Sunday, June 28, 2015

Guest Post from Victoria Hamilton plus Bananas Foster Muffins!

Learn more about Victoria
and her books by
clicking here.


It's always a pleasure to welcome talented author Victoria Hamilton to our kitchen. 

Today she's sharing a deliciously creative recipe for Bananas Foster Muffins and news about the upcoming releases in her three terrific mystery series, including her upcoming release in July, DEATH OF AN ENGLISH MUFFIN. 

Take it away, Victoria!
~ Cleo


~ :: ~


It’s been one of those weeks...long, tiring, extremely busy. I’m not the most organized person in the world, so when I got a sweet note late Thursday reminding me—gently—that my guest blog for Mystery Lover’s Kitchen was due, I kind of went into panic mode. I had promised Bananas Foster Muffins, right? Well, yes I had, and I had also gotten it into my head that I had another full week to get it ready.

However...I really love coming to Mystery Lover’s Kitchen, and I was not going to let down the gang. Sure, I may have the manuscript for book #3 of my Teapot Collector’s Mystery, (I write them as Amanda Cooper) THE GRIM STEEPER (February 2016) due on July first. And I have a typeset edit of Book #5 of my Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, WHITE COLANDER CRIME (November 2015) sitting on my desktop to get in ASAP. And a multitude of other things, but don’t we all have busy lives?

I am woman, hear me roar. Or whimper. Depending on the day.


But muffins are the perfect bake-ahead, or bake-in-a-hurry for busy lives; they’re forgiving, homey and delicious. How hard would it be to whip them up? So I went on working to deadline; draft two of THE GRIM STEEPER is done as I write this, at 3:44 pm Friday. Now to whip up the muffins...

I look at the recipe I’m adapting—who ever leaves a recipe alone?—only to discover I don’t have dark rum. Okay, I’ll use either white rum or rum extract. I can do this.

Ooops...now here was a conundrum. I have no eggs. I distinctly remember using the last two eggs yesterday for lunch, knowing I’d be shopping Saturday, except...well, dang. Today is Friday, I need to get the blog in by tomorrow noon. Okay, all right, not to sweat. I have a carton of egg whites in the fridge; I’ll use those.

So here is the ingredient list using what I actually had, and let it be a lesson to you: keep a well stocked fridge. And liquor cabinet. Especially that. I’ll tell you how the muffins come out when I taste them.




Victoria Hamilton's
Bananas Foster Muffins


Makes: 12 muffins 

Note: Bananas Foster is a decadent dessert of sautéed rummy bananas served with vanilla ice cream. I don’t think I would serve these muffins with ice cream, but I hope the flavors of banana, rum, brown sugar and cinnamon, are reminiscent! 



Ingredients 

1-½ cup very ripe mashed bananas. (3, from my freezer, in my case.)

½ cup golden brown sugar

1-½ cups butter, divided (1 Cup and ½ cup) (they said unsalted, but… well, I didn’t have unsalted, so I used salted and omitted the salt in the recipe)

1 Tblsp. rum extract (original recipe called for 3 tablespoons dark rum, but… well, you know. According to online calculations I used 1 ½ tblsp rum extract to substitute, but I think that’s a little much, so… use 1 tblsp.)

¼ cup white sugar

1 large egg (In my case, 3 tblsp. and 2 tsp. of egg white)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1-½ cup all purpose

1-½ tsp baking soda




Instructions

1 – Preheat oven to 350° F.

2 – In a small saucepan melt ½ cup butter. Add the brown sugar and bananas and caramelize. (I found they didn’t so much caramelize as just slightly thicken, and begin to smell heavenly!) Remove from heat, add vanilla and cinnamon and allow to cool. 


3 – Combine remaining butter and white sugar in a separate bowl. Add the egg (in my case egg white) and rum extract, and mix well. Add the cooled banana mixture—it’s important that it’s cooled, or the eggs in the eggs, butter and sugar mixture will scramble—baking soda and mix well, then blend in the flour until just combined. Don’t overbeat muffin batter!

4 – Line 12 muffin cups with liners, and fill with batter. Bake at 350° F. for approximately 25 minutes, or until the toothpick test or spring-back test indicates they’re done. 
~ :: ~




Okay, so… I just took them out of the oven and they are actually delicious! I hope you like them. Curl up with a good book, a muffin, and a cup of Wynter Castle Blend tea!




