Della Carmichael has her hands full, juggling her cable cooking show, her cooking school, and Della's Sweet Dreams, her fudge business that she runs with Emma, her best friend's daughter. But when her producer announces that she is to be a judge in a celebrity cook-off, how could she refuse the exposure for her businesses. But when Della discovers one of her fellow judges was to be Keith Ingram, the womanizing playboy who had just dumped her poor "unofficial" daughter Emma, Della knew it was going to be a tough job. Emma's father John had been Della's late husband's police partner, and he was furious at Ingram for hurting his little girl's feelings. The stage for the gala was set, and things were going smoothly, aside from the fist fight between Ingram and John. But right as the judging was to begin, a smoke bomb was released and when the smoke cleared, Keith Ingram was found with a knife stuck in him. Immediately John is suspected of the murder, and it's up to Della to use her keen instincts to help clear her dear friend's name. THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING is the 3rd book in the "Della Cooks Mystery" series by Melinda Wells, and it proves to be just as delicious as its predecessors. Della is a competent, smart lady who uses her experience with people and a bit of her late husband's teachings to come up with a reasonable conclusion. Her gentleman friend, Nicholas D. Martino, an investigative reporter, helps her out as he can with clues and tidbits of information. With her standard poodle, Tuffy and her warm circle of family and friends, Della Carmichael's adventures are thrilling and enlightening. And the delicious set of recipes included with this book are tantalizing. A great combination for a delightful cozy mystery.