There’s
a scene in the first book of my Mirror World Series where the main character
Mira, in disguise as her alter ego, Lyana, lets the ruler of their world take
her to dinner, only she has secretly orchestrated the whole thing in an
elaborate seduction attempt.
The
menu is carefully chosen and each course described in detail, but for today’s
purpose I’ve chosen to share the dessert course with you. The Panarch and Lyana
enjoy Tiramisu because it is an expensive and rare treat, not too sweet, but rich
in flavour. I chose to provide the recipe for Matcha Tiramisu because my book
is set in a fantasy world, and that means I get to do what I like!
Matcha Tiramisu
What You Need:
1
tablespoon Matcha powder, plus more for dusting
2
packages of Lady Fingers
1
tub Marscapone Cheese
500
ml Whipping Cream
2
tablespoons Sugar
What You Do:
ADD
sugar to whipping cream and beat until fluffy.
FOLD
in Marscapone cheese.
BOIL
water and add matcha powder, whisking until dissolved.
QUICKLY
dip lady fingers into the cooled matcha mixture, then transfer them to a pan
creating a bottom layer. Once complete, cover with marscapone and whipping
cream mixture and repeat until there is no more marscapone and cream mixture
left.
DUST
the top with matcha powder and leave in the refrigerator for a few hours to
set.
About Mirror’s
Deceit:
A gifted
student of majik, Mirena is on the verge of graduating from a secret college
that will give her a leg up in her political career, when her achievements are
overshadowed by the arrival of a mysterious woman with an unknown agenda.
Desperate to keep what she sees as her rightful place in the spotlight, Mirena
goes to astounding lengths including taking it upon herself to pose as a double
agent to investigate a rebel force plotting to destabilize the government. Unfortunately,
her actions cost her the trust of those around her, so when she is proclaimed
the Dark Avatar of the Destroyer, she finds she has nowhere to turn.
In a
seeming utopia, Mirena is now a pariah with the force of Destroyer behind her
and her once bright dreams have darkened, leaving her a threat not only to
herself, but to those she cares about. Can she turn her life around, or will
someone need to stop her before she goes too far?
Read an Excerpt:
The extra
quarter turn of the hourglass Caralain spent in the waiting room helped her to
calm her nerves and gather her thoughts. By the time Mirena left the Panarch’s
office with a bounce in her step that sent her long white-blonde hair swinging,
Caralain was ready. She stood, brushed imaginary dust from her clothing, and
strode into the Panarch’s office with purpose.
“Panarch,
thank you for allowing me to speak with you,” she began as soon as she was
across the threshold, doing her best to avoid meeting his gaze directly lest
she be overwhelmed again.
“Of
course,” Terrence Lee answered, shutting the door behind her and heading for
the chair behind his desk. “I have an open-door policy, as you know, so it’s no
trouble.”
“Right,
of course.” In fact, she did know that, in theory. In practice was another
matter altogether. “Well, either way, I’m glad to have the opportunity to speak
my mind. You see, I have…important information regarding the woman who was just
in here speaking with you.”
He lifted
a brow in question. “Mirena?”
Oh no,
they’re already on a first name basis.
Caralain felt a momentary panic seize her heart. Maybe I’m too late.
“Uh, yes,
Mirena Calanais. Well, you see, I have reason to believe that Mirena has
plans…” She hesitated, but having come this far, she knew she had to continue.
“Plans to remove you from office and install herself in power in your place.”
To
Caralain’s surprise, a wide grin spread across the Panarch’s face, his blue
eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh?”
She
couldn’t help but feel discomfited under that blue-eyed stare. She wriggled
uncomfortably in her seat. “Uh, yes. I know it seems ludicrous from where
you’re standing, with Mirena’s relative anonymity at this point, but…”
“No, it’s
not that,” he chuckled. “Mirena was just in here saying exactly the same
thing.”
“She
what?!”
“Mirena
is a bright girl with a bright future ahead of her,” the Panarch told her and
Caralain felt the world beneath her feet begin to fade away, leaving in its
place only a dark abyss from which there was no return. “I’m thinking of making
her my apprentice, actually. She showed great promise in the meeting we just
had.”
Caralain’s
heartbeat picked up speed and the air suddenly felt thin as she tried to take
in enough to keep breathing. She was halfway to her feet and stumbling out of
the chair before she realized that there was nowhere she could flee that would
be safe from what she was hearing. “No! I mean, you can’t! She’s…she’s a
monster. She’ll destroy this world and everything good in it.”
Terrence
Lee’s look of patient amusement turned quickly to one of concern and alarm. He
also got to his feet. “Ms. Dashar? Are you all right?”
He was
coming around the desk now and Caralain realized abruptly how she must look and
sound. She fought desperately to bring her fear under control and to compose
her face. “Yes, yes, of course, I’m fine.” She started for the door and was
relieved when her hand found the handle. “This was a mistake. I’ll just go.”
She
wrenched the door open and allowed the gentle murmur of the waiting room
comfort her nerves.
“Are you
certain?” He wasn’t just going to let this drop, but Caralain couldn’t let her
sanity, and therefore her credibility, be called into question. “I can call
someone for you if you need me to. A Healer, perhaps?”
“No, no,
I’m fine. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.” And with that, she
fled.
Book
Info and Links:
Order Ebook from
Mirror World Publishing
Meet the Author:
Justine Alley Dowsett is the author of nine novels and
counting, and one of the founders of Mirror World Publishing. Her books, which
she often co-writes with her sister, Murandy Damodred, range from young adult
science fiction to dark fantasy/romance. She earned a BA in Drama from the
University of Windsor, honed her skills as an entrepreneur by tackling video
game production, and now she dedicates her time to writing, publishing, and
occasionally role-playing with her friends.
Connect
with Justine Alley Dowsett:
Author
Page:
Goodreads
Author Page:
