Sunday, July 31, 2016

Can't a Guy Go to a Tea Parlour?






Hunter Landon blogs for

The Domestic Diva Mysteries

by Krista Davis





I was pretty embarrassed to hear that I'm a hot topic of conversation around town. And all because I like The Parlour, the new tearoom in Old Town.

You see, I go to The Parlour for a few very legitimate reasons. In the first place, who ever said that ladies have dibs on tea? I did some tours in Iraq and now I run my own company training people to do search and rescue. Not with dogs, even though I miss having one. I assist municipalities in coming up with contingency plans for major emergencies, and I train their personnel. So I don't have any doubts about my own masculinity. Where does it say that guys have to eat hot dogs and drink beer at greasy spoon type joints? Can't a guy enjoy great pastries and tea, too?

There is another reason that I like The Parlour. I admit that I'm sweet on Callie Evans, one of the employees. There's something about Callie. I guess it's because she reminds me of the girls I grew up with. I might live in metropolitan Washington, DC but I'm still a country guy at heart. Give me a chair on the back porch and a dog by my side, and I'd be perfectly content watching fireflies and stars at night. Callie's like that, too. We'd just as soon pass up the art galleries and the bars to enjoy nature and not a neighbor anywhere in sight.

Some of the regular ladies like gossiping about me, though. It's like having my mom watch me. How's a guy supposed to get friendly with a girl when they're watching? But even if Callie didn't work at the Parlour, I would be here every day for my current obsession-Bacon Cheddar Cheese Scones with Maple Bourbon Butter. Who knew scones could be savory? Callie gave me permission to share the recipe with you. I'm not much of a baker, so I stop by The Parlour for them. How about you? Do you bake?

There's no other reason a guy like me would hang around The Parlour. Is there?


Bacon Cheddar Cheese Scones

2 cups flour + extra for kneading

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 egg

½ cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon mustard

1 cup (about 5 slices) crumbled cooked bacon


Preheat the oven to 400. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the pastry blade into a food processor and add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse twice. Cut the butter into cubes. Add to the flour, along with the cheese, and pulse until combined and the butter is barely visible anymore.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, and mustard. Turn out the flour mixture on top of it and mix gently with a large serving spoon two or three times. Add the bacon and mix until large clumps begin to take shape.

Sprinkle flour on a cutting board and dust your hands with flour. Turn the dough onto the cutting board and knead 8-10 times, adding just a sprinkle of flour if necessary.

Pat the dough into a 9-inch cake pan. Turn it out onto the parchment paper and cut the round into 8 equal pieces with a very sharp knife. It’s best to press the knife into the dough instead of dragging it through the dough. Slide a knife or thin spatula under each slice and pull away from the center slightly to separate them. (They can be frozen at this point if you don't need them all.) Bake 20-22 minutes.


 Maple Bourbon Butter

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon bourbon (plain, not flavored)

Bring the butter to room temperature so it is soft. Place the butter, maple syrup, and bourbons in a mini food processor and combine. Place in a mold or shape by hand and refrigerate. (Note: this can also be done in a bowl with a fork, but Krista finds she gets better results with a food processor.)
 
For the Cozy Up To Summer Giveaway, Krista said I could offer you a choice of books! Leave a comment with your email address, please, so she can contact you if you win. Which book would you like to read?

Psst. Don't tell where you heard this, but there's a SUPER SPECIAL GIVEAWAY at KillerCharacters.com tomorrow! Be sure to come back!



THE DIVA SERVES HIGH TEA
MURDER MOST HOWL

KristaDavis.com
mysteryloverskitchen.com
www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAuthor
pinterest.com/kristadavisbook 
twitter.com/kristadavis
 
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158 comments:

  1. Robyn KJuly 31, 2016 at 12:13 AM

    I love this series. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I would love The Diva Serves High Tea if I'm lucky enough to win. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karen KJuly 31, 2016 at 12:34 AM

    I would love to try the Diva series, it's new to me! Thanks for the chance!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary HolshouserJuly 31, 2016 at 12:44 AM

    Sounds like a fun book. Love the idea of being
    from a man's perspective.
    thanks
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grandma CootieJuly 31, 2016 at 3:19 AM

    I enjoy hearing from different character's perspective. That's right, no law that says men can't enjoy tea. Thanks for the giveaway.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nicole VJuly 31, 2016 at 6:46 AM

    Hi Hunter! Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself and The Parlour. If I won, I'd love a copy of The Diva Wraps it Up (Christmas is coming, and I love the cover!!!). Nicole

    [email protected]

    p.s. Thanks for the heads up! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. jnalpathJuly 31, 2016 at 7:07 AM

    Would love to read Diva serves high tea
    Zeta(at)iwon(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Carol BeckettJuly 31, 2016 at 7:27 AM

    I do hope I can enter although I live in the UK if I cannot I'll console myself by making those tasty sounding scones, love cheesey ones. My email is [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  8. holdenjJuly 31, 2016 at 7:29 AM

    The savory scones sound yummy! I would a chance to win The Diva Serves High Tea. Thanks for the chance to win!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Grace KoshidaJuly 31, 2016 at 7:31 AM

    Thanks for the savoury scones recipe, Hunter! And of course, men can enjoy tea esp in a nice place like the Parlour! grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. DebbyJuly 31, 2016 at 8:02 AM

    I loved the recipe. I am going to try them. I have never read these and would start with the first one.
    Debby236 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sam MccarthyJuly 31, 2016 at 8:19 AM

    I'm always looking for a new series to read!! I haven't read these, so I could start at the beginning! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rev. M. AdamsJuly 31, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    Would love to win. Thank you so much for this opportunity to win this book

    ReplyDelete
  13. cupcake58July 31, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    Great recipe!! I haven't read this series yet but it's one I would love to start soon. I would like to start with the first one.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  14. Patricia SearsJuly 31, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    I would love to read murder must howl or any of these great books. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  15. ClicknerJuly 31, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    Thanks for the chance. [email protected] I would love to read Murder most Howl and the rest of the series

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dawn FrazierJuly 31, 2016 at 10:00 AM

    Thanks for the chance! I would love to have The Diva Serves High Tea! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  17. Daphne CochranJuly 31, 2016 at 10:02 AM

    I love your books and I would like The Diva Serves High Tea.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  18. ann coxJuly 31, 2016 at 10:02 AM

    Pretty funny!Would love to win. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  19. ann coxJuly 31, 2016 at 10:02 AM

    Pretty funny!Would love to win. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yvonne GilbertJuly 31, 2016 at 10:03 AM

    I would love to win a copy of The Diva Serves High Tea. Thank you for this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kristy OliverJuly 31, 2016 at 10:04 AM

    The Diva frosts a cupcake [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  22. Paula AdamsJuly 31, 2016 at 10:08 AM

    I would love to win one of the books in this series. Thank you for the opportunity. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  23. SandyG265July 31, 2016 at 10:08 AM

    Thanks for the chance to win a book.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kelly MJuly 31, 2016 at 10:08 AM

    The Diva Frosts a Cupcake lil_munchiekin at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownJuly 31, 2016 at 10:09 AM

    I'd love to read The Diva Serves High Tea. Thanks for the chance. Dianne
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  26. Lucy ReynoldsJuly 31, 2016 at 10:13 AM

    I've never read these so I would want to start with book one. TY for the chance.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  27. Jeannie DanielJuly 31, 2016 at 10:16 AM

    Would love to read "The Diva Serves High Tea" Thanks for the chance. dr(dot)oldsmobileaticloud(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Daniele KJuly 31, 2016 at 10:26 AM

    I loaned my copies of the earlier books in the series to someone, and she never returned them. So, I would choose The Diva Wraps It Up. These scones have been on my "to make" list since I first saw the recipe in The Diva Serves High Tea. Thank you for the chance to win. Dmskrug3 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kathy TuckerJuly 31, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    I would like to read Murder, She Barked
    tuckman(@)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. MaggieJuly 31, 2016 at 10:33 AM

    Would love to try the Diva series! mpantzer(@)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Mary JohnsonJuly 31, 2016 at 10:33 AM

    Love the scone recipe, savory scones are my favorite. Would love The Diva Serves High Tea. Thanks for the chance, my email is [email protected].

    ReplyDelete
  32. Mary JohnsonJuly 31, 2016 at 10:33 AM

    Love the scone recipe, savory scones are my favorite. Would love The Diva Serves High Tea. Thanks for the chance, my email is [email protected].

    ReplyDelete
  33. Rosie GuiherJuly 31, 2016 at 10:34 AM

    Thanks for a chance to win one of your books.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  34. Marlene EzellJuly 31, 2016 at 10:34 AM

    I love Krista Davis. I would enjoy winning and reading The Diva Serves High Tea.
    marlene(dot)ezell(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownJuly 31, 2016 at 10:35 AM

    I love reading new series! Thanks for the opportunity.

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  36. Judy WeaverJuly 31, 2016 at 10:40 AM

    This would be a difficult decision!
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  37. kkbJuly 31, 2016 at 10:42 AM

    I love your books, would love the Diva frost a cupcake. My email is [email protected]. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anne VanderhaeghenJuly 31, 2016 at 10:43 AM

    Oh, man, only one?? Just kidding because it's very generous of all you authors to do these giveaways!! Thanks for th chance to win! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  39. Deanna StevensJuly 31, 2016 at 10:53 AM

    MURDER MOST HOWL would be my first pick :) thank you for gifting one of us!
    dkstevensne AToutlookDOT com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Brittany HollandJuly 31, 2016 at 11:03 AM

    Diva Frost's a Cupcake would be my pick. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  41. jlsxstitchJuly 31, 2016 at 11:03 AM

    Murder Most Howl would be my pick. Thanks for the chance to win. Jlsbookclub (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sheila G.July 31, 2016 at 11:13 AM

    I would like any of The Diva books, I haven't read that series yet.thank you
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  43. Elaine RobersonJuly 31, 2016 at 11:17 AM

    Great books. Thanks for a chance to win one. I would pick The Dive Wraps It Up. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousJuly 31, 2016 at 11:17 AM

