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Holiday, 1997
Volume 2, No. 3 We've had a wonderful fall, full of book events and happenings. We all attended Bouchercon in Monterey, and did some booksignings together afterwards, always ful for us. Lee was interviewed by Lora for a Los Altos cable station—look for that show to turn up in your neighborhood some late night. And we decided, after the talk in the car had once again turned to food, that this holiday newsletter would focus on what treats our sleuths would prepare for a holiday entertainment. Please, enjoy them virtually and for real, and believe that you have our best wishes for a joyful holiday season.
Lora Roberts Ginger Syrup for Ginger Ale or Wine Spritzer Liz Sullivan's baking skills are limited. But she does love this homemade ginger ale to serve as a festive drink. 6 cups water Combine water, ginger and sugar in a 3-quart pot; boil over medium high heat for 15 minutes without stirring. Cool and chill. Strain just before serving. To serve, fill glass with ice. Use 4-6 tbsp. of ginger syrup per glass. Use half a glass of wine, fill rest of way with soda water for spritzer. Use all soda water for gingerale. Serves about 16. Lora's current Liz Sullivan book is Murder Bone by Bone. A new Liz book, Murder Crops Up, will be out in September.
Lee Harris Bourbon Balls These delicious treats are easy enough that even Chris Bennett can make them. Lee Harris thanks her old friend Marion Barnette for the recipe. 2 tablespoons cocoa Sift cocoa and sugar into a bowl. Stir in bourbon which has been combined with syrup. Mix well. Add crumbs and nuts and mix well again. Roll into small balls about 3/4 inch in diameter. Drop into a bowl of additional powdered sugar, roll around to coat on all sides. Allow to dry several hours before serving. They freeze well. Yield: 3 dozen. Lee Harris's new book is The New Year's Eve Murder. She wishes you all a happy holiday and go easy on the bourbon balls!
Jonnie Jacobs Persimmon Cookies Kate isn't much of a baker, but she's found these cookies are not only easy to make but so good that they're always a hit. 1 cup persimmon pulp Cream sugar and margarine well with electric mixer or cuissinart. Add egg, pulp and soda and spices, then flour, nuts and raisins. Drop by spoonsful onto cookies sheet. Bake 350 degrees for fifteen minutes. Jonnie Jacobs' third Kate Austen book, Murder Among Us, will be out in March 1998. Jonnie also writes the Kali O'Brien series. Evidence of Guilt, the second in this series, will be available in paperback in March.
Valerie Wolzien Sugar Plum Cake Susan bribes her family and friends with large slabs of this concoction during the holidays. Mix: 1 cup tasteless oil Add: 3 eggs beaten Sift together: 2 cups flour Mix in large container: 1 cup buttermilk Add milk mixture and flour mixture alternately to egg mixture. Add: 1 cup cooked and chopped prunes Cook in a 13 by 9 inch pan for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Make glaze: 1/2 cup buttermilk Bring glaze to a boil and spoon over warm cake. Cool cake. Valerie Wolzien is busy writing yet another Christmas mystery—this one starring Josie Pigeon. The next Susan Henshaw mystery, Weddings are Murder, will be published in April.
Lee Harris ~ Jonnie Jacobs ~ Lora Roberts ~ Valerie Wolzien ©2005-06 by Lee Harris, Jonnie Jacobs, Lora Roberts and Valerie Wolzien. |
