Fudge, Films and Felonies (A Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery Book 7)
Page 13
“Wow. That’s terrible. But why would Keith offer up the cabin if he knew that Professor Shumers’ students were using that area?” Luke asked.
“From what Professor Shumer said I think that only Shane was using it. I think that he might have built the bird blind.” Detective Neil looked towards the mansion. “I better go inside. I’ll catch up with both of you later.”
“Poor Shane.” Luke frowned. “He truly was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“He must have figured out that Clara was involved. Maybe that’s why he was hesitant to go to the police. He didn’t want her to get into trouble,” Ally suggested.
“And yet, he’s the one that ended up dead.”
“Yes.” Ally sighed as she rested her forehead against his chest. “And you’re the reason Mee-Maw and I survived. I don’t know if I tell you enough, Luke, but I love you.”
“I love you too, Ally.” He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t know if I tell you enough but you certainly do get yourself into some dangerous situations.”
“Lucky for me I have the best boyfriend in the world, and of course, a Watch Pig.”
“Yes, a very good Watch Pig.”
Charlotte walked up to them with Arnold in tow. “He wants to make sure you’re okay, Ally.”
Ally knelt down in front of Arnold and hugged him. She kissed his little cheek.
“From now on Arnold you can snuggle up to me anytime.”
“Luke!” One of the Geraltin police officers waved to him. “We need you inside.”
“Excuse me. Apparently, I’m invited to the party.”
Ally and Charlotte continued to pet Arnold as they lingered by the driveway and watched the scene unfold. The majestic house crawled with police from top to bottom. Ally imagined they’d find all kinds of incriminating evidence. Charlotte slipped her hand into Ally’s.
“We can survive anything, Ally, because we’re not alone. If just one person had noticed Clara being taken advantage of, she might have never got involved in any of this. Never forget that I appreciate you.”
“I appreciate you too, Mee-Maw.” Ally leaned close to kiss her cheek, but Arnold’s snout got there first. The two laughed as Arnold snorted between them.
The End
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Also by Cindy Bell
Chocolate Centered Cozy Mysteries
The Sweet Smell of Murder
A Deadly Delicious Delivery
A Bitter Sweet Murder
A Treacherous Tasty Trail
Luscious Pastry at a Lethal Party
Trouble and Treats
Sage Gardens Cozy Mysteries
Birthdays Can Be Deadly
Money Can Be Deadly
Trust Can Be Deadly
Ties Can Be Deadly
Rocks Can Be Deadly
Jewelry Can Be Deadly
Numbers Can Be Deadly
Memories Can Be Deadly
Paintings Can Be Deadly
Macaron Patisserie Cozy Mysteries
Sifting for Suspects
Nuts About Nuts Cozy Mysteries
A Tough Case to Crack
Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mysteries
Murdering the Roses
Dead in the Daisies
Killing the Carnations
Drowning the Daffodils
Suffocating the Sunflowers
Books, Bullets and Blooms
A Deadly Serious Gardening Contest
A Bridal Bouquet and a Body
Dune House Cozy Mysteries
Seaside Secrets
Boats and Bad Guys
Treasured History
Hidden Hideaways
Dodgy Dealings
Suspects and Surprises
Ruffled Feathers
A Fishy Discovery
Wendy the Wedding Planner Cozy Mysteries
Matrimony, Money and Murder
Chefs, Ceremonies and Crimes
Knives and Nuptials
Mice, Marriage and Murder
Bekki the Beautician Cozy Mysteries
Hairspray and Homicide
A Dyed Blonde and a Dead Body
Mascara and Murder
Pageant and Poison
Conditioner and a Corpse
Mistletoe, Makeup and Murder
Hairpin, Hair Dryer and Homicide
Blush, a Bride and a Body
Shampoo and a Stiff
Cosmetics, a Cruise and a Killer
Lipstick, a Long Iron and Lifeless
Camping, Concealer and Criminals
Treated and Dyed
About the Author
Cindy Bell is the author of the cozy mystery series Dune House, Sage Gardens, Chocolate Centered, Macaron Patisserie, Nuts about Nuts, Bekki the Beautician, Heavenly Highland Inn and Wendy the Wedding Planner.
Cindy has always loved reading, but it is only recently that she has discovered her passion for writing romantic cozy mysteries. She loves walking along the beach thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on.
You can sign up for her newsletter so you are notified of her latest releases at http://www.cindybellbooks.com.
Chocolate Pecan Fudge Recipe
Ingredients:
10 ounces semisweet chocolate
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 cup pecans
Preparation:
Line a shallow 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. To hold the paper in place spray the pan with cooking oil or grease with butter and place the parchment paper on top.
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and cut the butter into cubes.
Gently melt the chocolate, butter and condensed milk, preferably in a double boiler.
Once melted add the vanilla extract and salt. Stir until combined.
Roughly chop the pecans. Mix the pecans into the chocolate mixture.
Pour the mixture into the baking pan and smooth out the top with the back of a spoon.
Place in the fridge to set for about 2 hours.
Once set cut into 16 pieces.
Enjoy!
Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
7 ounces semisweet chocolate broken into pieces
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate broken into pieces
9 ounces butter cut into cubes
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
Chocolate Frosting:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
Caramel popcorn:
4 cups popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup golden syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
This recipe makes about 18 cupcakes. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Over a low heat, preferably in a double boiler, melt the butter and chocolate together. Leave aside to cool slightly.
In another bowl sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda. Stir in the sugar.
Lightly beat the eggs and vanilla extract in another bowl.
Slowly add the buttermilk to the chocolate mixture, stirring through. Gradually stir the egg mixture into
the chocolate mixture.
Fold in the dry ingredients a bit at a time until well-incorporated.
Spoon the mixture into the cupcake cups until about three quarters full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Once cooked leave the cupcakes on a cooling rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting sift the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl.
In another bowl cream the butter. Beat the vanilla extract into the butter. Gradually beat the dry ingredients alternating with the milk into the butter mixture. Beat until all of the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
To make the caramel popcorn line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a heavy bottom saucepan melt the brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, salt and vanilla extract over a gentle heat.
Once the sugar has dissolved increase the heat to medium and cook without stirring for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the popcorn to the pan stirring it through so the popcorn is coated.
Quickly spread out on the baking tray and leave it to cool. Once it is cooled break it into pieces.
To assemble the cupcakes, place a spoonful of frosting spread over the top so the popcorn can stick to the top of the cupcakes. Add some popcorn to the top of each cupcake.
Enjoy!