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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Game of Scones in Books
Dec 5, 2018
War of the Scones
After losing her job at a food magazine, Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway, “Sugar” to friends, opens a new business with award winning baker Dixie Spicer. Together, the two will shepherd community cookbooks through the publishing process. Their first project is for the centennial of the town where they live, St. Ignatius, Iowa. However, this cookbook has heated up the feud between Elsie, a member of the most prominent family in town, and Bertie, Dixie's aunt. The two are fighting over which of their scone recipes should be included in the book. When Sugar goes to meet with Elsie to attempt to reach a resolution, she finds Elsie's dead body. Bertie is the prime suspect, but she has disappeared. Is she in danger as well, or is she the killer?
This book gets this new series off to a fun start. Sugar and Dixie are a great duo, and they are surrounded by a fun group of family and friends. I enjoyed getting to know them here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in future books. The town is wonderful, with all the hallmarks of a delightful cozy setting, and I enjoyed the fact that it is in Iowa, not some place we typically go for cozies. I did feel the pacing of the mystery was a bit off, but this never lasted for long, and we had a great climax. We get a total of three recipes at the end of the book, including both scone recipes.
This book gets this new series off to a fun start. Sugar and Dixie are a great duo, and they are surrounded by a fun group of family and friends. I enjoyed getting to know them here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in future books. The town is wonderful, with all the hallmarks of a delightful cozy setting, and I enjoyed the fact that it is in Iowa, not some place we typically go for cozies. I did feel the pacing of the mystery was a bit off, but this never lasted for long, and we had a great climax. We get a total of three recipes at the end of the book, including both scone recipes.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Gone for Gouda in Books
Jan 9, 2023 (Updated Jan 9, 2023)
Murder Preempts Author Event
Willa Bauer is thrilled to be hosting a stop for Phoebe Winston on her tour promoting her new cookbook. The celebrity chef is sure to bring in lots of people to Willa’s new cheese shop. However, when Willa meets Phoebe, she discovers the author is a bit of a diva, with demands that make the event a much harder prospect than Willa bargained for. Then Phoebe is murdered in the house she was renting in the area, with Willa’s employee Archie the last person on the property’s security system. Can Willa figure out what happened?
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this was even stronger. We meet Phoebe long enough to know what a pain she is before she dies, but then we learn even more, opening up the suspect pool. The climax becomes a race to figure things out, and I was along for the twists that kept coming at that point. I was thrilled that the supporting players got a bigger role this time around. They are fantastic, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them. I grew up in Sonoma County, so I have a special connection with the setting even if I did have to move my mental map of the fictional town where most of the action takes place. This book will leave you hungry for cheese, so the three recipes at the end will be welcome. I’m already anxious to see what happens to Willa and the others in the next in the series.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this was even stronger. We meet Phoebe long enough to know what a pain she is before she dies, but then we learn even more, opening up the suspect pool. The climax becomes a race to figure things out, and I was along for the twists that kept coming at that point. I was thrilled that the supporting players got a bigger role this time around. They are fantastic, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them. I grew up in Sonoma County, so I have a special connection with the setting even if I did have to move my mental map of the fictional town where most of the action takes place. This book will leave you hungry for cheese, so the three recipes at the end will be welcome. I’m already anxious to see what happens to Willa and the others in the next in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Quiche of Death in Books
Jul 22, 2020
Murder in the Family
Sugar Calloway and Dixie Spicer, owners of Super and Spice Cookbooks, are spending a weekend with the Arbor family gathering material for a cookbook to preserve family favorite recipes, some of which have been turned into the frozen meals the family is famous for. However, the weekend gets off to a rocky start when Theo, the only grandchild, arrives with his fiancée, Collette. This is the first time Collette has met the family, and things don’t get well. Then Sugar finds Collette’s body the next morning on her walk. There is a possibility it was a hunting accident, but could it be murder?
I really have grown to love the characters in this series, so I was happy to be visiting them again here. Don’t worry, we do get to see all the regulars as the story unfolds. It was a bit overwhelming meeting the Arbor family all at once, but it wasn’t long before I had these suspects straight in my mind. Unfortunately, the plot could have been better. One aspect wasn’t fully developed, and the pacing was uneven. However, Sugar does uncover some interesting information, and I was engaged the entire time I was reading. In fact, I was sorry to reach the last page of this quick read. I enjoy the setting, Iowa, since it is one we don’t get to see very often, at least in the books I read. Naturally, we get three delicious sounding recipes at the end to enjoy once we are done with the book. If you are looking for a fast, fun read, this is the book to pick up.
