Sunday, January 19, 2020

Parmesan Polenta Disks and #Giveaway from Maddie Day!








Welcome back to one of our dear friends, Maddie Day, whom you may also know as Edith Maxwell. Murder at the Taffy Shop is the second in her Cozy Capers Books Group Mysteries. Don't miss her generous giveaway of two advance copies! Leave a comment with your email address to enter!


In the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida ends up solving real life cozy mysteries with the Cozy Capers book group – which only reads cozies.

Book two in the series, Murder at the Taffy Shop, is set in August, full season on Cape Cod. When Mac heads out for a walk with her friend, she finds a horrified Gin staring at Beverly Ruchart, an imperious summer person, dead on the sidewalk in front of Gin’s candy shop, Salty Taffy’s. When the police find the murder weapon in Gin’s garage, the Cozy Capers book group members put their heads together to clear Gin’s name and figure out who killed the woman whom almost everyone disliked. After the killer later invades Mac’s tiny house to finish her off, Bella, Mac’s African Gray parrot, comes to the rescue. Murder at the Taffy Shop releases March 31 in a paperback exclusive from Barnes & Noble.

Mac isn’t much of a cook herself (unlike her hunky baker boyfriend), and she enjoys these easy cheesy disks with her scallops when she goes out to eat with her boyfriend Tim at a local seafood restaurant.


Parmesan Polenta Disks
Ingredients
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3 1/2 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
A quarter cup or less olive oil
Directions
Oil a 9”x13” baking dish and set aside.
Add the water and salt to a sauce pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
Add the polenta while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Turn the heat down to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, around ten minutes. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan until smooth. Spread the mixture onto the oiled dish in an even layer. Cool in the refrigerator, uncovered, until solid.
Cut the solid polenta into disks with a biscuit cutter.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to a non-stick skillet and warm over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and glistening, but not smoking, add the polenta slices and cook until golden on each side. Add more oil as needed to fry the remaining slices. Serve hot accompanying a southwestern bean soup, with ratatouille, or next to eggs and bacon for breakfast. (Fry up the odd-shaped bits later for a tasty treat.)
Option: If you don’t want to make the polenta from scratch, slice rounds from a premade log of polenta, fry, and top with a teaspoon of cheese while still hot.


















Maddie is delighted to give away an advance copy of Murder at the Taffy Shop to two lucky commenters (US only). Readers: What’s your favorite taffy flavor? Your favorite seaside meal?


Maddie Day pens the Country Store Mysteries and the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. As Edith Maxwell, this Agatha and Macavity finalist writes the Quaker Midwife Mysteries and award-winning short crime fiction. With twenty books in print and more in production, Maxwell lives north of Boston, where she writes, gardens, and cooks. Find her at EdithMaxwell.com and as @MaddieDayAuthor on social media.

 Don't forget to leave your email address so Maddie can contact you if you win!


95 comments:

  1. My favorite taffy is lemon-lime. Since I love pretty much all seafood I am easy to please, but crab cakes are awfully good.
    browninggloria(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  2. I always liked the peppermint flavored taffy. For a seaside meal, I like grilled fish, linguine with white clam sauce, shrimp scampi, or crab cakes. I'm very hungry now! Renee - rwilson@ws4r.com

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  3. I don't know if I have a favorite flavor of taffy but the best taffy is from Rushmoore Taffy located in Keystone, SD (near Mt Rushmmore). dbahn(at)iw(dot)net

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  4. I love mysteries and taffy so this is a perfect match! Thank you for the chance!

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  5. I like chocolate taffy. I love scallops and fried clams. Yum!!! Now I'm going to have to twist my husband's arm to take me out to lunch to get some. Thank you for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. My favorite taffy flavor is hands down licorice. My Dad and I were the only ones that liked that flavor. Now when I am fortunate enough to have some, it makes me think of him.

    My favorite seaside meal would be a toss up of anything crab - love crab boils - and cod. When on our trip up the coast of Maine, we indulged in a lot of both. It was the taste bud highlight of the trip.

    The recipe for Parmesan Polenta Disks is very much like the recipe passed down to my from hubby's Mom other than it has the addition of the cheese. We love cheese in everything so next time I will be adding cheese for sure.

    Can't wait for the opportunity to read the latest adventures of Mac. Thank you for the chance to win a copy! I've shared everywhere and fingers crossed to be one of the fortunate ones selected.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  7. Crab cakes are my absolute favorite seaside meal. As for taffy chocolate or banana would be my go to thank you for the contest.
    Chilcotejo(at)comcast(dot)net

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  8. I love all flavors of taffy and as far as seafood goes I'm not a fan. This book looks amazing, Thanks for your great generosity. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  9. Banana taffy. I love any type of shrimp.

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  10. I like peppermint taffy. Clams, shrimp and scallops are my favourite seafood.
    I am so excited for this next book! Thank you for the chance to win it.
    debprice60(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Cant wait to read this book. My favorite taffy is banana. I love fried shrimp but shrimp scampi is a close second. Thank you for this chance.
    its_me_mel@hotmail.com

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  12. I would go with peppermint taffy. I haven't had taffy in forever! I love fresh seafood. One of my favorites is pan-fried scallops, served with pesto noodles and Sourdough French Bread! Thank you for offering your newest Cape Cod series.
    meg85242 (@) gmail (dot) com

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  13. I love dreamsicle taffy. I am not a fan of seafood. Katherinestamps (at) msn dot com

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  14. I like to buy my salt water taffy at the Seaside Phillips Candies. You can watch them mix the flavors. Peppermint is the best. Our family occasionally makes taffy when we get together. A taffy pull is a family tradition. At the Embarcadero in Newport in the warmer months I love to get their shrimp stuffed avocado for lunch. On cooler days it is a toss up between their yummy Clam Chowder or their lovely crab cakes. deepotter at centurylink dot net

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  16. I love chocolate taffy, shrimp and scallops, but not at the same time. :) Thank you for this chance! areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. i love molasses mint taffy and fav meal is lobster bisque! thanks for the chance to win and thanks for the recipe! amandasmother@aol.com

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  18. I haven’t had taffy in forever but I do recall always searching for the citrus flavors. Unfortunately the only seaside meal I can eat is fish due to a shellfish allergy, but I’m perfectly ok with any kind of fish dish!
    Thanks for the chance!
    Jwhite410(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. I like all taffy but banana. Strawberry and peppermint might be my favorites. And I love all seafood. One of my favorite meals.
    Congrats on the new book. I'm excited to read it.
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  20. One of my favorite things from our vacations at the jersey shore salt water taffy. Vanilla and strawberry were my favorite

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  21. Favorite taffy flavor is chocolate. Especially the fresh samples from the candy makers at La King on Galveston island in Texas.

    Favorite seaside meal was the shrimp scampi at The White Cap In Gulfport Mississippi. Unfortunately it got swept away in a hurricane.

    Kbb.mhill@gmail.com

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  22. I love all taffy, but orange is probably my favorite. Crab cakes make my heart sing.
    sharonquilts@yahoo.com

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  23. My favorite flavor is grape (but any will do). I just happen to have a polenta log waiting for this recipe! Sounds like a fun story, can't wait to see Bella in action. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. That looks good. I love orange taffy but it is hard to eat anymore. Not sure I have had much seafood so I guess shrimp or fish tacos. ourbutton@yahoo.com

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  26. I love apple caramel taffy. And as far as seaside meals, gotta go with fish and chips!
    kimheniadis at gmail dot com

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  27. My favorite taffy flavor is banana and my favorite seaside meal is scallops, shrimp, french fries and coleslaw. Thanks for the chance to win your book! toniann40@verizon.net

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  28. I like strawberry taffy and seafood would be shrimp all day. This book looks lovely and I would love to read it.
    polly-prissypants@hotmail.com

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  29. The first in this series is in my tbr list. Would love to win the second.
    Taffy I will say chocolate and seafood (all yum) will say shrimp and cheesy grits.
    Mckbulldawg @ Yahoo dot com

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  30. Favorite taffy is lemon. Nice and tart!

    Favorite seaside meal is crabcakes and lobster roll. Oh, and New England clam chowder!

    mrsbgarles@gmail.com

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  31. Oh what a wonderful recipe. Thanks for sharing. My husband loves New England Clam Chowder. My favorite taffy is the pink one. Dont remember the flavor. Haven't had it in ages. What a wonderful cover and the story sounds so fun. quilting lady 2 at comcast dot net

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  32. The polenta sounds great.
    My parents did a southern variation on this using cooked grits.
    Either would go nicely with some fresh lobster!


