or rye or pumpernickel.
I love grilled cheese and of course a side of cream of tomato soup. I don’t usually get too fancy, after all, or is a classic.
I like the standard grilled cheese sandwich with dill pickles on the side. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
My favorites are grilled cheese with bacon and ham.
Just a plain grilled cheese. Thank you
I like plain grilled cheese.
My favorite is one I’ve named an American Blue Monster! It’s 1/3 American Cheese, 1/3 Blue Cheese & 1/3 Muenster Cheese placed side by side. I take deli slices & cut them into strips to fit whatever type of bread I choose to use on the day I make them. YUM!
I love mine with mozzarella and prosciutto
no
My favorite grilled cheese includes sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, and ripe red tomato on any kind of bread. Yummy! Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy of No Parm, No Foul.
My favorite ones were the ones that my dad and I used to make. He would pick me up from my foster home and we would get to his house he would make me a grilled cheese sandwich. It was so good then we would walk to the libary so he could return his westerns and get more of them to read. I got to roam around and look at the childrens books but couldn’t check any out as I was having to go back to the foster home the next evening. My favorite memories!
It’s kind of grilled cheese sammie…Our Mom made us toasted dinner rolls with american cheese & bacon to have while we watched The Wizard Of Oz. As kids, we thought it as special & I’m sure she was just making do.
I love any kind of grilled cheese! Especially with tomato soup.
Just a regular grilled cheese using Velveeta cheese, cooked to a nice golden brown. Love it to Cambell’s tomato soup.
Love this…would be the perfect addition to my pesto grilled cheese!
With tomatoes is my favorite
I do not have a favorite grilled cheese. I like American cheese on mine! I love to dunk it in tomato soup! Thanks for the chance!
I like just a grilled American cheese sandwich
My favorite grilled cheese sandwich is with Swiss cheese and bacon! Yum!
I love grilled cheese sandwiches. There are some great ideas in book one for spicing them up. I’d love to read book two. Thanks!
I love sauteed onions, mushrooms on grilled cheese with avocado!!
I do t have a recipe. I just use a skillet and fry them. My family enjoys them.
I make mega grilled cheese sandwiches – homemade bread and whatever the best meltable cheeses I find in my cheese drawer – it is never just one type of cheese. However, I do use a piece of Costco’s red hoop to help with the meltability of all the cheeses. Often use garden fresh tomatoes. I use to fry my sandwiches in butter or margarine – but I had a chef, who had a grilled cheese truck, tell me the secret is to put mayo on the outside of the bread before frying. It crisps it up much nicer. He’s right!
Just white bread, American cheese ad tomato. I also like mozzarella rye, Congrats on your new release and thanks for the recipe.
I love grilled cheese with bacon
My favorite grilled cheese sandwich uses mustard, two slices of Havarti cheese, and a hearty sprinkling of Trader Joe’s Seasoning in a Pickle in the middle.
I pretty much like all kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches except without tomatoes added!
I do love my grilled cheese with a piece of ham.
I sure do, one is with tomato’s , spinach and feta cheese.
@tisonlyme143
Bacon, tomato, grilled onions, with colby jack cheese.