    I would love to win one of your books! I am always looking for a great series to start reading. Thank you for a chance to win! crossxjo @hotmail. com

    ReplyDelete
  45. TanaJuly 31, 2016 at 11:19 AM

    what a wonderful giveaway! I'd love to have a chance to win! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  46. Jenny PieklikJuly 31, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    The diva serves high tea. [email protected]. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  47. ellieJuly 31, 2016 at 11:23 AM

    I would love The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss. That's where I'm up to in the series.
    Thanks so much for the chance!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. aggie56July 31, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    Diva Serves High Tea would be my choice thanks for this opportunity! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  49. Debra HammondJuly 31, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    Diva Serves High Tea! Need some culture in my life! Thanks fr chance to win!! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  50. Karen BJuly 31, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    I've never had a scone but they sound wonderful! The Diva Serves High Tea is my choice. Thank you.

    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Debra HammondJuly 31, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    Diva Serves High Tea! Need some culture in my life! Thanks fr chance to win!! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  52. Mia P. ManansalaJuly 31, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    As a tea lover, I definitely want The Diva Serves High Tea. Thanks for this opportunity!

    mia.p.manansala at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. NoraAJuly 31, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    Of all the books you've listed in the giveaway the only one I don't own is Murder She Barked. I'd love to add it to my Krista Davis collection.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  54. AmyJuly 31, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    Would love to read this book! Need to catch up on this series.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  55. SueJuly 31, 2016 at 11:40 AM

    Those scones sounds delicious! If I win I would like Murder She Barked.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  56. Alisha CollinsJuly 31, 2016 at 11:41 AM

    I would love The Diva Serves High Tea. Thanks for the chance! :) [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousJuly 31, 2016 at 11:42 AM

    Like dogs so I'd pick Murder She Barks.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  58. Jennifer ParsonsJuly 31, 2016 at 11:44 AM

    Diva Serves High Tea would be my choice. Still waiting for the library to get a copy! My email is [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  59. petiteJuly 31, 2016 at 11:45 AM

    Love this delightful post and great giveaway. I would enjoy The Diva Serves High tea. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. travelerJuly 31, 2016 at 11:47 AM

    b

    ReplyDelete
  61. travelerJuly 31, 2016 at 11:47 AM

    The Diva Wraps it up looks lovely. Many thanks for this special feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. AnonymousJuly 31, 2016 at 11:48 AM

    Murder most Howl. So difficult to choose. Thanks.
    cjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  63. Judy TuckerJuly 31, 2016 at 11:48 AM

    Would love to win one of these books.Always looking for a new series to read

    ReplyDelete
  64. Tealover9July 31, 2016 at 11:51 AM

    My sister and I love your books and recipes. Thanks for the great work you do. [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  65. MuddyShoesMomJuly 31, 2016 at 12:02 PM

    I'm a HUGE fan of the Diva series - I own them all! Paws & Claws is a favorite as well. You have a talent for painting a picture with words Ms. Davis! I'll message my email address to you on Facebook. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Laura AKA MuddyShoesMom

    ReplyDelete
  66. KatreaderJuly 31, 2016 at 12:05 PM

    Ohhh, that recipe sounds divine! I Love bacon, and there are lots of places near me to get fresh maple syrup...well during season. My best tea friends happen to be men-so nothing wrong with that! Enjoy your tea...and bacon makes it even manlier!

    I love all the books, but I think I'm behind and need Murder Most Howl! Thanks for the chance!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Tracy ShaferJuly 31, 2016 at 12:08 PM

    I would love to read murder most howl! Thank you so much!!! rockergoddess2002 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. GaelicarkJuly 31, 2016 at 12:10 PM

    I LOVE this series! Krista Davis rocks it!
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. GaelicarkJuly 31, 2016 at 12:10 PM

    I LOVE this series! Krista Davis rocks it!
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. ceblainJuly 31, 2016 at 12:13 PM

    First and foremost, congratulations on your newest release Krista. I love the concept of a man liking a tea room. I am a person who loves to go to tea rooms myself and certainly can relate to anyone liking this kind of relaxing atmosphere. (never mind a guy having a crush on a girl there). I would love to read this series. I was behind on my reading with two years of health issues and sight problems, but with that mostly behind me, I am doing everything in my power to catch up on my reading now. Would love to become the recipient of this great sounding book. Thank you for that opportunity. Sincerely, Cynthia Blain

    ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net

    ReplyDelete
  71. Toni NymanJuly 31, 2016 at 12:22 PM

    I love these books. Would like to read Diva Steals |A Chocolate Kiss. Don't know how I missed that one.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  72. AnonymousJuly 31, 2016 at 12:23 PM

    I love all your books
    Thanks for the chance to win
    juniors-mom(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  73. amy guillaume lindermanJuly 31, 2016 at 12:25 PM

    The Diva Frosts a Cupcake looks so good! [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  74. Linda MayJuly 31, 2016 at 12:26 PM

    I would love The Diva Frosts a Cake. love all these mysteries. Thanks for this very generous giveaway. Linda May [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristaAugust 1, 2016 at 12:23 PM

      Congratulations, Linda May! You are our winner!

      Delete

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