Sunday, October 22, 2017

Welcome guest author Kate Carlisle + book #giveaway

Homemade Garden Rolls ala Kate Carlisle, Author of Eaves of Destruction

Kate Carlisle is the New York Times bestselling author of the Bibliophile Mysteries and the Fixer-Upper Mysteries. Kate's Fixer-Upper Mystery series is being brought to the small screen by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, starring Jewel and Colin Ferguson. The latest book in the series is EAVES OF DESTRUCTION, available November 7. Read Chapter 1 for free at www.KateCarlisle.com.

BOOK GIVEAWAY DETAILS BELOW!

Take it away, Kate!

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I'm always honored when Mystery Lovers Kitchen invites me to spend the day with you, but slightly intimidated, too, because the truth is, I don't cook much. More now than I used to, when we lived closer to lots of restaurants, but I tend to carefully follow recipes written by someone else. Since I'm an author, I have an overdeveloped sense of respect for other people's intellectual property, which means I don't want to share someone else's recipe on a public forum like this.

So… every time I come here, I create a brand new recipe inspired by two or three recipes I find online.

Are you impressed?

My goal each time is to create a recipe that is somehow inspired by my latest book which, this time around, is Eaves of Destruction, Fixer-Upper Mystery 5.

Shannon is hired by rival homeowners who will do anything to win Best in Show in Lighthouse Cove's annual Victorian Home and Garden Tour—until murder throws a wrench in the works. The small town’s corrupt building inspector is found dead on one of Shannon’s jobsites, and plenty of suspects come out of the woodwork. It's up to Shannon to nail down the details and build a case against the killer.

Home and Garden Tour… Home and Garden Show… Homemade Garden Rolls!!!

This recipe was inspired by a very clumsy homonym. Hey, I'm a writer. That's the way I roll—pardon the pun.

Homemade Garden Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Peanut Dipping Sauce:

¾ cup peanut butter
½ cup hot tap water

3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
3 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Tabasco
2 cloves garlic, minced

Whisk together all ingredients. Add more hot tap water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Garden Rolls:

10 spring roll wrappers (aka rice paper)
2 small avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
½ carrot, cut into matchsticks
½ cucumber, cut into matchsticks
¼ red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
½ cup bean sprouts
4 green onions with tops, sliced or cut into matchsticks
½ cup cabbage, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh basil, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro, sliced
Cooked and diced meat, if desired (pork, chicken, or shrimp)

If you don't like any of the vegetables mentioned above, then use whatever you like. This really is an "anything goes" kind of recipe. One very popular herb used in spring rolls is mint, so you might want to try that, too.


Fill a shallow bowl that is wider than the spring roll wrappers with warm water. Lay one wrapper in the water for 15 seconds, then move it to a wet plate. Place approximately ½ cup of mixed vegetables and meat, if using, on the side of the wrapper that's closest to you. Roll once, keeping it as tight as possible, tucking in the filling. Fold the edges of the wrapper toward the center, then continue rolling like a burrito. The rice paper feels delicate, but it's stronger than it seems. Just be careful not to let it stick to itself. You'll get the hang of it quickly.

Set aside and cover with a damp towel while you continue to wrap the rest of the garden rolls. No cooking is required. Serve with peanut dipping sauce.

Note: you should be able to find spring roll wrappers or rice paper in the Asian/international section of your grocery store. If not, you can buy them online. This is the kind I used:



Have you ever made spring rolls before? If so, how did they turn out? If not, does this recipe inspire you to give it a try?

GIVEAWAY!


Kate is offering a copy of DECK THE HALLWAYS, the #4th book in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series plus a Fixer-Upper Mystery measuring tape to one commenter. Remember to leave your email address (even cryptically) so we can contact you if you win.   

Remember you can touch base with Kate here:

www.katecarlisle.com
www.facebook.com/KateCarlisleBooks
and on twitter:  @katecarlisle

121 comments:

  1. I have not tried my hand at spring rolls yet, but this recipe does look like something I could do. I am having my daughter's birthday party this weekend, I think I might just give them a try! Thank you for sharing. konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I think they'd be great for a kids' party! You might want to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist until it's time to eat. I refrigerated leftovers with a damp paper towel, too, and ate them the next day, so they will last.

