Sunday, September 3, 2017

Welcome guest author Liz Mugavero + book #giveaway


Liz Mugavero is the author of the Agatha-nominated Pawsitively Organic Gourmet Pet Food Mysteries: Kneading to Die, A Biscuit, A Casket, The Icing on the Corpse, Murder Most Finicky, and Custom Baked Murder. As you can imagine, her canine and feline rescues demand the best organic food and treats around. She serves on the Sisters in Crime New England board and is a member of Sisters in Crime National, Mystery Writers of America, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She currently lives in Connecticut.

FYI - there's a giveaway at the end! Don't miss it!

Take it away, Liz! 


It’s so nice to be back in the Kitchen! Big thanks to Daryl for inviting me. It’s a lovely way to end the summer season.

So, it’s nearly fall again. Which means the holidays are right around the corner.  Scary, right?

But I’m kind of excited this year. I’m celebrating the upcoming release later this month of Purring Around the Christmas Tree, and I think it’ll get me in the holiday spirit early. This is my first Christmas book in the series, and it was a ton of fun to write. And it’s always fun to think about all the holiday food for both people and furries. Which—aside from all the yummy chocolate—can share a lot of the same ingredients.

Like, pumpkin everything. Pumpkin pandemonium starts in the fall, and continues through Christmas, which is awesome. Who doesn’t love pumpkin everything? And pumpkin is a staple in doggie treats too. They love it, and it’s really good for them.

And then there’s apple. Fresh apple pie from the oven or apple crisp for the humans. Can’t you just smell it? And for the dogs, apple cinnamon drop cookies.
Apples are as good for furry friends as they are for people, which might not be surprising. But you may not know that cinnamon can do a world of good for them too. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe a lot of problems, and can also help pre-diabetic pups by regulating blood sugar.

So these cookies can be done in two different ways - as plain cookies, or frosted with peanut butter for a festive holiday party. Your pups will love them!



Apple Cinnamon Drop Cookies 
(recipe courtesy of Big Biscuit Bakery and Pet Supply)

Ingredients:

3 cups flour (you can use wheat flour, or gluten free. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-1 is a good one!)
1 whole apple
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 dashes cinnamon
1 cup water

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Slice apple into small bite size pieces
-Mix all ingredients in stand mixer (or by hand)
-Scoop dough with cookie scoop and place on cookie sheet
-Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Option #2:

-Cut into apple shaped cookies with a cookie cutter and coat with melted peanut butter chips and/or melted yogurt chips.


Treats may also be dehydrated (approx. 8 hours) to extend shelf life.





GIVEAWAY

I am giving away a copy of Purring Around the Christmas Tree today to one lucky winner. Leave a comment (and your email in case you win, so I can contact you) and tell me what you're looking forward to this fall?


Keep in touch with Liz:
www.lizmugavero.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Wicked Cozy Authors


98 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to cooler weather, leaves changing color, pumpkins, hday rides and hot cocoa!
    Meg85242 at gmail dot com

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  2. This sounds very selfish but this past summer was too crazy. What I did in my 20-30's can not be done in my 60's. This fall I am looking forward to staying in my home without company or sudden trips to care for others so I can read and sew. (robinsbusiness@hotmail.com)

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    1. Not selfish at all - you need to take care of you! Enjoy the fall season :)

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  3. Welcome, Liz! This fall, I'm looking forward to the beautiful foliage. EMS591@aol.com

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  4. Fall is my favorite time of year. Love the cooler weather, lovely colors and anything pumpkin! marthajane1@hotmail.com

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  5. I'm looking forward to cooler weather for runs. It has been so hot I've been using the treadmill exclusively.
    seacrestcpa@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Shaggy is looking forward to more walks outside in the cooler weather too.

