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You may never have thought about this, but writing any kind of story requires a certain amount of research. If, for example, a body is found in the ashes of a house fire, how long would it take to identify the remains? If someone is bashed over the head and stuffed into a freezer, how hard is it to determine the time of death?

Research is a fun and time-consuming part of writing. Some research is easier. What kind of a vehicle would a county sheriff’s deputy drive? And some is harder. Do the dogs earn titles at local border collie herding trials or just points? Still looking for that answer if anyone has a lead.

One of the most difficult, and yet tastiest topics I research for my cozy mysteries is the German/Austrian pastry served up by Freda at Arroyo Loco’s Saturday morning coffee klatches. She started with streusel in Fire at Will’s, then, without my realizing it was happening, transitioned to more exotic items. After a while, internet research no longer satisfied and I was forced to take a lengthy trip through Germany and Austria, making stops at bakeries along the way to sample the wares and make notes for the next story.

I successfully identified several new possibilities, including Knieküchle, which makes an appearance in Missing Mom, and is formed by plastering the dough over the baker’s knee. Yes, bare knee. My grasp of German was insufficient to inquire as to whether the baker powders the knee first with flour, or oils it. And what about the baker with hairy knees?

What pastry do you think Freda should bring next Saturday morning?