Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with A BARK IN THE NIGHT (The Talking Dog Detective Agency Book 1) by M.K. Scott #recipe ~ Harvest Cake

 

CookingKaren’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with M.K. Scott!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, M.K. SCOTT and her favorite recipe for HARVEST CAKE! 

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A BARK IN THE NIGHT
The Talking Dog Detective Agency Book 1
BY M.K. SCOTT

BLURB

Out of control preschoolers and their demanding parents has Nala trying on the private investigation business over summer break. Her ability to solve mysteries within thirty minutes of the show starting should serve her well. Her agency motto is discreet inquiries, which apparently means nothing to her police captain father or her competitive mother. They’re determined to help no matter how much Nala refuses their assistance.

A hunky veteran turned cop, a helpful neighbor, and a rescue dog that talks only makes things interesting. She’d might even start to enjoy the job if whoever is trying to kill her would just give it a break.

A BARK IN THE NIGHT
The Talking Dog Detective Agency Book 1
BY M.K. SCOTT

MEET MAX

Max is the crime solving sidekick of Nala Bonne, who is a preschool teacher turned investigator. She agreed to take the shelter dog her friend, Karly urged on her only because no one else would. Her friend failed to mention the dog could talk and could be a bit of a diva too.

Max like his cartoon counterpart, Scooby-doo, loves to eat. Instead of a Scooby snack, he prefers a cheeseburger. When he isn’t helping on a case or trying to match Nala with an appropriate guy, he’s contemplating his next treat.

Some people might wonder why I chose a talking dog. Most dog lovers so talk to their pets. It was only logical that the pets have something to say in return. Max helps explains some of the mysteries of dog behavior while giving unsolicited advice too.

The fact that Max can talk adds a twist to crime solving since people seldom watch what they say in front of the dog along with additional tension because Nala is constantly covering for Max when he makes impulsive comments. She’s convinced someone will kidnap him if they know he can talk and sell him to the highest bidder.

Max is a fun character to write for because he has all the bravado of a teen age boy and just about the same amount of knowledge of the world. In other words, he’s a bit of a know it all. His rash actions often propel the two of them into tricky situations.

Like to find out more about Max. Grab A Bark in the Night while it is only .99 cents. It goes back to 2.99 on November 1st.

Meet Author M.K. Scott…

M.K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are a fun series to create and read.

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Links to M.K.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website   Facebook   Twitter Goodreads Amazon

Amazon US

Amazon UK

iTunes

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

I hope you enjoy the recipe M.K. is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 337 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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HARVEST CAKE
[Makes 8-12 Servings]

Note from M.K.: The original recipe came out of a Betty Crocker Cookbook, I may have tweaked it a little.

Servings 8-12 depending on the size of the slice
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: approx. 2 hours

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup cooking oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • Seedless red grapes, whole blackberries or raspberries, toasted hazelnuts, or shredded orange peel

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9×1-1/2-inch round baking pans; set aside.
  2. In an extra-large bowl combine buttermilk, water, oil, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and salt. Using a large wire whisk, whisk until well combined. Add flour and cocoa powder; whisk vigorously until smooth. Divide batter between prepared pans.
  3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until top springs back when lightly touched in center. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely.
  4. In a medium bowl whisk together cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and cinnamon until thickened. Place one cake layer on plate. Spread filling over top. Top with second cake layer.
  5. In a saucepan bring whipping cream just to boiling over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add (the best you can afford) chocolate (do not stir). Let stand 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Pour over cake, allowing glaze to drip down sides. Chill until set, about 30 minutes. Top with grapes and/or other desired toppers.

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: M.K. will give away a signed copy of A BARK IN THE NIGHT to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.

Thanks, M.K., for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

13 thoughts on “Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with A BARK IN THE NIGHT (The Talking Dog Detective Agency Book 1) by M.K. Scott #recipe ~ Harvest Cake”

  1. Good morning, M.K., and welcome to Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. It was great to meet Max. I’ll bet he’s inspiring! What a beautiful animal. Love the talking dog angle. Thanks for sharing your book with us today.

    Cake looks yummy!

    1. Good Morning Karen,
      Despite my Google Calendar alarm, I’m still late to the party because I was in a frenzy to get book two, Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen, done to have it published on deadline. I also went right into a two-day festival appearance & speaking engagement after that. I’m hear now. Thanks for having me.

  2. Oh this is going to be a fun read! Thanks, Karen, for introducing us to M.K.! Nice to meet you, M.K.!
    The recipe sounds very tasty, too!

    1. Hi Kathleen,
      I’m sure you’ll enjoy the story & learn a little about Indianapolis in the reading. My mystery editor was surprised to learn that we have a canal and gondolas that glide down it. They also turn the canal green every St. Patrick’s Day.

  3. Love mysteries with talking animals.

    The cake looks delicious but it’s a bit more complicated than my normal baking.

    1. Hi Helen,

      My daughter says it’s only natural I write abook about a talking dog since I’ve been talking about for ours for years. He’s sixteen this year.

      The cake recipe does dirty up some dishes, but it’s not as hard as it looks since I got it right the first time. Trust me; I have no great talent in the baking field, either.

    1. Hi Michelle,

      I’m fortunate that I have such a helpful husband since I told him it would be a great idea if we wrote together. (He didn’t volunteer.) He had helped me on several romances, and romantic suspense, but did not want his name on the cover. LOL

  4. That cake looks yummy!! Your book sounds interesting and I so wish my dog could talk. Thank you for joining us here. Off to one-click your book.

  5. Hi Eileen,
    Thanks for your interest in A Bark in the Night. I think our dogs do communicate with us, but it is usually non-verbal. My dog stares at me when he wants something. If I ignore him. he starts his huffy breathing. My job is to figure out what the wants, which at times, is a mystery.

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