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  6. i am looking forward to the fall festivals in the area; thanks for the chance chance to win
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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  7. I'm looking forward to the beautiful fall foliage and the chance to get out into nature to admire them, sans bugs. As well as the change of colours outside is the change in décor inside. I love getting my fall flowers and dodads out. Since I haven't yet read any of your books I'm looking forward to reading Purring Around the Christmas Tree. I live with 2 cats. Need I say more?

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    Replies
    1. I love decorating for fall too, Lynne!

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  8. I love everything about Fall. Carolina blue skies, cool weather, changing leaves, warm drinks,Halloween, the Renassaince festival. I love it all!

    Joannlowehunter@aol.com

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  9. I am looking forward to harvesting the last of my garden and tucking it in for winter, curling up with a good mystery and hot chocolate on blustery days, and celebrating 31 years of marriage to my Prince Charming! melodiegren@hotmail.com

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  10. I don't like the cooler weather but I sure like pumpkin anything! The smells of pumpkin and apple things baking = heavenly! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com Fall also brings my craft shows which are lots of fun to be in.

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    Replies
    1. I am a huge pumpkin fan also!

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  11. The cover is great! I'm looking forward to cooler temps but it's usually not until late Oct or Nov.
    kckendler at gmail dot com

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  12. amy guillaume lindermanSeptember 3, 2017 at 9:34 AM

    thanksgiving is my favorite holiday...i love to have a fire in the fireplace, get out my late grandmother's china, and make her Thanksgiving recipes. aelinderman@sbcglobal.net

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  13. My daughter's wedding in October! My 7 month old and newborn granddaughters first Christmas. First snow of the year and get togethers. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com thank you for the chance.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds lovely! Congrats to your daughter!

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  14. I am looking forward to spending time with my grandkids and reading more books!!!

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  15. Love the fall with the blue skies, sunshine and walks in the foothills. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. I am expecting my 8th grandcutie later this month! Who doesn't love to curl up with a good cozy mystery and a cup of tea in the fall?
    bford2367@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Wow congrats! And I agree - perfect snuggling weather.

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  17. This fall/winter/holiday season will be much different for us, we have moved back 'home' after living in Florida for 18 years so I'm looking forward to a lot of fun activities with family. It will definitely be a lot 'less' quiet than I'm used to, lol.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  18. Attending two different Fall Festivals. With the cooler air and great books when I can't get out. pwtish171@gmail.com

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  19. Fall is delightful and perfect since temps are normal and ideal for daily walks. Tea and reading take priority. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  20. Fall is a beautiful time of year in New England. With cooler temperatures I feel so much more invigorated and watching the leaves change from green to the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows. It is
    a beautiful time to take pictures of grandchildren picking apples at the local orchards or finding the perfect pumpkin in the patch. I especially love baking with apples and just picked fruit and cool weather baking is one of my very favorite pasttimes! We all love Thanksgiving in our family and it always is a joyful time as my husband and I celebrate our anniversary on Thanksgiving Day. Our wedding was actually ON Thanksgiving day 54 years ago this November. And fall leads us into Christmas which is a very special time of year especially for those of us with grandchildren. Our kitty even loves the change in seasons too as she loves to sit in the open window watching the leaves fly by and living it when a leaf sticks to the screen. Being an indoor cat only we bring keaves inside for her to chase as well Fun for her and for us to watch too!!!.
    Thank you for the chance to be considered for one of your amazing books. Congratulations on your upcoming release. Sincerely, Cynthia B. ceblain (AT) tmlponline (DOT) net

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  21. I am looking forward to the cooler weather, the holidays, visits with family & friends, & more reading time. I can't wait to start reading this series. Thanks for the giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  22. I think my fur babies will love these! I can't say that I am looking foward to just one thing. I like the entire experience! Thank you so much for the chance to win!
    magicgirl2357@yahoo.com

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  23. Fall is my favorite time of year. I am looking forward to the colorful leaves, snuggling under my favorite throw to read a good book, Halloween and Thanksgiving. J_A_M_5672@yahoo.com

