Hi friend!
If you missed our January unboxing live, don’t worry—I’ve got all the details right here for you. This month’s theme was Mystery in the Making, and we kicked off 2026 with cozy vibes, clever mysteries, and a few delicious surprises that brought a little extra joy to your winter days.

Whether you’re already a subscriber or just popping in to see what ReaderCrate is all about, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s dive into the crate!

This Month’s Featured Read

Our featured book this month was Bundle of Trouble by Diana Orgain—a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery perfect for starting the year off right.

This was no ordinary copy! We created a ReaderCrate exclusive hardcover edition with sprayed edges and a custom dust jacket. Every copy was personally signed by Diana, making it a beautiful addition to your shelf.

Bonus treat: Diana also included a pouch of her signature Vanilla Fields green tea—a delicious loose-leaf blend that pairs perfectly with your favorite reading chair.

And because we love surprises… every box came with a QR code to download Diana’s bonus eBook Murder as Sticky as Jam—a delightful cozy mystery you won’t want to miss!

Bonus Books for Multi-Book Subscribers

ReaderCrate offers one, two, and three-book options each month. Here’s what else went out:

• Gluten-Free Murder by P.D. Workman – A foodie mystery full of flavor and fun. (We’ve got an exclusive author interview up on our Book Club page!)
• Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin – Cozy Louisiana charm meets crime-solving! And yes, we even included a bag of Zapp’s Potato Chips, one of Jann’s personal favorites.

Kitchen-Inspired Goodies

The Mystery in the Making theme inspired a few cozy kitchen extras, too:

• Fudgy Vegan & Gluten-Free Brownie Mix – Rich, chocolatey, and allergy-friendly. (Subscribers: if you’ve baked yours, let me know how they turned out!)
• Striped Cotton Apron – Because we’re a club, and matching aprons while baking brownies felt right.
• Mint Pakka Wooden Spoon – A beautifully crafted, high-heat-safe spoon I first spotted at one of my favorite local kitchen stores. I had to include it for you.

Bonus Content from Author Ellen Byron

We also included a little something extra from author Ellen Byron! While we couldn’t feature her book this month, she sent along:

• A cozy recipe card collection
• A mystery-themed reading list
• A custom bookmark
• Plus, you can catch our full interview with her on the ReaderCrate Book Club page—where we talk Hollywood, TV writing, and all things cozy mystery.

Fun fact: Ellen wrote for The West Wing and Fairly Odd Parents! Total throwback for me and my kids.

Mark Your Calendar – ReaderCrate Book Club!

We’re hosting our first-ever book club on
January 29 at 7PM CST
Right here on the ReaderCrate Facebook page!

We’ll be chatting about Bundle of Trouble with author Diana Orgain herself. Whether you’re a subscriber or not, you’re invited—grab your tea, cozy up, and come say hi.

Coming Next: February’s Theme!

February’s ReaderCrate theme is…
Sweet Clues & Cheesy Alibis

I can’t tell you what’s inside yet—it’s a surprise! But I can tell you this: it’s warm, cozy, and full of heart. Think comfort, a little sass, and a whole lot of charm. This one’s going to be a favorite, I can already tell.

Boxes are limited and will sell out, so if you’re not a subscriber yet, this is your sign.
Click here to subscribe to ReaderCrate now

Who’s ReaderCrate For?

If you love books, cozy vibes, and trying new little hobbies (even if you’re not great at them!), ReaderCrate is for you. This is a place for readers who enjoy art fairs, bookstores, crafting, baking—and of course, escaping into clever, heartwarming mysteries.

Cozy mysteries are our thing because they’re light, smart, a little funny, and always full of friendship and charm. They’re short enough to finish in a weekend but satisfying enough to keep you coming back for more.

Thanks so much for being part of this community. Whether you’re subscribed to the box or just joining us for Book Club, I’m so grateful to share this reading life with you. I’ll be back soon with more February clues… but until then, happy reading!

Alyssa
Founder, ReaderCrate

The post January ReaderCrate Unboxing: Mystery in the Making appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

There’s something special about the day after Christmas.