    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  33. Taffy? haven't had in a long time. love my cozies. thanks for the chance

    Diane Slonski at dlkdls318@att.net

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  34. Banana Taffy please! I'm off to purchase the first book so I'll be ready when I win (positive vibes).�� susan.ringler@gmail.com

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  35. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Murder On Cape Cod’ and your Country Store Mystery series, so I’m looking forward to reading this one, too! It’s been so long since I’ve had taffy, I couldn’t tell you if I have a favorite flavor. As for a seaside meal - I love shellfish: raw oysters on the half shell, mussels, clams, shrimp, crab, lobster... yum!! My email address is book__wyrm@sbcglobal.net (and that’s 2 underscores, not 1)

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  36. I like vanilla taffy.As far as saltwater fish, I like halibut or tuna. No shellfish here...allergic.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  37. I love all flavors of taffy except black licorice. Chocolate & peanutbutter are always the first to disappear. Seafood, hard shell blue crabs or Maryland broiled crabcakes I could eat everday. Can't wait to read this one. Stacieamelotte (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  38. My favorite taffy is chocolate. My favorite seaside meal is fish and chips or clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Thank you for the chance to win! Dnrocker at Yahoo dot com

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  39. Tardy? I like them all (except chocolate).
    Seafood dish? Shrimp scampi!
    Thank you for this great giveaway!

    Kaomelunna88@gmail.com

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  40. Oh golly, The Book sounds fabulous :-)
    I just LOVE reading Cozy Mysteries.
    My dad had his own boat and we fished Lake Michigan and all over Wisconsin.Dad also was known for his Smoked fish,he took days brining and smoking. I love Good fish. Depends where I am. There are different on the coast vs Midwest.etc.
    Taffy, ohhhh the Jersey shore-berry red :-) Same in the Midwest Red,links love them 1st
    Email -gkathgoldin@yahoo.com

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  41. Saltwater taffy brings back memories of my childhood. My grandmother always had it in the house. Jteastman215atgmaildotcom

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  42. Anything chocolate for me. Thanks for the chance to win the Giveaway. I love your books. bmary8222@gmail.com

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  43. I definitely want to try these.
    rgp1950@yahoo.com

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  44. Peppermint taffy. But pretty much love all salt-water taffy. ;)
    Vickyburkholder (at) gmail dot com

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  45. Ive never had this before so it would be fun to try. Love your books would love to win and ill share my copy to Debbie she can borrow and read it.

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  46. I don't like taffy but love a good book. Can't wait to read this one.

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  47. Vanilla taffy.
    Of course lobster is my favorite.

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  48. My favorite taffy flavor is strawberry and my favorite seaside meal is lobster. Looking forward to reading the new book. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. I don’t eat taffy but I’m looking forward to reading the book.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  50. My grandparents used to bring me Salt Water Taffy every summer after their vacation. I love strawberry and my favorite seaside meal would have to be scallops. Yum!

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  51. I love salt water taffy. Reminds me of camping in the summer with my grandparents. I love the orange and lemon flavors, and peppermint. (Not all together though, that would be weird) Thank you for the chance.
    lilyanngill56(at)Gmail(dot)com

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  53. This looks like my kind of read! Thank you!
    carters@columbusacademy.org

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  54. I love to eat shrimp and crabs.
    Theresa Norris
    weceno at yahoo dot com

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  55. Best taffy I have had was from Keystone. SD. Love the fruity flavors the best. Thank you.
    bearsgal.sweet1964@yahoo.com

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  56. I love strawberry taffy and any kind of shrimp. judytex787@yahoo.com

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  57. I love banana and strawberry taffy and also fried oysters and shrimp.

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  58. I love any kind of taffy but banana is my favorite. As far as a seaside meal I love Lobster, king crab, scallops and of course shrimp scampi. Thank you for the chance

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  59. I honestly don't remember having taffy, but must have at some point. If there is a peanut butter one, that would probably be my favorite! Thank you for the chance to read your new cozy! jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com

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  60. My favorite taffy is black licorice from a candy shop on Mackinac Island. I've only ever had one seaside meal but t was one of the best meals ever, crab cakes at a small cafe on a break in our hike from our hostel to Lands End.

    Lizafust@gmail.com

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  61. My favorite taffy is chocolate. So good! Some kind of shrimp meal would be my go to for a seaside meal. I love this book cover.
    bwilhoite87@gmail.com

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  62. I don’t really have a favorite taffy flavor. As far as seafood meal. Lobster would be my favorite. Thanks for the chance. cnapper67@comcast.net

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  63. I like sour apple taffy. My favorite seafood meal is grilled shrimp. Thanks for the chance! cking78503(at)aol(dot)com

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  64. I like plain vanilla taffy---and any kind of seafood. Lobster or shrimp are a favorite of mine.
    farrell@crosslake.net

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  65. Taffy... Hmmm.. I like the fruit flavors. Favorite meal? Wow. Maybe shrimp and grits? Or tacos, lol! wjcline (at) att (dot) net

