Friday, October 7, 2016

A Mint Julep with Laura Childs' Crepe Factor



Today we have a visit from bestselling author,Terrie Farley Moran, to celebrate the latest novel in the NOLA-based Scrapbooking Mysteries - Crepe Factor. These books are so much fun. Love the New Orleans setting. Comment below to be entered to win "Whimsical Madam New Orleans", pictured below, a beautiful book of essays on New Orleans and Mardi Gras beads (US residents only). 



Every year the mystery community made up of readers, writers, editors and agents, gathers for Bouchercon, a conference I think of as the world’s largest family reunion. 

This year it was held in New Orleans. And since the Scrapbooking Mystery Series which I am honored to co-write with Laura Childs is set in New Orleans, well, I was over-the-moon-happy to spend nearly a week wandering around the French Quarter, the Garden District, and Faubourg Marigny. It was such a treat to stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River and to eat delicious food in unique restaurants. Yes, I ate the gator balls. And they were good! 

I know we are here to talk about drinks but first let me give you just a wee taste of Crepe Factor, book number fourteen in this cozy-with-an-edge series featuring feisty Carmela Bertrand and her dressed-to-the-sexy-nines best buddy, Ava Gruiex.

The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.
 
St. Louis Cathedral - Jackson Square, French Quarter, New Orleans

The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.

Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon...

Sounds intriguing, right?? Here we have double trouble: a murder with Carmela and Ava as prime witnesses plus the possibility of a major romantic problem for Carmela and Babcock. So if you want to dive into Crepe Factor with a refreshing drink at your elbow, may I suggest a cool, enticing Mint Julep?

Mint Julep, you say? But, it’s not Derby Day. 

Perhaps not but I can tell you that two short weeks ago in New Orleans it was hotter than 90 degrees with a humidity level of nearly 100%. Any drink that didn’t cool us off, burned us up. So I offer you my favorite refreshing Julep recipe.


Mint Julep
  • Fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • Sparkling water
  • Crushed ice
  • 2 1/2 ounces bourbon 


Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a glass and top with the sugar. Muddle these together until the leaves begin to break down. Add a splash of sparkling water, fill the glass 3/4 full with crushed ice, and add the bourbon. Top with another splash of sparkling water, stir, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Before I finish up, I have to add that I just love the word “muddle.” Don’t you? It sounds so much nicer than “crush it with a spoon”.


Thanks so much for having us visit today, and I am sure you’ll have as much fun reading Crepe Factor as I had hanging with my mystery family in the Big Easy.




Don't forget to comment below to be entered to win "Whimsical Madam New Orleans" and Mardi Gras beads. 

26 comments:

  1. After just being in NOLA for Bouchercon, both this book and the drink sound wonderful!!

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  2. Thanks for this delightful feature and giveaway. I love N.O. So historic and fascinating.

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  3. Crepe factor sounds intriguing and special. New Orleans is an ideal setting,great atmosphere. Wonderful post.

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  4. I am going to keep this recipe to try. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Thanks for sharing and thank you for the giveaway

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  6. Thanks Deborah Lacy for hosting CREPE FACTOR and Mint Juleps! Great luck to all in the giveaway!!

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  7. Wish I could have been there. Thanks for the chance. Lois Rotella

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  8. I couldn't make it to Bouchercon this year and regretted it. It's always such fun and to be in New Orleans, sigh. Thanks for the post and great pictures and giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  9. thanks for the opportunity win this. I can't wait to read this. The two of you working together has made a great team on this series.

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  10. Mint julep sounds as good as a hurricane (the drink, not Matthew). Bobbipad@gmail.com

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  11. I must add Crepe Factor to my TBR list. Thanks so much for the chance to win.

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  12. It's been more than 45 years since I have visited New Orleans and love "revisiting" via your Scrapbooking series! Can't wait to read the latest installment!

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  13. I finished Crepe Factor last night, Loved it!!!

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  14. Would love to read this!!! Mint juleps are awesome!!

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  15. Would love to read this!!! Mint juleps are awesome!!

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  16. Would love to visit and mint juleps sound great

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  17. Would love to read your books always looking fo more great reads

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  18. love mint juleps and love this series! Thank you for the chance to win the cool prize!

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  19. When we lived in Louisville ky, we used to go to Churchill downs and get mint julips !! They are so good!!!would love to read your books!!

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  20. When we lived in Louisville ky, we used to go to Churchill downs and get mint julips !! They are so good!!!would love to read your books!!

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  21. Looking forward to reading crepe factor and having a mint julep.

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  22. The recipe looks like something to try. Thank you for a chance to win. The book looks awesome too

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  23. Thanks for the chance. Janngrogan@yahoo.com

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  24. I love New Orleans. It's such a beautiful city, good food, music and history. A great place for a vacation.

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  25. I love New Orleans. It's such a beautiful city, good food, music and history. A great place for a vacation.

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  26. The contest is now closed. The winner is Judy Grogan! Look for an e-mail shortly.

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