Leslie here, delighted to welcome my cousin---really, truly; I'm not being metaphoric---the fabulous Laura Childs, New York Times best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and Scrapbooking Mysteries, and next summer, a new thriller series under her real name, Gerry Schmitt. And it's wonderful that she's talking about her dogs. Dogs play a role in many of her books, and family collie, Duke, was the first dog I ever loved!
Leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win a signed, harcover copy of PARCHMENT AND OLD LACE, the newest Scrapbooking Mystery!
A funny thing happened to me
in the kitchen the other day. My dogs
decided to watch me make scones. These
are two snooty, deign-to-even-take-notice Chinese Shar-Pei named Asia and
Moosha. Yet they seemed delighted when I
measured out all the ingredients, transfixed when I mixed the flour and butter
with my fingers, and sat – staring and immobile – while my scones baked in the
oven. What was the result of all this
kitchen love? A great pan of scones that
was enjoyed by all! (See photo of them
noshing away.) And because I manage to
slip tea drinking and scones into pretty much every mystery I write, I thought
you’d enjoy my basic cream scone recipe.
Basic Cream Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 Tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ cup (1 stick) butter,
chilled and diced
½ cup cream
1 egg
Preheat oven to 400
degrees.
Combine flour, brown sugar,
baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add butter and, using fork or fingers, mix until ingredients form a
coarse meal. hisk egg and cream
together in a separate bowl and then add to flour mixture. Knead gently to thoroughly moisten and form
dough. Add more cream if mixture is too
dry. Drop dough (about a ¼ cup’s worth)
onto lightly greased baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden
brown. Yields 1 dozen scones.
Note:
This is a basic recipe, so you can always toss in a cup of chocolate
chips or butterscotch chips if you prefer your scones a little sweeter!
Leave a comment on this blog post by Sunday, October 11, for a chance to win a signed, hardcover copy of PARCHMENT AND OLD LACE.
Here's the scoop on the newest Scrapbook Mystery, PARCHMENT AND OLD LACE:
In
this cozy-thriller from Laura Childs, scrapbook maven Carmela Bertrand tries to
track down the killer of a young bride-to-be who’s been brutally murdered in a
New Orleans cemetery. Could it be the
conflicted groom, stalker attorney, jealous bridesmaid, or crazy mother-in-law
to be? As Carmela sorts through this
dysfunctional group of suspects, snippets of antique lace and parchment become
critical clues in the case. And it all
comes to an enormous head at a raucous casino party that ends with a frantic
chase through an abandoned theme park. Scrapbooking tips are included along with recipes for Pecan Pie Muffins,
Sweet Potato Casserole, Big Easy Butter Chicken, and more.
Laura
Childs is the New York Times
bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and
Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Little Girl Lost, the first in her new
hard-edged thriller series written under the name Gerry Schmitt, will be out in
June, 2016.
Learn more at www.laurachilds.com Buy the books at Amazon, B&N,
BAM, IndieBound, or your local mystery or independent bookseller.
Love the dogs, the recipe, and the book plot! EMS591@aol.com
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I would have to add butterscotch chips to the recipe; thanks for the chance to win the book :)
ReplyDeletejslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Thank you for sharing your scone recipe for they look great! PARCHMENT AND OLD LACE sounds like a great mystery book. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeletemyrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Laura's Tea Shop Mysteries in Charleston, and now Scrapbooking in New Orleans? I'm in! Cream scones...ooooh, yeah! Thanks for hosting a great giveaway! kat8762@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try a scone. I love this title. I have seen Arsenic and Old Lace as a play many times and also the movie with Cary Grant. I find cozy mysteries tend to have such clever titles. thanks for the giveaway. eeyore722@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe're so delighted to have you visiting our kitchen today Laura! thank you for the scones and dog stories.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. My pleasure!
DeleteLove this series
ReplyDeleteI look forward to this new scrapbooking mystery! I love all of your books and enjoy the characters and settings of each of the series. The scone recipe looks great.
ReplyDeleteWould love to read this. :)
ReplyDeletepmettert@yahoo.com
Looking forward to reading Parchment and Old Lace. Thank you for sharing your scone recipe ... they look great!
ReplyDeletepeggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
The scones and the book look delicious!
ReplyDeleteI like scones but have never tried making them.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.) net
I love scones and always made them in my food processor. It's been forever since I have made any. llcejka at g mail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have read all of the Tea Shop mysteries and loved them. Looking forward to reading these. Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteDella Will have to give this recipe a try. As for the book? Looks interesting. I look forward to getting to know your work. deepotter@peoplepc.com
ReplyDeleteMy son likes scones. I think I will try to make some for him. I'd love to read your book, too. lkish77123 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI just made these. So quick and east. I had some cinnamon chips that I added and we both ate way too many. :)
ReplyDeleteOops! Forgot. harbingerdc(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteCinnamon chips -- what a great idea!
