The Havana/Key West Conference is taking place at Truman’s Little White House in Key West. Everyone want to find common ground and ways to support each other, but the differences in government, culture, and cuisine are pushing people to their limits. Hayley is inspired by Cuban cuisine and this novel offers several Cuban recipes. I have reviewed the simple and simply delicious Black Bean Soup here.
This is book book #8 of A Key West Food Critic Mystery series. The storyline is fully entrenched in Havana/Key West culture. Not only is there a fantastic mystery, but the reader will learn many ways these communities are intertwined.
Death on the Menu by Lucy Burdette
Cuban Black Bean Soup
from a cozy mystery novel:
Death on the Menu
by Lucy Burdette
Book Outline and Tone:
Hayley is lending her mom a hand in catering a Havana/Key West conference. Only 90 miles apart across the Florida Strait, but a world apart in terms of regulations. Hayley’s mom needs this conference to be a success for the sake of her catering business. She is cooking for not only politicians, but the conference was able to bring in Jimmy Buffet and President Obama.
Tragedy strikes when Hemingway’s Nobel Prize medal for The Old Man and The Sea goes missing and one of the catering staff members is killed. As the conference falls apart all around them, Hayley jumps into investigator mode while simultaneously reviewing more restaurants.
The book highlights many interesting tidbits about Havana and Key West. Hemingway’s house in Key West has been turned into a museum. He famously had 6-toed cats that continue to live on the property. President Truman had a residency called the Little White House that is also a museum and hosts programs/activities. Check out those links, they are fascinating places to visit.
Additionally, I learned a bit more about Cuba. For example, the Cuban government has set strong restrictions on their citizen ability to fish. There is a limit for how many fish they can catch. A quick Google search revealed that the restrictions lead many people to fish stealthily in order to support themselves and their family. There are many more things about Cuba that most don’t know about, which is unfortunate as the island is only 90 miles from Key West.
The Best Quote:
“‘Maybe you have to be a man to love Hemingway,’ said Rusty. ‘All the macho posturing about war and bullfighting– testosterone helps with that.’ He rapped his fist on his chest like a big gorilla.”
Point of View:
First person from Hayley Snow’s perspective.
The Author: Lucy Burdette
Like so many cozy mystery authors, Lucy Burdette is a pen name for Roberta Isleib; she is a clinical psychologist and author of three book series. She has written 12 books in the Key West Food Critic series and book 13 is due to be released in 2023. She is also the author of a Golf Mystery Series and the Advice Column Mysteries. Many of her books have been on the short lists for awards and The Key Lime Crime won a bronze medal in the Florida Book Awards. She is active on many social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. She also has an active Pinterest account. On Goodreads, she does a great job answering questions. Be sure to reach out to her on some platform to let her know you enjoyed her book.
What is not to like?:
Hayley and Nathan’s romantic relationship seems to be advancing, but I’m not sure why. I would love more interaction between them in the story. I love Hayley, but I’m not hooked on her relationship with Nathan.
The verdict:
I wish I knew more about Cuba, I will be looking for more ways to educate myself. As for you my friend, start with this book. I enjoyed the mystery and the Cuban influence.
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).
Cuban Black Bean Soup
Assemble the Ingredients
From the author:
All the most authentic Cuban black bean soup recipes I came across shared two instructions:
First, soak the beans in a pot the day before you plan to cook, along with an onion and a green pepper.
Second, cook these vegetables along with the beans, and then puree them and add them back into the soup.
I was dubious, but I followed these instructions and was very happy with the results.
Taste: 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover the beans, the halved onion, and the halved pepper with water in a pot and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, simmer with the bay leaves until tender, up to an hour. Stir in salt.
Make the sofrito:
Sauté the diced onion, diced green pepper,
jalapeños, and garlic
in olive oil until soft.
- Double-sided, non-porous surfaces resist odors and won't dull knife blades
- Integrated drip-catchers and easy-pour corners minimize messes
- Non-slip feet keep boards in place while chopping and slicing
- Durable and dishwasher safe
Stir this mixture into the beans.
Remove the bay leaves. Take the mushy onion and green pepper along with 2 cups of beans and process them in a blender until smooth.
Add this back into the pot along with the beef stock.
Easy to read measure marks on inside of cup. Dishwasher safe.
Stir in oregano, cumin, sugar, and red wine vinegar. Simmer at least another 30 minutes, though the dish can go longer.
Serve with white rice, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Cuban Black Bean Soup for a cozy mystery by Lucy Burdette
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black beans
- 2 onions, one halved, one diced
- 2 green peppers, one halved, one dices
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Cover the beans, the halved onion, and the halved pepper with water in a pot and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, simmer with the bay leaves until tender, up to an hour. Stir in salt.
- Make the sofrito:
- Sauté the diced onion, diced green pepper, jalapeños, and garlic in olive oil until soft. Stir this mixture into the beans.
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Take the mushy onion and green pepper along with 2 cups of beans and process them in a blender until smooth.
- Add this back into the pot along with the beef stock.
- Stir in oregano, cumin, sugar, and red wine vinegar.
- Simmer at least another 30 minutes, though the dish can go longer.
- Serve with white rice, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
What would I do differently next time?
I was worried that this would be very spicy due to the jalapenos. But it wasn’t. Next time Ill add more cumin and leave a few of the jalapeno seeds in since I left them all out this time.
Here are some more delicious savory recipes to try!
Summer Corn Casserole from Death of a Cookbook Author by Lee Hollis
Lemon Cornbread from Stake & Eggs by Laura Childs
Asiago, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion Dip from Death of a Wedding Cake Baker by Lee Hollis
Cheesy Polenta with Vegetables from Death with all the Trimmings by Lucy Burdette
