Sunday, December 27, 2015

Welcome Paige Shelton!





A very warm welcome to our friend, Paige Shelton. Paige is the author of the Farmer's Market Mysteries and the Country Cooking School Mysteries. She's kicking off 2016 with a brand new series - A Dangerous Type Mysteries!

Don't miss Paige's giveaway of a copy. Leave a comment with your email address to enter!



Thanks for letting me stop by today, Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen! I love this site.

When I started thinking about a fun recipe to tie in with the release of the first Dangerous Type mystery, I remembered some cookies one of my bosses used to bring to work. She called them A to Z cookies. The idea is simple: a bunch of different ingredients are thrown together to create one delicious cookie. I’ve heard them called Kitchen Sink cookies too. Come to find out, they weren’t as simple as I thought.

I looked up my old boss, but at some point she moved and I couldn’t find her on Facebook. I set out to explore the great and wild Internet and found some interesting combinations. The first one I tried tasted so much like nutmeg that it felt more like a holiday cookie that just a cookie-cookie. The second one I tried was, despite all the ingredients, boring. Finally, I found something from Martha Stewart that I ended up liking. I make a few small changes to the original recipe, but Martha was unquestionably the inspiration for the following recipe.





 
A to Z Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups oats
¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
¾ cup toffee bits (if you use the toffee bits mixed with chocolate, use fewer chocolate chips)
¾ cup chocolate chips (1/2 cup if you use the toffee bits with chocolate)
¾ cup dried cranberries or craisins.
¾ cup roughly chopped pecans
¾ cup broken salted pretzel sticks. I broke them each in about three parts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper.

Side note: I have a Kitchenaid stand mixer and I truly love it, I really do, but my hand mixer is my favorite by far. I think it’s because it’s what my grandmother and mother used. Feel free to use your stand mixer, but I used my hand one.

In a medium bowl cream together the butter and both sugars. Beat in the eggs one at a time until blended. Stir in vanilla.

In another medium bowl whisk together (I like whisking so much more than sifting) flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Add the oats, coconut, toffee, chocolate, cranberries, pecans, and pretzels. Using a plastic spatula, stir and cut the ingredients together. Watch for gatherings of like ingredients and separate them. Martha says to use the mixer for this part, but I liked the plastic spatula better.



Using a big spoon or a 2-inch scoop, drop batter onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press tops down with your fingers to flatten a little bit. Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake 10 to 12 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.




Since there are so many ingredients in these, I like to make them a little bigger than your typical cookie. Also, watch so the edges they don’t get too brown. I found that the 10 minute mark is perfect for my oven because the butter flavor came through better when the edges were just a little brown.
Makes about 3 to 3 ½ dozen.



Good luck and happy eating and reading!

Paige

PAIGE SHELTON had a nomadic childhood as her father's job as a football coach took the family to seven different towns before she was even twelve years old. After college at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, she moved to Salt Lake City where she thought she'd only stay a couple years, but she fell in love with the mountains and a great guy who became her husband. After many decades in Utah, she and her family recently moved to Arizona.






Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a copy of TO HELVETICA AND BACK!

122 comments:

  1. Oh, those cookies are just way to delicious looking to pass up. Happy new year cookies? YES! kat8762@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Kathleen - Definitely Happy New Year cookies. Thank you!

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  2. A new author to read. With 3 mystery series, all of which sound terrific! I love this site!! My email is mjbookaddict@gmail.com.

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    1. Hi, Mary - good to meet you. Mystery Lovers Kitchen is most definitely a great site. Thank you!

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  3. The cookies look so good! Thank you for the recipe and giveaway!
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I will have to try the cookies. They sound yummy!!! I am always looking for a new series!

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  5. 2016 is going to be a big year for you! I love love the Farmers Market Mysteries and the Cooking a school Mysteries so it will be exciting to read your new series! What could be a good substitute for the pretzels? I have a strange aversion to pretzels in food, although I love them plain.

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    1. Hi, Jody - Potato chips or peanuts might work as substitutes, though peanuts in cookies can really take over the flavor sometimes. You could probably just leave the pretzels out and be fine. Thank you!

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  6. These sound like a favorite of mine - Cleaning out the Cupboard cookies! Start with a soft dough and add whatever you have, in any amount. Raisins, dates, fruitcake stuff, nuts, etc. YUM! A new series by you - YAY!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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    1. Hi, Kay - you've got the right idea. Some of this, some of that, empty this bag . . . Thank you!

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  7. I've never had pretzels in a cookie.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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    1. Hi, Sandy - I've never had them get soggy, which always surprises me. Thank you!

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  8. Those cookies do look interesting so I'll pinterest this page and send the link to my youngest daughter who does all our baking these days. My job is to keep her in white chocolate chips and Macadamia nuts.

    She make my white and chocolate chip with macadamia nut cookies. I know their good because Duffy B said so the year I sent them to her for Christmas. LOL

    I remember those typewriters on the cover and even older ones. My family had a real estate business from the late 1930's through the 1980's when my grandmother 'died'. Those old machines helped me write a lot of papers for school.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi, Nora - love white chocolate with macadamia nuts. So good. Thank you!

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  9. I'm looking forward to the new series! (Books go well with cookies!) Karlene rebarger@bellsouth.net

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    1. Hi, Karlene - I agree, books and cookies are perfect together. Thanks you!

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  10. This is the first I've heard of these cookies.
    theresa n
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. The cookies do look tasty. Even with a stand mixer and a hand mixer, I still mix by hand; truly old school. That's the way I was taught. I look forward to reading your new book.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  12. I definitely want to try that recipe!! I have a stand mixer, but haven't had a hand mixer for years--I want one, but can't find one at the right price that has any quality.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. Hi, Sue - It took me a long time to replace my last hand mixer. I know exactly what you mean about the right combination of price and quality. Thanks for entering!

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  13. Can't wait to start this new series from one of my favorite authors! Congratulations Paige!!
    Jocelyn.strand@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, Jocelyn - Always good to see you. Thank you!

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  14. Sounds like an awesome book! Will add to my wish list! Kkcochran@hotmail.com

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  15. I love reading recipes and eating the cookies - but don't have much time to bake anymore. cheers@marjimmanor.com

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    1. Hi, Margo - So true - hard to find the time. Thanks for entering.

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  16. Can't wait for the new series.

    tiggernelsie@yahoo.com

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  17. The cookies sound yummy, chocolate, nuts, pretzels, oh my. :). Thank you for the receipe and a chance to win the first book in your new series. suzieqsb(at)aol(dot)com

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  18. Those cookies really are a little bit of everything! They look like just the thing for an after-holiday treat (like we need more treats!).

    I enjoy the Farmer's Market series and am looking forward to this one. Congrats and thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    1. Hi, Grandma Cootie - love your handle. :) Thank you!

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  19. The cookies sound good. I do a bread like that from a to z. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of your new series! I will have to check out your other series's.
    rags6152@gmail.com

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  20. The cookie recipe sounds yummy. Can't wait to try them and to Read your book. J_A_M_5672@yahoo.com

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  21. Oh yummm. I've always wanted a stand mixer...but I don't have one. I do have my trusty hand mixer though, and on rare occasions, I use it!

    I look forward to trying your new series as well!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  22. I enjoy your other series especially the Country Cooking School Mysteries, so I'm looking forward to giving this new series a try.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  23. The recipe sounds delicious! Have been wanting to read your book, it's on my TBR list.

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  24. Oh these look yummy! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

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  25. These cookies are definitely something to try while I'm home with my daughter for Christmas break! I love your books and can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win.
    Awilcox1182@gmail.com

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    1. Hi, Amanda - Thanks so much. Hope the rest of your break is wonderful.

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  26. I adore your Farmers Market series and can't wait to start your new series! titus2chick@hotmail.com

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  27. Your books are very special and those cookies look delectable. Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. I think that is a great book title.
    The cookies truly have something for everyone.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  29. Love your website and recipes Happy New Year.

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  30. I am from Utah and looking forward to starting a new series. Your recipe sounds good. Thank you for the opportunity to win! crossxjo@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi - I moved from Utah to Arizona earlier this year. It's fun to use Park City - sort -of - as the town in this series. Thanks!

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  31. This new series sounds captivating. Cookies are very appealing. Thanks for this great feature.elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  32. Pat (patdupuy@yahoo.com)December 27, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    I did something similar when I used to make oatmeal cookies for Dad and father-in-law. I'd throw in dried cherries and pecans or toffee bits. Whatever was on hand that would "spice" it up a bit. Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi, Pat - I LOVE dried cherries in cookies. Yum. Thanks!

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  33. I've never met a cookie I didn't like!
    Thanks for the chance...I love this cover so much.
    Happy Happy New Year!!!! 🎉🎊

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  34. looks like a great new series pwtish171@gmail.com

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  35. I can't wait to read this new series! kpgirl613@yahoo.com

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  36. Love the idea of the name of the cookies with the tie in on the book. Looking forward to reading this one and the upcoming Cracked Spine. kathi.howard@gmail.com

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  37. The cookie recipe looks great. I can't wait to read this book. Thank you.for the chance.
    moonbay7399@gmail.com

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  38. Great recipe. Love all the series that I have read of yours and can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win. doward1952@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, Doward - always good to see you. Thank you!

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  39. New cookie recipe for the new year. Perfect combination. Best of luck with the new series, sounds wonderful.

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  40. I simply enjoy your books so much! I give requests to the librarian at mueh public library, to order your books! I can't wait to read your newest book!! Donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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    1. Hi, Donamae - Wow, thank you for requesting them. That helps a bunch. :)

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  41. Can't wait to try these cookies!
    afarage (at) earthlink. net

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    1. Hi, dear friend Alicia! Thanks for everything!

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  42. I can't wait to read this. Thanks for the chance to win! Dnrocker@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, Dawn - always good to see you. Thank you!

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  43. I am looking forward to your A Dangerous Type Mystery series. There are so many wonderful and beautiful fonts! I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Thank you for a chance to win To Helvetica and Back. Doodlesink@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi, Kristina - thank you! I'm amazed by the fonts I'm finding. I agree with you; some are so beautiful.

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  44. When a reader has enjoyed other series as I have by an author, you get very anxious and happy to know there is another new series out. I am really looking forward to this new one and wish all the best of luck with the release.
    Would be delighted to become the recipient of this book.

    Sincerely,
    Cynthia B

    ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net

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  45. YUM! I can't wait to make these cookies. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of To Helvetica and Back~ bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  46. This recipe looks like a great one, can't wait to try it. Thanks for this awesome mystery book giveaway, I would love a chance to win this book. Thanks for your generosity. Linda May lindamay4852@uahoo.com

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  47. On my comment above for Linda May, I spelled the email wrong it is lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  48. This recipe looks fun, and easy to modify depending on the ingredients you have on hand. I really enjoy the Farmers Market mysteries and am looking forward to your new series. Thank you for the chance to win. Rencw@verizon.net

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  49. yum! and the new book looks kind of yummy too!
    Woofmew@aol.com

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  50. saracarver07@gmail.com love cookies almost as much as I love books!!!

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  51. Love the recipe. Can't wait to read the book. Happy New Year.
    diannekc8@gmail.com

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  52. Love the recipe. Can't wait to read the book. Happy New Year.
    diannekc8@gmail.com

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  53. I love your series and am enjoying the new one!! I have a question about Baskerville though. What made you have him be a male calico? They are so rare I am just wondering if that will play a part in later installments? kayt18(at)comcast(dot)net

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  54. The recipe sounds good and fun. The book sounds great!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  55. Over the years I've heard of A-Z cookies but never saw a recipe and these look interesting. I have a son of my long gone cousin who writes me the most interesting letter.He refuses to write anything except Cuz by hand and uses old typewriters Your new series reminds me of him. Ruth Nixon ruthenixon@sbcglobal.net

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  56. Well it looks delicious and I love the Book Cover...thanks for the contest and Happy New Year. I have it on my list.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  57. The book sounds wonderful. The cookie recipe sounds awesome too! I can't wait to read the book and try the cookies. Thank you! garczynski (at) aol (dot) com.

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  58. Synopsis looks like a fun read. Great cover. New series to me so I am hoping to get an early start with this one. Thank you for this opportunity. Della at deepotter@peoplepc.com

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. Woo Hoo! Another exciting new series! Can't wait to get & read!
    Jckrammer@gmail.com
    Congratulations Paige! Much success as always 😄

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  61. Woo Hoo! Another exciting new series! Can't wait to get & read!
    Jckrammer@gmail.com
    Congratulations Paige! Much success as always 😄

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  62. Thanks for a wonderful new recipe and the introduction to a new series. I've added it to my to be read list. robeader53@yahoo.com

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  63. Sounds like a fun read....looking forward to reading it....johnnabooks@hotmail.com

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  64. First, love the cookie recipe. Anything with craisins is great. I checked out your web page and I'm so glad you've been featured here because I was looking for another cozy author and I believe I've found her! Good luck with the new series!
    Kim - kmp3142587@gmail.com

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  65. Thanks for the recipe. I adore your Farmer's Market books.
    zukeeper.geo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  66. I love the thought of adding anything to the kitchen sink cookies.
    jenne.turner@unt.edu

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  67. I'm looking forward to this new series and I thank you for the recipe! My family will love them.
    dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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  68. Looking forward to this book. Cookies sound delish.
    sjgolding@sbcglobal.net

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  69. Aways looking for new-to-me authors to try. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. elainehroberson@gmail.com

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