Cozy Mysteries Cookbook: Recipes from Hope Callaghan's Cozy Mystery Books

By Hope Callaghan

What’s better than discovering a delicious new recipe? Reading the story that inspired the recipe, of course!
 

Enjoy more than 40 tasty recipes from three of Author Hope Callaghan’s most popular cozy mystery series.

This fun cookbook is a collection of delectable recipes from fan favorite mystery series such as the “Garden Girls Cozy Mysteries,” the “Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries,” and the “Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries.”

Included with the recipes are excerpts from each book that inspired the recipe.

The recipes are categorized into:
APPETIZERS
BREADS & OTHER BAKED GOODIES
BREAKFAST
DESSERTS
MAIN COURSES
SIDE DISHES
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND SEASONINGS

So treat yourself to a good, cozy mystery recipe or two...you deserve it!

• Language: English
• Publisher: HopeCallaghan.com
• Release date: Sep 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386110781

Hope Callaghan

Get Free Books & More at HopeCallaghan.com  Hope loves to connect with her readers! Sign up to get FREE books and other goodies and be the first to know about her new books.  Hope Callaghan is an author who loves to write Christian Cozy Mysteries & Mystery/Suspense books. Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of one daughter, a stepdaughter and stepson. When she's not doing the thing she loves best...writing books...she enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading books.

Book preview

Message from Author Hope Callaghan

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Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoy this collection of recipes from my cozy mystery books.  Included with the recipes are excerpts from each book that inspired the recipe.

With more than 40 recipes from three of my cozy mystery series, I hope you’ll find your new favorite recipe inside!

So treat yourself to a good cozy mystery recipe or two...you deserve it!

Sincerely,

Hope Callaghan

PS...Get free & discounted books, giveaways & soon-to-be-released books, when you sign up for my cozy newsletter.  hopecallaghan.com/newsletter

Meet the Sleuths

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Gloria Rutherford-Kennedy

Series: Garden Girls

Recently remarried retiree, Gloria, is the ringleader of her merry band of friends, the Garden Girls.  Always one to find a mystery...or they somehow manage to find her.  She lives on a farm on the outskirts of Belhaven, a small town in West Michigan.

Mildred Sanders

Series: Cruise Ship

Mildred Millie Sanders, heartbroken after her husband left her for one of his clients, decides to take a position as assistant cruise director aboard the mega cruise ship, Siren of the Seas.  From day one, she discovers she has a knack for solving mysteries, which is a good thing since some sort of crime is always being committed on the high seas.

Carlita Garlucci

Series: Made in Savannah

The widow of a mafia made man, Carlita promised her husband on his death bed to get their sons out of the family business, so she moves from New York to the historic City of Savannah, Georgia. But escaping the family isn’t as easy as she hoped it would be and trouble follows Carlita to her new home. 

Mercedes Garlucci

Series: Made in Savannah

Carlita’s daughter and the first to move to Savannah with her mother.  An aspiring writer, Mercedes has a knack for finding mysteries and adventure, and dragging her mother along for the ride.

APPETIZERS

Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites Recipe

From the Book

Family, Friends and Foes

Ingredients:

12 slices thick bacon, cooked

1/2 box of elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)

¼ cup milk

3 tbsp butter

4 cups extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese

Salt

Pepper

¼ cup breadcrumbs

Directions:

- Line a greased muffin pan with slices of precooked bacon.

- Bring water to a boil, add macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain water.

- Add milk, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese, reserving ½ cup of cheese for top. Thoroughly mix together.

- Divide the macaroni and cheese between the cups in the muffin pan.

- Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and more cheese.

- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until bacon reaches desired crisp.

EXCERPT FROM

Family, Friends and Foes

Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Series - Book 11

Siren of the Seas had just switched itineraries and Millie was unfamiliar with the new ports and activities.  Thankfully, she’d jotted down some notes on the new itinerary’s shore excursions and had even remembered to bring them with her. 

Millie slipped past several passengers as she made her way to the small stage. She switched the stage mic on and smiled at the guests.  Welcome aboard Siren of the Seas.  My name is Millie and I’m the ship’s assistant cruise director.  How many of you have cruised on Siren of the Seas before?

