a murder is announced

This Week’s Recipe: Protein Pancake Bites

In a quest to use up a whole mess of blueberries whilst on the lookout for new breakfast/snack ideas, I came across this intriguing recipe. Opting, obviously, for the blueberry version, I set to work.

And they turned out….okay. They were perfectly edible, but flavor wise? I found them a touch boring.

Not willing to let this pancake bite idea go and more than willing to futz with a recipe, I made a second batch. Only this time, I added the zest of one lemon, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the base batter…Which bumped up the flavor nicely.

Agatha Christie: I can totally see Miss Marple messing around with a recipe until it’s exactly how she wants it, too! Though I’m not sure she’d ever make pancake bites.

This Week’s Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes & Cream Cheese Frosting

Inspiration: Another birthday girl at my husband’s office asked if I could whip up some red velvet cupcakes for her special day if it weren’t too much trouble. After a quick trip to the shops for a tub of sour cream, the only ingredient missing from my pantry, I set about whipping up said sweet & tangy treat.

My favorite bit of making the cupcakes! Adding the red dye infused chocolate to the pale batter.

Hunting for a recipe, I found a great one from America’s Test Kitchen’s The Perfect Cake Magazine from a few years back. (Click here for the recipe.)

The Magazine where I found the recipe.

Christie: I thought A Murder Is Announced was a great choice, as there was a birthday party within the narrative! Plus, I think Miss Marple would’ve enjoyed whipping this cake up after it crossed the pond during/after WWII, of course.

P.S.: Sprinkles make everything fancier, when room temperature butter, cream cheese, and sour cream is a tad to warm to keep the frosting tip’s definition!