While the Christmas pudding and mince pies get all the festive glamour, the true heart of the English Christmas dinner lies in the savoury side dishes. These humble, traditional components are what make the feast complete—and they also provide the perfect cover for a mystery. In a cozy crime novel, the danger isn’t always in…
The Christmas pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a centuries-old tradition wrapped in superstition, fire, and secrets. As we look forward to the serialisation of Much Ado About Stuffing, it’s worth remembering that this festive, dense cake is the ultimate backdrop for hidden clues and thrilling discoveries. The pudding embodies the cozy mystery…
Valentine’s Day is meant for comfort, sweetness, and perhaps a perfectly baked treat. In my latest culinary cozy mystery, The Cakes of Wrath, amateur baker and sleuth Jessica Askew is hosting a special event in Little Quillington and her biggest worry is purely domestic: whether her Battenburg is going to turn out neat enough. But…
I adore the glorious strangeness of British celebrations. While our big, well-known holidays are peculiar enough—take Boxing Day, which for most of us is a national holiday dedicated to rubbing our overfull stomachs and finally tackling the unpopular chocolates left in the tin—it’s the niche, small-village traditions that are positively shocking and perfect for cozy…
If you’ve picked up a cozy mystery set in an English village, you’ve probably come across a mention of a cream tea. And if you’ve considered trying one yourself, you’ve likely seen the words clotted cream—a name that sounds about as inviting as a cow pat. But don’t let the name fool you. Clotted cream…
There is no setting more comforting—or more deceptively deadly—than a classic English tearoom. For fans of cozy mysteries, the gentle chime of porcelain and the scent of strong tea provide the perfect backdrop for discussing cunning plots and calculating killers. If you are hosting a book club, or even diving into our new book club…
These recipes are all simple home-baking fare, shown just as you’d enjoy them. They’re delicious and are sure to please your family and friends even if they’re not perfect. Have fun this holiday, and happy baking! Arrina’s Cheese Oatcakes Julie’s Quintuple-tipple Gingerbread Cake Add a slice of stem ginger on top to present or enjoy…