A perfect cozy mystery for the fall. While the novel might be set in winter, the recipe for Apple Cider Muffins is a perfect treat for the fall. Serve these muffins with a hot cup of coffee and snuggle under a blanket to read. The characters are the highlight of this series, real, relatable, and good people. Well, most of them.
Robbie is pregnant and due anytime. She has great friends to help her during this beautiful but hectic time. She even has great in-laws. Now all she has to do is get her employees ready to handle the restaurant while she takes time off for the baby. What she doesn’t need is another death to happen close to home that implicates one of her loved ones.
Apple Cider Muffins
from a cozy mystery novel
Scone Cold Dead
by Maddie Day
Book Outline and Tone:
We last left off with Robbie’s exciting news that she was pregnant. Something she and husband Abe had been ‘working’ on. By this installment, Robbie is only weeks away from her due date. If you have ever been pregnant, then you know this is a time of scatterbrained memories and tiring days. Robbie is balancing everything, prepping for baby and setting up her restaurant/shop, Pans ‘n Pancakes, to strive while she takes time off. The last thing she needs is a dead body found in her Great Aunt Adele’s field. Sure enough, that is what happens. It turns out that this person was not a stranger to Salt Lick, IN; however, what happened and who he was exactly can only be found in the pages.
I am absolutely delighted that Robbie is about to have a baby. That will change the dynamics of the characters and introduce many more possible scenarios. Not only will you enjoy the heart warming personal side of this mystery, but the recipes are always a win. The Apple Cider muffins are simple, fast, and fantastic treats for this fall.
Point of View:
The book is written in third person with the reader knowing Robbie’s thoughts.
The Author: Maddie Day
Maddie Day is one of my favorite authors to follow on social media. She posts regularly on Twitter @edithmaxwell. She also has a large following on Instagram and Facebook. Like so many authors, Maddie Day is a pseudonym for Edith Maxwell. She has at least six book series that can all be found on her website which is elaborate and has inside information and reviews for all of her books.
What is not to like?:
My recommendation is to read the book, don’t listen to the audio. It could be me, but I think the narrator for the audio sounds like a woman who is far too old to be Robbie. I was in the middle of a physical read, so I chose to listen to this on walks and when I was driving. I had to tell myself to let go and just enjoy the story even though the voice seemed out of place.
The verdict:
If you like apple cider or apple cider doughnuts, this muffin recipe is a must do! They are so easy to make and perfect to enjoy! This cozy mystery series is also an easy read. The characters are warm and will quickly feel like family.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Apple Cider Muffins
Assemble the Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a twelve-cup muffin tin. Or use silicone baking cups as I do.
Silicone Baking Cups, Walfos Jumbo Cupcake Liners Large 3.5 inch Resusable Muffin Cups Non-stick Muffin Liners Cupcake Baking Cup, Food Grade and BPA Free, 12Packs
Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Make a well, add the eggs, and use a fork to combine.
Stir in cider and oil with a fork until barely mixed.
Good Grips, no slip when mixing. Each bowl has a spout for easy pouring. Dishwasher safe.
Fill tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until muffins are lightly browned. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of sugar for a sweet crispy top.
Cool in a pan on a rack for fifteen minutes before turning out.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature with butter, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, or plain.
Apple Cider Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a twelve-cup muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Make a well, add the eggs, and use a fork to combine.
- Stir in cider and oil with a fork until barely mixed.
- Fill tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until muffins are lightly browned.
- Cool in a pan on a rack for fifteen minutes before turning out.
What would I do differently next time?
These are delicious, but feel free to add some cooked and chopped apple or nuts if you would like.
Try these apple recipe this fall too.
Apple Orchard Bars from Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke,
Apple Turnovers from Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder by Valerie Burns,
