We're delighted to welcome Elizabeth Penney to our kitchen! Her recipe today is perfect for these days when we're hunkered down waiting for good news. Her new book HEMS AND HOMICIDE is perfect too! Make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a paperback or audio CD copy of HEMS AND HOMICIDE!
ELIZABETH PENNEY: Thank you to the wonderful authors of Mystery Lover’s Kitchen for including me as a guest! I love this site for its focus on a very important aspect of cozy mysteries: food.
Although I don’t include recipes in the Apron Shop Mystery Series, set in coastal Maine, food is still a key ingredient. But the food traditions of a place are integral to writing about it, I find, and are critical to creating an immersive experience for the reader. Plus who doesn’t love food?
I grew up in Maine and the state’s down-home cooking, which often incorporates local ingredients, is still a favorite. And nothing says Saturday night Maine more than a pot of steaming and savory baked beans. Bean suppers are still held by churches and other groups, and I’ll never forget one supper in Winthrop, Maine, decades ago. A virtual posse of lovely older ladies waited on us hand and foot, bringing fresh bowls of beans and side dishes while we ate our fill. Each batch of beans was different, but I’ve chosen to share a classic recipe inspired by one from Crosby’s Gold Star Molasses.
Classic Baked Beans Recipe:
1 cup molasses
½ lb. bacon or salt pork
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2) Boil beans on stovetop for 50 minutes or so, until skins wrinkle when you blow on them.
3) Drain beans, reserving cooking water. Add rest of ingredients and put in slow cooker with additional water to cover on low OR
Place in covered casserole dish or bean pot in a 325 degree oven.
Place in covered casserole dish or bean pot in a 325 degree oven.
5) Enjoy as a side dish with almost any meat. Tastes especially good with cole slaw or potato salad. A big bowl with fresh baked bread and butter is good, too.
Thanks Elizabeth! Friends, leave a comment and you could win a copy of this yummy book!
Thanks Elizabeth! Friends, leave a comment and you could win a copy of this yummy book!
Elizabeth Penney lives in New Hampshire’s frozen north where she pens mysteries and tries to grow things. She’s the author of the Apron Shop Series, with book one, Hems and Homicide, available now, as well as numerous titles for Annie’s Fiction and Guideposts.
About Hems and Homicide:
Iris Buckley has taken the plunge—moving her online apron and vintage linen business to a storefront in quaint hometown Blueberry Cove, Maine. But the storefront she rented with her business partner grandmother comes with something extra—a skeleton from the 1970s. Then their wealthy landlord, who has ties to her grandmother’s past, is found murdered in the shop. Is Ruffles & Bows doomed to fail before it even opens?
Great recipe. Love the cover. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletepositive DOT ideas DOT 4you AT gmail DOT com
Thank you, Nancy!
DeleteI look forward to reading the book! My grandma used to make homemade baked beans that were so good.
ReplyDeleteBleakney750 at yahoo dot com
I would love to see her recipe!
DeleteI love the recipe and will try it, they sound delicious. Jcook22 at yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI’ve never made baked beans from scratch but I think I have all the ingredients. suefoster109 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThis is a good time to try new dishes!
DeleteThank you for the delicious sounding recipe. I will have to give this one a try for sure.
ReplyDeleteGreatly appreciate the chance to win a copy of "HEMS AND HOMICIDE". Sounds like a wonderful book and I've had it on my TBR list with hopes of reading it soon. Always glad to review.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks for the kind words, Kay!
DeleteBaked beans remind me of barbecues,which I love. Hopefully the weather will get warm soon.
ReplyDeleteMy mom would love an apron store. I've never seen her in the kitchen without one.
kathyclugston3@gmail.com
I love barbecue season too!
DeleteThis is a new to me series and I'm in need of some thing new during this isolationism. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net
ReplyDeleteCozy mysteries are perfect right now, in my opinion!
DeleteRecipe sounds yummy. Next time I order groceries, I'm getting molasses so I can try it. Thank you for the chance for the book, it sounds just as good! eileen (at) eads (dot) pro
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy!
DeleteI've never made baked beans from scratch. I bet they are delicious. Thanks for the chance to win. Katherinestamps at msn dot com.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!
DeleteLove the recipe...would also love to read your book!
ReplyDeletecmeier2001@live.com
Thank you!
DeleteThe book and the recipe sound yummy! Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome!
DeleteBaked beans with bacon is the best - your book sounds great - thanks for the chance to own it - trwilliams69(at)msn(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSalt pork is hard to get where I live, so bacon is a good substitute.
DeleteHad planned on making baked beans this week. 😎
ReplyDeletePerfect timing!
DeleteI love baked beans...your recipe sounds delicious! cking78503(at)aol(dot)com
DeleteThanks for entering!
DeleteHhm..had baked beans from scratch growing up.
ReplyDeleteProbably way too often :-)
Never thought of making from scratch since I haven't had in decades. Would probably be delicious 😋
Love love the apron part, my gran a!ways. Wore an beautiful apron. Book looks & sounds WONDERFUL
Thank YOU for the interview and bringing it to us.
Kathy levernier
Gkathgoldin@yahoo.com
Thank you,Kathy!
DeleteA yummy recipe which the family would enjoy. My mother and grandmothers wore aprons always. Thanks for your giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThose generations did wear them and I think they're making a come-back.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm? Wondering if this is a recipe I should share with my boys! But it sounds so delicious, I just might need to take a chance! And thank you for this opportunity to try out a new author!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Hope the boys like them.
DeleteThe book sounds great, and thank you for sharing the recipe. Thank you for this chance! areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletelindalou64(at) live(dot)com
Thanks for your interest!
DeleteI love Baked Beans. Sounds yummy! I would love to read Hems and Homicide! Thanks for the chance! almaj80(at)suddenlink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI love them too!
DeleteThese beans sound yummy. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteturtle6422 at gmail dot com
Thanks for entering!
DeleteThe cover looks amazing and a delicious read. Thanks for your generosity. lindamay4852@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThey sure did a great job on the cover!
Deleteoh but this recipe looks wonderful. thank you. i love this cover. i am a sewer/quilter and i just love this cover. i would love to read your book. thanks for the chance. quilting lady 2 at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteYour email says it all!
DeleteI love baked beans but have never tried making my own. Thanks for the recipe. And I love the idea of an apron shop. I wish it were real!
ReplyDeletekozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com
I do too, maybe someone will start one!
Deletehad homemade baked beans every Thursday night when auntie came for dinner,while I grew up. love them and its a very good source of protien. thanks for the chance to win a book, being in lockdown for virus reading has become more than normal routine
ReplyDeleteThank goodness we have books!
DeleteRecipe sounds delicious! The book has caught my attention too! Thanks for sharing and the chance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your interest!
DeleteAnother to add to my To Be Read pile! Thanks for the chance!!
ReplyDeletedee mh 56 seven at gmail dot com
Appreciate being added!
DeleteThe baked beans recipe looks really tasty. Looking forward to reading the book, sounds like a great story.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Dianne!
DeleteBaked beans takes me back to wonderful childhood meals, especially picnics!
ReplyDeleteAn Apron shop is a very appealing setting for a cozy mystery. I sewed aprons for my daughter's bridal shower. We tied one each to the back of every chair, no two alike! Such a wonderful memory for me.
I would love to read Hens and Homicide!
The bridal shower idea sounds delightful!
DeleteLove reading and getting recipes to enjoy. Cozy mysteries are great reads
ReplyDeletejudytucker1947(at)gmail(dot)com
They sure are! Comfort food of the mystery genre!
DeleteThank you for the recipe and the chance to win your book!
DeleteI have beans to soak and cook this week - your recipe will be great to try. madamhawk at gmail dot com
I hope you do try it!
DeleteI haven't made my own baked beans in forever! I need to do this again. Thank you for offering your book, it's very much appreciated.
ReplyDeletemeg85242 (@) gmail (dot) com
Thanks for entering!
DeleteThe beans sound so good! I would love to read or listen to this cozy, too, as it sounds fascinating! Thanks for the chance to win! jeaniedannheim (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mama Cat!
DeleteThey look so yummy I can almost smell them.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad, always a challenge to take food pics.
DeleteLove baked beans and now I have a new recipe to try. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI hope you love them!
DeleteThanks for the great bean recipe and the giveaway. I would love to read this book. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome!
DeleteThanks for the recipe, would love to be included for a print copy! tWarner419@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!
DeleteThanks for the great recipe. Looking forward to reading this book. Love the color.
ReplyDeletedonnaing1(at)gmail(dot)com
Of the cover? It is pretty!
DeleteThe perfect recipe to make during this time at home:)
ReplyDeleteThank you and stay well
sandrashenton13@gmail.com
It sure is, I've been cooking up a storm.
DeleteWorcestershire sauce is my secret baked beans ingredient, but this recipe looks good. Lovely book cover.
ReplyDeletebrowningterry(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh, I'm going to try that! I love worcestershire sauce.
DeleteYay! Found another series I can start!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear!
DeleteI have never tried to make baked beans from scratch but this recipe looks like wonderfully little work for a great amount of flavor. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeletelittle lamb lst at yahoo dot com
It really is easy.
DeleteLil is the winner of Liz Penney's book--hooray!
DeleteLove baked beans on toast - thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
Me too, with lots of butter on the toast.
DeleteThe book sounds great! I love cozies
ReplyDeleteYour book has such a great cover! I would love to win a paperback copy! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, I love it too.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a year of adding legumes to my diet....so I appreciate the recipe and the chance to be the lucky recipient of a copy of Hems and Homicide.... Such fun! rcraftlady@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good recipe. The book looks like an interesting read. rgp1950@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI love baked beans thank you for the recipe. Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the chance
ReplyDeleteI love Maine so, so much! I also love baked beans, and surprisingly have never made them from scratch. You've inspired me to give it a try - when I have all the ingredients! Thanks for sharing this recipe, Elizabeth! picard1900 (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThere are so many different recipes, and at gatherings I've had good ones and bad ones. I have made them a few times over the years, but for the last 10 years or so, I have used a recipe done in the crockpot that uses ingredients including several varieties of canned beans ( don't judge me ), bacon, a small amount of ground beef, and some ketchup and barbecue sauce. It's so tasty!
ReplyDeletegnluciow ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com
Awesome recipe. Can't wait to try. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI look forward to trying this recipe. A pandemic is the perfect time to cook.
ReplyDeleteI love beans and this looks delicious. No one in my family likes beans much, maybe I can change their mind with this recipe! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYum Baked Beans recipe! Thanks so much! nani_geplcs@yahoo,com
ReplyDelete