Amanda Flower's Blog, page 2

Vegetable Wild Rice Slow Cooker Soup #Recipe

My favorite form of cooking in the winter is in a slow cooker, and my vegetable wild rice soup is the perfect meal for a cold winter night. You can freeze it too! Enjoy!

Ingredients

6 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth1 can diced tomatoes1 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes3 celery stalks, choppedone turnip, chopped5 sliced baby portobello mushrooms1 medium sweet onion, chopped1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped1 red pepper1 yellow pepper2 tablespoons of minced garlic3/4 teaspoon salt3/4 teaspoon pepper3 bay leaves2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (Marjoram, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Savory, and Sage)1 cup uncooked wild riceSour cream

Directions

Combine all ingredients except the rice in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for one hour.Add one cup of uncooked wild rice, stir, and cook on high for an additional four- five hours or until the rice is tender.Serve and add a dollop of sour cream.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Click the photo above to order or order by phone 330-653-2252.Available February 25, 2025!
When a blaze takes both a neighbor’s home and his life, Emily Dickinson and her maid Willa have a burning desire to crack the case in this new historical mystery from Agatha Award–winning author Amanda Flower.

Amherst, 1857. The Dickinson family braves one of the worst winters in New England’s history. Trains are snowbound and boats are frozen in the harbor. Emily Dickinson and her maid, Willa Noble, have never witnessed anything like it. As Amherst families attempt to keep their homes warm, fears of fire abound.

These worries prove not to be unfounded as a blaze breaks out just down the street from the Dickinson in Kelley Square, the Irish community in Amherst, and a young couple is killed, leaving behind their young child. Their deaths appear to be a tragic accident, but Emily finds herself harboring suspicions there may be more to the fire than meets the eye. Emily and Willa must withstand the frigid temperatures and discover a killer lurking among the deadly frost.

 Amazon

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Cranberry Orange Cookies #Recipe

This time of year, I’m looking for a cozy sweet treat that goes with a good book and a mug of coffee. These cookies fit the bill. I made them for Christmas, but I think they can be a stable all winter long! Enjoy!

Ingredients- cookie

2 sticks of softened unsalted butter2 large egg yolks3 tablespoons of orange juice1 tablespoon of cornstarch1 1/3 cups of sugar1 teaspoon of baking powder1/2 teaspoon of baking soda3 cups of flour1/2 of salt2 1/2 cups of fresh cranberries

Ingredients- cookie topping

sugar 2 tablespoons orange zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F Combine and beat butter, sugar, and orange zest.Mix in egg yolks and orange juice.Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.Add dry mixture to wet until completely combined. Add cranberries to mixture.On a plate, combine combining sugar and orange zest for the topping.Scoop cookie dough and roll into balls. Roll cookie balls in the topping.Bake for 12 minutes or until golden.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Click the photo above to order or order by phone 330-653-2252.Available February 25, 2025!
When a blaze takes both a neighbor’s home and his life, Emily Dickinson and her maid Willa have a burning desire to crack the case in this new historical mystery from Agatha Award–winning author Amanda Flower.

Amherst, 1857. The Dickinson family braves one of the worst winters in New England’s history. Trains are snowbound and boats are frozen in the harbor. Emily Dickinson and her maid, Willa Noble, have never witnessed anything like it. As Amherst families attempt to keep their homes warm, fears of fire abound.

These worries prove not to be unfounded as a blaze breaks out just down the street from the Dickinson in Kelley Square, the Irish community in Amherst, and a young couple is killed, leaving behind their young child. Their deaths appear to be a tragic accident, but Emily finds herself harboring suspicions there may be more to the fire than meets the eye. Emily and Willa must withstand the frigid temperatures and discover a killer lurking among the deadly frost.

 Amazon

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Super Easy Corn Casserole #Recipe

We just had side dishes for Thanksgiving this year and it was delicious! Surprisingly, our favorite was the easiest we made, Corn Casserole. I’ve made it before, but this time I used Jiffy Cornbread mix, and it was easy to make and delicious. I think I will make for another holiday soon too! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 box of Jiffy Cornbread mix1 15oz can of corn1 15oz can of creamed corn1stick of melted butter1 cup of sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 8×8 in baking dish.Combine all ingredients. Pour mixture into the baking dish.Bake for 50 minutes until the top is golden brown.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Available Everywhere Books Are Sold!
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’  Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Ohio-set Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making, plus the romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her county sheriff fiancé.

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

 Amazon

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Apple Crisp #Recipe

Apple Crisp is a staple in our house every fall. I picked so many apples this year that I made it at least four times. Even though in Ohio apple season is over, there are still some great apples you can buy at the market. I used Mutsu apples for my apple crisp, but any tart apple would be perfect.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients-Filling

5 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced1/2 cup sugar1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients-Topping

1/2 cup all purpose flour1/3 cup old fashioned oats2/3 cup packed brown sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 stick melted butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 8×8 in baking dish.Combine the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the apples are evenly coated. Pour mixture into the baking dish.Combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until well coated and crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apples.Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.Allow to cool and Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Available Everywhere Books Are Sold!
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’  Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Ohio-set Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making, plus the romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her county sheriff fiancé.

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

 Amazon

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Best Gingerbread Cookies #Recipe

To celebrate the release of Gingerbread Danger this week, I decided to try my hand at making gingerbread cookies for the first time. Usually, I prefer drop cookies because they are faster to make, and cutout cookies a bit more challenging. However, I was pleasantly surprised how easy these were, and they make the whole house sell like Christmas. My husband says they are the best cookies he’s ever had!

Best Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients-crust

3 1/4 cups all purpose flour1 tablespoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon ground ginger3/4 teaspoon ground cloves3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/2 teaspoon salt3/4 teaspoon baking soda3/4 cup softened butter1/2 cup brown sugar1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup unsulfured molasses

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.In a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer) combine brown sugar and butter until smooth.Add egg, vanilla, and molasses to stand mixer until smooth and combined.Slowly had the flour mixture to the the stand mixture and mix on low speed until combined.Remove batter from mixer roll into a ball on plastic wrap. Wrap batter with plastic wrap and flatten.Chill batter in the refrigerator for at least three hours.When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Remove batter from fridge and roll out until about 1/8 in thick.Cut out shapes with favorite cookie cutters. I chose cats!Bake a single tray of cookies for eight minutes. (Tip: while the batches are baking, roll out and cut more cookies. The time will go more quickly that way.)Let cookies cool and decorate with icing if desired.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Available Everywhere Books Are Sold!
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’  Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Ohio-set Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making, plus the romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her county sheriff fiancé.

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

 Amazon

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

My Mom’s Fresh Salsa #Recipe

Every year my garden is different, and for this the first time, I have had a bumper crop of tomatoes. Because of this I have been making my mom’s fresh salsa recipe every few days. Before my mom passed away, she typed up some of her best recipes on cards for me. This was definitely a favorite, and any time I make it, I think of her. My husband loves this salsa, but he likes spicy food a lot more than I do. Because of that, I always make two batches at a time: one mild for me and one hot for him. I use Anaheim peppers for myself and jalapenos for him. I hope you enjoy it!

Mom’s Fresh Salsa

Ingredients-crust

3 tomatoes1/4 oniontablespoon of fresh lime juice2-3 peppers- Choose peppers on your own heat preference. The hotter the pepper the hotter the salsa.salt to taste

Directions

Rough chop tomatoes, onion, pepper.Put all ingredients in a food processor and chop until the desired consistency.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Available October 22, 2024!
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’  Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Ohio-set Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making, plus the romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her county sheriff fiancé.

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

 Amazon

Preorder Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

My Mom’s Fresh Salas #Recipe

Every year my garden is different, and for this the first time, I have had a bumper crop of tomatoes. Because of this I have been making my mom’s fresh salsa recipe every few days. Before my mom passed away, she typed up some of her best recipes on cards for me. This was definitely a favorite, and any time I make it, I think of her. My husband loves this salsa, but he likes spicy food a lot more than I do. Because of that, I always make two batches at a time: one mild for me and one hot for him. I use Anaheim peppers for myself and jalapenos for him. I hope you enjoy it!

Mom’s Fresh Salas

Ingredients-crust

3 tomatoes1/4 oniontablespoon of fresh lime juice2-3 peppers- Choose peppers on your own heat preference. The hotter the pepper the hotter the salsa.salt to taste

Directions

Rough chop tomatoes, onion, pepper.Put all ingredients in a food processor and chop until the desired consistency.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Available October 22, 2024!
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’  Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Ohio-set Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making, plus the romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her county sheriff fiancé.

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations
begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . . Amazon

Preorder Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Homemade Cheesecake #Recipe

This month we have two recipes for your summer fun! Have you been invited to a potluck summer party for the 4th of July or just a get together with friends and don’t want to spend a lot of time in the hot kitchen cooking? Try these summer bites, veggie pinwheels and chocolate peanut butter crispie cups. Both are fast and easy, and you can make them ahead!

Homemade Cheesecake

Ingredients-crust

1 ½ cups graham crackers crushed1 teaspoon sugar1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon4 tablespoons melted butter

Ingredients-batter

16 oz of softened cream cheese16 oz of sour cream3 eggs1 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractCherry pie filling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Whisk together graham cracker, sugar, and cinnamon for the crust.Add melted butter to the crust mixture.Bake crust for 10 minutes and let cool.Beat the cream cheese with the eggs until smooth for the batterAdd in the 1 cup sugar and vanilla. Gently fold in the sour cream.Pour batter over the cooled crust.Bake for 60-65 minutes.Chill over night.Add cherry pie filling on top.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available!
While not as famous as her older siblings Wilbur and Orville, the celebrated inventors of flight, Katharine Wright is equally inventive – especially when it comes to solving crimes – in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s radiant new historical mystery series inspired by the real sister of the Wright Brothers.

December 1903: While Wilbur and Orville Wright’s flying machine is quite literally taking off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with its historic fifty-seven second flight, their sister Katharine is back home in Dayton, Ohio, running the bicycle shop, teaching Latin, and looking after the family. A Latin teacher and suffragette, Katharine is fiercely independent, intellectual, and the only Wright sibling to finish college. But at twenty-nine, she’s frustrated by the gender inequality in academia and is looking for a new challenge. She never suspects it will be sleuthing…

Returning home to Dayton, Wilbur and Orville accept an invitation to a friend’s party. Nervous about leaving their as-yet-unpatented flyer plans unattended, Wilbur decides to bring them to the festivities . . . where they are stolen right out from under his nose. As always, it’s Katharine’s job to problem solve—and in this case, crime-solve.

As she sets out to uncover the thief among their circle of friends, Katharine soon gets more than she bargained for: She finds her number one suspect dead with a letter opener lodged in his chest. It seems the patent is the least of her brothers’ worries. They have a far more earthbound concern—prison. Now Katharine will have to keep her feet on the ground and put all her skills to work to make sure Wilbur and Orville are free to fly another day.

Amazon

Purchase Everywhere Books Are Sold!

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Summer Holidays Small Bites #Recipe

This month we have two recipes for your summer fun! Have you been invited to a potluck summer party for the 4th of July or just a get together with friends and don’t want to spend a lot of time in the hot kitchen cooking? Try these summer bites, veggie pinwheels and chocolate peanut butter crispie cups. Both are fast and easy, and you can make them ahead!

Veggie Pinwheels

Ingredients

Two tablespoons of cream cheeseTwo tablespoons of sour creamDill to taste (dry or fresh)Two chopped green onionsOne dice red bell pepperTortillas of choice (I used veggie)

Directions

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, dill, green onions, and pepper in a bowlPlace one tortilla flat on a plate and spread mixture on the tortilla.Tightly roll the tortilla into a tube.Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.Cut the tube into one inch thick circles.Enjoy!

*You can double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd too!

Peanut Butter Crispie Bites

8 ounces of chocolate2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butterone cup of rice crispies cereal

Directions

Melt chocolate in microwave in 30 second intervals.Mix peanut butter with melted chocolate.Add Rice Crispies to mixture and combine.Scoop mixture into a silicone mini cupcake pan.Refrigerate overnight.Enjoy!

*You can double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd too!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available!
While not as famous as her older siblings Wilbur and Orville, the celebrated inventors of flight, Katharine Wright is equally inventive – especially when it comes to solving crimes – in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s radiant new historical mystery series inspired by the real sister of the Wright Brothers.

December 1903: While Wilbur and Orville Wright’s flying machine is quite literally taking off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with its historic fifty-seven second flight, their sister Katharine is back home in Dayton, Ohio, running the bicycle shop, teaching Latin, and looking after the family. A Latin teacher and suffragette, Katharine is fiercely independent, intellectual, and the only Wright sibling to finish college. But at twenty-nine, she’s frustrated by the gender inequality in academia and is looking for a new challenge. She never suspects it will be sleuthing…

Returning home to Dayton, Wilbur and Orville accept an invitation to a friend’s party. Nervous about leaving their as-yet-unpatented flyer plans unattended, Wilbur decides to bring them to the festivities . . . where they are stolen right out from under his nose. As always, it’s Katharine’s job to problem solve—and in this case, crime-solve.

As she sets out to uncover the thief among their circle of friends, Katharine soon gets more than she bargained for: She finds her number one suspect dead with a letter opener lodged in his chest. It seems the patent is the least of her brothers’ worries. They have a far more earthbound concern—prison. Now Katharine will have to keep her feet on the ground and put all her skills to work to make sure Wilbur and Orville are free to fly another day.

Amazon

Purchase Everywhere Books Are Sold!

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Greek Potato Salad #Recipe

It’s summer salad season! Potato salad is always a staple this time, but I’m trying a Greek inspired and dairy free recipe. It turned out so well, I think it will be a summer favorite in our house. It’s also a great recipe you can make the day before. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Greek salad dressing1 1/2 lbs of red potatoes quartered7 oz of sun-dried tomatoes diced7 oz Kalamate olives diced4 green onions diced6 oz feta cheese3 oz of capershandful of fresh dill

Directions

In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender.While the potatoes are still warm, move them to a large bowl and mix with all other ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.Serve and top with fresh dill.Enjoy! FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available!
While not as famous as her older siblings Wilbur and Orville, the celebrated inventors of flight, Katharine Wright is equally inventive – especially when it comes to solving crimes – in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s radiant new historical mystery series inspired by the real sister of the Wright Brothers.

December 1903: While Wilbur and Orville Wright’s flying machine is quite literally taking off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with its historic fifty-seven second flight, their sister Katharine is back home in Dayton, Ohio, running the bicycle shop, teaching Latin, and looking after the family. A Latin teacher and suffragette, Katharine is fiercely independent, intellectual, and the only Wright sibling to finish college. But at twenty-nine, she’s frustrated by the gender inequality in academia and is looking for a new challenge. She never suspects it will be sleuthing…

Returning home to Dayton, Wilbur and Orville accept an invitation to a friend’s party. Nervous about leaving their as-yet-unpatented flyer plans unattended, Wilbur decides to bring them to the festivities . . . where they are stolen right out from under his nose. As always, it’s Katharine’s job to problem solve—and in this case, crime-solve.

As she sets out to uncover the thief among their circle of friends, Katharine soon gets more than she bargained for: She finds her number one suspect dead with a letter opener lodged in his chest. It seems the patent is the least of her brothers’ worries. They have a far more earthbound concern—prison. Now Katharine will have to keep her feet on the ground and put all her skills to work to make sure Wilbur and Orville are free to fly another day.

Amazon

Purchase Everywhere Books Are Sold!

Happy reading!

Amanda