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SIMMERING WITH RESENTMENT is the eleventh book in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. I’ve been a longtime fan of this series and I was so excited that it appeared protagonist Jenna Hart’s upcoming nuptials to Rhett Baxter were finally going to take place. Adding to the wedding festivities, as she counts down the day to walking down the aisle, is the town’s bridal expo where brides and those dreaming of the big day flock to Crystal Cove to take part. But all doesn’t go according to plan when an explosion at Rhett’s restaurant puts him in the hospital and Jenna narrowly escapes injury herself. Will they ever have the chance to say their vows when it appears someone might be targeting them both? Ms. Gerber’s storytelling prowess pulled me in from the very start and kept me glued to the pages. One of the strengths of this series is the growth of characters over the course of books, and this newest release adds to it.
With Jenna having an invested interest in finding out who might have wanted to kill her and Rhett, she begins poking around and asking questions. Certain she’s found the culprit who had reasons to exact revenge, her theory vanishes as another explosion kills her suspect. The author’s story has twists and turns that kept me guessing, erroneously, about not only who the culprit could be but why. With a suspenseful reveal, the threads came together with a layer of tragic emotion woven in. Thankfully, Ms. Gerber doesn’t end there but continues with a couple heartwarming chapters that leaves the reader looking forward to catching up with Jenna and her pals in the next book!
Daryl Wood Gerber expertly captures the culinary cozy mystery genre in more ways than one. Not only are there mouthwatering descriptions of a large variety of dishes and desserts mentioned throughout the story, but with Jenna as the owner of the Cookbook Nook, a culinary bookshop, there are several delightful mentions of actual cookbooks. I honestly have a difficult time restraining myself from purchasing all the cookbooks she mentions… they all sound fabulous! And then there are the actual recipes Ms. Gerber includes at the back of the book. It’s almost like getting a mini cookbook and each recipe sounds delicious! With a wedding-themed book, it was hard to pass up the opportunity to try Katie’s Wedding Cookies. I found them easy to mix up and the mild, crunchy cashews complements the flaky cookie base. The cookie itself isn’t overly sweet, so the extra coating of confectioners’ sugar provides the perfect balance. These are so yummy, I won’t be waiting for a wedding to make them again and again!
Amazon Synopsis
With Bride’s Dream Expo in town, it’s all things wedding in Crystal Cove, including at the Cookbook Nook, where owner Jenna Hart is preparing for her own wedding in just a few short weeks. But there’s a dark cloud hanging over the festive mood by the name of Sarita Strachline, a woman Jenna helped convict of arson who is now out of jail and bent on revenge. And when Jenna and Rhett’s intimate prenuptial dinner is rocked by an explosion that nearly takes Rhett’s life, Jenna can’t help but think Sarita is to blame.
Desperate to prove Sarita’s guilt but consumed by worries over Rhett’s condition, Jenna reluctantly lays her case out for the police and leaves the investigation in their methodical hands. Still, she can’t help piecing together the clues, and as the evidence begins to mount, Jenna realizes that revenge may be a dish best served cold, but she can cook up a scheme of her own to bring the culprit to justice—she just has to hope it doesn’t blow up in her face . . .
A special thanks to Daryl Wood Gerber for providing a print copy of SIMMERING WITH RESENTMENT. Contest ends May 3, 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!)
(Yield: 30 - 36 cookies)
From Katie: These are one of my favorite cookies. They're so easy to make, and they look so elegant on a platter because of the dusting of confectioners' sugar. Make sure you have plenty on hand. They go quickly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for coating baked cookies
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped cashews, chopped into very small pieces
- Add water if necessary
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Preheat the oven to 275 degrees (F). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
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Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at low speed until it is smooth. Beat in the vanilla.
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At low speed, gradually add in the flour and cinnamon.
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To chop the nuts, I used my food processor. You can also use a "whackah-whackah" (manual food chopper) or you can put them in a baggie and smash them with a meat tenderizer hammer.
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Mix the nuts into the cookie dough with a spatula.
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For each cookie, use about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape it into a crescent. Dust hands with flour, if necessary, as you make more cookies.
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Place cookies onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 40 minutes.
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When the cookies are cool enough to handle, but still warm, roll the cookies in additional confectioners' sugar to coat.
