Sunday, November 15, 2015

Susannah Hardy’s Crumpkin Cookies


 


A very warm welcome to Susannah Hardy, who was kind enough to make a Thanksgiving recipe for us this week. Susannah writes the Greek To Me Mysteries. OLIVE AND LET DIE is in bookstores now!



Thanks so much, Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen authors, for having me back to celebrate the release of Olive and Let Die, book 2 of the Greek to Me Mysteries. (Click here to read my prior guest post, which contains my recipe for Vasilopita, a Greek almond cake)

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, and not just because of the pie! Oh, fine. I’ll be honest: maybe it is about the pie, if it’s my mom’s crumb-topped apple pie crowned with a slice of local cheddar cheese. I’ve never been able to make it quite the same as she does, but I continue to try!

My Thanksgiving roots go way back. All the way back, in fact. My maternal ancestors were present at the first Thanksgiving—John Alden and Priscilla Mullins were my 9th great-grandparents. Today in our family, we eat dinner rather late in the day, then play Pitch, a card game with different names and different rules depending on what part of the country you are in. You may know it as Setback or Euchre. We play for a nickel a point until the coins are smoking hot from the friction of being pushed around the table so often. At the end of the evening, the nickels go back into the change jar for next time. I guess none of us wants to lug around a pocketful of metal when we’re already hauling around all the delicious food we ate all day. Our Pilgrim ancestors were probably not vying for High, Low, Jack, and Game, but traditions evolve, don’t they?

In honor of Thanksgiving, and because you can never have enough pumpkin—or cranberry—recipes around the holidays, here is my original recipe for a cookie celebrating those iconic native American foods. These are soft, cakey, nicely spiced morsels with a rich molasses flavor, and they’re even better the next day. Enjoy!




Susannah Hardy’s Crumpkin Cookies


2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

¾ cup canola oil

¼ cup molasses

1 cup canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)

1 egg

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice extract (if you can’t find this, substitute 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, and ½ tsp ground cloves)

1 tsp orange extract

1 cup white chocolate chips


1 cup dried, sweetened cranberries (such as Craisins)


In large mixing bowl, using electric mixer on medium, combine thoroughly 1-1/2 cups flour with the sugar, oil, molasses, pumpkin, egg, baking soda and extracts. Add remaining 1 cup flour and mix on low speed until combined. Using wooden spoon, mix in chips and cranberries. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat (You can probably use a nonstick baking sheet, or generously grease a regular sheet, but parchment or the silicone mats work so well and make cleanup so easy, why bother?). Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheet. (These cookies do not spread much, so you can place them fairly close together)


Bake for 11 minutes, or until the bottom is set and the cookie loses some of its glossiness and springs back lightly when touched. Don’t burn yourself! Allow to rest on cookie sheet for about a minute, then remove to a wire rack to cool. Allow baking sheet to cool (or use a second sheet) and keep extra dough in the fridge between batches. This helps cookies retain their shape when baking.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.


Olive and Let Die

As manager of the Bonaparte House, a historic landmark and Greek restaurant in upstate New York, Georgie Nikolopatos knows her local legends—and her traditional Greek recipes are to die for.

Between her soon-to-be ex-husband Spiro coming out of the closet and her budding romance with Captain Jack Conway, Georgie’s life is beginning to feel like a soap opera. And that’s before a surprise visit from her estranged mother Shirley, better known as soap star Melanie Ashley. But the dramatic family reunion takes a chilling turn when another long-lost relative turns up dead.

Just outside Spiro’s new restaurant, Georgie and Melanie find the body of Doreen Webber—a cousin Georgie never knew she had. With Spiro’s partner Inky on the list of suspects, Georgie begins to wonder what else her mother may be hiding. Is the dead-broke diva capable of murder? She’d better find out before someone adds a new twist to the family plot.


Includes delicious Greek recipes!
*****
Links:
Olive and Let Die: goo.gl/4pPol3
Feta Attraction: goo.gl/M7DutM
Facebook: goo.gl/cZKbC6
Twitter: goo.gl/v3bVFF, @susannahhardy1

Bio: Susannah Hardy thinks she has the best job in the world: making up stories and inventing recipes to go along with them. A native of northern New York, where she attended St. Lawrence University, Susannah now lives in Connecticut with her husband, teenage son, and Elvira the Wonder Cat.






To celebrate the release of OLIVE AND LET DIE, Susannah is giving away a copy to one
--> lucky person who leaves a comment by midnight Wednesday the 18th. Don't forget to leave your email address so she can contact you!

82 comments:

  1. Wow, so fascinating about Susannah's family history at the first Thanksgiving! I love the cookie recipe (thank you for sharing!) and would love to read 'Olive and Let Die.' EMS591@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you ever get a chance to visit Plimoth Plantation (recreated village in Plymouth MA), you may get to meet my "ancestors," Mary Warren and Robert Bartlett. Sometimes there is even a reenactment of their wedding though I've never made it there yet to see it! Good luck!

      Delete
  2. I grew up in upstate NY, though I now live in Oregon. I'd love to read a mystery set there. taft.jane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bonaparte Bay is a fictional village on the St. Lawrence River, in the Thousand Islands region. I've always wanted to see Oregon. Good luck!

      Delete
  3. Your cookies look delicious and the recipe sounds great! I would love to win this copy. I have not read this series yet. Thank you for the opportunity to win. crossxjo (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck, crossxjo! These cookies last a long time. They were still tasty 5 days later (I made a lot of them, LOL!).

      Delete
  4. I think I am in danger of being pumpkined out this year. So many wonderful new receipes, Thanks

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pumpkined out? Never! LOL! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Sounds like the cookie recipe is filled with ingredients I love. Can hardly wait to try. The book sounds "yummy " too. Would love to win a copy! vernagass@gmail.com

      Delete
  5. I love Thanksgiving and your cookies are something I think I could actually do. The plot of your Book sounds great...thanks for the chance. You are a new Series to me.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These cookies are super easy. They're not the prettiest things in the world, but they taste delicious, if I do say so myself :) Good luck!

      Delete
  6. Happy Thanksgiving!
    I am loving the pumpkin recipes, and the cookies sound delightful. Thank you!
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks.......would love this! rhondajgothier@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cookie recipe looks good.
    Personally I amnot a pie person but I do like pecan pie. Give me cheesecake any day tnbough. ;-). I would love to hear more about the game though. It sounds like so much fun!
    Thank you for the chance. Lady(dot) Janel @ hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheesecake! I do love me some cheesecake. I was at a conference this summer in New York City, and the hotel was right across the street from Junior's, which has the biggest piece of cheesecake I've ever seen. I almost--almost, mind you--couldn't finish it :) We've been playing Pitch in my family for a lot of years. My Grandma Gert preferred Pinochole or Pedro, though. Good luck!

      Delete
  9. Cookies sound terrific. So does your book!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for all the amazing recipes & for all your great mysteries, I would love a chance to win this book. Linda May Thanks for this giveaway lindamay4852@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I enjoyed the first book in this series.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sandy! Honestly, and I know you shouldn't play favorites with your "children," but I think Olive and Let Die is a much better book :) Good luck!

      Delete
  12. This looks like a delightful book and recipe. I shall have to try both :)

    mommy_to_zoe@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mommytozoe! Let me know what you think, and good luck!

      Delete
  13. Oh these look yummy! And I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance!
    karen (dot) Kenyon (at) rogers (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  14. The cookies look delicious! And I'd also like to win the book to enjoy with them! Karlene rebarger@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Best of luck, Anonymous! (You're super mysterious, btw!)

      Delete
  15. The cookies sound so yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe and the chance to win your book. I loved Feta Attraction and can't wait to read your new release! kimdavishb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kim! I'm so glad you liked it. Let me know what you think of Olive if you get the chance to read it, and good luck!

      Delete
  16. The blurb about the book sounds very interesting! I'd like to read it. Thanks for a chance to enter. jr_dj_gantt@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't take credit for the blurb. My publisher wrote it, LOL! Good luck!

      Delete
  17. Love finding a new to me author. Book sounds great!
    jawdance@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I love finding a new to me reader, LOL! Good luck, Judy!

      Delete
  18. I''m going to try the Crumkin Cookies for my book club, this coming Thursday. I'm always looking for some thing different to take and these will fit the bill. I haven't read any of your books previously, but will put it on my list to buy. dbahn@iw.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dianne! BTW, I love to talk to book clubs. I recently did one via Facetime with a book club all the way out in Montana (that's a long way from my home in Connecticut :) Let me know what people thing. These cookies are delicious with coffee, but for whatever reason I prefer them with tea.

      Delete
    2. What people think, not thing, LOL!

      Delete
  19. The cookies look and sound delicious ... thank you for sharing the recipe!

    Thank you for introducing me to another "new to me" author. The Greek To Me Mysteries series sounds great!

    peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck, Peggy! Hope you like the series and the cookies!

      Delete
  20. These cookies sound so good. My kids are on these weird diets so I may have to eat them all myself. Poor me. I'd love to read your book. It sounds terrific.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Darn! All the cookies for you? You can easily cut this recipe in half, btw, if you want a smaller batch. Go ahead and use the whole egg rather than trying to halve it. If halving an egg is even possible, LOL! Good luck!

      Delete
  21. Replies
    1. Thanks, Trish! Hope you get the chance to read it. Good luck!

      Delete
  22. What delectable cookies. Perfect for the holidays. Thanks for this lovely post and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck, Traveler! Have you been to lots of interesting places?

      Delete
  23. Your cookies are making me hungry. Great recipe. Thank you ladies!

    dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a perfect recipe for the fall. I must try it.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck, Sue! I do think of these as more of a fall/winter cookie. Not that they wouldn't be delicious anytime of year. Good luck!

      Delete
  25. Sounds delightful.
    I can't get the link to your previous recipe. It doesn't seem to be active.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right. That link doesn't seem to be active. Here's my Greek New Year's Cake, Vasilopita, from my January post! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com/search/label/Vasilopita

      Delete
  26. This will be a great contribution to the cookie exchange next month!!
    davisel1830@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Edoc, these are an excellent choice for a cookie exchange. They have a nice cake-like texture, holiday flavors, and they keep really well. Good luck!

      Delete
  27. The crumpkin cookies sound delicious. elainehroberson at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for the recipe and this wonderful giveaway. The book sounds great and I love Greek food. areewekidding@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These cookies aren't Greek, but they are still yummy! Someday I may try to make a baklava cookie... Good luck!

      Delete
  29. Thanks for sharing the recipe! Sounds delicious! Good luck everyone!
    Tamtam6862@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. This book combined with the yummy cookies complete a perfect day. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. The cookies and your books sound terrific. Adding on to my grocery and TBR lists. Thanks Susannah/Sadie! Oh, I have a friend who moved to Plymouth a few years ago. Must tell her about you and your ancestors!

    lola777_22 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I love Plymouth. Such a beautiful town. We visited a few years ago and took an evening ghost tour. Didn't see any, but it was a nice walk!

      Delete
  32. What a great recipe! I love Greek food, Greek festivals, Greek myths, Greek history, and now, a great Greek "cozy mystery" series! Marvelous! kat8762@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I love all things Greek too, Kathleen! Have you ever visited? Greece and its people are gorgeous!

      Delete
  33. I bet this book is great. The recipe sounds delicious. Thanks for the chance
    Moonbay7399@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck, Candace! (I love your name, btw. That's what I wished my mother had named me back in the day)

      Delete
  34. Looking forward to baking your cookies...and reading your book :) jchizmar01@windstream.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck, Jane! Hope you like the cookies and the book--best eaten/read together, with a cup of hot tea. :)

      Delete
  35. Thanks for coming to visit the Mystery Lover's Kitchen!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I LOVE the Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. I don't comment much, but I lurk a lot. Who can resist a new, luscious recipe every day? Good luck, Elaine!

      Delete
  36. Wow you do have history with Thanksgiving. We dont, but we sure do love the food. Thanks for the recipe and the chance to win. kayt18 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  37. Why hadn't I heard about this series yet? Thank you for story and recipe. Until my sister got married, we spent thanksgiving picking a movie theme and watching movies all day and playing board games or doing a family puzzle.
    dellilla9@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Pie is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving! Thanks for the cookie recipe. i can't wait to read Georgie's next adventure.
    cindy226@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Pie is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving! Thanks for the cookie recipe. i can't wait to read Georgie's next adventure.
    cindy226@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Can't wait to read the book!!!
    mygnomeshome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. The recipe seems like a perfect nibble for fall. Enjoyed the book blurb, sounds like a fun read.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love having new pumpkin recipes to try each year! These sound just right for nibbling on with a hot cup of tea and good book.
    harbingerdc(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I can't WAIT to try this cookie recipe! Thanks for sharing!! ~Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete