The Agatha Award–winning author of Pressing the Issue returns to the Cookbook Nook, where Jenna Hart is busy decking the halls and ducking a killer . . .
The holidays are Jenna Hart’s favorite time of year, but just as she’s decorating the Cookbook Nook for all the festive events, her imperious older sister makes a surprise visit, anxious that her husband’s been more naughty than nice. To make matters worse, her father’s good friend Jake shows up on her doorstep with a frantic report that his friend has been murdered—trussed with Christmas lights and impaled with a tree star.
Worried that Jake was the intended victim, Jenna makes a list of suspects and checks it twice. Swapping her Santa’s hat for a sleuthing cap, she gets busy investigating Jake’s long-lost sister, his Grinch of a neighbor, and a stamp collector who covets Jake’s most treasured piece. When Jake himself is poisoned and nearly dies, Jenna knows she’ll have to do whatever it takes to corner the culprit before it’s lights out for Jake . . .
Includes tantalizing holiday recipes!
Jake, a friend of Jenna’s father, shows up to tell her that his friend has been murdered, and then winds up poisoned himself. Worried that he may have been the intended victim, Jenna decides to investigate before the killer can remedy the mistake.
I love Daryl Wood Gerber’s books and the Cookbook Nook series has become one of my favorites, so I was thrilled to get the chance to read Wreath Between the Lines. The cover is beautiful, I really enjoy the cookbook shop setting, and Christmas themed cozies are always a hit with me. Jenna is a smart, capable sleuth and this puzzler of a story kept me guessing and in the holiday spirit all the way through.
I am so excited to have Daryl here to share a recipe from Wreath Between the Lines with us! Please help me welcome her to The Book’s the Thing.
WREATH BETWEEN THE LINES is out! It’s the 7th in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and as any fan knows, there are recipes in the book. I thought I’d share one on my blog tour. *You can read more about the book above.
Today, I’ll share a recipe for Brownie Christmas Trees. I saw pictures of these trees on Pinterest and knew I had to have Jenna, the owner of the Cookbook Nook and Nook Café, serve these to children who visit her establishments during the holidays. They are so darling. I’m sure your little darlings will want to help make them.
But first….the brownies. This is the best darned brownie recipe I’ve ever concocted, and it’s gluten-free!! So chocolate-y, so moist. By the way, “whey” powder helps keep gluten-free baked goods moister longer. *Note about using regular flour at end of post.
Brownie peppermint stick Christmas Trees
*Use the brownie recipe below, but bake it in two 9-inch cake pans for half the time so they are ultra thin.
(Makes 12-16)
For decoration:
Green gel icing or green frosting
White or silver ball-shaped sprinkles
Sno-cap candies
Peppermint sticks cut to 2-inch length
HOW TO CONSTRUCT:
Cut brownies into wedge shapes (6-8 per cake pan). Set on decorative flat platter.
Carefully insert peppermint stick for tree trunk.
Ice with green swirls, on an angle. (If using frosting, you might want to use a piping tool and very small tip.)
Sprinkle with white or silver sprinkles.
Using gel or icing, “glue” one snowcap at top of tree for the star.
Brownies
(Makes 12-16)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa (I like Penzey’s but Hershey’s is quite good, too.)
3 large eggs
3/4 cup gluten-free flour (I like a combo of sweet rice flour and tapioca flour.)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon whey powder
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and line a round 9-inch pan with parchment paper and rubbed with butter.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add sugar and salt and stir until the mixture lightens in color. Just a pale yellow is fine.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Blend in the vanilla and cocoa, and then add the eggs. Mix until shiny, about 1 minute.
Add in the flour, baking powder, and whey powder. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Make sure you spread it to the edges.
Bake for 32-36 minutes until the top of the brownie is set. Insert a toothpick in the center to make sure it’s cooked through. A tad of chocolate at the tip is fine.
Remove from oven and cool 15-20 minutes before cutting. For the prettiest brownies, wait until they are completely cool. No crumbs!
Once cool, cover any that you’re not eating tightly with plastic or store in sealed glass containers.
*If you’d like to make this using regular flour, just swap out the flour and you may use any vanilla extract. I’d still use the whey powder.
About the Author
DARYL WOOD GERBER writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series
featuring a cookbook store owner who is an avid reader and admitted foodie, set on the coast of California. As AVERY AAMES
, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series
featuring a cheese shop owner amateur sleuth, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more.