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Cool entirely before eating. Store in an airtight container.
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If you want, you may substitute your favorite nut for the cashews.
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If you're not a cinnamon fan, remove it or switch it out with nutmeg.
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If you'd like to make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with sweet rice flour and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to the mixture.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve never attended a bridal expo, though they sound like a fun event.
Brenda, I think it would be, too.
Yes! It was a long time ago, when a friend was getting married. I remember a lot of It was a bit too much for the simple wedding she was envisioning and had.
Holden, nice that you went with your friend.
No, I’ve never attended a bridal expo. I love the cookbook nook series and this newest one sounds like another great read! LOVE Tigger in his tux! So cute! The wedding cookies look delicious!
Dawn, isn’t the tuxedo adorable! Love the art.
Both bride and groom targeted by a killer sounds exciting! Readers are sure to feel as anxious as the bride!
I make a version of these cookies, but with a different nut. As cashews are my favorite nut, I will definitely try this recipe!
no
I have not attended a bridal expo – maybe I will get to with a granddaughter someday.
Love this series! Thank you for the chance to win.
madamhawk at g mail dot com
No I have not attended a bridal expo. Thanks for the chance!
Never been to a bridal expo. Not sure if there would be any around here.
I’ve never been to a bridal expo. Sounds like fun. Especially if they had free wedding cake samples.
Never had the opportunity to attend a bridal expo. Sounds like it would be lots of fun though.
No. I have never attended a bridal expo.
I have not attended a bridal expo. I suspect it would be too big and busy and overwhelming.
I have never attended a bridal expo.
No I can’t say that I have, but I bet would be a fun experience. Thanks for this awesome giveaway.
When I got married, there was no such thing as a
bridal expo. My mother made my dress and the
bridesmaids and flower girls. She also made
the food for the reception. It was a wonderful
wedding. Have followed this series since the
start. Can’t wait to get this issue. thanks
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have never attended a bridal expo.
Thanks, Kim, for hosting me. The cookies you made look amazing! Always love your photography and extra effort. And thanks for the review. You are so sweet. ~ Daryl
It’s always a pleasure hosting you on the blog, Daryl! Thanks for sharing your fantastic cookie recipe and book with us!
Went with a friend many years ago. Some of the gowns were really gorgeous. Bouquets were equally gorgeous. How does one choose? The makeup ideas. Invites & thank you. The variety and costs told me I wanted something plain & simple. And sensible. The once in a lifetime so splurge push was really off putting.
No, I’ve never been to one.
These cookies sound delicious. A variation on Mexican Wedding Cookies, right?
We attended a wedding showcase prior to being married. The cookies sound yummy!
No, I have never attended a bridal expo.
Those cookies look delicious and so does the book!
“Have you ever attended a bridal expo?” Alas, no. I have really missed out!
I’ve never gone to one before. I’m sure it would be fun and interesting.
Thank you for your giveaway and the cookies look delicious!
No, I’ve never attended one.
No, never been to a bridal expo before but it could be fun. Loving the look of the cookies though!
No, I have never been to a bridal expo.
i have never been to a bridal expo
No I haven’t been to a bridal expo.
I have not attended a bridal expo.
No, I’ve never attended a bridal expo. Love this series, though! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have never been to a bridal expo. Thanks for the chance.
No, I never have been to a bridal expo but the cookies look delicious!😋💞😊
I did go to a Bridal Expo while I was planning my wedding. I did glean some ideas for my wedding but I don’t recall just what lol. It was mostly a way for DJs, photographers, and florists to advertise their services.
No, I have never attended a bridal expo.
I never have been to one!
No have never been to one. The cookies look delish.
I went to a bridal expo with my son’s fiancée. Fun!!
No, never.
I’m not a wedding person, so no bridal expos here.
No. I have not attended a bridal expo.
I have attended one expo. It was fascinating to see all the needs of a bride and groom in one place.
Yes I have attended a bridal expo there was one at the mall and I happen to be there it was in Ca and it was fun. I was married at the time but I was asked to stay as they needed people in the chairs so we did and I am glad.
I haven’t been to a Bridal Expo as of yet.
When I became engaged over 30 years ago, I did attend several Bridal expos. It was really fun.
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