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  24. Looking forward to our 48th wedding anniversary on Sept 6th. I think my husband picked the wedding date, 9/6/69, so he'd never forget and he hasn't. Hoping fall will bring continued return of the use of his injured leg and also hoping that the winter will not be harsh this year. Also looking forward to trying this recipe for my beloved Corgi mix, Bella, and my daughter's dogs. They all love special treats. scesjps@yahoo.com

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  25. I love the Fall colors and college football. jawdance@yahoo.com

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  26. I am looking foreward to pumpkin Starbucks and hot tea and chocolate.Candykennedy45@gmail.com

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  27. I'm looking forward to cooler weather, to cooking and baking once more, and, football!!!

    Anne

    mysandycat (at) aol (dot) com

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  28. I really love this series and all the pet treat recipes! I bet my dog will love these cookies. njcar22@aol.com

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  29. I love fall leaves changing Halloween kids back to school aruss1965@gmail.com

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  30. I love Fall, the leaves changing I to city colors, the weather and especially anything pumpkin spice. What a wonder ful giveaway, thanks for the chance and good luck everyone. jazzcatjt@live.com

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  31. The trees are already starting to change colors here in Colorado, and the air is a bit nippier in the morning. My dogs love pumpkin and apples, so I know these cookies will be a real treat for them (me too!). bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  32. I am looking forward to the leaves changing color and cooler temperatures. Thanks for the chance. marierauch@yahoo.com

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  33. I am looking forward to the cooler weather and the changing of the leaves.

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  34. Looking forward to cool nights, cocoa, beautiful leaves and reading great books. elainehroberson(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. How do cats do with pumpkin and apples?
    My red Abyssinian LOVES peanut butter!
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    Replies
    1. Pumpkin is great for kitties too Libby!

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  36. The leaves changing colour. anne.maceneaney@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. I love that too Anne! Except it's sad to see summer go...

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  37. I most looking forward to the leaves changing in the fall. sclickner@juno.com

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  38. I look forward to baking cookies just like the recipe you have posted my husband does a lot of baking and i watch due to being disabled but i do give my opinions. I also look forward to us canning more hopefully till the end of the month and also a big thing for us is the leaves turning in our rural area. ptclayton2@aol.com

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  39. I live in the south now so our fall weather is 70-80s. I do miss the beautiful colors of fall foliage, but not raking the leaves!
    I love pumpkin flavored anything so this is my season.
    donnaing1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. Looking forward to the cooler weather, fall colors, having my windows open and sitting around the fire pit enjoying a cup of coffee. bmlewerenz@gmail.com

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  41. I love the fall. It's not as hot as summer and not as cold as winter so you can do more activities comfortably. I like pumpkin products but sweet potatoes are a favorite. marycadahia@charter.net

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  42. I'm looking forward to cooler weather so we can sleep with the window open for a change, and spending our second winter without being neck deep in snow! My email is firstuckman@yahoo.com

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  43. I'm looking forward to my first fall vacation in 30 years, because I just retired after 30 years of teaching. It feels strange that I won't be going back with my colleagues this Tuesday, but it will be fun to go in and visit the kids. skforrest1957@gmail.com

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  44. Can't wait for Halloween. Shelley s. Calicolady60@hotmail.com

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  45. I'm looking forward to getting together with family for Thanksgiving.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot conm

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  46. As with every fall I just can't wait until that first day with a truly cool, brisk wind. Unfortunately, that isn't usually here until mid/late October in Crosby, TX. Today I'm biting fingernails and waiting on that chemical plant to blow. Cookies might be in order for some stress relief. Apple and cinnamon sound great. A new cozy mystery even better. Susan H. suzyhubert at gmail dot com.

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  47. I am looking forward to the leaves changing and to making soups and stews. And turning the heat on and snuggling under a blanket with a good book! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. I love fall here in western Montana. I am looking forward to smoke free skies and the wonderful smells of fall baking. brendaschneider@blackfoot.net

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  49. I like your cover so much! Since you fearure a cat and dog, I need to get caught up with your series.

