Turkeys and Thanksgiving by Leena Clover

Author:Leena Clover
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy mystery series, amateur sleuths, sweets cupcake baker, women sleuths, senior sleuths, diner mysteries, cozy mystery, short reads, holidays, thanksgiving, food mysteries
Publisher: Leena Clover
Published: 2021-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Star and Betty Sue were sitting out on the deck with Petunia when Jenny and Heather got back. Molly had just returned to her desk.

Jenny added the pasta to the soup and began marinating fish. She had already made a fresh batch of mango slaw.

She went out with a fresh pot of coffee.

“Anyone care for fish tacos?”

“We’re all staying for lunch,” Betty Sue announced. “Petunia’s been talking my head off about that slaw you made today.”

Heather chose a shortbread cookie from the plate Jenny had brought out. She had already told the others about their visit with Sue Patterson.

A dreaded voice hailed them from the boardwalk.

The Magnolias uttered a collective sigh as Barb Norton came up the café steps, dressed in orange.

“Hello everyone!” she gushed. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Will you go away if we say yes?” Star glared.

Jenny placed a warning hand on her aunt’s shoulder and offered Barb a cup of coffee.

“Just what I need,” Barb smiled brightly. “It’s a bit chilly today, isn’t it?”

She pulled her sweater closer and looked apologetic.

“I’ve been thinking ... maybe Jenny’s right. What if no one turns up for the turkey contest?”

“That wouldn’t look good for you,” Betty Sue replied.

Barb laughed nervously.

“I do have a reputation to maintain.”

Jenny tried to console her.

“The turkey contest is a great idea. I’m looking forward to tasting something other than the traditional roast. Maybe someone will attempt a turducken.”

“You’ll give away the prizes, won’t you?” Barb asked Betty Sue.

Betty Sue didn’t look up from her knitting.

“We’ll be busy cooking our own meal, Barb. The girls are joining us for dinner. Actually, you need to let Jenny off early. We eat at 3 PM.”

Jenny and Star were baking the pies and making green bean casserole.

“I can stay till 1 PM at the most,” she told Barb.

“But the judging doesn’t begin until 2!” Barb exclaimed. “They start at 8 AM and they need time to cook the bird and rest it.”

“If Jenny doesn’t arrive on time, we might just pack everything up in boxes and bring the food to her.” Heather was looking mutinous.

Jenny had an epiphany.

“Actually, why don’t we do that?” she sprang up and clutched her hands together. “Think about it! A big party where the whole town is invited.”

“We don’t have the funds to feed the whole town.” Barb grew alarmed.

“Make it a potluck,” Jenny grinned. “Let everyone bring something.”

“Surely the town can sponsor part of the meal, Barb?” Betty Sue thundered.

“We can make them buy tickets,” Heather suggested. “Have a raffle or something and give out those blue ribbons for best of everything.”

The women were on a roll. Star pulled out her sketch pad and started making a list.

“Everyone’s got signature recipes they like to show off. We’ll prepare a traditional menu and have a signup sheet.”

A frantic discussion ensued and Barb left with a long list of action items.

Heather and Jenny went inside to start making the tacos. The mango salsa was a hit and several tourists asked Jenny to share the recipe.

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