Sunday, July 12, 2015

Maya Corrigan's Scam Chowder and Olive Spread #recipe #giveaway


Today Mystery Lovers Kitchen welcomes guest Maya Corrigan. The second book in her Five-Ingredient Mystery series, Scam Chowder, came out on June 30th.


MAYA CORRIGAN: Val Deniston, the sleuth in the series, quit her New York job as a cookbook publicist and moved in with her demanding grandfather. While running a café in a historic Chesapeake Bay town, she tests recipes for her long-planned cookbook . . . and solves murders. In By Cook or by Crook (2014), her grandfather keeps the reason for his sudden interest in cooking a secret from Val. By paring down her recipes to five ingredients and passing them off as his own, he’s acquiring a reputation as the town’s food guru, the Codger Cook. 

In the second book of the series, Scam Chowder, Granddad throws a dinner party. He conceals from Val the real reason for the party—to expose one of his guests as a financial scammer targeting retirees. Val’s job is to prepare the meal and then disappear so Granddad can take all the credit for it. Though he complains that one of the appetizers she makes is ugly, it’s a hit with his guests (recipe below). A hit of another sort takes place when the next course is on the table, and the suspected scammer goes facedown in the chowder. With Granddad the prime suspect in the con artist’s murder, Val and her grandfather must work together to find out who poisoned the scammer’s chowder. 

Each book in the series includes Granddad’s five-ingredient recipes. The following spread is a yummy appetizer, similar to tapenade. The addition of raisins and walnuts makes it less salty than tapenade. As Val’s grandfather says, it’s not a pretty appetizer, but chopped parsley on top makes it more colorful and appealing.

Olive-Raisin-Walnut Spread

Serves 8 as an appetizer.

½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained
¼ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Optional: parsley to sprinkle on top
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Chop until the mix holds together enough that it can be spread. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. Serve with pita chips or bread. The spread complements hummus and even works well as a sandwich spread when mixed with hummus. 


Maya Corrigan writes the Five-Ingredient Mysteries set on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: By Cook or by Crook (2014) and Scam Chowder (2015). She won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in unpublished Mystery/Suspense and the 2015 New England Reader’s Award for Mystery. When not reading and writing, she enjoys theater, tennis, trivia, cooking, and crosswords. Her website features book news, recipes, trivia, and quizzes about mysteries.

GIVEAWAY!
To enter a giveaway for a signed copy of Scam Chowder, leave a comment with an email address.


Visit Maya at her website or on Facebook
Sign up for her newsletter here.

89 comments:

  1. Ooh, I especially love the addition of walnuts to the olive spread recipe - delicious! And the book sounds absolutely awesome. EMS591@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for commenting, Liz. I hope you like the olive spread.

      Delete
  2. The book sounds great and the recipe looks so good!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy :) darholley1(at)aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck in the giveaway, Darlene, and thank you for commenting.--Maya

      Delete
  3. Love the title of the book and sounds like a fun read; thanks for the chance to win :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate your comments. Good luck in the drawing. --Maya

      Delete
  4. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Scam Chowder sounds like a great read. Thank you for the giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Jen, Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your kind words.--Maya

      Delete
  5. LOOKS LIKE A GREAT READ THANKS FOR DOING THIS. jcook22@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
  6. Looking forward to reading this one.
    dotkel50@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you commenting, Dot, and I hope you enjoy the book.--Maya

      Delete
  7. Wow, looks like great cozy mystery. Would love to win .

    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kiki, Thanks for your comment. I hope you like the book. --Maya

      Delete
  8. Val's grandfather sounds like a handfull. The spread looks like a perfect appetizer to try with my "Wining on the Deck" group.

    bevarcher AT ME (dot) COM

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi, Booklady, Granddad keeps Val on her toes, and he's lots of fun. I hope your "Wining on the Deck" group (great name) enjoys the spread. Thank you for commenting. --Maya

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like recipes that only have a few ingredients.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi, Sandy, Thanks for commenting. I also prefer recipes that don't require a lot of ingredients. --Maya

    ReplyDelete
  12. The spread sounds tasty and the book sounds fun. The Codger Cook...how cool. If I cooked, that's probably what my kids would call me. That's why they cook.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda, I like it when my kids cook, but unfortunately they don't live nearby. Thanks for commenting and for your kind words.--Maya

      Delete
  13. I'm not an olive-lover so I'll pass on the spread---I'd sure like some good clam chowder, though.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sue, Thanks for commenting. There's a five-ingredient clam chowder recipe in the book. Good luck in the drawing.--Maya

      Delete
  14. I love books set up in that area! thanks for the recipe, and the chance to win!
    magicgirl2357@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Abby, Thanks for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway.--Maya

      Delete
  15. Such an unlikely combination of ingredients, but I bet it's delicious! Thanks for joining us today, Maya!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Krista, The appetizer uses an odd combo of ingredients, but it works. Thanks to you and the other Mystery Lovers' Kitchen bloggers for hosting me. --Maya

      Delete
  16. Love the granddad and granddaughter characters!
    jawdance@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Judy, Thanks for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway. --Maya

      Delete
  17. Love chowder. sounds like a good read
    lhallson@shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
  18. Another new author for me. I like the Granddad aspect of it. Most of the cozies feature primarily women characters and the men are just in the background. :)

    kidisitor@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I enjoyed the first book and would love to read the second! Meeshpsych@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle, Thanks you for commenting and the kind words.--Maya

      Delete
  20. rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

    Awesome would love this!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Would love to win this book. angiey1974@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sounds like a great read! rdespins99@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rhonda, Mary Angela, and Rachel, Thank you for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway.--Maya

