Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Perfect Biscuits #recipe + Cookbook Nook giveaway from @DarylWoodGerber





The winner from last week's Cookbook Nook giveaway is:

Deb F. 

Congrats!  

But don't despair. I'm in a very giving mood. There are more giveaways....see below.


STIRRING THE PLOT comes out in less than a week. For the book, as for all the Cookbook Nook mysteries, I do a lot of research using real cookbooks. That's right, real, not fictional.

I found out about the How Can It Be Gluten-Free Cookbook  from the Food Section of the LA Times. The article raved about the book and how conscientious the chefs were when creating the recipes. I've shared a recipe or two from the cookbook before. The chocolate cupcakes were divine. 

And now for making the perfect biscuit...

This is my new go-to recipe. You honestly cannot tell the difference between this and a "real flour" biscuit. Promise! I used to make biscuits weekly when I could eat gluten. I know the difference. So I have to share.

That's what word of mouth is all about, right? Sharing something that's good with others who might like the same thing!

You can see where I'm going with this line of thinking, right? [Forgive me, I'm in PR mode. I just read a blog about authors who "share" too  much. Do I? If so, I'm sorry, but I get excited near a release!!]

Anyway, if you like STIRRING THE PLOT or simply the Cookbook Nook series, please share the information with a friend!

To show you how much I appreciate your help, I'm sharing a giveaway today on the blog. As I said before, see below...or read to the end...


Note: I've also got a contest with a huge amount of books from other authors, including all the authors on this blog, plus Kate Carlisle, Carolyn Hart, and more, on my Facebook page. Have you entered?

And: I'm having a huge launch for STIRRING THE PLOT via my mailing list.

All giveaways end September 29.

Enjoy the biscuits.

"Life is not an easy recipe; savor the mystery!" ~ Me

PERFECT BISCUITS

ALA THE HOW CAN IT BE GLUTEN-FREE COOKBOOK



Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free Flour (I used Pamela's artisan blend)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons powdered psyllium husk (I did not use): I substituted 1 ½ teaspoon whey powder
1 teaspoon sugar (I used 2 teaspoons)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
¾ cup plain whole-milk yogurt (*see note below)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:


Whisk flour blend, baking powder psyllium (or whey), sugar, salt, and baking soda in large bowl until combined. Add butter to mixture, breaking up chunks with fingertips [THIS IS A GREAT TIP; I NEVER DID BEFORE AND IT WORKED LIKE A DREAM], until only small, pea-size pieces remain.

In separate bowl, whisk together yogurt [NOTE: I DID NOT HAVE PLAIN YOGURT IN FRIDGE, SO I MADE A MIXTURE OF A VANILLA GREEK YOGURT AND SOUR CREAM – WORKED LIKE A DREAM, TOO], egg, oil, and lemon juice until combined and no flour pockets remain, about 1 minute. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let batter rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. [VERY IMPORTANT]

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees F. 

Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.  [The book says to place inside of second baking sheet. I did not. Don’t know why that tip was given.] Using 1/3 cup dry measure, scoop heaping amount of batter. [I HAD TO PRESS THE BATTER INTO THE MEASURE. THEN I USED A SPATULA TO SCOOP THE PRESSED BATTER OUT ONTO THE BAKING SHEET.] Using the 1/3 dry measure scoop makes a perfectly domed biscuit; 8 total. Space biscuits about ½-inch apart in center of the baking sheet.






Bake until golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.  [NOTE: KNOW YOUR OVEN. My biscuits, which I baked for 14 minutes on the first try, turned too dark but delicious.  I cooked the second batch 13 minutes. Perfect!]  Transfer sheet to wire rack and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. [Again, how could I wait? I served within 2 minutes and they were divine.]

Notes from the cookbook: psyllium husk: It is crucial to the structure of the biscuits.  [I understand why they think this, but I do not use it. I substitute whey powder for moisture. I didn’t notice anything wrong with the structure. The biscuits split apart nicely. Sorry, chefs. I'll try psyllium husk next time.]

Resting time: The author says: “Do not shortchange the 30-minute rest for the dough; if you do, the biscuits will be gritty and spread too much.” I FOLLOWED THIS TIP TO THE LETTER!]

IF YOU'D LIKE TO FREEZE FOR USE AT ANOTHER TIME: Wrap individual uncooked biscuits in two layers of saran wrap, then in aluminum foil.



To bake frozen biscuits: Let thaw to room temperature and bake as above.


If already baked: wrap as above. Remove from freezer and unwrap. Biscuits can be reheated in a 425 degree F oven for 10 minutes. [I also microwaved one, thawed, for 15 seconds on medium high power. It turned out great]








Now for today's giveaway:

Leave a comment - tell me who you shared my new title or my series with.  
Your mother, friend, librarian, a Facebook pal?
Remember to include your email - so I can contact you if you win.

One of you will win a set of the first two in the Cookbook Nook mysteries, plus some swag and a Savor the Mystery mug!










Here's a picture of the prize on Facebook.
The giveaway ends September 29. Click the picture for the link!

See all the books! 23 mystery titles!

And here's a pic of the giveaway to someone who receives my newsletter.
See all the Halloween goodies?
Remember, my mailing list isn't just for prizes. It will
keep you up to date with all my releases.
The next in line after STIRRING THE PLOT:
Cheese Shop Mystery #6: AS GOUDA AS DEAD comes out February 2015
Here's the link: MAILING LIST.


******************





Friend Daryl on Facebook
Friend Avery on Facebook
Follow Daryl on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow both of us on Pinterest
Check out our website.




STIRRING THE PLOT is available for pre-order: order here.





74 comments:

  1. I share your posts on Facebook plus I also list your books with a review on Goodreads. Love your series. Kuzlin at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kuzlin, thanks so much! Reviews (good ones, I hope) are so important on Goodreads! I have a giveaway on there, too. :)

      Best, Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  2. I am reading the Cheese Shop Mysteries, and I have my mother reading them too. :)
    I suggested to my library to obtain your new Cookbook Nook series. Also I have been sharing your posts on Facebook. I would love to enter your contest please. myrifraf @ gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Jen, love libraries! Thanks so much for mentioning it to them. And you're the best to share on FB. Yay! These are all the ways for authors to build an audience. And a good audience means the series continue! Thanks loads.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  3. I already have your books, so I'm not entering the contest, but I do share.

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    Replies
    1. Sue, sweet. Thanks for sharing! And make sure you get into the other contest, like on Facebook. Lots of authors in that contest!

      Hugs, Daryl / Avery

      Delete
    2. I shared my copy of Inherit the Word with a friend that loves to read good mysteries while waiting in multiple clinics with her children and has a husband that loves to cook.and try new recipes. servedogmom@yahoo.com

      Delete
  4. I shared my copy of Inherit the Word with a friend that loves to cook. The competition in it was such a good part of the book. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Holden, thanks so much. That was fun to write! Grilled cheese. Yum!!

      Daryl / Avery

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  5. You are a new author for me. I can't wait to discover your books! I am sharing with my mom today. We always love to read the same authors. rachaelybrown at att dot net Thanks for the chance!

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    Replies
    1. Rachel, hooray. Isn't it fun to find a new author? And you found an entire blog of them! Thanks for sharing.

      Daryl / Avery

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    2. Yes! I get so excited when I discover new authors! Thank you for the chance to enter all of your contests.

      Delete
  6. All the best on the newest book.
    I've posted on my FB page.

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  7. I love both of your series! started with the cheese shop. I do so like to try recipes in the mystery books, I know they've been tested! Thanks so much for writing these great stories. I've shared my books with my sister. annelovell12@yahoo.com

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  8. I told a friend of mine who likes mysteries.

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    Replies
    1. Sandy, nice. Thanks. Hope she'll check out the entire blog of authors!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  9. I shared with the gals in my golf foursome.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue, I play golf. Do you have a regular group? I don't. I play with a bunch of different ladies. A great place for me to clear my head when I need a break from writing.

      Daryl / Avery

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    2. I play in a ladies league twice a week. Also play a couple times a week with my hubby who is just as much a golf addict as I am.

      Delete
  10. My daughter.


    patucker54 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'd like to share with my dear friend Christy Hawkes. She is such a great person, and we have so much in common...I thank God each day for her friendship!

    sandie dot white @ live dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, Sandie, that is so sweet!!!! Christy is lucky to have you as a friend.

      Daryl / Avery

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    2. Sandie, you won the giveaway! Congrats. I'll be contacting you via email.

      Best ~ Daryl/ Avery

      Delete
  12. I work with an animal rescue group and I can't wait to try these out. We raise money with bake sales and often have people asking us for gluten free. I also share these with all my Facebook friends who love to cook, read and love animals. Now I just need life to slow down so I can get back to my reading! cindy B at starnetworksecretary@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cindy B, I'm thrilled to hear you work with rescue animals. My little Sparky is a rescue. And I'm thrilled to help out with the bake sales. These really are great and they freeze well, too.

      Hugs
      Daryl / Avery

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  13. Love your books. sclickner@juno.com

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  14. everybody and anybody who will listen to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne, ROFL (rolling on floor laughing!!) Proclaim away. :)
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  15. Love your books and always share posts on FB.
    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've shared your books with my sister, who loves them just as much as I do.

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  17. Replies
    1. MJ, you are so sweet! We're getting lots of hopefuls in the Facebook giveaway. They are all so happy to see the MLK author titles among the prize! :)

      Daryl / Avery

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  18. Love your books, recipes and features. I share with friends, neighbors and relatives. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Petite,

      Thank you so much. That kind of word of mouth certainly helps!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  19. I love to read all of your books they are all so fun and interesting!! I share on fb and twitter and I also share with all of my sisters and friends!! darholley1@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Darlene! How fun to have so many people to share with. :)

      Daryl / Avery

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  20. I can hardly wait for your book and have posted on FB. I have friends who love cozy mysteries. Especially Alice and have shared with her.

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  21. I always share with my sister. Since we are both stay at home mom's, we can use the escape, lol. Plus, neither of us have a large book budget so by sharing we discover new authors we might not otherwise know.

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    Replies
    1. Moongrrlie, that's sweet. The library is always a good resource, too. :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  22. Great recipe and giveaway, Daryl, happily shared and counting down the days to release of STIRRING THE PLOT next week, cheers!

    ~ Cleo

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    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks, Cleo! I'm counting the heartbeats it takes to breathe! LOL

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  23. I share with my daughter-in-law. Great recipes and giveaway. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. I share with my best friend. Love your books!!

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  25. I shared on Facebook and thanks for sharing. Congrats on the new book can't wait to read!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Belinda. So glad you'll share with friends that way. :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  26. I shared it with my daughter. Cant wait for this one

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  27. Hello! You are new to me too!! I love mysteries that involve food and cooking. I will share you with my Aunt Joyce. She also loves cooking mysteries. Thanks Rachael. rachaelabrams317@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Rachael, welcome to the MLK! Say hi to your Aunt Joyce :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  28. I shared with my sister.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  29. Rachael, thanks so much. Say hi to your aunt Joyce!! Maybe she'll find other authors on this site that she doesn't know, too. Yay!

    Daryl / Avery

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  30. Having been in the hospital the last couple of days, it was nice to be home and have access to my lap top and emails. I missed following your postings and drooling from your wonderful recipes.

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    Replies
    1. Robin, so sorry you were in the hospital. I hope it was nothing too serious! And you're on the mend with good books in your resting up period!

      Hugs
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  31. My mother <3 she texts me once or twice a week looking for recommendations for new books! alilbitoffaith@gmail.com

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  32. i shared with everyone on facebook, but specifically told my mom and sister. they both have kindles so we share all the time. mardox@consolidated.net

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    Replies
    1. Marcy, how fun is that, sharing with mom and sis. I wish. :) Thanks for sharing on Facebook!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  33. I think I share with anyone who has ears, but lately specifically it has been my granddaughter. We are going to our first Bouchercon together this November. Can't wait. And nope, you don't share too much - love when authors keep the info coming. And I have been passing the gluten-free recipes on to another granddaughter.

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    1. Hi! So thrilled to hear you share so much. Thanks! When you're at B'con, please come and say "hi" to me! I'll be on a foodie mystery panel on Thursday and then moderating another panel on Saturday. Hugs, Daryl / Avery

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    2. I will! Looking at the panel lists now, did I already say can't wait??

      Delete
  34. I love your books and recipes!!! I share with friends and family.
    Lisa
    hseaside5@aim.com

    ReplyDelete