Throughout the book, Keep Away From Psycho Joe, it seems like everyone gets to enjoy various dessert bars. Everyone, that is, except Psycho Joe. But what kind of bars would a man like that enjoy? Caramel bars? S’mores bars? Pistachio bars? To know the bars, we must know the man. But what do we know about him? He lives alone. He’s scary. He likes hammers. I’ve spent weeks of careful research into the man, the region where he lives, and the thousands of possible dessert bars Joe could enjoy. After double- and triple-checking my findings, I’ve sent the results to experts for peer review. I believe I’ve come to a solid conclusion. Here it is: Joe’s Psycho Chocolate Bars with Wild Raspberry Sauce. Review Courtesy of Sheryl Kelley.
· 2 cups frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed, pureed and strained.
· 1 tablespoon cornstarch
· 2 cups flour
· 1-1/3 cup skim milk
· 1 cup sugar
· 2/3 cup margarine, softened
· 1 cup Egg Beaters
· 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
· 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
· 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
· ½ teaspoon baking soda
In small saucepan, over medium-high heat, cook raspberries and cornstarch, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and begins to boil; set aside to chill.
In medium bowl, with electric mixer at low speed, mix remaining ingredients until blended. Beat at high speed 3 minutes. Spread batter in a lightly greased 13 x 9 cake pan.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Serve topped with raspberry sauce.
ABOUT THE YUMMY AUTHOR
ABOUT THE YUMMY BOOK
Freshman year is over, and not a moment too soon for Ruby. He and his mom moved from Milwaukee to the tiny town of Bluehills at the beginning of the school year, and ever since he’s been in trouble. Now that school’s out for the summer, Ruby doesn’t know how he’ll fill his days. Ideally, he’d just pass the time watching movies with his pal Cludes… and Cludes’ lovely cousin Justine.
Whatever he does, he should probably keep away from the neighbor up the road, a man known around town as Psycho Joe. If the crude flyers posted all over the area are to be believed, Psycho Joe is a dangerous man – especially to young people.
As Ruby starts digging up the dirt on his mad neighbor, each answer leads to new, darker questions. Things get stranger and stranger the deeper Ruby digs. Just how dangerous is Psycho Joe? Are there unearthly forces at work in Bluehills? Will the answers drive Ruby insane, too?
Ruby should have listened when they told him…
KEEP AWAY FROM PSYCHO JOE