DEATH OF AN ENGLISH MUFFIN


A Merry Muffin Mystery

by Victoria Hamilton

From the national bestselling author of Muffin but Murder, baker Merry Wynter returns with a fresh tray of muffins and a case that has authorities stumped…

They say one’s home is one’s castle, but when it comes to Wynter Castle, Merry would like it to belong to someone else. But until a buyer bites, she could use some extra dough, so she decides to take in renters. The idea pans out, and Merry’s able to find a handful of tenants eager to live in a real castle. The only problem is most of them are crumby, tea-swilling old biddies.

The Legion of Horrible Ladies, as Merry calls them, is led by the terribly nasty—and fabulously wealthy—Cleta Sanson. The abrasive Englishwoman keeps everyone whipped into a frenzy—until she meets an embarrassing end behind a locked door. Evidence reveals that Cleta was murdered, yet no one is privy to how the deed was done. Merry knows she must quickly find the killer before another of her guests gets greased…

~ :: ~


Victoria Hamilton is the national bestselling author of three bestselling series, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries as Victoria, and the Teapot Collector Mysteries as Amanda Cooper. She is also the bestselling author of Regency and historical romance as Donna Lea Simpson.

Victoria loves to cook and collects vintage kitchen paraphernalia, teacups and teapots, and almost anything that catches her fancy! She loves to read, especially mystery novels, and enjoys good tea and cheap wine, the company of friends, and has a newfound appreciation for opera. She enjoys crocheting and beading, but a good book can tempt her away from almost anything… except writing! 

Visit Victoria's Website:

VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com




Friend Victoria on Facebook

Like her Merry Muffin Mysteries Facebook Page 

Follow her on Pinterest

Follow her on Twitter






Congrats to 

Victoria's Winner!





Prize Package 

1 copy each of

SHADOW OF A SPOUT
THE COZY COOKBOOK, and
DEATH OF AN ENGLISH MUFFIN

1 "Cozy up to a Good Mystery!" tote bag, and 

10 Wynter Castle Blend teabags! 

OPEN to Canadian
and US addresses only. 



This contest is now over.

Congrats to Tonette
whose comment was
randomly selected to win
the prizes above!



Thanks to everyone who entered!



~ Victoria



239 comments:

  1. How have I missed these? My TBR list is growing again.

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  2. the recipe looks yummy. thanks for the giveaway!

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  3. sounds like me when I decide to bake something but you are more resourceful than me! They look and sound delicious. Your books sound good to me too :) thanks for the great recipe and the chance to win copies of your books. darholley1 (at) aol (dot) com

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  4. A fabulous muffin recipe and books! Wonderful combination! EMS591@aol.com

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  5. I definitely will be making these yummy muffins and can't wait to taste them. Books and a cup of tea are just the right combination.

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway and good luck everyone!

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  6. Love the recipe for the yummy looking muffins. Thanks for the chance to win. poohwine1217@gmail.com

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  7. The muffins look so good. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
    What a fantastic giveaway! Thank you for the chance to win.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Books about food and such yummy food. A cozy lover's dream. valeriamh@yahoo.com

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  9. Oh my goodness, the muffins are making me drool, this is one recipe I'm making for sure ! The books are all on my wish list, what a great giveaway ! kathambre@yahoo.com

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  10. Everything looks great; hope to get a chance to read the book :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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  11. Love the recipe also looking forward to the new book.thanks for letting me comment. LOIS R

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  12. I LOVE foodie cozies and these sound delicious. I'd be over joyed to win this beautiful giveaway

    debbiec1313@yahoo.com

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  13. Can't wait to read the latest Merry Muffin mystery. I am also a hobby muffin baker and love tea. Thanks for the chance to win this. ellenrusson@comcast.net

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  14. I love the tea bags! How cute. One of my favorite series. Looking forward to the next installment. I am going to read the Amanda Cooper series next.

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  15. Sounds like a great addition to a fun series. The tea bags are so cute. Food and mystery what could be better. Thank you for the chance to win. griperang at embarqmail dot com

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  16. I love the gang at Wynter Castle and can't wait to read the new book! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  17. This recipe sounds yummy, and I must try it! I've had the same thing happen to me (no eggs while baking) and have found that I can substitute applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) and it works great, too! Happy Sunday! Nicole :-)

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  18. I love all of the series that you write. And I can't wait for the newest in each one. I have them all pre-ordered already. I would love to win this package. Thank you for the chance.
    Frauenb@aol.com

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  19. I can't wait to try this recipe! And to read the book!

