Easy Holiday Pumpkin Cake with Surprise Cream Cheese Swirl + Book & Tote #Giveaway from Cleo Coyle

One cup of canned pumpkin, a little maple syrup, and some classic holiday spices convert an ordinary cake mix into a stunning pumpkin-maple Bundt cake. 

Top-10 NY Times
Bestseller. Click
here to learn more.

The surprise swirl of cream cheese brings another level of happiness to your taste buds and impressiveness to your presentation. 

This recipe was originally published as a fun bonus for the readers of our bestselling culinary mystery HOLIDAY BUZZ. You'll find many more holiday recipes at the end of the book. May you eat and read with comfort and joy this holiday season!

☕ ~ Cleo Coyle, author of

The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

Cleo's Book & Tote Giveaway!

This special giveaway is for Cleo Coyle's Newsletter Subscribers.

Leave a comment at the end of this blog post with the first 7 characters of the email address that you used to subscribe to Cleo's Newsletter and you will be entered to win two signed books from Cleo and a sturdy, custom-designed canvas tote bag. You must be an active subscriber to win.

If you'd like to subscribe to Cleo's Newsletter 

and join her "Coffee Club," simply click here.

To continue reading this post,
scroll down or click here.

Little Chocolate Cotton Candies from Cleo Coyle + Book & Tote #Giveaway

These little chocolate meringue cookies are insanely easy to make with just a few ingredients. They're also bursting with chocolate flavor, and they're so light, they melt in your mouth like little cotton candies, yet they offer the added bonus of whole food protein.

There’s only one tricky technique to making this simple recipe, but I’ve included tips for getting optimum results. 

Click for Free Recipe PDF.

To download my recipe now as a free PDF, click here.

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here and... 

Eat with joy! 

~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...

The Coffeehouse Mysteries &

Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

Lighter Shrimp Scampi from Cleo Coyle

This is my lighter take on the traditional version of shrimp scampi, and I use the term "traditional" loosely. Why? Because you will not find "shrimp scampi" in a cookbook of authentic Italian cuisine. This dish was born in America. When you order it in a restaurant, you'll usually be served a gratin of large shrimp that have been split, brushed with an obscene amount of garlic butter and then broiled. 

Cleo Coyle has a partner in 

crime-writing—her husband.

Learn about their books

by clicking here or here.

This scampi recipe is not from any particular menu, it's simply my improvised, lighter version. The meal is satisfying yet healthy. Garlic, olive oil, fresh parsley, and seafood: all good stuff. You can make it even healthier by using a spinach, whole wheat, or low glycemic index pasta or even zoodles. When Marc and I make it, we practically inhale bowls of it. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do...

Click for the free recipe PDF.

To download this recipe as a free PDF, click here. 

To see it the recipe in blog post form, scroll down or click here. And may you...

Eat with joy!

~ Cleo Coyle, author of
The Coffeehouse Mysteries

Almond Milk Custard with Roasted Blueberries from Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery Once Upon a Grind #dairyfree #lowcalorie

This easy, low-calorie stovetop custard can be served warm on a cold night, or chilled for a refreshing summer dessert. It's not only delicious, it’s guilt-free because it's made with wholesome, nutritional ingredients like almond milk, eggs, and the superfood blueberries. 

Click for Cleo's Free Recipe PDF.

We love how the lemon zest and vanilla work together with the nut milk to produce the light and lovely flavor of a homemade pound cake, and the roasted blueberries make an elegant topping. 

Why roast them? Because it brings out a "blueberry pie" sweetness without additional sugar. The roasting also creates a softer, cooked texture, which beautifully complements the finished custard. 

To download this recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here and...

Eat with joy!  
~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

How to Roast a Chicken with Lime and Rosemary by author Cleo Coyle

Roasting a chicken is a basic cooking skill that's easy to master, and Marc and I are happy to share one of our favorite ways to do it. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, too. Feel free to replace the lime and rosemary we love in this recipe with any citrus or herb you prefer or have on hand. As for our choices... 

Click here for the
free recipe PDF.

Typically, you'll see rosemary paired with lemon in chicken recipes, but we've always been bigger fans of limes. Their tangy, bright taste brings a lively and lovely flavor to a gently roasted bird. We hope you enjoy the combination as much as we do. 

To download this recipe as a free PDF, click here. 

To see it as a blog post with big, step-by-step photos, scroll down or click here. And may you...

Eat with joy!

~ Cleo Coyle, author of
The Coffeehouse Mysteries

Shamrock Green Pistachio Muffins with a Royal Tara #Giveaway from Cleo Coyle

For the first time in 258 years, New York City's St. Patrick's Day parade has been postponed. Our solution? We're going to celebrate online with all of you!  

Cleo Coyle, who likes to wear
and eat green on March 17, is
author of The Coffeehouse
Mysteries. To learn more, 
click here.

Enjoy this special recipe post, some beautiful pics from past parades (below), and leave a comment to be entered in our March prize package giveaway, which includes a signed copy of our latest Coffeehouse Mystery Brewed Awakening, a sturdy canvas tote bag, and a bone china Royal Tara Irish Blessing coffee mug!

As for this recipe, portable food is always a good idea on St. Pat's parade days, especially when it’s green, which is why I developed the recipe for these Shamrock Green Pistachio Muffins. 

Now let's get our green muffins on!

Click here for the free
PDF of this recipe.

To download my recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here or on the Read more link below...

One Hour Chicken Soup for the (Body and) Soul from Cleo Coyle

Here in New York City, we're keeping a close eye on news about COVID-19 (aka) the coronavirus. No doubt, many of you are too. Confounding the situation is the fact that this is also the season for the common cold and flu. While chicken soup isn't going to solve our serious global health concerns, it is a solution if you're suffering from sore throat and congestion. Why? Because the science is in, and it seems our grandmothers were right...

Studies have shown that properties in chicken soup relieve cold and flu symptoms. Chicken soup not only contains immune boosting properties, it also has cold-fighting compounds that help soothe sore throats and clear nasal congestion. You can read more here, though I already knew homemade chicken soup has healing powers. By the time I slurp down a single bowl of the stuff, I begin feeling relief from a stuffy nose or sore throat. A few years ago, when my husband caught a cold (thanks to me), I felt terribly guilty and was only too happy to bring him a bowl of my chicken soup. I swear, I barely made it back to the kitchen before I heard him crying out from the bedroom:

"This is great! It's helping! It's helping!"

Whether you make this soup for yourself or someone you care about, I sincerely hope it brings you good feelings and good health! ~ Cleo 

Click here for the free PDF.

To download my One Hour Chicken Soup recipe now in a free PDF, click here. 

To see the recipe in blog post form, scroll down or continue reading by clicking here or on the Read More link below...

One-Pan Guinness Glazed Beer Chicken from Cleo Coyle

This is an amazing one-pan beer chicken! 

The roasted flavor from the Guinness stout makes a truly wonderful glaze, and the sweet, moist meat will melt in your mouth. Marc and I kept the recipe relatively simple. Just marinate the pieces, pop them in the oven, and eat with joy! 

Cleo Coyle has a partner in

crime-writing—her husband.

Learn about their books

by clicking here and here.

Now we know many of you don't like beer, let alone dark beers like Irish stout, but we can assure you of this. You don’t have to be a fan of drinking Guinness to appreciate eating it.

The rich, dark, and roasted flavor, along with the (yes) low alcohol content, make it a wonderful ingredient to cook with, especially in this recipe. 

Guinness stout adds complexity and moisture to many dishes, including this gorgeous oven-roasted chicken. So let's get our glazed chicken on!

Click for the Free Recipe PDF.

To download our One-Pan Guinness Glazed Chicken recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here or on the Read more link below, and...

Eat with joy! 

~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

How to Make Beignets (Step-by-Step) by Cleo Coyle with Book & Tote #Giveaway

Once in your life, you have got to give yourself the treat of making beignets from scratch. Our recipe will take you through the process, step-by-step, with illustrations, mini videos, and tips to help you make and fry these classic New Orleans French Market doughnuts like a pro. 

In the spirit of this month's Mardi Gras celebration (aka "Fat Tuesday") we're also offering a Prize Package Giveaway of our latest Coffeehouse Mystery, Brewed Awakening, plus a tote bag, recipe cards, and a pound of the premium freshly roasted Hampton coffee that we featured in our new book. 

Click for free Recipe PDF.

Learn how to enter our giveaway
at the end of this post.

To download our Beignets recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read our full blog post, scroll down or click here or on the "Read more" link below, and...

Eat with joy! 

~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

5 Minute Nutella Fudge from Cleo Coyle for Valentine's Day and #WorldNutellaDay

Because the light note of hazelnut in this chocolate-hazelnut fudge comes from Nutella instead of chopped nuts, the texture stays smooth, creamy, and dreamy. You can make this quick and easy recipe for nearly any occasion. 

In my photos, you'll see I used mini cupcake paper liners to serve the squares, choosing colors appropriate for February 14th. But you can choose any design that reflects whatever holiday you're celebrating, including birthday parties, graduation days (school colors), baby showers... 

Whatever liners you choose, you'll be ready for any gathering that comes along, including Chocolate Lovers' Day. (Oops, I mean Valentine's Day! :))

Click for the free recipe PDF.

To download my 5 Minute Nutella Fudge recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here or on the "Read more" link below, and...

Eat with joy! 

~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

Chocolate-Bottom Banana Bars + Book and Tote #Giveaway from Cleo Coyle

Two layers of flavor and texture make these bars an outstanding treat. A soft banana cake layer floats over a rich, brownie-like base laced with chocolate chips.

Click here for the
Free Recipe PDF.

The bars make an impressive home-baked gift for friends and family, yet they're very easy to create, no special culinary skills required. And they're a perfect cozy snack for winter afternoon coffee breaks or late-night noshing.

To download my Chocolate-Bottom Banana Bars recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here or on the "Read more" link below, and...

Eat with joy! 

~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

Easy 7 UP SLAB BISCUITS for Winter Soups and Stews by Cleo Coyle

Golden and crusty on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, these Easy 7 Up Slab Biscuits pair wonderfully with winter soups and stews. Just make sure you've got plenty of fresh butter on hand to melt on these light and fluffy beauties. Enjoy my easy "slab" version of the classic recipe... 

Click here for the Free Recipe PDF.

To download my easy 7 Up Slab Biscuits recipe now as a free PDF, click here. 

To read my full blog post, scroll down or click here or on the "Read more" link below, and...

Eat with joy!

~ Cleo

New York Times bestselling author of...
The Coffeehouse Mysteries &
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

German Potato Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing from Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery SHOT IN THE DARK

This recipe was inspired by my husband's late grandmother, Ethel, who prepared this warm, tangy potato salad often for Marc and his family. It makes a wonderful side dish for fall and winter.

Click for the Free Recipe PDF

To download our recipe now for German Potato Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing as a free PDF, click here.

To read my full blog post, scroll down. Or click here or on the "Read more" link below, and...

Eat with joy!

~ Cleo