#Holiday #Cookie #Recipe

I include three recipes in each cozy in my Caprice De Luca Home Staging series.  For me, the dessert recipe is always the most fun for me to create.  These chocolate peppermint blossoms will add color and flavor to any dessert tray.  (Nikki is Caprice's sister who owns a catering company, Catered Capers.)  They also freeze really well.  After I make a batch, I stow them in the freezer and just remove a few for a tray with other cookies whenever we have guests stop by.  I hope you enjoy the flavor and color of this festive cookie.

Nikki's Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus an additional 1/2 cup to roll cookies in)
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa
2 1/2 cups flour
36-40 white chocolate peppermint buds

Cream butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar.  Add eggs and mix well.  Add baking soda, baking powder and cocoa.  Mix until all ingredients are blended well and butter is smooth and velvety.  Add flour 1/2 cup at a time.

When mixed, form one-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar.  Handle as little as possible.  Put balls on lightly greased cookie sheets, leaving room to grow.

Bake 11-13 minutes at 375 degrees degrees until set.  Let cool one minute, then lightly press on candy.  The candy will melt a bit.

Remove cookies to a cooling rack.  Let cool until candy has hardened again, then store.

Makes about 36 cookies.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Karen Rose Smith Hosts Barbara Silkstone and her COLD CREAM MURDERS series

Today, I'd like  to introduce you to Barbara Silkstone, the author of over 40 light-hearted novels and novellas.   I hope you enjoy her new release GLOSSY LIPS, Book 1 in her Cold Cream Murders series.

Here is a message from Barbara:

Please join Olive and Lizzy in Nonna’s Cold Cream, a beachside shop catering to women who have spent too much time in the sun. The shop is easy to find. It sits on the main street in Starfish Cove a quiet community—if you discount the occasional oddball murders—located on the west coast of Florida. There will be ten books in the series which features Olive’s cat, Puff and Lizzy’s pooch, WonderDog. Each book will contain a recipe for lotions, potions, and beautifiers. Always clean and wholesome!

PREVIEW:

Olive Peroni put out her family therapy shingle six years ago—never thinking her top client would be Myron Meyers, head of a New York crime family. When Olive’s grandmother dies and leaves her a condo in Florida and a secret recipe for miracle cold cream, she grabs the chance at a new life in Starfish Cove, Florida, making designer creams for ladies who spend far too much time at the beach. Business is brisk at Nonna’s Cold Cream shop and life is good! Olive even makes a wild new best friend and business partner in Lizzy, the real estate agent who handles the transfer of Nonna’s condo.

         But when the quiet little community on the Gulf of Mexico soon begins to compete with a certain notorious coastal village in Maine, Olive finds herself solving oddball murders as often as she soothes wrinkles. 

Business is brisk and life is good! Olive even makes a wild new best friend in Lizzy, the real estate agent who handles the transfer of Nonna’s condo. When a dead body is found in the trunk of Lizzy’s car, Olive despairs that life in Starfish Cove won’t be any different than the one she thought she’d escaped. But this time, instead of listening to confessions of murder, Olive’s going to have to solve one. Maybe two…

Contains a recipe for Olive & Lizzy’s super-creamy homemade lip gloss!

GLOSSY LIPS on Amazon

Barbara Silkstone's most current series is Florence Nightingale Comedy Mysteries...THE GIGGLING CORPSE, THE KILLER CORSET, and THE CHEEKY CORONER. Cozies all.

Silkstone is the best-selling author of both Regency Pride and Prejudice variations, including the popular the MISTER DARCY SERIES OF COMEDIC MYSTERIES ~ PRIDE AND PREJUDICE contemporary variations. All her books are light-hearted adventures based on Jane Austen's timeless tales of love denied and love discovered. "Feel good" tales to warm your heart.

She is also the author of the Wendy Darlin Comedy Mystery series. Five coffee-snorting tales that combine Cozy with outrageous adventures. 

Plus a mixed bag of standalone cozy comedy mysteries: Zo White and the Seven Morphs, Cold Case Morphs, The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland ... and more. 

Cozy Chicks Oldies But Goodies Event--Giveaways and Fun

The four Cozy Chicks--Karen Rose Smith, Duffy Brown, Mary Kennedy and Lorraine Bartlett--are having an Oldies But Goodies evening on Facebook.  Mark your calendar for October 25 from 7-9 pm ET.  Come and join us for conversation, fun and giveaways!

Oldies But Goodies Event on Facebook


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Available November 27, 2018

Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mysteries

Book 8

Pre-order CUT TO THE CHAISE on Amazon

Pre-order CUT TO THE CHAISE on Barnes and Noble

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. This award-winning and bestselling author will have her 100th novel released in 2018.  At present she is working on book four in her Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries for Kensington Books. From time to time, she also writes romance for Harlequin Special Edition.

Karen and Zander

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks and does watercolor paintings rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

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Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

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Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2018 Karen Rose Smith

Harlequin Special Edition Book and E-reader Giveaway

You could win 250 print Harlequin Special Edition romances and an E-Reader!  Just follow this link and FOLLOW ME on Bookbub to Enter.

ENTER Special Edition Contest

Can You See The #Cozy #Clues? by Karen Rose Smith

I have a wonderful cover artist for my Caprice De Luca Home Stager cozy mystery series. Since Caprice not only stages houses but finds homes for stray animals who come her way, the artist usually included an animal.  Caprice herself has adopted two cats--long haired calico Sophia and Persian Mirabelle--as well as her Cocker Spaniel Lady.  She believes pets can help, calm, soothe and save their humans.  On the cover for CUT TO THE CHAISE, my December Caprice release, Caprice encounters a Schnoodle.  He looks just like the one my artist has portrayed on the cover.

Before a cozy is set for publication, my editor asks me for cover ideas and I send him photos.  Each element the artist chooses to use on the cover has something important to do with the mystery itself.  Front and center on this cover, you can see Caprice's wedding veil and one of her shoes!  This book is number 8 in this series and it is Caprice's "wedding" novel.  I won't say who she marries in case you haven't read the first books in the series.

Bottles of wine are lined up in the shelves at the back and behind the counter.  Much of this book is set at Rambling Vines winery.  The setting portrayed on the cover is the tasting room.  This is important not only because Caprice furnished it when it was renovated but because Caprice's wedding reception is slated to be held at the winery.

Michelle and Travis Dodd asked Caprice to decorate the winery in a unique way.  They wanted a relaxed but classy atmosphere and asked Caprice to include chaise lounges.  The tasting room is decorated in teal and claret decor from the leather chaise lounges and club chairs to the pendant hand blown glass lights over the wine tasting counter and the crystal and plates that are used for wine tastings.

After you've read this cozy, maybe you can find additional clues on the cover, hints to important elements in the mystery.  There's a story behind each one.  CUT TO THE CHAISE is available for pre-order now.

Pre-order CUT TO THE CHAISE on Amazon

Pre-order CUT TO THE CHAISE on Barnes and Noble

Cinnamon #Scone #Recipe created by Karen Rose Smith

When I developed the cinnamon scone recipe for my latest cozy release, MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES, it became a favorite.  I've made it multiple times.  I hope you like it too!

Daisy's Cinnamon Scones

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons

1 teaspoon cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon in dough and 1/2 teaspoon mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) grated unsalted butter (I let it sit out 5-10 minutes before grating)

3/4 cup cinnamon chips

1/3 cup ground pecans

1 large egg

3/4 cup reduced fat buttermilk

In a large mixer bowl, stir together flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add grated butter to flour mixture and beat it in.  Stir in cinnamon chips and pecans. 

 

In a separate bowl whisk the egg with the buttermilk, then mix into flour dough with mixer.  Scoop out eight large scones (I use a 1/4 cup scoop or measuring cup with handle) and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment.  Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.  Bake 17-19 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown.

MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Amazon

MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Barnes and Noble

New Release--MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES by Karen Rose Smith

You are invited to a Facebook launch party for MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES!  

When I have a mystery book release I enjoy celebrating with my readers.  For the release of MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on May 29, I have planned an all day chat and prize giveaway as well as a fast-paced virtual party from 7-9 p.m.  

Here are a few of my giveaways for the launch party which have an Amish theme.  

In this Daisy’s Tea Garden mystery, quilts play a prominent role.  

Join me on May 29th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT

at

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Here’s a preview of MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES (which includes a recipe for the scones): 

Daisy Swanson and her Aunt Iris run a delightful shop in Pennsylvania’s Amish country with an emphasis on tasty teas and treats—but murder is not so sweet . . .
 
As local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy’s Tea Garden. Gorgeous craftwork is hanging everywhere—but among the quilts, potholders, and placemats, one gallery owner is wrapped up in some dangerous affairs . . .
 
Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy’s employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa’s been practicing her sketches. She’s the obvious suspect, but Daisy’s learning that there were some major secrets in Reese’s background, and several of his relationships were infused with resentment. To save Tessa, she’ll have to find out who’s tainted this quaint little town with murder . . .

MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Amazon

MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Barnes and Noble

#Cats and Essential Oils--Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

Essential oils have gained in popularity over the last decade. They are used for aromatherapy (with and without diffusers), perfumes, aids for better skin tone and also for various health conditions.

However...

I receive a newsletter about felines from Cornell University called CatWatch.  It originates from the College of Veterinary Medicine—Feline Health Center. It includes innovations in pet care, new treatments for diseases, and advice on behavior issues.  I’ve been receiving the newsletter for several years now and find it practical and useful with sound advice.

This month there was an article on essential oils.  The Feline Health Center’s advice advice is to not use them in cat care.  They list these oils as toxic to felines. 

Cinnamon oil

Citrus oil

Clove oil

Eucalyptus oil

Oil of sweet birch

Oil of wintergreen

Pennyroyal oil

Peppermint oil

Pine oils

Tea tree oils

Ylang Ylang oil

The ASPCA Poison Control Center recommends avoiding essential oil use unless approved by your veterinarian. Apparently some are used for parasite control. If the oils are ingested, breathed in or absorbed by their skin, the oils can possibly affect your cat’s liver. 

I know I like to use natural products with our five inside cats and two outside strays. I raise pesticide free flowers and herbs for our gardens and try to avoid plants that are toxic to felines.  I’ll be avoiding essential oils now and in the future.

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NOW AVAILABLE

MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES

DAISY'S TEA GARDEN MYSTERIES, Book 1

Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective—so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite-divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried . . . especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy’s Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey’s grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn’t want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart—but she never expected Iris to wind up a suspect in Harvey’s murder.

Now the apple bread and orange pekoe is on the back burner while the cops treat the shop like a crime scene—and Daisy hopes that Jonas Groft, a former detective from Philadelphia, can help her clear her aunt’s name and bag the real killer before things boil over . . .

MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES on Amazon

MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES on Barnes and Noble

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. This award-winning and bestselling author will have her 100th novel released in 2018.  At present she is working on two mystery series for Kensington Books--Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozies and Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries. From time to time, she also writes romance for Harlequin Special Edition.

Karen and Zander

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks and does watercolor paintings rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2018 Karen Rose Smith