Author Links
Visit Daryl or Avery atwww.darylwoodgerber.com.
“They” blog on www.mysteryloverskitchen.com as well as www.killercharacters.com
Daryl’s Blog – http://www.darylwoodgerber.com
Avery’s Blog – http://www.averyaames.com
Mystery Lover’s Kitchen – http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com
Killer Characters – http://killercharacters.com
Facebook:
Daryl http://www.facebook.com/darylwoodgerber
Avery http://www.facebook.com/averyaames
Twitter: @AveryAames @DarylWoodGerber
Goodreads:
Daryl Wood Gerber https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4750535.Daryl_Wood_Gerber
Avery Aames https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3153786.Avery_Aames
Purchase Link – Amazon
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a copy of a book and a $25 Amazon gift card (US ONLY)
(ENDED) Want a 2nd chance to win a book? Leave me a comment below to tell me your favorite holiday treat. Don’t forget to include your email address, and on 11/17/18 I will choose one winner at random to win their choice of one of Daryl Wood Gerber’s books. US only please, and good luck!
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 8 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, RECIPE GUEST POST
November 8 – My Journey Back – SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – That’s What She’s Reading – SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 10 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT
November 11 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW
November 12 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
November 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower – RECIPE GUEST POST
November 13 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW
November 13 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
November 14 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
November 14 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
November 15 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
November 16 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
November 16 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW
November 17 – cherylbbookblog – REVIEW
November 18 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 18 – Varietats – SPOTLIGHT
November 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, RECIPE GUEST POST
November 19 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
November 19 – Carole’s Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT
November 20 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW
November 20 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW, RECIPE GUEST POST
November 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
November 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
November 21 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
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I really don’t have a favorite holiday treat. I guess I’m just not into sweets much — and sweets are what I think of when you say ‘treat.’ I do enjoy homemade fudge, and homemade cookies of most kinds.
donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
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Gingerbread cookies, peanut butter blossoms and fudge. I LOVE making fudge! I try to make a new flavor every year, along with regular southern pecan and peanut butter. wjcline@att.net
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Frosted sugar cookies in holiday shapes are my favorite Christmas treat.
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Chocolate chip cookies made with dark chocolate chips!
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Love dark chocolate!
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The Peppermint Mocha Lattes at Starbucks. My husband and I look forward to these every year. Daryl, I love this series.
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I love all of their holiday drinks. 😁
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My favorite holiday treats are decorated butter cookies.
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They are so pretty too!
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Sugar cookies with hot chocolate
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Yummy!😁
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It’s tough to choose a favorite holiday treat! 🙂 I do a lot of cooking and baking more than anything. One thing that I really like to make this time of year is biscotti– all different kinds of it. It’s great to have on-hand, and makes a great little gift!
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This is a new series for me, I look forward to reading all the books.
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Look forward to reading the book I love all of your books! cookie would be surprise snowballs( roll them and put gumdrip in them). Kids all love them.
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Those sound great!
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Jane, great to hear. Hope the kids enjoy these. ~ Daryl
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Decorated sugar cookies are my favorite holiday desert. I make them every year
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They are always such a pretty addition to the dessert table!
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Christmas sugar cookies love the cover and title. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
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Sugar cookies seem to be a popular choice!
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Sugar cookies and pumpkin pie Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
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Two of my favorites, Donamae. ~ Daryl
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Love the series. My favorite Christmas treat are the cookies and a family Christmas Cake recipe handed down.
kkat.edwards(at)gmail(dot)com
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Family recipes are always the best
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Family Christmas cake sounds intriguing. What’s in it? ~ Daryl
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My favorite holiday treat is frosted sugar cookies. Congrats on the release!
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So many good holiday treats! Candies are mostly my favorites-fudge, bourbon balls, etc.
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Mmmmm…you can never go wrong with candies.
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My favorite is peppermint bark.
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Yum!😁
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A friend is making peppermint bark this weekend. She told me about an amazing candy store for the chocolates she uses. The Candy Factory. ~ Daryl
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I just love Christmas cozies this time of year.
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I do too – they help put me in the mood!
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My favorite holiday treat is cookies and homemade peanut butter fudge.
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Peanut butter fudge is one of my favorites too!
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My favorite holiday treat is peppermint bark. I also love Snowball cookies.
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Yum – both are great choices!
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I’m dying to know what snowball cookies are, Melissa. ~ Daryl
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Nice post Erika. I want to read this one. My favourite treat at Christmas is fudge. I love fudge but only allow myself to eat it at Christmas time.
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I love it too – chocolate peanut butter is my favorite!
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Yum, yum.
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Carhicks, I know what you mean. I only eat fudge at Christmas, too. Now why is that? My favorite is homemade fudge or fudge from See’s. ~ Daryl
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Not entering, since I read, and loved this book. The recipe looks and sounds delicious, and I love Penzy’s also!
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Petunia, So glad to hear you enjoyed this book. Thank you so much. ~ Daryl
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Great review and love the cover. One of my favorite authors also. Thanks for the recipe. I think my favorite is Pizzelles which I only make at Christmas.
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I love pizzelles.
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CP, Yum! ~ Daryl
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Liked this post, lovely tour. Grats, nice and cozy theme
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Cookies, cookies, and more cookies. Any holiday cookies are so yummy.
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Monica, glad to hear it. 😉 ~ Daryl
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Yes they are!😁
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LOL – I’ve got the book waiting for me if I can fix my Kindle WiFi connection!
My favorite treat during the holiday is peppermint ice cream with hot fudge…yumm. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Congratulations on the release. I can’t wait to read it!
dm_richards (at) yahoo (dot) com
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Oh this is making me hungry! 😁🍨
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Di, I adore peppermint ice cream! ~ Daryl
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Spritz cookies are my favorite. These brownie trees sure are cute!
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They really are cute! I used to love making spritz cookies. Everyone is reminding me of treats I haven’t had in a long time. I’m going to have to do a lot of baking this year! 😀
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Sorry about the double post. I didn’t think the first one posted because I wasn’t logged in to Word Press when I posted it and then they had me sign in. But you’re right, there are a lot of yummy comments here!
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Thanks, Elaine, glad you like them. 🙂 ~ Daryl
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Spritz cookies are my favorite. These brownie trees are so cute!
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These brownies are so cute. My favorite treats are cornflake cookies & pecan pie.
turtle6422@gmail.com
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They are cute! I have a recipe for cornflake cookies but haven’t tried them yet.
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I used to make corn flake cookies – with coconut. Gooey and delish. ~ Daryl
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My favorite holiday treat is the Christmas cookies. Why do we only make special cookies at Christmas? Daryl Wood Gerber is one of my favorite authors and this sounds like a great Christmas mystery.
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I would love to get to eat the special cookies all year round, but I know I’d never find the time to bake them. If I could just find someone to do the baking for me…😁
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Ii think cookies are made at Christmas because they were always a good gift to give. A few Christmas recipes have significant religious meanings, too. ~ Daryl
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I can’t wait to read this, too. I’m finishing the only other book in the series I haven’t read yet. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
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Kara, glad to hear that! ~ Daryl
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My favorite Christmas treats are pumpkin pie and pecan pie. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
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Mmmm…good choices!
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my favorite holiday treat is ginger cake with lemon curd
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Oh I love ginger, and that sounds wonderful!
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Taylor, I just made a lemon cake that is delicious. Lots of zest in it. ~ Daryl
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My favorite holiday treat is homemade fudge – and all the cookies!
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Who can resist the cookies! 😊
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I make a killer “See’s fudge” using a recipe I somehow receive as a girl. So yummy. Great for gift giving. ~ Daryl
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My favorite treat during the holiday is peppermint ice cream. I am looking forward to reading Daryl Wood Gerber’s book, Wreath Between the Lines. Thanks for including it on your blog.
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I like peppermint ice cream too! Hope you enjoy the book. 🙂
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Thanks, Robeader. Hope you enjoy. ~ Daryl
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My favorite treat is eggnog bread
judytucker1947(at)gmail(dot) .com
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Judy – that sounds delicious!
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I love no bake cookies and my potato candy..
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Oh – I haven’t had potato candy in years. My aunt used to make it when i was a kid – I think I’ll have to go look for a recipe! 🙂
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I’ve never heard of potato candy. What’s in it? Interesting. ~ Daryl
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Mashed potatoes blended with powdered sugar, and a layer of peanut butter. They look like white and brown pinwheels. They definitely don’t taste like potato. 😊
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I am looking forward to reading Wreath Between the Lines.
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I love the christmas theme going on in the next who done it starring Jenna Hart! Such a clever murder weapon as well!
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Ashley, thanks. Glad you like it. I love hearing the word “clever” – LOL ~ Daryl
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I love forward to reading this book. Love the name
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