DeleteThe cream scones sound wonderful. And I love this series! lkleback@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get my hands on a copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get my hands on a copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, cousin Laura! Sunday morning is perfect for scones -- for dogs OR humans!
ReplyDeleteI love all of her series, but I am partial to the Scrapbooking series because it is set in my favorite city, New Orleans. I have actually used one of them like a cookbook so much that I had to get a new one for my shelf, because I keep them all. Carmela's crab cake recipe is awesome. dr(dot)oldsmobile(at)icloud(dot)com
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the crab cake recipe!
DeleteI love your books and look forward,to trying the scone recipe. I'll probably add some berries to them. The new series sounds wonderful and can't wait to pre-order it! Jenndian at gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteI adore all your books, have read every single one of them!!!! Can't wait for the new series.
ReplyDeletesharonquiltsatyahoodotcom
I love the title of this book. I love mysteries, and this series look great.
ReplyDeletebluedawn95864 at gmail dot com
Have never tried making scones. pwtish171@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love this book, the delectable scones which are my favorite treat of all, and this great series. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe series and the scones both sound wonderful. I would love to try both. elainehroberson@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love Laura Childs Tea Shop and Cackleberry Series! Thanks so much for the yummy recipie!
ReplyDeleteI love Laura Childs Tea Shop and Cackleberry Series! Thanks so much for the yummy recipie!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried scones, but I've wanted to. Ie joy all three of your series. suefoster109@netzero.net
ReplyDeleteI love scones and cannot wait to try this recipe! Cream scones are also good with cinnamon chips added in~Thanks for sharing the recipe and for the giveaway! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteAmazing author and delightful cozies.
ReplyDeleteI love scones and have a bottle of clotted cream from Devonshire on hajd so will be making these. !!! Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love scones and have a bottle of clotted cream from Devonshire on hajd so will be making these. !!! Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove Laura's books and excited about the new thriller series!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book! I like the title of the book and the scone recipe looks really good and easy to make. Thank you for the chance to win. crossxjo @hotmail com
ReplyDeleteYou need to read this series for the food alone. I love scones, thanks for what seems to be a very doable recipe. And cannot wait for the new thriller series. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletesallycootie@gmail.com
Have always wanted to find a fool-proof scone recipe! And are you two really cousins!?! How fun. Thanks so much for the chance to win the new scrapbooking book--a favorite series of mine!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
We are most definitely cousins!
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful recipe to try. I'm sure my sweet old-lady dog Molly would love to sample them. She once ate half a birthday cake off the counter where it was cooling, and once managed to snag a dozen or so peanut butter cookies, also cooling on the counter. Definitely a dog with a sweet tooth. rencw@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteLove the series! Thanks for the chance to win this one!
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
I love scones and that recipe sounds easy enough for me to try. I can already picture me reading a good cozy, eating a scone, and sipping tea. Thanks for the contest--I'd love to win.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Love your books. The recipe sounds delish.
ReplyDeleteDiscriminating dogs, for sure!
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Thanks for the recipe and the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesharonbabyme@yahoo.com
Love your dog's and thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeletePugpower63@gmail.com
Love your dog's and thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeletePugpower63@gmail.com
By the way, both Laura and I are among the 11 authors featured in the Cozy Cookbook, with recipes and excerpts from mysteries by some of your favorite authors!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness ! I am so looking forward to this book ! I can't wait to try the recipe also ! kathambre@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHurrah for this recipe. Love your books!
ReplyDeleteThis scone recipe looks yummy! I love her Tea shop series. I haven't read this one but it does sound good in your review. I'm definitely going to try it out.
ReplyDeletebpwoodfield@gmail.com
What a delightful book, scones that I would love with tea and a new series which interests me greatly. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love books set in New Orleans. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of getting scrapbooking tips and recipes along with good thriller. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity,
ReplyDelete6186pep(at)msn(dot)com
Great recipe with low sugar content. I will try it soon! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books.
ReplyDeletedavisel1830@hotmail.com
Great recipe with low sugar content. I will try it soon! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books.
ReplyDeletedavisel1830@hotmail.com
Great recipe, definitely going to try it! The book looks amazing! Thank you for the opportunity to win this!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this book. And will surely try the yummy recipe.
ReplyDeletethank you, I will be sharing the recipe.....
ReplyDeletealso thank you for the giveaway...
cyn209 at juno dot com
Love all your series. Can't wait to read this one and your new one coming out. Thanks for the chance to win. This was a great post and the recipe must be good since the dogs sat still for it to bake. doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThe recipe for the scones looks delicious. I'm not a big scrapbooker but I do enjoy making memory cards for family and friends. It is similar to doing scrapbooking but on a smaller scale. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove scones! Love Laura Childs' writing. Would love to own this latest book.
