Domestic Diva, Cookies Monsters and a Giveaway

Getting to meet a favorite author (even through cyberspace), makes their writing come to life that much more for me. That’s way I’m super pleased to welcome one of my favorite authors – the lovely Krista Davis - to Thoughts in Progress today.

I feel in love with Krista’s Domestic Diva series before I ever ventured into blogdom and when I did, Krista was among some of the first authors I met.

I’m delighted that Krista is joining us today to celebrate the release of her latest book, THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP, the eighth installment in the Domestic Diva series. Thanks to Krista and the delightful Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for details.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:

In the latest novel in the national bestselling Domestic Diva Mystery series, it’s beginning to look a lot like murder…
      The holidays are domestic diva Sophie Winston’s favorite time of year. But this season, there seem to be more mishaps than mistletoe. First, Horace Scroggins tumbles from a balcony during his office Christmas party. Then, Sophie’s neighbor takes a fall from his ladder while decorating his roof with lights. But it’s the cookie swap that really starts her wondering who’s naughty or nice….
      Sophie arrives at the annual event with high spirits and thirteen dozen chocolate-drizzled gingersnaps. But when an argument erupts and a murder ensues, it becomes clear that the recent string of events is anything but accidental. Now Sophie has to make a list of suspects…and check it twice!

Please join me in welcoming Krista as she encourages ‘Cookie Monsters Unite!’

I love all kinds of sweets. They’re really my downfall. But I’m particularly partial to cookies. There’s something so satisfying about them. Whether they’re thin, crunchy gingersnaps or gooey chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, there just isn’t anything else quite like a cookie.

In The DIVA WRAPS IT UP, the cookie recipes at the end of the book all came from readers. They’re their must-have cookies of Christmas. For some people, it’s a no-bake Scotcheroo, and for others, it’s a specialty like a Pizzelle. 

But since it’s June, I’m offering one of my favorite recipes for Chocolate Chip Cookies, just as delicious at Christmas as they are for a summer picnic. 

Krista's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 sticks butter (melted)
2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 350.
 
Melt the butter in the microwave at half power in short bursts.

Mix the flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.

Beat the egg and egg yolk with the sugars. Add the cooled melted butter, alternating with the flour mixture.  Add the vanilla.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

I prefer to use parchment paper, but a lightly greased baking sheet works just as well.  Drop the raw dough on the sheet in generous spoonfuls a couple of inches apart.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  Remove to a cooling rack when done.

If you don't want to bake them all right away, roll the remaining dough in waxed paper and slide into a freezer bag.  When ready to bake, slice in inch thick rounds and cut each round in half.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Krista, thanks for joining us and sharing this recipe. It’s never too early to start collecting cookie recipes for Christmas

For those not familiar with Krista, here’s a bit of background.

New York Times Bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries as well as a new series for animal lovers that debuted in December with MURDER, SHE BARKED. The sequel, THE GHOST AND MRS. MEWER, will be released December 2nd. Her 8th Domestic Diva Mystery, THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP, went into bookstores on June 3rd. 

Like her characters, Krista has a soft spot for cats, dogs, and cookies. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with three dogs and two cats.

For more on Krista and her writing, visit her website, connect with her on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter and she also hangs out at Mystery Lovers Kitchen and Killer Characters.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and post office box addresses cannot be accepted. The giveaway will end on Friday, June 13. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress: Domestic Diva Tour’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you start collecting recipes early for a holiday gathering? What’s your favorite cookie recipe? You’re welcome to share the recipe in the comments, if you’d like.

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