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!
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!)
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.
- 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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We don’t get a lot of snow where I live (North Texas). More often, we get ice, and that makes getting around impossible. Thank you for the chance to win.
The stew sounds wonderful. I have never used the pearl onions. It sounds like a great recipe. Thanks for the chance to be entered in this lovely giveaway!
Mmm beef stew. My grandparents always made beef stew and it was one way to always get my brother and I over to visit. We both loved it a bunch.
I got snowed in – and iced in – many times growing up in the lake-effect snow belt of NW PA. We lived in an old house in a fairly rural area, so we usually lost power, which meant no furnace, no running water, no stove, and usually no phone! Got very boring and cold. Now living in SE NC, I can’t say I miss shoveling snow or scraping ice off my car! In fact, we have a high of 71 here today!
I’ve been iced in before, and it was awful. I’ve never been snowed in before though~
When I used to live in the mountains we did get snowed in sometimes. But when we moved to the valley we would get iced in sometimes. The worst was a silver thaw that lasted little over a week. Our home was all electric, it was out for a whole week. We “camped” in the biggest bed room. Used the fondue pot for heating soups and water. Had candles all over the place to help keep the temp up to a manageable level. Kids wore double socks, We nailed blankets over the windows. Played board games to candlelight. Actually. It wasn’t too bad. And the kids loved the “practice at camping”.
I’ve been snowed in a few times, although never for long. I’ve definitely never experienced the type of snow that they get in Maine or that my cousin in North Dakota gets! Might be fun once or twice, but I don’t think I would enjoy months of it. Maine is a beautiful place and I would love to take a summer vacation there with the family. I got to go once as a child and I’ve never forgotten it.
I grew up on a dirt road in northern New Jersey. We got snowed in upon occasion. I think I remember walking into town one time. It was 2 miles, so I’m not sure if this is true or not.
Beef stew is so comforting. Yum.
We don’t have a lot of snow in eastern North Carolina, so I only remember being snowed in only a few times. We usually only have one or two snows per season and they don’t stick around for a long time. But in case that changes this winter, I would love to win a copy of Barbara’s book to keep me entertained.
Yes, many times growing up in NY, Nebraska, Kansas.
Thank-you for the opportunity.
During the blizzard of 1978 in Cincinnati, I actually got to work (a friend picked me up) and stayed there for 3 days (it was at a state mental hospital and we had to take care of patients. National Guard was picking up doctors and nurses. An amazing experience.
Snowed in? Yes…I had travelled to New Zealand in July, their winter time, and a big snow storm set in on Queenstown. Three activities sadly were cancelled and we spend an extra day at the hotel. Oh, well, the hotel staff and tour group made things nice with roaring fires, treats, and games.
I have been snowed in! I don’t remember it well, but I was a little girl during the Blizzard of ’78, and the stories are just epic. The snow in our yard was taller than my sister and I, and my dad had to dig tunnels for us to run in! 🙂
Yes, luckily not too often as I live in Texas, but it does happen occasionally. The thing is I can happily “hole up” in my house for days at a time and never think about it, but the minute I can’t leave because of bad weather I immediately get “cabin fever”.
Yes! I live in MN and have been snowed in to the extent that the snow was piled against the doors by the wind during a blizzard. I had to be shoveled out.
Oh goodness yes several years ago in Tahoe and also just last weekend there have been a few times that our driveway which is 1/4 mile and goes down was too icy and also had too much snow and the county had not plowed my husband had done our driveway but the roads were not driveable . We live in a rural area and that happens every winter that we are snowed in or that our driveway you can;t go up or down as the ice is bad and if you slide off the hill you end up in a cabin that is below or in the trees. So I read with the girls on my lap where they like to sit and my husband is either sleeping or watching tv.
I’ve been snowed in once back when that huge snowstorm pretty much hit everybody. I’ve been iced in a couple of times now, I’d rather have the snow. Thanks for the recipe, I’ve got to try it.
