Sunday, November 25, 2018

Gratitude Gingerbread Hearts -- Welcome Ellery Adams!


LESLIE: You meet the most wonderful people in mystery-world, and one of my favorites is Ellery Adams, author of more books than I can count, including the new Secret, Book & Scone Society in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, whose members help the community in unexpected ways.

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of THE WHISPERED WORD, out Nov 27, and a set of heart cookie cutters!

Welcome, Ellery!

Of Thankfulness and Gingerbread

November tends to make us consider what we’re grateful for. It’s a month of colder, darker nights. Of fires in the hearth. Of bountiful meals and hands held around a table. It’s also a time for nestling under a blanket and reading.

The Whispered Word, the second book in the Secret, Book, and Scone mysteries, opens with bookstore owner, Nora Pennington, discovering a strange girl hiding in the Fiction section after closing. The girl is waif-thin, pale, and wearing an ill-fitted housedress and a hospital ID bracelet.

Nora’s offer to help the girl opens a door to an array of secrets, lies, and violence. Fortunately, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society members are there to see Nora through it all. These four women with shadowy pasts meet to discuss books, solve crimes, and pack Kindness Totes for neighbors in need.

One of the book club members, Hester Winthrop, owns the Gingerbread Bakery. On occasion, Hester bakes a custom scone that can instantly transport a person to a powerful memory. At other times, she bakes pillowy-soft rolls or flaky, buttery biscuits to put in a Kindness Tote. I thought this was the perfect time of year to share the generous spirit of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society women by creating a heart-shaped gingerbread cookie to make and give away. 

Who'd love a spicy, rich, aromatic gingerbread cookie? Almost anyone. But consider wrapping up a few of these as a way of telling people you might not know that you’re grateful for them. Take a platter to your local fire or police department. Drop some off at your post office or an animal shelter. Think about the people who take care us behind the scenes. And make sure to slip in a little note with your cookies. People can taste love. If you don’t believe me, just ask Hester. 

Have you ever given a gift to a stranger? If so, post a comment to earn the chance to win a hardcover of THE WHISPERED WORD as well as a heart cookie cutter set. (Be sure to include your email address. US addresses only. Winner will be chosen Tuesday, Nov. 27.)

Gratitude Gingerbread Hearts

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon orange juice
4 cups all-purpose flour, divided in half
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cloves
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
Raw sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Ass molasses, eggs, vanilla, and orange juice. (You won’t taste any OJ in the finished product. It serves as a boost to the overall flavor, similar to coffee in chocolate cake). Combine 2 cups of the flour with baking soda, salt, and spices. Beat in wet ingredients. Add in remaining flour until you have a stiff dough. This could take as much as 2 cups or as little as 1 ½ cups. Use your best judgement.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. It’s easiest to do this in two batches. Use a cookie cutter or a cookie roller like the one pictured (from Pampered Chef). Place cookies one inch apart on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with raw sugar.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool.

Tips – Did you know that you can keep brown sugar from turning hard by transferring it from its original packaging to an air-tight container?

HAPPY GIFTING! 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Ellery Adams, has written thirty-five novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a Native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, rescue animals, and large bodies of water. When not working on her next novel, she bakes, boxes, gardens, and spoils her three cats. She lives with her husband and two children (aka the Trolls) in central North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.elleryadamsmysteries.com

The Whispered Word, which comes out November 27th, can easily be pre-ordered at the following links:  
or at your local bricks-and-mortar bookstore!

73 comments:

  1. For 10 years I lived around the corner from a fire station. Every Christmas my little girl and I baked for them. They were very kind men and worked so very hard, so it was a small way for us to show we appreciated them.
    I adore gingerbread in any form! I am also very intrigued by that cookie cutter from Pampered Chef! How very clever! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
    I really enjoy this series and I am looking forward to reading this next book.
    debprice60@gmail.com

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    1. So sweet -- and a lovely bonding time for you and your daughter, too!

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    2. Our fire station is a mile down the road. We just got our Christmas tree there!

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  2. I have never given a “gift” to a stranger. I have donated new wrapped toys to be gifts, but I’m not sure that counts. I would love the opportunity to win this book! I own the first and can’t but this one right now so it would be awesome to win!

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  3. I have often given gifts to people I don't know personally. In fact, I am about to go shopping this morning to buy Christmas presents for a little boy and girl on the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. I believe we are all in this together and should help each other whenever we have an opportunity to do so. :-)
    Donah42 at aol dot com

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  4. I was just thinking about making gingerbread something-or-other, and this sounds perfect. I'm glad to see you use a generous amount of spices!

