Sunday, July 9, 2017

Welcome Victoria Hamilton!





A warm welcome to our guest Victoria Hamilton. Victoria writes two bestselling series, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She is also the bestselling author of Regency and historical romance as Donna Lea Simpson. Her next release is MUFFIN TO FEAR. Victoria always has terrific giveaways and today is no exception. Be sure to leave a comment with your email address to enter.





Rosemary Cheddar Apple Scones

When I was a kid I could not understand my father’s food preferences. He would take a perfectly good slice of apple pie and ruin it with a slab of cheddar cheese! Yuck! Of course, the man’s favorite sandwich was a Spanish onion slice a half inch thick and as big around as his fist between two slices of white bread, so, cheddar on apple pie was not so strange. There are lots of people who like cheese on their apple pie, so it seems that apples and cheddar go together. I, however, have a sweet tooth, so apple pie, in my world, is topped by ice cream or whipped cream. I haven’t changed, however I do get savory and sweet as a combination now.

The notion for the scones came to me when I saw how fast my rosemary was growing this summer! It’s gorgeous, but I needed to trim it back. Being frugal by nature, I trimmed my lovely rosemary plant, took the cuttings into the kitchen, then proceeded to buy twelve dollars worth of good cheddar, a couple of bucks of butter and a four dollar container of heavy cream to make these Rosemary Cheddar Apple Scones.

They are worth every penny!


Apple Cheddar Scones with Rosemary
(makes 12 – 15, depending on how you roll them out and cut them)

1 ½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup butter
4 oz old cheddar, grated
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 cup peeled, shredded apples, packed down (about 2 - 3 small-to-medium apples)
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon cold milk or water (if necessary)

Cut the cold butter into small cubes, then cut into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers, breaking down the cubes of butter just until the pieces are smaller than a pea. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbles.

Stir in the grated cheddar, baking powder, salt, sugar and rosemary.

In a separate bowl combine the shredded apples and the beaten egg. Gently fold this with the flour mixture in a large bowl until the dough just comes together. If it’s too dry to do this (it was for me) add a splash of milk or cream. I used 35% cream because… well, why not? Do not overmix. Once the dough comes together, form it into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Press out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a roughly square or rectangular shape about ¾ inch tall. Cut using a sharp cookie cutter or biscuit cutter. I love my antique biscuit cutter because it gives a pretty edge to the scones. Or… you can form it into a circle and cut it into 8 wedges, separate the wedges on a parchment paper lined baking sheet at least 1 inch apart from one another. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until tops are golden-brown. Let cool slightly before serving.









I made these and they turned out delicious, but… I think I broke the cardinal rule of baking; I didn’t make sure my baking powder was fresh. These should have risen more. I’d be interested in your results. However… OMG, the combination of the cheddar and apple was to die for. Now I get it; my Daddy would be pleased, and he would enjoy these delicious scones.





Clearly I love using vintage kitchen tools and serving pieces. The pink teacup is Depression glass, a rare 1940s Canadian pattern by Dominion called Saguenay. The shredder is from the 1930s, patented as the Wonder Shredder, and the lovely saucer is so pretty, but I have no clue of the pattern. Does anyone know what this pretty little pattern with the bird and a little bee is called? The knife is unusual; I do love a different knife, but I really have no information about it other than that!



So… enjoy the scones, everybody, with or without the tea, and comment to enter the giveaway!


GIVEAWAY!
Comment to enter to win a copy of Muffin to Fear, a Cozy up to a great mystery! mug,  bookmark, a Cozy up to a great mystery! pen and fridge magnet. Open to US and Canadian addresses only! Entries will be open until Midnight, July 12th.

I hope you all enjoy Muffin to Fear, #5 in the Merry Muffin Mysteries! Here’s a little about it:
About Muffin to Fear
In the latest from the national bestselling author of Much Ado About Muffin, newlywed baker Merry Wynter has some unwanted guests looking for ghosts at Wynter Castle…

While Merry is distracted by her quickly planned marriage to Virgil Grace and a blissful honeymoon in New York, her friend Pish invites the ghost-hunting crew from the TV show Haunt Hunt to investigate Merry’s home, Wynter Castle. Merry soon discovers that not only is the crew out of sync, there are so many feuds and squabbles, it’s a miracle they get a show produced at all.

