#YABookCook with “A Murder of Magpies”

Jennifer Bardsley
#YABookCook with "A Murder of Magpies" by Sarah Bromley and GF Oatmeal Cookies
#YABookCook with “A Murder of Magpies” by Sarah Bromley and GF Oatmeal Cookies

Tonight’s #YABookCook features A Murder of Magpies by debut author Sarah Bromley, and gluten free peanut butter oatmeal cookies–with cornstarch.

A Murder of Magpies is a modern Gothic thriller. Vayda, the main character, is a lot of things: loner, twin, snarky commentator, possessor of supernatural power, and she’s quite the baker. She’s like a Romani Betty Crocker. One of her tricks is to add a bit of cornstarch to cookie dough to make the cookies chewier.

Would this work? I had to try out. I’m gluten intolerant and so normal cookies are off limits. My favorite GF oatmeal cookies are always too crumbly. I wondered if cornstarch was the answer.

image

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup melted mutter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 16 oz jar natural peanutbutter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp GF cornstarch
  • 3 cups GF oats (not all oats are GF)
  • 6 oz chocolate chips

Directions

First mix the eggs, butter, vanilla and sugar.
First mix the eggs, butter, vanilla and sugar.
Next, add the peanut butter.
Next, add the peanut butter.
I always buy natural peanut butter because it doesn't have trans fat. The ingredients should say peanuts, salt and nothing else. Store it upside down and it's easier to stir.
Note on the peanut butter: I always buy natural peanut butter because it doesn’t have trans fat. The ingredients should say peanuts, salt and nothing else. If you initially store it upside down it’s easier to stir.
Add the baking soda and cornstarch.
Add the baking soda and cornstarch.
Finally, mix in the oats and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.
Finally, mix in the oats and chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The results? YUM. What a fantastic baking tip from an unexpected source!

image

 Now for the book review:

I was blown away by how much I loved A Murder of Magpies by Sarah Bromley. It’s “Wuthering Heights” meets present day Wisconsin.

Sixteen-year-old Vayda Silver’s life is full of secrets: the truth about her mother’s death, the terrible deeds her twin brother Jonah might do, and even worse, Vayda’s own dangerous powers as an empath. Jonah expels energy and Vayda collects it. If she’s not careful Vayda’s capable of rupturing every light bulb at school. No wonder she and Jonah are social pariahs.

The one guy who isn’t wary of either Silver twin is Ward Ravesncroft, who has his own past to hide.  After years of surviving with his junkie dad, Ward is now living with his sister Heidi’s family–minivan, baby, doggie, and all. Ward’s penchants for foul language, ditching school, and crafting metal sculptures in the front yard don’t exactly fit in with his sister’s perfect life.

But as Vayda and Ward become closer, Jonah grows increasingly out of control. The family curse that haunts the twins is paradoxically their worst enemy and only defense.

Watch out for the end on this one, because it is full of surprises. A Murder of Magpies is so creepy it will make you want to turn on every light in the house.
image

 

Published by Jennifer Bardsley

Jennifer Bardsley is the author of GENESIS GIRL and DAMAGED GOODS, published by Month9Books. She lives in Edmonds, WA where she writes a newspaper column for The Everett Daily Herald. You can find Jennifer online at http://JenniferBardsley.net and http://TeachingMyBabytoRead.com. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @JennBardsley or on Facebook as TheYAGal.