I been snowed in once years ago when we lived in England we had a blizzard and I loved it, I went out walking in it and came back 20 minutes later and my Mum in law was very worried she was a bout to call the police to go out looking for me. I was fine I loved it. Here in California where we live now we don’t get snow. Loved the review on this book and will try the recipe
Penney
No we don’t get snow where I live. I’m still waiting to see snow for the first time . The recipe sure does look yummy. Thanks for the chance .
the beef stew recipe looks wonderful thank you for the chance to win one of your books
Living in Michigan we have had some major snow storms and blizzards, so we have had times when we were snowed in. However, it never lasted very long, maybe not being able to get out for a day and slow going for a day or two, but Michigan is pretty good at moving snow and clearing the roads.
I live in centeal Oklahoma, and we dont usually get enough snow to strand us, but, boy, do we get the ice storms, which are really crappy. tou would think Oklahoma drivers had never driven on ice!
My family and I lived in North Dakota when I was a toddler, so I’ve been snowed in more than once but have no memory of it!
Yes many times in northeastern Wisconsin, lots of snowed in days, every winter.
When I was in school in Illinois our whole road was snowed in. Nobody could get to us by driving and we couldn’t get out. It was too deep to walk out. And once 19 years ago when we first bought our house. We was snowed in for part of the day. We tried taking the truck through it and got stuck. Got it out came back home later and they had it plowed.
I have been snowed in many times in Upstate NY. After the last big snow storm we had I ended up with a baby!
I remember there was a valentines day about 12 years ago where Cleveland, Ohio a lot of snow. My car was stuck in my mother’s driveway — and I had to walk 2 blocks to get home. This recipe looks tasty.
Being snowed in can be fun if you are prepared..ar least for the first few hours then it gets a little old. But I do like the quiet that comes with a snowstorm. .the crisp air and watching the snowed fal…not the shoveling though
I live in northern Minnesota—Of course I’ve been snowed in!!!
No, I live in the south and we never get snow, but would probably enjoy it if it ever did happen.
We were snowed in once for 3 days. We had three feet of snow and it took days for the snowplows to even get to us. I think our town was even on the news. It was an experience we will never forget.
The beef stew is a perfect cozy snowed-in recipe. when I lived up north I was snowed in for 4 days, the state called a state of emergency and the only way to get around was on cross country skis. Bu, It does get cool to cold here in FL and I LOVE beef stew, so…I must make this recipe!
Sounds good
We were snowed in, one Christmas. Started to snow, Christmas Eve and didn’t stop until late Christmas Day.
I’ve been iced in and snowed in.
year 2000….trapped by a snow/ice storm! no power, etc…ended up at a Hampton Inn for 6 days!
living in upstate NY, it happens! lol (don’t mind being snowed in or iced in but hate losing our power…lol)
I was snowed in after the 2011 October snow storm. We had power outages, no water cause I have an artisan well and I had to take care of my husband who was very ill and on a feeding tube. It was a bad time. Thanks for the chance to win.
Never been fed in but I hope I have tons of hot chocolate!
Growing up in Nebraska, there were many days that we were snowed in. Waiting for the snowplow to clear the streets so that we could get out and about usually took two to three days. Oh that stew looks delish! Thanks for a chance to win Barbara’s book.
Oh yes I have. Once I was trapped in a mall over night.
Here in the UP of Michigan we get a TON of snow, but we’re rarely snowed in! But when we lived in Kentucky we were snowed in for almost 3 weeks. All the county had was a road grader!
I live in South GA so getting snowed in or iced in doesn’t happen down here. If they think we might get anything, they cancel schools and such but people go on with everything else. I do usually stay in then because no one here (myself included) knows how to drive safely in those conditions.
Yes I have been snowed in. A week with no electric. I love the snow so it was fun for me.
I’ve been snowed and iced in. ♫Ice, Ice, Baby♪♬ In Wisconsin, you are brought up to be prepared. Now I’d like to prepare this beef stew. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll win this book to enjoy during the next blizzard. Can you say, Polar Vortex?!⛄⛇❄
I have been snowed in for up to 3 weeks one time and iced in another time for 1 week. Mostly we get small amounts of ice and/or snow and everyone can still pretty well function….but when we get a doozie….its really a doozie 😉
We were snowed in one winter when we lived in Colorado. My then-husband opened the front door to get the paper – and the snow was 3/4 up the door!
I live in Vermont. We’ve been snowed in! It’s ok when there is a good soup or stew and lots of good cozies to read! I love Barbara Ross’s Clambake series!
It sounds delicious! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Living in Illinois it happens once in awhile. I remember the last time we were snowed in. Not only did we get tons of snow but it was windy and there were drifts everywhere. All our doors, even the garage door, were blocked with snow. My husband had to go out a window!!
Once many years ago we had a blizzard and it knocked the power out. We spent 2 days huddled in front of the fireplace!
Yes, several times. Grew up in Indiana so there were more than a few blizzards. Returned to the area for work years ago and got caught in “the coldest winter on record.” Glad to live in California now!
Having lives in New England all of my life, I love to make soup or stew as often as I can all winter long. Not only is it good and hearty, but it warms your body and soul. Of course the homemade baking powder biscuits and cornbread or dinner rolls don’t make the meal worse now do they? I always use stock for my soups and stews not water as I love a richer broth. Also, I like to use a lot more onion than most recipes call for, so I use chopped up regular onions for added flavor and then buy the small boiling onions to add to the soup for the texture as they still stay whole even after they are cooked. I add some herbs at the end so they are still green when serving. What I love to do with soup or stew is to make the cheddar crisps on a silpat and serve with the soup or stew. That crispy baked cheese is so good with the soup. And how about garlic bread with stew or soup??? Can anyone tell that I didn’t eat dinner tonight?? ha.
Thanks for the nice blog post.
Always enjoy reading them.
Cynthia B
As an adult, I have never been snowed in anywhere. We don’t get snow where I live, except maybe once every ten years or so. I think, from stories my parents have told, that when I was a baby, they were snowed in once with some of Dad’s relatives.
I live somewhere with mad snow removal skills, so no, I have never really been snowed in. The stew looks delicious!
That stew looks great. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of your book. We don’t get a lot of snow in eastern NC, but stew would be delicious on cold, windy days.
The year we were moving from New Jersey to South Carolina was the time I was snowed in. My husband had already left to start a new job and I was still in NJ finishing up my job and graduate school. Wouldn’t you know we had a snow storm of 17 inches one night! It was awful. Thank goodness for the snow plow company that came 2 days later or I would have been stuck in for a week.
I never been snowed in for more than a day or two, just until the roads were clear and safe enough to drive on. Snow don’t last very long here in eastern North Carolina.
I left cold country in 1964. I haven’t gotten snowed in since then at least. I didn’t mind it when I was little.
I almost was stranded o n the freeway due to heavy snow.
My road isn’t on the top of the list to be plowed, but that is okay for a few days. After that, I’m ready to get out!
Thank you for the opportunity and the recipe. I look forward to reading one and eating the other.
Yes, I have been snowed in, but as long as the electricity is working, food is all stocked up, and my family is in with me and I know that I don’t have to be out, I don’t mind at all. I always have plenty to read, and I never get cabin fever!
Born and raised in S D. Live in CA now and sometimes I really miss playing in the snow. Now and then I go back to meet up with family for a short time and then I can play.
In North Dakota we had to keep a shovel in the house to dig our way out when the snow drifted against the house.
Both the book and the stew sound wonderful!!
And yes, I have been snowed in in NYC.
I’ve been “iced” in here in Texas but never completely snowed in. When it snows here everyone closes school & stays home. lol!