Sunday, April 24, 2022

Guest Daryl Wood Gerber #Giveaway +#Recipe for a Brookie

MAYA: Please welcome back Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber, a former regular on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. She's joining us today with book news, a sweet recipe, and giveaways. 


DARYL:  Hi. Thank you for having me back on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. I’ve missed all of you so much! I’m excited because there’s a lot to catch up on. I have a new Cookbook Nook Mystery (#11 in series) coming out in a couple of days, SIMMERING WITH RESENTMENT. In June, I have the 3rd Fairy Garden Mystery coming out. 

I think many of you have read at least one of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and I hope you’ll order this new one and enjoy. A killer’s explosive vengeance may lead to Jenna Hart’s happily never after . . . There are lots of tasty recipes in the book including an ice cream bombe! Watch out for an explosive story!

But today, I’d like to share a bit more about the Fairy Garden Mysteries. How many of you heard of them? They feature Courtney Kelly, the owner of Open Your Imagination, a fairy garden shop in the Cypress and Ivy Courtyard, one of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California’s many courtyards. They also feature Courtney’s sidekick Fiona, a fairy sleuth. Actually, Fiona is a righteous fairy (there are a few other types). She was kicked out of the fairy kingdom for being a bit of an imp, and now, in order to earn her adult wings and return to the kingdom and because she is a righteous fairy, she has to help humans—in particular, Courtney—solve problems.

Open Your Imagination serves tea on the weekends on the patio and often hosts a book club tea. I love drumming up recipes for the teas. Courtney doesn’t make them all. She can cook, but her friend Yvanna, who works at Sweet Treats, another shop in the courtyard, is a baker. She has dreamed up some deliciousness like lemon cupcakes with lavender icing, cinnamon swirl scones, and now brookies, a delicious brownie cookie that has won the hearts of all of Courtney’s customers. Actually, Courtney’s best friend Meaghan came up with the recipe and shared it with Yvanna, but Yvanna has tweaked it to perfection.

So I’d like to share it with you.

So I’d like to share it with you.

But first, what’s A HINT OF MISCHIEF about?

The proprietor of a fairy garden and tea shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Courtney Kelly has an occasional side gig as a sleuth—with a sprinkling of magical assistance. . . .

Courtney has thrown a few fairy garden parties—for kids. But if a local socialite is willing to dip into her trust fund for an old sorority sister’s fortieth birthday bash, Courtney will be there with bells on. To make the job even more appealing, a famous actress, Farrah Lawson, is flying in for the occasion, and there’s nothing like a celebrity cameo to raise a business’s profile.
 
Now Courtney has less than two weeks to paint a mural, hang up tinkling windchimes, plan party games, and conjure up all the details. While she works her magic, the hostess and her girlfriends head off for an indulgent spa day—which leads to a fateful facial for Farrah, followed by her mysterious death. Could the kindhearted eyebrow waxer who Farrah berated in public really be the killer, as the police suspect? Courtney thinks otherwise, and with the help of her imaginative sleuth fairy, sets out to dig up the truth behind this puzzling murder . . .

Now for the recipe!



BROOKIE

(Yield 20-24)

For the cookie layer:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/4  cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the brownie layer:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, if desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.

To make the cookie layer:


In a large bowl, beat softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg.

Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda together in a small bowl. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture and stir until combined. 

Stir chocolate chips into the dough

Spread mixture evenly into the bottom of the 9 x 13 dish.

 




To make the brownie layer:

In a large bowl, stir sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.  Add in eggs and beat well.  Mix in cocoa powder and mix well. Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the cocoa mixture.  Mix well. If desired, stir in the extra chocolate chips. Pour brownie mixture over cookie dough and spread to cover completely.



Bake the brookie in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, at least 30 minutes, before cutting into bars.

 


If you want the gluten-free version of this recipe, write me at daryl@darylwoodgerber.com to request it. 


And now for the GIVEAWAY

 

I’ll give a choice of the first 2 Fairy Garden Mysteries

to one commenter or a choice of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries

and a totebag!!

 

Answer one of these two questions:

What’s your favorite treat with tea or coffee?

Or… have you ever seen a fairy?

 

 BIO

Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries as well as the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. Daryl also writes the Aspen Adams novels of suspense as well as stand-alone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, garden, and read, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line!


MY LINKS

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/darylwoodgerber

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1

INSTAGRAM: https//instagram.com/darylwoodgerber

PINTEREST: https://pinterest.com/darylwoodgerber

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber

AMAZON: amazon: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page

NEWSLETTER: Have you signed up to receive my newsletter? I send one out every month and with a new release. In the monthly, there is always a GIVEAWAY to one (or more) subscribers. Check it out here and make the call. There's always a recipe, a bit about Sparky, what I'm reading, etc. https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/


 

 


88 comments:

  1. No fairy sightings here, but I love a good bar recipe. I'll definitely be trying this while looking forward to the new books!
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Alicia, I wish you luck on seeing a fairy soon. They are all about. :) ~ Daryl

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  2. I enjoy cookies with my coffee (which I take black). The two favorite cookies around our home are lightly spiced oatmeal raisin or an invention of mine called Christmas biscotti that includes pistachios (for green), dried cranberries (for red) and white chocolate chips. Thanks for a new cookie recipe for the chocoholics in my family.
    lroth(at)pcext(dot)com

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    1. Oh, Lois R, that cookie sounds amazing. I must try a biscotti. :) ~ Daryl

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  3. Congratulations on the new books. I would love to win Shredding the Evidence. Pretty much anything chocolate is my favorite treat. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Riley, I adore chocolate, too. I used to be a caramel-only girl, but once I had my son, chocolate came to the fore. I blame him. LOL ~ Daryl

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  4. I love chocolate and these look delicious! I can't wait to get my copy of the new book! Love all your books so much

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  5. I have never seen a fairy but hope to see one one day.
    Kitten143 (at) Verizon (dot) net

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  6. You know those shortbread cookies? I love those with tea!! Oh, I'd dearly love to see a fairy!!

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    1. Kathy, I just had a shortbread cookie for breakfast snack. It was delish! ~ Daryl

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  7. You know those shortbread cookies? I love those with tea!! Oh, I'd dearly love to see a fairy!!

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  8. No fairies. I wish. And, I have to say that I very rarely nibble with coffee or tea. What boring answers. Now if you asked what goes with a Manhattan - different story. Something savory. Actually hooked on Aldi's Asian snack mix.

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  9. Daryl, is there a way to print that recipe? I can't seem to copy it. Looks so delish!!

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    1. Kathy, usually the Print Friendly green button does the trick, but I just clicked it and it said the URL overwhelmed it. Hmm. Let me see what I can do. Maybe I'll post it on my FB page and that would be easier. Give me a sec. ~ Daryl

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    2. I've made a PDF of it. Give me your mailing address and I'll send it to you. ~ daryl

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    3. Actually, I just messaged you with the PDF. Let me know you got it.

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  10. I've never seen a fairy, sadly. I love brownies and chocolate chip cookies so this recipe, combining the two, sounds delicious.

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  11. Tea with Digestive biscuits are so delectable and yummy. My favorite indulgence.

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    1. Traveler, I must admit the term digestive biscuit always catches me up! LOL ~ Daryl

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  12. Welcome back!! Never seen a fairy, how cool that would be!! I love a good cinnamon coffee cake or a pumpkin muffin with coffee.

    Thanks so much for the chance! I'm saving the recipe to make when I'm craving chocolate!

    jarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Jarjm, I was at a book fair yesterday and there was a cinnamon bun truck and, wow, I had to hold myself back. So good. ~ Daryl

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  13. Haven’t seen a fairy…yet…but I’m hopeful that I will soon…working in a fairy garden. Can’t wait to try the recipe- yum. Thanks for the chance to win! Luvs2read4fun (at) gmail (dot) com

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  14. I would love to see a fairy! I enjoyed reading the first 2 of the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the third is next in my TBR pile. This series is so fun and fresh.

    Your recipe looks amazing. I can't wait to try it.

    cindystamps(at)uno(dot)com

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    1. Cindy, I'm so glad you enjoyed the first two. I'm excited about A Hint of Mischief coming out. I really enjoyed writing that one! ~ Daryl

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  15. Wonderful interview! I love a Blueberry Or Cinnamon crunch Muffin with my tea.

    Linda Ortiz
    strgth4yu(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  16. A lemon biscotti with tea is perfect. So tasty and ideal. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Petite, I made some lemon cookies the other day. So light and perfect with tea! You're right. ~ Daryl

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  17. No fairies sightings here but hoping one day. Any thing sweet,cookies, cake or donuts. The Gooey the better. But lately I have been on a lemon kick or key lime. 😋

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    1. Deb, gooey is fun, isn't it? And a good key lime pie is to die for! ~ Daryl

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  18. Lovely to have you back!
    Brookies are a marriage made in heaven!
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. Libby, thanks. I agree. A brookie is a really good combo. The best of both worlds. Nice to "see you" here, too. ~ Daryl

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  19. thanks Daryl for visiting and yay for all those yummy books! The Brookie looks amazing--never heard of that...

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    1. Lucy/Roberta, thanks for having me back. I hope you'll try the recipe. It's a goodie. ~ Daryl

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  20. By the way, congrats to Mia for her Agatha Award win for best first!! Way to go. ~ Daryl

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  21. I have never seen a fairy... don't know if I'd be excited or scared to death if I did see one. And if I had to choose between coffee & tea ('cause I don't do either), I guess I would choose a strongly fruit-flavored iced tea. I'm usually doing a diet soda (or sometimes water). So many treats to choose from: brownies, coconut cake, ice cream... sushi.

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    1. Book_wyrm, I'm sure we'd all be,um, scared, but then maybe not. Probably depends on how the fairy presented. As a human, like in Beauty and the Beast, or as Fiona, about three inches tall. ;) ~ Daryl

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  22. A lemon poppyseed scone with tea is my favorite. Congratulations on releasing the third fairy garden mystery - I love the series! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Autumn, thanks so much. I'm excited about both of these releases. I'm very blessed to be able to keep the series alive. ~ Daryl

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  23. COngratulations on your new books. I haven t come across the fairy books yet. Scones Cookies or something chocolate goes great with tea.
    khalsey(at)rochester(dotrr)(com)

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    1. Karen, thanks so much. I hope you'll check out the fairy garden mysteries. I've had such a good time writing them. ~ Daryl

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  24. I haven't seen a fairy ... yet. I don't drink coffee or tea, but never turn down a good cookie. These bookies look yummy. I'll definitely be trying them.

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  25. Forgot to include my email. It's bella_ringer@hotmail.com.
    Debbie

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  26. Lots and lots of lovely treats always catch my fancy, but right now a deep dark chocolate brownie with a thick caramel swirl sounds about perfect! makennedyinaz(at)hotmail(dot)com and thanks for all the lovely books and the chance to win one!

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  27. I'd love to see a fairy. And a gnome. Sorry, I love gnomes!

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  28. I'd love to see a fairy. And a gnome. Sorry, I love gnomes!

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  29. Thanks for writing a great guest post, Daryl! I'd never heard of brookies. They combine two of my favorites foods. ~Maya

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    1. Maya, thanks for having me on. I love brookies. Such fun to make and enjoy! ~ Daryl

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  30. A favorite treat with my tea is a good soft cookie!

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  31. A favorite treat would be a scone if drinking tea and a fudgy brownie if drinking iced coffee. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Cherie, I have to admit I'm not an iced coffee drinker, but the occasional iced latte does hit the spot. :) ~ Daryl

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  32. Your recipe looks amazing! I like banana bread or lemon bread with my coffee or tea. No fairy sightings here, it's probably too cold for them.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Dianne, yes, fairies do prefer warmer weather. They have snow fairies in the north, but I've never encountered one of those yet. ;) Daryl

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  33. My favorite treat would be a homemade cookie. I go from wanting something ooey and gooey full of delicious nuts, fruits or goodies like caramel, coconut or candies to craving something simple and elegant like a shortbread cookie perhaps with finely ground pecans.

    Although I've not seen a fairy YET, I do have a little house all set and waiting for them for when they do arrive.

    Love your books!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Kay, I'm so glad your house is set and ready. They will arrive. Believe. ~ Daryl

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  34. These are great for those times you can't make a decision between light or dark chocolate snack. Happens to me all of the time.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  35. My favorite treat with tea/coffee are biscotti cookies. positive.ideas.4youATgmail.com

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  36. No, I haven't seen a fairy. . . unless you count my granddaughter when she dressed as a fairy for Halloween one year.

    My favorite treat to have with a cup of coffee is either a cookie or chocolate candy of some kind.

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    1. Donna, aren't fairy costumes precious? I love them. I bought myself a pair of wings but only wear them in the house. Shh. Don't tell a soul. ~ Daryl

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  37. No fairy sightings here, but I keep hoping. My favorite treat with coffee or milk is anything chocolate along with salted caramel.

    kaye(dot)killgore(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Kaye, I adore salted caramel. What is it about salt and sweets that is so satifying? ~ Daryl

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  38. I have a few fairies that I enjoy the day with, as well as my very little fairy garden. I love Turtle Pecan Biscotti with my flavored coconut caramel coffee (from Hawaii) for dunking. The ultimate combination. lindalou64(@)live(dot)com

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  39. I've never seen a fairy.
    I like scones or shortbread cookies with tea.
    wskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  40. I am a fan of blondies! never seen a fairy. maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. I have yet to meet a fairy, but like to think they are out there somewhere. I love a fresh cup of coffee with a breakfast pastry.
    jen(dot)frederick(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Jen, like you, I love coffee with pastry. The flavors just meld for me.

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  42. When I was a little girl I thought fireflies were fairies. They were magical on early summer evenings! One day I will see a fairy though. :) Shortbread in its many guises is my favorite treat to have with tea. lnchudej@yahoo.com

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    1. Anonymous, I too thought fireflies were fairies. They certainly flit and flutter.

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  43. I like chocolate dessert with tea. I don't think I've ever seen a real fairy! lindaherold999@gmail.com

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    1. But Linda, you're not sure. That's a good thing. That means you "might" have. ;) ~ Daryl

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  44. The winner of this giveaway is Cherie J. I'll contact you via email. To all the rest, thank you SO MUCH for joining me on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. Love and hugs to all.

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  45. Kathryn ZweigenbaumApril 27, 2022 at 8:23 PM

    I love cookies

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  46. I love sweets. Cookies, cream puffs doesn't matter to go with my tea/coffee. No excuse needed!
    When my daughter was young, she and her friend swore they had a fairy fly around them. They laid very still, observing her.
    More than 25 years later, when they ran into each other, they both wanted to know if the other person recalled this whole thing. Yes.

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