Cozy Mysteries : A Parfait Murder - Out of the strong came forth sweetness: (Cozy Food Mysteries Women Sleuths Series, Bakery Mystery Books) (Murder and cake Book 4)
Page 6
He continued to shake his head incredulously
“And the police found all of this out?”
“Oh, they’re very clever these days. When I protested my innocence they asked me for the recipe for the raspberry parfait and where I had source my ingredients from. They sent some experts round to examine the hives and the garden; apparently there had been a case like this a few years ago.”
“Well I never.” Joe sipped thoughtfully on his whisky, his forehead furrowed. He looked troubled.
“What’s on your mind Joe?”
“Well, I was just thinking. The other day I asked you for some honey and you said I couldn’t have any this year. Why was that Pat?”
Pat was almost dozing in her chair, and smiled a little.
“Did I say that Joe?”
“Oh yes Pat, but don’t worry about it now. You’re tired. I was just thinking that it was a good job that you didn’t let me have any, or I could have been a gonner too!”
Pat smiled sleepily.
“Oh no Joe, You’re my friend. I would have never have given YOU the honey.”
And with that Pat fell into a deep and restful sleep; her mind at peace at last.
Prologue
Trish Pemberton didn’t want to stay in the village after all that had happened and she definitely didn’t want to continue with the purchase of the old school. Besides, she was now a very rich widow indeed and lacked her husband’s greed for obtaining even more wealth.
Pat even managed to persuade the woman to put some money in trust to keep the old school running in her husband’s name. It was quite ironic really. She had been worried that Pat might spill the beans about her not being a real invalid. Trish had confessed everything in her grief, and wanted to atone for her sins. It was true that she had been in a car accident years ago, but she had suffered only minor injuries. Harvey had made her pretend to be disabled to claim compensation and benefits. Pat had promised to keep her mouth closed as long as the School Trust Fund was set up and on the proviso that Trish stopped claiming her benefits. She didn’t need them and it had all been a fraud.
Not wanting a scandal, Trish had readily agreed.
And of course, the bells could now continue to chime merrily away throughout the night; chiming the hour, on the hour, every hour.
It really was a very happy ending indeed.
Pat Green’s recipe for Raspberry Parfait (Bella Donna optional!)
Ingredients
5 egg yolks
110g of Caster Sugar
3 tablespoons of honey
300ml of milk
300ml mascarpone cheese
Fresh honeycomb and raspberries to serve
Method
1. Line a 22cm x 12cm loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving plenty overhanging on all sides.
2. Place the egg yolks, sugar and honey in a bowl and beat with electric whisk until thick and pale.
3. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to just below boiling point. Gently beat the milk into the egg mixture, then gently fold in the mascarpone with a spatula until well combined. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight.
4. When ready to serve, remove parfait from pan, then slice and serve topped with honeycomb and berries, drizzled with cream, if desired.