Bake the Chocolate-Covered Mint Cookies at 350 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet, and then remove them to a wire rack to complete cooling. (If you’ve used parchment paper, you can simply leave the cookies on the paper and pull it over to the wire rack.) Wait until the cookies are completely cool before you try to peel them off the parchment paper.

Yield: Makes approximately 5 dozen deliciously minty and chocolatey cookies.

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

“Thanks, Norman!” Hannah said, as Norman walked in the door of the Jordan High auditorium carrying a very large box. She knew exactly what was in the box because she’d called him earlier and asked him to bring his popcorn machine to the auditorium.

“No problem. I’ve got all the things you need to make a batch of popcorn in the car. I’ll go get the other box.”

Hannah quickly shrugged into her parka. “Hold on a second and I’ll walk out with you.”

“Okay, but I don’t need help. Wouldn’t you rather stay here, where it’s warm?”

“No, I’d rather go with you. Come on, Norman. Let’s get that second box so we can figure out how to use your popcorn machine before it’s time for the first intermission.”

“But there’s no audience. It’s just a rehearsal.”

“I know, but the Lake Eden Players might like some popcorn to munch on between acts. And everyone on the makeup and technical crews would enjoy it.”

“You’re right, Hannah. Let’s go.”

Norman led the way outside and Hannah followed. The moment they got outside the door, Norman turned to her. “Okay, Hannah. Why did you need to talk to me alone?”

Hannah smiled. She should have known that Norman would catch her true purpose in walking out with him. “Because Lisa was standing with Michelle at the counter and I wanted to ask you if you’d discovered anything that might help to clear her.”

“Makes sense. And, as a matter of fact, I did discover a partial alibi for her.”

“Oh, Norman! You’re wonderful!” Hannah threw her arms around him and gave him a hug. It wasn’t much of a hug because they were both wearing bulky, padded parkas and her arms barely reached around him. “Tell me what you discovered.”

“I stopped by Mother and Earl’s this afternoon. Earl was there, warming up after a whole morning of plowing out Lake Eden city streets, and Mother was making Janelle’s Chicken Soup for him.”

“I love that soup! I wish I’d gone with you.”

“So do I. You know I love to spend time with you, Hannah. Anyway, I had a bowl of soup with them, and Earl and I got to talking. Earl said he was driving the snowplow last night.”