Sunday, March 22, 2020

Welcome Elizabeth Spann Craig with Guest Post and #Giveaway


(Click to learn more.)

Please join me in giving a warm welcome back to Elizabeth Spann Craig!

Elizabeth is a talented author of multiple bestselling (and absolutely delightful) mystery series, a busy mother of two, and a dedicated blogger who has offered online fellowship to the writing community for years. (Her Twitter feed is a marvel, and I encourage you all to follow her!) 


Elizabeth is also a beloved alumna of Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, and we're thrilled that she's returned for a visit. Take it away, Elizabeth! 

~ Cleo 




Thanks to Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen for hosting me on the blog today! It’s good to be back. 

One fun thing about being on the blog is that I get to fall into a rabbit hole by looking to see all the recent delicious recipes that have been posted lately.  I like to make sure no one posted one just like mine recently...and then, the next thing you know, I’ve spent over an hour on Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen and my Evernote recipe folder is filled to the brim! 

I thought I’d share my grandmother’s recipe for vegetable sandwich spread. If you’re from the South and you’re of a particular age, you’ll remember vegetable sandwiches. They’re crustless on platters at funerals, on trays at weddings and other special occasions, and may even be allowed at home with no event taking place at all (although, in my experience, that was sadly rare).

A food processor makes the chopping for this dish non-existent. Maybe everyone would have enjoyed this spread on a daily and casual basis with a food processor in their kitchen. 

I will admit that some traditional Southern recipes are a little formidable or may not really be suited to today’s more sophisticated palate. I grew up with a lot of tomato aspic. Desserts were frequently a sliced canned pear with a dab of mayonnaise and shredded cheese...and a cherry on top, if it was a fancy occasion. I’m not sharing those recipes with you today (you’re welcome, ha!)  Today’s recipe does have some plain Knox gelatin in it, but I’m sure the other ingredients will seem refreshingly normal. And you won’t taste the gelatin at all. 😊 

Not to start a debate in the comments, but I’m using Miracle Whip in the recipe instead of Hellmann’s or Duke’s. That’s only because that’s the way the recipe had it and I don’t want to be haunted by any of my Southern forebears. 
Also, if you’d prefer, you can use this veggie mixture as a dip.  

So here we are...




Southern Veggie Sandwiches

Ingredients: 

2 tomatoes, cut very fine
1 large bell pepper, seeded, cut very fine
1 large cucumber, cut very fine
1 medium onion, finely cut
2 envelopes of Knox gelatin
1 pt. Miracle Whip
3 T water
½ cup boiling water 

Directions: 

After chopping the vegetables, put them in a colander to drain a bit. Put a few tablespoons of cold water on the gelatin mix to soften it, about a minute. Then add ½ cup boiling water. When gelled, let cool and combine all ingredients. Put in fridge to cool and set. Spread thickly on bread. Sandwiches are better if spread hours before eating and then refrigerated. 

Here’s all you need to get started (minus the boiling water):



Drain your veggies to personal taste (I don’t mind a fairly juicy sandwich, but tastes vary!). If you’re making a dip, you may want it to drain less than if you have it in a sandwich. 



After putting the gelatin together, mix all in a large bowl and put in the fridge for a bit to set. 



You may end up with folks in the kitchen who don’t want to wait for the mixture to set. 



When you’re done, enjoy some yummy sandwiches. A dollop of potato salad goes well on the side.  





Enjoy!  And, I’m curious to know…what are some of your favorite family recipes? 

For more Southern life, cooking (and murder, of course), I hope you’ll take a chance on one of my books. I’m currently writing three series (The Myrtle Clover Mysteries, The Southern Quilting Mysteries, and The Village Library Mysteries) and am also the author (as Riley Adams) of the Memphis Barbeque Series



Elizabeth's Giveaway!

Today, I’m giving away a copy of the first book of my newest series, Checked Out. If you like libraries, cats, and murder, you’ve come to the right place. 😊

(Click the cover to learn more.)

Thanks again to Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen!


Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently.  

Find her at her website: elizabethspanncraig.com.  She lives in Matthews, North Carolina with her husband and is the mother of two. 




Thank you, Elizabeth!


Leave a comment on this post with
your email address and you'll be entered
to win the first book in
Elizabeth's charming
Village Library Mysteries: 
Checked Out




This contest is now over.

Congrats to the winning comment,
selected by random number draw...

"CENTRAL EAST 2"



Those who entered answered
Elizabeth's question:

"What are some of your
favorite family recipes?"



123 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for having me here today! Hope everyone is doing well and has a great week this week. :)

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    1. Welcome back, Elizabeth! I so enjoyed your post. You've cheered us up. Thank you so much for your return visit to the Kitchen. We've missed you! xoxo

      ~ Cleo

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  2. Oh my gosh, applesauce cake with caramel icing sounds amazing!

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  3. Definitely a southern gal. Born in Arkansas as an Army brat. My Dad retired to Arkansas and I've lived there 90% of the time since. :) So I know this recipe very well from my childhood. Haven't had it in a LONG time and you've done went and made my mouth water this early Sunday morning. I can see Southern Veggie Sandwiches in our future real soon. Thanks for the memory jog and recipe!

    Appreciate the chance to win a copy of "Checked Out". I most definitely "checked it out" and it's now on my TBR list. Shared and hoping to be the very fortunate one selected.

    Have a blessed Sunday. Stay safe and healthy my friend.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. I was born at Ft. Benning in Columbus, GA. :) This recipe has definitely made the rounds in the South!

      Hugs and health to you!

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  4. I enjoyed your Memphis series. What fun characters. suefoster109 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much for this, Sue! And for coming by the Kitchen today. :)

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  5. I love your Myrtle Clover series. Very pleased that you have a new series - looking forward to reading it. rmmoss2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I love your Southern Quilting Mysteries. I need to catch up and I guess now is a good time to do it. I think I will really enjoy this new series I love libraries and cats. Thank you so much for this chance! pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com

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  7. It's such a good time to read, isn't it? I've got a bunch of books at home to dive into. :) Thanks for coming by!

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  8. Thanks for the recipe...it looks easy enough even for me to make it. I love your Southern Quilting series, and I’m looking forward to your new series. cking78503(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Chris! It's pretty easy...throw it all in the food processor, ha! Hope you have a great week!

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  9. Thankbyou for the recipe, it is something I've never had before. I am not a very good cook, I do try, but some of my attempts end up epic fails. My sister got my kids to like grilled Munster cheese and strawberry rhubarb sandwiches. I know it sounds kind of gross but there is something about it that is soooo yummy.
    Thank you for the chance. I look forward to learning more about your series. lilyanngill56(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I wouldn't call this recipe totally foolproof, but it's pretty close...I'm a distracted cook and I have no problems with this one, ha. I'm kind of fascinated by your Munster cheese and strawberry rhubarb! I'm going to have to give that a go.

      Delete
  10. Checked Out sounds like a good book to read in these troubled times and your recipe sounds tasty. westoncarol@yahoo.com

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  11. Wow! You're one busy lady! I wasn't familiar with your books, but have added your name to my'check it out' list. rgp1950@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I've gotten pretty good at writing two books at once, ha. It was tricky at first!

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  12. Elizabeth, lovely to see your smiling face on our blog again. Good luck with the new series. You are a marvel. ~ Daryl

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    1. *You're* a marvel, Daryl! So good to "see" you today. :)

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  13. Libraries, cats, and murder? Sign me up! nancyleedwinell at gmail

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  14. Cooking is not my forte. But I do love to eat.
    Joannlowehunter@aol.com

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  15. My great grandmothers recipe for chicken and noodles

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  16. I love libraries and cats. Murder? Just im my cozies please. :)
    janestarcher@gmail.com

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    1. Exactly, ha! The nice thing is that everything is tidied up neatly at the end of the book. :) Very comforting, in a way!

      Delete
  17. My favorites would be my mom’s banana pudding, her chocolate cobbler, chocolate pie, pizza lasagna, and chicken stew as well as her dressing recipe! She makes the best everything! I would love to win this book and have it sent to her! She loves cozy mysteries, and especially libraries and cats! I look forward to trying your vegetable spread sandwiches this week! My email address is ctlele @ iCloud.com

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    1. Oh my gosh...banana pudding? Chocolate cobbler! That all sounds amazing. Thanks so much for coming by!

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  18. I had never heard of veggie sandwiches. Run with the wrong crowd maybe. I liked Grandma’s peach cobbler. The kind that is cake-y.
    patdupuy@yahoo,com

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  19. Libraries and cats ? you can't go wrong - sounds like a great new series - thanks for the chance to own it - trwilliams69(at)msn(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much! Hope you have a great week, Taylor. :)

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  20. Your sandwich creation is so delectable looking. I will be making it today for my grandchildren when they come by. Your books are a delight. My favorite homemade treat is apple cake. Love it. Since it is a family recipe which my grandmother excelled at. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Apple cake sounds delicious!

      And thanks for the kind words about my books. :)

      Delete
  21. I love the veggie sandwich which would be perfect since we always have veggies available and so easy to make, as well as delish. Libraries are my favorite haunts and the new series would be a treasure to enjoy. When I was young my grandmother lived with us for 10 years and her cooking and baking was special. Blintzes were wonderful. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. And healthy, aside from the mayo, ha. Mmm...blintzes sound awesome right about now!

      Delete
  22. My family loves my mother's recipe for cabbage rolls. We always serve them with a dollop of sour cream and a side of mashed potatoes and apple sauce. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. Looking forward to reading Checked Out.I also loved your Southern Quilting Mysteries philsut@embarqmail.com

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  24. Libraries, cats and murder - what could be better? I'm from Northwest Indiana, not the South, but sometimes I wonder about the food influence. We had a lot of salads with fruit and Knox Geletin (for strong fingernails!), like an orange jello/carrot salad and those and others often had a dollop of Miracle Whip. Not mayonnaise, be "we" all hated mayo. Good recipe, and thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Isn't that funny? Must be some crossover there somewhere!

      Delete
  25. My favorite family recipe is a tie between my grandma's fresh apple cake topped with whipped cream and her pound cake which needs no icing.
    laurie(dot)anismom2(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. This is the second mention of apple cake today on the blog and my stomach is growling!

      Delete
  26. My Grandma's broccoli and corn casserole, oatmeal cookies and strawberry cream cheese jello dessert (it doesn't sound good, but it is). clugston.kathy@yahoo.com

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    1. Actually, that sounds really good! But then, I'm Southern and we like everything with cream cheese and jello!

      Delete
  27. I’ve never had a sandwich like that.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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    1. You know, I don't think I've ever even seen it on a menu anywhere. Seems to be total home kitchen prep. Maybe it would be more familiar if restaurants had it. :)

      Delete
  28. My favorite family recipe is my mom's macaroni salad with eggs and cheese. blee309(at)cox(dot)net

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    1. Yum, that sounds so good. We had something like that growing up and it was called (and I really don't know why...some sort of weird Southern oddity) "Cheese Monkey." It was great! But it was served warm, not cold.

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  29. I love our family recipe for Potato Salad w/ Miracle Whip! We grew up on Miracle Whip..never had mayo in our fridge but we did have and used a lot of the store bought version of this sandwich spread! I would love to read Checked Out! Thanks for the chance! almaj80(at)suddenlink(dot)net

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    1. I love potato salad! It's like my ultimate comfort food. :)

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  30. I always love a new series and cats and books make it even better centraleast2 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much! I hope you'll enjoy it. :)

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    2. Congrats to you, "Central East 2," on winning this contest. Check your email for details and thanks to you and Elizabeth for joining us at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen!

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  31. Welcome Elizabeth. This looks yummy. It looks a lot like what a friend from England grew up with. And she used the same mayo. She shared it and it was very yummy. Thanks for sharing. This cover looks fun. I love libraries and cats and now love cozies that have animals, small towns etc. quilting lady 2 at comcast dot net

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    1. That's so interesting! When I think of sandwiches and England, I do think of cucumber (and maybe watercress), so that does make sense! And thanks so much!

      Delete
  32. My grandma's raspberry cake is my favorite. I grew up with miracle whip in pototo salad, tuna casserole, tuna salad and egg salad. My favorite is bacon lettuce tomato sandwiches with miracle whip. Thank you for the chance donakutska7@gmail

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    1. Oh, everything is better with bacon! Bacon might be an interesting add-in for this recipe, too. :)

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  33. Sounds like this would make a yummy sandwich. But I have to say now you've made me crave an old classic from my past - the pear salad (as we called it) minus the cherry. LOL Congratulations on your new series.

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    1. Sadly, my mouth was watering even as I wrote about the pear salad in a derogatory fashion, haha! I might have to dig around in my pantry a little for a pear can. :) Thanks for coming by, Mason!

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  34. Book sounds amazing! My favorite family recipe is my Grandmother's corn salad recipe. It's a cold salad and it's so refreshing.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. A cold corn salad sounds great! Y'all had some really good cooks as grandmas. :)

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  35. That sounds really yummy. And the book sounds good too. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  36. I've never heard of a veggie sandwich---but that recipe is very interesting. I don't really have any favorite family recipes---but I learned from my grandmother to get an idea from recipes, then just make up your own.

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    1. I wish I could be as creative in the kitchen as I am on paper!

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  37. In our house it's holubchi. My grandpa's family came from Ukraine and grandma and then my mom would make this. You're not part of the family til you've eaten holubchi. My sister and I were always told any potential husbands of ours have to try it to be officially considered.
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  38. That's amazing! I just looked it up and it looks like sometimes cooks use grits as filling? Very cool!

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  39. One of the favorites from when I was a kid that we still make is cornflake cookies.
    turtle6422 at gmail dot com

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  40. One of my family favorites was a beef bergundy stew perfect for a cold weather day...served with home made home style white bread. Your recipe sounds delicious. I would love to read your book. cmeier2001@live.com

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    1. And we've got a rather raw one here today in NC! Beef burgandy sounds delish right now!

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  41. Welcome back, Elizabeth! Love that photo of you & of course the Corgi! I used to make a similar veggie spread/sandwich my friend Barbara taught me(her mom's recipe) many years ago, but without the gelatin. We also added carrots, radishes & olives, and that was before I got my first food processor! Big hit at parties & showers. I have so many family faves that I self-pubbed a cookbook for my youngest brother's wedding in 1982, gave them as gifts, then my cousin who worked at a major hotel chain asked for more to sell! I've been working on & off for years now to update a new version, just pressed for time, esp. now that we're caregivers for my elderly parents. BTW, I still make the peach cobbler from your book Finger Lickin' Dead. Everyone loves it. You have been sorely missed here at MLK! Take care, & I look forward to catching up on your latest books! lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

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    1. Hi Lynn, and thanks!

      I'll have to try it with your additions--those sound so good! Good luck with the updated edition of your cookbook and with taking care of your folks. And thanks for the kind words on the cobbler!

      Delete
  42. Love the recipe and thanks for the giveaway, too. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  43. I will try this for sure! My go to sandwich in the summer is a homegrown lettuce and tomato on miracle whip sandwich.

    Teresa

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    1. Nothing better than a tomato sandwich in the summertime! Thanks so much for being here Teresa and hope you're well. :)

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  44. Looks like a fun book! My mom is a great cook and I have so many favorites. Probably my top favorite is Chicken Bordelaise. Katherinestamps ay msn dot com

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  45. My grandmother's Christmas cake.

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  46. I am excited to read this! tiger_of_mu@yahoo.com

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  47. We made Wacky Cake lots (also called Crazy Cake or Depression Cake)

    kaye.killgore(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. I'll look that one up! I could use some Wacky Cake just about now. :)

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  48. My favorite family recipe is Lemonade Cake. Thanks for sharing your healthy & delicious sounding recipe! betsypz@yahoo.com

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    1. Lemonade Cake! I haven't had that in ages!

      Thanks to you for coming by!

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  49. Love the sound of your book and the cute cover...We did a lot of crab salad, or tomato sandwiches, and cream cheese and watercress...cucumber etc. but yours in a new one. P.S. I totally love tomato aspic...

    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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    1. I could really handle some watercress right now!

      Too funny about the aspic! Maybe it was just that I had a little too much of it in the 70s? I was pretty burned out, ha!

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  50. My mama could make amazing potato salad and cornbread dressing! Yum!

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    1. Those sound amazing! I haven't had potato salad for a while now...may have to change that (and I happen to have potatoes in the house!)

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  51. I sometimes still do the pear with mayo and cheese, although we never had a cherry on top. My favorite recipe growing up was my grandmother's German Chocolate Cake and her chocolate bread pudding. I wish I could find her recipe for that, it was lost at some point. I'm looking forward to your new series. susan.cogdell@yahoo.com

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    1. Only for the fanciest of occasions did we warrant a cherry on top, ha! That chocolate bread pudding sounds especially good.

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  52. Looks like a great cozy mystery. Cats, books,a murder and recipes too. What more could I ask for? Paula hindsfeet5@juno.com

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  53. Looks like a wonderful cozy! Especially since I love cats, books, and cozies. Not a cook myself, but really miss my grandma and her iced molasses cookies and chocolate layer cake. Everything she made was special! Congrats on this series! jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot)com

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  54. Wow, it looks like I'm not the only one who would love to win and read this book! Sounds really good and I love the book cover! Thanks for the chance! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

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  55. I make all the normal things, but one thing my family really likes is Rotel Chicken Casserole. Its just simple yummy goodness-rich and creamy with a little kick. Wendy - clarksrfun at gmail dot com

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    1. Sounds like good comfort food during a difficult time!

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  56. My favorite is stuffed peppers with turkey mushrooms and quinoa. Thanks for the chance.
    Jess
    maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  57. This looks great, I'll have to give it a try! kristin.segura at gmail.com

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  58. Thanks for the recipe, looks good! My favorite is a spinach artichoke dip. tWarner419@aol.com

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    1. I haven't had that in forever and now I'm craving it!

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  59. khalsey@rochester.rr.com
    Karen Halsey This is an awesome dish. Have to try when summer veggies readily available. Thanks for sharing and a chance to winner your book.

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    1. Thanks for coming by! Hope you'll enjoy it this summer. :)

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  60. Sounds like a tasty recipe. Thank you.
    lindalou64(at)live(dot)com

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  61. My grandmother made a ruby cake! It had fruit cocktail in it with coconut icing. Omg. So yummy!

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    1. That sounds delicious! I'll have to look that one up. :)

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  62. Thanks again to Elizabeth for joining us here at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, and thanks to everyone who joined in the fun and left such lovely comments.

    The winner of Elizabeth's giveaway, by random number draw, is the "Central East 2" (check your email for details). Congrats to you, and...

    Cheers again to Elizabeth for generously offering the giveaway of CHECKED OUT, the first entry in her charming Village Library Mysteries!

    ReplyDelete