I really have grown to love the characters in this series, so I was happy to be visiting them again here. Don’t worry, we do get to see all the regulars as the story unfolds. It was a bit overwhelming meeting the Arbor family all at once, but it wasn’t long before I had these suspects straight in my mind. Unfortunately, the plot could have been better. One aspect wasn’t fully developed, and the pacing was uneven. However, Sugar does uncover some interesting information, and I was engaged the entire time I was reading. In fact, I was sorry to reach the last page of this quick read. I enjoy the setting, Iowa, since it is one we don’t get to see very often, at least in the books I read. Naturally, we get three delicious sounding recipes at the end to enjoy once we are done with the book. If you are looking for a fast, fun read, this is the book to pick up.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jan 17, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Bayou Book Thief in Books
Jun 13, 2022
Stealing Books Should be Punished, but Maybe Not by Death
Ricki James-Diaz is looking to start over in New Orleans, and her interest in opening a vintage cookbook store is a perfect match for the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. As she gets to know her new coworkers, she quickly realizes just how much of a grump Franklin Finbloch is. Still, the man isn’t fired until he is caught trying to steal from Ricki’s new gift shop. Then his body turns up in what Ricki thought was a trunk of books donated to Bon Vee. With the suspicion falling on people Ricki was beginning to consider friends, she jumps in to figure out what really happened. Will she solve the case?
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Sifting Through the Clues in Books
Apr 24, 2019
Jenna Must Sift Through the Suspects to Find a Killer
Spring has sprung in Crystal Cove, and the town is celebrating all things book club. Clubs from neighboring towns have come to advertise their clubs and Jenna Hart is letting the Cookbook Nook be used to host some of the book discussions happening during the week. But she’s most excited about the progressive dinner that her own book club, the Mystery Mavens, is planning for Saturday night. However, the night ends in tragedy when they arrive at their last stop and find their final hostess, Ivy Beale, dead on her kitchen floor. Ivy had a reputation of knowing everyone’s secrets, and Jenna had seen her clashing with several people in town recently. Was that what got her killed?
One thing I love about the series is the different themes that author Daryl Wood Gerber works in via the town’s events, and book clubs is one that will appeal to all readers. The mystery is strong, with some unusual elements that Jenna must figure out in order to solve the case. I felt the suspects are good and kept me guessing as I went along. The climax was a lot of fun and perfectly wrapped things up. There is a large cast of characters, and I love spending time with them. However, at times it can be hard to remember all the connections, so I was thankful for the list of characters at the beginning of the book. My biggest issue is the relationship between Jenna and Cinnamon Pritchett, the chief of police. They are supposed to be good friends, but I don’t see it based on their interactions here. I get why Cinnamon behaves the way she does, but we need to see more of the friendship between them. We got over a dozen recipes at the end, some sweet and some savory, and many of them give us regular and gluten free versions. Fans of Daryl’s other series will enjoy the Easter eggs she slipped into this book; I know I did.
One thing I love about the series is the different themes that author Daryl Wood Gerber works in via the town’s events, and book clubs is one that will appeal to all readers. The mystery is strong, with some unusual elements that Jenna must figure out in order to solve the case. I felt the suspects are good and kept me guessing as I went along. The climax was a lot of fun and perfectly wrapped things up. There is a large cast of characters, and I love spending time with them. However, at times it can be hard to remember all the connections, so I was thankful for the list of characters at the beginning of the book. My biggest issue is the relationship between Jenna and Cinnamon Pritchett, the chief of police. They are supposed to be good friends, but I don’t see it based on their interactions here. I get why Cinnamon behaves the way she does, but we need to see more of the friendship between them. We got over a dozen recipes at the end, some sweet and some savory, and many of them give us regular and gluten free versions. Fans of Daryl’s other series will enjoy the Easter eggs she slipped into this book; I know I did.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Get Your Bake On: Sweet and Savory Recipes from My Home to Yours in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I flipped through GYBO and wanted to jump up and down I was so excited about all the amazing recipes. Cheese and Chive soufflés? Blueberry Almond scones? Banana Tea bead, Tomato tart… So many cool things.
I feel like this book was made for me because one of the things Emmett said about his baking was he liked sweet items, but he also liked to take traditionally sweet things and make them savory: for example, the Savory Bacon Cheddar Chive scones sound awesome and are totally on my “to-bake” list (what, you don’t have a to-bake list? what’s wrong with you?) and Salted Peanut Cookies? Why didn’t I think of that?
The instructions are very reader friends and clear, and you don’t have to be an experienced baker to follow the directions (though you have to have serious patience and lots of time to make the traditional Croissants. Like seriously? Who ever thought that process up?).
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is because there are only a few pictures. in the middle of the book is a photo section where some of Emmett’s recipes are beautifully and colorfully photographed. And I totally understand how expensive and time consuming it would be to photograph ever. single. recipe. But I’m a visual person. I flip through photos and decide what to make on the photos, not the titles of the recipes.
However, even without every recipe being shown, they all sound great, and was really excited about using this book.
The recipe I tried was the Blueberry Almond scones. I didn’t have lemon juice for the glaze, so I made a vanilla-almond glaze with butter and cream, and I used gluten free flour (because I was making breakfast for a GF friend). I also miss-read the amount of almonds I was supposed to use, and ended up using double the amount. But they turned out phenomenal. Ugly, since I don’t have a rolling pin and I didn’t have any flour to dust the cutting board. Also I only have one cookie sheet so I used some muffin tins– they sort of turned into “drop scones”—but they were delish.
This book is totally on my favorite cookbook list and I will absolutely use more of these recipes.
I feel like this book was made for me because one of the things Emmett said about his baking was he liked sweet items, but he also liked to take traditionally sweet things and make them savory: for example, the Savory Bacon Cheddar Chive scones sound awesome and are totally on my “to-bake” list (what, you don’t have a to-bake list? what’s wrong with you?) and Salted Peanut Cookies? Why didn’t I think of that?
The instructions are very reader friends and clear, and you don’t have to be an experienced baker to follow the directions (though you have to have serious patience and lots of time to make the traditional Croissants. Like seriously? Who ever thought that process up?).
The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars is because there are only a few pictures. in the middle of the book is a photo section where some of Emmett’s recipes are beautifully and colorfully photographed. And I totally understand how expensive and time consuming it would be to photograph ever. single. recipe. But I’m a visual person. I flip through photos and decide what to make on the photos, not the titles of the recipes.
However, even without every recipe being shown, they all sound great, and was really excited about using this book.
The recipe I tried was the Blueberry Almond scones. I didn’t have lemon juice for the glaze, so I made a vanilla-almond glaze with butter and cream, and I used gluten free flour (because I was making breakfast for a GF friend). I also miss-read the amount of almonds I was supposed to use, and ended up using double the amount. But they turned out phenomenal. Ugly, since I don’t have a rolling pin and I didn’t have any flour to dust the cutting board. Also I only have one cookie sheet so I used some muffin tins– they sort of turned into “drop scones”—but they were delish.
This book is totally on my favorite cookbook list and I will absolutely use more of these recipes.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Indian Family Kitchen: Classic Dishes for a New Generation in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Whether you are a lover of Indian Cuisine or unfamiliar with it's exquisite flavors, this book will have you craving these foods in no time!
I was first introduced to Indian cuisine while living in South Africa. I can see you scratching your head in confusion. South Africa's cuisine has a very large Indian influence. My roommate cooked with curry ALL the time! She would say "That is enough curry." And would then proceed to pour the rest of the packet into the pot. I couldn't be more grateful to her though (even if I was crying through my meal because of the heat)! Because out of that, a deep love for Indian cuisine was born. Curry is my number one comfort food. I got my husband hooked on it as well, and let me tell you, he makes AMAZING curry! A few years ago, we had the great honor of meeting a Pastor who grew up in India. And he gave us hands on cooking lessons in REAL Indian cuisine! So when I saw The Indian Family Kitchen, I knew I had to have it!
I love the design and format of this cook book. Very pleasing to the eye and the pictures are purely tantalizing! In the "Introduction" Anjali shares her heart about her family and her love for cooking. It was very touching! Anjali intros each of the recipes and the directions are easy to follow. On quite a few of the recipes you will find "My Secret" stamp, Anjali divulges her key to making the dish to perfection.Throughout the book you will find a few of her favorite recipes that are, not exactly Indian, but tasty nonetheless! There are also a number of pages with pictures of her family, and this adds a very personal touch. Along with starters, main courses and BBQ Indian Summer chapters, you will find sides, desserts and cocktails. Anjali is not afraid to give away her tips and tricks in the kitchen. Scattered throughout you will find her Pantry must-haves, Magical chiles, Kitchen shortcuts, Wine & spice, and more! Overall I am extremely impressed with this cookbook! This one will be on my counter and used often. Now excuse me while I go and bask in the deliciousness of Indian cuisine!
I was first introduced to Indian cuisine while living in South Africa. I can see you scratching your head in confusion. South Africa's cuisine has a very large Indian influence. My roommate cooked with curry ALL the time! She would say "That is enough curry." And would then proceed to pour the rest of the packet into the pot. I couldn't be more grateful to her though (even if I was crying through my meal because of the heat)! Because out of that, a deep love for Indian cuisine was born. Curry is my number one comfort food. I got my husband hooked on it as well, and let me tell you, he makes AMAZING curry! A few years ago, we had the great honor of meeting a Pastor who grew up in India. And he gave us hands on cooking lessons in REAL Indian cuisine! So when I saw The Indian Family Kitchen, I knew I had to have it!
I love the design and format of this cook book. Very pleasing to the eye and the pictures are purely tantalizing! In the "Introduction" Anjali shares her heart about her family and her love for cooking. It was very touching! Anjali intros each of the recipes and the directions are easy to follow. On quite a few of the recipes you will find "My Secret" stamp, Anjali divulges her key to making the dish to perfection.Throughout the book you will find a few of her favorite recipes that are, not exactly Indian, but tasty nonetheless! There are also a number of pages with pictures of her family, and this adds a very personal touch. Along with starters, main courses and BBQ Indian Summer chapters, you will find sides, desserts and cocktails. Anjali is not afraid to give away her tips and tricks in the kitchen. Scattered throughout you will find her Pantry must-haves, Magical chiles, Kitchen shortcuts, Wine & spice, and more! Overall I am extremely impressed with this cookbook! This one will be on my counter and used often. Now excuse me while I go and bask in the deliciousness of Indian cuisine!