Babies and Cake

As I consider what to write for this December newsletter, I remember some of the surprising facts and statistics I learned from researching MURDER OUTSIDE THE BOX. Abandonment of babies, much more common during the Great Depression, continues to occur in the United States and worldwide at alarming rates.

And since the season revolves around the birth of a baby under special circumstances, I thought you might appreciate these facts from momslovebest.com about child abandonment:

Key Facts About Child Abandonment

1. There is no official record of the number of children abandoned worldwide.

2. About 7,000 children are abandoned annually in the U.S.

3. There is a strong link between children who are abandoned and children who are trafficked.

4. Child abandonment victims may experience long-lasting effects, including fear of abandonment in adulthood.

5. In the U.S., all 50 states have enacted the Infant Safe Haven Law, allowing parents to safely surrender their newborns without facing consequences or prosecution.*

At this time of year, when many people count their blessings and prioritize their values, much emphasis is placed on family. The characters in MURDER OUTSIDE THE BOX have different takes on the abandoned baby in their midst, and the book revolves around the mystery of who would have placed a tiny baby, dressed in an ensemble embroidered with yellow ducks, on the doorstep of a caretaker’s cottage in Brandywine Valley.

Apparently, the book’s premise resonates well with readers, because the reviews on Amazon are 4.9 (out of 5) and on Goodreads 4.8 (out of 5). The book won distinction as the top mystery book of 2024 by the Pencraft judges, and it’s on the shortlist for best mystery in the Chanticleer Clue Awards contest.

Thank you to those who have read and reviewed the book, as well as those of you who have recommended it to others. Word of mouth is the very best advertising.

Over the years, I’ve curated a few recipes for special holiday treats. I’m sharing the following for a delicious cake that, to me, embodies the smells and tastes of Christmas and Hanukkah.

Cocoa Apple Cake

Tender, moist cake. Keeps well.

3 eggs

2C granulated sugar

1C (2 sticks) butter

½ C water

2-1/2 C all-purpose flour

2 T cocoa

1 t baking soda

1 t cinnamon

1 t allspice

1 C finely chopped nuts

½ C chocolate chips

2 apples, cored and grated or finely chopped (2 C)

1 T vanilla

Beat together eggs, sugar, butter, and water until fluffy. Sift together flour, cocoa, soda, cinnamon, and allspice. Add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in nuts, chocolate, apples, and vanilla until evenly distributed. Spoon into greased and floured 10-inch loose bottom tube pan. Bake in 325* oven 60-70 minutes, until cake tests done. Makes 10 servings.

I hope you enjoy the cake, and, no matter what or how you celebrate this season, I wish you improved health, much comfort, more time for the people and things you enjoy, and, above all, peace.

Xxoo

SARALYN

 *Safe havens are hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and churches. Leaving a baby on a doorstep of a house is considered a crime.