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  66. Hard to choose . . . chocolate or orange . . . or both together? Least favorite is the one I lost a filling with . . . first thought, who put nuts in the taffy? Oh, those bits aren't nuts.
    I do love lobster, but at home, it's mostly salmon. Thanks for the recipe, which might be simple enough to me. ;-)

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  67. My favorites flavor is peppermint. Book sounds really cute! Thanks for the chance to win!
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  68. Love chocolate taffy. Love lobster and crab, can’t remember the last time I had either one. Looking forward to reading the book!
    a.connolley@gmail.com

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  69. Banana taffy and conch fritters. kharn63@earthlink.net

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  70. Salt water taffy. I did not know there were so many flavors. Most any seafood I like. My grandparents were from Italy and my mother made polenta for the family. I will make your recipe. Thanks.
    mnleona at aol dot com

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  71. My favorite taffy is banana lobster is delicious. Can't wait to read the book! Donakutska7@gmail.com Thank you for the chance

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  72. My favorite flavor is anything pink! I also love banana. Would love a copy of your book.
    milomom@yahoo.com

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  73. I know there will be a lot of groans at this, but black licorice taffy is my favorite...Yum! A great big bowl of fresh chowder, although I have to admit that I don't actually eat the clams. Lol. I make it with clams, but leave them in the bottom of the bowl. I like the flavor, but that's it. =) Oh, to have a hunky baker boyfriend! Another winning series, congratulations! konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com

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  74. I like chocolate and peanut butter taffy. We have a restaurant on the coast who has awesome clam chowder. I would love to read this book.

    kaye.killgore(at)comcast(dot)net

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  75. Oh peppermint taffy is the best. I also love broiled haddock and scallops. I need lemon for both. Thanks for the opportunity. Good luck everyone!

    olomuss@gmail.com

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  76. My favorite taffy would be cherry. I do not eat seafood (and I live on the west coast of Florida where it is abundant). With my numerous allergies, it is safer if I stay away from seafood. Thank you for a chance to win! Doodlesink(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  77. I don't care for taffy but I love lobster, and all other seafood. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  78. My favorite taffies are fruity! Looking forward to this book... I love Maddie's writing <3
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  79. Orange taffy and broiled halibut

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  80. Favorite Taffy is orange flavor and my favorite seaside food is crabcakes. Thanks for the chance
    maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  81. Every summer we got taffy on our vacation to Santa Cruz, CA. My favorite flavors are orange and chocolate. I like crab and shrimp! lindaherold999@gmail.com

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  82. I love most taffy, but especially mint. Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  83. Favorite salt waster taffy flavor is peppermint; favorite seaside food is clams or lobster. Thanks for this opportunity!
    Dm _ Richards (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  84. I love Shrimp & Scallops Taffy is yummy but I find it hard to chew

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  85. I like vanilla or a honey taffy..I love any seafood, but raw oyster, so that's a tough one to say a favorite! nani_geplcs@yahoo.com

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  86. Not a huge fan of taffy but loved it as a kid although I didn't have a favorite flavor - thanks for the chance to own one of your books - trwilliams 69 (at) msn (dot) com

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  87. Your recipe looks delectable. Love fish especially bass, tilapia and the polenta is wonderful with this dish. How tasty. Taffy is lovely at the shore visiting and chocolate is great. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  88. My favorite taffy is Molasses. And Molasses with peanut butter is a bonus!! I love all shellfish and haddock with Lobster my very favorite! Would be delighted to receive your book! Thank you.

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  89. These parmesan polenta disks look delicious. Beside Edith Maxwell aka Maddie Day's books I love trying new recipes. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  90. I have two taffy faves, and I love to combine them: peppermint and cinnamon. My fave seafood dish is the clam chowder at a local spot on the Oregon coast. Delish! galileo2k(at)gmail(dot)com

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  91. I love anything that has shrimp or scallops in it! Plus when living in Ca I could go to SF and get a delicious meal all with clam chowder also. Peggy Clayton ptclayton2 at aol.com

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  92. Don't really care for taffy but seafood love shrimp and lobster! tWarner419@aol.com

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  93. I love cinnamon taffy and lemon taffy. I love shrimp and crab! Thanks for a chance to win. ljbonkoski@yahoo.com

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  94. Trying to think of a salt water taffy flavor I don't like (ok, licorice). I do like peppermint maybe the best? My favorite seaside meal would be anything that was just caught (I miss living in Florida). Grouper is a nice place to start. smithsusanlatgmaildotcom

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  95. I love at mackinaw island I can get sugar free taffy
    sbmooney@yahoo.com

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