Broke da Mouth Cocktail #recipe by @LeslieKarst

 

Today I arrive in San Francisco for the marvelous Left Coast Crime mystery convention, where I’ve not only been nominated for a Lefty Award for Waters of Destruction, but also have the honor of serving as Toastmaster. 

 

I always unveil my new bookmarks at LCC (as the con is affectionately known), because my books tend to release in the spring, when the con is held. As a result, I’ll be passing out bookmarks this year for my newest Orchid Isle mystery, Murder, Local Style (which releases on April 7 and is now available for pre-order).

For this series, my bookmarks all feature the recipe for a cocktail created by my protagonist Valerie Corbin, who’s a bartender at the Speckled Gecko in Hilo, Hawai‘i, where the books are set. But I know most of you won’t be attending Left Coast Crime, so today I present for all our beloved readers at Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen the recipe for the Broke da Mouth cocktail, which graces my newest bookmark.

 

“Broke da mouth” means “delicious” in Hawaiian Pidgin, which perfectly describes this cocktail with its flavorful combination of spicy rum, sweet and zesty ginger beer, and tart lemon.

Broke da Mouth

(makes one cocktail)

Ingredients

6-8 ice cubes

2 oz. spiced rum

4 oz. ginger beer

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 slice lemon (for garnish)

 

Directions

 

Place the ice in a highball or similar glass, then add the rum, ginger beer, and lemon juice and stir well. 

 

Garnish with the lemon slice.

 

Cheers!

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

Coming April 7!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #3

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

Available for pre-order here.

 

"The beauties and customs of Hawai‘i provide a striking backdrop for a murder with an unexpected motive."

Kirkus Reviews 

 

 🍍 🌴 🍹

 

Out now in paperback!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

Buy link here. 

 

2026 Lefty and Agatha Award Finalist

for Best Mystery/Contemporary Mystery!

 

"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

Kirkus Reviews

 

Also available

in paperback!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

Buy link here

 

2025 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Mystery!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 

This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

2024 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

and the IPPY Award!

Buy link here

 

 

 

Praise for Justice is Served:

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-

All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.

 

 

Spinach Salad with Orange, Feta, Pickled Onion, and Sesame-Shoyu Dressing #recipe by @LeslieKarst

 

This is the salad I prepared when fellow MLKer Leslie Budewitz and “Mr. Right” came to visit us in Hilo, Hawai‘i last year. (I meant to share the recipe back then, but somehow forgot. And as you’ll also see, I forgot to take a photo of the salad after the wonton crisps were added and it was dressed. Blame it on the cocktails we enjoyed before dinner.)

 

When I was a kid, those canned mandarin orange slices in syrup were all the rage, but they seem to have gone out of style. I don’t know why, though, because they’re actually quite tasty, and go great in salads. And along with the tangy picked onions, salty feta, and crunchy wanton crisps, they add the perfect sweetness to this delicious—and colorful—salad.

I haven’t given amounts for the salad ingredients, because that will depend on how many people you’re serving. Just use as little or as much as you like! Feel free to use raw red onions instead of pickled, if you like. But the recipe for pickled onions is here. 

Spinach Salad with Orange, Feta, Pickled Onion, and Sesame-Shoyu Dressing

Dressing Ingredients

(makes about ½ cup)

¼ cup white sesame seeds

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 teaspoons soy sauce (aka shoyu)

1 teaspoon sugar

about 1 tablespoon mandarin orange syrup

Salad Ingredients

baby spinach

crumbled feta cheese (can use bleu, if you prefer)

pickled red onions (recipe here)

canned mandarin orange slices, drained (save syrup for dressing)

crumbled wonton crisps, pretzels, or similar snack

 

Directions

Coarsely grind the sesame seeds. I used a mortar and pestle, but a coffee grinder would work, as well—just don’t grind them too long, or they’ll turn to mush. (Or, alternatively, you can whir all the dressing ingredients together briefly in a blender or food processor.)

 

Place the mayo, vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar in a medium bowl and stir to combine.

 

Add the ground sesame seeds and mix in. 

 

Drizzle in the mandarin orange syrup, stirring as you go, until the dressing is still thick enough to have some body but thin enough to pour. (Save the rest of the syrup for later use: it goes great in soda water or cocktails.) The dressing can be made in advance and kept refrigerated for several days.

 

 

 

Place the baby spinach in a salad bowl and top with crumbled feta.

 

 

Add the pickled onion and orange slices.

 

Right before service (so they don’t get soggy), add crumbled wontons or pretzels. Toss the salad with dressing and serve immediately.

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

Coming April 7!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #3

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

Available for pre-order here.

 

"The beauties and customs of Hawai‘i provide a striking backdrop for a murder with an unexpected motive."

Kirkus Reviews 

 

 🍍 🌴 🍹

 

Out now in paperback!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

Buy link here. 

 

2026 Lefty and Agatha Award Finalist

for Best Mystery/Contemporary Mystery!

 

"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

Kirkus Reviews

 

Also available

in paperback!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

Buy link here

 

2025 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Mystery!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 

This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

2024 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

and the IPPY Award!

Buy link here

 

 

 

Praise for Justice is Served:

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-

All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.

 

 

Noodle Kugel #recipe by @LeslieKarst

 

Some weeks back when I posted about brisket, I said I’d provide the recipe for the noodle kugel I served alongside it, so here it is.

 

Kugel is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish baked pudding or casserole—either sweet or savory—made from noodles or potatoes. The word “kugel” means “ball” or “sphere” in Yiddish, referring to its original shape (though they’re now generally made in a rectangular casserole or baking dish). Considered to be a comfort dish, it’s often served—in its savory form—alongside mains such as braised brisket or roast chicken, and drizzled with the gravy or drippings from the meat.

The recipe here comes from Shirley Tessler, my good friend and excellent cook (who generously edits the recipes for my mysteries), whose grandmother used to make this dish—though her Bubbe made her own noodles, and likely used shmaltz (chicken fat) instead of oil, according to Shirley.

With store-bought noodles, kugel is simple to make and absolutely delicious!

Noodle Kugel

(serves 8-10)

Ingredients

16 oz. egg noodles (medium or wide)

1 large yellow onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

½ cup + 1 tablespoon oil (I used olive oil, but any will do)

2 teaspoons salt, divided

½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder (optional--not pictured)

¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)

4 eggs, beaten

paprika, for garnish

chopped parsley, for garnish

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Heat the ½ cup of oil in a skillet over low heat until shimmering, then add the onion, along with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the garlic (if using), and sauté until softened and starting to brown. (It will seem like a lot of oil, but don’t worry—it’s part of the sauce, so to speak.) Set aside. 

 

Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain. 

 

Dump the drained noodles back into the pot, then stir in the onions, along with the oil they were cooked in.

 

Add the other 1 teaspoon of salt, as well as the pepper, and stir to mix thoroughly.

 

Add the beaten egg to the noodles and stir until evenly coated.

 

 

Grease a 9” x 13” baking pan with the 1 tablespoon of oil, then dump in the noodles and spread evenly in the pan. Sprinkle with paprika.

 

Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Served garnished with the chopped parsley.

 

Es gezunterheyt! (Bon appétit!)

 

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

Coming April 7!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #3

MURDER, LOCAL STYLE

Available for pre-order here.

 

A dinner to die for! Retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen investigate a suspicious poisoning in this new Orchid Isle mystery featuring a feisty couple who swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions in tropical Hilo, Hawai‘i.

 

 🍍 🌴 🍹

 

Out now in paperback!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

Buy link here. 

 

2026 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Mystery!

 

"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

Kirkus Reviews

 

Also available

in paperback!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

Buy link here

 

2025 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Mystery!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 

This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:

“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

2024 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews

Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

and the IPPY Award!

Buy link here

 

 

 

Praise for Justice is Served:

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-

All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.