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    2. Great tip, thank you! It's almost time, we'll see how they turn out...I'm a little nervous.

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  2. Welcome, Kate! I've never made spring rolls before, but I definitely want to try, with this great recipe. EMS591@aol.com

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    1. I don't know... with "NoVeggieGirl" as part of your name, this might not be your favorite. LOL

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    2. I always have to explain myself.... The NoVeggieGirl part has nothing to do with vegetables. I eat vegetables daily. The name is an inside joke with my blog readers, back when I DID blog - after I stopped blogging, people were still calling me by my blog name (VeggieGirl). I kept telling people, "It's Liz - no VeggieGirl anymore." So that's it. I hope Kate Carlisle reads this.

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  3. Hi Kate! I love this series...we are do it your self-ers...and I get a kick out of Shannon ...the3beersus (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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    1. Thank you, SueAnn! Shannon is definitely a woman who does for herself. ;) Including solving murders. LOL

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  4. I have never tried to make spring rolls, I am not a very good cook :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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    1. Me, either, but these were really easy! Less about cooking than about hand-eye coordination (though I've never been super at that, either, unfortunately. LOL)

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  5. I've never made spring rolls and have no intention of making any but will happily eat any that someone makes for me!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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    1. LOL!!! You sound like me! In my bio on my website, I confess that I enjoy watching other people cook. ;)

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  6. I have never made spring rolls before you make it look easy!jcook22@yahoo.com

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    1. I was surprised by how easy they were! And fast if you're only making a couple. I was making them for a dinner party of six, so it took a bit of time because they're fiddly.

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  7. I’m really not too interested in spring rolls. However, I do love your books and would love to win. sue foster109 at gmail dot com.

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  8. I've never made spring rolls before, but your recipe sounds good. If only I didn't have to do the prepping! minishoes(at)msn(dot)com

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    1. You could buy a bag of coleslaw veggies, and then just add avocado. That would cut way back on the prep time.

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  9. I have made some rolls very similar to these. My 10 and 11 year olds helped and had great fun. suzyhubert at gmail dot com

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    1. What a fun family project! I bet helping with dinner makes them more willing to eat new things, too. Smart mom.

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  10. I love spring rolls but I've never tried making my own. Thanks! lorilyn@gmail.com

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    1. If you give them a try, come to my Facebook page to let me know how you liked them, Lori-Lyn. :) www.facebook.com/katecarlislebooks

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  11. Great recipe. I love your books and was excited to see you as today's guest.

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    1. Aw, thank you, Jenn! That makes me feel warm and welcome. <3

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  12. I've never tried spring rolls but they look like some thing I could make for our book club meeting. We always bring treats to share and I'm always looking for some thing new to bring. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net

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    1. Oh, yes, these would be terrific for a book club meeting. They're the opposite of junk food, but they're still really fun to eat.

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  13. amy guillaume lindermanOctober 22, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    i have never tried making them, but i love to eat them! the book looks great! aelinderman (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I hope you'll love EAVES OF DESTRUCTION. Only two weeks left!

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  14. #4 looks to be a great read. Thanks for the recipe. I had thought to try a spring roll recipe last summer. But could find no rice paper, etc. Here in our small town. And since it was summer, used lettuce leaves and items that did not require cooking. I like this recipe. We will definitely be giving it a try. Thanks. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc (dot) com

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    1. If you use Amazon, you can order the rice paper from there. It lasts a loooong time--as in, a couple years, I think. I just kept the extras in their package and then put the package inside a Ziploc. Enjoy!

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  15. Interesting recipe; not sure if I’ll try it or not because hubby wouldn’t touch them. But would love to win the book! Thanks for the chance! kathys2014@icloud.com

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    1. They make an impressive appetizer when you have guests, but I completely understand wanting to take your husband's likes into account. :)

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  16. I have never tried making spring rolls, but I have tried to make wontons, and lets just say they were a complete disaster LOL.. this sounds a lot easier to make, and I look forward to giving them a try. Thank you for the great recipe, and for the chance to win this fabulous giveaway. lilyanngill56(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I've never tried making wontons, but I suspect they're a lot more difficult than this. :) Hope you enjoy the garden rolls, Lily!