      Delete
  23. A captivating book which I would enjoy. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your book sounds like a fun read. Thank you for sharing the recipe and for the opportunity to win a signed copy of Scam Chowder.
    peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks. For the recipe
    ofhp@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi petite, Peggy, and Karen, Thanks for commenting and for entering the drawing. Hope you like the book. --Maya

      Delete
  26. Thanks. For the recipe
    ofhp@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks. For the recipe
    ofhp@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  28. Reading cozy mysteries brings me hours of delight especially the recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sorry i forgot to add my e-mail address
    gloriawalshver@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Not read this author or series before but it sounds like fun and I love to try out recipes. Will definitely read - win or lose! cheltgirl60@me.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.

    lauralbert@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Chelty, Gloria, and Laura, Thank you for commenting and for the kind words. I hope you enjoy the book. --Maya

      Delete
  33. I love the idea of a demanding grandfather! Sort of reminds me of my father...... Sorry, dad.

    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Karen, Thanks for your comment. There's a bit of my father in the grandfather character too. --Maya

      Delete
  34. Being a fan of culinary mysteries, especially those with quirky characters, this sounds oh so good. I'd enjoy being the lucky winner.

    Kathleen Bylsma h5apby@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Recipe sounds great and would love to read the book.
    Carolyn
    unicorn91010@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love a good mystery with humor and recipes! marthajane1@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kathleen, Unicorn, and Martha, Thank you for commenting. I hope you enjoy the recipes and the book. Good luck in the drawing.--Maya

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm a huge fan of books with recipes. I'm on my way to Amazon right now to get the first in this series. Would love to win the second 😁 minniemccall67@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi CB, Thanks for posting a comment. I hope you enjoy both books.--Maya

      Delete
  39. Congrats on the publication of Scam Chowder! It sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the great giveaway.
    bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bonnie, and good luck in the giveaway.--Maya

      Delete
  40. the book sounds great! looking forward to the other recipes!
    woofmew@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Malka, Thank you for commenting and for your kind words. --Maya

      Delete
  41. I loved the first book in the series - can't wait to read this one!

    brookeb811 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brooke, I'm so glad you enjoyed the first book in the series. Thank you for leaving a comment.--Maya

      Delete
  42. I was looking for a new "treat to share" for my book club meeting on Thursday. This is just the ticket. Looking forward to reading the book too. dbahn@iw.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dianne, I hope that your book club likes the spread and that you enjoy the book. Thanks for commenting.--Maya

      Delete
  43. Sneaky guy. Their adventures sound like good reading.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Libby, Granddad is definitely sneaky . . . and fun. Thank you leaving a comment.--Maya

      Delete
  44. Welcome to the Kitchen, Maya! LOVE that title, and the recipe looks like a fun twist on a classic -- and a sure hit in my house!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leslie, Thank you. I appreciate the hospitality of the Kitchen regulars. --Maya

      Delete
  45. This is a new series to me, but it sounds delightful. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. First I've heard of this series! Sounds great!! I have to start at the beginning! Can't wait to read your series! jenndian@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kuzlin and JennDian, Thank you for commenting and for the kind words. Good luck in the giveaway. --Maya

      Delete
  47. Looks like a very fun read! Thanks for the opportunity!!!
    sharonbabyme@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. This sounds like a fun series, and I definitely want to give it a try. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Scam Chowder (what a great title!) rencw@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julie and Renee, Thanks for commenting and for your kind words. Good luck in the drawing for the winner.--Maya

      Delete
  49. I love the cobination of granddaughter with her grandfather working with recipes as well as the mysteries. Thanks for sharing the recipe as well as a book.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the cobination of granddaughter with her grandfather working with recipes as well as the mysteries. Thanks for sharing the recipe as well as a book.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love the cobination of granddaughter with her grandfather working with recipes as well as the mysteries. Thanks for sharing the recipe as well as a book.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. This sounds like a good cozy read. Love the title of the book. Thanks for a chance to win! crossxjo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi BettyJo and crossxjo, Thank you for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway.--Maya

      Delete
  53. As a New England girl I love clam chowder! The spread looks interesting to try. I really like the generations working together as in this book and I'm looking forward to reading it. Thank-you for the giveaway. kittygirl15401@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jewel, Two different types of chowder play a role in the book. New England creamy chowder is one of them. The other is a broth-based chowder that's an old recipe from islands in the Chesapeake. I hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for commenting.--Maya

      Delete
  54. I just LOVE these types of books -- cozy mysteries and food! Sounds like a winner!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Carolsue, Thanks for leaving a comment and good luck in the drawing.--Maya

      Delete
  55. Lucy/Roberta, Thank you for hosting me today on the Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. --Maya

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am hoping there is a 5 ingredient recipe for chowder in the book! But the book sounds delicious anyway. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Elaine, There IS a 5-ingredient recipe for chowder in the book. It's for a broth-based chowder that is traditional on Chesapeake islands. It's a basic chowder, which you can eat as is (that's how I like it). You can also add milk or cream for a New England version or tomatoes for Manhattan clam chowder. Good luck in the giveaway.--Maya

    ReplyDelete
  58. Well, Granddad sounds like a handful! New to me series, sounds like fun. And a great, unusual recipe. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks, Sally, for your comment. Good luck in the giveaway.--Maya

    ReplyDelete
  60. WINNER! The winner of a copy of Scam Chowder is CB (Minnie). Thank you all for commenting and entering the drawing. --Maya

    ReplyDelete