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Quick Cookies

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Congratulations to Lynn Cahoon on TWO new releases this month! I’m featuring reviews for both books on my blog today and sharing the recipe from KILLER COMFORT FOOD and, thanks to the publisher, I have a print copy of ONE POISON PIE to give away!

 

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ONE POISON PIE is the first full-length book in the brand new Kitchen Witch Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon! This charming cozy mystery features Kitchen Witch Mia Malone who has just moved to Magic Springs, Idaho, where her quirky grandmother lives. I didn’t read the novella, Chili Caldron Curse, which introduces Mia and released this past August. But, I found I was able to jump in and catch up on the characters without any issues in One Poison Pie since there’s enough backstory sprinkled throughout. While not overly paranormal since Kitchen Witches strengths are making a house a home, and bringing peace and healing to people, there is just enough magic to take it out of the realm of a regular culinary cozy. I greatly enjoyed that the author takes the reader on the journey with Mia, learning who belongs to the town’s magical community. She throws in some surprises that look to play out in future books (but aren’t cliffhangers). I also loved that Mia is super close to her grandmother and to her nasty ex-boyfriend’s troubled younger sister, who Mia’s taken in. It adds a depth of emotion to the storyline.

When her grandmother’s best friend is found murdered before the party Mia is supposed to be catering, and all clues point to Mia being the culprit, she gets involved in solving the crime to save herself and her fledgling catering business. As the plot unfolds, there are several twists I didn’t see coming… and one that isn’t typically found in cozy mysteries. I find this appealing and kept me on my toes as I tried to sift through the suspects as Mia’s sleuthing progresses. Along with the unusual plot twist, this cozy does contain mild language but nothing startling. Once the reveal started, it seemed to be a little rushed but most of the threads of the immediate crime were brought together in a cohesive story. There are a few unfinished items but there are hints that it sets the stage for future books in this bewitching series and has me waiting with anticipation.

Amazon Synopsis

What’s a kitchen witch to do when her almost-fiancé leaves her suddenly single and unemployed? For Mia Malone, the answer’s simple: move to her grandmother’s quirky Idaho hometown, where magic is an open secret and witches and warlocks are (mostly) welcome. With a new gourmet dinner delivery business—and a touch of magic in her recipes—Mia’s hopes are high. Even when her ex’s little sister, Christina, arrives looking for a place to stay, Mia takes it in stride.

But her first catering job takes a distasteful turn when her client’s body is found, stabbed and stuffed under the head table. Mia’s shocked to learn that she’s a suspect—and even more so when she realizes she’s next on a killer’s list. With Christina, along with Mia’s meddling grandma, in the mix, she’ll have to find out which of the town’s eccentric residents has an appetite for murder…before this fresh start comes to a sticky end. . . .

 

 

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KILLER COMFORT FOOD is the fifth book in the Farm-to-Fork Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon. One of the strengths of this series are the characters. From protagonist Angie Turner, to her best friend, Felicia, who is also co-owner of their restaurant the County Seat, to the animal characters, each are well-developed and grow with each new book. I adore Angie’s pets: Dom, the adorable St. Bernard, Precious the goat, and Mabel the chicken. Each has their own individual and charming personality. Also central to the story is Ian, Angie’s almost-too-nice boyfriend. It’s been enjoyable watching their relationship unfold over the course of this series. That said, Killer Comfort Food can be read as a stand-alone but for the full effect of the characters, starting at the beginning is worthwhile.

There are several subplots that weave together in this cozy mystery. Tethering the mystery is the soybean processing plant that is pressuring homeowners to sell their property, including Angie. While most townspeople are all for the plant coming in, Angie does not want to lose her small farm bequeathed to her by her beloved grandmother. Could the disappearance of the wife of the attorney representing the processing plant have anything to do with the grab for land? Could the Jane Doe murder victim be connected? Why is the local bar owner begging Angie for help? And who is threatening one of Angie’s employees? Ms. Cahoon writes a well-paced plot that ties incongruous clues together into a cohesive story. With a heartwarming wrap-up, the author will have fans eagerly awaiting the next release in this charming series!

I’m also sharing Lynn’s recipe for Quick Cookies and love that it’s a recipe from her childhood! Plus they are no-bake and quick to mix up so you can have fresh cookies on hand in a jiffy. My chocolate-loving granddaughter loved these cookies, especially with my extra drizzle of melted chocolate chips on the tops of the cookies, so I know I’ll be making these often!

 

Quick Cookies combines the favorite flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy-to-make, no-bake cookie. Sweet marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate make these a great afternoon treat. This family recipe is shared with permission granted by Lynn Cahoon, author of KILLER COMFORT FOOD.

 

Amazon Synopsis

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, is known and loved for its fresh food. For Angie, it’s also meant a fresh start. But when big agriculture comes to town—along with whispers of foul play—Angie could lose more than the farm . . .