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    1. I've read tons of recipes calling for 1/2 teaspoon o each and I think the flavors are lost without more robust spices. Happy baking!

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  5. Honestly don't think there is any greater joy than to give something to someone (whether you know them or not) in a manner that the giver (you) is anonymous and you expect nothing in return - no thank you, nothing.

    We do give to strangers, especially at Christmas, when we see a need or a desire that otherwise wouldn't be attainable. One thing I love to do is do something special for a veteran. My Dad served proudly in U.S. Army for 29 years serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. As an Army brat with many fond memories of both my Dad and my time as a military dependent, I makes my heart happy to spread a little happiness to one of our military veterans - especially the elderly ones.

    Gratitude Gingerbread Hearts sound delicious and right up my alley. My Granny use to fix me gingerbread when I helped her either with mowing the yard or around the house after my Dad retired and we moved closer. So gingerbread anything brings back sweet memories to me. I will be saving this recipe and giving it a try very soon.

    Appreciate the wonderful chance to win a hardcover of THE WHISPERED WORD and a set heart cookie cutters. If I were the fortunate one selected, I'd be all set to read a great book and bake those Gratitude Gingerbread Hearts.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Gingerbread brings back memories for me too - all family ones - which are the best!

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  6. We are accustomed to giving gifts for strangers in toy drives that happen around this season. And some time back, a group of friends and I were making quilts for sick children in the hospital. We chose a simple pattern, since a couple of us were novices, and each of us were responsible for making a square. The compiled squares were sewn together into a quilt and given away. It was great fun!

    I really enjoyed The Secret, Book and Scone Society. Had heard of it through a work colleague that I talk books with and am so glad that I did. Loved Nora's living space!

    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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    1. Lil, those quilts sound so warm and sweet -- just what the little ones and their families need. I have fond memories of shopping for the toy drives with my parents -- it was a lesson in generosity as much as a family charitable contribution.

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  7. When I was teaching at least one of my classes every year would chose a child to make Christmas for. It was usually anonymous. One year we were even able to give a kid his biggest wish, a Xbox. Is that what they are called? I sound like an old foggie. I also give toys or other things every year. surfoster109 at gmail dot com

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  8. I’ve never made gingerbread.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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    1. It's easier than it may look, Sandy! I bet yours would turn out great!

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  9. There is something about gingerbread that says friendship and thank you, and these cookies would be wonderful gifts to give to the people who take care of us and help make our lives easier, but often don't get the thanks that they deserve. I'm so golad that you could join us at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen and share your recipe and new book with us! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  10. I always kept a few fleece blankets, gloves, and some other odds and ends in my car to give to people on the street.
    I miss doing that since I no longer have my own car.

    harbingerdc(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. That is an amazing idea. I drive around with pet food in case I run into feral animals, but I might have to add blankets, hats, and gloves to that basket.

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  11. The best feeling is giving to others. We donate to our local Blessing Box and donate to strangers through our favorite charities.
    donnaing1(at) gmail(dot)com

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  12. Gingerbread is one of the scents of Christmas to me. That along with a fresh wreaths and pies in the oven. I am looking forward to your upcoming release and would love the cookie cutters. Thank you! meg85242(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. A couple of years ago, I was at Salvation Army after dropping off donations and saw a little old lady crying because she didn't have enough money to buy Christmas dishes that she wanted . After finding out the price I paid for the dishes which prompted a couple other people to give her money.
    I have also bought lunch for military personnel and members of the police department.

    Becky Prazak
    rjprazak6@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Becky, that doesn't surprise me at all. You are such a kind and generous person!

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  14. Giving to people makes my life meaningful and gives me a good feeling. I give of myself and gifts to many. I assist and bake, cook and give gifts so that many are surprised and happy. What is important is that others are looked after and feel cheered up. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I’ve given gifts to strangers, like when we adopted a family for Christmas at work. Great recipe and ty for the giveaway. Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  16. Every year we donate wrapped gifts to our local nursing home. Our church puts up names and sizes of the residents. We choose from those names, buy and wrap gifts and bring them to the nursing home a few days before Christmas.

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    1. We had an angel tree like that in our local YMCA. I no longer go there, but I really enjoyed picking an angel and fulfilling their wish list.