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  50. For fall, I'm looking forward to cooler weather, turning leaves, and lots of good food for the holidays! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net

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  51. Fall is my time of year. The leaves are red and gold and the air is cool and I can drag out a sweater. And I am taking a trip this year..so this is my favorite time of year. Thanks for the contest. The book sounds festive and cozy.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  52. I am not a winter person which is after Fall but do like the Fall colors.
    My daughter has a Golden who is on Prednisone. I will make these for Max because of the cinnamon. He is having problems.

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    1. Sorry, forgot the email address. mnleona@aol.com

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  53. I'm ready for the cooler weather & pumpkin everything.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. Paula Jacobson
    Fall is my favorite time. I love the cooler weather, the leaves changing color and football season. I also like to curl up on the couch with my favorite blanket, hot chocolate and a good book.
    jsjacobson(at)prtel(dot)com

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  55. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather. It can't come too soon for me. It went all the way down to 82 last night. Another month or two to go.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  56. Our weather today in the northeast corner of Ohio is more like weather we would see during the mid- to late October. I think Mother Nature has once again gotten a little confused. Thanks for hosting Liz and her book on your blog. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  57. I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather and the beauty of the leaves changing color. Interesting fact about cinnamon for dogs, I didn't know they could have cinnamon. Sounds like a great recipe for my Sister's dogs. Can't wait to read your Christmas book, love this series.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  58. I look forward to the beautiful fall leaves. Thanks for the chance to win!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. Cooler weather so I can leave the doors open and let the breezes whip through the house (through screen doors!) Dianeherr at Cox for net

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  61. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  62. Since I have read all of your books up to your latest one I am looking forward to reading PURRING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE.
    nlfatwindstreamdotnet

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  63. I'm looking forward to pumpkin & apple everything, Outlander's return, & a great cozy by the fireside! Km2442@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Kelsey, you're the winner. Liz will be in touch! Congrats. ~ Daryl

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  64. Autumn is my favorite time of year. The cool temperatures, the crispness, the crunch of leaves underfoot, apple cider, sweatshirts... This recipe sounds great, though I no longer have dogs, just cats, rat, and horse.

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  65. I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures and hopefully the fall colors. centraleast2 at gmail dot com

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  66. I am looking forward to the weather getting cooler (one can hope). I live in Florida where we wear tank tops and shorts until November (or later). Looking forward to Purring Around the Christmas Tree. Doodlesink@hotmail.com

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  67. I am looking forward to cool crisp air, the beautiful colors, everything to do with apples, the crunchy of the leaves. Thank you for the chance. Kslamonica@gmail.com

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  68. I love my pumpkin candles, cooler weather. snuggling in bed with my kitties, Halloween decorations, etc. I'm going to an apple festival next weekend. Thank you for the giveaway. hcalhoun78@yahoo.com

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  69. I love all the smells of fall baking---and pumpkin is a big part of that.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  70. I LOVE FALL!!!!!! I am looking forward to apple and pumpkin EVERTHING! LOL!! Also love the cold weather, bon fires, changing leaves, hoodies and reading outside with a mug of hot chocolate. lee-annswan@rogers.com

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  71. I am looking forward to my daughter finally being a high schooler!
    ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

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  72. I'm looking forward to fresh apples for baking and the birth of my 3rd great grandbaby.
    judytucker1947@gmail.com

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  73. I am looking forward to more time to read and bake as my child is now out of high school and on to university. While I don't doubt she will need me...it won't be the same. mommy_to_zoe@hotmail.com

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  74. I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know my successor service dog. Suzy is coming home from CT today following two years of training. She is a Yellow Lab/Great Dane cross named after an author (perfect fit an avid reader)! servedogmom@yahoo.com

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  75. And the winner, by random number selector, is Kelsey: Km2442 Congrats! Liz will be in touch. ~ Daryl

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