After the ice breaker, Millie rolled into her presentation and by the time she finished the hour-long presentation, she was proud of herself for being able to answer the majority of the passengers’ questions, most of which related to the ship and not the ports. 

Several of the excursions sounded intriguing, including a taste of the island tour for both the French and Dutch sides.  Millie also decided the sunset catamaran cruise sounded romantic. 

She hung around to answer a few more questions after the presentation ended.  After the last passenger departed, she flipped the light off and closed the door behind her.  Her next stop was to swing by the ship’s gift shop to make sure Cat was ready for the wedding the following day.

Millie had asked her friends Cat, Danielle and Annette Delacroix to stand up with her and she wanted to remind them of the 3:00 wedding.  The gift shop was packed and a large display sign near the entrance touted the Welcome Aboard Jewelry Blowout Sale.  She caught a glimpse of Cat, who was helping a customer at the jewelry counter and decided to keep going.

Her next stop was the galley.  Millie peeked inside the door and caught a glimpse of Annette and Amit, standing in front of the prep station.  She could tell from the look on her friend’s face that they were in the midst of a serious discussion. 

This is brilliant Amit. Annette patted her right-hand man’s arm.  I never thought to use extra sharp cheddar cheese.  It gives these an extra tang.  Good job.

Millie crept up behind them.  What? Amit did something right this time? she teased.

Amit shifted to the side, his face beaming.  "Miss Millie.  You’re just in time to sample one of your wedding hors d’oeuvres. 

Ooh! What is it? Annette had refused to tell Millie what she planned to serve for the cocktail party reception, only telling her she’d hand-picked the special dishes as a wedding gift for the couple.

They’re bite-size bacon wrapped mac ‘n cheese treats.  My recipe called for cheddar cheese and Amit decided to step it up a notch by using extra sharp cheddar instead.  Try one. Annette lifted one of the appetizers from the muffin pan and held it out.  It’s still a little hot, so be careful.

Millie’s mouth watered as she eyed the crispy bacon and caramelized breadcrumbs that coated the pasta cheesy goodness.  She took a small bite and a string of cheese hung from a macaroni shell.  She pulled it loose with her finger and popped it into her mouth.  Oh my gosh.  This is delicious. She polished off the rest of the treat and eyed the muffin pan.  I need this recipe.

It’s super easy, Annette said.  All you need is bacon, macaroni shells, milk, butter, extra sharp cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.

Sometimes the easiest recipes are the best, Amit said.

You’re absolutely right.  I need to try one more, just to make sure. Millie plucked another goody from the tray and took a big bite.

There’s more. Annette reached for another tray, on the other side of Amit.  Since you didn’t want a traditional wedding cake, we stuck with the theme of small dishes.  Try this." She held out a tiered tray of golden brown pastry tarts.

These look delicious.  What are they?

Roasted apple and walnut tarts, fresh from the oven.

Millie took a small bite of the tart. A savory hint of cinnamon, mixed with brown sugar melted in her mouth.  I taste cinnamon.

Just a pinch. Annette pinched her thumb and index finger together.  I’m going to serve them with a side of whipping cream, mixed with confectioners’ sugar.

Perfect. Millie gave a thumbs-up.  You two really outdid yourselves.  These are the bomb.

I’m glad you like them, Miss Millie, Amit said.  The wedding, it will be beautiful.

Thanks Amit.  I can’t wait until it’s over.

Amit wandered to the dessert station and Millie waited until he was out of earshot.  Roger had Beth deliver a note to me when she boarded the ship. Millie explained to her friend what had happened.  Now that it’s over, I’m glad I went out there to talk to Roger.  Our marriage ended on such a horrible note.  Now that the air is finally clear and I had my say, I can finally close that chapter of my life and move on.

It’s good that you’re able to see the bright side, Annette shook her head.  Still, I think he’s a jerk for trying to pull something like that at the last moment.  Does Captain Armati know?

Yeah.  I let him read the note and told him what I said.  Roger even went as far as to say he would sell the business and we could travel.

Annette grunted.  Did you let him know that you’ve got that part covered?

You took the words right out of my mouth, which reminds me.  There have been a couple of deaths over at Grand Bay Beach Club, Millie said. 

Recently?

In the last couple of days, Millie said. I don’t know any of the details yet.

A mystery.  That’s right up your alley. Annette stuck a fist on her hip.  Ten bucks says you’ll be sleuthing on your honeymoon.

You sound like Danielle.

It’s in your blood, Millie. Annette changed the subject.  Have you met Blake’s girlfriend yet?

No.  I still have a few minutes left of my break. I was thinking of stopping by his cabin to see if they’ve boarded yet.  Millie blinked back sudden tears as she gazed at the food her friend had prepared for her special day.  Thanks for everything Annette.  You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.

Same here, Annette said.  Now get out of here before you have both of us bawling like babies.

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Sharky’s Atomic Salsa Recipe

From the Book

High Seas Heist

*NOTE.  The original recipe called for ghost peppers.  Ghost peppers can be lethal, so I substituted the ghost pepper with jalapeno.

Ingredients:

1 jalapeno, diced

4 chopped/drained tomatoes

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 small can black olives, chopped

1 small can green chiles, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp. white vinegar

¼ cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

-Mix ingredients. 

-Refrigerate one hour or for best flavor, overnight.

-Serve with chips

EXCERPT FROM

High Seas Heist

Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Series – Book 10

Annette eyed the dimly lit overhead pipes as they walked.  This place is the stuff nightmares are made of.

You’d think they would put brighter lighting down here.  It’s kind of creepy. Millie shivered.  She thought about Francisco Garcia, the maintenance worker who’d been murdered not long ago. 

The beep of a forklift echoed in the hall and grew louder.

Stand back. Annette grabbed Millie’s arm as she jumped to the side and pulled her friend with her. The forklift driver nearly sideswiped them. 

Watch where you’re going! Annette shouted. 

The forklift never slowed. 

Jerk, Millie said.  We oughta report him.

The women moved cautiously as they continued down the hall, and when Millie caught a whiff of cigar smoke, she knew they were getting close.

It’s like an obstacle course down here. Annette stuck her head around a stack of wooden pallets.  I see him.

Sharky was sitting on his black scooter, chewing on the end of a lit cigar.  He began waving his hands at two workers.  I already explained to you numbskulls – we can’t store the cases of bleach and bottles of vodka in the same area.

But... One of the workers unwisely decided to test Sharky’s patience.

What part of no don’t you understand? Sharky shot out of his seat, balancing his 4’10 frame on the scooter’s footrest.  Store the bleach in storage room seven and lock the vodka in storage room two. He sank onto the seat.  And I’ll be inventorying the goods to make sure all the booze is accounted for."

One of the men mumbled under his breath.

Sharky cupped his hand to his ear and leaned forward.  What’s that?  You want me to move you to recycling so you can sort cans and bottles?

No.

That’s what I thought.  Now get back to work.

The men hurried down the hall and Annette took a step forward.  Sounds like you run a tight ship down here.  I admire that.

I didn’t know I had an audience. Sharky shifted to the side and lifted a brow.  Ah...two of my favorite gals. This must be my lucky day.  Let me guess, you need ole Sharkster’s help.

Possibly, Millie said.  It depends on whether we can negotiate a deal. We’re wondering if you may have noticed any unusual items, boxes or crates being offloaded before we left Miami.

Yeah.  We had a lot of odd stuff taken off the ship. There were bins of broken floor tiles, rolls of commercial carpet, sneeze guards from the buffet, all kinds of junk leftover from the remodel.

Great, Millie said.  It would have been easy for someone to throw in an extra crate or two without causing suspicion.

Still, even if someone had managed to sneak off the first missing pieces of artwork, there was still one more.  We’re here to ask if you could keep your eyes peeled for unusual cartons, boxes or fragile packages someone might try to get off the ship in any of the ports, including San Juan.

Sharky twisted his cigar thoughtfully.  What’s in it for the Sharkster?

What would you like? Millie asked.

Within reason, Annette added.

Now that you ask, I was just thinkin’ this morning how I’m cravin’ a homemade beef burrito. Sharky puffed on his cigar and blew a smoke ring into the air.  Smothered in lots and lots of cheese.

He smiled.  And a side of chips with hot sauce.  I’m not talking about the namby-pamby sauce.  I want the spicy, light-my-lips-on-fire, burnin’-at-both-ends sauce.

Sharky snapped his fingers.  What are those bright red peppers?

Ghost peppers? Annette asked.  You sure you want those?  I mean, they’ll send you running to the john for days.

Oh yeah. Sharky rubbed his protruding belly.  Those are the ones.

Annette and Millie exchanged a quick glance.  Okay.  So we’re agreeing that, in exchange for asking you and your crew to keep an eye out for unusual packages or crates leaving the ship, I’ll whip up an extra-large beef burrito smothered in cheese.

And bring it back at six o’clock tonight, Sharky nodded eagerly.

Okay. Annette extended her hand and Sharky shook it.  Don’t forget the hot sauce and don’t bring me a small container.  I want enough for leftovers.

It’s a deal.

Sweet. I’m on the case. Sharky flipped the ignition switch and twisted the handle as he revved up his scooter.  I’ll see you gals at six.

Before they could reply, Sharky hit the gas.  The tires made a sharp screeching noise right before the scooter backfired. 

Millie jumped back and clutched her chest.  I hate it when he does that.

Sharky rounded the corner and disappeared from sight. 

What if Sharky and his men aren’t able to help us out?

Then we’ve wasted some perfectly good ghost peppers. Annette shook her head.  I hope he knows what he’s asking for.

I can help you fix Sharky’s meal.

I have to start on the afternoon tea trays first, Annette said. Tonight is the midnight Mexican buffet so it won’t be a big deal, but if you wanna swing by around five, I can always use an extra hand.

Absolutely. It would give Millie plenty of time to welcome guests back on board the ship and then head to the galley. 

They parted ways on deck seven and Millie climbed the stairs to the lido deck to start her rounds.

Many of the ship’s passengers had gotten off to spend the day in port so it didn’t take long for Millie to check on the staff and crew to make sure everything was running smoothly.

She chatted with Danielle, who was taking a quick break and munching on pizza before heading to guest services or, as Andy liked to call it, the complaint department. 

Andy made a point of checking in with them to monitor guest complaints involving the ship’s activities and entertainment.

Nikki, Millie’s friend, was working behind the counter so she headed in her direction. 

Hello Millie.  How does it feel to fill Andy’s shoes?

Millie rolled her eyes.  Like I’ve worked an entire week and it’s only been a day. She leaned both elbows on the counter.  I’m here to see if any of the passengers have complained about the entertainment.

Let’s see. Nikki narrowed her eyes and tapped the computer screen.  We’ve logged two complaints.  One is that the casino slot machines are too tight.

Millie snorted.  Not much I can do about the slots.  What else?

That we cancelled the line dancing.

Next time someone complains about the line dancing, tell them to take it up with Ted Danvers’ fiancée, Brigitte.

Nikki wrinkled her nose.  I heard she gave Donovan a list of demands for the staff.

Yeah.  He’s been distributing them like candy canes at Christmas.  Thankfully, things have been running fairly smoothly today. Except for being accused of stealing artwork, Millie silently added.  Even Teddy Danvers seems to be having a good time.

Felippe, one of the ship’s security guards, tapped Millie on the shoulder.  I’m sorry to bother you, Miss Millie, but we’ve got a situation out on the dock and Purser Donovan Sweeney needs you to come out there right away.

Click Here To Buy High Seas Heist

Pepperoni Pizza Pie Iron Recipe

From the Book

Sun, Sand and Suspects

Ingredients:

Spray butter OR softened butter

1 loaf of white bread

15 oz. pizza sauce

16 oz. mozzarella cheese

1 package sliced pepperoni

Directions:

-Place slice of bread, butter side down, on lower half of cooker. Spoon pizza sauce on center of bread.

-Top sauce with mozzarella and pepperoni.

-Place second slice of bread, butter side up, on top of fillings.

-Latch handle; trim off excess bread if necessary.

-Toast over campfire, fireplace or bbq until golden brown on both sides. (Roughly 4 – 6 minutes depending on level of heat.)  Check at three minutes and turn to other side for even cooking. 

*You can substitute with pie filling, or even hot ham and cheese using ham slices, cheese and Dijon mustard to taste.

**The pie irons (when new) must be seasoned before using.

EXCERPT FROM

Sun, Sand and Suspects

Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series – Book 11

Gloria held her hands out to warm them in front of the roaring fire Paul had built.  I didn’t know you were such an outdoorsman.

Paul placed a log