Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Luscious easy French custard #recipe + #giveaway from author @DarylWoodGerber


It's here. At least the cover is!
 The first French Bistro Mystery!!  
A DEADLY ÉCLAIR.
The books comes out November 2017!! 
You can pre-order on your choice of sites 
(indie, Amazon, B&N, etc. 
via my website links HERE
BUT the ebook pre-order isn't up yet. 
Not sure why... scratching head...  
I'll give a shout out when it is!


From Daryl aka Avery:

This is the first book in the FRENCH BISTRO MYSTERIES, featuring Mimi Rousseau, who owns a French bistro and the neighboring bed-and-breakfast, set in Napa Valley. (More below...)

Do you see the darling SCOUNDREL, a gray and white mouser, on the cover? You can't miss the éclairs! The artist is the same artist who painted my Cheese Shop and Cookbook Nook covers. Am I lucky or what?!

If you leave a comment at the end of the post, 
I'll be giving away a pretty wine-themed tea towel to celebrate the cover reveal!

So I was testing recipes for  A DEADLY ÉCLAIR...yes, I test recipes...and I made a delicious gluten-free éclair. Yes, gluten-free. The recipe will be in the book.

Anyway, I was making the custard for the inside of the éclair, and it took a couple of tries. One was the "easy" fast way (okay, the cheater's way) of making custard. Then I made it the authentic (cooked) way. Both were delicious. The authentic way recipe will be in the book.  :)

Today, I'm sharing the easy one because this turned out so good, and I had so much left over that I poured it into dessert ramekins and served to family. They loved it.

Here's a snippet about A DEADLY ÉCLAIR:

It’s always been Mimi Rousseau’s dream to open her own bistro, but it seems beyond her grasp since she’s been chased back home to Nouvelle Vie in Napa Valley by her late husband’s tremendous debt. Until her best friend Jorianne James introduces her to entrepreneur Bryan Baker who invests in promising prospects. Now, working the bistro and inn until she’s able to pay it off and call it her own, Mimi is throwing the inn’s first wedding ever.

The wedding will be the talk of the town, as famous talk show host Angelica Edmonton, daughter of Bryan’s half-brother, Edison, has chosen the inn as her perfect venue. Anxious, Mimi is sure things are going to turn south, especially when Edison gets drunk and rowdy at the rehearsal dinner, but by the evening, things begin to look up again. That is until morning rolls around, and Bryan is found dead with an éclair stuffed in his mouth. And the fingers point at Mimi, whose entire loan is forgiven in the event Bryan died.


Now it’s up to Mimi to clear her name and get to the bottom of things before the killer turns up the heat again.


EASY VANILLA CUSTARD

 (Serves 4-8, depending on dessert dish size)

5-ounce box instant vanilla pudding (make sure it’s gluten-free)
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

In a small bowl, make vanilla pudding by combining pudding mix and milk. Let it firm up in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.

Place heavy whipping cream in stand mixer (or a regular bowl, which is what I did) and whip it at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t over whip or it will turn into butter.

Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla with the whipped cream.  Now fold in the chilled vanilla pudding.

That’s it!

Pour into 4- or 6-ounce ramekins or dessert dishes. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill.


This keeps for about 4-5 days.



Make pudding
Whip cream, just to a small peak

Pour into ramekins

Serve!

Giveaway

I'm giving away this darling wine-themed tea towel to one commenter. 
So answer me this...do you tell your friends and family 
to buy books you've read? 
Or to look for those books at a library or bookstore? 
You all know that word of mouth is one of the best ways 
to get the news out about a release, right? 
Leave your email so I can contact you if you win!


Savor the mystery!

*
Friend Daryl and Avery on Facebook
Follow Daryl on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Follow both of us on Pinterest
Plus check out my website.

A DEADLY ÉCLAIR, the 1st in the French Bistro Mysteries, is coming November 2017. Can Mimi clear her name before the killer turns up the heat? Click here to order.











GRILLING THE SUBJECT, the 5th Cookbook Nook Mystery, is out!
The Wild West Extravaganza has come to Crystal Cove.
Click here to order.









FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE, the 7th Cheese Shop Mystery is out!
Finally there's going to be a cheese festival in Providence!
Click to order.










GIRL ON THE RUN, a stand-alone suspense is out!
When a fairytale fantasy night becomes a nightmare, 
Chessa Paxton must run for her life...but will the truth set her free? 
Click to order




80 comments:

  1. I always recommend books I read to friends and family! I am fortunate to have many who love to read as much as I do and we are always telling each other about new authors, good books, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, definitely! I always recommend books to friends and family (both to purchase and to find at the local library). EMS591@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Many of my family and friends are readers and recommendations is how we usually choose what to read next. I have a Pinterest board of Must Reads and Favorite Series I always pin to, another way to share book choices. amysue511@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy, what a fun board to create on Pinterest. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  4. I tell my friends, my book group, my librarian - and I pass the books along to those same people. Get them to read the first book - and they will track down the rest! pjcoldren@tm.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PJ, I agree. If someone gets hooked on a series, they usually want to read the whole set! I did that with Nancy Drew. :) ~ Daryl

      Delete
  5. I always share what I'm reading. If I'm carrying a tote with the books theme or authors name, that's a perfect conversation starter! Jill Broussard; minishoes@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Books are definitely conversation starters! Covers or titles lure people in. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  6. My family and friends and I always trade books and recommend books to one another. I have friends all over the country who discuss book preferences all the time and it is so enjoyable.i have learned about books from others that I would never have read had I not been told specifically about these books.
    I am so excited about the French Bistro series. Really great news. Thank you. Cynthia B
    ceblain AT tmlponline DOT net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cynthia. I think it's wonderful when people recommend books to one another. Opening new worlds... ~ Daryl

      Delete
  7. If I like a book I'll recommend it to a friend who likes similar books.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's always the trick, knowing which friends like which genre! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  8. Yes! I have different friends to whom I recommend different books, based on our shared preferences. Love this wine towel - my friend and I do a wine trail trip every summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deborah, what fun. Do you go to different wine areas? ~ Daryl

      Delete
  9. I suggest books I enjoy to friends & family. Sometimes I go ahead & purchase them a copy, since I know everyone's TBR list is long.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love to recommend books! I got my bff to start reading cozies! She has several of your books! Mommatoodle at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pam, how nice to hear! Send hugs to your bff from me. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  11. I do recommend books to friends. Thanks for the chance. Janngrogan@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I got started on cozies many years ago with a recommendation and I continue to return that favor by recommending books/authors/ series. I am moving into an independent living apartment in a month, and my kitchen will be wine themed, so that tea towel will fit right in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P.S. e-mail is jomum01@frontiernet.net

      Delete
    2. Joni, how nice that a friend (or librarian) recommended cozies to you! I'm thrilled you're enjoying them. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  13. I am a reader so that means letting many friends and family know what I recommend. I am a big patron of the local library. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Traveler, being a patron is so important. Going to the events and supporting a library is vital! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  14. My sister and I faithfully followed our mother's recipe, but the custard never tasted like hers. Totally by accident, we realized she forgot to mention the ouzo she had added. Delicious custard now! christinegentes@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christine, LOL! How could she forget that?!! I'm so glad you figured it out. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  15. amy guillaume lindermanMarch 29, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    i love sharing what i have read and loaning books to family and friends. aelinderman@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy, nice. Get them started and they'll find a new love. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  16. I have a couple friends that like the same genres that I do so we're always comparing notes as to what is good.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that fun, Sue? It doesn't have to be a book club. Just a group of friends... ~ Daryl

      Delete
  17. I love tea towels and collect them!!! I am really looking forward to this series Food and a cat are my favorite combination!!! Love culinary cozys!!!
    Oneponychick66@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You collect them? How fun is that! I USE them. LOL ~ Daryl

      Delete
  18. Your vanilla custard looks so creamy and delicious! The best book recommendations I receive are usually by word of mouth. When my sister-in-law and I get together, we make lists of books the other has enjoyed. I love telling my friends about great books and series, and I'm even getting my Mom, a die-hard romance reader, to start reading cozies! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Celia, what fun for your mom. To read a new genre and find joy in it! Yay! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  19. I work in a bookstore and I constantly recommend your titles. And by the way, you always have the cutest book covers!!

    johnnabooks(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Johnna, that is delightful to hear! Thanks!! I do love my book covers. Teresa Fasolino is the artist. So talented! ~ Daryl

      Delete
    2. FYI, here is her Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/Teresa-Fasolino-Art-1633645610223341/

