recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Phyliss Bates

## Bio

Herb’s old girlfriend until Phyllis’ family moved to Minneapolis and she never stayed in touch with anyone in Lake Eden. The mayor hired and moved her back to Lake Eden and when Stephanie Bascomb got wind of it, Phyllis was reassigned as Herb’s assistant in the town marshal’s office!”

## Chronology by Novel

### Christmas Caramel Murder

The mayor assigns Phyllis to play Mrs. Claus in the annual Christmas play.

First, she shows up in her own Mrs. Claus costume, not the one that is provided by the Players. Her costume would be more appropriate for a strip club. Then, when the director explains a stage kiss and tells Phyllis that she is to kiss Satna with a stage kiss, she very passionately kisses Herb.

Bonnie Surma who had been her cheerleader coach when she was a junior in high school, tried to explain to Phyliss how wrong her behavior at the play was and how she needs to act and dress like a lady. Phyliss refussed to listen to her and Bonnie hit her on the head with a tree branch.

Later, after Hannah and Lisa finish a late meal at the Corner Tavern and are going to their cars, Hannah discovers Phyllis’ body in the ditch alongside the parking lot.
Turkey Stack Sandwich

Banana Cream Pie Murder

## Ingredients

* 2 medium-thick slices of firm whole wheat bread
* ⅛ cup mayonnaise ***(I used Best Foods Mayonnaise)***
* ⅛ cup stone ground mustard ***(I used Dijon)***
* 2 sandwich-size slices of Swiss cheese ***(I used Kraft)***
* 2 sandwich-size slices of roast turkey breast
* ⅛ cup whole berry cranberry sauce ***(I made my own from fresh cranberries)***
* ⅛ cup coleslaw made from finely shredded cabbage

## Directions

* Place the two slices of wheat bread on a cutting board
* Mix the eighth-cup of mayonnaise with the eighth-cup of stone ground mustard.
* Spread the mayonnaise and mustard mixture on the surface of the two slices of bread.
* Push one slice of bread to the side ***(that's the top of your sandwich)*** and work with the other side.
* Start by topping your bottom slice of bread with a slice of Swiss cheese.
* Place one sandwich-size slice of roast turkey on top of the Swiss cheese.
* Spread the turkey with the cranberry sauce.

**Hannah's 1st Note: If there's any cranberry sauce left over, feel free to eat it along with your sandwich after it's assembled.**

* Place the other slice of roast turkey breast on top of the slice with the cranberry sauce.
* Drain the coleslaw and pat it dry with a paper towel. ***You don't want a leaky sandwich!***
* Arrange the coleslaw on top of the turkey slice in a thin layer.

**Hannah's 2nd Note: Don't use too much coleslaw. In this case, less is more. The slice of turkey doesn't have to be completely covered with coleslaw. Your goal is simply to get a little bit of crunchy coleslaw in every bite.**

* Top the coleslaw with the second slice of Swiss cheese.
* Cover your Turkey Stack Sandwich with the top slice of bread, mayonnaise and mustard side down.
* Press your sandwich down slightly with a wide spatula or with the palm of your impeccably clean hand. This will keep it from falling apart when you slice it.
* Slice your sandwich into two pieces crosswise and place the pieces on a plate.
* Serve your sandwich with a cup of Special Corn Chowder if you made it. If not, you can substitute corn chips or potato chips.

**Hannah's 3rd Note: If you have leftover cranberry sauce and leftover coleslaw, don't forget to put them on the table for your guests who would like more.**

Yield: One delicious sandwich. This recipe may be doubled, tripled, quadrupled, or repeated for the number of people you've invited for lunch.
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder

**Red Velvet Cupcake Murder** is the sixteenth book in the *Hannah Swensen Mystery* series. It was released in 2013.

## Short Summary

*This summer has been warmer than usual in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and Hannah Swensen is trying to beat the heat both in and out of her bakery kitchen. But she's about to find out the hard way that nothing cools off a hot summer day like cold-blooded murder....*

*It's a hot, muggy evening, and the last thing Hannah wants to do is squeeze into a pair of pantyhose for the Grand Opening of the refurbished Albion Hotel. But with Hannah's famous Red Velvet cupcakes being served in the hotel's new Red Velvet lounge, she can't bring herself to back out.*

*The party starts off with a bang with the unexpected arrival of Doctor Bev, a Lake Eden legend who left town in shame after she two-timed her fiancé one too many times. Bev's splashy appearance on the arm of a wealthy investor is the talk of the night. But the gossip comes to a screeching halt when a partygoer takes a mysterious dive off the hotel's rooftop garden.*

*The victim is the sheriff's secretary, Barbara Donnelly, and she is barely clinging to life. The question is, did she fall--or was she pushed? As the police investigate, the only one who isn't preoccupied with the case is Doctor Bev. She's too busy trying to stir things up with her old flame Norman, who's reunited with Hannah.*

*Just as Hannah's patience with Bev runs dangerously thin, her rival is found dead at the bottom of Miller's Pond. The only clue the police have is the Red Velvet cupcake Bev ate right before she died--and the tranquilizers someone seems to have baked into it. To everyone's shock, Hannah is now the unlikely target of a murder investigation and she's feeling the heat in a way she never has before....*

## Main Characters

* Hannah Swensen
* Lisa Herman
* Andrea Todd
* Norman Rhodes
* Mike Kingston
* Michelle Swensen
* Delores Swensen
* Barbara Donnelly
* Beverly Thorndike

## Minor Characters

* Sally Laughlin
* Doc Knight

## Trivia

* This is the second cupcake title in the series.
Papaya Mac Cookies

Devil's Food Cake Murder

## Ingredients

* 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk ***(NOT evaporated milk—I used Eagle Brand)***
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 seven-ounce packages flaked coconut ***(that’s approx. 5 and 1/3 cups)***
* 2 cups chopped dried papaya ***(chop it up to the size of raisins)\*\*\****
	+ ***\*\*\* - Dried papaya isn’t always available 12 months out of the year. If you can’t find it, you can use any dried fruit. I’ve made this cookie with dried pineapple, dried apricots, and sweetened dried cranberries. I think it could very well be delicious with anything!***

## Directions

* Preheat oven to 325 degrees F., rack in the middle position.
* Prepare your baking sheets. You can use mini size paper baking cups ***(1 and 5/8 inches diagonally, the size that will fit into a mini muffin pan)***, the mini muffin pan without baking cups, or cookie sheets. If you use the baking cups, just set them in the muffin pan. If you use the mini muffin pan without baking cups, spray it with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray and then flour it, OR use baking spray which already contains the flour. If you use cookie sheets, line them with heavy duty foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray and flour it, or simply use a baking spray that contains flour.
* Open the can of sweetened condensed milk and empty the contents into a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and stir it in.
* Measure out your coconut, chop it a bit finer with your food processor or a knife, and stir it into the bowl. ***(It’s easier if you add the coconut a half-cup at a time.)***
* Add your chopped papaya to the bowl, stirring it in as thoroughly as you can. ***(The goal here is to get some chopped papaya in every single cookie.)***
* If you’re using baking cups, drop some cookie dough inside with a teaspoon and press it down lightly with a wet fingertip. ***(This dough is sticky!)*** Since these cookies don’t rise, you can fill the baking cup very close to the top.
* If you’re using mini muffin tins without the baking cups, simply use a teaspoon to fill them up and press down slightly with a wet fingertip. They’ll look best if they’re a little mounded on top.
* If you’re using greased and floured ***(or sprayed with baking spray)*** cookie sheets, drop the dough by teaspoons onto the sheet and press them down slightly with a wet fingertip. Since these cookies don’t spread out, you can get 16 to 20 on each cookie sheet.
* Bake the cookies at 325 degrees F. for 15 to 18 minutes. ***(Mine took 17 minutes.)*** They’re done when the coconut is toasted to a nice golden color on the tops.
* Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheets, in the baking cups, or in the mini muffin pans for 2 minutes. Then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re using the baking cups, don’t remove them from the paper. They’re easier to serve that way, and they’ll look much prettier.
* Store the Papaya Mac Cookies in layers of wax paper in a box or in a storage container. Make sure the cookies don’t touch each other or they’ll stick together and be difficult to separate. They can be frozen, but again, don’t let the cookies touch each other.
Green Bean Classic With a Twist

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

Preheat oven to 325°F, rack in the middle position.

*Eleanor Cox made this variation on the classic green bean casserole. She always brings two casseroles to our potluck dinners, but they're gone in a hurry.*

### Ingredients

* 16-ounce bag frozen cut green beans
* 16-ounce bag frozen yellow wax beans
* One can *(10-3/4 ounces)* cream of mushroom soup
* One can *(10-3/4 ounces)* cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup shredded cheese *(Cheddar or Jack)*
* 1/4 cup dried chopped onions
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 six-ounce can French-fried onion's *(I used French's)*
* Salt and pepper to taste *(I used 1 Tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper)*

### Directions

* Preheat oven to 325°F, rack in the middle position.
* Spray a disposable half-size steam table pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set it on a cookie sheet so the bottom will be supported.
* Thaw the beans in the microwave, but don't cook them. Dump them in the pan. Pour the two soups over the top, add the cheese, dried onions, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, and half of the French-fried onions. Mix it all up right there in the pan.
* Cover the pan tightly with two layers of foil, and bake it at 325°F for one hour. *(An hour and a half is fine, too--this dish holds well for guests who come late.)*
* Take the foil off the top and dump on the other half of the French-fried onions. Bake uncovered for an additional half hour or until the onions are brown and crispy.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Strawberry Shortbread Bar Cookies

## Book Reference

Devil's Food Cake Murder

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

### Hannah’s 1st Note

These are really easy and fast to make. Almost everyone loves them, including Baby Bethie, and they’re not even chocolate!