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  20. I never thought of freezing bananas! Thank you - for that helpful hint and wonderful books you write.

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  21. I know I'd enjoy this book, though I've I'm a tea swilling old biddy. The muffins sound delicious!

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  22. I can't wait to read this book and I love the new recipe to try! Thanks for sharing.

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  23. I enjoy the Vintage Kitchen series very much but I will have to add your other series to my TBR list! Thank you for the recipe and I look forward to reading your new book!

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  24. I can't wait for the new book!

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  25. The muffins sound delicious. The book is on my tbr list. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  26. So excited for the latest issue! Ready to make some muffins and grab a cup of tea:-) good luck everyone!!!
    gingermom25@gmail.com
    Heather

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  27. Muffins smell delicious. thanks for sharing.
    this is a new series for me but it sounds interesting.
    Would love to try it. thanks.

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  28. I love this series and can't wait to find out how the borders work out. Great recipe...I have to try it. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  29. Looks good. :) I gotta say, culinary cozies always have the best titles! =)

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  30. The recipe looks so good. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!

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  31. Thank you for the giveaway! The muffins look delicious, and the books are on my wish list. dmskrug3 at hotmail dot com

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  32. Culinary cozies are my favorite! lkleback@hotmail.com

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  33. I love the recipe! As you might remember,I had a bakery/restaurant for a while. I love your work! Best of success with this new one and all of the series.
    Tonette
    tonettemjs@gmail.com

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  34. Holy, those muffins look amazing, Victoria! You bake like I bake. :) So looking forward to the new book!

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  35. The muffins look delicious. Can't wait to read this new book as it is one of my favorite series, so Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys with the castle and hidden treasure.

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  36. Sounds like a great book and love the recipe!

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  37. What a fun series this is, and what a great giveaway. Thanks for the chance.
    frybbe@gmail.com

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  38. One word YUM, thank you for feeding my mind and my love of muffins (shhh don't tell my diet). I look forward to any of your books and series! breannaherron@icloud.com

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  39. Loved the post and your humor, Victoria! I sure would enjoy these muffins, this morning. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. patucker54 (at aol dot com)

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  40. Victoria, I'm laughing. I can't tell you how many times I have been in the same situation. Deadlines hit us fast and trips to the grocery store get shoved over. (Also in my case, a haircut that is desperately needed!) Then to find that basics are missing - oy veh! Love the resulting recipe!

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  41. I love these books! My Grandma makes the best banana bread ever!

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  42. I read all of your books under all of your names, lol. I love any kind of banana recipe. This one looks yummy. I seldom tweak baking recipes, but other foods, I play with the recipes all the time. That's part of the joy of cooking.

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  43. Those muffins look good.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  44. Muffins and books sound great!

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  45. The muffins sound delicious and the book sounds terrific. I hope I get to be the lucky winner.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  46. Don't u love frozen bananas! When bananas turn brown I cut them up and freeze. I know I always have some on hand for baking or a smoothie. Can't wait to try this recipe and read the book! Thank you. Joan (somersethouse.me)

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  47. The recipe looks great! I'll have to try it out. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  48. Great giveaway!! Your recipe soulds great!! Thanks for the giveaway!
    jawdance@yahoo.com

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  49. Hope to win one of the give away ways. Anyone that had won more than one? I have never won one of them.

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  50. I'm always looking for tasty banana recipes, this looks fantastic!

    llcejka at gmail dot com

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  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  52. Thank you for the recipe and the chance to win all of these wonderful goodies!! Especially the tea! ~ Donna E. (bwcottage (at) gmail (dot) com

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  53. Sounds yummy, can't wait to read the book and make the muffins. Thanks for having the contest.
    pattymarsh31@gmail.com

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  54. Can't wait to read.

    pwtish171@gmail.com

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  55. The muffins look and sound amazing. I cant wait for the book to come out as well!
    busymother@gmail.com

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  56. Love bananas with my English Muffins, tea and a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.
    Carol Smith
    penelope223(at) yahoo(dot) com

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  57. Wonderful giveaway. Thank you. suefoster109@netzero.net

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  58. Really would love to win this prize. The muffin series has been on my "to read" list for a while. I think it's time I read them!!

