Sometimes There Isn’t a Body in the Library, The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery Reviewed

 

Confession time. When I see the word “cozy” in a book description, my brain automatically fills in the second word: mystery. Cozy mystery. An amateur sleuth, an eccentric village, a body in the library, and perhaps a cat with an uncanny ability to sniff out clues.

So when I downloaded The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery by Jennifer Page, I somehow managed to skip right over the word 'romance.' Imagine my surprise when, several chapters in, no one had been murdered. Not even a little. Fortunately, by then I was enjoying myself too much to care.

 The story follows Louise Dearnley, who returns to her Yorkshire hometown after walking away from the life she thought she wanted. After years of editing fictional happy endings, she’s suddenly faced with writing a new chapter for herself. It’s a lovely premise, and Jennifer Page handles Louise’s journey with warmth, humor, and just enough emotion to keep it from becoming overly sentimental.

 Now, if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I have a weakness for quaint English villages. Throw in a bakery, a bookshop, the smell of fresh scones and ginger cake, and I’m pretty much sold before chapter two. Applethwaite is exactly the sort of place that makes you wish Google Maps would suddenly announce, “You’ve arrived.”

The townspeople are delightfully quirky, but my absolute favorites were the GMG, the self-appointed “geriatric mean girls.” Every small town seems to have a group like them, although most aren’t nearly as entertaining. They added just the right amount of mischief and made me laugh more than once.

 I also loved the relationships that developed throughout the story. The found-family aspect was beautifully done, especially Louise’s growing relationship with her ex-stepdaughter. Those moments felt genuine and heartfelt and, for me, were every bit as satisfying as the romance.

Speaking of the romance…This is where my opinion wandered off the Hallmark path just a bit. If you're someone who never misses a Hallmark movie, you'll probably adore this book. It has all the ingredients: charming small town, handsome Italian love interest, adorable bakery, second chances, and enough warm fuzzies to knit a sweater. I'm...not exactly Hallmark's target audience. While I liked the romance well enough, I found parts of it a little cheesy and occasionally repetitive. There was also one ongoing story line that seemed to overstay its welcome. You know the one I'm talking about if you've read the book. “Okay...we've been teased enough about this. Tell us what happened.” Even so, those are relatively minor quibbles. The real test for me is always one simple question: Did I want to keep reading? Absolutely. In fact, I was nearly halfway through before I realized how much time had passed. That's usually the best compliment I can give a book. It quietly pulled me in and never let go.

So, while The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery wasn’t the cozy mystery I thought I was picking up, it turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable cozy romance about second chances, finding your footing after life throws you a curveball, and discovering that sometimes home is the very place you thought you’d left behind. And honestly? A bakery and a bookshop under one roof may be almost as irresistible as a good mystery. Almost.

My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

If Hallmark movies are your cup of tea, you’ll probably fall head over heels for this one. If, like me, you’re more inclined toward murder than matchmaking, don’t let that stop you. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

 You can get a copy here.

 Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Slow Cooker French Onion Soup: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Comfort Classic

 

No matter how you slice it (and yes, the pun is absolutely intended),  French onion soup, GOOD French onion soup takes time. There’s simply no shortcut around developing those deep, rich flavors that make this classic soup so irresistible.

But here’s the good news: your slow cooker can handle most of the heavy lifting. This version delivers deep, rich, caramelized onion flavor with minimal active effort, just a bit of patience and one game-changing overnight rest in the fridge.

 The secret to extraordinary depth? Caramelize the onions the day before. Let them slowly transform into sweet, golden perfection in the slow cooker, then refrigerate overnight. That extra chill time works magic, melding flavors in a way that makes the final soup taste like it simmered for days. The next day, simply add the remaining ingredients and let the slow cooker finish the job.

 Traditionally, French onion soup is served with a toasted slice of baguette floating on top beneath a blanket of melted Gruyère cheese. This recipe, however, is so wonderfully onion-rich that I’ve found you can skip the bread entirely if you’d like. Simply top the soup with the cheese mixture, broil until golden and bubbly, and you’ll still enjoy every bit of that classic French onion soup experience while saving a few calories.

Whether you serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or as the first course for a special gathering, this soup is well worth the wait.

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

 For the Soup

4 T. butter

3 lbs. Melissa’s yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 Melissa’s red onion, thinly sliced

1 T. sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. smoked paprika

¼ t. Montreal steak seasoning

½ t. freshly ground black pepper

Salt, to taste

½ c. dry sherry

½ c. dry red wine

8 c. beef broth

1 t. sea salt, or to taste

¼ t. dried thyme

1 bay leaf

½ c. flour

Water, enough to make a smooth slurry

½ c. heavy cream

For the Topping 

8 slices French baguette

1 c. shredded Gruyère cheese

⅓ c. shredded Emmental cheese

¼ c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Caramelize the Onions

Set a 6-quart slow cooker to Low. Place the  butter in the bottom of the slow cooker and allow it to melt while you slice the onions. (A mandoline makes quick  work of this.) 