The wrapping paper is gone, the house is quieter (mostly), and there’s this gentle pause before life starts moving fast again. It’s one of my favorite days of the year—a moment to reflect, sip coffee a little longer, and soak in the memories we just made.

Yesterday, our house was full in the very best way. Sixty people gathered under one roof for Christmas—kids, grandkids, cousins, laughter echoing from every room. We took our annual Christmas photo, a tradition I look forward to all year long. Every year I wonder how we manage to fit everyone in, and every year, somehow, we do.

As our family has grown, we’ve shifted traditions to match the season we’re in. Instead of a gift exchange (which gets tricky with a group this size and everyone’s budgets), we’ve embraced something even better: appetizers and games. Tables full of finger foods, a scoreboard running all day, and a little friendly competition. The overall winners get to take home the games themselves—which adds just the right amount of motivation and playful trash talk. It’s loud, chaotic, and joyful… exactly how Christmas should feel.

And somewhere in the middle of all that—between the laughter, the games, and the photo-taking—are the sweet rolls.

These cinnamon rolls have become a staple in our house. They’re soft, gooey, and indulgent in the way holiday food should be. They don’t rise dramatically before baking (which can be alarming if you’re new to the recipe), but trust me—they do their magic in the oven. Every year, someone asks for the recipe, so today I’m finally sharing it here.

This is a Cinnabon-style cinnamon roll that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for slow mornings—whether that’s Christmas morning, the day after, or any weekend when you want something special.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon-Style Sweet Rolls)

A little note from me:
These are excellent. Don’t worry if they don’t rise much before baking—they puff beautifully in the oven and come out soft and gooey every time. Here are mine before going in the oven.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 115°F)
• 2½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup salted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup salted butter, very soft
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ½ cup heavy cream (to pour over rolls before baking)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup salted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ tablespoon maple extract or vanilla

How to Make Them

1. Pour warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle yeast over the top.
2. Add eggs, butter, and sugar. Mix until combined.
3. Add salt and 4 cups of flour. Mix just until combined, then let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Switch to a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5–7 minutes, adding additional flour only if needed. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
5. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 30 minutes).
6. Mix filling ingredients together while the dough rises.
7. Roll dough into a large rectangle (about 24×15 inches). Spread filling evenly over the dough.
8. Roll tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 slices. Place in a greased 9×13 pan.
9. Let rolls rise for 20 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F. Warm the heavy cream slightly and pour over the rolls.
11. Bake for 20–22 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
12. Beat frosting ingredients together and spread over slightly cooled rolls.

Overnight Option

You can assemble the rolls, place them in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature if needed, pour on the cream, and bake.

As we move into that quiet space between Christmas and the New Year, I’m feeling especially grateful—for family traditions that evolve with us, for full houses and full hearts, and for simple comforts like warm cinnamon rolls and a good cup of coffee.

If you make these, I’d love to hear about it. Bonus points if they’re eaten in pajamas.

Here’s to leftovers, laughter, and carrying a little holiday sweetness into the days ahead.

The post Sweet Rolls – A Holiday Tradition appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

Hi friends,

We’re right in the middle of the merriest mystery celebration of the season — and I hope you’ll join us!

Every day through December 12th, I’m going live on the ReaderCrate Facebook page at 4PM CST for our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

It’s been such a joy to connect with you all — chatting about favorite books, cozy traditions, Christmas treats, and more. Each day we draw TWO winners (and yes, there’s a grand prize on the final day!). Whether you’re a longtime cozy mystery fan or just found us, this is your chance to join the fun, meet new readers, and maybe win something sweet.

No need to be on camera — just come say hi and enjoy a little community and coziness with us.

And Speaking of Cozy… Let’s Talk About the January ReaderCrate!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect post-holiday escape — the January ReaderCrate is exactly what you need. This month’s theme is:

Mystery in the Making

It’s a cozy celebration of slowing down after the hustle, curling up with a good book, and treating yourself to something that feels just-for-you.

