An invite to a Flavor Channel star’s home seems like a fantastic opportunity. Hayley is invited to hobnob with other cooking celebrities for the weekend. Great food is bound to be on the menu. And since this is a cozy mystery novel, murder and intrigue are bound to be there too. It is a good thing Hayley’s recipes always include a cocktail as well as food, the readers are in for some fun!
This is book #10 of the Hayley Powell’s Food and Cocktails Mystery series. The old adage warns to never meet your idols, but surely meeting your favorite television chef can’t go wrong! Hayley Powell shares this story along with a recipe for Summer Corn Casserole and Sparkling Pear Champagne Cocktails.
Death of a Cookbook Author by Lee Hollis
Summer Corn Casserole
from a cozy mystery novel:
Death of a Cookbook Author
by Lee Hollis
Book Outline and Tone:
This series has 2 sides, the life and investigations of Hayley, and the food and cocktails columns that she writes for her local Maine newspaper and includes in the novels. On the one hand, the mysteries are clever and always involve interesting characters. On the other hand, the food and cocktails columns provide more character development of Hayley and often serve as comic relief to the mystery.
In this novel, Hayley meets her cooking idol, Penelope Janice from the Flavor Network. Not only does she meet her, but Hayley learns that her idol is a dedicated fan of Hayley’s newspaper columns. Luckily for Hayley, Penelope is short one cook for her Independence weekend cookoff.
She invites Hayley to stay at her palatial estate and compete in a casserole cook off. After borrowing several pieces of fashionable clothing items from her rich friend Liddy, Hayley packs up and heads to Penelope’s estate to meet even more celebrities.
We know as readers that a gaggle of celebrities can often mean drama. This novel brings the drama in many forms. Of course tied in with the drama is a murder that Hayley must solve.
The Best Quote:
I am going to choose a good quote that won’t spoil the ending. My favorite quote actually comes from the last chapter. However, this quote sets the events of the novel in motion. At a book signing for Penelope Janice’s newest cookbook, in an unexpected twist, Penelope recognizes Hayley. “‘I’ve been dying to meet you and talk to you,’” Penelope said, reaching out and taking Haley’s hand to shake it since Hayley was too dumbfounded to offer it herself.”
Point of View:
The novel is written in 3rd person with the reader knowing Hayley’s thoughts. Her Food and Cocktails column is written in first person as Hayley tells stories of her own experiences.
The Author: Lee Hollis
This book was written by Lee Hollis. Well sort of… Lee Hollis is the pseudonym for the real authors, a brother and sister team, Rick Copp and Holly Simason. There is more information on Goodreads. Like their protagonist Hayley Powell, Copp and Simason are from Maine. Copp moved to Hollywood and wrote for The Golden Girls, Wings, Teen Titans and a long list of impressive television and movies. Simason is a columnist in Maine and writes a cooking column. Fortunately for us readers, they decided to combine their talents and write the Lee Hollis series, currently being published by Kensington House Publishing Corporation. The Hayley Powell series has a Facebook page. The authors are active on both Twitter and Instagram.
What is not to like?:
I love everything about this series. Do keep in mind that this is a series of cozy mysteries. That means nothing is too scary, too sweaty, too sexy, or too bloody. The books are an enjoyable and usually quick read.
The verdict:
I’ve made the Summer Corn Casserole twice already. It is a huge hit with my family. Let’s just say the cocktails always hit just right too.
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).
Summer Corn Casserole
Assemble the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Slice the fresh corn.
I like to slice in a large bowl that has a nonslip bottom like these.
Good Grips, no slip when mixing. Each bowl has a spout for easy pouring. Dishwasher safe.
Combine both your corns, Jiffy mix, and sour cream in a mixing bowl.
Melt your butter and add to the bowl and mix all together.
A microwave 2 cup measuring cup with a spout is perfect for melting and pouring the butter.
Easy to read measure marks on inside of cup. Dishwasher safe.
Pour the corn mixture into a greased casserole dish.
I use a silicone baking pan. I love them because they are dishwasher safe and don’t require to be greased or sprayed with non stick spray.
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and bake for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
This is the easiest corn casserole recipe. It is a no-fail success!
Summer Corn Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2½ cups fresh corn off the cob (about 5 ears); can also you substitute frozen canned
- 1 can cream-style corn
- 1 8.5-ounce box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Combine both your corns, Jiffy mix, and sour cream in a mixing bowl.
- Melt your butter and add to the bowl and mix all together.
- Pour the corn mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and bake for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
What would I do differently next time?
Next time I might add a can of green chilies and even top with some pickled jalapenos and serve it as a side dish on a taco Tuesday.
Here are more delicious recipes from Lee Hollis books.
Dreamy Orange Dreamsicle Cake from Death of a Cupcake Queen,
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from Death of a Pumpkin Carver,
Southern Mac and Cheese from Death of a Country Fried Redneck, and