A soybean processing plant is trying to buy up the land around the small farm Angie’s beloved Nona left her. If Angie doesn’t sell, she’ll be surrounded by the plant and the congestion that comes with it. On the other hand, it’s Nona’s farmhouse. What is Angie supposed to do without it?  Move into a condo in town with Precious, Mabel, and Dom—respectively, a goat, chicken, and dog. Worse, a troubling rumor is circulating about the lawyer who’s heading up the development: His socialite wife seems to be missing. When Barb, owner of the local bar, asks Angie to look into the woman’s disappearance, she’s hesitant—until Barb reveals her surprising connection. Now it’s up to Angie to find the woman, uncover a shady plot, and hang onto her home—before she becomes a criminal’s final course . . .

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing a winner with an advance print copy of ONE POISON PIE. Contest ends Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST and 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

Quick Cookies combines the favorite flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy-to-make, no-bake cookie. Sweet marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate make these a great afternoon treat. This family recipe is shared with permission granted by Lynn Cahoon, author of KILLER COMFORT FOOD.

Print
Quick Cookies

From the author, Lynn Cahoon: When I was thinking about the recipe for this book, I wanted something from my past. A memory. The way a dish tastes or a memory of a meal stays with you. I made brownies while I was editing this and almost went with that recipe since the rich chocolate taste is still in my mouth. Instead I give you a childhood treat. Quick Cookies were probably the first cookies I learned to make. And the ones I messed up, more often than not.

The secret is in the chocolate mixture you cook on the stove. Cook it too long, and your cookies will turn into a crumble (that's really good over vanilla ice cream - not all failures have to be trashed.) Not cooked long enough, and the cookies won't set. You want a soft ball stage for the chocolate. Drop a bit into a glass of water and reach in. If it turns into a ball, you're ready to stir it into the oats.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 cups oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1/2 bag miniature marshmallows (optional)
Instructions

  1. Cook the sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter together in a heavy saucepan on the stove, boiling 3 - 4 minutes until mixture reaches the soft ball stage.

  2. Pour the chocolate mixture over the oatmeal and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and marshmallows (if using) until well combined.

  3. Drop onto a greased (or parchment-lined) cookie sheet until set.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes

  1. I've made these cookies three times already, twice using quick cook oats (we preferred this texture best) and once using regular oats (the texture seemed too chewy to me since the oats aren't cooked).

  2. I used both a candy thermometer and an instant read thermometer to monitor the mixture until it reached the soft ball stage (235 degrees). Both batches of cookies turned out crumbly (but delicious!). I cooked the third batch to just 231 degrees and they turned out perfect! I like the accuracy of using a thermometer so there's no guesswork.

  3. To evenly distribute the peanut butter and vanilla, I stirred them into the chocolate mixture BEFORE adding to the oats and marshmallows.

  4. To make a decorative (and delicious) drizzle, I melted 1/4 cup chocolate chips in the microwave then placed in a piping bag. Drizzle in a variety of patterns if desired.

Quick Cookies combines the favorite flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy-to-make, no-bake cookie. Sweet marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate make these a great afternoon treat. This family recipe is shared with permission granted by Lynn Cahoon, author of KILLER COMFORT FOOD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Quick Cookies combines the favorite flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy-to-make, no-bake cookie. Sweet marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate make these a great afternoon treat. This family recipe is shared with permission granted by Lynn Cahoon, author of KILLER COMFORT FOOD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Quick Cookies combines the favorite flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy-to-make, no-bake cookie. Sweet marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate make these a great afternoon treat. This family recipe is shared with permission granted by Lynn Cahoon, author of KILLER COMFORT FOOD.

78 thoughts on “Quick Cookies”

  6. As with all things, it’s good to shake things up a bit from time to time. So yes, I love to have some paranormal in my cozies from time to time. 🙂

    Love this cookie recipe! We have made these for years other than we called them No Bake Cookies and I’d never heard about putting marshmallows in them. Sure will be trying that the next time as well as the wonderful addition of the chocolate swirl.

  7. Paranormal is okay with me as long as it fits within the plot. These quick cookies are one of my family favorites.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.

  9. I dont mind a bit of paranormal. I feel they add an interesting twist on the story. Thanks for the recipe! Those cookies look delicious!

  19. Yes it makes it more fun to read. Thank you for the chance the cookies look delicious. Can’t wait to read your book 📖😊

  24. I’ve only read a few paranormal series but I like them, as long as it works into the story well. It adds something extra.

  27. There is a specific series that I absolutely LOVE where the main character is helped out by an apparition. Thank you for this chance!

  35. Looking forward to reading the one Poison Pie. The setting sounds very interesting. Love cozy mystery and with a little bit of witchcraft.

  36. I do not read a lot of paranormal stories, but do enjoy finding them in cozies from time to time. These books sound like something I will enjoy! (I also agree with the person who previously commented that she liked for cats to be included.)

  39. Yes, I do enjoy a little paranormal in my books, I also have been baking for over 50 years and still enjoy new recipes

  41. To answer your question: Paranormal Cozy Mystery is my preferred subgenre of the Mystery genre. And anything book by Lynn Cahoon is great whether paranormal or not! Thanks for the chance and congrats on the double release month! Thank you, Kim for great reviews and interviews (and yummy recipes!)

  43. I love paranormal in my copies and the book looks amazing. My birthday is Feb. 8th this would be a great present for me. Thanks for your great generosity.

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