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  17. thank you for the recipe- I want to try them rstephen8103@sbcglobal.net

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  19. Thanks for the recipe. Now I can make them!
    donnaing1@gmail.com

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    1. Let me know how they turn out, Donna! You can contact me via my website, KateCarlisle.com. <3

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  20. I'm ashamed to admit that I only own 3 of the fixer upper books. But I do own 4 of her Bibliophile books. So once again I'm hoping to add a Kate Carlisle novel to my burgeoning home library.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. You have almost all of the Fixer-Upper Mysteries, then, Nora. Nothing to be ashamed about! :D I'm up to 11 Bibliophile Mysteries, though, so you have some fun catching up to do there.

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  21. How fun! Would love to win.
    clarksrfun at gmail dot com

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  22. I have never made spring rolls before but they seem simple enough. Thanks for the recipe and the giveaway. Kuzlin at aol.com

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    Replies
    1. They are surprisingly simple. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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  23. I've never made spring rolls but I have eaten them!! A lot...joanie13b@outlook.com

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  24. I really enjoy this series & pre-order them as soon as they are available. Carolbostian at aol

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  25. Kate, thanks so much for joining us! Love this series. ~ Daryl

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  26. I love your fixer uper series. Looking forward to the newest edition and many more.

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    1. Thank you so much! Your comment makes me very happy on this Sunday morning. I appreciate it.

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  27. Thank you for the wonderful healthy recipe that will be going in my future meal plan and the opportunity to win not only an awesome book but my favorite genres Christmas AND a cozy!! Thank you very much and thank you for the wonderful series!
    Heather6008 at gmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Heather! Enjoy the food and the books. <3

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  28. I love Kate's fixer upper series. I'm sure the latest will be great too. I've never tried spring rolls but after seeing your recipe I may have to try them. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Robin. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the Fixer-Upper Mysteries. It's a dream come true for me to write two ongoing mystery series.

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  29. Never tried to made. But may try in the future.
    judytucker1947@gmail.com

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    1. If you do, I hope you'll love them. Truly like biting into springtime.

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  30. I have never made spring rolls before and admit they have always intimidated me a bit. I may have to try these though, especially since they're an "anything goes" type thing. I roll that way too, I guess, and can't wait to read your newest fixer upper story!!
    Dawn Halverson (dmhalverson529 at gmail dot com)


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    1. Yes, I love "anything goes" recipes, too. Not only does it let you get creative, but it lets you make do with whatever is in your fridge. LOL As long as you have the wrappers on-hand, you're golden.

      I hope you'll love EAVES OF DESTRUCTION. You can read Chapter 1 for free at KateCarlisle.com, if you'd like to try before you buy.

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  31. I would love to make spring rolls since they look so appetizing. Everyone would enjoy these delectable healthy treats. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Especially since they can be made to taste--just use vegetables that the person likes. :)

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  32. No, I have never tried Spring Rolls, eating them or making them. They do not appeal to my 'limited' tastes, lol.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  33. Love your books! Thanks for this chance! kpgirl613(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. I adore this type of fresh spring roll. Have been making them for years and particularly love eating them on hot summer days. My Peanut Sauce needs work and am thrilled that you shared one here. Will be trying your recipe!
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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    1. I'd love to know what you think, Lil. You can contact me via my website, KateCarlisle.com

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  35. I have eaten spring rolls but have never made them. I love watching this series on the hallmark channel. I would love to win this book. I really enjoy your bibliophile series. Thanks for a chance to win. crossxjo @hotmail. com

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    1. Thank you! I am thrilled with the series on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, too. Jewel and Colin Ferguson do me proud as Shannon and Mac. And the settings are just so glorious, aren't they? They found the perfect lighthouse to represent Lighthouse Cove. They've filmed the third Fixer-Upper Mystery movie. It should air in March. Meanwhile, I hope you'll enjoy the books!

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  36. I love spring rolls and make them quite often , it usually comes out good. I have never used rice paper though. Sounds great. Will definitely try it.

