Sunday, August 9, 2015

Ellen Byron's Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding #bookgiveaway #recipe


Mystery Lovers' Kitchen welcomes Ellen Byron, whose first novel, PLANTATION SHUDDERS: A Cajun Country Mystery, will be published August 11 by Crooked Lane Books.

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of PLANTATION SHUDDERS!

WWMD? WHAT WOULD MARTHA DO?
BOURBON PECAN BREAD PUDDING
 One of my first jobs out of college was working as a cater-waiter for an up-and-coming Connecticut food maven named Martha Stewart. I’ll never forget the first time I met her. I took the train from Manhattan to Westport, cabbed to a house that looked straight out of the 18th century, and stepped into a living room filled with early American antiques. A woman was using a crème brulee blowtorch to assemble a three-foot-high gingerbread townhouse that sat on a table in the middle of the room. “Hi, I’m Martha,” she said without losing focus on her task. “Welcome. The kitchen’s on the left.”

Thus began a two-year relationship that earned me a few photos in a book called “Entertaining,” and wonderful memories of an extraordinary woman.







That's the young Ellen, second from the left, next to Martha. 

As I wrote my first book, Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery, it became clear that I couldn’t set a series in an area so famous for its cuisine without including a few recipes. I decided to make up my own, which proved really hard. I was ready to give up. But then I thought, WWMD? What would Martha Do?  She’d power through until she was satisfied with the results. I watched her do it at event after event. So that’s what I did. My favorite of the three I created is Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding. It’s very boozy and very New Orleans. Thanks for inspiring me, Martha! I hope I get to share the recipe with you someday.

BOURBON PECAN BREAD PUDDING

5-6 cups croissants, torn into pieces
½ cup unsalted, toasted, chopped pecans
3 large eggs
¾ cups sugar, white or turbinado – your choice
1 cup milk – any percentage is fine
1/3 cup Bourbon, plus 1 teaspoon 
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter



Dry bread uncovered at room temperature for 12 hours.  (You can also dry the bread in a 250 degree oven for one hour.)



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter an 8” x 8” baking dish

Arrange the bread in the dish. Sprinkle the pecans over the bread, making sure they’re evenly dispersed.


In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, 1/3 cup bourbon, cream, vanilla, and salt. 



Pour it slowly and evenly over the bread. 

Cream the butter with the brown sugar and teaspoon of bourbon, then dot the pudding with the mixture.



(Note: you can chill the pudding, covered, for anywhere from an hour to a day before baking, but this is optional.)


Bake the pudding in the middle of the oven until it’s slightly puffed and golden, and the middle has set – approximately 40 minutes.



You can top with a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream, or hard sauce, but I like it straight up!


Serves 6.

Leave a comment below by midnight, Mon, Aug 10, for a chance to win Ellen's PLANTATION SHUDDERS prize package, including a signed copy of the book, an alligator cookie cutter, and beads for your next Mardi Gras party! 


For more about Ellen and PLANTATION SHUDDERS, visit her website -- http://www.ellenbyron.com/ -- and sign up for her newsletter! 

107 comments:

  1. Oh, my bourbon...pecans...bread pudding! I have to try that recipe...immediately! Thank you for the review. I've been very drawn to "cozy" mysteries set in the south. They seem to have a unique style. This book is a "must read." kat8762@aol.com

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  2. Love the backstory behind the book and recipe! Wow! EMS591@aol.com

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  3. Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding looks so yummy! Plantation Shudders sounds like a great mystery book. Thank you for the recipe and giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. The recipe looks great. I have not had bread pudding before.
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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  5. I think my husband would flip out over that bread pudding recipe. How cool that you got to work for Martha Stewart! I've made a few of her recipes & they were great. This book sounds like a winner. New Orleans is mysterious anyway so always a good place to set a mystery. Add a plantation house & I had to add it to my TBR list. Good luck with your series!

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  6. What a neat history you have! I agree that sometimes it's best to just power through until you get the desired results. :-) I'm adding your recipe to my "to make" list (thanks!), and congratulations on the new release! nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com

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  7. Love bread pudding. Need to give this recipe a try.
    djmeyer44@hotmail.com

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  8. This sounds like an interesting story.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  9. Interesting history! Congrats on PLANTATION SHUDDERS: A Cajun Country Mystery. Love the title.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  10. Ellen, I LOVE that story--so amazing that you had the chance to work with MS. And the book and pudding look divine--congratulations!

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    1. Thanks so much, Lucy (Roberta ;-) - I love your books!

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  11. That recipe sounds so yummy! I can't wait to read the book. Sounds good.
    MarshaMysteryreader@yahoo.com

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  12. That sounds like a delicious recipe. I'm looking forward to checking out this new book too. Thank you! rencw@verizon.net

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  13. WoW, love the recipe. Looks like a good cozy mystery.

    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

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  14. That sounds so good it's making my teeth hurt! (That's a good thing.) But I don't have bourbon in the house--you think Irish whiskey would work? Most of it comes from the south of Ireland. (You don't need to enter me in the drawing.)

