Cooking the Books: A Parfait Crime by Maya Corrigan

[ad_1]

Cafe proprietor Val Deniston is frightened about her boyfriend Bram Muir’s first huge shift as a volunteer firefighter. Whereas he’s been known as out to minor fires earlier than, this newest blaze is taking rather a lot longer to manage than ordinary. Thankfully, Bram returns bodily unhurt–however he comes bearing dangerous information: the hearth was on the house of somebody they knew. Worse, their pal didn’t survive it.

Jane Johnson had been a tireless volunteer of their Jap Maryland city of Bayport and had been set to play a number one position in an upcoming Readers Theater efficiency that Bram and Val’s granddad are additionally taking part in. For the reason that present, as all the time, should go on, director Millicent Rilke recruits Val to take Jane’s place. Granddad volunteers to take over the rehearsal-hosting duties that had beforehand been Jane’s, giving himself and Val front-row seats to the hypothesis amongst Jane’s closest theater mates relating to each her demise and the skeleton shockingly discovered locked in her freezer.

When Granddad is subsequently employed to keep watch over the grand opening of a close-by Med Spa by its nervous supervisor, Ron Melgrem, he and Val can’t assist however ponder whether Jane’s demise has something to do with the threats that Ron has lately been receiving. Jane’s mates within the Readers Theater don’t have anything good to say concerning the spa however received’t do greater than drop cryptic hints as to why. Will Val be capable of persuade any of them to confide in her when it looks like a killer might be getting away with homicide?

This was one other enjoyable installment of the 5-Ingredient Thriller collection, as Val investigates what might presumably hyperlink 5 thespians with the brand new spa on the town and whether or not that hyperlink might drive somebody to homicide. Everybody’s a suspect because the plot twists and turns. I used to be particularly impressed by how Maya Corrigan retains the secrets and techniques of The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie’s legendary play, properly underneath wraps regardless of it taking a central position within the proceedings.

There have been 5 recipes included right here of dishes described within the e book, all with 5 elements or much less. I used to be within the temper for a savory entree, so I made a decision to check out this one, flippantly edited right here for area:

Components

10-12 ounces of salmon filet (The recipe additionally works for different fish, like grouper, bass, and halibut.)

2 tablespoons recent, frozen, or store-bought basil pesto

¼ cup bread crumbs

¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 levels.

Line a baking pan with foil or parchment paper, and place the salmon filet on it.

Combine the bread crumbs and cheese collectively.

Unfold the pesto on the salmon. High with the breadcrumb combination.

Bake for 10 minutes or till finished to your likeness. The baking time will fluctuate relying on the thickness of the salmon and your individual style.

Serves 2.

I figured I’d dissipate the final of the salmon filets in my freezer with this dish and simply eyeball a bit further pesto, cheese, and breadcrumbs for the topping. Fortunately for me, this can be a very forgiving recipe that encourages you so as to add extra somewhat than much less, as the purpose of the topping is to maintain the fish good and moist whereas baking. I whipped up some fast mashed potatoes and sautéed peppers to go together with this, making for a scrumptious and full meal. I do suggest utilizing parchment paper as a substitute of foil, if attainable, to keep away from any unintentional scraping of foil together with your fish.

Subsequent week, we journey a brief approach north to determine whether or not ghosts killed a magical investigator whereas whipping up a scrumptious pie. Do be part of me!