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    1. With what do you make them, Nisha? I'm intrigued.

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  37. Love to eat them but never have tried to make them. Love your books
    Kellyreece@hotmail.com

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    1. Thank you, Kelly. That means a lot to me. I appreciate it.

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  38. I will be making Spring Rolls for the family. SO good. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. Looks like an easy and delicious recipe. Thanks for sharing. grandmothergoose(at)kc.rr.com

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    1. You're welcome, Shirley. Thank you for stopping by!

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  41. No, I have not made spring rolls before, you inspire me. I think I will have to give these a try. I am very impressed! :) They sound awesome! katpeel@msn.com

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    1. Yay! Trust me, it isn't often that I impress someone with my cooking. ;)

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  42. I am so looking forward to reading the next installments in both your series.
    Loved them all. Mgengels@gmail.com.

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    1. Thank you, Mary! I just turned in revisions on the next Bibliophile Mystery, BURIED IN BOOKS. ;)

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  44. I haven't made them but now want to!

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  45. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com awesome series

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    1. Thank you, Donamae. I'm so glad you think so. <3

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  46. These are such works of art. I've had some with edible flowers put in first so they are on top when you turn them over to serve.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. What a great idea! I never would've thought of that.

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  47. I've never made spring rolls, but this looks an easy recipe to follow. :)
    mustangsally616 @ yahoo dot com

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    1. It really is, and totally guilt-free eating since they're so healthy.

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  48. I've just started Treble at Jam Fest. Two thumbs up!

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    1. Thank you for the recommendation. Leslie Budewitz is terrific.

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  49. Love the series. I like spring rolls, but I've never attempted to make them. Dianne
    jademoss17@gmail.com

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    1. You'll be so surprised by how easy they are, Dianne. Have fun!

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  50. Enjoy making spring rolls with my nieces.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  51. I've never made spring rolls before. I've just always let the experts make them for me.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. I like soring rolls and might be tempted to try. Sounds easy enough. Candykennedy45@gmail.com

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    1. Easy and delicious, Candy. I especially like to include avocado in mine because I like the contrast of textures.

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  53. Hi Kate, the spring rolls look really amazing. I don't cook much, so I probably won't make them. Looking forward to reading your new book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. Never made spring rolls. Love reading cozy mysteries. Thanks for the chance.
    im2early4u(at)gmail(dot)com

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  55. I have never made spring rolls. They do seem easy but I'm more inclined to get them out somewhere.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. They're delicious no matter where you get them! :D

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  56. Eaves of Destruction sounds like an awesome book but I'd expect nothing less from author, Kate Carlisle. I love her books!

    The recipe for garden rolls with peanut dipping sauce sounds to DIE for! :)

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy of DECK THE HALLWAYS + a Fixer Upper Mystery measuring tape!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, Kay. That is so sweet of you to say!

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  57. Never have tried, but love to eat them! parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com

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  58. The rolls look yummy. I think I could read while eating them! Would love your fixer upper mystery. Sandieherron (at) Comcast (dot) net. Thanks!

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  59. I got hungry reading the recipe so I think I need to try it. The peanut dipping sauce sounds tasty. Harder than I thought it would be to find a good one that doesn't just taste like weird peanut butter. Thanks for the giveaway. Looking forward to the new book and enjoying the movies as well.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  60. I've never had these before but they look good. email is sueboyd15@gmail.com thank you

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  61. I can't wait to give this recipe a try. And I love the Fixer Upper Mysteries
    michelleschultz92(at) gmail(dot) com

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  62. I have never made spring rolls but this makes me want to try. They look great.
    Sjgolding@sbcglobal.net

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  63. Mmm. I love fresh spring rolls. That looks great. Thanks for the recipe.

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  64. Love spring rolls but I'd be the only one eating them, hubs not a fan of Chinese food. I also love both the Fixer Up series and Bibliophile series. Would love to add a tape measure to book related collection. woodwardmk1@att.net

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  65. Now I am Hungary for Spring Rolls/love them. I've never made them and might try this. Thanks for sharing the recipe
    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net


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