I read this story on Sunday evening. I must say JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) Readers will adore the HEA (happily ever after) for ODC (our dear couple). Welcome, Jen.
A Taste of Peanut Butter
Welcome to A Taste of Peanut Butter where our very own Elizabeth Bennet is a contestant on a televised bake off. Our host, Regina Jeffers, has graciously opened up her blog today so that you may have a sneak peek at the first round in her competition. Gigi DuPaix, aka Georgiana Darcy, is our moderator and is ready to begin.
“Mesdames et Messieurs,” she spoke in a thick French accent. “Bon appétit, and welcome to Another Slice, our newly created show featuring ordinary people with extraordinary cooking abilities; brought to you by the Pemberley Network. For twelve consecutive weekends, we shall present to you contestants from all walks of life who will be competing here in our very own network kitchen for the coveted title of Weekend Prime Baker.” The audience applauded with enthusiasm.
“Now, if I may, let us meet our contestants along with their signature cooking ingredients. First, we have an American student who is pursuing her Master’s Degree in International Marketing here in the UK. Please welcome Mademoiselle Elizabeth Bennet.”
Elizabeth ran out from back stage, waved at the crowd, and confidently put her jar of American peanut butter on the island countertop. “Thank you all for the warm welcome and to the Pemberley Network for this extraordinary opportunity to compete. I must say that I love a challenge and shall look forward to giving you my best.” The crowd cheered as she took her place behind the first work station.
“Next, we have an executive from one of London’s most prestigious hedge funds in the Mayfair district. Please welcome, Mademoiselle Caroline Bingley.”
A tall, skinny redhead sauntered in through the kitchen door, briefly stopping to give Elizabeth a rather demeaning look. With a flip of her head and a wave of dismissal, she faced the audience with an air of triumph in accepting her applause. Decisively placing her bag of shredded coconut next to Elizabeth’s peanut butter, she boasted, “For the record, I should like all of you to know that I will not be bested by an American. I shall triumph over all other contestants with integrity and honour.”
Elizabeth was not surprised in the least by Caroline’s avowal. All morning she had been strutting around the studio, looking down at her fellow competitors and only speaking with Gigi or the three judges when she thought her comments would amaze the entire room. Elizabeth ignored Caroline’s snide remarks knowing that the proof of the pudding was in the eating, not in a lot of hot air. We shall see about that, Miss Bingley. You are about to find out that Americans are not easily intimidated, and I willingly accept your challenge.
“Our third contestant comes to us from the humble village of Meryton in Hertfordshire,” announced Gigi. “A stay-at-home mother with five children, please welcome Madame Martha Long.”
A matronly woman in her early fifties walked in with assurance carrying her container of brown sugar. “Thank you. When cooking for a family of seven, one has to stay creative but disciplined if the house is to run smoothly. I may be a simple housewife, but believe me, I rule with an iron hand and have every expectation of winning this contest.” She curtsied and took her station as the audience gave her their enthusiastic applause.
“Finalement, we have our fourth contestant, a research assistant in the Divinity School at University of Oxford, Monsieur William Collins.”
Nervously peeking through the opening to the staging area, a rather portly man with thinning hair suddenly found his courage and walked straight to the counter where he placed his tray of assorted coffees alongside the other offerings. Feeling a little more at ease, he began to orate as if he were giving a sermon.
“Madame Dupaix, please allow me to tell you and our esteemed judges how honoured I am to be here with you today. Being but a simple clergyman and university employee, it is not often that a man in my position is given the opportunity to exhibit in such a manner. I was truly astounded and humbled when I received my congratulatory letter of acceptance and know that you will not regret your decision in choosing me. While I would not purposely stoop so low as to belittle my fellow women contestants, I would like to state that being the only man in this competition gives me the advantage since everyone knows that a man’s discriminating palate and cooking instincts are superior to most.”
As you can imagine we are going to have great fun at this bake off. Now let’s see…. Where does William Darcy come in? Here is the only hint I’m giving. The rest you will have to find out for yourself.
Elizabeth: Jane, You’ll never believe it, but I met a knock-down gorgeous Brit—dark hair, blue eyes, dimples and all, who just went to buy me coffee. We’re on the same flight.
Jane: What’s his name?
Elizabeth: I don’t know yet.
Jane: Whatever you do, keep those secret weapons in their box.
Elizabeth: It’s too late. He saw them when I repacked after security. I had to offer him something to eat since he helped me.
Jane: YOU are hopeless. All I can say is that men are not normal when it comes to your baking, so you had better be careful. Text me when you land.
Elizabeth: Will do.
There you have it: a small but delicious taste of my latest book. If you would like to speculate a little more, be sure to check out my Pinterest page where I have pictures for this book as well as a Regency short story which is included in my publication. I am giving away three eBook copies of A Taste of Peanut Butter. Please leave a comment to enter. The giveaway will end at midnight EDST on September 2.
Many thanks to Regina Jeffers and Every Woman Dreams for featuring me today! Jennifer Redlarczyk ♫
Xxxx
Pinterest Link: https://www.pinterest.com/jenred88/a-taste-of-peanut-butter-and-blame-it-on-the-squas/
Every Woman Dreams... 
Oh my! I have all Jennifer’s books so this is definitely on my list! I imagine it is best not to read it on an empty stomach 😉. Or perhaps I should stock up on goodies?
I hope that Caroline Bingley and William Collins are completely outclassed and that there efforts fail completely! That will show them 😂
Thank you for giving us this ‘taste’
I shan’t provide any spoilers, Glynis, but the outcome is VERY SATISFYING. LOL!
Glynis, thanks for stopping by. Yes, an empty stomach could be trouble. If you check out my Pinterest page, you’ll see even more pictures. Great fun! Jen
Mmmm…sounds delicious! I love a fun modern twist. Congratulations and thank you for the giveaway.
You will enjoy this one, Becky.
Delicious yes! I hope you enjoy my little tale. Delicious – yes! Lots of good eats, hugs and kisses. Thanks for stopping by. Jen
WoW, this sounds pretty fun and Mr Collins a baker lol can’t wait to read that… hilarious!
Pemberleypebbles. Yes Collins is a baking clergy man who one might say is a little full of himself. I hope you enjoy my bake off. Thanks for stopping by. Jen
Sounds totally fun and hilarious. Mr Collins a baker- that’s very amusing… boiled potatoes any one? Oh I am so looking forward to reading this book. Great concept.
Thanks again!
Love baking competition shows so I love this setting. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Thanks Michelle for stopping by. This little tale has a fun bake off and then it is followed by a bonus Regency short story with a bake off between Matlock and Pemberley. Good luck, Jen
I loved this story when Jen posted it on DarcyandLizzy.com forum and can’t wait to read it again all at one time! So much fun! Congrats Jen on publishing!
Thanks Brenda, and also for your support with all of my “questions.” LOL
I missed that story on DarcyandLizzy forum but I’ll certainly read it –one way or the other 😉
Congratulations on writing it and good luck!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Wow! Sounds like a fun read. Of course “our Caroline” would be feeling superior, but I know, I just know, Elizabeth can handle her. Thanks for the preview and for allowing me to be entered into the contest.
ForeverHis Thanks for stopping by. Caroline does have a few choice moments in this story which everyone will enjoy. Elizabeth is one determined woman. Great fun! Jen ♫
This sounds fabulous. I can’t wait to see Lizzy put Caroline in her place. And what Darcy’s reaction to her cooking is since Jane made that comment. This is one I want for vacation next month. Thank you for all your hard work.
Hi Heather! Yes, I think you will have a good chuckle with Caro! In this story Darcy has never dated a woman who cooks so he is in for a “treat.” Thanks for stopping by. Jen
Oh! This is terrific! I think I’m going to love the book!
Glenda, thanks! The bake off premise for this story is great fun! I hope you like my little tale. Jen
What a great twist with characters that we love and “love” to hate.
Thanks Pam, Yes some of our canon characters take on a new challenge in this story. Ha! Ha! Good luck in the giveaway. Jen
Intriguing. I look forward to reading this story. The images will help me “see” this story as I read it. Thanks for the excerpt. Interesting products represented by each contestant. I rather thought the products would be a finished item. Brown sugar is not usually eaten alone. Interesting. How does brown sugar become one’s product unless she takes the sugar cane or beet and grinds it herself.
Hi Sheila, The signature ingredient is what each contestant likes to cook with. Crazy! I hope enjoy my story and if you have time check out the pictures on the Pinterest page. They all look delicious. Thanks, Jen
PB is one of my favourite ingredients too. PB&Js got me through most of my life, and still love ’em. There’s always a jar of Asian-style PB dressing in my fridge. Can’t wait to see what Lizzy comes up with. And who ends up with egg (or coconut or coffee) all over their face. 🙂 Sounds like another fun read from JenRed!
Janis, thanks so much for stopping by! The bake off is great fun and I think you will enjoy how D&L manage to work in their relationship around it. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen
I missed that story on DarcyandLizzy forum but I’ll certainly read it –one way or the other 😉
Congratulations on writing it and good luck!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I might have posted my comment on the wrong place… (blushing emoticon needed.)
Still…congratulations!
Alexandra, thanks so much for saying. It’s a fun little upbeat story with lots of mouth-watering treats. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen