Wednesday, October 1, 2014

A recipe from STIRRING THE PLOT plus #book #giveaway from @DarylWoodGerber


From Daryl aka Avery

Yesterday, 
STIRRING THE PLOT debuted!  

Yay. It's been getting great reviews.

On Gumshoe review
"The characters, the town, everything works together to produce an enjoyable book. It's hard to put down." ~ Gumshoe


I would give this book more than five stars if I could. Jenna is such a wonderful character.” ~ Brooke

“Another classic cozy for you to add to your collection, this one is ♥♥♥♥♥” ~ Kate Eileen Shannon


I hope you'll pick up a copy.


In STIRRING THE PLOT, Halloween in Crystal Cove, California, is a big deal, involving a spooky soiree where the Winsome Witches, a fund-raising group, gather to open up their purse strings and trade superstitions. But party magicians, fortune-tellers, and herbalists are only the beginning of this recipe for disaster. Jenna has packed The Cookbook Nook chock-full of everything from ghostly texts to witchy potions in anticipation of the annual fund-raiser luncheon. But there’s one unexpected addition to the menu: murder.

[This is NOT a paranormal. It is a pure cozy, culinary mystery!!]

By the way, did you miss the Facebook contest I threw in September? Alas!

Did you also miss the newsletter launch prize and sets of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries
I gave out yesterday? Hmmm.

Perhaps you need to sign up for my newsletter...

This is a picture of the launch prize I sent off this morning. Look at all the fun Halloween goodies.




Don't despair.

Last week I gave away books and a mug.
Last week's winner was Sandie W.
Congrats, Sandie!


Today, I'm giving away an autographed copy of STIRRING THE PLOT 
plus a Savor the Mystery/Say Cheese mug! Winner picked by midnight!!
[To US entrants only]
[**International fans, I love you. Don't worry! 
If your name is drawn, you'll receive a
copy of STIRRING THE PLOT, unsigned.]

Read on...and leave a comment and your email so I can contact you!


Sign up here for the newsletter aka mailing list.
I'll have another fun giveaway in February for the release of 
AS GOUDA AS DEAD!


And now for today's recipe! Something right out of STIRRING THE PLOT.  Caramel Popcorn Balls, created by Chef Katie in the series.



Per Katie:
These are the easiest but possibly the messiest things in the world to make. They’re a tad time-intensive because you have to cut up the marshmallows and caramel squares. You’ll probably want a hot, wet knife when you’re cutting. Also, be aware that when you are rolling these into balls, the gooey mixture is sticky and hot—not so hot as to burn, but be careful.

Katie’s Caramel Popcorn Balls

3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons cold water
 2 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 cup marshmallows, cut into tiny pieces
12 caramel squares, cut into tiny pieces
8 cups plain popped popcorn

Safflower oil for molding
Cellophane wrap or plastic wrap
Ribbon


In a pasta-sized saucepan, over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, butter, cold water, confectioners’ sugar, and diced marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.


Remove from heat and add the caramel squares and popcorn, carefully combining the hot mixture until the popcorn is coated on each kernel.





Grease hands with safflower oil and quickly shape the popcorn into tiny balls  before the mixture cools. Wrap the balls in cellophane or plastic wrap, and tie them off with ribbon. Store at room temperature.



Note from Katie: If you want this to be gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free marshmallows.


Remember to leave a comment!

Savor the mystery!

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

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STIRRING THE PLOT is available for order: order here.


If you haven't done so, sign up for the mailing list 
so you can learn about upcoming events, releases, and contests! 



99 comments:

  1. I am looking forward to reading your new book (as well as the first two books in the Cookbook Nook series). For some reason, I just adore the Halloween cover. Just too cute! Halloween has always been a fun holiday.

    Thank you for the Katie’s Caramel Popcorn Balls recipe. :)

    Please enter me in the contest. myrifraf @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jen. My cover artist is so clever. She does Krista's covers, as well. By the way, have you seen the "app" that is my cover? It's on my home page on my website and you can play sounds, like the kitty, the pumpkin! Go to www.darylwoodgerber.com

      Delete
  2. Great blog, I can't wait to read this.
    Penney
    luvhistoricalromanceATgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love reading books that much the current time of year! Now that it is finally October I am ready for Halloween based stories!
    traceyr1984@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tracey, isn't that fun? I love reading books about holidays/festive times no matter what time of year. If it's Christmas in June, that's okay with me! :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  4. I agree Tracey. I love reading Holiday themed books starting this time of year. I'm looking forward to receiving my copy. Ordered on Amazon and waiting for delivery.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't wait to read this...it has such a great cover. Kuzlin at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kuzlin, thanks! I told Jen (first commenter) By the way, have you seen the "app" that is my cover? It's on my home page on my website and you can play sounds, like the kitty, the pumpkin! Go to www.darylwoodgerber.com

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  6. The cover just draws me in. I agree with those above, I love holiday themed books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, thanks so much! Isn't this great to learn? I like writing about holidays. I know Krista and others of us on MLK do, too.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  7. I love Halloween themes, and this one sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway and a chance to win. tatt3r at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm looking forward to reading Stirring the Plot.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love this series. Can't wait to read Stirring the Plot.
    Cmkeck311@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christine, by random drawing, you won the giveaway! I'm contacting you via email. Congratulations!!!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  10. Wow. Popcorn balls! i haven't seen them in ages. What fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby, I know. Right? They were easy and messy to make. Fun thing is licking off fingers (at the very end!)

      Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  11. Love Halloween themed cozies.

    dmskrug3 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Popcorn balls bring back memories of fall and Halloween. Congrats on "Stirring the Plot" and thanks for all the great giveaways!


    patucker54 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, you are welcome! I have such wonderfully fond memories of this time of year. I grew up in the Bay Area and the leaves changed and weather changed, but not drastically. Just enough.

      Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  13. I love this series and I love popcorn balls , win win! kathambre@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy, cute. Yes, I hope this is a win-win for everyone, me and readers! :)

      Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  14. It is the perfect time of the year to read a book with this storyline.
    I would love to read it. Thank you for the chance to win it.

    cenya2 at Hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. your books are always so good to read so I know that Stirring the Plot is going to be another one that I love. Haven't made popcorn balls in years but they are fun to make. Hope you continue to write such great books for me to read!!!

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  16. yummy, caramel popcorn balls -- going to have to make these with the grandkids and I love reading your stories, once I pick one up, just can't put it down till its finished!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Remember they can be hot, so have the kiddies wear some latex gloves to protect their fingers. So much fun!

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  17. Wonderful recipe and fantastic prize. Cozies are one of my favorite genres!!
    saphsbookblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sapphyria, terrific to hear! I know we all, on MLK, appreciate that! We love our readers.

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  18. I can't wait to read it! The popcorn balls look so good. I might have to make these with son. He will love them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katrina, like I said to Joanne, remember they can be hot so protect a little one's fingers. :)

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  19. Popcorn balls. Yum! Will I win one of those if I win? :)

    carstairs38 at gmail

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark, I would imagine they would pack and travel well, but alas, they are all gone. You're on your own.

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  20. Love the cat mug with the popcorn balls.
    sclickner@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that cute? I gave that away in the Malice Domestic prize basket I made this year in April/May.

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  21. When I was young, my favorite next door neighbors in the whole world would make special pop corn balls for my brother and I for Halloween trick or treat. We felt so loved when we got to go to their house first and show off our new costumes and chat with them about Halloween. The recipe really brought back some great memories.

    jenne.turner at unt.edu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Jenne, how sweet a memory is that! I'm so glad I could bring that one up for you. ;)

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  22. Can't wait to read your new book and the mug is an added bonus

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully whoever wins the mug will think fondly of me (or my books) when drinking coffee or tea. :)

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  23. What a great recipe and lovely prize. Your books are a delight. Best wishes. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Petite (Elliot), thanks so much! It's always a thrill to hear that.

      Daryl aka Avery

      Delete
  24. This book sounds captivating. Love the recipe.Thanks for this great prize. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Popcorn balls bring back such good memories since my grandmother always made them for the holidays--and colored them orange for Halloween and red and green for Christmas.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember green and red ones for Christmas. LOL What a picture that would be. The dyed hands. Eww! LOL

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  26. I've entered every one of the contests hoping to win this book!!!! I am a big fan! I love the recipe! I'm definitely going to try this one!!!!
    I am a subscriber as well!!
    Cspicuzza83@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christina, great to hear from you! You're in the running.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  27. I may have entered this contest already, but am not sure. Would love to win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martha, I'll weed out the double hitters. Don't worry. :) Thanks for chiming in.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  28. I love these "cozies" that have a recipe included! These popcorn balls are just like Grandma made! Alas she is gone, but now I have the recipe! Thanks. Codykev@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Connie, sorry she is gone, but you have sweet memories. Nice.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  29. I have added this book to my TBR list. Thanks for the giveaway!
    raquel36m(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Another cozy!! Yippee!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Not a popcorn ball fan but am a fan of your books! Congrats on your latest release.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, no worries. There are more Halloween recipes to come. French Silk Cake is Halloween, but it's in the book. Oh, yum! Thanks for the congrats.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  32. I love a good popcorn ball...have not been able to find a good recipe. Can't wait to try this one!
    misstree1963@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. The cover is such an attention grabber!! I can't wait to read this! rockergoddess2002@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tracy, thank you. Love my artist. She did a great job. If you haven't seen it, go to my web page and on the left side is an application (for computer or phone) so you can hear the sounds on the cover! So much fun!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  34. I love popcorn balls! Thank you for sharing!
    scarter7890@wideopenwest.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I can't wait to make these popcorn balls! Thanks for the recipe! I would love to read your new book! I love cozy mysteries !
    spitfire46281@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I can remember getting popcorn balls while trick-or-treating, haven't had one in years because I couldn't find a decent recipe. Thanks for this one. Looking forward to diving into Stirring the Plot. Thanks for the chance to win.

    robbfan141729@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. These popcorn balls sound so tasty. I'm going to have to make some. Thanks for the recipe.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Fun recipe, Daryl, and continued happy congrats to you on the brand new release of STIRRING THE PLOT!

    ~ Cleo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Cleo! It's been a wild ride this month. :)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  39. Three cheers for popcorn balls and even more for one of hour books. They are so much fun to read .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Antonette, thank you for the kudos. Always great to hear!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  40. I love popcorn balls!! When I was little, one of the neighborhood women gave out popcorn balls for trick or treat. I wish we could do that nowadays.

    harbingerdc @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harbinger, I know what you mean. No homemade treats anymore, at least not in the big towns. Perhaps a small community where you know everyone??? But definitely for family. Enjoy.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  41. This is a great treat to make. I'll have to make it for our Halloween party. Can't wait to read the new book.
    scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cupcake, it'll be perfect for a party. Enjoy the book!

      Best,
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  43. I can't wait, love to curl up, get cozy and read your latest novel! I'll try the popcorn ball recipe with my daughter.
    Arias.soberal@yahoo.com

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  44. Always fun to read one of your books. And I agree the cover is great!
    afarage(at)earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alicia, thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoy the books.

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  45. I remember helping my mother make popcorn balls for Halloween, and occasionally for other times as well. Guess I enjoyed eating them as well. Now-a-days, I'm not so fond of popcorn balls because they are so sweet -- and stick to my teeth. I'd rather just have popcorn as it comes.
    Love reading your books.

    donna {dot} durnell {at} sbcglobal {dot} net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna, I can appreciate that. Sticking to teeth. No fun. But taste...almost can't be beat (for the memories!)

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  46. I love this series, and I'm seriously in love with the popcorn ball recipe.

    kaye.killgore@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm enjoying the holiday themed books. When making popcorn balls with my grandma and mom we buttered our hands to roll them. Extra delicious. servedogmom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Serve~ absolutely buttered hands make it easier. Oiled or buttered. Nice memory, and I'm so glad you, like others appreciate holiday-themed books. Fun!

      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  48. My Mom and I made colored and caramel popcorn balls every fall. It was great fun. Wonderful receipe!

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  49. This is such a nice reminder of something that I can make and have for our grandchildren. Our 11 year old granddaughter can do them with me, which would be fun. Thank you for the recipe and reminder. That was a fabulous box of goodies that you gave away this week. Lucky lady that won. Thank you for such a fantastic newsletter and fun things to read. Cynthia

    ReplyDelete