Amanda Flower's Blog, page 2
September 23, 2023
Cucumber Salad #Recipe
I had a bumper crop of cucumbers on our farm this year, and they are still going strong. Are you like me and need to use up those summer veggies? Check out this easy recipe of the month that is a fan favorite in our home.
Ingredients
Directions
1) Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
2) Chill for at least 30 minutes
3) Enjoy!
FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH
Available October 24th!Set in the fan-favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of a widowed Amish matchmaker and her zany, four-times-divorced Englisch best friend as they must solve the murder of a quilting competition judge.
It’s August in Holmes County, and that means it’s time for the Holmes County Fair. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition—while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce—especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win—even murder . . .
When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead—before the competition is wiped out for good . . .
Available 10/24/23
Happy reading! 
Amanda
August 13, 2023
Pumpkin Spiced Zucchini Muffins #Recipe
By popular demand here is a bonus Recipe of the Month! I have had a bumper crop of zucchini this year in the garden so I will be making a lot of these!
Ingredients
Directions
1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2) Spray two muffin pans with baking spray. Makes 18 muffins.
3) Mix flour, salt, baking powder, soda, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice together in a large bowl.
4) Add eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla, brown sugar, and white sugar to flour mixture.
5) Beat mixture together until smooth.
6) