For today’s Spotlight I hark back to the past, describing a real crime that connects with my writing. That crime taught me that I was no Nancy Drew. In the 1980s, when my son was a preschooler and my daughter a first-grader, I had a job teaching evening classes in writing at the community college. I dropped off my son with a babysitter three mornings a week, giving me a chance to ..read more

   Look at this beautiful cheesecake. You might well ask if anyone needs to eat anything this rich. If you do ask, and ask it seriously, then consider reading the recipe just for the vicarious thrill. This cheesecake is smooth and creamy and not nearly as sweet as traditional cheesecakes. It’s also fairly easy to make. And it really is gorgeous, isn’t it? A small slice is excellent ..read more

MADDIE DAY here. Well, I'm actually at Malice Domestic in Maryland! If you're at the conf, I hope you find me and say hello, and don't forget to pick up your packet of Mystery Lovers' Kitchen recipe cards as you enter Malice-Go-Round this morning or in the hospitality room any time until Sunday.Last week I found myself with a cabbage and a pound of mushrooms that needed using. I always have ..read more

 VMBurns: Most people want soft, ooey, gooey cookies, and I get it. But, I like thin, crispy, chocolate chip cookies. Add nuts to those chocolate chips and I'm hooked. I have tons of recipes for chocolate chip cookies. I have chocolate chip, oatmeal chocolate chip, white chocolate chocolate chip, etc., etc. But, what makes them flat? I realize that baking powder will make the dough rise, so ..read more

 This recipe--along with other scrumptious recipes inspired by the Hawaiian Islands--can be found in my brand new release, MOLTEN DEATH. It's a flavorful and eye-pleasing composed salad, all of which can be prepared in advance save for the avocado slices (which turn brown quickly once cut). The tartness of the grapefruit provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the avocado, and the ..read more

From Cleo Coyle: Last evening marked the beginning of Passover, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays of the year. An important food custom that’s followed during Passover week is to eat no yeasted bread, only unleavened bread, which is why grocery stores sell plenty of maztos at this time of year. Cleo Coyle writes two bestselling mystery series with ..read more

 This is a yummy one, like a cousin of chicken marsala! You can make it low salt, as my recipe shows, or you can up the salt level by using regular instead of no-salt ingredients. I found it delicious as is, but I'm also used to eating less salt in my food. You can use wine OR chicken stock -- I show both in my ingredients list, but I only used the chicken stock. I used 2 chicken breast ..read more

VMBURNS: I'm super excited to welcome Daryl Wood Gerber back to Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. Daryl is sharing information on her newest book, along with a yummy recipe for Chocolate Mousse Pie and a giveaway! DARYL: Thank you, Valerie, for having me on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. It’s so good to be back!Readers, do you love chocolate? Of course you do! Even if you don’t, I’ll bet you know someone ..read more

Everyone talks about the Swedish meatballs at Ikea.  I've never had them but this seems to be a very delicious version of Swedish meatballs.  There were lots of smiles after they were eaten.  I made a few adjustments--omitting the pork to cut down on fat (or at least trying to) and using gluten free panko.  I also didn't read the directions carefully enough and didn't chill ..read more

As good as takeout from your favourite Vietnamese restaurant.  I’m sure this recipe would work well with chicken or pork, rather than the shrimp. Noodles with Shrimp and Bok Choy Ingredients: 8 oz fresh Asian noodles 6 tbsp vegetable oil 1 lb shrimp 6 medium garlic cloves, minced 4 green onions, white parts only, chopped 4 oz mushrooms, sliced 1 cup chicken stock 1 ½ tbsp fish ..read more