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    1. Oh, I'm sure Irish whiskey would work. If you make it with the whiskey, LMK how it turns out!

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  15. The recipe sounds so yummy! I can't wait to read the book. Thank you for this opportunity!
    peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

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  16. What a wonderful story and recipe. Thanks for the chance to win.
    doward1952@yahoo.com

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  17. This looks amazing. Another recipe for future use. crdatema@yahoo.com

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  18. I think Martha would definitely approve! What a great giveaway! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net.

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  19. Sounds good. The recipe & the book.

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  20. I've never been fond of bread puddings, but this one actually sounds like something I might try! =) Although I don't drink, I love bourbon infused things like this, and with the added pecans.... yum yum. Those two things win! :)

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  21. Plantation Shudders sounds like a fun new book!

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  22. Welcome to Mystery Lover's Kitchen, Ellen. I'm so impressed that you worked with Martha way back when. Love the picture. I never would have recognized her!

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  23. This book and recipe look amazing. I would love to win a copy of this book.

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  24. Wow for.both working with Martha Stewart and the bread pudding. I love both. Your book sounds really good too can't wait to read it. Thanks for the contest too.

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  25. Wow for.both working with Martha Stewart and the bread pudding. I love both. Your book sounds really good too can't wait to read it. Thanks for the contest too.

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  26. That recipe looks yummy!!
    njcar22@aol.com

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  27. That sounds so good. I wonder if my son would mind if I "borrowed" some of his bourbon. I think he'd like the results. I'd love to read your book.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  28. This looks fantastic (the recipe AND the book!). No need to enter me in the drawing, just wanted to stop by and say hi. I think I'm going to have to invite some friends over for Sunday brunch and serve this...very soon!

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  29. Just my kind of book..and food too! robin.christofaro@yahoo.com

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  30. I can't wait to try that recipe and read that book!

    davisel1830@hotmail.com

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  31. Plantation Shutters, looks like another great book from you. In like Romance books but these Mystery stories have really got me hooked. Thanks for this special giveaway, I sure do appreciate all the books you write & the things you do for your readers. Linda May - lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  32. Sounds fabulous!

    mysterybks@yahoo.com

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  33. This looks delicious and so does the book.

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  34. Plantation Shudders sounds intriguing and unique. Wonderful recipe which I would love. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  35. Bread pudding is one of my favorites.... but I do like a 'hard' sauce. I'm looking forward to reading this one.
    afarage at earthlink dot net

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  36. I would absolutely love a chance to win Ellen's PLANTATION SHUDDERS prize package.I enjoy finding new to me authors to read .

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  37. This recipe sounds so good and with that in the book the book must be really good.

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  38. A delectable recipe and a captivating novel. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. What a great prize! lkleback@hotmail.com

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  40. Love anything New Orleans and this Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding is right on the money. Also enjoyed the back story with Martha. Definitely adding your book to my TBR list.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  41. Love anything New Orleans and this Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding is right on the money. Also enjoyed the back story with Martha. Definitely adding your book to my TBR list.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  42. Love anything New Orleans and this Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding is right on the money. Also enjoyed the back story with Martha. Definitely adding your book to my TBR list.
    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  43. I love the cover and the bread pudding looks yummy, thanks for the recipe. Adding this book to my tbr list.
    momzillasteel at gmail dot com

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  44. Looks like a great cozy book. Would love to read it! cebogert@gmail.com

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  45. Oh my..you worked for my idol!!!! The recipe looks amazing and truly nearly a health food ;). A new series!!! Yay!!!

    ejbs3s@yahoo.com

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  46. I like all kinds of bread puddings. I love the book cover. Thanks for the contest! crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  47. I love bread pudding I have had with Jack Daniel's sauce so I would love this recipie. Thanks for this opportunity

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  48. Love Pecans, love bread Pudding, drink Bourbon - this recipe sounds like a winner to me! Looking forward to the series as well. Hope all the recipes sound as great, though they won't help my diet, oh, well!

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  49. I would eat the delicious pudding while reading what looks like an equally delicious story!

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  50. OMG! I can almost taste that pudding just from reading the recipe. It sounds absolutely devine. I'd love to read the book and discover a new mystery author--thanks for the chance to win it.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  51. The recipe looks yummy! It's on my "to attempt" list now. I have high aspirations in the kitchen that don't always work out well. Haha. Can't wait to read the book too!

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  52. I absolutely LOVE bread pudding , I'm definitely giving this recipe a whirl ! kathambre@yahoo.com

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  53. Sounds really good. Would like to read the book.
    pwtish171@gmail.com

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  54. The recipe sounds delicious, and the book sounds fantastic! Thanks for the chance to win! Dnrocker@yahoo.com

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  55. The book sounds great, as does the recipe! Count me in! (email thru my website).

