The Clam Bake Murder: A Windward Bay Mystery (9 page)

So, with Billy’s help, I set about proving my case. Luckily, with all the commotion, I’d forgotten to put the garbage out, so the tissues I’d used to wipe up the spots of blood from my kitchen floor were still there. All I needed then was one of Gabe’s hairs, which I yanked right off his head without explanation and took it straight to Billy at the station. He then ordered a DNA test, which confirmed the match. Now, it probably wouldn’t have held up in court, but Gabe didn’t know that. When Deputy Pride-of-Windward Langdale confronted him about it, Master Rat Solinski broke down in tears and confessed the whole thing, then churlishly demanded Manuka be put down on account of him being a menace to honest burglars everywhere, or words to that effect.

So ended another criminal career. Meanwhile, my ownership of the Cut Rounds recipe was made official. But, not wanting the scandal made public, Ainscough’s removed my creation from their state-wide franchise menu and I never saw a dime in profit. Bronwyn’s put in a long-standing order for the Cut Rounds, though, and the Windward bakery kept making them for a long time after. The new manager, being allergic to dairy products, never had the privilege of tasting them.

But one customer sure did. Twice a week, I brought home a small tub of clotted cream, set it on the kitchen floor, and let my loyal hero, Manuka, gorge himself until he couldn’t eat any more.

After all, crime-fighting did have its perks.

Recipe for Devonshire Cut Rounds

Makes 12 (approx)

Ingredients:

500gm Plain Flour

50gm Milk Powder

35gm Baking Powder

50gm Butter

220ml Buttermilk

70ml Milk

(If you like  sweet version add 30gm Caster Sugar)

Beaten egg to Glaze

Method:

1.
Preheat the Oven to 180c or Gas 6

2.
Put all the dry ingredients into a bowl

3.
Rub in the Butter

4.
Mix in the Buttermilk, and Normal milk, bring together until a soft dough is reached

5.
Use your hands, not a mixer, as you will over tighten the dough!!

6.
Roll into a cylinder shape about 3 inches across

7.
Cut into pieces approx 60gm each

8.
Slightly press to a nice shape

9.
Place on the Baking Tray and Glaze with egg

10.
Bake for 14-18 minutes until risen

Notes:

The dough must be soft not dry. Don’t be afraid to add a touch more liquid if you are not happy with the consistency.