      Delete
  20. Congratulations on the newest book baby!
    I tell friends and pass on my copies.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  21. I always recommend books that I enjoy to family and to friends. In addition, I support my local library with an annual gift so that others may also enjoy books that they may not have the funds to purchase.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops! Forgot the email casmith79(at)aol(dot)com

      Delete
  22. cjreynolds52@comcast.netMarch 29, 2017 at 1:26 PM

    I do share my recommendations with friends and family. I love browsing bookstores and Facebook for new suggestions.
    cjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Going to a bookstore is one of my greatest joys! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  23. My friends and family always hear about the great books I read. Love the internet as I find really great books and be authors who write the great books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sharing, that's so great to hear! The Internet has brought authors personally into reader's homes. I love that! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  24. I love to recommend books that I have enjoyed to friends and will even offer to lend a book if I think I might actually get it back someday! rebarger@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am always telling friends and family about great books that I've read including making those books birthday or holiday gifts. I got my sister into Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery, my mom into Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mystery, and a colleague loves your Avery Ames' Cheese Shop Mystery. I can't wait for this new series...I love all things French...food, bistros, cafes, etc.
    kat8762(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I always recommend all the books I read and usually share them if they haven't been borrowed from the library. I can't wait until the new book is out!!
    tiggercat24alisha@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I enjoy recommending authors and their books to my friends and families. It also makes great conversation when in a group. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I tell all my reader friends when I find a good read..share my books when I can part with them ...sooooo hard!!! Jchizmar01@windstream.net

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'll recommend books to friends, or lend them if they live nearby. A friend in Arizona and I exchange books for Christmas each. Your new series sounds like something she'd enjoy. As for shortcut custard, I used to cheat and use instant pudding for the middle of Boston cream pie.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'm always talking about the books I'm reading and have read...to everyone who will listen! If I can trust them, I'll share my copy. If not I suggest they buy it or check it out at the library. I'm very particular about my books and don't play nice if someone cracks a spine or bends a page. I've also been known to buy multiple copies of the same book to share with people. There is one series I think I've bought 4 times now, the most recent being for an auction because I love it so much I want someone completely new to experience it!
    awilcox1182@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I give books to friends and family who appreciate it greatly. I recommend books so that they can benefit as well. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. The custard sounds delicious! Can't wait for the new book!donamaekutaka7@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. If I think I have read a book that someone else would enjoy, I do recommend them reading it too. lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  34. I used to recommend books to friends who I knew read but since I'm now unemployed I can't do that anymore. Not many o my friends or family read books. Joann_Lord@excite.com.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Always! Whether loaning out my own, or sending friends to the library, I enjoy sharing my favorite reads with them! Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com





    ReplyDelete
  36. Yes, I definitely let my friends know about books and authors that I like. My sister and I share our books since we like reading the same type of books.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How fun to read what your sister reads. My sister and I have completely different tastes! LOL ~Daryl

      Delete
  37. 100% I tell friends,and family. Toni70027@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I tell friends, share posts on facebook, buy books for friends and the library as well. I am so happy you were lucky enough to get the same artist. I love the cover. Have this pre-ordered already as I only read real books, lol. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net
    thanks for the chance to win the cute towel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kay, thank you. I'm so glad you read real books. Me, too, though I have been known to read on an e-reader and my computer when that's all I can "get." :) ~ Daryl

      Delete
  39. I always talk about the books I'm reading. I share on FB often when the book reviews are up and also when on sale. kckendler at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen, nice to know! FB has really opened up the world for so many. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  40. I tell friends about books I enjoy. Your new series sounds awesome. Can't wait to read it. vlhcats@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm always sharing my book list with friends and book clubs. If they can't find them then I let them read my copies.
    judytucker1947@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What fun it is to have a book club. Lucky you, Judy! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  42. Very much share. Where's the fun if you don't share? You won't be able to discuss the pros and cons. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep! It's fun to discuss a book just like it's fun to discuss a movie. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  43. Books are fun to talk about! I also like to talk about new authors I find! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I always tell my friends and family about my reads. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Yes, I have recommended many books to friends.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I always recommend books to friend, sometimes I will ever buy them a copy if I want them to read it and then share about the reading experience. cmeier2001@live.com

    ReplyDelete