It all goes from bad to worse when the show’s psychics claim to have contact with people murdered on Merry’s property. When two cast members are found dead, Merry and Virgil must figure out who’s picking off the Haunt Hunt team before their hard-earned happily ever after is cut short.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!  
About Victoria Hamilton:
Victoria Hamilton is the national bestselling author of two bestselling series, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She is also the bestselling author of Regency and historical romance as Donna Lea Simpson.

Victoria loves to cook and collects vintage kitchen paraphernalia, teacups and teapots, and almost anything that catches her fancy! She loves to read, especially mystery novels, and enjoys good tea and cheap wine, the company of friends, and has a newfound appreciation for opera. She enjoys crocheting and beading, but a good book can tempt her away from almost anything… except writing!

Merry Muffin Mysteries Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MerrysMuffinsMysterySeries



88 comments:

  1. How have I missed this series? Must correct the situation ASAP.

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  2. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I love scones. And yes, I have some vintage kitchen goods and love incorporating them in my kitchen. I love browsing vintage shops for wonderful finds. Some of mine are hand me downs from grandmothers and great grandmothers. Lot of love handed down.

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  3. I love scones. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

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  4. Sounds delicious! Thanks for the giveaway and recipe!!

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  5. I've never had a scone! Your recipe and book both sound delicious.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  6. Can't wait to try this scone recipe. Cheers at marjimmanor dot com

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  7. The scones look yummy. This sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for a chance to win! kristilewis dot lrc at gmail dot com

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  8. Thanks for the recipe. Can't wait to read the book!! mcastor07(at)gmail (dot)com

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  9. I love baking scones, and I have rosemary growing at my place, so thanks for this recipe.
    grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

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  10. I will have to try this recipe, it sounds amazing, I would love a chance to win this book. Thanks as always for your generosity. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  11. Sounds like your dad and my grandfather had exactly the same taste in apples and cheddar cheese. Brings back great memories of time spent with him. Would love to readj your book! vernagass@gmail.com

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  12. Love the recipe. Looks like great cozy mystery.

    xzjh04@ gmail.com

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  13. The recipe sounds like a delectable combination of sweet and savory. I need to acquaint myself with this series. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway opportunity! bskts4unme (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  14. I agree that cheddar cheese on apple pie is just weird...and I love cheese. However, these scones do sound delicious and I'm ready to try that combo!

    Can't wait to read MUFFIN TO FEAR, love the paranormal aspect!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  15. I haven't made scones in a long time. This sounds like a wonderful recipe. I will certainly enjoy them with my new Mystery Mug of tea while reading your book. :) I have another strange combo. I challenge you to try it and see how you like it. It's peanut butter(natural kind) with Dijon mustard and sliced Vidalia onions (must be Vidalia)...on whatever choice of bread you like. You put the peanut butter on first, then a thin spread of mustard topped with the sliced onions. Enjoy! BTW: on FB, I'm Joanne Gadzinski. I don't use my Google account, but I guess it's the one used on this website. Just the same, it's still me. lol

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  16. The scones look delicious, thanks for sharing the recipe! And thank you for the chance to win!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

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  17. I cant wait to try this recipe. I love this series. I have some really pretty pieces of pink depression glass. dr(dot)oldsmobile(at)icloud(dot)com

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  18. This recipe....yummy.als(at)foxgull(dot)com

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  19. I love the series and will send the recipe to my youngest daughter to play with (she's the baker). I don't know when the local library will get around to buying the new book so I hope I'm your lucky winner.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

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  20. Book sounds great and the scones yummy!! jawdance@yahoo.com

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  21. I love apples and cheddar so this is a must-try recipe. Thanks!
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  22. I love baking scones! This recipe will be the next one I make.
    I really have enjoyed reading your Merry Muffin Mystery series, and the Vintage Kitchen series. Looking forward to the next books.
    janicelbeene@yahoo.com

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  23. LOL!!!! Your scones don't sound too frugal, but they do sound delicious!! sharonquiltsatyahoodotcom

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  24. Those scones look beautiful, Victoria. Welcome back to the Kitchen, and happy congratulations on the publication of the new title in your Merry Muffin Mysteries series! xoxo ~ Cleo

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  25. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep writing this series. I love the stories and ADORE the recipes. I am the person who makes the recipes. Apple scone up next!!!!
    Oneponychick66@hotmail.com

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  26. Scones sound and look delicious.
    Thanks for the recipe and a chance
    to win.
    Carol Smith
    penelope223(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. Great Series, scones good anytime, made anyway!

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  28. Thanks for the great giveaway. Love scones. Janngrogan@yahoo.com

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  29. If I were still able to bake would try the scones. But for now just wish I could taste them Love a good mystery so hooe to win yours.Candykennedy45@gmail.com

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  30. I love the recipe, And I'm thrilled with the opportunity to win your latest. bobwiesmann(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. The scones look delicious and thanks for the tip/reminder about baking powder. I am looking forward to the new book, thanks for the chance to win!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. Looking forward to reading # 5 in the Muffin Mystery series. And the recipe.....just in time for our book club's annual English Tea. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net

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  33. The book and scones sound really great! Thanks for interducing us to them!
    tiggercat24alisha@yahoo.com

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  34. The scones sound delicious and your book sounds like hit. I'd love to read it.Thanks for offering this lovely package for us to win.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  35. You had me at scone, but this raises scones to a whole new level!

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  36. This news to me, too! What a great way to be introduced to your series....win the giveaway, lol! Susan.ringler@gmail.com

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  37. Goodness, those look delish! Thanks for joining us today, Victoria, with a terrific recipe and giveaway!

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  38. I love this series. All your books really. I am about to start Much Ado About Muffin followed by Leave it To Cleaver. The recipe sounds delicious. I also used to think cheddar with apple pie was weird. Although I've never tried it I can see the appeal now that I'm older and my taste have changed somewhat. Thank you so much for the chance to win this lovely prize. musiqmom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. love this series too, am two behind on this one..would love to win..those scones look delicious

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  40. Love this series! I am excited to try this recipe! tmleafs42 (at)yahoo (dot)com

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  41. Thank you so much for the giveaway. I love this series so much.I can't wait to try out this scone, it sounds so delicious.
    daw655(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  42. Although I am trying to eat lower-carb, I still like to make "goodies" now and again, especially for a weekly coffee gathering. These seem like they'd be perfect! I'm also happy to discover another foodie cozy series! beckri1 at yahoo dot com

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  43. I would love to read the book and thanks for the wonderful sounding recipe! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net

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  44. I need this book and a delicious scone to eat while reading!💖 Thanks so much for the chance!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  45. Thank you for the introduction to this series! CFinn75(at)aol(dot)com

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  46. I haven't made scones in forever! Time to change that! Thank you so much for sharing. Meg85242(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. Thanks for sharing the recipe! Thank you for the giveaway! crossxjo @hotmail. com

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  48. My mother loved apple pie for breakfast with a slab of sharp cheddar!

    I can relate to the challenge of baking powder. More than once I've been ready to bake and thought, "It's only a little solid. I'll just chip out a bit and it will be fine!!!"

    You are sneaky with your antiques. You say to roll the dough into a rectangle and cut it, but you made a circle and used a biscuit cutter. I like using a rectangle and then cutting small rectangles. That way there are no bits left over to mush together and re-cut, risking toughening the dough.

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    1. Ooops
      libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  49. This looks delicious. I will have to figure out how to try it.

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  50. I am looking forward to reading yiur books.

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  51. Paula Jacobson
    Those scones look delicious. I have not had a scone before. I love your books.

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  52. paula Jacobson
    forgot my email
    jsjacobson(at)prtel(dot)com

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  53. These scones look scrumptious. Love all the detailed steps you provided. I grew up eating cheddar cheese with my apple pie. Makes my mouth water, thinking about it. My email is ccnaden@yahoo.com
    Best wishes,
    Cyn Naden

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  54. I've never tried savory scones. These look delicious! And your books are on my radar now.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  55. I've only ever had sweet scones
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  56. Thank you for the recipe. These will be on my baking list for the week. They sound like the perfect treat to eat while reading your books!

