VMBURNS: I'm super excited to welcome Daryl Wood Gerber back to Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. Daryl is sharing information on her newest book, along with a yummy recipe for Chocolate Mousse Pie and a giveaway!
DARYL: Thank you, Valerie, for having me on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. It’s so good to be back!
Readers, do you love chocolate? Of course you do! Even if you don’t, I’ll bet you know someone who does. Also, if you’re a baker, I’ll bet you like recipes that are easy-peasy. If so, you’re in luck, because I have a super easy recipe to share with you. I’ve included it in my upcoming Fairy Garden Mystery, A TWINKLE OF TROUBLE, the 5th in the series, in which the murder of Courtney’s friend, Genevieve, casts a pall over the Summer Blooms festival. Working with only a germ of a clue, Courtney will have to overturn every rock to get the dirt on the real killer . . .
For those of you who don’t know what a fairy garden is, think of it as doll-housing for miniature gardens. You can plant fairy gardens in pots, under trees, inside your house. There’s no set rule. They’re fun to make, and they open the possibility to invite magic into your life!
For those who aren’t familiar with the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the series is set in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California and features a fairy garden shop owner, Courtney Kelly and her fairy sidekick, Fiona. In this story, Courtney is dating a restaurateur named Brady Cash, and they discover a new treat at Sweet Treats, a bakery located in the same courtyard as the fairy garden shop, which Courtney named Open Your Imagination. When Courtney tells Brady that she absolutely adores the chocolate mousse pie, he cajoles the recipe out of the baker.
Hurrah! Because now I can share it with you.
FYI, adding coffee or espresso to a chocolate recipe can really enhance the flavor. It deepens its intensity. Note: there are gluten-free chocolate wafers, so that’s an easy substitution for those who need to eat gluten-free. I find mine at Whole Foods, but they’re available online.
Enjoy! And fairy best wishes to you all!
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Chocolate Mousse Pie
(Yield: 6 slices)
INGREDIENTS
One 4-ounce package chocolate wafers,
broken into pieces (*they do make these gluten-free)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet
chocolate, chopped
¼ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter a 6-inch springform pan. Pulse the
chocolate wafers in a food processor until finely ground. Add the butter and
pulse 3–4 times. Press the mixture into
the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 5 minutes and remove from
the oven and let cool.
In the top of a double boiler set over about 2 inches of simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate and the coffee. Remove the bowl form the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
In a medium mixing bowl, whip the cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high until the cream holds stiff peaks. With a spatula, fold the chocolate mixture into the cream, in 3 batches, until nicely blended. Transfer the mixture to the crust and smooth the top. [For this recipe on MLK, I added an additional tablespoon of espresso to the cream mixture. Yum.]
Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours and up to 1 day. To serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and cut the mousse into wedges.
GIVEAWAY
A TWINKLE of TROUBLE
Carmel-by-the-Sea garden shop owner Courtney Kelly sees things others can’t—like fairies, and hidden motives for murder . . .
Courtney is delighted when her tiny friend Fiona returns from the fairy realm, appearing at the base of a Cypress tree. When her Ragdoll cat, Pixie, emerges from her own portal—aka the cat door—the three set off for a busy day. Busier than usual, since Courtney has rented a small plot of land at the Flower Farm, where she hopes to grow her own supplies for her fairy-garden business. Plus, the annual Summer Blooms Festival is coming up, and Courtney has booked a booth . . .
But the murder of Courtney’s friend, Genevieve, casts a pall over the festival. Ever since Genevieve sold her floral business, she’d been building a career as an influencer. She was perennially opinionated—but in her new role she’d become surprisingly vicious, dissing local entrepreneurs with nasty posts and unwarranted bad reviews. That’s landed a couple of Courtney’s other friends on the suspect list—including Flower Farm owner Daphne Flores. And when a second victim is discovered, seeds of doubt about Daphne’s innocence sprout in Courtney’s mind. Working with only a germ of a clue, Courtney will have to overturn every rock to get the dirt on the real killer . . .
Daryl Wood Gerber Bio
Carmel-by-the-Sea garden shop owner Courtney Kelly sees things others can’t—like fairies, and hidden motives for murder . . .
Courtney is delighted when her tiny friend Fiona returns from the fairy realm, appearing at the base of a Cypress tree. When her Ragdoll cat, Pixie, emerges from her own portal—aka the cat door—the three set off for a busy day. Busier than usual, since Courtney has rented a small plot of land at the Flower Farm, where she hopes to grow her own supplies for her fairy-garden business. Plus, the annual Summer Blooms Festival is coming up, and Courtney has booked a booth . . .
Daryl Wood Gerber Bio
Social Links:
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber
BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber
YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber
GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber
AMAZON: amazon: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page
NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/
I would love to serve this delicious pie for dessert. You can't go wrong with chocolate. bella_ringer@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I agree. Chocolate seems to rock it! ~ Daryl
DeleteHurray Daryl, welcome to MLK! this looks so easy and delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucy. It's pretty darned easy. The mallet is the fun part! ~ Daryl
DeleteThis looks delish! Thanks for sharing, Daryl. And thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
ReplyDeleteValerie, you bet. Thank you for hosting me. ~ Daryl
DeleteThank you for the delicious sounding recipe for Chocolate Mousse Pie!
ReplyDeleteHubby loves pie and will always take it over cake. That being the case I made lots of pies and often it's want certain guest expect and want when they dine with us. As to what kind, lots of different cream pies from the most requested coconut cream to pineapple cream or fruit pie when the fruit is in season (or when the mood hits and I can find the appropriate fruit in the store). Then often I will fool everyone with a dessert such as this that really isn't a cake or a pie, but just out and out delicious.
Congratulations on the upcoming Tuesday release of A TWINKLE OF TROUBLE. I know it's on my TBR list and I can't wait for the opportunity to read and review it. It's been on my must read list since you first told us about it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy making it possible to read it right away!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Kay, I've never had pineapple cream pie. Sounds delish. And thanks for the kind wishes for the new release! Crossing fingers for good magical sales. ~ Daryl
Deletea nice fruit in season vegan crisp is my go to.
ReplyDeleteFruitcrmble, a fruit crisp is delightful! So fun for the summer. ~ Daryl
DeleteI love to serve angel food cake with fresh berries - that way if they don't eat cake, they can still have something sweet. Thank you for the chance to win - I would love to read your Fairy Garden Series. aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteApril, I love angel food cake and have a great gluten-free recipe for one. Whipped egg whites are magical. ~ Daryl
DeleteDARYL: I love eating chocolate, and chocolate desserts!
ReplyDeleteMy easy go-to dessert is a chocolate mousse made with good quality dark chocolate and avocado (secret ingredient). Just melt the chocolate & whizz the mixture with ripe avocado in a food processor. Divide into individual servings & chill in the fridge.
Avocado? Really? Wow, Grace, that sounds unusual. Must look it up. Thanks. ~ Daryl
DeleteCheesecake or strawberry trifle Thank you for the chance deborahortega229@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteDebora, I made a trifle for a new book that is coming out in October, and it was so delish! Love it. ~ Daryl
DeleteCongratulations on another book! This pie looks scrumptious. I usually make a cake for guests. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteCarol, cake is a favorite go-to here, as well. My grandson loves to make cakes. ~ Daryl
DeleteHow wonderful of you to visit us here at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, Daryl! Usually we prepare pies or cakes that are far too complicated and time-consuming for our guests, but your easy-peasy chocolate pie looks very high end, and surely will taste delicous. I will make it for myself and when I have company! Thanks for your generosity in sharing this recipe with ius, plus by offering one of your mysteries to a luchy commenter! JOY! Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteLuis, I agree that some desserts can be so time consuming! Yipes. Give me the easy ones any day for a party. ~ Daryl
DeleteIce cream or gelato
ReplyDeleteWskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com
Anonymous, I love gelato and ice cream. I've been known to sneak bites first thing in the morning. It's "medicine." ~ Daryl
DeleteYour pie looks delectable. I serve marble cake which is easy to bake, and is moist and tasty. Always a favorite. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteTraveler, marble cake is yummy! One of my favorites, too. ~ Daryl
DeleteI like to have ice cream sundaes. That cake looks yummy and I love anything chocolate, so I'll have to try it.
ReplyDeleteAnita, kid you not, my first banana split, the server forgot the banana! I love sundaes. So easy and you can add so many goodies to them. ~ Daryl
DeleteDessert depends on dinner, for a heavier entree meal, I usually serve berries and ice cream/gelato or whipped cream. For a lighter entree, I often make a cake, usually some variation of chocolate or carrot. Chocolate Mousse Pie looks and sounds like a delicious new otption! Thanks. makennedyinaz@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteMarcia, that makes total sense. Yes, with a heavy meal, following with a heavy dessert is probably not the best idea...unless you're waiting an hour in between. ~ Daryl
DeleteI'm a cheesecake person for dessert and when it's summer, lemon anything is my go to, but ooh la la, this chocolate bit of heaven is a four season treat! sharonrizzo@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteSharon, I make a cheesecake about once a month. It's my favorite dessert ever and always. It's my grandmother's recipe. ~ Daryl
DeleteWhen strawberries are in season, I like to serve strawberry shortcake with whipped cream for dessert.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Nancy, that was what I always asked for on my birthday (in June) because strawberries are so perfect then. I still do. ~ Daryl
DeleteIt's great to have you back in the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteThis looks wicked good! Wish I had a piece right now.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
Thanks, Libby, I've been away too long, for sure. Nice to see the blog is thriving. Glad you like the look of this one. It really is pretty and tasty. ~ Daryl
DeleteI like to serve either cake or pie to guest.
ReplyDeleteKitten143 (at) Verizon (dot) net
Christine, you are not alone. :) The one that is certain, we all like dessert. ~ Daryl
DeleteI love this recipe. I usually serve a homemade from scratch cinnamon tea cake my Mom taught me. Thank you for the recipe 😘
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, oh, yum. Anything with cinnamon woos me. ~ Daryl
Deleteabeachlifesc at yahoo dot com from above comment
ReplyDeleteI would serve Apple or Cherry Crisp with ice cream.🥰
ReplyDeleteSherry Brown
ozdot4@sbcglobal.net
Sherry, I adore crisps with ice cream. Especially if it's still a bit warm. Yum. ~ Daryl
DeleteI make a killer zucchini bread that is more like a moist cake with nuts, dried apricots, dates and of course zucchini
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I love zucchini bread. I love coffee cake type treats f around 10:30 in the morning. ~ Daryl
DeleteGreat series! Looking forward to reading your new release. Chocolate mousse is one of my favorite desserts and this recipe looks amazing.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Dianne, thanks for chiming in. And thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated. ~ Daryl
DeleteHi Daryl! Since I'm a nervous hostess I go for something simple. My grandma used to make peach cobbler, the cake variety. Cut up the peaches, or pour from a can, pour the batter on top and bake. Serve with ice cream and/or cream. I find I can't mess that up! patdupuy@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletePat D, I always love peach anything. Peaches are my go-to fruit i n the summer. Yum. ~ Daryl
DeleteHomemade brownies(warm) and ice cream
ReplyDeleteKaren, well, yes, these are a given! LOL ~ Daryl
DeleteTuxedo cake or fruit tart
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
Mary, I'm not familiar with a tuxedo cake, but it sounds divine. ~ Daryl
DeleteHomemade brownies or cake. ljbonkoski@ yahoo. com
ReplyDeleteYes, we love our brownies! ~ Daryl
DeleteLori, you're the winner of this giveaway by random selection. Congrats. I'll email you for your info. ~ Daryl
DeleteHomemade Date Nut Bread. Thank you for sharing the recipe, and for this chance to win! areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I make date bread to give away at the holidays. A good old tradition for me. ~ Daryl
DeleteThank you for the chance to win. Lemon Icebox Cake or Eclair Cake - something easy and light yet pretty and tastes decadent!
Deletemadamhawk at gmail dot com
I adore lemon icebox cake. I've never had eclair cake but it sounds decadent. ~ Daryl
DeleteI like to serve a cake or pie for dessert. It depends on how many guests I am expecting. Thank you for the chance. Dbahn@iw.net. Dianne B
ReplyDeleteYes, cake goes a lot farther than pie, for sure! :)
DeleteIf it is a casual occasion, then fudgy brownie but if it is a bigger occasion then something fancier like cheesecake. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCherie, both sound good to me. ~ Daryl
DeleteI love to serve strawberry shortcake when we have guests.
ReplyDeleteJeanna, it seems lots of us do! Yum. ~ Daryl
DeleteThis looks awesome and something that I could take somewhere! I love this series!! Thanks for offering this chance to win! lindaherold999(at)Gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLinda, I'm so glad you're enjoying the Fairy Garden Mysteries. That makes me smile. ~ Daryl
DeleteI usually serve strawberry shortcake when we have guests. I do love chocolate though! Especially chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream icing!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
Jarjm, chocolate with more chocolate is delish! ~ Daryl
DeleteBrownies are my go-to, but if I'm feeling extra ambitious, I'll bake something fancier, like a decorated layer cake. Or, pumpkin pie. Always pumpkin pie. :)
ReplyDeleteThe winner of this giveaway is Lori B by random selection. I'll be in touch. Thanks to all for your delicious suggestions. I now have a LONG dessert list. ;) ~ Daryl
ReplyDelete