recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Edna Ferguson

## Books

Mentioned it almost all Novels

**Edna Ferguson** is a minor character in the *Hannah Swensen Mystery* series*.* She is the head cook for the high school.

## Bio

Edna works at the Lake Eden school Cafeteria. When Hannah has catering jobs at the school, she often lends her a hand setting up. They often exchange recipes, too.

### Personality

Edna is a very kind and considerate woman with a motherly nature.

### Appearance

She is described as being a bird-thin woman in her fifties.
*Edna, a thin woman with wiry gray hair that had been permed to death, bustled out of the kitchen*.

## Chronology by Novel

### Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

As Hannah was preparing for the Boy Scout party coming up, Edna revealed that nothing was abnormal with Ron that morning. However, she also recalls not seeing him inside, but found two cups of coffee instead of one and apologizes profusely for accidentally throwing the evidence away. She assumes it was the assistant he requested, but she is curious as to why it was a woman.

### Blueberry Muffin Murder

Edna is in charge of the banquet for Connie Mac to be held at the Community Center's Banquet room.

When Connie Mac arrives to go over the Menu she has a lot of changes, such as croissants with the salad, this changed resulted in Edna staying up all night to get the rolls made in time for the banquet. Connie Mac also gifted the community center with Lace tablecloths, china, cutlery and more which initially Edna was thrilled over, until they arrived and she realized that all of the dishes would have to be hand washed and the tablecloths were all dry clean only.

## References

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Blueberry Muffin Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 3) (p. 43). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
Holly Jolly Coffee

## Ingredients

* 1 cup strong coffee, steaming hot
* 1 packet hot cocoa mix ***(the kind that makes one cup)***
* ¼ teaspoon orange extract\*\*\*
	+ \*\*\*As Mike suggested you can substitute an ounce of brandy, an ounce of Grand Marnier, or an ounce of orange-flavored vodka.

## Directions

* Mix everything up together and top with sweetened whipped cream.
Frank Hurley

## Bio

Frank is one of the Tri-County Mall security guards. He’s the uncle of Tad Newberg the other security guard.
When Tad was born, Frank’s sister died and Tad’s father held it against him for her death. Frank never had any children of his own and considered Tad to be a son to him. He always tried to protect him.

## Personality

When Hannah interviewed Charlotte Roscoe, Jordan High’s head secretary, she was the first to mention Frank’s name.
‘’He’s a really nice guy, Hannah. He used to work for a private security firm up north, and he moved here to be closer to his relatives. I’m glad he wasn’t on duty when it happened’’.
He also works security at Jordan High whenever there is a big basketball or football game and for the Prom.

## Chronology by Novel

### Cream Puff Murder

Tad is a stalker and was stalking Ronni, thinking they were perfect for each other. But Ronni was mean to Tad and Frank knew that he would be hurt one day.

Frank killed Ronni so that Tad could move on. When he realized that Hannah was getting close to what happened, he corner her at the fitness center and tried to kill her.

When Hannah set off the smoke alarm in the sauna, Frank fled but the deputies intercepted him and arrested him for murder. The found plenty more evidence in his apartment.

## References

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Cream Puff Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 11) (p. 173). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
Goodie Fudge

### Ingredients

* 1 cup golden raisins (or any other dried fruit that you prefer, cut in raisin-sized pieces)\*\*\*
* 2 cups miniature marshmallows (I used Kraft Jet-Puffed)
* 1 cup chopped salted pecans (measure after chopping)
* 3/4 cup powdered (confectioner's) sugar (pack it down in the cup after you measure it)
* 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick, 4 ounces, 1/4 pound)
* 1/2 cup white corn syrup (I used Karo)
* 12-ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

\*\*\**I've used dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, and dried peaches in this fudge. They were all delicious and I think I'll try dried blueberries next. Lisa makes it with chopped dried pineapple for Herb because he loves pineapple*.

### Directions

* Prepare your pan. Line a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure you tuck the foil into the corners and leave a flap all the way around the sides. (The reason you do this is for easy removal once the fudge has set.)
* Spray the foil with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray.
* Sprinkle the raisins (or the other cut-up dried fruit you’ve used) over the bottom of the foil-lined cake pan.
* Sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the fruit.
* Sprinkle the chopped pecans over that. Set the pan near the stovetop and get ready to make your fudge.
* Measure out the powdered sugar and place it in a bowl near the stove. You need it handy because you’re going to add it all at once.
* Melt the butter together with the corn syrup in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat.
* Add the chocolate chips and stir constantly until they’re melted and smooth.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla. Be careful because it may sputter.
* Stir in the powdered sugar all at once and continue stirring until the mixture in the pan is smooth.
* Working quickly, spoon (or just pour if you can) the fudge you’ve made out of the saucepan and into the cake pan.
* Spread the fudge out as evenly as you can and stick it into the refrigerator to cool.
* Once the fudge has hardened, pull the foil with the fudge from your still-clean cake pan. Pull the foil down the sides and cut your Goodie Fudge into bite-sized pieces. Store in a cool place.

**Yield** 48 or more bite-sized pieces, depending on how large your bite is.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Keith Branson

## Bio

A pimp out of Minneapolis. Years before he had briefly worked for Winnie Henderson one summer. He spent most of his time hanging around the younger teens and disappeared within a few weeks.