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  57. Thanks for the recipe and chance to win!

    salvatoresmom71(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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  58. Always on the lookout for a good scone recipe and a good new book. Apples and cheddar go so well together.
    6186pep(at)msn(dot)com

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  59. I love scones! These look & sound tasty!
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  60. Hi Victoria, love the merry muffin books. BTW the knife is a vintage bread knife. Looking forward to reading the new book

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  61. Congratulations on your newest book! Yes, quality ingredients are not cheap, but well worth it in the end. Thank you for the recipe. It sounds yummy!

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  62. I love scones and this looks like an amazing recipe. Can't wait to try it. Congratulations on your new release, I'm looking forward to reading the book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  63. I can't wait to try this recipe in the fall. It sounds so delicious! Looking forward to reading more about Merry. Congrats on your new release! pgenest57 at aol dot com

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  64. I love scones, but always ruin them by over kneading I think. I am really not a fan of apples with cheese, but if you say it works it is worth a try. Thanks for the recipe and the chance to win these great prizes! kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net

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  65. The recipe sounds delightful- can't wait to try it and read the new mystery! Thank you!
    Bethanne0664@gmail.com

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  66. I love scones and these sound delicious. I am also a mystery fanatic and would love to read this Victoria Hamilton book. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  67. I absolutely love cooking and baking and have so enjoyed this series so much. I have a number of treasured vintage cooking and baking tools and each book reminds me of them. I enjoy the recipes a lot and many bring me to my recipes boxes to check on a similar recipe that I am reminded to make again. I feel that portions of each book are like mini trips down Memory Lane with reminders of something that was such a lovely memory. I would be honored to win this giveaway and the mug especially would be a frequent reminder of the great and totally enjoyable reading that I have had and will continue to experience. I am not normally a lucky person with contests but I am planning on keeping my antique ladles crossed just in case it may belp!!!!
    Thank you so my h for the chance to win. Cynthia B

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  68. I love scones and this recipe sounds yummy! Thank you for it and the chance to win a copy of this book! davisel1830(at)hotmail(dot)com.

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  69. That recipe sounds delicious! I'll have to give it a try.
    Thanks so much for the chance at this amazing giveaway. I'd love to read a book from this series. :)
    jackielizn(at)gmail(dot)com

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  70. Series is great.if you haven't read it start now. Worth it. I love scones. Looks like a good recipe

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  71. Love scones but don't bake. However, I'm going to give the recipe to a friend who loves to bake - I'm sure I can talk her into making me a batch.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  72. This recipe sounded so good I wanted to turn on the oven & try them but this is 90+ degree weather so am holding off until winter. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  73. I am excited to read this new one and these scones will be perfect for summer. gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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  74. amy guillaume lindermanJuly 10, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    yum! i make muffins every week. i have lots of my late grandmother's kitchen goodies i use.

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  75. MUFFIN TO FEAR is on my TBR list. It sounds like a great read and one I would greatly enjoy. The recipe for Apple Cheddar Scones with Rosemary sounds to die for. I'd love to try it and just might - and soon. Thanks for the chance to win an awesome giveaway!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  76. These look so good! I'll need to get some good cheddar and try these this weekend.

    I have Muffin to Fear set to download to my Kindle and I can't wait!

    harbingerdc(at)gmail(dot)com

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  77. Scones are a favorite of mine and these look wonderful! The book looks like a sure winner as well ;-)

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  78. These scones look delicious! This book sounds really good too! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
    jtabalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  79. The series is wonderful! Thanks for this opportunity. Just printed the recipe to bake tonight. j(dot)marshall730(at) yahoo(dot)com

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  80. My mouth is watering from that recipe! I love rosemary (used to have a huge rosemary bush, but a long, drought and heat killed it - I may go get another today now) and the combo sounds divine! I also love your vintage tools. Reminds me of my mom's kitchen growing up. :) Thanks for sharing and thanks for the giveaway.

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  81. This recipe sounds amazing! Love your Muffin series! Thanks for the chance!

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  82. The book and the recipe both sound yummy. I can picture myself munching on the scones while reading the book.
    vernagass@gmail.com

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  83. Savory and Sweet! Can't wait to make a batch. Thanks for sharing.

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  84. Hello, all... thank you so much for your wonderful comments and memories! I appreciate it so much. I have chosen my winner from all of your comments. Thank you to the ladies at Mystery Lovers Kitchen for hosting me!

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