### Ingredients

* 3 cups all purpose flour (pack it down in the cup when you measure it)
* 3/4 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar (don’t sift unless it’s got big lumps)
* 1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, softened (3 sticks, 12 ounces, 3/4 pound)
* 1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling (I used Comstock)+
	+ +*If you can’t find strawberry pie filling, you can use another berry filling, like raspberry, or blueberry. You can also use pie fillings of larger fruits like peach, apple, or whatever. If you do that, cut the fruit pieces into smaller pieces so that each bar cookie will have some. I just put my apple or peach pie filling in the food processor with the steel blade and zoop it up just short of being pureed. I’m not sure about using lemon pie filling. I haven’t tried that yet.*

### Directions

#### FIRST STEP

* Mix the flour and the powdered sugar together in a medium-sized bowl.
* Cut in the softened butter with a two knives or a pastry cutter until the resulting mixture resembles bread crumbs or coarse corn meal. (You can also do this in a food processor using cold butter cut into chunks that you layer between the powdered sugar and flour mixture and process with the steel blade, using an on-and-off pulsing motion.)
* Spread HALF of this mixture (approximately 3 cups will be fine) into a greased (or sprayed with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray) 9-inch by 13-inch pan. (That’s a standard size rectangular cake pan.)
* Bake at 350 degrees F. for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
* Remove the pan to a wire rack or a cold burner on the stove, but DON’T TURN OFF THE OVEN!
* Let the crust cool for 5 minutes.

#### SECOND STEP

* Spread the pie filling over the top of the crust you just baked.
* Sprinkle the crust with the other half of the crust mixture you saved. Try to do this as evenly as possible. Don’t worry about little gaps in the topping. It will spread out and fill in a bit as it bakes.
* Gently press the top crust down with the flat blade of a metal spatula.
* Bake the cookie bars at 350 degrees F. for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
* Turn off the oven and remove the pan to a wire rack or a cold burner to cool completely.
* When the bars are completely cool, cover the pan with foil and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cut them. (Chilling them makes them easier to cut.)
* When you’re ready to serve them, cut the Strawberry Shortbread Bar Cookies into brownie-sized pieces, arrange them on a pretty platter, and if you like, sprinkle the top with extra powdered sugar.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Ted Koester

**Daughter**:**Son**:

**Mother**: Alma Koester (*deceased*)

**Granddaughter**: Leah Koester

## Books

Blueberry Muffin MurderFudge Cupcake Murder

**Ted Koester** and his wife **Beatrice** are mentioned in Fudge Cupcake Murder and Blueberry Muffin Murder.

## Chronology by Novel

### Fudge Cupcake Murder

Hannah discovers that Ted is running a chop shop at his salvage yard. When Sheriff Grant figured it out he was murdered.
The Twelve Desserts of Christmas

**The Twelve Desserts of Christmas** is the 1st novella at approximately 120 pages. It takes place between Gingerbread Cookie Murder and Devil's Food Cake Murder in the *Hannah Swensen Mystery* series. It was released in 2006 in the Anthology *Sugar And Spice*, containing three additional Novellas by authors Beverly Barton, Fern Michaels, and Shirley Jump.

## Short Summary

Take two lovestruck teachers. Add a dollop of conspiring kids. Place in a boarding school over Christmas break. And add a little help--and eight, great recipes--from amateur sleuth Hannah Swenson, and you've got a romantic holiday tale that's sweet, delicious, and definitely served warm . . .

## Main Characters

* Hannah Swensen
* Andrea Todd
* Lisa Herman
* Julie Jansen
* Matt Sherwood

## Other Characters

* Hope
* Joy
* Serena
* Spenser
* Gary (twin)
* Larry (twin)

## Other Stories

The Christmas Stocking by Fern Michaels
Philadelphia businesswoman Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has come home from California with his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . . .
The Ghost of Christmas Past by Beverly Barton
Wounded Special Ops officer Mack MacKinnon doesn't have any reason to look forward to the holidays--until he rescues pretty widow Katie Hadley from a raging blizzard. Now, in a season of miracles, he's falling as hard and fast as the Christmas Eve snow . . .
Twelve Days by Shirley Jump
Of all the luck--Natalie Harris can't believe she drew Jake Lyons as her Secret Santa pal! The dreamy hunk leaves her completely tongue-tied. But with twelve days of secret gifts, sweet notes, and steamy emails to go, she just may conquer her fear and discover something surprising under the tree . . .
Treat yourself to four unforgettable tales of holiday romance filled with sugar and spice and everything nice . . .

## In-Story Chronology

Because a few of the recipes were created in one of more of the main series books, this novella has to take place after Cherry Cheesecake Murder, but it is set at Christmas and includes a Christmas Eve dinner at the boarding school. Time wise it should be around the same time as Plum Pudding Murder but that book also contained a Christmas Eve dinner with most of the same cast of characters but held at Hannah's condo.

So logically the only place this story can fit is after Apple Turnover Murder in year 3 of the internal chronology of the series, because that year there isn't any other Christmas stories except Gingerbread Cookie Murder which takes place in November. There is one reference in this novella to "2 years" which doesn't exactly work, but it is the least problem with the consistency of the series.

## Trivia

* This is not a murder mystery.
* POV character is shared between Hannah, Jill, Matt and the children.
Trudi's Shrimp Bisque

## Book Reference

Peach Cobbler Murder

**Note**: *You can also make this bisque with crab meat, or with a combination of shrimp and crab.*

### Ingredients

* 10-1/4 oz. can condensed tomato soup *(I used Campbell's)*
* 11-1/4 oz. can condensed green pea soup *(I used Campbell's)*
* 3 cups whole milk *(or light cream, if you want it richer)*
* 2-pound package salad shrimp, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup sherry *(optional)*

### Directions

* Mix the tomato soup and the green pea soup together. *(It has to be green pea—don't use split pea.)* The green pea soup is lumpy, so use a blender if you have one. Add the milk or light cream.
* Heat the soups and the milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, while you thaw and chop the shrimp. When the mixture is warm, add the chopped shrimp and stir it in.
* When the soup is heated thoroughly, add the sherry and serve.

**Yield**: Makes approximately 6 servings.

### Hannah's Note

*Lisa said this bisque is even better than the bisque she had at the very fancy, very expensive restaurant in Minneapolis where Herb took her last year on Valentine's Day. Herb agreed, and not just because it's a whole lot cheaper.*

## Conversion Charts

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

**Tachyon** is a big security company making security devices in Florida. Bill Todd, Andrea's husband, gets a call from them and offered a job. They like Bill's skill as a law enforcement worker and wants his feedback on their products. If Bill accepts the position, the family moves to Florida and now Andrea's in tears thinking about it in Apple Turnover Murder.
P.K. Alesworth

'

## Relations

**Mother**: Edith Alesworth **Father**: Arnold Alesworth

## Books

* Wedding Cake Murder
* Banana Cream Pie Murder
* Raspberry Danish Murder

*P.K. Alesworth'* is in several of the books.

## Bio

Full name: Porter Kirby Alesworth
“*He told me he didn’t want to be called a cross between a steak and a vacuum cleaner*.”

*Hannah was struck by how much he’d changed since he had run footage of the Hartland Flour baking contest for her. Then, he’d been the long-haired, rebel-type night tech guy from KCOW-TV. Now he was older, more mature, and very capable as Ross’s assistant videographer*.
PK lived in Clarissa, his parents didn’t move to Lake Eden until after he graduated from school. His parents were Edith and Arnold Alesworth.

## Personality

*P.K. had been very soft-spoken and they’d never heard him say a harsh word about anyone*.

## Chronology by Novel

### Strawberry Shortcake Murder

He is working in the remote trailer set up at Jordan High School for the Hartland Flour Dessert Bake-Off. He sets up the viewing of outtakes for Hannah and Andrea to watch.

### Wedding Cake Murder

P.K. becomes Ross Barton's assistant at KCOW, Lake Eden's local TV and Radio Station. He travels to New York with Ross, Hannah and Michelle for the start of the Food Channel Dessert Chef Competition.

### Raspberry Danish Murder

Michelle loans PK, Ross’ car while his is in the shop. That night Michelle gets a video call from PK, with his cell phone in the dash holder. PK was driving and weaving all over the road and slurring his words. Both Hannah and Michelle keep yelling at him to pull over but he acts as if he can’t hear them. He tells them that since he ate the candy in Ross’ desk he hasn’t felt good and he was driving to the hospital.

The car kept speeding up and weaving, when he side swiped a deer and went into the ditch. Hannah calls Mike and tells him where PK is and what happened as she had recognized some of the road signs so knew about where he was.

Dr. Bob, the veterinarian, was just leaving the nearest farm and rushed over to the car. Doc Knight with Delores as a passenger arrived next but it was too late for PK. Mike and Lonnie arrived and then Hannah and Michelle. Delores was very upset and Doc sent Michelle with Delores to warm up in his car. He wouldn’t let Hannah down near the accident and insisted that he would take the thermos of coffee to Mike and Lonnie. She could hear more about it from Mike when he stops by.

## Referencs

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Raspberry Danish Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery Book 21) (p. 303). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
2. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Raspberry Danish Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery Book 21) (p. 275). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
3. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Raspberry Danish Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery Book 21) (p. 30). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition..
4. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Raspberry Danish Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery Book 21) (p. 255). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
Gingerbread Cookie Murder

**Gingerbread Cookie Murder** is the 3rd Novella of the *Hannah Swensen Mystery* series at approximately 120 pages. It was released in 2010 in the Anthology *Gingerbread Cookie Murder*, containing two additional Novellas by authors Laura Levine & Leslie Meier.

## Short Summary

When Hannah Swensen finds her neighbor Ernie Kusak with his head bashed in and sprawled on the floor of his condo next to an upended box of Hannah's Gingerbread Cookies, she discovers a flurry of murder suspects that's as long as her holiday shopping list.

## Main Characters

* Hannah Swensen
* Ernie Kusak
* Lorna Kusak
* Steve Gilman
* Marsha Gilman
* Gary Jenkins
* Norman Rhodes
* Mike Kingston
* Bill Todd

## Other Characters

* Tracey Todd
* Lisa (Herman) Beeseman
* Moishe
* Howie Levine
* Cyril Murphy
* Christopher Kusak
* Lindsay Kusak
* Sue Plotnik
* Beverly Thorndike, DDS
* Lonnie
* Sean and Don, twin brothers
* Doc Knight
* Andrea Todd
* Sally Hayes
* Marge Beeseman
* Jack Herman
* Ellie Herman
* Herb Beeseman
* Barbara Donnelly
* Terrance Brown

## Other Stories in the book

*The Dangers Of Gingerbread Cookies* by Laura Levine
Jaine Austen has been enlisted to help with her parents' retirement community's play The Gingerbread Cookie That Saved Christmas. Playboy Dr. Preston McCay is playing the role of the gingerbread cookie when he "accidentally" falls to his death during the final act. Now Jaine must figure out if one of the doctor's jealous lovers was capable of murder.
*Gingerbread Cookies And Gunshots* by Leslie Meier
When Lucy Stone discovers the body of Rick Juergens, whose five-year-old son Nemo disappeared, she senses foul play. Crumbs from a gingerbread cookie Lucy gave to Nemo are found in the back seat of Rick's car. With the hours quickly ticking till Christmas, Lucy races against the clock to find a killer before he strikes again.

## Quotes

* *"I have a key!" a female voice call out, and a split second later...."* (Page 29)
* *"Did you tell the police everything you told us?" Norman asked her. "Of course I did, but nobody ever believes the wife...."* (Page 52)
* *"It read, 'Submitted this recipe in Hannah's name to the National Cookie Day contest, cash prize twenty-five thousand dollars'. Hannah stood there for a moment in shock and then...."* (Page 111)

## Cover Gags

* They way the Santa looks seems to indicate his eyes aren't closed without a reason.
* Perfection is key for Gingerbread cookies - soft and supple. The crumbs near Santa are of an ominous sign.
* Instead of H0-Ho-Ho, Santa Cookie seems to be OH-Oh-Oh... if only cookies could talk.

## Trivia

* This is the fourth Joanne Fluke Holiday series book.
* This was written as a novella, a short story mystery a second time.
* This is the third cookie title in the series.
Sweet Cream Dressing

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder

See Spinach Salad with Bacon and Sweet Cream Dressing recipe

## Ingredients

* 2 Tablespoons raspberry vinegar ***(or red wine vinegar)***
* 1 Tablespoon white Karo syrup ***(you can substitute honey for the white Karo syrup)***
* 1 teaspoon stone ground mustard
* ⅛ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* ½ cup whipping cream

## Directions

* Put the 2 Tablespoons of raspberry vinegar in a small bowl.
* Use a whisk to whisk in 1 Tablespoon of white Karo syrup ***(or honey)***
* Whisk until the white Karo syrup has been incorporated with the vinegar.
* Add 1 teaspoon of stone ground mustard and whisk it in.
* Whisk in the salt and the ground black pepper.
* Pour in the heavy cream and continue to whisk until your dressing is smooth and creamy.

Yield: ½ cup of sweet and creamy dressing that is especially good on spinach salads with red onions and bacon
Peppermint Martini

## Book Reference

Candy Cane Murder

**Hannah's 1st Note:** *These recipes are from Richella and Priscilla, Dick Laughlin's bartenders at the Lake Eden Inn. Dick says if you don't have martini glasses, you should run right out and buy them. Both Dick and Sally swear that these martinis taste a hundred percent better in martini glasses.*

### Ingredients

* 5 ounces good grade vodka
* 2 ounces white Crème de menthe
* ½ ounce peppermint schnapps

### Directions

Combine in a shaker and shake with ice. Strain into two martini glasses and garnish with miniature candy canes hooked over the rims of the glasses.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Lemon Curd

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder

Use for Lemon Meringue pies, Lemon Danish or Miniature Lemon Cheesecakes.

* 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)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/3 cup lemon juice
* 1 cup white sugar (granulated)
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
* 1 Tablespoon butter

### Hannah's Note

*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*.

### Directions

* 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 ½ cup water and the lemon 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 Curd thickens (5 minutes or so).
* Lift the top of the double boiler and place it on a cold stovetop burner.
* Add the lemon zest and the butter. Stir thoroughly. If you are using your Lemon Curd for a Lemon Meringue Pie, you can pour it into a pre-baked pie shell while it is hot. Otherwise, let the Lemon Curd cool to room temperature.

When your Lemon Curd is cool, you can use it in Lemon Danish or Miniature Lemon Cheesecakes.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Pineapple Right-Side-Up Cookie Bars

baking:

* 1st step: 15 to 20 min.
* 2nd step: 45 to 50 mins.

## Book Reference

Lemon Meringue Pie Murder

**Pineapple Right-Side-Up Cookie Bars** is the ninth and final recipe featured in Lemon Meringue Pie Murder.

*(Another recipe with a no-roll crust--don't you just love it?)*

## Ingredients

* 2 cups flour *(no need to sift)*
* 1 cup softened butter *(2 sticks, 1/2 pound)*
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 4 beaten eggs *(just whip them up with a fork)*
* 1/2 white sugar
* 1/2 cup frozen concentrated pineapple juice
* 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple *(if you have any left over, freeze it)*
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 4 tablespoons flour *(that's 1/4 cup--don't bother to sift)*

## Directions

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

* FIRST STEP:
	+ Dump pineapple in a strainer and let it drain while you do this step.
	+ Cream butter with sugar and add flour. Mix well *(You can also do this in a food processor with hard butter cut into chunks and the steel blade.)*
	+ Spread mixture out in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan *(that's a standard sheet cake pan)*, and press it down evenly with your hands.
	+ Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven. *(Don't turn off oven!)*

* SECOND STEP:
	+ Mix eggs with sugar.
	+ Add pineapple concentrate, drained pineapple, and mix.
	+ Add salt and baking powder and stir it all up. Then add flour and mix thoroughly. *(This will be runny--it'll set in the oven.)*
	+ Pour the mixture on top of the pan [1st layer] you just baked and stick it back in the oven. Bake at 350°F for another 45-50 minutes. Then remove from oven.
* Let cool thoroughly, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on the top and cut into brownie-sized bars.

## Trivia

*Herb Beeseman loves these--it was the least I could do for him. Mother and Carrie love them too, but they like a double serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Marge Beeseman has refused to taste them, probably because she thinks she makes the best Pineapple Upside-Down-Cake in the state of Minnesota and she doesn't relish any interference.*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Raspberry Vinegar Cookies

Devil's Food Cake Murder

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F., rack in the middle position.

	+ +*If you can’t find raspberry vinegar in your store, you can use any fruit flavored vinegar or just plain old white vinegar. The vinegar is there to react with the baking soda, so any kind will do. I would caution against Balsamic. It has a heavy flavor that might not be good in these cookies. Then again, I haven’t tried it. It could be wonderful*.
	+ ++*If you don’t want to use rum extract, use any other flavor of extract you like, including vanilla*.

### Directions

* Combine the softened butter and the sugar. Mix them until they’re light and fluffy. (You can do this with an electric mixer if you like.)
* Add the raspberry vinegar and mix it in.
* Add the baking soda and mix that in.
* Add the rum extract and mix it in.
* Add the cup and a half of all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly.
* Mix in the chopped pecans. Drop by spoonful's on a greased (I sprayed mine with Pam) baking sheet, 12 cookie mounds to a sheet. (Lisa and I used a 2-teaspoon scooper down at The Cookie Jar.)
* Bake at 325 degrees F. for 18 to 20 minutes, or until slightly golden on top.
* Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes.
* Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
* Store these cookies in a cookie jar or an air-tight container so that they remain moist and soft.

Yield: approximately 3 and 1/2 dozen to 4 dozen sweet and buttery cookies, depending on cookie size.

### Hannah’s Note

*These cookies remind me of Lorna Doone shortbread cookies, except they’re better. If you’d like to experiment with them, try adding mini chocolate chips to a batch, or pressing a chocolate candy into the center of each cookie before you bake it*.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Pumpkin Pie for a Thanksgiving Crowd

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position. This pie bakes twice, so do not turn off the oven after the first time.

### Ingredients

* 1 1/2 cup flour *(no need to sift)*
* 3/4 cup butter *(1 1/2 sticks)*
* 1/2 cup powdered *(confectioners')* sugar *(don't sift unless it's got big lumps)*
* 4 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups white *(granulated)* sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg *(freshly ground is best)*
* 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
* 3 1/2 cups plain canned pumpkin, no spices added *(29-ounce can)*
* 2 cans evaporated milk *(12-ounce cans)* or 3 cups light cream

### Directions

* Cut chilled butter into 12 pieces. Layer them between the flour and the powdered sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture has the consistency of corn meal. *(You can also do this by cutting softened butter into the dry ingredients.)*
* Coat a standard 9x13 inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the mixture inside, shake it until it's evenly distributed on the bottom, and press it down a bit with a metal spatula.
* Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the pumpkin pie filling, but DON'T SHUT OFF THE OVEN.
* Beat the eggs in a large bowl *(or use an electric mixer.)* Mix in the sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cardamom. Add the pumpkin and blend. \* Then add the evaporated milk and mix thoroughly.
* Pour this over the crust you just baked. Stick it back in the oven and bake it for another 60 to 70 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
* Chill overnight, cut into 16 squares, and serve each with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Waldorf Salad Jell-O

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

*This is another recipe from my sister Andrea. It's the last Jell-O mold, and I think it's the best.*

### Ingredients

* 1 large *(6-ounce)* package of lemon Jell-O *(or other light-colored flavor)*
* 2 cups boiling water
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 cup cold water
* 2 cups finely diced apples *(you can leave the peel on if you wish)*
* 1 cup finely diced celery
* 1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts *(some big pieces are okay)*

### Directions

* Dump the Jell-O into a large bowl and dissolve it in the 2 cups of boiling water. Add the mayonnaise and stir until it's evenly distributed. Then add the cup of cold water, stir, and refrigerate for 45 minutes, or until it's partially set.'
* Beat the partially set Jell-O with a wire whip to make it fluffy. *(You can also do this with a spoon, but it'll take a bit more effort.)*
* Stir in the diced apples, diced celery, and chopped walnuts. Spray a 2-quart Jell-O mold with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the Jell-O mixture.
* Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Overnight is really best.
* Unmold and serve slices on red or curly lettuce leaves. You can also leave it intact on the platter and let everyone serve themselves.

Yield: This recipe makes approximately 7 cups of really delicious Jell-O.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Sally's Cinnamon Supreme Coffee

Devil's Food Cake Murder

* 1 cup freshly ground coffee ***(Sally uses French Roast beans and grinds her own)***
* 10 cups water

### Directions

* Place the cinnamon sticks and the brown sugar into the glass (or metal) carafe.
	+ If your coffeemaker uses a filter, place it in the brew basket. Then put the freshly ground coffee and the ground cinnamon inside the basket.
* Pour in 10 cups of water and turn on the coffeemaker. Let the water drip through completely.
* Remove the carafe with the freshly made coffee and stir it to dissolve the brown sugar. Put it back on the heated pad at the bottom of the coffeemaker. It should sit there for at least 5 minutes so the flavors will meld.
* This coffee is best topped with sweetened whipped cream. Use one cup of whipping cream, 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip it up and place it in a pretty bowl so that people can top their coffee with it.
* To serve, pour the coffee into a serving carafe, or if you’re making just one pot, use the carafe from the coffeemaker. Transfer the cinnamon sticks to whichever carafe you use. This coffee will just get better and better as it sits.
* Pour generous cupfuls and top with sweetened whipped cream. If you like, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over the top of the sweetened whipped cream for an extra treat.

### Yield

* Serves 5 because everyone will want a second cup.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies

## Book Reference

Cherry Cheesecake Murder

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

* Microwave the butter in a microwave safe mixing bowl for approximately 90 seconds on HIGH to melt it. Mix in the brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until they're thoroughly blended.
* Measure out the peanut butter. *(I spray the inside of my measuring cup with Pam so it won't stick.)*
* Add it to the bowl and mix it in. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir it all up. Add the chopped salted peanuts and mix until they're incorporated.
* Add the flour in one-cup increments, mixing it in until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
* Form the dough into walnut-sized balls with your hands and arrange them on a greased cookie sheet, 12 to a standard sheet. *(If the dough is too sticky to form into balls, chill it for an hour or so, and then try again.)*
* Make an indentation in the center of the dough ball with your thumb. Spoon in a bit of jam, making sure it doesn't run over the sides of the cookie.
* Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

**Yield**: approximately 7 dozen cookies, depending on cookie size.

### Hannaha's Note

*If you happen to run out of fruit jam and you have cookies left to fill, put a few chocolate chips in the indentation. You'll have to call these cookies PBCs, but they're wonderful*!

### Trivia

*Tracey likes her PBJs with strawberry jam, Andrea prefers apricot, Bill's wild about blueberry, and Mother loves them with peach. I prefer to eat one of each, just to test them of course.*

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Sweet Potato Casserole

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

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

*Lucille Rahn contributed this recipe. She got it from her friend Meryl in New York, who got it from her friend Hazel. Lucille asked Meryl to ask Hazel, but Hazel's not sure where she got it in the first place.*

### Ingredients

* 3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes or yams\*\*\*
	+ \*\*\*It's better with freshly cooked sweet potatoes or yams, but you can also use well-drained canned sweet potatoes or yams. It'll take one 29-ounce can and one 15-ounce can to make a scant 3 cups of mashed potatoes. Two 29-ounce cans sweet will yield almost 4 cups, but you can use them and things will still turn out just fine.
* 2/3 cup white *(granulated)* sugar
* 1/4 cup melted butter *(1/2 stick, 1/8 pound)*
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup whipping cream
* 2 beaten eggs
* 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1/2 cup flour
* 1/2 cup softened butter *(1 stick, 1/4 pound)*

### Directions

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.
* Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
* In a large mixing bowl combine sweet potatoes sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and cream. Mix in the beat and stir thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the baking pan you've prepared.
* Rinse out the bowl you used and dry it with a paper towel. Combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and flour, mixing them up with a fork. Add the butter and mix with the fork until it's crumbly.
* You can also do this in the food processor with the steel blade and cold butter cut into 8 pieces. If you do this, add the chopped pecans by hand after everything else is processed.
* Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the sweet potato mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes. If the dinner's not ready, cover the pan with foil, turn off the oven, and leave the casserole inside. When the guests arrive, take out the casserole and serve.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Oven Bean Hotdish

## Book Reference

Gingerbread Cookie Murder

**Oven Bean Hotdish** goes great with Game-Day Oven Burgers and Smokin' Willie's Crispy Crunchy Coleslaw

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

### Ingredients

* 1/4 cup bacon bits (I used Hormel)
* 2 Tablespoons salted butter (1/4 stick 1 ounce)
* 1/2 cup brown sugar (pack it down when you measure it)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 cup cider vinegar
* 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard (I used Dijon)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup dried chopped onion
* 2 fifteen-ounce cans butter bean (or white beans if you can't find butter beans)
* 1-pound can (16 ounces) black-eyed peas
* 1-pound can (16 ounces) red kidney beans
* 1-pound can (16 ounces) baked beans (I used B&M)
* 1/2 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese

### Directions

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.
* Grease or spray a 3-quart casserole dish with Pam or another nonstick cooking spray. You can also use a disposable half-size steam table pan, but be sure to place it on a cookie sheet to support the bottom. This dish is heavy and the pan may buckle if you don't support it.
* In a frying pan on the stove, heat the bacon bits in the butter. Let them cook for a minute.
* Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and vinegar. Let them cook for a minute.
* Add the prepared mustard, salt, and dried chopped onion. Let that cook for a minute.
* Stir everything. Then cover the pan and let it cook on simmer for 10 minutes.
* While your sauce is simmering, drain the butter beans, black-eyed peas, and red kidney beans. Dump them in the bottom of your prepared casserole or steam table pan. Add the can of baked beans and mix them in.
* Drizzle the sauce over the beans and stir it all up so everything is mixed and evenly distributed.
* If the casserole dish has a cover, put it on. If it doesn't, cover the top with foil.
* Bake the casserole at 350°F for 50 minutes. Carefully take off the cover and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake it, *uncovered*, for an additional ten minutes.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Rocky Road Bar Cookies

Carrot Cake Murder

## Ingredients

* 24 graham crackers ***(12 double ones)***
* 2 cups miniature marshmallows ***(white, not colored)***
* 6-ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips ***(1 cup)***
* 1 cup salted cashews
* ½ cup butter ***(1 stick, ¼ pound)***
* ½ cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

## Directions

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position.
* Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan with Pam or other nonstick spray. ***(If you like, buy a disposable foil pan in the grocery store, place it on a cookie sheet to support the bottom, and then you won't have to clean up.)***
* Line the bottom of the pan with a layer of graham crackers. ***(It's okay to overlap a bit.)***
* Sprinkle the graham crackers with the marshmallows.
* Sprinkle the marshmallows with the chocolate chips.
* Sprinkle the chocolate chips with the cashews.
* In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
* Turn off the heat, move the saucepan to a cool burner, and stir in the vanilla.
* Drizzle the contents of the saucepan evenly over the contents of the cake pan.
* Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden on top. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
* When the Rocky Road Bar Cookies are cool, cut them into brownie-sized bars and serve.
* If there are any leftovers ***(which there won't be unless you have less than three people)*** store them in the refrigerator in a covered container. They can also be wrapped, sealed in a freezer bag, and frozen for up to two months.

Yield: 2½ to 3 dozen yummy treats that will please adults and kids alike.
Pecan Pie for a Holiday Crowd

## Book Reference

Sugar Cookie Murder

* Preheat oven to 350°F, rack in the middle position. This pie bakes twice, so do not turn off the oven after the first time.

### Ingredients

**For First Step**

* 2 cups flour *(no need to sift)*
* 1 cup softened butter *(2 sticks 1/2 pound)*
* 3/4 cup loosely packed brown sugar

**For Second Step**

* 5 beaten eggs *(just whip them up with a fork)*
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 and 1/2 cups white corn syrup *(I use Karo)*
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped pecans
* 1/8 cup flour *(that's 2 Tablespoons)*

### Directions

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

**First Step:**

* Cream softened butter with brown sugar and add flour. Mix well. Spread 3 cups of this mixture in a greased 9 by 13 inch cake pan and pat it down with your hands. Reserve the rest for a crumb topping *(You can use cold butter if you divide each stick into 8 pieces and zoop everything up with the steel blade of your food processor.)*
* Bake the crust at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. DON'T TURN OFF THE OVEN!

**Second Step:**

* Beat the eggs and mix them with the brown sugar. Add the melted butter and stir all up. Then mix in the white corn syrup, salt, and pecan pieces. Now add the flour and mix thoroughly.
* Pour this mixture over the crust you just baked. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture from the first step on top. *(At this point you can carefully decorate the top with a few half pecans, if you want to make it fancier. I don't bother. With something this good, you don't need decorations.)*
* Bake at 350°F for another 30 to 35 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Once the pan is cool to the touch, refrigerate it until ready to serve.
* To serve, cut the Pecan Pie into 16 pieces. You can top these with whipped cream if you like, but they don't really need it.

Bill likes to eat this cold, right out of the refrigerator. Andrea likes it best at room temperature. Carrie loves it when it's still warm, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Mother also likes it warm, but with chocolate ice cream. I like it any way at all, anytime.

## Conversion Charts

See Baking Conversion Chart for non-USA baking conversions.
Del Woodley

## Delano Raymond Woodley

**Son:** Benton Woodley

## Books

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

**Del Woodley** is married to Judith Woodley in Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. They have a son Benton Woodley.

## Bio

Del is one of the riches men in Lake Eden. He owns DelRay Manufacturing. Del married a Boston socialite. Her name is Judith and her family’s in the social register.

## References

1. ↑ Fluke, Joanne. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 1) (p. 113). Kensington Books. Kindle Edition.
Series Internal Chronology

The Novellas and Books that were written out of sequence are all centered around Christmas. Their placement in this chronology is approximate only, based on several factors. In some cases you can find the reasoning on their Novel article by clicking the link here and going to the Internal Chronology section.
They all still have inconsistencies with the Main series though, none of them are a perfect fit.