A Batter of Life and Death

Autumn has arrived in Ashland, Oregon – the perfect season for a spiced hot apple cider with a slice (or maybe two) of peach crumble. The Pastry Channel has also landed in the quaint little town to film the “Take the Cake” reality show. Jules Capshaw, now that she’s decided to move home and help her mom run Torte, the family bakeshop, wants nothing to do with the competition – until she is unwittingly entered into the competition. The cash prize of $25,000 certainly isn’t anything to sneeze at, and Torte could really use the extra dough. 80, Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron. But just as the competition starts heating up, one of her fellow contests, Chef Marco, is discovered buried in buttercream. Could the portly chef have overdone it, or is there something more sinister cooking?

Author Biography

ELLIE ALEXANDER is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. You can friend her on Facebook to learn more!