Sunday, May 9, 2021

Chocolate Cupcakes and a giveaway for Mother's Day @KristaDavis


 

 

 

 

 

 LUCY BURDETTE: It's Mother's Day and what could be a better way to celebrate than having our own dear Krista Davis bring news of a giveaway, plus chocolate cupcakes! Welcome Krista! We miss you and are so happy to have you visit, especially with a new book!

KRISTA DAVIS: I am so excited to be back at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen! Thanks for inviting me, Lucy. Today I'm sharing my new go-to recipe for chocolate cupcakes. They are so light and airy that I have to ration them and not indulge too much. The recipe makes a whopping 24 cupcakes, but happily they freeze very well, which makes them the perfect cupcake for Sophie Winston, who always likes to have something on hand to serve, because you never know when people might gather in your kitchen to discuss a murder.

In The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit, Sophie's best friend Nina returns from a European vacation looking much worse for the wear.

The next day, one of Nina's traveling companions is murdered. The only clue is a strange image the dying victim scratched into the soil. Could it point to a cryptic killer? A cursed artifact? When another traveler dies, Sophie knows if she doesn't find the murderer soon, her best friend may be next.

 

The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit will be in stores on May 25th, but I have copies! I'm so happy to be here that I will give away two books today. A copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit and a copy of the newest Wagtail book, Big Little Spies. See how to enter below.

 

I'm always intrigued by alternative uses for ingredients, so I experimented with mayonnaise instead of butter in these cupcakes.They exceeded my expectations. These rise quite high, so if you prefer a lower cupcake, fill the wells 1/2 full.


I frost these with a super creamy frosting. Unfortunately it does involve a double boiler, which has sort of gone out of fashion. So if you prefer, frost these with your favorite frosting. If you're feeling adventurous, haul out the double boiler. This makes a dark chocolate (not overly sweet) frosting. For more sweetness, use 3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate. Taste to be sure it's sweet enough for your taste!

 

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes

 

 3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups water

Preheat the oven to 350. Place cupcake papers in wells in cupcake pan.
Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar in a medium bowl and stir with a fork to blend.

In a mixer, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mayonnaise and vanilla and beat. Alternate between adding the water and the flour mixture. Divide the batter among the cupcake papers, filling ¾ full.

Bake 18 minutes. Frost with Chocolate Frosting.


Chocolate Frosting


4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

4 large egg yolks

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup heavy cream 

1 1/4 cups softened unsalted butter


Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot water. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks with the sugar. Mix in the salt and heavy cream. Pour it slowly into the chocolate and stir constantly. Bring it briefly to 160 degrees, (you may need to turn the heat down afterward) and continue stirring until thick. Remove from heat and cool.


Cream the butter thoroughly. Add the cool chocolate mixture one spoon at a time until it is all mixed in. If it is too soft, chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.


















To enter to win a hardcover copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit or a paperback copy of Big Little Spies, please leave a comment with your email address and let me know which book you would like to win. Good luck!


Happy Mother's Day!

( It's not too late to bake cupcakes for Mom!)

119 comments:

  1. Big Little Spies, sue.stoner72@yahoo.com

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  2. Big Little Spies, sue.stoner72@yahoo.com

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  3. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit kitten143@verizon.net

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  4. I would be beyond thrilled if I were fortunate enough to be selected. I would love the hardcover copy of "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit". Thank you for the chance!

    Thank you for the wonderfully yummy sounding recipe for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cupcakes and Chocolate Icing, Since there are just the two of us now and if it's around I WILL eat it, I'm going to half the recipe and try it real soon. That way I am limited because these sound too good to just be laying around whispering "eat me".
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Kay, these freeze very nicely. I have my extras in the freezer.

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  5. I would love to read The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. The cupcakes looks delish. I do have a double boiler. Lois Rotella- rainonlois@aol.com

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    1. I hope you'll like the frosting. It's so creamy!

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  6. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
    rose111@netins.net

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  7. Welcome back, Krista!!! It is so great to have you back. I'll have two of those amazing chocolate cupcakes for breakfast please. :)) Very Happy Congrats on your stellar new releases. And Happy Mother's day to all! xoxo ~ Cleo

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    1. Thank you, Cleo. Wish I could pass two of the cupcakes to you!

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  8. Big little spies. Thank you for the chance.gogo2007@rocketmail.com

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  9. I'd love to win "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit" please. Most of my granddaughters' are into baking and the eldest 3 might also enjoy reading the book. I stopped baking after the last "kid" got married and moved out. My waistline has thanked me for years. NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Nora, I know of several sisters and mother/daughters who pass my books around. I understand they all think differently about Wolf and Mars!

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  10. Thanks for the chance! I'd love The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
    Heidiark@yahoo.com

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  11. Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for the recipe, and this chance to win! If I am lucky enough to win, I would love a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit, please, and thank you. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. Thanks for your lovely giveaway. The cupcakes are beautiful and enticing. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit would be wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. Happy Mother's Day, everyone! I just ordered "Big Little Spies", so I would love to win "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit!" These are two of my favourite series! Thank you for the chance, and for the delicious cupcake recipe!

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  14. Happy Mother's day to everyone!
    I would love to win Diva, email is kkmyers69@gmail.com

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  15. The chocolate cupcakes look yummy!! I would love to win a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Thank you for this chance! pgenest57 at aol dot com

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  16. I would enjoy The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. The recipe is a winner. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  17. Welcome back, Krista! The cupcakes sound divine.

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    1. Thank you, Edith. I thought of you when I was working on this frosting. 4 ounces of chocolate really give it that dark chocolate flavor.

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  18. I would love to win The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. The cupcakes look good and easy! Thanks for the chance to win. Jholden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Oh, those cupcakes look yummy! I would love to win Big Little Spies, please. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com

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  20. I would like to read "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit". Thank you for the recipe, my mother used to bake a delicious chocolate mayonnaise cake and this brings up fond memories. It's a rainy day here today...perfect weather for some baking!

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    1. I'm so glad to have brought up memories of your mom on Mother's Day!

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  21. Happy Mothers Day to everyone. Thank you for this recipe. Yummy. And thank you for the idea of the substitution. Wow. Gotta try both the recipe and the substitution now.
    thank you for the give a way
    I would love to try Big Little Spies
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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    1. You just can't tell that the cupcakes have mayonnaise in them!

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  22. If I win, I'd love to have a hardcover copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Your recipe looks fabulous!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  23. Choices, choices! You do make it hard! Since I'm diabetic, guess I'll go with "Big Little Spies!" That will help me keep away from the cupcakes! DROOL!!
    Janice.
    flyingjstrails@aol.com

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    1. Gosh, that's tough. I'm sure there are recipes for sugar-free cupcakes.

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  24. Your chocolate cupcakes look so decadent! I would love to win a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit - thanks for your giveaway and Happy Mother's Day! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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    1. They are a little bit decadent. Everything in moderation, right?

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  25. Big Little Spies
    lindalou64(@)live(dot)com

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  26. The cupcakes look delicious! I would love to win a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit — thanks for the chance! cking78503(at)aol(dot)com

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  27. I wish I could eat chocolate! Those cupcakes look so good. I would love to win the Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit, but really the other one would be just as good. Thank you for this chance to win. 1cow0993(at)gmail(dot)com .

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    1. Next time I visit, maybe I'll bring a recipe without chocolate in it.

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  28. I'd love to win Big Little Spies. The town full of animals is adorable.
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  29. The Diva serves Forbidden Fruit. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  30. Oh, your cupcakes look delicious and the recipe seems easy to make. The size of a cupcake is pretty perfect for me to indulge. Thanks for sharing the recipe. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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  31. Definitely going to try the cupcakes! I love both series but will choose The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Bethanne0664@gmail.com. Thank you!

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    1. Remember to choose 3 or 4 ounces of chocolate. 3 for regular and 4 for dark chocolate.

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  32. I would love to win a copy of "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit". The cupcakes look fantastic, can't wait to try them. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. I often find that people gather in my kitchen discuss murder��.So looking forward to the Diva's next adventure!

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    1. LOLOLOL! I hope you have a supply of cookies and cupcakes for those events!

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  34. So lovely to see you here, Krista. What a fantastic post and givewawy. Thank you for joining us. Off to print and to share. XO

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    1. Thanks, Mary Jane! I miss hearing from my friends!

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  35. Big Little Spies pwtish171@gmail.com

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  36. Those overhead shots of the cupcakes are quite impressive looking. Nice frosting swirls.
    Lovely to have you visit.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  37. I have made a chocolate cake with mayonnaise! But in cupcakes? So much better! I would love to win Big little spies! my email is mysandycat at aol dot come.

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  38. Mskitty@casscomm.com. I would love to win a copy of the Diva this time. Just finished Big Little Spies and loved it a bunch!

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  39. These look yummy! I would love Big Little Spies. Happy Mother's Day! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. Those cupcake looks delish. Sophie always makes me feel that even I can be a good hostess. I would love to win a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit!
    onlysleepn@yahoo.com

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  41. My "go to" chocolate cake recipe is one that I've made for about 40 years. I just made them for a birthday party yesterday, and the guests still rave about them. Isn't it nice to treat people, especially those who don't bake? The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit

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  42. Big little spies and those cupcakes look amazing. Addeitcher@gmail.com

    Angie

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  43. The diva serves forbidden fruit!!!

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  44. Thank you for coming back to share another great recipe, Krista!

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  45. Yum those cupcakes sounds so good. The diva serves forbidden fruit. ndoo2@yahoo.com

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  46. Big Little Lies Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for the chance Donakutska7@gmail.com My grandma made mayonnaise chocolate cakes so delicious.

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  47. Hi Krista! I would love to win The Diva because I already have Big Little Spies! Thank you! yankeesgal@icloud.com

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  48. Chocolate Mayonnaise cake is delicious! I love the Diva series so Forbidden Fruit would be perfect!!!

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  49. Cupcake look amazing!
    mmhaines@aol.com

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  50. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit, please. Thank you!! k.steward76@gmail.com

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  51. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. I love all your books and they are my standard on Audible. Can't wait for more

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  52. What a great giveaway!! Thank you!! If I were to win i would love to have The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit please!! I am currently reading this great series and I just finished High Tea. So much fun!! Quilterssm@charter.net

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  53. Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day. Either would be great, but The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit—sounds intriguing. My mother had a recipe for chocolate cake using mayo that we made when I was still at home.

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  54. Heather.durning@eagles.usm.edu

    I would love a copy of your new Forbidden Fruit book. ��

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  55. I would love a copy of Big Little Spies, if I'm chosen. 3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. Happily, I have already read Big Little Spies (so good!) but would love a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. lenicooks@gmail.com

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  57. I would love Big Little Lies. Thank you so much and Happy Mother's Day. bella_ringer@hotmail.com

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  58. Those cupcakes look delicious - I want to skip dinner and go straight for cake! I love both series but have Big Little Spies (so good). Would love a chance to win The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Thank you
    rwilson(at)ws4r(dot)com

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  59. The chocolate cupcakes look divine
    Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. lmmeidam@gmail.com

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  60. This recipe sounds perfect! Will have to make them soon! I’d love the new Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit ❤️ Hrhallberg@gmail.com

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  61. Both books look very interesting. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit won the toss. The recipes as well. Alternatives uses for anything is our family motto. Mayo in cakes has been a 'thing" since since a family member can no longer eat dairy. We are used to cooked frostings as well. 7-Minute is my daughter's favorite. And we all love chocolate. So I will be doing these recipes tomorrow. Thank you for that. I was wondering what to make. We have greatly enjoyed what we have been able to get of your books. So we are hoping big time. Thank you for the chance of another one of your reads. And for the recipes. bessdeepotter84 at gmail dot com

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    1. Almost forgot. We have used sauerkraut in cakes along with zucchini, and onion, and pureed split peas (these especially in donuts are a fave around here). We love experimenting too.

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  62. I would love to win the diva serves forbidden fruit. Those cupcakes look delicious. I'm currently reading Big little spies.
    Joannlowehunter@aol.com

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  63. I'd love to win The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Thank you!!
    Theresa Norris
    weceno at yahoo dot com

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  64. I would love to win The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Thank you 😊

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  65. Both sounds very good. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit is my choice wonderful review thank you
    Penney penneyw at sbcglobal dot net

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  66. Those cupcakes look great. The addition of mayonnaise is throwing me a little though, but to each their own. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit is my pick (because that's the one that I can hardly wait to read)! Happy Mother's Day! Thanks for the chance to win. Blackfur1129(at)aol(dot)com

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  67. I have all of the Diva books, so I would LOVE to have the newest installment. Thank you so much for the opportunity. cshields@jcsd.k12.ms.us

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  68. I’m not big on cupcakes but I like the Diva books and would pick that one
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  69. Forbidden Fruit, please! It's coming out this month and I can't wait! And then I think, and then how long do we have to wait for another one???? I know, I am greedy!

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  70. I love all of your series!! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to have both a new Paws & Claws and a new Diva out (still looking forward to the next Pen & Ink)!! I just bought "Big Little Spies", so would love to win "The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit". I just love your character and scene development. Every book feels like I'm coming home to an old friend. Not to mention, your recipes are always so yummy!! Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
    JEB867 at yahoo dot com

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  71. Big Little Spies. Thanks for the chance. jlb12563@sbcglobal.net

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  72. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit.

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  73. Happy Mother's Day! I would love a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Thanks for the chance. Great cupcake recipe. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  74. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. suzannegabriau@gmail.com
    I am so excited for this to come out! 😍

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  75. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
    Carsonsmum@gmail.com

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  76. The diva serves forbidden fruit. Thanks for the chance!
    Jess
    maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  77. I would love to have the freezer and be as organized as Sophie, karen harris, karden45@comcast.net k

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  78. I would love to have the freezer and be as organized as Sophie, karen harris, karden45@comcast.net k

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  79. The The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Thank you for the chance!!! Those cupcakes look amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    jarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  80. Krista, you are my favorite writer. I have all your books (some several times ; ) But I am absolutely ADDICTED to the Diva series! I re-read them over and over, give them out as gifts to others and totally want to live in Sophie's world! Thank you so much for giving us such great places to visit...even when we can't leave home! ❤ Garra Crews -counselordelong@yahoo.com

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  81. Would love Forbidden Fruit. Printing out your recipe as the pics are making me drool!

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  82. I would love to win Forbidden Fruit! I discovered this series last year during lockdown. My library has some of the books available on Libby which has been amazing. The others I have slowly tracked down. Far and away Sophie is one of my favorite characters. I just want to.spend the afternoon with her in her kitchen. If Bernie stopped in, I would probably swoon! Email is ailijones118@gmail.com

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  83. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit please and those cupcakes look awesome.

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  84. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit please, but what a hard decision!!! Both my favourite series! Thanks a million! <3 veronica.j.rankin@gmail.com

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  85. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  86. I have read all the Diva books and have tried many of the recipes. Have loved them all and can't wait to read these books. kmdh54@charter.net

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  87. cant wait to try this recipe thank you. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit jcook22@yahoo.com

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  88. Would love to win the diva book. Terry0743@aol.com

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  89. "Forbidden Fruit" sounds deliciously mysterious, but there's no mystery in why those cupcakes would be delicious! They look luscious! sssusieqAThotmailDOTcom

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  90. I love the Diva series, So I'd go with Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. Can't wait to make those cupcakes! Katherinestamps at msn dot com

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  91. Thanks for the recipe! I'd love to win "Big Little Spies" as that series is simply one of my most favorite. My email is staceysuesouther@gmail.com. Thanks for the chance and Happy Mother's Day!

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  92. Those cupcakes look amazing! I would love a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit (although both series are amazing). Biszemom@gmail.com

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  93. I would love to have a copy of The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit! I adored Big Little Spies already. guckett@yahoo.com

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  94. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit! My Grandma always made a delicious mayo chocolate cake when I was younger. tiggercat24alisha@yahoo.com

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  95. The Diva serves Forbidden Fruit, sounds juicy!
    melissamcdorman38@gmail.com

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  96. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  97. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
    vhumotravel@gmail.com

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  98. The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit please
    wskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  99. My choice would be Big Little Spies(That cover is adorable. Don't let my cats see that tiara or they will want one). Both are on my "Want to Read List". egoehner(at)roadrunner(dot)com. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  100. I would love either. I love the cover on Big Little Spies. Eventually the whole series will be sitting on my shelf.
    I can't wait to try the cupcakes.
    LaurasReadingBlog@gmail.com

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  101. I would choose The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. It was really hard to choose. Maybe send with cupcakes, please.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  102. I’d love to read your newest Diva book! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  103. Those cupcakes look amazing! I would like to read The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit. khpinelake (at) gmail (dot) com Thank you for the opportunity to enter!

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