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  59. What a wonderful prize package. Looking forward to reading the books, which are new to me. Happy 4th of July. dbahn@iw.net

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  60. Would love this! rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

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  61. Looks like a great new recipe! I love to freeze brown bananas and then use them when I have enough saved up to make chocolate chip banana bread.
    Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone!
    scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com

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  62. What a terrific prize package. Would love this

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  63. Great recipe which I would love. Wonderful giveaway and feature. Thanks for this lovely post. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  64. Thus recipe sounds wonderful!! My TBR pile is growing and growing

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  65. What about trying the recipe gluten free? rachaelabrams317@gmail.com

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  66. This recipe sounds real easy. I think the only thing I don't have is the bananas.

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  67. I make banana muffins regularly and I will be trying this recipe when I make them next! Thank you for the recipe, the giveaway and all the work you do for your readers.
    debprice60@gmail.com

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  68. I bet the rum extract make these extra yummy! Ourbookaddiction at gmail.

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  69. These sound great either way. Must make them soon. Thanks for the recipe and fingers crossed for giveaway.
    bobntoni@aol.com

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  70. Added the books to my Read list. And the banana muffins don't sound bad either! Yum!

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  71. We're having overnight guests next weekend and I have been looking for a new and delicious muffin recipe. I think this will not only do the trick, but be a real "wow," not to mention it will use the bananas in my freezer. Thanks so much. :)

    I love both the Teapot Collector and Vintage Kitchen series and am very much looking forward to "The Grim Steeper" (awesome title) and "White Colander Crime," so thank you very much for the generous giveaway.

    michstjame at gmail dot com

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  72. Great giveaway. The muffins look delicious
    lhallson@shaw.ca

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  73. The recipe looks and sounds delicious. Also, an amazing giveaway!
    lorimkilbride@gmail.com

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  74. They sound heavenly -- I love when you can tweak a recipe to make it your own! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  75. YUM is all that comes to mind:) This giveaway is delicious! Thank you. Pennymarks@frontier.com

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  76. I love to cook, bake and read, everything that is good for you

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  77. Wow, these muffins sound incredibly delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe and the chance to win so many wonderful books! kimdavishb@gmail.com

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  78. I think I see a grocery store trip in my future today. These sound too good not to make. What an awesome giveaway! mamamoongrrlie at gmail.com

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  79. Those muffins sound amazing. alyssa_mcneil@yahoo.com

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  80. I want to try the muffins and the books! I am a crocheter too!! robin.christofaro@yahoo.com

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  81. Mmmm--that muffi recipe sounds yummy! After reading your vintage kitchen books, I've decided I must be vintage---I have so many of the utensils you write about. Thaks for the contest.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  82. I love muffins and your recipe looks good. I am going to have to try them. Thank you for the opportunity to win a book. crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  83. Muffins are my favorite! I love all of your series. Can't waot for the new release. Awesome giveaway! Fingers crossed!
    Scouts579 (at) aol (dot) com

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  84. Recipe looks really good (not that I bake much anymore). Thanks for a chance to win. ourbutton@yahoo.com

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  85. this sounds delicious ... and what a great prize!
    The book sounds amazing too
    celticmajic@hotmail.com

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  86. That recipe looks yummy. I want some muffins now! Some great books there! Great giveaway!

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  87. love book giveaways............

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  88. What a delicious recipe to include on this interview/review. I love cozies that have recipes included since it's like getting two books in one, a cozy mystery and a cookbook. Thanks for giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com

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  89. I'm a huge fan of your Vintage Kitchen Mysteries & looking forward to reading your Merry Muffin series. Would LOVE to win!!! (and these muffins sound OH SO yummy -- but alas when you remove the sugar, the carbs & a few other things not on my allowed diet -- there's not much left to love LOL). ttimes33@juno.com

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  90. I really enjoyed the first book in your Tea Collector series and look forward to reading more of your books. Thanks for the great giveaway, too! book__wyrm@sbcglobal.net

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  91. Love to bake so I'm always thankful for a yummy new recipe. I 'm sure the mystery will be just as tasty. Wish I could have them all. What a great collection that would be!

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  92. Necessity is mother of invention. Sounds like you made a nice save on muffins. I'd had to drop everything & run to the store. I'm a follow the recipe strictly cook. Love this series. Great giveaway package that I would love to win! Need that cookbook, too!
    Tennisace50(@)yahoo(dot)com

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  93. I don't know of any other group of authors that offer "giveaways" to their readers. I'll be lucky one of these days, but until then I'll keep reading! kat8762@aol.com

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  94. I enjoy finding new to me authors to read ..
    SHADOW OF A SPOUT
    THE COZY COOKBOOK, and
    DEATH OF AN ENGLISH MUFFIN are on my wish list
    .Thanks for the chance to win.

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  95. These sound fabulous! Thanks for the comments on the recipe. Those are priceless to a baker!

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  96. Enjoy reading books from all these authors! You guys are great!

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  97. Sounds like some great titles (and muffins). Thanks for the fun. rencw@verizon.net

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  98. Both recipe and book look good!! Thanks for the opportunity!
    dm_richards@yahoo.com

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  99. Wow, more series to read. I have learned about so many that I didn't know existed on this website. It is very exciting! bessert57@gmail.com

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  100. I copied the muffin recipe. I have to try them.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  101. Hello from Florida! I'm always on the lookout for new books, and I've just added yours to my "be on the lookout" or BOLO list! My wife has quite a cookbook collection but gets many recipes from my mystery collection. Winning this cookbook would make a great addition to her collection (and a way for me to provide an anniversary gift (July 28) to make me look GOOD.

    J_C_Elliott(at)msn(dot)com
    Look forward to reading your books!

    Jim E., North Florida

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  102. You can tell my the number of comments just how popular you and all your books are. The recipe sounds yummy. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  103. You can tell my the number of comments just how popular you and all your books are. The recipe sounds yummy. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  104. You can tell my the number of comments just how popular you and all your books are. The recipe sounds yummy. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  105. It's always exciting to find a new (to me) series to read!

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  106. This banana muffin recipe sounds delicious. Love reading cozy mysteries and especially when they have a tasty new recipe to try. Thank you for such a generous prize for your contest Victoria. Good luck everyone.

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  107. I am going to have to try this recipe. I think I would really like them!

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  108. Well done! Great adjusting to your cooking reality.
    I love the copy about the book. A great bunch of word play there.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  109. Great recipe! My neighbors should appreciate the extras.

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  110. Sounds like the way I cook! Can't wait to try these....

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  111. I had trouble with my password, so I'm going to comment again. I love coasting cozy mysteries especially the ones with recipes. I can't wait to try your banana muffins.

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  112. the muffins look yummy - thank you for sharing!

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  113. I love your books. They help to ease the stress and strain in my life. Keep up the good work!!

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  114. What a great giveaway as I'm actually GOING away!! Thank you for sharing your awesome recipe! Perhaps I will make a batch to bring with us! Yummmmmm

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  115. Sharon Baker slpetera@yahoo.comJune 28, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    A new series. Can't wait to read them. They sound terrific. Thank you.

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  116. Looking forward to reading this book & making these muffins YUMMO Mary Mannella

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  117. What a giveaway it would be so good to win Thank you for the recipe as i printed it and am going to use. Crossing my fingers on this great giveaway.

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  118. Both the books and muffins look wonderful! Jlsbookclub (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com

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  119. what a fantastic giveaway!!!! & a muffin recipe to boot!!
    thank you!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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  120. I'm not a big fan of bananas BUT I do love your books!

    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  121. Pat (patdupuy@yahoo.com)June 28, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    The Legion of Horrible Women. Love it! At least it's not the Bitch Brigade. Another story maybe. I look forward to reading this book. It sounds fun.

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  122. I'm the happy owner of the first book in this series. I've read the others by taking them out of my local library. I'd be thrilled to be your lucky winner so that I can keep working that wall spreader to make more room for bookshelves in my home library.

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  123. The book sounds just wonderful. I worked with a woman named Cleta years ago, and yep, she could have led The Legion of Horrible Ladies. And the muffins, oh yum. I just had Bananas Foster at a restaurant the other night so can still taste that blend of flavors. These sound delicious and I love when you can just tweak the recipe and it still comes out.

    Great giveaway. Thanks.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  124. I would love to win. I can't wait for the book.

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  125. So many books, so little time...Oh wait, I don't need to clean and iron, there is tea in the pot and a book by the chair, so I'll read! I love all of your books!

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  126. What a wonderful series thank for opportunity!

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  127. Oh my. Tea, mystery books and a coveted cookbook I have wanted for a while. I am so excited and would love to win.
    Julie B. JSBarr75@msn.com

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  128. June has been quite the month. I'm happy to report that my liquor cabinet is well sticked, my pantry...not so much. I can't wait to read this book and what a wonderful giveaway! I'd love to try your Wynter Castle blend! Are you able to give a hint on what type of tea it is?

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail.com

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  129. These sound like the perfect treat to take to my next book club meeting. Love this series.

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  130. Such a great prize package! Looks amazing. I would love to be picked by random.org! Crossing fingers.

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  131. The muffins sound yummy as do the books!

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  132. I love this series! So much fun. Thanks for the chance.

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  133. I also enjoy a good cup of tea or a nice glass of wine while reading, would love to win!

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  134. I'm always looking for new cozies to read and bake with! Love to win.

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  135. Love this giveaway
    eparker@arkwest.com

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  136. Oh, I am so gonna have to try these muffins. They just look too good not to. Love your books. Thanks for the chance to win.

    robbfan141729@yahoo.com

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  137. Thanks for the giveaway! This is a great summer for new releases and I can't wait to read each and every one. smmolloy1105@yahoo.com

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  138. I have to try these muffins. Yummy. Thanks for the chance

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  139. The recipe sounds wonderful and I will try it soon! Thanks for the opportunity!!

    davisel1830@hotmail.com

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  140. Fun! Thank you for the opportunity!

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  141. Yay...muffins and they are so good slathered with butter. Thank you for the chance.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  142. These muffins sound amazing. I love Victoria's books and have several on my TBR wish list. servedogmom@yahoo.com

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  143. OH my...those muffins sound amazing. Love Victoria's books, and would love to win this package. eeyoregirl2009@aol.com

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  144. What an awesome giveaway. The recipe looks yummy! Will have to add the books to my TBR list.
    6186pep(at)msn(dot)com

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  145. I LOVE MUFFINS!! Oh and books too!!

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    1. Forgot email!
      c_mitchell1998(at)yahoo(dot)com

      Delete

  146. recipe looks good - book looks even better!

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  147. What a delightful giveaway and extra special recipe. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  148. What a fun post, and delicious looking recipe. My husband loves to buy bananas, but never seems to get around to eating them, so I am always well stocked with over ripe bananas. I'll be trying this recipe, and am looking forward to the book. I love this post, Victoria, and all of your fun boards on Pinterest! pattie.tierney@gmail.com

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  149. Those muffins sure look good. Will definitely have to make them! Would love to win this giveaway. Thank you for the chance!!

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    1. Oops! Forgot to leave email. It is lpblanchard@yahoo.com

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  150. the recipes sure sounds yummy and the give away would definitely be yummy! I love mysteries and food!

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  151. Hi from here in SE Texas ;) Love the recipes and the books sound wonderful, look forward to reading them.. Thanks for the giveaway and my fingers are crossed ;) Good Luck all.

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  152. I will definitely be making these muffins. They sound delicious! Thank you so much for the wonderful giveaway.

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  153. Amy F. I enjoy baking with bananas and thank you for the opportunity to win! salvatoresmom71@yahoo.com

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  154. Great recipe and giveaway. I love this blog & all the cozy books. My TBR pile is huge!!!---

    raco774(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  155. A great giveaway! This would be grand to win! Thanks for the chance :) paddydee54@hotmail.com

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  156. I've got to try that recipe! It looks yummy!!
    I am just starting both these series & would love to win this awesome package!

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  157. Your muffins sound absolutely delicious! Since I always seem to have a few 'dead' bananas lying around, this is a recipe I will try very soon. Yummy!!
    jrobinson12(at)austin(dot)rr(dot)com

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  158. Thank you for a chance to win. I just love your books. The Vintage Kitchen series reminds me of the things in our home growing up. We lived in German Village with a very old stove (1920's) with a Hoosier cabinet (including flour sifter). I cannot wait to read the next Merry Muffin Mystery (such a fun series). Have a great evening! Doodlesink@hotmail.com

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  159. I have three overripe bananas that I'd love to use in this but can it be made with oil or margarine, for my lactose intolerant daughter? I read your first merry muffin book and would love to read the rest! meeshpsych@aol.com

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  160. Hi Victoria, I made these muffins this afternoon and they are delightful! Light and delicious with a crispy top! I made small muffins and actually got 16. Thanks for the recipe.
    Ellice

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  161. I pinned the recipe. They look very good! I have started Death of an English Muffin but I have been at a convention the last three days and I am exhausted! I hope to get back at it soon. But it was a very good convention. Thanks for the chance to win! And I am really liking Death of an English Muffin.