Inside you’ll find:

• Signed cozy mysteries to spark your sleuthing spirit
• A sprinkle of baking-inspired goodies (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds)
• Exclusive bookish swag curated for comfort and joy
• A special hardcover edition with sprayed edges (a rare treasure in the cozy world!)
• And a surprise gift tucked inside from one of our bestselling featured authors

It’s a box full of charm, comfort, and bookish delight — the kind of thing you’ll want to light a candle and savor.

But… the January Crate is only available until December 12th, and quantities are limited.

Click here to grab yours before they’re gone »

Let’s Stay Cozy Together

Whether you’re joining us live each day or just peeking in between the hustle, I’m so grateful to have you here. This community is what makes ReaderCrate so special — and I can’t wait to send some of that joy straight to your doorstep.

See you at 4PM CST for the next giveaway!
And maybe… for a January crate too.

Warm wishes & happy reading,
Lyssa

The post 🎄 Cozy Giveaways + A January Crate You Won’t Want to Miss appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

I’ve had a white Christmas tree for as long as I can remember — ever since my girls were little. Back then, I decided it was time to switch from a real tree (and all the pine-needle chaos that comes with it) to something easier. I took my daughter Maria shopping and told her she could choose any “fake” tree she wanted.

And of course… she pointed straight at the white one.

I remember thinking, Really? The white tree?
But we brought it home, decorated it with colorful lights, and something unexpected happened.

It was magical.

Every year, when the lights were finally on, we’d lie on our backs under the branches and look up through the glowing colors. It felt like we had stepped inside our own private snow globe — just the three of us, the tree, and the wonder of the season.

Now the girls are grown, with families and traditions of their own. And every year when I pull out that white tree, I feel a little tug of melancholy — the sweet kind that comes with remembering moments that made you who you are.

Tonight, like always, I turned on the lights and sat with the tree before adding any decorations. I love it best that first night — quiet, simple, soft.

This time, Isa joined me.
She has a way of sensing what I need, curling up right beside me as if to say, I’m here. I’ve got you. Dogs have a magic all their own.

Next week my granddaughters and grandson will be here, and the house will explode into joyful chaos — toys everywhere, little feet running, voices overlapping, holiday energy buzzing through every room.

But tonight, it’s just me and Isa.
My husband is in the other room enjoying his beloved B-movies, and the two of us are here, sitting in the glow of a white tree that holds decades of memories.

And in this gentle, quiet moment, I’m reminded:

Life is beautiful — in the noise, in the quiet, and in every shimmering memory in between.

The post A White Tree, a Quiet Night, and the Beauty in Between appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

One lucky reader will win a Cozy Crime Crate by ReaderCrate — a monthly subscription box designed especially for fans of small-town sleuths, clever clues, and heartwarming whodunits.

Each crate is a curated reading escape filled with delightful surprises, including:

Cozy Mystery Books
Immerse yourself in charming small towns and puzzling crimes featuring amateur sleuths from talented indie authors you’ll soon adore.

Tasty Treats
Because every good mystery deserves a snack! Enjoy a delicious edible goodie made for curling up with your latest read.

A Cozy Item
This giveaway box includes a soothing bath bomb — ideal for unwinding with your new favorite mystery. Past boxes have featured fuzzy socks, scented candles, and more comforting finds.

A Beautiful Bookmark
Never lose your place with a whimsical or elegant bookmark that makes every page feel special.

Something Puzzling
Stretch your sleuthing skills with a puzzle book to enjoy between chapters.

Every Cozy Crime Crate is a reading adventure in a box — and one lucky winner will get to experience it for free!

Enter here now for your chance to win the ultimate cozy reader’s treat!

The post 🕵️‍♀️ Win a Cozy Crime Crate! appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

Fall is my favorite—those russet leaves, the pumpkins and squash lined up like cheerful soldiers, and that crisp, woodsmoke-kissed air. It feels like the whole season arrives carrying baskets of gratitude. Yesterday I spent the day at my parents’ hobby farm picking apples (and sneaking photos of my grandson, Gus, who happily modeled a mushroom costume). Life is good—and so is this dessert.

Today I’m sharing my super-secret, most-requested recipe: Lazy Lady Apple Crisp. It’s the one I reach for when I want something crowd-pleasing, unfussy, and so delicious people ask for seconds and the recipe. I made this batch with apples from the farm, but you can use any crisp, tart apple you have—Honeycrisp, Northern Lights, Haralson, or Granny Smith are all wonderful.

Why you’ll love this apple crisp

• Effortless & big-batch: It’s a 9×13 pan—perfect for gatherings, book clubs, and Sunday suppers.
• Cookie-crumble topping: Think oatmeal-pecan cookie meets buttery streusel.
• Warm spices + a secret twist: A tiny pinch of black pepper brightens the apples and makes the spices sing.
• Make-ahead friendly: Mix the crumble in advance and stash it in the fridge or freezer.

The best apples for crisp

Choose firm, tart apples that hold up in the oven. My favorites: Honeycrisp (juicy and balanced), Northern Lights (crisp and zingy—developed by the University of Minnesota), Haralson, or Granny Smith. A mix adds extra dimension.

Ingredient snapshot (what you’ll need)

Apples & flavor: apples, lemon, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, salt, a whisper of black pepper
Thickener: a little all-purpose flour
Crumble: butter, maple sugar (or granulated), brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, quick oats, chopped pecans, vanilla

Allergy swaps: See variations below for nut-free and gluten-free options.

How to make it (overview)

1. Toss the apples with lemon, spices, salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Cream the butter and sugars, then fold in flour, baking powder, salt, oats, pecans, and vanilla until crumbly.
3. Assemble & bake until golden, crisp on top, and bubbling at the edges.
4. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or softly whipped cream.

Tips for a stellar crisp

• Room-temp butter makes the topping clump beautifully.
• If the topping feels too wet, sprinkle in extra oats and flour until it resembles slightly dry cookie dough.
• Let the crisp rest 10–15 minutes before serving so the juices thicken.
• For deeper flavor, add a pinch more salt to the topping—it makes the maple and pecans pop.

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit pecans; add ½ cup oats + ¼ cup flour.
• Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and certified GF quick oats.
• Pear-apple crisp: Swap in 2 firm pears for half the apples.
• Caramel drizzle: Warm store-bought caramel and zigzag over each serving.
• Very cozy Midwest move: A thin slice of sharp cheddar on the side (trust me!).

Make-ahead, storage & reheating

• Make-ahead: Mix the crumble up to 48 hours in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer.
• Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat: 325°F for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Serving suggestion

Scoop generous portions into bowls, add vanilla bean ice cream (or a fluffy cloud of whipped cream), and serve with hot tea or cider. Perfect for cozy mystery reading nights.

Lazy Lady Apple Crisp

“This is amazing. One of the best things I ever had.” — Lyssa (I write myself notes so I remember good ones!)

A cozy, big-pan apple crisp you can throw together fast. I used apples from my parents’ hobby farm, but any crisp, tart apple works wonderfully. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream and bask in the applause.

Yield: Serves 12
Pan: 9×13-inch baking dish
Oven: 350°F (175°C)

Ingredients

Apple Filling

• 4 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Oatmeal Pecan Cookie Crumble Topping

• 2 sticks (1 cup / 226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup maple sugar crystals (or granulated sugar)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, salt, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Sprinkle in the 2 Tbsp flour and toss again to coat. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix the crumble: In a mixing bowl, beat or mash the soft butter with the maple sugar and brown sugar until well combined and creamy.
4. Add dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the butter mixture along with the oats, pecans, and vanilla. Use your fingers or a spatula to work it together until it forms big, crumbly clumps—like a slightly dry cookie dough. (If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour and oats.)
5. Top & bake: Crumble the topping generously over the apples. Bake 45–60 minutes, until the top is deep golden and crisp and the apple juices are bubbling around the edges and look slightly thickened.
6. Serve: Cool 10–15 minutes so the juices settle, then serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Swaps

• Apples: Any firm, tart variety (Honeycrisp, Northern Lights, Haralson, Granny Smith) or a mix.
• No maple sugar? Use all granulated sugar (2 cups total sugars) or half white/half brown.
• Nut-free: Skip pecans and add an extra 1/2 cup oats + 1/4 cup flour.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF baking flour and certified GF quick oats.
• Make-ahead: Mix the crumble and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze up to 1 month; crumble on just before baking.
• Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Rewarm at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Enjoy being the star of the show!

