Have you ever had a buckeye?
No, not the kind that falls from tree. Don't eat those. They're poisonous. Besides the whole potential-for-dying thing, why would you eat one of those anyway when you could have something that looks like a nut but is actually a candy? That's the kind of buckeye I'm talking about.
And how do I know so much about buckeyes? I grew up in Ohio and the buckeye is our state tree. This is one of the things I learned in Ohio history class. I also learned that Ohio has 88 counties. File that fun fact away for your next trivia contest.
But what they didn't teach us in school was that if you mix peanut butter, sugar, and butter together, shape it into balls, and dip it in chocolate you get something that looks like a buckeye but isn't poisonous. (Here's a recipe if you want to try them yourself.)
So what do buckeyes have to do with anything besides the fact that I now have a massive sugar craving? They were one of the fun Ohio references I weaved into my latest Mollie McGhie book - Robbery at the Roller Derby. It's a prequel novella set around twelve years before the start of Murder at the Marina. It tells the story of Mollie's roller derby days and how she met her husband, Scooter.
For those of you familiar with Mollie's antics, you can only imagine the trouble she gets up to as part of a roller derby team. Can she skate her way out of danger or will her nosiness be the death of her?
If you sign up for my newsletter HERE, you download a FREE copy of Robbery at the Roller Derby.
Alternatively, you can pick up the ebook for 99c/99p at your favorite retailer HERE.
It's also available in paperback and coming soon in large print.
You can find out more on my author site.
Ever had a buckeye? Do you have a state/provincial/country tree?
California is know for their Redwood trees. They are impressive.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to add your newest book to my collection.
Have a fabulous day and week, Ellen. ♥
The Redwoods are gorgeous! We've spent some time camping up in that region and absolutely loved it.
DeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had buckeyes and they are beyond tasty.
They are super delicious!
DeleteIs this the free story in my email? After a week of packing and a weekend of moving, I am falling behind in email reading, but scanning as I can.
ReplyDeleteHere in WV, we call those peanut butter candy things dipped in chocolate. But I should have known they were buckeyes. I'm a buckeye by birth. Born in Barberton, Ohio and moved to West Virginia as a baby.
Yep - it's in your email :) No worries - it's just for your enjoyment if/when you get a chance.
DeleteI don't think I knew you were an Ohioan. Very cool! I was actually born in Florida but grew up in Ohio.
I love that! Roller derby. I've had buckeyes in the past although I can't eat them now.
ReplyDeleteI had such a hoot writing about roller derby. Such a fun sport!
DeleteI have no idea what my state tree is but I knew Ohio's was the buckeye since I did a project all about Ohio in third grade (I think?). Weird how that random info stays with you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book!!
That's so funny that you did a project on Ohio :)
DeleteOh that sounds good. I'd have to leave the chocolate off but I think it would still be good.
ReplyDeletePeanut butter with sugar and butter mixed in it would still be super delicious even without the chocolate coating :)
DeleteNever had a buckeye. But they sound good.
ReplyDeleteThey are delicious! I hope you get to try one one of these days.
DeleteBigger Girl still wants to try roller derby someday, and i'm betting she will.
ReplyDeleteNever had a buckeye candy, it sounds fun and easy to make.
Our state tree, of course, is the bald cypress, the one with the roots that stick up out of the ground and are called "knees."
I know the tree you're talking about but never realized that the roots are called "knees" - interesting!
DeleteI LOVED your prequel! (Yes, ma'am, I left a review on Goodreads, and will add it to Amazon now, too.) I predict great things for your writing career. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!! What a lovely review and such kind words :)
DeleteCongratulations! I just finished reading the prequel yesterday and it's awesome. :) I'm a sucker for chocolate and peanut butter. The only place I can find Buckeyes around here is at the Cracker Barrel. I should attempt to make them one day!
ReplyDeleteNever had a buckeye - sounds tasty. I will have to look for them next time we are traveling through Ohio.
ReplyDeleteDon't remember if I ever knew our state tree growing up - but I do now. Missouri's state tree is the Flowering Dogwood. I approve. Can't say I ever remember seeing a Dogwood in Missouri but I had a couple of really big ones in my front yard of my house in Greenville. Loved those trees. I don't think Dogwoods are poisonous but the internet says you can make daggers from its hard wood.
Looking forward to Robbery at the Roller Derby!
Congrats with the new release, Ellen! I’d never heard of a buckeye before - in any form. Doesn’t sound like my kind of treat, though, as I’m not a fan of peanut butter in anything than peanut butter sauce for dinner dishes. Looking forward to reading your prequel!
ReplyDeleteHello Dear
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