## Chronology by Novel

### Blackberry Pie Murder

He was in Lake Eden hunting for one of his run-away girls who was pretending to be Jennifer Richardson. He found her and was dragging her through the woods near Winnie’s ranch, when Connor saw him and attacked him with the intention of rescuing the young woman he was dragging away. Keith was hit so hard that he was unconscious.

Soon after the fight, after Connor left him in the road, Hannah and Lisa were traveling the same road in a heavy thunder and lightning storm, when Hannah hit Keith and he died instantly.

The autopsy revealed that he would have died anyway from a head injury that he had received just before Hannah hit him.

## Trivia

* He stole a Blackberry pie cooling on Winnie's window sill.
Ezekiel Jordan House

## Book Reference

Blueberry Muffin Murder

**Ezekiel Jordan House**
A tourist attraction set up for the Lake Eden Winter Carnival using a vacant building on Main street.

Residence of the first mayor and his family of Lake Eden. A statue of him is also erected in the business district. His home is restored for tours hosted by the Lake Eden Historical Society in Blueberry Muffin Murder.

The house is later re-invented into Granny's Attic.
Lemon Meringue Pie

## Book Reference

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder

**Lemon Meringue Pie** was the first recipe included in Lemon Meringue Pie Murder. Lisa said it was *one of her loveliest pies*.

### Filling

* 3 whole eggs
* 4 egg yolks *(save the whites in a mixing bowl and let them come up to room temperature--you'll need them for the meringue)*
* 1 cup white sugar *(granulated)*
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/8 cup lime juice
* 1/3 cup lemon juice
* 1 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon butter

### Meringue

* 4 egg whites
* 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup white sugar *(granulated)*

## Directions

* Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in middle position.

### Filling

*(Using a double boiler makes this recipe foolproof, but if you're very careful and stir constantly so it doesn't scorch, you can make the lemon filling in a heavy saucepan directly on the stove over medium heat.)*

* Put water in the bottom of a double boiler and heat it until it simmers. *(Make sure you don't use too much water--it shouldn't touch the bottom of the double boiler top.)* Off the heat, beat the egg yolks with the whole eggs in the top of the double boiler. Add the 1/2 cup water and the combined lemon and lime juice. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir until completely blended. Add this to the egg mixture in the top of the double boiler and blend thoroughly.
* Place the top of the double boiler over the simmering water and cook, stirring frequently until the lemon pie filling thickens *(5 minutes or so)*. Lift the top of the double boiler and place it on a cold burner. Add the lemon zest and the butter, and stir thoroughly. Let the filling cool while you make the meringue.

### Meringue

*(This is a whole lot easier with an electric mixer!)*

* Add the cream of tartar and salt to the egg whites and mix them in. Beat the egg whites on high until they form soft peaks. Continue beating as you sprinkle in the sugar. When the egg whites form firm peaks, stop mixing and tip the bowl to test the meringue. If the egg whites don't slide down the side, they're ready.
* Put the filling into the baked pie shell, smoothing it with a rubber spatula. Clean and dry your spatula. Spread the meringue over the filling with the clean spatula, sealing it to the edges of the crust. When the pie is completely covered with meringue, "dot" the pie with the flat side of the spatula to make points in the meringue. *(The meringue will shrink back when it bakes if you don't seal it to the edges of the crust.)*
* Bake the pie at 350°F for no more than 10 minutes.
* Remove the pie from the oven, let it cool to room temperature on a wire rack, and then refrigerate it if you wish. This pie can be served at room temperature, or chilled.

*(To keep your knife from sticking to the meringue when you cut the pie, dip it in cold water.)*

## Trivia

*This is Lisa's favorite pie--she loves the zing of the lime juice.*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
The Cookie Jar

**The Cookie Jar** is a bakery and coffee shop on Fourth Street in Lake Eden, Minnesota owned by Hannah Swensen. Lisa Herman became her business partner after of couple years of success in business.

This is the main setting for all of the books in the series.

It is the main gathering place for Hannah's friends and family to taste what new cookies and desserts she has created. They often gather in the kitchen area to plot and plan.

The front coffee shop is where the townspeople gather together, often to hear Lisa's latest story about the most recent murder.

## Trivia

* In either Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder or Blueberry Muffin Murder, the stores are mentioned being on 4th Street.
* In Lemon Meringue Pie Murder and subsequent books, the store is on Main St.
Easy Fruit Pie

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F., rack in middle position

**Note from Delores: I got this recipe from Jenny Hester, a new nurse at Doc Knight's hospital. Jenny just told me that her great-grandmother used to make it whenever the family came over for Sunday dinner. Hannah said it's easy so I might actually try to make it some night for Doc.**

## Ingredients

* 1/4 cup salted butter ***(1/2 stick, 2 ounces, 1/8 pound)***
* 1 cup whole milk
* 1 cup ***(granulated)*** sugar
* 1 cup all purpose flour ***(pack it down in the cup when you measure it)***
* 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 can fruit pie filling ***(approximately 21 ounces by weight--3 to 3 and 1/2 cups, the kind that makes an 8 inch pie)***

**Hannah's 1st Note: This isn't really a pie, and it isn't really a cake even though you make it in a cake pan. It's almost like a cobbler, but not quite. I have the recipe filed under "Dessert". You can use any canned fruit pie filling you like. I might not bake it for company with blueberry pie filling. It tasted great, but didn't look all that appetizing. If you love blueberry and want to try it, it might work to cover the top with sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip before you serve it.**

**I've tried this recipe with raspberry and peach . . . so far. I have the feeling that lemon pie filling would be yummy, but I haven't gotten around to trying it yet. Maybe I'll try it some night when Mike comes over after work. Even if it doesn't turn out that well, he'll eat it.**

## Directions

* Place the butter in a 9 inch by 13 inch cake pan and put it in the oven to melt. Meanwhile….
* Mix the milk, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium size bowl. This batter will be a little lumpy and that's okay. Just like brownie batter, don’t over mix it.
* Using oven mitts or potholders, remove the pan with the melted butter from the oven. Pour in the batter and tip the pan around to cover the whole bottom. Then set it on a cold stove burner.
* Spoon the pie filling over the top of the batter, but DO NOT MIX IN. Just spoon it on as evenly as you can. ***(The batter will puff up around it in the oven and look gorgeous!)***
* Bake the dessert at 375 degrees F., for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it turns golden brown and bubbly on top.
* To serve, cool slightly, dish into bowls, and top with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream. It really is yummy.

**Hannah's 2nd Note: The dessert is best when it's baked, cooled slightly, and served right away. Alternatively you can bake it earlier, cut pieces to put in microwave-safe bowls, and reheat it in the microwave before you put on the ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.**

**Note from Jenny: I've made this by adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the batter. If I do this, I spoon a can of cherry pie filling over the top.**
English Eggnog

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

*This recipe was contributed by Winthrop Harrington II. Even though Winthrop isn't from Lake Eden, Mother is, so it's in.*

## Ingredients

* 1 dozen eggs
* 1/4 cup white sugar
* 1 quart whole milk
* 1 pint Half & Half *(light cream)*
* 1 pint whipping cream
* 2 cups brandy *(or rum, or whiskey of your choice)*

## Directions

* Separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Set aside.
* Beat the whipping cream until it forms soft peaks. Fold it into the egg whites. Set the mixture aside.
* Beat the egg yolks until light-colored and fluffy. Mix in the sugar, milk, Half & Half, and brandy. Fold into the cream/egg white mixture.
* At this point, the eggnog can be refrigerated in a tightly covered pitcher for up to 12 hours.
* To serve, stir the pitcher and then pour the eggnog into cups. if you have them. Dust the tops with freshly glass grated nutmeg, or cinnamon.

*This is English Eggnog and it's not as sweet as American Eggnog. Taste it after you've made it. If your family would like it sweeter add more sugar to taste.*

*To make the non-alcoholic version, add 2 additional cups of milk and 2 teaspoons of rum extract or vanilla extract.*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Three-Way Fudge

## Book Reference

Candy for Christmas

**Three-Way Fudge** is the ninth and final recipe featured in Candy for Christmas.

## General

You don't need a candy thermometer to make this fudge. If you've got a microwave, you don't even need a stove to make this fudge.

## Ingredients

* 1 cup *(6-ounce pkg.)* semisweet chocolate chips *(I used Ghirardelli's.)*
* 1 cup *(6-ounce pkg.)* white chocolate chips *(I used Ghirardelli's.)*
* 1 cup *(6-ounce pkg.)* milk chocolate chips *(I used Ghirardelli 's.)*
* 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
* 6 Tablespoons butter

## Directions

* Line an 8-inch square pan with waxed paper, OR line it with foil and spray the foil with a nonstick cooking spray.
* You can make this fudge on the stovetop or in the microwave. Either way will work just fine.
	+ If you choose the stovetop method, use a heavy saucepan and stir constantly while you're melting the chocolate and other ingredients.
	+ For the microwave, I combined my ingredients in a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup and processed them for 70 seconds on HIGH. Remember that chocolate chips maintain their shape even after they're melted so don't go by appearance. You'll have to stir them to be sure. **A 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk contains approximately one and a third cups. You're going to be dividing the can in thirds, so make each third a bit less than a half-cup and you'll come out all right.**
* Melt the following together:
	+ 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
	+ scant half-cup sweetened condensed milk
	+ 2 Tablespoons butter
* Stir to make sure everything's melted and then spread it out in the bottom of the 8-inch square pan you've prepared. Let it sit on the counter until it's cool and slightly hard to the touch and then...
* Melt the following together:
	+ 1 cup white chocolate chips
	+ scant half-cup sweetened condensed milk
	+ 2 Tablespoons butter
* Stir to make sure everything's melted and then spread the second layer on top of the first. Let it sit on the counter until it's cool to the touch and slightly hardened and then...
* Melt the following together:
	+ 1 cup milk chocolate chips
	+ the remainder of the sweetened condensed milk
	+ 2 Tablespoons butter

* Spread this third layer on top of the other two, smooth it out with a rubber spatula, and let it harden in the refrigerator for at least two hours. *(Overnight is even better.)* Then turn it out on a cutting board and cut it into bite size squares.