The post Lazy Lady Apple Crisp appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

I’m so excited to share the news — Part Three in the Silver Mist Cove Series is here!

The Faerie’s Vow
This is Sage’s story — a journey of magic rediscovered, love tested, and secrets that could change everything.

Sage has spent years rejecting her magic, trying to live a quiet life in Silver Mist Cove. But when a powerful disturbance threatens the balance between realms, she’s pulled back into the world she left behind. Standing by her side is Aidan — a mysterious fae with a vow of his own, one that could either save them or tear them apart.

In The Faerie’s Vow, you’ll find:
Heart-pounding magic and high-stakes mystery
A slow-burn romance with undeniable chemistry
The enchanting coastal charm of Silver Mist Cove
Twists that will leave you guessing until the final page

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just discovering the magic, The Faerie’s Vow is a must-read.

Start reading now: The Faerie’s Vow

The post The Faerie’s Vow is Here! appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

We were all laughing and taking turns checking our numbers… until it was my turn. Mine was incredibly high. I laughed it off at the time (we were having such a fun, silly moment), but when I got home, I went to the doctor and found out my blood pressure really does need attention.

So, I’ve been making some changes—watching what I eat, trying to make healthier choices—but I still love a treat now and then.

That’s where these no-bake granola bars come in. I was trying to recreate something I adore from our golf club—except they won’t share the recipe, and they charge $8 per bar! Honestly? I think mine turned out even better.

They’re hearty, chewy, and packed with heart-healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Plus, they’re easy to make at home (and way less expensive!).

If you’re looking for a snack that’s delicious, filling, and good for your heart, these Hearty Granola Bars are just the thing. Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and naturally sweetened with honey, they’re a perfect grab-and-go bite for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars

• Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Oats help lower LDL cholesterol, while nuts and seeds provide omega-3s and healthy fats.
• No Refined Sugar: Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
• Great Texture: A perfect balance of chewy and crunchy in every bite.

Ingredients

Makes 20 bars

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped
• ½ cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or a mix) I use sunflower
• ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ cup natural nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
• ½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries—unsweetened if possible) I used dried tart cherries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Toast the Base (optional, but recommended): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread oats, nuts, and seeds on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Binder: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine nut butter and honey. Stir until smooth, then add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit. Pour the warm binder over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Press Firmly: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture in firmly using a spatula or your hands. I found my hands over a piece of parchment works the best.
5. Chill and Cut: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Lift out by the parchment and cut into 20 bars.
6. Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Bar – 1 of 20)

• Calories: ~193
• Protein: ~5.2 g
• Carbs: ~20 g
• Fat: ~11.5 g
• Fiber: ~2.9 g

3 Flavor Variations

1⃣ Berry-Coconut Boost

• Replace dried fruit with dried blueberries or cranberries.
• Add 2 extra tablespoons of shredded coconut.
• Optional: sprinkle hemp seeds on top before chilling.

2⃣ Chocolate-Almond Crunch

• Replace half the nuts with slivered almonds.
• Add 2 tablespoons cacao nibs or 70% dark chocolate chips.
• Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling.

3⃣ Tropical Nut Energy

• Replace dried fruit with chopped dried pineapple or mango (unsweetened).
• Use macadamia nuts for part of the nut mix.
• Add 1 tablespoon lime zest for a refreshing twist.

The post Hearty Granola Bars appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

Hi Friends,

It’s that time of year again—the gardens are overflowing with zucchini, and I couldn’t be happier! I LOVE zucchini. In fact, I’ve had it three times in the last week—fried, baked, and now… in cake!

And not just any cake—Ooey Gooey Zucchini Cake. This rich, chocolatey, unbelievably moist treat is my favorite way to turn summer’s abundance into something irresistible. The zucchini keeps it perfectly tender, and the best part? No frosting needed—just a big glass of milk.

It’s the kind of cake that feels right at home in a cozy kitchen while a mystery novel waits for you in the other room. Perfect for sharing at potlucks, bringing to book club, or enjoying in your favorite reading chair.

If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think—bonus points if you send me a picture of your slice (before or after the first bite!).

And for my fellow Silver Mist Cove Cozy Mystery fans—you might recognize this as exactly the kind of treat Sage would serve up at The Green Brews. Imagine it arriving at your table with a steaming cup of your favorite latte while the scent of chocolate and coffee fills the air… pure cozy bliss!

Sage’s Book, The Faerie’s Vow comes out on August 12th. You can preorder here.

Happy baking and happy reading.

Here’s the recipe so you can bake a little summer joy into your kitchen:

Zucchini Cake Recipe

Ooey Gooey & Perfect for Summer’s Bounty

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded zucchini (set aside)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 package mini chocolate chips
• ¾ cup oil
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
3. Add sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, oil, milk, and vanilla.
4. Mix until about 75% combined.
5. Stir in shredded zucchini until fully incorporated.
6. Spread batter into a deep 9×13 casserole dish—no need to grease.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Let cool… if you can wait! (No judgment if you can’t.)
9. No frosting required—but grab a big glass of milk to enjoy with it.

The post Zucchini Chocolate Cake appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

There are a lot of cheesy potato casseroles out there—but I have to say, this one is the best. (Yes, I’m bragging a little. But just wait until you try it!)

This dish has earned legendary status in our family. My daughters and sons-in-law request it for every holiday, every gathering—and, believe it or not, even during our 95-degree 4th of July picnic last week. That’s how good it is.

Hot, melty, and irresistibly cheesy, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier to make. I’ve had a lot of versions of this over the years, but this one is the keeper.

A few quick tips from my kitchen to yours:

• If you only have cream of mushroom soup on hand, that works just fine! Just add a little chicken bouillon to the mix to keep the flavor balanced.
• Before opening your bag of frozen shredded potatoes, give it a good whack on the corner of your counter to break up the clumps—it makes mixing so much easier.
• And if you accidentally toss all 4 cups of cheese into the bowl (guilty!), don’t stress. Just grab an extra cup and sprinkle it over the top at the end. Been there, done that… more than once!
• And in case you’re dealing with summer heat and a no-oven-in-July kind of husband (like I am), these bake up beautifully on the grill! We turned on the burners on the far sides, left the middle ones off for indirect heat, and the bottom didn’t burn at all. It worked like a charm.
• Onion Tears: Isn’t the stinging in your eyes the worst when you’re chopping onions? Here’s a trick that works for me: light a candle and place it close to your cutting board before you start chopping. I’m not sure why it works, but I think the flame burns off some of the irritating gasses. Give it a try!

Enjoy!
– Lyssa

Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes total
Serves: 5–6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen hash brown potatoes (we prefer shredded, but diced works too!)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided (or 5 cups if you’re prone to cheese enthusiasm)
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom + 1 tsp chicken bouillon)
• 2 cups sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped (I usually go with sweet Vidalia)
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (see my homemade version below)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Before opening the bag, give the frozen shredded potatoes a firm tap on the counter to break up the clumps.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, soup (and bouillon if using cream of mushroom), sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, and seasoned salt. (If you accidentally add all 4 cups of cheese here—don’t worry! Just grab another cup to top it later.)
4. Spread the mixture evenly into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top (or an extra cup if needed), and return to the oven.
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
8. Let cool slightly before serving… if you can wait that long!

Homemade Seasoned Salt

This simple blend is great on everything from potatoes to grilled veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salt
• ¼ cup black pepper
• ¼ cup garlic powder
• ¼ cup onion powder (optional, but delicious)

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Pro tip: Feel free to tweak the ratios to your taste. I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for extra kick!

The post My Famous Cheesy Potatoes (A Family Favorite!) appeared first on Lyssa Lund.