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  56. Would love to win a copy of Plantation Shudders. The trip to Louisiana and a tour of plantation homes makes me want to return. Thanks for the chance. valeriamh@yahoo.com

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  57. Oh my goodness! Bourbon, pecans, and bread? Divine!
    Thanks for the recipe.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  58. Love the story about you and Martha. Your fifteen minutes of fame even before you became a writer! What a great learning lesson-and it shows in the bread pudding recipe. Thanks for a good post.

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  59. This book sounds fabulous. I would love to win this giveaway. I live in upstate NY but this part of the country has always fascinated me. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Emily egoehner@roadrunner.com

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  60. Great story and recipe
    And the book so great too
    ofhp@att.net

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  61. Great story and recipe
    And the book so great too
    ofhp@att.net

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  62. Great story and recipe
    And the book so great too
    ofhp@att.net

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  63. I hadn't realized those recipes are your own! You're a woman of many talents!

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  64. Sounds like a great read.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  65. Love it! I'll apply that method to everything in my life now: "WWMD? power through!"

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  66. OMG, Ellen, is this guaranteed to help take off the 15 pounds? Guess I'll have to try it!

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  67. I love bread pudding and this sounds fabulous. WWMD? Great! And I love the title. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  68. Sounds amazing!
    Joannlowehunter@aol.com

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  69. Wow. Love authentic Cajun food. The premise of the book looks pretty tasty too.

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  70. I've already made a copy of this recipe! My favorite was one I had while visiting New Orleans. Yummy!

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  71. This book sounds great. Thanks for the chance
    Moonbay7399@gmail.com

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  72. The recipe sounds wonderful!

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  73. Della deepotter@peoplepc.com Love the cover and the idea of a Cajun setting. Nice recipe. Copied. Hope to try soon. Thanks

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  74. The recipe sounds wonderful!

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  75. I have never had a bread pudding with pecans but am willing to give it a try! And, you worked with Martha Stewart! Exciting!

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  76. Sounds yummy! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  77. Thank you for the chance to discover a new to me author.
    jenne.turner@unt.edu

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  78. Sounds yummy! Would love to win the book!

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  79. Sounds yummy! Would love to win the book!

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  80. This bread pudding is drool worthy. Thank you for the chance to win.
    dmskrug3 at Hotmail dot com

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  81. The recipe sounds great! I love bread pudding!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  82. Isn't this a fabulous recipe? And you can see what a storyteller Ellen is! Sorry to be checking in so late -- no Internet in Billings this morning, as the network was down for a few hours, and I've been in the car ever since! But you've all found the post and I can see you drooling on the screen...

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  83. Oh, PS, Ruff the Cat and I will choose the winner at midnight Monday, mountain time, so you late-comers have a chance!

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  84. Thanks for the yummy recipe and for the chance to win a great book!
    sharonbabyme@yahoo.com

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  85. Thanks for the giveaway! The recipe looks fantastic as does the book. smmolloy1105@yahoo.com

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  86. This new mystery sounds so fun and interesting and the recipe sounds delicious. I shall read and eat at the same time!

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  87. A yummy looking recipe and a tempting new series. A win win combination.

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  88. The book sounds very interesting and the recipe sounds very yummy!
    Can you use brown sugar instead of the turbinado?

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    1. You can use white sugar instead, or try brown sugar. I'm a brown sugar fan myself, which is why I made sure there was at least a little in there. It might make it super-sweet, but you can always cut that with some unsweetened or very lightly sweetened whipped cream.

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  89. Yummy recipe and great book! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  90. Great giveaway!!! I have added this book to my TBR list. raquel36m(at)gmail(dot)com

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  91. What a great story and recipe! Congrats on the new release!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  92. Oh my!!! Im sooo excited...thanks for the wonderful giveaway!!! 💖💖💖

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  93. Thank you all so much for your comments and support! I'm thrilled you enjoyed my story and recipe. I love Martha, and am so happy to share some of my wonderful experiences with her. Again... thanks!

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    1. We are THRILLED to have had you here this weekend, Ellen, and for giving us a new phrase -- WWMD! (Of course I love it -- in my Spice Shop Mysteries, it's WWCD, What Would (Brother) Cadfael Do? !)

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  94. I just found this website! It is awesome! I want to try this bread pudding recipe. I haven't had bread pudding since I was a little girl. Please enter me to win Plantation Shudders. Thank you!
    eeyore722@gmail.com

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  95. I love bread pudding! This sounds like a great new series! New Orleans is on my bucket to visit big time. Thank you for the great contest ! I have new book to add to my wish list! Thanks again, for the opportunity to win. hopegrubka@att.net

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  96. AND THE WINNER IS.... Jenne Turner! Congratulations, Jenne, and thanks to all who commented. And a big thanks to Ellen Byron for sharing her recipe, and giving us a glimpse into life working with one of the country's most famous cooks! I hope you all get a chance to read PLANTATION SHUDDERS!

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  97. This looks so good, kills my diet but I might have to try it.

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