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  17. I have given gifts to unsuspected strangers. One day at work I gave a vest which I was wearing to a woman who remarked on it and I said it was hers. Another time I gave a beautiful silk scarf to a girl whom I never even spoke to. Several times I walked into a medical office with baked goods, baked from the heart. This gives me great pleasure and hope. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Petite, how kind and generous! And you never know what future actions your own generosity will spark.

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  18. We participate in many gift giving to low-income /underpriviledge groups. It's our way of giving back to the community.
    kckendler at gmail dot com

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  19. With Hanukkah, Christmas and all 3 children's birthdays at the same time of year, we revamped Hanukkah. We took turns giving the first 5 nights. For the last three, each child picked a charity and we made a donation to that. Toys for tots, food pantry, mitten drive, all kinds of charities. cheers (at) MarjimManor (dot) com

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  20. I've not given to a stranger directly but have through donation.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  21. Alas, Blogger is not playing nice with our guest today and isn't letting her post. She's trying, though, and we hope to have her here soon!

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  22. I don't recall giving gifts directly to strangers. I've donated in many ways where individuals and families are helped such as food baskets at Thanksgiving, wrapped gifts for Christmas through picking a tag on a Christmas tree with someone's wish, donating clothes and kitchen goods at various thrift stores. During a high school band trip to Hawaii, my husband and I and another parent encountered a family that appeared homeless. We asked if they would like our boxed up dinner from a restaurant nearby. They appreciated it much. bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

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  23. I love paying for the person behind me at Starbucks! My email is a_ross213@yahoo.com

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    1. And I love being the person behind you! I'm joking, of course, but what a wonderful way to brighten a stranger's day -- and lift the barista's spirits a bit, too!

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  24. I am not sure I ever made gingerbread. I have baked many a Christmas cookie, but I may have to try gingerbread this year. I try to give to others as often as I have opportunity, not just during the holidays - childrens clothes for a struggling young family, a meal for a family whose primary caregiver is ill, etc. Generally, I know them, but I have purchased fuel for a stranger, put a young mother up in a hotel overnight, etc., as the opportunity arose. During the holidays, there are lots of group opportunities that allow us to fill larger needs to more people, but I hope I remain open to individual opportunities always.

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    1. So generous, Laced -- and a good reminder that need occurs throughout the year. Be sure to share your email address so we can reach you if you win!

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  25. We helped a local group for several years. They made a list of things a needy family wanted/needed and we filled in whatever we could.
    We got creative with one. A daughter wanted a puppy. We got an animated stuffed dog for her. No care or feeding!

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. Perfect, Libby! And I bet her parents were particularly grateful for your creativity!

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  26. Yes, through the giving tree and other groups like that.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. I do donate to Toys for Tots, and packed a box for Samaritan’s Purse. And I’ve picked a name off a giving tree and filled that wish.
    kathys2014@icloud.com

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    1. My kids really like packing those boxes for Samaritan's Purse. They're old enough now to pick out the goodies too.

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  28. I love gingerbread and would do like to make some with your heart cutters for my family this Christmas.

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    1. Aren't those cutters cute? Be sure to leave your email address for a chance to win -- we have to be able to reach you!

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  29. Sort of - I had a neighbor in an apartment building - never met her, but heard her family through the walls - husband was abusive - near Christmas, he was screaming they couldn't afford to buy gifts for her "brats" - went out and bought stuffed animals for the kids, and some holiday decorations - took them to her so I could see if she was ok, or if I could help - the kids were ecstatic, and said she was fine - sure hope she was right - I moved out two weeks later. trwilliams 69 at msn dot com

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    1. So kind and caring, Taylor. We'll all hope she found her way safely out of that danger, for herself and the children.

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  30. Thank you for the gingerbread recipe. The heart cookie cutters are a great way to express caring and kindness. I haven't baked gingerbread in a very long time. These cookies would make pleasing gifts.
    Iamshortanote@yahoo.com
    I have had many of the experiences the ladies above have mentioned. I feel the joy of giving. I enjoy gift given to the unsuspecting. It is always heartwarming to give and receive.

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    1. I hope you have the chance to bake some gingerbread this year. To me, it is the scent of the holidays and just smells like love and family.

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  31. Yay -- Ellery's here! Thanks to her for persevering. She'll pop in again later to reply to more comments.

    REMEMBER to leave your EMAIL address for a chance to win -- so we can contact you! The winner will be chosen Tues, Nov 27.