## Trivia

**Mike really likes this fudge when I add chopped macadamia nuts to the middle layer. Norman thinks it's best with chopped pecans in the bottom layer. I suppose that should tell me something about their personalities, but I have no idea what it is!**

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Francine

## Books

Blueberry Muffin Murder

**Francine** Step-mother to Sally Laughlin. Quietly mannered, she reveals she truly has a sense of humor in Blueberry Muffin Murder.

## Bio

*Francine had planned to stay for a couple of weeks to help out with the new baby, but little Danny was almost two months old*.

She was such a big help that Sally invited her to stay for the winter. When she isn't helping with the baby she researches Dick's family and she uncovered some interesting information about Dick's ancestor, F.E. Laughlin and Ezekiel Jordan

## Appearance

...*an attractive silver-haired lady whose smile seemed to be a permanent fixture on her face*.

## Chronology by Novel

### Blueberry Muffin Murder

Francine perpetuates the story of E.J.'s Ghost haunting the [[Lake Eden Inn] during the winter carnival. When a reporter staying at the inn said he saw someone walking outside in the middle of the night, Francine told him about the "Ghost". The reporter, Larry Krueger, called in the report to KCOW, which aired it.

Once the story got going, Francine continues it by enacting a Ghost for actual sightings.

## References

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Blueberry Muffin Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 3) (p. 83). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
2. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Blueberry Muffin Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 3) (p. 123). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
Miller’s Pond

## Book Reference

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder

The site where Dr. Bev's car left the road and went into the pond.

*Someone had taken the curve too fast and mowed through the bushes that hid Miller’s Pond from view*.

Hannah discovered the accident site, a short time after it happened and dives into the pond to see to retrieve her.

Hannah tries resuscitation but she is gone. Hannah then calls emergency services.

## References

1. ↑ Red Velvet Cupcake Murder (p. 151). Kindle Edition.
Fruit Pocket French Toast

Cherry Cheesecake Murder

After prep and the dish rests for 20 mins.
Preheat your oven to 350°F, rack in the center position

### Directions

* Leave one stick of butter out on the counter to soften it, or unwrap it and nuke it for a few seconds in the microwave.
* If you're using canned fruit, open it and dump it in a strainer now.
* Heat a second stick of butter, the brown sugar, and the maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 2½ minutes *(I used a quart measuring cup)* or in a pan on the stove, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted. Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with Pam or other non-stick spray and pour the syrup mixture in the bottom. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans, if you decide to use them.
* Lay out twelve slices of bread—you're going to make fruit sandwiches.
* Spread softened butter on one slice of bread. Top it with well-drained fruit cu tin very thin slices. *(Berries or pineapple can be crushed.)*
* Spread butter on a second slice of bread and use it to cover the bread with the fruit. Cut this fruit sandwich in half and place it in the pan on top of the syrup mixture. Make 5 more sandwiches, cut them in half, and put them in the pan. You can crowd them a bit, but do not overlap the bread.
* Press the sandwiches down with a flat metal spatula. Squish that bread!
* Beat the eggs with the sugar and the cinnamon. Add the cream and the vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Pour this mixture over the bread in the pan.
* Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and let it stand out on the counter for a minimum of twenty minutes. *(If you're having a fancy breakfast, you can also make this the night before and keep it in the refrigerator until it's time to bake it.)*
* Preheat your oven to 350°F, rack in the center position.
* Take off the plastic wrap. Melt the third stick of butter. Drizzle it over the top of the sandwiches.
* Bake the Fruit Pocket French Toast at 350°F uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top has browned. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least five minutes.
* To serve: Sprinkle the top of the pan with powdered sugar before you carry it to the table. This will make it much prettier. Dish out the Fruit Pocket French Toast with a metal spatula, and offer more syrup and butter for those who want it. A half sandwich is one serving.

**Yield**:12 half-sandwich servings.

### Hannah's Note

*If you want to make this and you're really in a pickle because you don't have any fruit, try spreading the bread with a layer of fruit jam or marmalade. I haven't tried it, but I'll bet you a batch of my best cookies that it'll work!*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Herb's Herb Biscuits

Lake Eden's Cookbook

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F., rack in the middle position.

* 1 Tablespoon dried fine herbs *(I used Morton & Bassett Herbs from Provence)*\*\*\*
* 10-ounce to 12-ounce tube of refrigerated, unbaked biscuits *(I used Pillsbury Simply Buttermilk biscuits)*
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (*optional for sprinkling on top of the biscuits before baking*)1

### Directions

**\*\*\****If you want to mix your own dried herbs, use 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon ground rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme.*

* Melt the salted butter in the bottom of a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. You can do this by putting it into the oven until the butter melts or by melting the butter in the microwave and pouring it in the bottom of the dish.
* If the herbs are not mixed, stir them together in a small bowl. Then sprinkle them over the melted butter as evenly as you can.
* Open the tube of biscuits. Separate them and cut each biscuit into fourths with a knife. Roll each piece in the herbs and butter, and arrange them in the pan. *(Optional: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the biscuits)*
* Bake the biscuits at 425 degrees F. for 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

**\*\*\****Marge says that when she makes these biscuits for Herb, she uses fresh herbs from her kitchen window herb garden. If you want to do it Marge's way, use 2 Tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley, 1 Tablespoon finely minced fresh sage, 1 Tablespoon finely minced fresh thyme, and 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil.*

* Take the pan out of the oven and let it sit on a cold stove burner or a wire rack until all the butter in the bottom of the dish is absorbed. This shouldn't take longer than 5 minutes.
* Serve the biscuits right in the pan.

**Yield**: Four times the number of biscuits in your tube.

**1****Editor's Note**: The recipe from the book omitted when to add the Parmesan cheese. As a baker, I've used Parmesan within dough (biscuits, breads, etc.) and also sprinkled it on top of the dough before baking for extra flavor. Some biscuit recipes do not use Parmesan cheese at all in their recipes. It's an optional thing really.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Howie Levine

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## Books

Mentioned in almost all of the Novels

**Howie Levine** is Lake Eden’s most popular lawyer and has a delicious guacamole recipe called Guac Ad Hoc

## Bio

Wife: Kitty
Howie is the only lawyer in Lake Eden

## Chronology by Novel

Howie is frequently mentioned throughout the series, but it isn’t until Blackberry Pie Murder that he plays a role in Hannah’s life.

## Trivia

* In Red Velvet Cupcake Murder he has a delicious guacamole recipe called Guac Ad Hoc
Franklin Edward (F.E.) Laughlin

**F. E. Laughlin** is Dick Laughin's great-great-grandfather and his secretary was Connie Mac’s great-great uncle.

F. E. enjoyed poker games with Ezekiel Jordan.

Originally built his 40 room “Lake Eden Cottage.” for his family, friends and staff's summer retreat. When Dick Laughin inherited it he converted it to the Lake Eden Inn.
Hunter's Stew

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

*This recipe is from Winnie Henderson. She says her second husband was a hunter and she used to make this for him all the time.*

### Ingredients

* 2 pounds cubed beef *(cut into roughly one-inch cubes)*
* 1 pound other cubed meat *(venison, pork, turkey, chicken, more beef even sausage as long as it's not too fatty)*
* 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
* 4 stalks celery, cut in 1/2-inch pieces
* 2 cups baby carrots *(or one-inch chunks of carrot)*
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon pepper *(freshly ground is best)*
* 1/4 cup brown sugar *(that's 4 Tablespoons)*
* 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes *(with peppers, with garlic, plain, any type is fine)*
* three 7-ounce cans mushroom stems and pieces *(NOT drained!)*
* 2 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut into one-inch cubes
* two .88-ounce packets beef gravy mix *(I used Lawry's Brown Gravy Mix)*

### Directions

* Grease or spray the inside of a 5-quart slow cooker with Pam
* Put the chopped onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chunks of meat on top of that. *(If you plan to use sausage and it's pre-cooked, don't add it at this point—Wait until an hour or so before serving.)*
* Put the carrots and celery on top of the meat, and cook on HIGH for 5 hours.
* Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground pepper. Then add the brown sugar, the tomatoes, and the mushrooms with the mushroom liquid. Stir it all up and add the cubed potatoes.
* Pour in enough water to almost cover the meat and vegetables, but not quite. Then add ONE packet of gravy mix and stir again. *(Reserve the second package of gravy mix for the gravy itself.)*
* Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 6 to 7 hours. If you start this late and don't have the required 11 to 12 hours of cooking time, you can leave the required crock-pot on HIGH for the entire time, and it should be ready in 8 to 9 hours.
* If there's too much liquid when you're ready to serve, sprinkle in the second gravy packet and stir it in until it's thick.
* Serve in big bowls with hot crusty bread. It's a perfect winter's evening meal. *(If you use venison as the second meat, don't tell Andrea. She has real reservations about eating the star of a classic Disney movie.)*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Potato Bake (or Party Potatoes)

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.

*This is another recipe from Vera Olsen ("Hot Stuff") who's engaged to marry Andrew Westcott ("Silver Fox.")*

### Ingredients

* 1/3 cup flour
* 1/2 baking teaspoon powder
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 4 eggs
* 1 large grated onion
* 1/2 cup melted butter *(1 stick, 1/4 pound)*
* 5 cups frozen hash browns or frozen Potatoes O'Brien
* 2 cups grated cheese *(any kind will do)*

### Directions

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.
* Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with Pam or other non-stick spray.
* Mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and seasoning up in a large bowl with a fork. Add the eggs and whisk it all up. Stir in the onion, melted butter, grated cheese and potatoes.
* Dump the mixture into the cake pan, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F for one hour. Remove foil, turn the oven up to 400°F, and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until the top is crusty and golden brown.
* If you want to make this into what Vera Olsen calls "Party Potatoes," take the potatoes out of the oven, let them cool for about ten minutes so that the eggs and cheese hold them together, cut them into serving-size squares, *(you can get about 12 from a pan,)* transfer the squares to a platter, and top each one with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of caviar *(or crumbled bacon for those who don't like caviar).*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Peach Scones

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder

## Ingredients

* 3 cups all-purpose flour ***(pack it down in the cup when you measure it)***
* ½ cup brown sugar ***(pack it down in the cup when you measure it)***
* 2 teaspoons cream of tartar ***(important)***
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup salted butter ***(1 stick, 4 ounces, ¼ pound)***
* 2 large eggs, beaten ***(just whip them up in a glass with a fork)***
* ¾ cup sour cream ***(or peach yogurt)***
* ¾ cup peach jam ***(I used Smucker's)***
* ½ cup whipping cream

## Directions

* Preheat oven to 425°F, rack in the middle position.
* Use a medium-size mixing bowl to combine the flour, brown sugar, cream of tartar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them all up together. Cut in the salted butter just as you would for piecrust dough.

**Hannah's Note: If you have a food processor, you can use it for the first step. Cut the half-cup COLD salted butter into 8 chunks. Layer them with the dry ingredients in the bowl of the food processor. Process with the steel blade in an on-and-off motion until the mixture has the texture of coarse cornmeal. Transfer the mixing to a medium-sized mixing bowl.**

* Stir in the beaten eggs, sour cream, and peach jam, and then mix everything up together.
* Add the whipping cream and stir until everything is combined.
* Drop the scones by soup spoonful on to two cookie sheets sprayed with Pam or another nonstick baking spray. Alternatively, you can line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide your dough so that there are 9 scones for each cookie sheet.
* If you have two ovens, you will bake one sheet in the upper oven and one in the lower oven. If you only have one oven, it will probably have 4 racks inside. Bake your scones on the two middle racks, switching their positions halfway through the baking time.
* Once the scones are on the cookie sheets, wet your impeccably clean fingers and shape them into more perfect rounds. Then flatten them with your moistened palms. They will rise during baking, but once you flatten them, they won't be too round on top.
* Bake the scones at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they're golden brown on top. ***(Mine took the full 12 minutes.)***
* Cool the scones for at least 5 minutes on the cookie sheet and then remove them to a wire rack with a metal spatula. ***(If you used parchment paper, all you have to do is position the cookie sheet next to the wire rack and pull the paper over to the rack.)***
* When the scones are cool, you can cut them in half lengthwise and toast them for breakfast.

Yield: Makes 18 delicious scones.
Razzle Dazzle Baked Brie

## Book Reference

Lake Eden's Cookbook

Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.

### Ingredients

* 1 cup salted cashews, finely chopped *(measure after chopping -- I always used pistachios)*
* 2 large eggs
* 2 Tablespoons heavy cream *(that's 1/8 cup)*
* 1 small wheel of Brie with rind over it *(I used a 13 ounce baby Brie that was approximately 5 inches in diameter)*
* 1/4 to 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam *(I used Knott's Berry Farm)*
* 1 cup well-drained, pitted black olives
* a basket of assorted crackers
* small appetizer knives and spoons for serving

### Directions

* Chop the salted cashews in a food processor or by hand. The pieces should be no larger than coarse grains of sand.
* Place the finely chopped cashews in a glass pie plate sprayed with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray (*A flat-bottomed, oven-safe dish with sides will also work just as long as it's several inches larger than your wheel of Brie*)
* Whisk the eggs and the heavy cream (*that's whipping cream*) together in a small bowl until they're thoroughly blended. Pour the resulting mixture into a second shallow dish or bowl or pie plate.
* Unwrap your wheel of Brie. Leave the rind on. You need the rind intact so that the cheese will hold its shape.
* Dip the bottom of the Brie into the egg and cream mixture. Then pick it up by its sides and set it in the finely chopped cashews. Move it around a little so that the nuts will adhere to the egg and cream mixture.
* Lift the Brie and take it back to the dish with the egg and cream mixture. Tip the cheese on its side and roll it in the mixture until the sides are coated with egg and cream.
* Carry the Brie to the dish with the finely chopped nuts and roll it around in there so that the nuts adhere to the sides. You can press the nuts on with your hands to make them stick even better. When you're through, position your Brie in the center of the dish with the chopped cashews, the bottom side down and the top side (without any nuts) up.
* Heat the raspberry jam for 5 to 10 in the microwave on HIGH until it's easily spreadable. Then spoon it on top of the Brie, right in the middle. Use a rubber spatula or frosting knife to spread it out to the edges.
* Use a small spoon or your impeccably clean fingers to scoop up some chopped cashews and sprinkle them on top of the raspberry jam. Put on as many as you like as long as a bit of the red raspberry color shows through.
* Leave the rest of the chopped cashews right there in the pie plate or ovenware dish.
* Bake your Razzle Dazzle Baked Brie at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is beginning to melt inside.

### Hannah's Note

*I've always made this with other double and triple cream cheeses and other flavors of jam. Mother loves it with apricot jam and Andrea crazy about Brie with peach jam.*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Strawberry Custard Squares

Peach Cobbler Murder

Preheat oven to 375°F, rack in the middle position.

* 1/2 cup flour *(not a misprint—you'll use 1½ cups in this part of the recipe)*
* 1/2 cup white *(granulated)* sugar
* 3 cups sliced strawberries (*I've used sliced strawberries, peaches, or chopped dark cherries.*)

#### Topping

* 1/2 cup white *(granulated)* sugar
* 1 Tablespoon flour
* 2 eggs, beaten *(just whip them up in a glass with a fork)*
* 1 cup whipping cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract *(or strawberry if you have it)*

### Directions

* Preheat oven to 375°F, rack in the middle position.
* Spray a 13-inch by 9-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
* In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the half cup of butter until the resulting mixture looks like coarse sand. *(You can do this in a food processor with a steel blade if you like.)* Stir in the cream and pat the dough into the bottom of your cake pan.
* Combine the 1/2 cup flour and the sugar. Sprinkle it over the crust in the pan and put the sliced strawberries *(or other fruit)* on top.
* Topping: Mix the sugar and flour. Stir in the eggs, cream, and vanilla *(or other extract)*. Pour the mixture over the top of the fruit in the pan.
* Bake at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Cool on a rack, and then refrigerate.
* Serve warm or chilled, with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream for a topping.

**Yield**: 10 to 12 dessert squares.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Pete Nunke

## Books

Apple Turnover Murder

**Pete Nunke was at school with Delores.**

### Apple Turnover Murder

Joe Dietz & Pete cut in simultaneously on Doc to dance with Delores after she danced with Bud at Carrie's wedding reception.

### Devil's Food Cake Murder

Reverend Knudson and Claire Rodgers newlyweds and they're keeping Jacob, Pete's mynah bird, at the parsonage while Pete recovers from back surgery.

They keep trying to teach Jacob to say more, but Claire is the only one that is successful and it is very limited what she has gotten him to repeat, but Jacob speaks in a perfect imitation of her voice.
English Eggnog-2

Christmas Cupcake Murder

See also Hannah's other English Eggnog recipe.

* Beat the egg whites with a whisk or an electric mixer until they form soft peaks.
	+ **Hannah’s 1st Note:** *Soft peaks are peaks that droop over a bit when you dip the flat side of a rubber spatula into the mixture and pull it up.*
* Pour the whipping cream into a bowl and beat it until it forms soft peaks. You can do this with a whisk or with an electric mixer.
* Fold the whipping cream into the beaten egg whites and set the bowl aside on the counter.
* Beat the egg yolks until they are light colored and fluffy.
* Mix the sugar, whole milk, half-and-half, and rum extract into the bowl with the egg yolks.
* Fold the contents of the bowl with the egg whites and whipping cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolk mixture.
* Carefully, so that you do not flatten this creamy mixture, stir in the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground cardamom.
* At this point, the mixture can be refrigerated in a tightly covered container for up to 12 hours.
	+ **Hannah’s 2nd Note:** *To use some of this recipe in the White Chocolate Eggnog Cupcakes recipe, stir the mixture, measure out one cup, and use it in the cupcake recipe. Use the rest of the eggnog mixture for a refreshing drink.*
	+ **Hannah’s 3rd Note:** *If you like, you can add rum or brandy to the eggnog mixture to serve as a delicious adult beverage.*

### Yield

* Approximately 3 cups of delicious, refreshing eggnog.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Strawberry Shortcake Murder

**Strawberry Shortcake Murder** is the Second book in the *Hannah Swensen Mystery* series. It was originally released in 2001.

## Short Summary

When the president of Hartland Flour chooses cozy Lake Eden, Minnesota, as the spot for their first annual Dessert Bake-Off, bakery owner Hannah Swensen is thrilled to serve as the head judge. But when a fellow judge, Coach Boyd Watson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in Hannah’s celebrated strawberry shortcake, Lake Eden’s sweet ride to fame turns very sour indeed.

While perfecting her Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie and Chocolate Crunchies, Hannah’s also snooping into the coach’s private life, which yields plenty of suspects. Or could Watson’s harsh criticism during the judging have lethally ticked off one of the contestants? The stakes are rising faster than dough, because somebody’s cooking up a recipe for murder—with Hannah landing on the “necessary ingredients” list.

*Includes seven delicious recipes!*

## Main Characters

* Hannah Swensen
* Delores Swensen
* Andrea Todd
* Bill Todd
* Moishe
* Danielle Watson
* Boyd Watson
* Norman Rhodes
* Mike Kingston

## Other Characters

* Herb Beeseman
* Tracey Todd
* Lucy Richards
* Carrie Rhodes
* Claire Rodgers
* P.K.
* Doc Knight
* Sheriff Grant

## Quotes

* “There was something wonderful about a blank sheet of notepaper. The lines were there, just waiting to be filled, and the page could turn into anything from a grocery list to the opening of The Great American Novel. The possibilities were endless.” (Chapter Four)
* "'Investigating is a process of elimination. You have to explore all the possibilities, and whatever’s left, no matter how implausible, has got to be it.'” (Hannah Swensen, Chapter Eighteen)
* “If chocolate were a mandatory part of breakfast, people wouldn’t be so grouchy in the morning.” (Chapter Twenty-Two)
* “'It’s not like a scavenger hunt, Mother. I don’t go around looking for murder victims on purpose.'” (Hannah Swensen, Chapter Twenty-Two)

## Cover Gags

* Strawberry syrup seeping onto the plate shaped like a skull and crossbones. Not only that, but the pattern on the rim of the plate consists of skulls alternating with diamonds.
* A strawberry has a skull carved into it.
* One cover features the cake being stabbed with a knife.
* The strawberry syrup on the various covers is made to resemble blood.

## Trivia

* This is the first cake recipe title of the series.
* This is the first book featuring a female victim.
	+ It is also the first book featuring victims of both genders.
Murphy’s Garage

## Book Reference

Frequently mentioned in the Novels

*Cyril Murphy’s garage. It was located several miles out of town and it had grown both in size and reputation over the years. Now it served the whole Tri-County area, and Cyril had become a highly respected businessman with a reputation for honesty and competence*.

Cyril's first business. He has several mechanics that work for him repairing the area's vehicles.

Herb Beeseman and Lonnie Murphy worked on restoring the car that Herb gave to Lisa Herman for Christmas in Christmas Caramel Murder.

Cyril also runs the county Sheriff's impound lot.

## References

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Christmas Cake Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery Book 23) (p. 139). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
Chocolate Overload Cookie Bars

Peach Cobbler Murder

Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.

#### Filling

* 2 eight-ounce packages softened cream cheese *(the block type, not the whipped type)*
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 cup sugar
* 4 eggs
* 2 cups melted chocolate chips *(12-ounce bag)*
* 2 teaspoons vanilla

### Directions

#### Crust

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.
* Mix the dry ingredients together and then cut in the softened butter. *(You can also do this in a food processor with a steel blade, using chilled butter that's been cut into chunks.)*
* Spread the mixture out in the bottom of a greased 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan and press it down with a spatula.
* Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. *(Don't shut off the oven—you'll need it for the second step.)*

#### Filling

* You can do this by hand, but it's a lot easier with an electric mixer. Soften the cream cheese and beat it with the mayonnaise until it's smooth. Gradually add the sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 3 minutes. *(Chocolate chips may retain their shape, so stir them to see if they're melted.)* Let them cool for a minute or two, and then gradually add the chocolate, mixing thoroughly. Then mix in the vanilla. Pour the finished mixture on top of the crust you just baked.
* Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature and then chill for at least 4 hours.
* Cut into brownie-size bars. Garnish the bars with strawberries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar if desired.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Secret Spice Cookies

Double Fudge Brownie Murder

**Secret Spice Cookies** is the twelfth recipe featured in Double Fudge Brownie Murder

Preheat oven the 350 degrees F., rack in the middle position.

## Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour ***(pack it down in the cup when you measure it.)***
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup white ***(granulated)*** sugar
* 1/3 cup tomato ketchup ***(I use Heinz)***
* 1/4 cup salted butter ***(1/2 stick, 2 ounces, 4 Tablespoons)***
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 1 large egg, beaten ***(just whip it up in a glass with a fork)***
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup white ***(granulated)*** sugar for coating the dough balls prior to baking

## Directions

* Either spray your cookie sheets with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper.
* Place the flour in the bowl of an electric mixer ***(or in a mixing bowl if you want to stir the cookie dough by hand, but it'll take some muscle)***.
* Sprinkle in the baking soda and turn the mixer to low speed to combine them.
* Add the ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mix them in at low speed.
* Mix in the granulated sugar at low speed.
* In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the ketchup, butter, oil, and molasses. Heat the mixture on HIGH for 30 seconds or until the butter has melted.
* Let the bowl sit in the microwave for another 30 seconds and then stir to combine the ingredients.
* With the mixer running, add the ketchup, butter, oil and molasses mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined.
* Add the egg and mix it in at medium speed. Then mix in the vanilla extract and beat it until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
* Take the bowl from the mixer, scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, and give the bowl a final stir by hand.
* Place the 1/4 cup sugar in a small, shallow bowl.
* Using a small scooper ***(Lisa and I used a 2-teaspoon size at The Cookie Jar)***, form dough balls from the cookie dough. If the dough isn't firm enough to do this, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for one hour. ***(Don't forget to turn off your oven if  you do this!)***
* Roll the dough balls, one at a time, in the bowl of sugar to coat them. Then place them on a prepared cookie sheet, no more than 12 cookie dough balls to a standard-size sheet.
* **Hannah's Note:  Lisa is going to try rolling some dough balls in powdered sugar the next time we bake these. She thinks it'll have a different visual effect, but we may miss the crunch of granulated sugar.**
* Bake the Secret Spice Cookies at 350 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
* Take the cookies out of the oven and let the cookie sheet sit on a cold stove top burner or a wire rack for 2 minutes. Then pull the parchment paper off the cookie sheet and onto a wire rack to allow the cookies to cool completely.

Yield:  Approximately 3 dozen tasty cookies, depending on cookie size, spiced with a secret ingredient that no one who didn't watch you make them will be able to identify.
Wally Wallace

**Daughter**: Lily

## Bio

Wally was practically a Minnesota legend. When he’d taken over the boat-building business from his father-in-law he had turned it into a huge success. Wallace Watercraft was a money-making enterprise and Wally Boats were popular fishing crafts all over the country.

He married the boss' daughter, Janette and they had one daughter, Lily.

When Lily was born he hired an aquatic botanist to build beautiful waterlily gardens in his 10 most favorite lakes in Minnesota. Eden Lake was one of the ten chosen for a waterlily garden.

He was also a great philanthropist, giving away scholarships and donating to charities.

## Chronology by Novel

### Caramel Pecan Roll Murder

He sponsors a Walleye Fishing Tournament at Eden Lake with the Lake Eden Inn serving as the venue and lodging for the contestants.

## References

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder: A Delicious Culinary Cozy Mystery (A Hannah Swensen Mystery Book 25) (p. 17). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.