by Sandra Murphy
Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of Goldy’s Kitchen Cookbook, along with a link to order the book. We also have a fun mystery character profile on Goldy in this same issue.
Writers are often asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” or “How did you start writing?” It’s assumed writers started when they could first hold a crayon and ideas burst forth at a moment’s notice. Many writers, like Diane Mott Davidson, author of the Goldy’s Catering mystery series, start writing later in life. A Navy wife, Diane moved thirteen times in the first seven years of marriage, leaving little room for more than packing and unpacking. At age thirty-two, she took a writing class and was hooked. Her work as a volunteer and at a catering company continue to be a source of ideas with an added twist. She’s written seventeen mysteries set in Colorado, each containing recipes that Goldy cooks up for catering clients while solving murders with husband Tom. This is a compilation of almost every recipe Goldy’s used plus a lot of detail about Diane’s life. 
Each recipe starts with a tip on how to prepare it or why it’s wildly popular at parties. Recipes are easy to understand and, for the most part, easy to prepare. There’s also a note to tell which book the recipe was featured in, a nice touch and cause to re-read.
Appetizers and soups—Mexican egg rolls with spicy guacamole dipping sauce are full of beans, chiles, cheeses, cilantro, jalapeno and picante sauce. Diane makes her own guacamole but says store bought will work as well. This recipe is labor intensive, so plan ahead. Prosciutto Bites is a simpler but elegant recipe with plum preserves, prosciutto, and goat cheese on croissants.
Eggs and cheese came about because Diane’s agent is vegetarian and asked for more recipes she could make. Mexican pizzas were a successful experiment. Diane’s family of four can eat five of them (nine-inch size with copious amounts of cheese). From the book Prime Cut, savory Florentine Cheesecake was a big hit at church dinners, where Diane found eager volunteers to taste test.
Spuds, salads, etc.—aka My Editor is Also Vegetarian—contains a recipe even I could make. Sugar snap peas and strawberry salad is just that with a Dijon-raspberry dressing. Heirloom Tomato Salad with Camembert cheese is another winner.
Meat, poultry, and fish: Here the Chinese Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables gets my vote. Not too much meat and a way to use any vegetable that’s in season. Swedish Meatballs with Burgundy sauce would run a close second.
The breads section, subtitled This is Not Your Low-Carb Chapter, is where Galaxy Doughnuts (baked, not fried, and star-shaped) and Monster Cinnamon Rolls caught my attention along with Banana Pecan Muffins.
Desserts (This is Not Your Low-Carb Chapter Either), is where Diane explains how she came up with titles for some of the books. Like many authors, she keeps a file of possible book titles, which, of course, also spurs ideas.
Cereal Killer Cookies are the top favorite of readers. The recipe was also published in Ladies Home Journal. Chocolate Snowcap Cookies are super-chocolaty.
Following the dessert section is finally the Low Carb Recipes, aka How I Lost Thirty Pounds and Kept It Off (Diane, not me!).
The final chapter is about writing. It’s said that everyone has a book in them. The trick is to get it out in the most coherent and readable manner and then know what to do with it. Writing is the easy part. Diane offers tips to those bold and daring enough to try.
All the recipes in one place, nicely categorized and easy to read; what a treat from Diane Mott Davidson and Goldy’s Catering. This book would make a great gift for the cook in your life—or for someone who’d like to be.
To enter to win a copy of Goldy’s Kitchen Cookbook, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Goldy’s,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 28, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.
You can use this link to order this book:
I have been reading the Goldy series for years and just love them. Now I can get her Cookbook…..Yea!
The recipes sound amazing! Thank you for the chance win the cookbook.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Loved this series and would love to have all of the recipes in one place! Thanks for a chance to win. stclairck@gmail.com
Sandra this is great article about Diane’s book. I love reading cook books and this sounds like a great one to check out.
I love cookbooks and this one is so very special. Would love to win it.
This series was my introduction to mysteries as an adult so I have a special fondness for it.
I have read all of the books about Goldy and I miss her. This cookbook sound wonderful!
I reread these books at least once a year.
I have always wished Goldy was cooking for me – having her cookbook would be the next best thing!
My favorite books to read. ?
My favorite author. Love her books.
I love these books. Some of the recipes are family favorites.
love Goldy’s adventures some scary and breath taking!
Really enjoy this series and want to add the cookbook to my multi-dozen collection that includes book related cookbooks in it.
Love this series so much!!! Would love to win this cookbook! Ashleyziemer (at) gmail (dot) com
I am very excited about this cookbook and plan on making everything in it!
I LOVE Diane Davidson’s books!! I have all of her books and have used some of her recipes as well…they have ALWAYS turned out. I would love to win this book to add to my collection.
One of my very favorite book series! Thanks for the opportunity to win this cookbook! susan2375@yahoo.com
I have read all of Goldie’s adventures and hope there is more to come. I’ve made some of the recipes and they were relish! Would be lovely to have the cookbook!
Need a good cookbook so hope to be a winner. Goldie sounds like my kind of friend.
I would love to win this cookbook!!
I LOVE Diane Davidson’s books!! I have all but her most recent book and have tried some of her recipes as well, everyone delicious. I would love to win this book to add to my collection. servedogmom@uahoo.com
This is one of the first culinary series I ever read. It got me hooked for life. This book is a must have for my collection.
Scouts579 (at) aol (dot) com
I would love to get this cookbook to add to my collection. Love the books in the series and love cookbooks – perfect match
We have a winner!