This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m excited to welcome S.K. Derban, author of Case of the Curved Staircase, the second book in her Macaroni on Wheels series! Today, she’s sharing a special treat from the book’s world: award-winning musician, cook, and author Slim Man’s mouthwatering Pesto Sauce recipe, perfect for adding flavor to your favorite dishes.
Special Guest Recipe by Slim Man
In Case of the Paella Party, the final book of the Macaroni on Wheels series, readers will be introduced to the Slim Man band. Their music is featured as one of the playlists enjoyed by Terza and Moheenie while they create amazing meals. Slim Man, an award winning musician, cook, and author has graciously agreed to share his mouthwatering recipe for Pesto Sauce.
Pesto Sauce
Reprinted from Slim Man Cooks Volume 2
This is the Slim recipe for pesto. It’s a little different than my dad’s. Sorry, Paps! I had to give it a Slim Twist…
NOTES:
The Italian name for pine nuts is pignoli. Just thought I’d toss that out there.
I toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. Shake it baby, shake it. Don’t burn your nuts!
I use the extra ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts for sprinkling.
I sauté the smashed garlic on both sides in a small pan with a tablespoon of olive oil for a minute or so. It takes the edge off the garlic, softens the taste.
I use fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if possible. It ain’t cheap, but it’s worth it!
Grate it fresh. She’s a-so nice that way!
Ingredients:
· ½ cup pine nuts (1/4 cup for the pesto, ¼ cup for sprinkling)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 2 cloves garlic, smashed with the broad side of a knife and peeled
· 2 cups fresh clean basil leaves
· ½ cup olive oil
· ½ teaspoon salt (I use kosher, mazel tov)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus a little extra for topping)
HERE WE GO!
Put the pine nuts in a small sauté pan over medium heat.
Toast and shake until golden.
Remove to a small bowl.
Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan.
Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or so.
Flip the garlic over and sauté on the other side for another 30 seconds or so.
Pour the garlic and oil into a small bowl.
Put the basil, ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup of the toasted pine nuts, the garlic, and the salt in a blender and blend, baby, blend.
When everything is smooth, transfer to a bowl and slowly stir in the grated cheese by hand.
Or use a spoon!
DISH IT UP!
Put some over baked salmon, broiled shrimp, roasted chicken, or over pasta.
Sprinkle some of the extra pine nuts on top, or stir into the pasta, and…
MANGIAMO!
Case of the Curved Staircase: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery by S.K. DerbanAbout Case of the Curved Staircase
Case of the Curved Staircase: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Little Italy, San Diego and San Diego Bay
Publisher : S.K. Derban
Publication date : August 27, 2025
Paperback
Print length : 302 pages
ISBN-10 : 196318811X
ISBN-13 : 978-1963188110
Digital
Print length : 273 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1963188103
ASIN : B0FHM8HSH4
Audiobook
ASIN B0FW1BJKX1
The Little Italy entertainment continues in this second book of the Macaroni on Wheels series. Case of the Curved Staircase has more twists and turns than Terza can handle. And, Detective Nicholas Garza is not on the case. Say it isn’t so, Nico! Staircases can be fatal, especially on Halloween. After catering a surprise birthday party on the evening of October 30th, Terza returns to the scene of the celebration on the following morning. Instead of being greeted by the happy, party hosts, Terza discovers a dead body at the bottom of the curved staircase. Not again! And this time, Terza’s amateur detective skills are landing her directly into personal danger. She would rather be using her chef’s knife than having one pointed at her face! As the feisty Italian caterer continues to fill her free time solving crime, she runs head first into a new detective. Unlike Nicholas Garza, the detective now in charge considers Terza a hinderance instead of a help. Fortunately, Jacob Radovan, the medical examiner, continues to be Terza’s ally. There is also an unexpected wedding in Case of the Curved Staircase. Readers of Uneven Exchange just might cheer out loud. The almost perfect weather in San Diego allows the bride and groom to take a carriage ride from the wedding venue to the reception ballroom. It’s a fairytale come true. Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving another murder along with Terza, and will continue to appreciate her zest for life. Readers will be spending more time with the animated Tiepolo family, and especially Terza’s father. Ezio’s Halloween costume is a moo-ving choice! The Tiepolo’s celebrate their loving, family bond as they join together each Sunday. Food, family, and fun! Once again, you may consider this your personal invitation…
About S.K. Derban
S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre, and a passion for British murder mysteries.
S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.
Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing. She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!
Excerpt Case of the Curved Staircase
Ellington finally resumed. “Let’s move on to the crime scene. Detective Garza may have appreciated your help, but I don’t need it.”
Terza shot him a death stare. “I wasn’t offering.”
“I understand you have a video.”
Terza quickly decided against denying it. “I do. It’s on my phone.”
“That was wrong of you,” Ellington scolded. “Please hand me your phone.”
Terza unlocked her phone and slid it slowly across the table. Without asking permission, Ellington scrolled through her videos, apparently searching for the correct date. He turned the screen. “Is this it?”
She leaned in. “Yes, that’s the one.”
“Did you take any other videos?”
“No, just photos.”
“We’ll get to those next.”
Ellington used Terza’s phone to email her video to him, and then he pushed the play button. “Why did you shoot a close up of the carpet?”
“I thought you didn’t want my help.”
His brows lifted. “Curiosity.”
Killed the cat. “Okay.” Terza launched into her theory. Ellington listened, and Terza suspected it was more intently than he wanted her to know.
Website – https://childofthecarpenter.com/
The Latest Blog – https://childofthecarpenter.com/the-latest/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/awriterofmystery/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/s.k.derban/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/sderban/
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-k-derban
Purchase Links TOUR PARTICIPANTSJanuary 28 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
January 28 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
January 29 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
January 29 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
January 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
January 30 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
January 31 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
January 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST
February 1 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
February 1 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
February 2 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT
February 2 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 3 – Salty Inspirations – RECIPE
February 3 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
February 4 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – CHARACTER GUEST POST
February 5 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
February 6 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST
February 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here
I can’t wait to try this pesto recipe myself—it looks absolutely delicious! A huge thank you to S.K. Derban and Slim Man for sharing a taste of Case of the Curved Staircase. Be sure to look around Salty Inspirations for more great authors, recipes, and cozy mystery fun!
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations – Michelle L. Clifton ❤️
