Macarons and Murder [A Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery, Book 4] – Book Trailer

 By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024

Macarons, paperback, and teacup are photographed by Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024.

In the heart of Yolanda’s Yummery, love is in the air as macarons are baking for Valentine’s Day. But when someone she knows is found dead in a nearby dumpster, Yolanda Carter’s world crumbles. Teaming up with Detective Winston Churchill, Yolanda sets out to uncover the truth behind the sinister murder.

I’ve included three new reviews from readers who were kind enough to read my ARC.

Yolanda’s Yummery is filled with excitement as she prepares for Valentine’s Day by baking exquisite French macarons. That night’s TV appearance on America’s Best Bakeries will further benefit the yummery. But the festive spirit is shattered when a shocking discovery is made—a friend’s body is found in a nearby dumpster. Struggling to cope with the tragedy, Yolanda Carter partners with  Detective Winston Churchill to find the killer. Surrounded by a cast of potential suspects, including her boyfriend, Nigel Garvey, Yolanda balances running her yummery, gearing up for the first anniversary celebration, and uncovering the truth.

With love, betrayal, and hidden agendas swirling around her, Yolanda embarks on a dangerous journey to untangle a web of deceit. This story weaves together elements of romance and suspense. Will she solve the mystery before it leads to her own downfall?

“Macarons and Murder” includes recipes for French macarons and cupcakes!

Book link: Macarons and Murder [A Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery, Book 4]. Available in eBook, paperback and Amazon Audible formats. The Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery series can be purchased at most online bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo and many more.

VIDEO

READER REVIEWS

“A new line of baked goods at the store, new employees struggling to fit in, and another murder mystery to solve; it`s all in a day`s work for Yolanda Carter. What a shame the busiest sales day of the year, Valentine`s Day, is marred by the discovery of a body in a dumpster behind the building, even more so when comes to light that Yolanda knows the deceased, and negative, libelous reviews are threatening to ruin her livlihood. Pace, plot, and action are stepped up in Lisa Maliga`s newest installment, and, although still qualifying as a cosy, it is yet much appreciated.
I love following along as the seasons change in the yummery – after reading the fourth book in the series, it`s beginning to feel a lot like home: I care about these characters and their trials and triumphs.”
Reviewed by Cindy Topp, GoodReads reviewer

“This was a real ‘feel good’ story. I love the protagonist Yolanda who with her entourage of friends and family, manages to have the most hair-raising adventures.
Her ongoing love interests are intriguing too, as is the gruesome murder of someone she knew that she decides to investigate.
I really look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.”
Reviewed by Geraldine Lopez, BookBub reviewer

“Yolanda Carter owns a bakery called Yolanda’s Yummery. A dead body is found in her dumpster and competition is trying to use that by ruining her business. She feels she has to find out who killed her friend Mike to stop all the rumors trying to put her out of business. This was a very well written book. Suspenseful up to the very end. Hard to put down. Highly recommend it.”
Reviewed by Renee, November 5, 2024

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Chocolate Energy Bars Recipe

 Copyright 2024 by Lisa Maliga

Chocolate Energy Bars

This one ticks a lot of boxes if you’re looking for nut-free, vegan, low-sugar and an easy no-bake snack or dessert. It took me four tries to get it right. I’d also recommend storing them in the refrigerator, especially in warm weather.

This is an original recipe from the second book of the Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery series.

Ingredients:

• 6 Tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 5 Tablespoons organic coconut sugar
• 2/3 cup agave nectar
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, combine the first four ingredients and stir well over medium heat. Remember to sift the cocoa powder before adding it to the oils and sugar so the mixture is smooth.

In a very large bowl, combine the rice cereal, rolled oats, salt, and chia seeds with a whisk.

Pour in the warmed up wet ingredients and mix well. Wait about 10 minutes to add the chocolate chips as you don’t want them to melt completely.

In a parchment-lined 8” x 8” or 9” x 9” square pan, spoon in the mixture. Use a spatula to even out the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit on the counter for a few hours before slicing and eating.

If you’re in a hurry, put it in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Lastly, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the energy bars into squares or rectangles.

Store in the refrigerator. Wrap with waxed paper or plastic wrap.

This original recipe can be found in the cozy culinary mystery THE MISSING SEA CAPTAIN. 

Available at all major online bookstores. Click image for links!

Video Tutorial

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The Winning Brownie Recipe from “The Great Brownie Taste-off”

 By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024

Ten years ago I wrote the first book in what would become a [so far] 4-book cozy mystery series. It was more sweet romance than cozy mystery, but I was pleased with the story and the second book in the series was a proper cozy mystery story.

The changes made to “The Great Brownie Taste-off” include removing some extraneous descriptions and backstory, getting rid of the magical secret ingredient, and having a more realistic relationship between Yolanda and Zac. And I kept refining that brownie recipe until I really liked it. It’s not my favorite dessert or snack, but now I appreciate a good, hot brownie fresh out of the oven.

Please scroll down to see the recipe and watch the video tutorial.

"The Great Brownie Taste-off" Book Description

Cat shelter employee Yolanda Carter loves her job, but her dream is to own her own bakery. Living in Sherman Oaks, California with her tuxedo cat, her only outlet is baking treats for her friends, coworkers and family.

Her situation changes when her high school friend, Teagan Mishkin, drops by to tell her about an incredible job opportunity that will give Yolanda enough money to launch her bakery.

The job interview takes an unexpected turn and Yolanda stumbles across a scheme to close the cat shelter. She concocts a sweet plan to save the shelter and share her decadent brownies in the Great Brownie Taste-off. Assisted by her artisan parents, friends, and coworkers, will she win the taste-off and save the cats?

Link to all versions of THE GREAT BROWNIE TASTE-OFF
Do you like listening to books? The Great Brownie Taste-off is available on Amazon Audible.

THE WINNING RECIPE!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup [1 stick] unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup organic coconut palm sugar
• 2 eggs [room temperature]
• 1/2 cup [4 ounces] dark chocolate
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, Dutch processed, sifted

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Grease your pan with butter.
• Sift the cocoa powder and flour together in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Chop up chocolate if using a bar. Melt chocolate and butter together over a double boiler. Use low heat to ensure the chocolate doesn’t seize.
• In a large bowl, add the sugar.
• Add an egg, mix well, then add the second egg and mix well.
• Stir in melted butter and chocolate mixture.
• Gently fold in flour and cocoa powder, until combined. Add the vanilla extract.
• Pour mixture into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely. Cut into squares.
• Enjoy.  

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Meeting Mel Gibson ~ Excerpt from "Diary of a Hollywood Nobody"

Thursday, May 18

Copyright 2011-2024 by Lisa Maliga
I was sentenced to eight hours in the legal department at Warner Bros. The lawyer’s secretary was pregnant and all she did was sit behind her desk and talk on the phone. The lawyer, Mr. Manic, was civil to me at first. He sauntered in around 10:30 and disappeared into his office on the other side of the suite. Preggers sat in the large reception area and I was squeezed into a file room with a desk on the other side of the secretary’s office. The water cooler was beside the desk and he came over to fill up a mug and hand me his car keys! Mr. Manic told me to go down to his car, a Jaguar convertible, and retrieve his briefcase.

I loped downstairs, glad to get out into the sunny day and check out his wheels. It was a white Jag. with a matching leather interior and it sure smelled clean and new when I opened the door. Then I saw the briefcase. It wasn’t the standard issue case made of imported leather; it was quadruple sized and HEAVY! As I lugged it out of the car, I almost dropped the damn thing.  That it contained books was evident–but all 26 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica? 

The briefcase never left the ground. Having to go upstairs in the elevatorless Admin. building meant that the case rested on each step. Mr. Manic was having me, someone who was probably half his weight, play pack mule? Why? Did he hate temps?

The endearing Mr. Manic also had his car washed for him. A man stopped by and asked Preggers for the car keys so the Jag. could be washed and the gas tank filled. I’d happened to be in the reception area doing some file organizing so I witnessed the man pocketing the keys. I wanted to tell him to make sure he left the top down and hit every phone pole on the way back!

Preggers had me “run” to the mailroom to drop off some important letters. Just as I was rounding a corner, I barely avoided slamming into an equally surprised Mel Gibson! Those famous blue eyes were huge; we were just inches from a collision!

Book link: Diary of a Hollywood Nobody

Visually-Enhanced Book Excerpt

Ruby Chocolate: A Beginner's Guide ~ Excerpt

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2020

I became aware of ruby chocolate when I was watching The Great British Baking Show. A contestant was baking biscuits [cookies] using ruby chocolate. Paul Hollywood, one of the judges, proclaimed that the new chocolate “has a nice kick to it.”

Around this time, one of my baking buddies on Facebook posted a photo of her ruby chocolate truffles. Nancy Hoekman, the owner of Fancy Nancy Bites, is a talented baker and the photo she posted of her lovely pink truffles sparked my interest in trying the chocolate.

I could trawl the search engines for days upon days, or I could buy some and find out for myself how great it tasted and what I could concoct with it.

The best option was to buy it in bar form and order some wafers [callets] online. I called Trader Joe’s to find out if it was in stock and was informed that it had been discontinued, but I could buy it on Amazon.

Callebaut, the company that is in charge of distributing ruby chocolate had many lovely photos on their website and was proud to point out that: “More than 10 years ago, one of our cocoa experts discovered that components of certain cocoa beans could produce a cacao taste experience with an exceptional flavor and color. Since then, we’ve been unraveling the secret behind this, leading to the discovery of the ruby cocoa bean and creation of a totally new flavor experience. Like grapes for fine wines, cocoa beans are influenced by the terroir in which they grow. Ruby cocoa beans grow under unique climate conditions and can be found in Ecuador, Brazil or Ivory Coast. Ruby contains no added flavors or colors.”

What did I make with this big 5.5-pound bag of ruby red chocolate?  Scroll down and check out my book trailer!

THE FIRST BOOK ABOUT RUBY CHOCOLATE!

Ruby Chocolate: A Beginner’s Guide includes ten original and tested recipes using authentic ruby chocolate. From healthy granola bars to tasty ruby chocolate chip cookies to decadent fudge, chocolate lovers will be inspired to create their own desserts. The reader also receives gift packaging ideas and lots of resources.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Chocolate-Beginners-Lisa-Maliga-ebook/dp/B082XKXYGF
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruby-Chocolate-Beginners-Lisa-Maliga-ebook/dp/B082XKXYGF

The paperback edition will be available in late January.

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Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method ~ Excerpt

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2018

From the INTRODUCTION

Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method covers the simple techniques you’ll need along with the best type of equipment you should have to bake lovely macarons. You’ll also learn how the weather makes a difference, why you should invest in a digital kitchen scale and oven thermometer. I’ve spent lots of time, money, and hard work to get these recipes right. They are all unique and some are more suited to those who like their macarons sweet and others who enjoy their macarons with a little less sugar and are more classically flavored.

The Swiss method is for any level of baker providing you carefully read each recipe thoroughly along with the helpful suggestions.

When you have the ingredients weighed and sifted, the egg whites separated, and the baking trays lined, it’s time to bake macarons, Swiss style.

Official Description:

Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

This unique cookbook is designed for bakers of all levels. Follow each carefully detailed recipe and bake stunning macarons that will impress any dessert lover.

Helpful information includes the best ingredients and equipment to stock your kitchen, resources, tips and troubleshooting, plus the easy macaronage technique that will save you time and energy.

With a photo of each recipe, Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method, offers everything you need to bake beautiful and delicious macarons. It features 20+ new tried-and-tested macaron recipes.

Some of the flavors include Minty Chocolate, Speculoos [Cookie Butter], Raspberry Cheesecake, and Apple Spice macarons.

Official release date is September 5, 2018.
Available at these fine bookstores for pre-order.

Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
PAPERBACK: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method [NOW AVAILABLE]
Amazon UK: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
PAPERBACK: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method [NOW AVAILABLE]
B&N/Nook: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
iTunes: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Kobo: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
Smashwords: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

BOOK TRAILER

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The Aroma of Love (The Yolanda's Yummery Series, Book 3) + Excerpt

By Lisa Maliga

Copyright 2015

I wish I could write a book as fast as I read one, but that’s just not possible. Today, I’m launching the third book in the Yolanda’s Yummery series. Be prepared for sweet romance, pies, and a cold case dating back to the 1960s. Here’s the official blurb:

Yolanda Carter is gearing up for a hectic holiday season at her bakery, Yolanda’s Yummery.

The adjoining Beverage Bar is thriving due to owner Nigel Garvey’s expertise along with that of shift manager Quinn Hendrickson, a barista and a baker.

Visiting her grandmother’s gravesite, Yolanda is surprised to see a woman putting pies into an old-fashioned station wagon. Her parents mention an unsolved murder of her grandmother’s best friend who was an amazing pie baker. The story of the 1960s crime touches Yolanda, along with her new friend, Detective Winston Churchill. Her growing sleuthing skills lead her to search for the killer.

In between investigating and baking batches of pies in time for her latest product launch, Yolanda discovers more about the sweetness of love. And who is heating up the kitchen with Yolanda?

Includes the recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

CHAPTER 5 Excerpt

That morning Nick was helping one of the older appreciated guests who was taken with both him and the Fancy Vanilla cupcakes. “Sonny, can I have that a cinnamon coffee Bundt cake with vanilla icing?” The woman with the white hair worn in a pageboy paused, then sneezed loudly. “No wait, how about butterscotch icing?”

Nick’s grimace almost passed for a grin. Jeannie noticed it and shook her head slightly, not wanting the young man to insult the older woman. “I’m afraid we don’t have butterscotch but we have caramel.”

“Oh goodie, I’ll have that.” The woman smiled broadly, focusing all her attention on Nick.

After she shuffled out of the yummery, Nick shook his head and stared at the almost empty tips jar. “The least she could’ve done was leave me a tip.”

Jeannie smiled. “Show her more attentiveness next time. Tell her how pretty her blouse is or something.”

“Jeannie, I don’t want to encourage her. Geez, she’s old enough to be my grandmother.”

“I’ll have you know that she’s the widow of one of the wealthiest real estate moguls in the city.”

“So? That means she could afford to leave a big tip.”

“Not necessarily. She’s frugal. She told me she frequents every 99 Cents Only store she drives by and hangs out at Big Lots in Culver City. She’ll drive out of her way to save money…” Jeannie helped herself to a fudge sample. “Just the way some folks are, I guess. Oh, and you didn’t offer her a sample. Next time make sure you offer every appreciated guest a sample – even the older ones who have a crush on you.”

“I forgot to change the tips jar sign today,” he said.

“That could be another reason, though I doubt it. Old widows are lonely, so just make her feel a little less lonely and you’ll get more tips.”

Now available at:

Amazon: The Aroma of Love
Amazon UK: The Aroma of LoveB&N NOOK: The Aroma of Love
iTunes: The Aroma of Love
Kobo: The Aroma of Love
Scribd: The Aroma of Love
Smashwords: The Aroma of Love

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Notes from Nadir ~ Manic Monday Excerpt

By Lisa Maliga
Copyright 2013

eBook cover

It’s 2009. Lisa Hansen is impacted by the great recession and can’t focus on her writing career. She has to make the tough decision to stay in Los Angeles or return to her former Midwestern home. Not having seen her mother in over a decade, she moves back in with her in a suburban semi-retirement community. Confronted with long forgotten memories, Lisa finds it difficult to adjust to life in Nadir. She works a couple of dead end jobs, and meets Gordon, a sexy British bakery owner. An opportunity to freelance for him and work as a writer/photographer at The Factory ensures a better income. But how long will she be confined in a lifestyle that she has long outgrown? “Notes from Nadir” is an alternatively poignant and amusing story of life’s unforeseen journeys, sorrows, and rewards.

Where is Nadir?

Merriam-Webster defines nadir as "the lowest point." And that is where Nadir is located. It’s not a place that is found on any map. No GPS will guide anyone there. Nadir is a state of mind.

Notes from Nadir is approx. 88,000 words/292 pages. The release date is Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Both eBook and paperback versions will be available on or around that date.

Chapter 47 ~ Manic Monday

[This is a brief excerpt from the chapter].

Right before lunch one of the Packers came over and announced: "Bakery donuts downstairs in the warehouse … main door!"

On a Monday? Rita smiled and turned to me, "That's great! They sometimes donate donuts from the bakery down the street. It's really a great place…" she got up and was heading for the stairs a lot faster than I'd seen her move since I began working there.

I followed her; I could walk faster than her as I didn't wear a size 18. I knew her size because she saw a pair of large black pants on my cart and said they'd fit her and placed a bid on them. She didn't win them as some other fatso from Nebraska did.

Near the main door I saw a big flimsy pink cardboard box on top of a dilapidated table. It was surrounded by red shirted employees.

Most of the warehouse employees didn't wear gloves. They spent the day handling pee-stained rugs and bedding, cast off toys and games, old electronics, mildewed books, filthy furniture with chewed up legs and torn upholstery; all manner of junk. And they were pawing through the donut selection. Not a napkin or paper towel in sight. But that didn't stop Rita or any of the other workers. A toothless worker wearing a faded, almost pink shirt decorated with holes, licked his fingers. Free food, free dessert, and free germs!

Paperback link

Notes from Nadir: The Second [Expanded] Edition

NOTES FROM NADIR the second edition will be available in eBook and paperback formats on November 5, 2013. 

It has been updated and expanded and is approximately 290 pages/88,000 words.

"Notes from Nadir" is an amusing and poignant look at a Los Angeles-based writer who returns to her Midwestern home due to financial difficulties. Moving back in with Mom in a semi-retirement community, she looks for jobs that pay far less than the wages she earned back in L.A.  From working at a bakery where she hopes to get to know the boss a little better, to finding a job at an online auction site, the author introduces us to a wacky assortment of characters. Along the way, she deals with Mom's declining health, unsympathetic relatives, and rediscovers a place she left many years ago when she dreamt of becoming a screenwriter. The narrator struggles with being in Nadir, both the place and the state of mind. 

A new excerpt will be posted next week.

eBook cover

Paperback cover

If you would like an ARC [PDF] so that you can post a review on your blog or on an online bookstore, please send me an email at: Lisa_Maliga@msn.com 

Out of the Blue ~ A Coming of Age Book

Out of the Blue is the second novel I ever wrote and finished. I was in the midst of working on Leaving Nadir, when the Olympics distracted me. So what does that have to do with writing? Seeing so much about the U.K. reminded me of the manuscript I'd been working on since the 1990s. It went from being on DOS to making the transition to Word for Windows to a 98,000-word contemporary romance in 2002 and to further revisions and a new title in 2008. So it was sitting on my hard drive as a future book file, which I'd work on whenever. Only whenever happened to be the summer of 2012.

What's it about? As you can see it has a tagline: A story of two drifters who have no clue about what they are searching for... and it takes place during the 1980s and mostly in a small, scenic village in the U.K. You'll find no mention of cell phones, Prince Harry, i-anything, 9-11…back then people actually smoked in pubs and ashtrays were even provided.

OK, without any more of an intro, here's the blurb:

Sylvia Gardner is a naïve cashier who lives with her psychologically abusive mother in Richport, Illinois. Vivian Gardner repeatedly tells her daughter not to trust men because they only want to use her. Upset with being dumped by her first boyfriend; Sylvia later falls in love with an English actor after watching him on a PBS drama. For two years, she researches Alexander Thorpe's life and career, saving her money to travel to his Cotswolds village, intent on meeting him. Staying in the village's only inn, she gets room and board in exchange for working at the Windrush Arms Hotel.

Alexander is going through a personal career crisis, as he wants to continue making art films. He still hasn’t embraced the notion of “going Hollywood.” Additionally, the walls of loneliness and booze are closing in due to a long stint between acting gigs.

Complications ensue when the drunken hotelier, Harry Livingstone, takes a fancy to Sylvia. As in her fantasies, Sylvia and Alexander get together—but with unexpected results. 

OUT OF THE BLUE is available on Amazon, B&N Nook, Smashwords and Kobo.

On December 4th, Out of the Blue will be available as a paperback!

OCTOBER UPDATE

NOTES FROM NADIR is available at many online bookstores. Here's a link to the page where you can read more about Notes from Nadir.
http://lisamaliga.com/notesfromnadir.htm