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  32. I will have to try this recipe! It sounds yummy! I have not given a gift to a stranger face to face, but one year when my office "adopted" a family for Christmas, I volunteered to do the shopping (with money that was donated by my co-workers). I got an outfit, a toy, and a coat for each of the three children in the family. It was a lot of fun, and I just wish I could have seen their faces. aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. Yes - toys and clothes for families around the holidays as well as donations to the local food banks.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  34. I wear crystal bracelets that I make and when people remark on how sparkly they are I usually give it to them. I like to think it makes them feel special and I can always make another one for myself.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. I’ve never made gingerbread cookies before, but I may have to this year. My husband and I like to give through a lot of different charities as well as paying for strangers’ meals. I also like making quilts for children through Project Linus.
    cecilialyoung at gmail dot com

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  36. Prior to my retirement, I used to slip anonymous goodies into our custodians’ mailboxes. They work as hard as anyone in the school and are so taken for granted. At holiday times, I could count on at least one administrator with a master key delivering a pound cake to the group’s break/locker room. It was so much fun to listen to comments and guesses as to who the baking buddy was. I got busted in my 4th year doing this, but reached and agreement (an extra cookie, goodie, etc) and she kept my secret. I had as much enjoyment out of doing this as they did eating. Secret Santa all year long. Thanks for the recipe!!

    Pplummer@gmail.com

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  37. I like to do the giving tree and also give to the local American Legions kids toy drive. Never have made gingerbread cookies. nettiem(at)toledotel(dot)com

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  38. My mom, sisters, & I all give gifts to the women & kids at the domestic violence shelter. They're anonymous in order to keep the women & kids safe.
    turtle6422 at gmail dot com

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  39. I remember when I was on a bowling team, we donated toys for kids.

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  40. I have always enjoyed filling stockings with toys, coloring books, crayons, etc. for needy children at Christmas and donating them to a charity to distribute to the needy families.

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  41. There is one instance of a gift to a stranger in my life. I was 18, a Psychology major, and doing volunteer work at a hospital. One night, we helped those in the locked ward play Bingo, of all things. One of the folks I helped was a young man, near my age, very psychotic and depressed and angry, hands shaking uncontrollable from meds. His major comment to everyone, doctors, nurses,techs, me included, was "when I get out, I will kill you. I will track you down and kill you." Said with a glare of pure hatred and a Charles Manson type look in his eyes. No one else wanted to work with him, but he touched my heart, so close to my age, but so different from my situation. Somehow, his bingo card won, and he received a pack of cigarettes as his prize. (Hmm. Guess I should mention this was around 50 years ago!). After we won, my young man reached out to me me, looked in mywyes, and said, "Okay, you are safe. I won't kill you. Today.." For the remainder of his time there, he still threatened everyone he saw, but he always looked at me and said, "You gave me cigarettes. You are safe," I swear he was aware and 'normal' at that time and it has always stuck with me thru the decades. Kindness can make a difference. saxfone@aol.com

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  42. I always donate to the various charities for kids & food pantries when I can. Yes, I have given a gift to strangers. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  43. Yum, I love gingerbread cookies! I've given gifts to strangers many times. When I was young, we gave Christmas gifts to our mail and newspaper delivery people. And I've done gifts for Toys for Tots and gift trees, too. Thanks for the great recipe and giveaway! picard1900 (at) gmail.com

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  44. We have given money to strangers but never a gift.

    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  45. We do the giving tree at work and instead of buying girl scout cookies, we just give them money and they send boxes to the troops overseas. Makes me happy and keeps the cookies from going to my hips. Love this series! Bought mala beads after reading the first book!

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  46. Forgot my email address. Kkcochran (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  47. I usually have extra gifts each year to give to anyone in need. I buy extra scarves, gloves and things for men and women. That way if the mailman comes by or the UPS person or food delivery person comes, I can give them something. Also we never know who is coming for Christmas. Thanks for the chance to win your new book. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net

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  48. I picked a tag off the tree at church to buy Christmas gifts for a person I didn't know.Donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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  49. The idea of taking gingerbread cookies to different places sounds like fun. I really like the idea alot.

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  50. The idea of taking gingerbread cookies to different places sounds like fun. I really like the idea alot.

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  51. Congrats to our winner, Lil! Thanks to Ellery Adams for her generosity, and to all of you for being part of the Kitchen Crew.

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