Add the onions and garlic to the melted butter. Sprinkle with the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, steak seasoning, pepper, and sugar. Stir once to combine.

Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours. Stir occasionally if you happen to be nearby, but it's not essential.

During the final two hours, remove the lid to allow excess moisture to evaporate and help the onions deepen in color.

At this point, the caramelized onions can be refrigerated overnight.

Finish the Soup 

Pour the sherry, red wine, and beef broth over the onions. Stir in the sea salt, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or High for 4 to 6 hours.

During the last hour of cooking, whisk the flour with enough water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the soup to lightly thicken the broth.

 When the soup is finished cooking, stir in the heavy cream and heat through.

Assemble 

Preheat the broiler and position an oven rack about 8 inches from the heat source.

Toast the baguette slices under the broiler until lightly browned on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Combine the Gruyère, Emmental, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.

Ladle the soup into oven-safe crocks, filling each about three-quarters full. Float a toasted baguette slice on top, if desired, and generously cover with the cheese mixture.

Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

 Serve immediately.

 NOTES

If you’re serving this soup to company, consider creating a “French onion soup bar.” Set out bowls of hot soup, toasted baguette slices, and the cheese mixture separately so everyone can customize their own bowl. Some guests will want lots of bread, others extra cheese, and a few may skip the bread altogether. Giving everyone the choice makes serving easy and adds a fun, interactive touch to the meal.

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Everything Bagel Seasoning with a Smoky Twist (My New Obsession)

 

There are recipes for Everything Bagel Seasoning all over the Internet, and for good reason. It’s crunchy, savory, and downright addictive. But as any true flavor enthusiast knows, the classics are just begging for a twist.

 This year, I’ve been obsessed with McCormick Smoked Paprika with Garlic (that I have used here and here), and I decided it belonged in my everything bagel mix. The result? A subtle, smoky depth that takes the beloved blend from great to unforgettable. One sprinkle and you’ll be reaching for the jar again and again.

 

I keep mine on the table and shake it on eggs, avocado toast, roasted veggies, popcorn, grilled chicken—you name it. It takes literally two minutes to stir together, looks beautiful in little gift jars, and stores for months. I have become as obsessed with these little spice jars as I have with the mix itself. Aren’t they adorable?! Think what a lovely host or hostess gift this would make. You’ve got to try it. 

Everything Bagel Seasoning with a Twist

 2 T. poppy seeds

1 T. white sesame seeds

1 T. black sesame seeds

1 T. + 1 t. dried minced garlic

1 T. + 1 t. dried minced onion

2 t. flaked sea salt (or coarse salt)

¼ t. McCormick Smoked Paprika with Garlic

 In a small bowl, combine the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, salt, and smoked paprika with garlic. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Transfer to an airtight jar or cute container and store in a cool, dry place.

That’s it! Once you try this smoky version, you might never go back to plain again.

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Cozy Christmas Magic: A Heartwarming Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber

 

I’m usually all about gritty police procedurals, but I decided to switch things up with Debbie Macomber’s A Date with Santa for some Christmas-in-July,err, August vibes, and I’m so glad I did! I went in expecting pure Hallmark-on-the-page fluff, and while it absolutely delivers that a bit cheesy, warm, feel-good charm, it still managed to be genuinely darling.

 Workaholic Sage suddenly finds herself caring for her five-year-old nephew Ricky while her sister is deployed to help with hurricane relief. Ricky’s biggest wish? To talk to the real Santa. What starts as a simple favor from coworker Ethan turns into something much sweeter as the three of them dive into holiday traditions and everyday life with a child.

I loved watching Sage loosen her grip on the corporate ladder and remember there’s more to life. The romance between Sage and Ethan feels natural and believable, i.e. sweet without being saccharine, and their growth together is truly heartwarming.

 Yes, the names Sage and Saffron as sisters felt a tad cutesy, but I got over it quickly. The workplace promotion conflict adds just enough tension, and the resolution perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Bonus: the shoes-in-the-oven scene had me laughing out loud! Boy, have I been there!

 If you’re craving a cozy, hopeful holiday read filled with family, kindness, and just the right touch of Christmas magic, A Date with Santa delivers exactly that. It left me smiling from beginning to end. Perfect fireside reading!

 You can order a copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Longhorn Steakhouse Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat (Better Than the Restaurant!)

 

I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually tried the stuffed mushrooms at Longhorn Steakhouse, but I’m incapable of walking past a stuffed mushroom on any menu. One bite of this copycat version and I was hooked. These are legitimately restaurant-quality: earthy mushrooms filled with garlic-herb cream cheese, nestled in a rich four-cheese Alfredo, and topped with bubbly cheddar and golden buttered breadcrumbs. In other words, absolute perfection.

 The best part? You can prep everything ahead, refrigerate, and bake right before serving. I made mine in stages while watching the Cardinals blow a seven-run lead — don’t get me started.

 I made just one small change to the original recipe. After washing the mushrooms (Yes, you can give them a good rinse, mushrooms don’t absorb water the way many people believe.), I placed them upside down on paper towels while I prepared the filling. Removing any excess surface moisture helps the filling stay creamy instead of watery.

Other than that, this recipe is prepared exactly as written by the folks at CopyKat.com, and it is every bit as delicious as promised. 

LongHorn Steakhouse Stuffed Mushrooms (Copycat)

 Mushrooms & Filling

16 oz. baby portobello mushrooms

4 oz. Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese

 ½ c. grated white cheddar cheese

 Buttered Breadcrumb Topping

1/3 c. Italian breadcrumbs

3 T. butter, melted

¼ t. garlic powder

Pinch salt

 Four Cheese Alfredo Sauce

 3 T. unsalted butter

2 t. finely minced garlic

1 T. flour

1 c. heavy cream

1/3 c. half-and-half

½ c. grated Parmesan cheese

¼ c. shredded white cheddar

¼ c. shredded Gruyère or Fontina

Salt and white pepper, to taste

 Topping

1 c. grated white cheddar cheese

2 t. finely minced parsley

 Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 2-qt. baking dish.

 Remove the stems from the mushrooms and wash the caps. Place them upside down on a paper towel-lined plate while you prepare the filling.

 Combine the Boursin cheese and ½ c. of the white cheddar until well blended. Fill each mushroom cap generously, but don’t overfill.

 To make the Alfredo sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Stir in the Parmesan, white cheddar, and Gruyère until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper.

Pour enough Alfredo sauce into the baking dish to lightly coat the bottom.

 Arrange the stuffed mushrooms, filling side up, in the sauce.

Spoon a little more Alfredo over each mushroom. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 c. white cheddar. Combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese.

 Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbling. Switch the oven to low broil and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

 Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

 

Tips

Don’t overfill the mushrooms. As the cheese softens, excess filling will spill into the sauce.

 If the Alfredo thickens while assembling the dish, stir in a splash of half-and-half over low heat until pourable.

 Reserve extra Alfredo for serving alongside the mushrooms or spooning over individual servings.

 

For more delicious copycat recipes, I highly recommend this book. You can grab a copy here. 

 

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Frozen Grasshopper Cocktail – The Mint-Chocolate Dessert Drink You’ll Crave

 

Occasionally, I’ll watch reruns of The Big Bang Theory. When I do, I’m reminded that Raj’s favorite drink was a grasshopper. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a grasshopper, but as someone who loves mint, chocolate mint in particular, it was one I absolutely could not resist. I tend to like cocktails like this quite frothy, so this is my own version. It is so good, and such a wonderful, light dessert after a heavy meal. The mint also has stomach settling properties, so you can really look at this as medicinal. I know I am!

Frozen Grasshopper

 Serves 1 

2 oz. crème de menthe

2 oz. crème de cacao

2 oz. heavy cream

4–5 ice cubes

Toss everything into a high speed blender and blend until smooth and beautifully frothy. Pour into a chilled coupe glass, then shower with chocolate shavings and finish with a sprig of fresh mint. Sip slowly and savor every minty-chocolate moment. 

 

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Easy Broccoli Crunch Salad – Fresh, Nutritious & Irresistible

 

I’ve always been a HUGE broccoli fan, whether it’s steamed, blanched and dipped in ranch, or even eaten raw. But this Broccoli Crunch Salad takes my love for it to a whole new level. It’s so hearty and satisfying that, served with a crunchy roll, I genuinely consider it a complete summer meal. Packed with crisp broccoli, sweet-tart cherries, crunchy almonds, sharp red onion, and savory bacon, every bite delivers the perfect mix of textures and flavors.

 Broccoli Crunch Salad

 1 c. Duke’s mayonnaise

¼ c. apple cider vinegar

 3 T. granulated sugar 

1 t. onion powder

¼ t. McCormick Smoked Paprika & Garlic Seasoning

½ t. freshly ground black pepper

4 c. broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

½ c. sliced almonds

1 (3-oz) pkg. Melissa’s dried tart cherries

½ c. chopped red onion

1 c. chopped cooked bacon

 In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, onion powder, paprika-garlic seasoning, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, sliced almonds, dried cherries, red onion, and bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. For a perfect summer meal, pair it with a crusty roll or warm bread.

This salad is fresh, nutritious, and downright addictive—ideal for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. 

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