ReplyDeleteYour books are delightful. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment. I'm no whiz in the kitchen, but I will make this scone recipe. Wish me well! Hharra
ReplyDeleteI love her tea shop series and look forward to her new series.
ReplyDeleteI love scones but have not been real successful making ones that I really like. I will be trying this recipe. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
I love all three series...and the scones...and dogs. Thanks for the chance to win. Dmskrug3 at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading Parchment and Old Lace. Thank you for the scone recipe. Have a great week! Doodlesink@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy BFF had left a plate of scones cooling on the kitchen table. When she returned from answering the phone, her two Great Pyrenees were polishing off the scones.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com.
"Mmm! Great dog treats, Mom!"
DeleteLove that it's a basic scone recipe. You add things based on season and personal taste. I enjoy reading your books also.
ReplyDeletebobntoni@aol.com
Usually enjoy reading this series, one of the first cozy series I ever tried. The scone recipe looks yummy and easy enough even for me. Thanks for the recipe & the giveaway! book__wyrm@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing better than homemade baked goods! Can't wait to try this recipe. Thank you. Joan jsomers421@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYour scone recipe sounds amazing and I would love to read your book! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteOh Laura how I love your Cackleberry Club series! I've read them all & they never disappoint. I'm looking forward to your next one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting today & for a chance to win in the give-a-way!
sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com
This series is the only one I havent read all of. Will have to rectify that! Wow so cool that two amazing authors are cousins. It sure must run in the family. I love scones and would have them every day if I could. will have to try this recipe!! Thanks a ton. kayt18 at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteOh and the fact that you both loves dogs makes you even more special!!
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you, Kay! I'm so thrilled to see how many of you love Laura aka Gerry and her books as much as I do! (I would say I've looked up to her all my life, but any of you who have met us both would laugh -- I shot past her and her sister at about 13!)
DeleteI can't wait to make the scones for my lady friends. I have read all of the Tea
ReplyDeleteShop Mysteries and the Cackleberry Mysteries so now I am looking for to the Scrapbook Mysteries. I have all ready marked my June calendar for Little Girl Lost. Thank you for this contest opportunity. penguingram142@yahoo.com
Thanks! rhondajgothier@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to reading this and the recipe sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try my hand at making scones and your recipe has inspired me to just do it! You are a new author for me! I'm looking forward to reading your books! Thanks for the giveaway! dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net
ReplyDeleteLeslie Budzwitz you and your cousin Laura Childs both do great writing. Love your books, slpetera@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMight try them with cinnamon chips. cmori54 (at) yahoo (dot) com
ReplyDeleteNever knew how to make scones. Thanks! Love the cover of the book.
ReplyDeletejawdance@yahoo.com
Love this series. Cinnamon chips sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeletegibsonbk at hiwaay dot net
I love scones how fun..I will try the recipe. Your book sounds fantastic and I would love to read it. Thanks for the contest...
ReplyDeleteMarilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I love the series but have never tried to make scones. Thank you for you the recipe!
ReplyDeleteafarage at earthlink dot net
Thanks to all of you for such wonderful, heartwarming comments. I wish I could sit down and share tea and scones with everyone! (But no dogs this time, just us.) Take care and be sure to enter the book giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOur family loves scones. I often mix bits of dried apricots bits into my batter. I enjoy several of your series, this is one of them. Added the book to my TBR wish list. servedogmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing to offer books in hardcover. I recently tried your scrapbooking series and love the characters, settings and of course the recipes ! I would enjoy winning your signed hardcover copy !
ReplyDeleteBonnie (bmalic610@yahoo.com)
I'd love a chance to win and start reading a new series! Thanks! (And I'm looking forward to trying the recipe!) :)
ReplyDeleteawilcox1182@gmail.com
I love all Laura's books. I would love to read this one.
ReplyDeleteScones with butterscotch chips = Yum! I've made a lot of scones in my day, but I do not remember one with brown sugar. Looks like a great recipe. Thank you :D
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Laura Childs books when I started reading her tea shop mysteries. I was ecstatic to discover that she had other series. The recipe sounds delicious, I love a good scone. I might add cinnamon chips when I try out the recipe. :-)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to post my email: hcomet98@gmail.com. I thought about the scone recipe and will try dried apples plus cinnamon chips.
ReplyDeleteHaley
I literally, just tried to explain the unbelievable perfection of all of Laura Child's series, to my son-in-law, yesterday. While reading her books, you can close your eyes, and taste, feel, and "see" what your character is experiencing. You become part of the story, in your mind. You can't wait to experience with them, all the other characters, and figure out who might hurt "you," or more realistically, them, before its too late.
ReplyDeleteI would live to win this book. Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDelete