“Oh, Sally—” Katie began, but once again Sally raised her hand to put an end to the conversation.
“You better go get that detective. Is there somewhere we can go to talk? I don’t want this whole gang of people listening to my confession.”
“Yes. You can go inside Artisans Alley. The vendors’ lounge is far away from the party. You’ll have plenty of privacy.”
“Then go get that detective so I can get this off my chest,” Sally said in a tone that would suffer no defiance.
Katie got up and again threaded her way through the partygoers. She found Hamilton, pointed Sally out, and quickly told him what he no doubt was very happy to hear. He excused himself, and she watched as he, Seth, Nick, and Sally made their way into Artisans Alley, shutting the door behind them.
The holiday music sounded crass, and Katie felt anything but merry.
Davenport was suddenly at Katie’s elbow, and handed her a glass of champagne. “Let’s party like it’s 1999,” he said and laughed.
“I didn’t know you were a Prince fan.”
“I’m not. I’ve got kids who’ve listened to the radio since they were babies. Unfortunately, I know all their songs, as well as my own.”
“I propose a toast,” she said, raising her glass. “To the success of Wood U.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Davenport said, and took a swig.
“And here’s hoping your foot heals fast, too,” she said and tipped her glass in his direction yet another time.
Davenport drained his glass, and then eyed her critically. “Was there something you wanted to tell me?”
“Yes, but not right now. Right now, let’s celebrate. Let’s party like it’s 1999.”
And so they did.
Katie’s No-Bake Recipes
Peanut Butter Buckeyes
1 jar (18 ounces) creamy peanut butter
1⁄2 cup butter, softened
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Cream the peanut butter and butter. Add the sugar and vanilla and mix well. Form into 1-inch balls and refrigerate. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or in the microwave. Dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate with a toothpick until they are about 3⁄4 of the way covered. Place the chocolate side down on waxed paper. Let them set at room temperature or refrigerate.
MAKES ABOUT 5 DOZEN PIECES.
Raspberry Supreme
1 package (3 ounces) raspberry (or your favorite flavored) gelatin
1⁄2 cup boiling water
1 cup crushed ice, drained of excess water
fresh or frozen raspberries (or other favorite fruit)
Chill dessert dishes or sherbet or parfait glasses in the refrigerator. Put the gelatin in a blender; add the boiling water. Cover the blender and blend until the gelatin is dissolved. Keep the blender running and slowly add the crushed ice. Blend for about 1 minute, or until the container feels cool. Place several fresh raspberries in chilled dessert dishes or sherbet glasses, pour the gelatin mixture over the raspberries, then garnish with a few fresh raspberries and, if desired, a sprig of fresh mint.
SERVES 4.
Peppermint Patties
33⁄4 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2–3 teaspoons peppermint extract
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup evaporated milk
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Add the evaporated milk and mix well. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet. Flatten the balls with a glass to 1⁄4 inch. Cover and freeze for 30 minutes. In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip the patties, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the patties on the waxed paper. Let them stand until set.
MAKES 5 DOZEN PATTIES.
One Hot Murder Page 27