Wednesday, August 5, 2015

FUDGING THE BOOKS IS OUT + bonbon #recipe + book #giveaway from @DarylWoodGerber



Whee!! Hope you'll pick up your copy. It's been earning some great reviews.

"This is a sweet treat of a mystery, full of genial characters and 
leading to an emotionally satisfying conclusion."
~Kings River Life Magazine

*
Also, our very own Peg Cochran has a new one out, too. 

BERRIED SECRETS!  CONGRATS, PEG!




In the opening chapter of Fudging the Books, there is a mention of chocolate cherry bonbons. One of my fans read the excerpt I posted on my website and said, “Boy, I hope that recipe is in the book.” Well, oops! It’s not, but I have an explanation why not.

When I write A Cookbook Nook Mystery, I try to include all sorts of delectable cookbook titles and food. After all, foodies are my readers. However, I must admit that sometimes I dream up a tasty treat because that’s what I want to eat at the time, and I don’t have the recipe. That's right. I write fiction. However, I've learned a really good lesson.  I included a recipe for 5 mac 'n cheese in The Long Quiche Goodbye (the first Cheese Shop Mystery) and someone begged me for it. I whipped that puppy up in a matter of hours and sent it off to her. That recipe went viral! 

So I now browse cookbooks and the Internet looking for delicious ideas and then add them to the story. And I keep notes when I "create" a fictional recipe - notes of what inspired me to think of  the treat.  That helps when a fan begs for a recipe. 

This recipe is so easy that my protagonist Jenna Hart, an avid reader and former ad executive who has come home to Crystal Cove to help her aunt open a culinary bookshop and café, can make them. FYI, Jenna isn’t much of a cook, but she is a foodie! She considers herself a gourmet. So she is learning, with the help of Chef Katie and her Aunt Vera, to make one easy recipe at a time.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY BONBONS

Ingredients:

1 5 oz. bag dried cherries
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons coconut flour
extra cocoa for coating (about 4 tablespoons)

Directions:

Put all the ingredients into a food processor. Process for about 1 minute. It will still appear that there are hard “chocolate chip” chunks in the mixture, but when you scoop out the mixture, it will be a sticky paste. That’s good.



Roll the mixture into 10-12 walnut-sized balls and set them on parchment paper. Remember to smooth them by rolling between your palms.


Then put the extra cocoa into a shallow bowl, and roll each ball in the cocoa. Shake off the excess cocoa. Note: This can get messy, but it’s fun!

You can eat these right away, or set them into the refrigerator to let them get firm. They'll keep in the refrigerator for at least a week, maybe more…if you can resist!




About Fudging the Books:

Pirate Week is sweeping through Crystal Cove and keeping Jenna Hart and her bookstore, the Cookbook Nook, plenty busy. But she’s not too swamped to also host the local Chocolate Cookbook Club’s meeting—especially because the guest of honor is her friend, candy maker and cookbook author Coco Chastain.
Click here to PREORDER

Jenna whips up a delicious event amidst the rowdy festivities, but the mood is soon broken by robberies, simmering tempers, and a dead body—Coco’s editor, Alison. The suspects turn out to be more plentiful than a pot full of gold doubloons, so to prove Coco isn’t responsible for the dastardly deed, Jenna will have to stir up some clues and figure out who’s the real sticky-fingered killer…


NOTE: This is not about “real pirates.” Pirate Week is a fun romp where folks dress up like pirates, climb rock walls, go whale watching, and take in Pirates of Penzance or hunt for missing gold doubloons.


News!

I have updated my website.  Check it out. Easy to navigate. 
It's easy to sign up for my newsletter on the home page, too. FYI, yesterday, 
I gave away a fun treat to a few lucky winners plus a librarian 
because they were signed up to receive the newsletter. 
Are you?


Also:

I'm still doing a blog tour. A few more to go, so make sure you check them out via my calendar so you can enter those giveaways!

I will be on a radio show on Saturday, Suspense Radio. Tune in! There's a link on my news and events page. 



TODAY'S GIVEAWAY:

Today's giveaway, as a thanks for being my fans, one of you will have your choice of the first three Cookbook Nook Mysteries + some fun swag. Leave a comment, with your email (cryptic, if you must) so I can contact you!  

And tell me...what recipe have you tried from my books or from those posted on Mystery Lovers Kitchen?  


Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames
Tasty ~ Zesty ~ Dangerous!


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



FUDGING THE BOOKS, #5 Cookbook Nook Mystery, is available for order: order here.


AS GOUDA AS DEAD
order here



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







88 comments:

  1. Love this bonbon recipe! And of course I'm excited for your books. I've made the Toffee Crunch Blondies from this site and they were fabulous - I have so many more recipes bookmarked though to try, I promise! :) EMS591@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liz, so good to see you! I'm glad you enjoyed the blondies. Yum!

      ~Daryl

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

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  3. I have not had the chance to read a cozy mystery yet. I love the recipes you post though. Since my hubby does the cooking, I will have to show him the recipes.
    Deana
    Jhdwayne@peoplepc.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deana, I hope you will read one soon! We have such a variety!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  4. It's not chocolate in honor of your Fudging the Book launch, but I tried your Pineapple & Ham Quiche from The Long Quiche Goodbye. It was a hit at a recent potluck brunch with former colleagues. Thanks. kat8762@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Kathleen, I'm so glad you enjoyed! That's one of my favorite creations. :)

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  5. I haven't been cooking/baking for a while now, but I use to enjoy baking. When I started working third shift, I loss any energy to do anything. I do enjoy looking at the recipes.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jen, totally understand. You need Sara Lee!! STAT! :)

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  6. I have not tried any of the recipes as yet, although they looks great :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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  7. My husband's the cook - I just enjoy the fruits of his bounty! Haven't tried any of the recipes but they all look good! Thanks for this opportunity, Daryl!
    dm_richards(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Di, get your husband on the horn and get him cookin'!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  8. All of the recipes sound (and look) wonderful. I haven't tried any of them yet, but my granddaughter has seen several she wants us to try. :)
    peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

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  9. I love the recipes....
    afarage (at) earthlink . net

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  10. My husband made the Chewy chocolate brownie cookies and they were YUMMY!!! I LOVE reading cozy mysteries with recipes included- I usually buy them in paperback so I can refer to the recipes easier. Thanks for the chance to win!
    luvs2read4fun(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I love the recipes and have shared with my husband who does most of the cooking. Thanks for the recipes and the giveaway. poohwine1217@gmail.com

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  12. My husband made the strawberry shortcake muffins after I showed him the recipe. I might have to get him to try to make this recipe for me now. crdatema@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Carrie, I'm loving all these cooking husbands!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  13. Congrats, Daryl and Peg! Those bon bons look awesome! patucker54 (at aol dot com)

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  14. Congratulations, Daryl! These bon bons are a fabulous way to celebrate another fun read!

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  15. I am looking forward to this installment in the series, and I am definitely making those Bon bons !! kathambre@yahoo.com

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  16. Your recipes are delectable and very special. I haven't tried any of them but this weekend with try the tomato thyme one which looks wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I've only recently found your books, so I haven't tried any of the recipes yet. The bonbons are high on the list, though. Yum! So many recipes, so little time.

    bunkielisa@gmail.com

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  18. A delightful post and appealing recipe which I will attempt. Love Bons Bons and who wouldn't love a treat. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  19. I would love to win a copy of Fudging The Books, your books put a smile on my face when I read them. Thanks for this awesome chance, I appreciate it. lindamay4852@yahoo.com.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I can't remember the name or find the recipe right now, but there have been some variations on grilled cheese that I couldn't wait to try and were very tasty. And when something gluten free looks good I send it on to my granddaugher who has Celiac and diabetes so is always looking for something that tastes like real food.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Sallly, I have posted lots of grilled cheese recipes. My favorite! I just made a new one for FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE. So yummy!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  21. Thanks for another yummy recipe, Daryl! I was at my local Books-a-Million this morning and saw Fudging the Books on the shelf! 😀 I haven't tried anything yet, but I've printed most of them out for future reference (doing WW this summer!) and trust me, I will try them all - lol! 😎

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  22. I haven't actually tried any of the recipes. I read them and think they look yummy, but somehow I never get around to cooking any of them (job + grad school + toddler = no time).

    mc300 at maildotumkcdotedu

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  23. I am looking forward to reading this book. The chocolate recipes in this book sound really great! I am looking forward to making some of them. Thanks for this contest! crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  24. I have made the chocolate cherry mascarpone bars from Days of Wine and Roquefort. They were delicious. I have also made several recipes from Lucy Burdette's Key West series.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oops forgot my email it is dr(dot)oldsmobile(at)icloud(dot)com

      Delete
  25. just last week - Julie Hyzy's Brownie Bites
    jdhyvh@amaonline.com

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  26. Looks like great cozy mystery.

    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Missing you all. I have very limited internet until mid-month.
    This sounds yummy. Perhaps a splash of fruit liqueur?
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Libby, so sorry to hear that. We really are a plugged-in society nowadays.

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  28. Well I love your recipes, but hubby does all the cooking. He refuses to use any recipe. He's not much of a baker. I love the sound of your bon bons. I'm not fond of cherries, what could I use as a substitute?
    cjreynolds52@comcast.net

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    Replies
    1. CJ, I'd try dried apricots or any other dried fruit that meets your fancy!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  29. I am new to your books but have purchased Fudging the Books and am looking forward to reading it and trying recipes. Then I am going to go back and start some of your older books.

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  30. I read the recipes but seldom make them. Now that I'm alone I seldom cook.
    I loved to cook when my husband was alive because he loved to eat and I like to see people truck into the food after I've made it. I enjoy your recipes. Don't stop providing them.
    thanks
    txmlhl@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Mary, treat yourself well. Make sure you make a good meal at least once a week. You can always have leftovers, which are some of my favorite things!!! Why not join a bookclub and bake for them???!!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  31. I am more of a recipe reader/collector. My son doe all of the cooking in our house. His wife and I are pretty much spoiled by that. They don't eat my cooking...too bland for them. And, I can't eat too many sweets. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love your son, Linda! My son is a cook, too!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  32. My copy was in my Kindle library when I got up yesterday AM. I am about 45% through the book and love it!! However, I must confess that I went to the back immediately to check out the recipes. Now I'll need to add coconut flour and dried cherries to my grocery list. Love your books.

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    Replies
    1. Patricia, you are too funny! Glad you're enjoying. At least you didn't go ot the back to figure out who did it! LOL

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  33. Love these books, thanks for this awesome chance, I sure do appreciate it. Linda May

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  34. I love Bonbons... My favorite deserts.

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  35. I love both series, but I'm ashamed to say I haven't tried the recipes yet. I always read them salivating and saying to myself "I'm going to try that".....and then.......don't

    kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

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    Replies
    1. No shame, Kaye. Lots of people just like to salivate over them. ;)

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  36. I love books with trecipes. I recently retired and am single, so as of yet have not tried any. Have printed and wrote several and when I go back east where I have family am taking them with me. Love the books I have finally read so far and hope now that I have time I can read note. Thank you.
    slpetera@yahoo.com.com

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  37. My tablet added to my email address. Sorry. Didn' t catch before I clicked.
    slpetera@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love reading the recipes, but now that my husband and I are both retired, it's just easier to go out and eat. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com

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  39. I love the recipes! I may not try a lot of them, especially the dessert ones, but they are fun to read.

    ElaineE246@msn.com

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  40. I have been wanting to read the cookbook nook series but have been in school until recently. I love to try recipes from the mysteries I read and try them out on my family.
    Ycats6263@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Katarina, so lovely to hear. Lucky family. Thanks!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  41. I love quiche, and I have tried your vidalia and bacon quiche from Lost and Fondue. Looking forward to reading the latest book and trying some new yummy recipes!
    grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

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  42. I HAVE NOT TRIED ANY OF THE RECIPES YET BUT HOPE TO SOON. THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! SHELLEY S. calicolady60@hotmail.com

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  43. I love reading culinary mysteries but I rarely ever make the recipes. I am surrounded by picky eaters that only like their "normal" food. If I make something, I end up tossing what I can't eat all by myself.

    llcejka at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Ah, picky eaters. They can be tough critics! :)

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  44. Love to read recipes and books that contain them. Thanks for a chance to win one of your books.
    elainehroberson@gmail.com

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  45. And the winner, by random generator selection, is Sharon Baker! I'll be contacting you. Congratulations, and thanks to all for chiming in!! Savor the Mystery! And share the title Fudging the Books with your pals! :)

    ~Daryl

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  46. These look like such good books! I love cozy-type books!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  47. Your recipes are amazing hope to try it soon.
    Gloriawalshver@yahoo.com

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  48. What can I substitute for the coconut flour? I don't have any.
    Sounds yummy.
    libbydodd@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete