Merry Christmas 2025 with Keto Blondies

Hello Poe Lakes Community. I want to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we close out 2025 and move into 2026.

I don’t know about you, but this year has gone fast. After exploring creative writing for several years after working as a technical writer, instructor, and corporate instructional designer for over 30 years, I published my first novella, Grasping for Breadcrumbs, and two short stories The Secret in the Old Quilt and A Very Merry Murder this year.

Thank you for joining me on my exciting new adventure.

I am so excited to announce that A Very Merry Murder has been released. This is the next book in the series after Grasping for Breadcrumbs, so SPOILER ALERT – if you read it first, you’ll spoil the plot of Grasping for Breadcrumbs.

I had such a lovely welcome into the world of fiction, with people interested in my book and joining my community mailing list, that I made A Very Merry Murder free. You can grab a copy here.

Physical Christmas Cards Have Been Mailed

If you signed up for a physical Christmas Card, hold tight. It’s been mailed along with a copy of A Very Merry Murder. If you missed the paperback, you can download a PDF and read as you please.

Join the mailing list and pay attention for future fun specials like books and cards.

Cozy Christmas Share

One reason I write the Poe Lakes Mysteries is that I love reading cozy mysteries and I love embracing cozy moments with family and friends. Can you think of anything cozier than these handmade Christmas pot holders/trivets that one of my lake family members gave me for Christmas?

Low-Carb Blondies – Christmas Baking

Part of Christmas is frequently baking either for your own family or to share with friends and neighbors.

When I was a child, my grandmother would make what we called butterscotch brownies, which I now understand are Blondies. They were my absolute favorite, and I have to admit that if someone didn’t pry the Tupperware container from my hands, I would eat all of them.

After learning that I had to go gluten-free many years ago – long before it seemed to be cool, I started looking for alternative recipes that still tasted like the real thing.

Now, as I practice cyclical ketosis because it seems to help keep my arthritis in check, I look for recipes that are both gluten-free and keto-friendly.

Food Allergy Warning – These use almond flour, so they are not nut-free.

This recipe has become a favorite with family and friends, both gluten-free and not, because the flavors speak for themselves.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar alternative (I use Lakanto Golden)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
• 2 cups superfine blanched almond flour 200 g – use a scale and weigh the flour – you can’t trust cup measurements for almond flour
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder – some turn purple – see below
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans) – optional – I don’t use the nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine all the ingredients, EXCEPT FOR THE NUTS, in a large bowl.
3. Mix with a silicone flat spatula or wooden spoon until just combined – don’t over mix or they will be tough. I prefer a silicone, flat, spatula.
4. Stir in the walnuts or pecans – if added.
5. Grab a silicone or Greenpan non-stick mini muffin pan and use a 2 TBSP cookie scoop.
6. Spoon the batter into each muffin slot.
7. Bake for 18 minutes. (Always test with your own oven temperatures).
8. Remove and cool for 30 minutes. The Blondies will be very loose and gooey for at least 20-30 minutes, so don’t turn out from the mold or repack until after 30 minutes.
9. I find these last in an airtight container for over a week and in the fridge for almost two. I’ve read they can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months, but my family always gulps them down . We’ve never tested it.

Recommended Items:

Silicone Baking Pans

I really like silicone baking pans with sturdy handles. It gives them substance and makes them easy to handle. Plain silicone can sometimes fall apart when you try to remove it from the oven.

Psyllium Powder

You’ll frequently read notes about some psyllium powder turning your baking goods purple. When I first started studying this, I found a trusted source that recommended Yerba Mate Psyllium Powder. I have used it ever since and can say I have never had it turn purple. I recommend giving it a try.

Thanks for the read. See you in early 2026 with another post and newsletter.