The Phoenix half of the book tour is done, Dear Readers, and I’m off to California with Vicki Delany. Be sure and check the Events Page (link above) and if I’m appearing in your vicinity, come by and say hello. For your convenience I’ll list the early November California area events at the end of this post.
But while I’m gone, I’m Trick or Treating! For many other treats, be sure and stop by the Fatal Foodies blog on October 31 and get the web addresses for several other authors who are trick-or-treating this Halloween.
In addition to the recipe at the end of this entry, I’m entering everyone who comments between now and November 8 in a drawing to receive a free copy of my newest book, The Wrong Hill to Die On, which is officially released on November 6. All you have to do is click on the word “Comments” at the very bottom of this entry, and write something in the box. You don’t have to say anything profound – just write “hi, Donis,” if you wish. I’ll put your e-mail address in a hat with the others and draw a winner on November 9. Then I’ll notify the winner by e-mail, and make arrangements to send her or him a copy of the book. Good luck!
And whether you make a comment or not, the following recipe for Alafair’s Chocolate Pudding/Pie Filling is just the ticket for this time of year. This pudding is quite simple to make, but potent. You must be an extreme chocolate lover to eat this. This is my mother’s recipe, and I’m presenting it here exactly as she wrote it down.
1/4 cup powdered cocoa (use plain un-fancy cocoa, like Hershey’s)
1/4 cup white flour
2 cups sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 egg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Beat one egg well and mix into milk before adding to dry ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils with a dull “plop”. Remove from heat, add vanilla and mix well. Pour into 8-inch prepared pie shell. Refrigerate until set. Top with whipped cream. Leave out the egg for chocolate pudding.
“Casey’s warm and wise heroine handles her multiple roles gracefully.” Publishers Weekly, Dec. 2012
The Book Tour for The Wrong Hill to Die On
I’m excited about this particular book, since in this story, I have Alafair, Shaw, and their ten-year-old daughter, Blanche, traveling to Tempe in March of 1916, just in time for Pancho Villa’s raid into New Mexico. For the California events, I’ll be speaking with Canadian author Vicki Delany, who has written a wonderful book about a Canadian Afghan war vet and her connection to an American Revolutionary War loyalist. If you find yourself in the vicinity of any of these talks, come on by.
Read the first chapter of the new book at https://doniscasey.com
Thurs. Nov. 1 at 6:30 – Book Carnival at 348 S. Tustin Ave in Orange CA (south of LA proper) (http://annesbookcarnival.com)
Fri., Nov. 2 at 7:30 – Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore at 2810 Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach, CA (http://mystgalaxy.com)
Sat. Nov. 3 at 2:00 – Mystery Ink at 8907 Warner Ave #135 in Huntington Beach, CA (http://mysteryink.com)
Sun. Nov 4 at 2:00 – Book’em at 1118 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA (http://book’em.com)
Wed. Nov. 7 at 7:00 – Mystery Readers’ Literary Salon with Janet Rudolph, Berkeley, CA. For directions to the event, email Janet at Janet@mysteryreaders.org.
October 24th, 2012
Hi Donis,
The first chapter of The Wrong Hill To Die On, has captivated me. ‘ waiting impatiently for the full debut.
(((HUGS))),
Sherry
October 25th, 2012
When one of my grandchildren does something exceptional, I make them a pie. (I’ve done this for years.) Right now, a grandson is a spectacular quarterback, leading his team undefeated to the conference championship. I’m making him a chocolate cream pie from your mother’s recipe, Donis. I know he’ll love it. And I’ll love your book!!
October 29th, 2012
Hi Donis! Looks like we will be having pie on Halloween! Have a wonderful trip!
October 29th, 2012
Oh, that pie sounds delicious – I’ve always loved chocolate pie!
I’m looking forwsrd with great anticipation to your new Alafair Tucker book.
October 29th, 2012
The recipe sounds delicious, thanks for sharing! And, thanks for offering a free copy of your book!
October 29th, 2012
Hi Donis! I haven’t had a slice of chocolate pie for years and my mouth is watering. Your book sounds great, too – will add to wishlist.
October 29th, 2012
Donis, have a terrific time with Vicki! I wish I could come out and meet you both in person. The chocolate pudding/pie looks fantastic…I’m going to try it for a stormy treat. Safe, productive travels to you both! I’m looking forward to the new releases from you both.
October 29th, 2012
I’ve already pre-ordered “Wrong Hill to Die On,” Donis, but if I win one, what a nifty Christmas gift it will be for a favored person. Oh, shoot–I’ll want to give her all the rest of the series…could be worse. Hope to see you and Vicki at one of the events. Travel safely!
October 30th, 2012
I’m Donis’ brother, and have eaten more than my share of the chocolate pies she describes in this entry. Beware: it is the richest, most powerful pie/pudding recipe I’ve ever known and makes other chocolate pies taste like damp rags in comparison.
Also note that, if served as pudding, it’s just as good hot as cold. Our family discovered this since we could never wait for it to cool off first. Keep your whipped cream to the side and scoop a little into each spoonful, otherwise it’ll melt.
October 30th, 2012
Chris, thanks for the heads-up on the chocolate pie/pudding :).
Sherry
October 30th, 2012
Love the chocolate pie recipe! I know it won’t last long at my house
October 31st, 2012
Hi Donis, I hope you have Bootiful Day! Can’t wait to read your book.
October 31st, 2012
Sounds terrific! Add me to the “hope to win” list! 🙂
October 31st, 2012
Thanks for the pudding recipe. I usually don’t like cooked puddings – I prefer the fresh milk taste of instant pudding – but I’m willing to try cooked pudding again. This may be just the one to convert me!
October 31st, 2012
Thanks for the recipe – I’m not much of a cook, but I do love CHOCOLATE in any form!! Love your books!!
October 31st, 2012
Your book is engrossing and wonderful. I can hardly wait to read this fascinating story. I love the recipe. Best wishes.
October 31st, 2012
Ok, I’m making that pudding AND reading! Thanks for the treats!
Lisa R
keizerfire@aol.com
October 31st, 2012
Happy Halloween Donis, so glad the tour is going well. Stay safe.
October 31st, 2012
Love your books. My favorite cookbook is a copy of my grandmother’s hand written cookbook.
boots9k at wowway dot com
October 31st, 2012
So sorry that M is for Mystery bookstore has closed or we could have met at a San Mateo booksigning for your new release. Safe travels.
October 31st, 2012
Yum, the pie sounds great. It will be perfect to make in November when I have a lot of relatives coming to visit.
November 2nd, 2012
I’m Donis’ sister, and our brother is correct. This pie/pudding recipe is so rich that my husband won’t eat it very frequently. I, however, have been wanting to look up the recipe for a while now. Now I have no excuse not to have an indulgence in the near future!
Donis, I can’t wait to see the book!
November 2nd, 2012
Chocolate makes the world go round. Hope I made it in time for contest. System was down & missed my emails. Thanks for opportunity.
November 3rd, 2012
Donis, When I volunteered to bring dessert for a gathering of Phenomenal Women next week, little did I know I’d bring a Casey Family Special! Wish I could get to Berkely but won’t be ablt to make it. Have a Grand Tour!
Arletta
November 5th, 2012
Glad to see there’s a new Alafair book coming soon! I don’t normally read historical mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoy Alafair & her family.
Interesting how our habits can change when we find a new author or character we like, isn’t it?
November 6th, 2012
Absolutely love your books!
November 6th, 2012
Looking forward to the next one.
November 7th, 2012
You had me from “The Old Buzzard Had It Coming”. I loved it, and each one since. Your series is one that I recommend most. i was thrilled when ya’ll traveled to Enid, since a lot of my family live there. Each book seems personal to me. thanks for hours of good reading
November 7th, 2012
I’m eager to read your latest book and immerse myself once again in the charming Tucker family. I was fascinated by your tales of Oklahoma in the early 1900’s although I know very little about Oklahoma. Since I have lived in Phoenix for over 30 years, I’m eager to see what you write about the historic Tempe area. Your books have given me so much enjoyment – and a desire for those simpler times.
As for your recipe, my teeth hurt just reading it!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful and entertaining stories. Don’t stop with “Wrong Hill.” Keep ’em coming.
November 8th, 2012
My friend Sally won a book of yours she can’t stop talking about it, how good the writing and how powerful the story. Well, I decided I should win a book, read it and then compare notes. What do you think? Good idea? Thanks and good luck.
Maria Grazia Swan
November 8th, 2012
I’ll bet you’re exhausted after your tour! Congratulations on your newest Alafair book! And the pudding recipe sounds really good.
November 9th, 2012
Can I comment more than once?
We need to chat again soon!
November 9th, 2012
My mom used to talk about the times you write about. I love reading your books.
November 9th, 2012
I’m planning to take this pie to my Phenomenal Women’s group a week from Monday! It is sure to be a winner, just as your writing is, Donis.
November 9th, 2012
Can’t wait…just in time for an early birthday gift!!
November 9th, 2012
Hi, Donis Love to read. Macye
November 9th, 2012
What fun to have your siblings follow your website! You are a techie as well as an awesome author! And I will have to join everyone above in trying the sinful pie!
November 9th, 2012
Looks like a delicious pie, and I just found out I can have sugar again, so fantastic! Look forward to reading your book!
FK and SK
shareenknight@gmail.com