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  162. I absolutely love the titles of your books. I've enjoyed the ones I've read. I'm really really hoping to win. Thanks for the giveaway. kphans08@gmail.com

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  163. That looks so delicious and I loved the recipe thanks

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  164. I can't wait to try the recipe...it sounds yummy! Thank-you for the great giveaway.

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  165. Love a good cozy mystery! Looks like I have a new one to check out. How have I missed these? Can't wait to try the muffins, too.

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  166. The recipe sounds delicious, I'll have to try them. Love your books

    kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

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  167. Those muffins look delicious and i can never say no to new cozy mystery books :)
    amy2read@yahoo.com

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  168. The recipe sounds great, so do the books. Thank you for the chance.
    Moonbay7399@gmail.com

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  169. This will be my first book by Victoria, but it definitely won't be my last. I'm fairly new to Cozy Mysteries so I have a lot of catching up to do. The muffins sound delicious and the book delightful. I'm having major surgery for breast cancer on July 7th and would love to have a new book to brighten my days. Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway. - ruthmazur46@gmail.com - Ruth Lyons Mazur

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  170. I love this series and I am patiently awaiting this new one. The muffins look good too.

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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  171. Chuckled. Adapting recipes to what is on hand is something I constantly do, am always out of something.

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  172. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

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  173. Can't wait to try this recipe!

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  174. Well I'm fortunate to have a well stocked cabinet (liquor included) so will be trying these. Dessert muffin! I visited my twin yesterday (a Prof. At the local University) and we sat at her computer on Amazon looking for books, she's still Regency but I. All about cozies lately. Have yor first muffin mystery a "hole" lot of fun and am looking forward to more. Thank you for the recipe and keep them coming. 😉

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    1. Oooh... loveamystery... with *me*, you get two, two, two writers in one! I have written dozens of Regency romances as Donna Simpson/Donna Lea Simpson! Tell your twin ;-) Regency writers make awesome mystery authors, just ask M. C. Beaton aka Marion Chesney! LOL.

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  175. Looks so yummy ! My mouth is salivating right now for it! Can't wait to try out the recipe on my friends. Hoping I win the lovely giveaway! Thank you!

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  176. Your cozies about food are amazing to read.

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  177. This recipe made me eye the bananas in the fruit bowl. Hmmm....now I have a NEW idea for them. Thank you for sharing. Would love to be your giveaway winner so I can read this terrific books and munch away on these muffins. Yummy!

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  178. Thanks for the awesome giveaway and the recipe looks delish!
    Jill Daniel
    jilldaniel_wv@yahoo.com

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  179. These souns delicious. I can't wait to try them! I love your books!

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  180. Victoria I adore your series. Great receipe. I promote cozies for my local library and am happy they now carry your first in the series. Itsacatslife17 at (Yahoo) dot com

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  181. I heard about your books from Cleo Coyles facebook post. I look forward to reading your books!

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  182. I definitely need to make these muffins.

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  183. Love the recipe, the names of your books, the covers, and this fabulous giveaway opportunity. Would love to read Shadow of a Spout after having recently enjoyed Tempest in a Teapot.
    Lauigl [at] carolina [dot] rr [dot] com

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  184. This is an awesome giveaway, an excellent recipe for muffins, thanks for the best giveaway.

    cenya2@hotmail.com

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  185. The recipe sounds great. I'm off to get bananas and then to Amazon to download one of Victoria's books. I haven't read any of hers yet, but I love all the Cozy Chicks that I have read so far...

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  186. I love that tote bag and could use a replacement for my keepcalm readon that was stolen. Plus, who couldn't use teabags and another cozy mystery. Deb Wroble jsister98@gmail.com

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  187. Can't wait until it is delivered to my Nook. Love these mysteries. Muffin recipes are my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway. Sandy Smith sdaf.smith2012@comcast.net

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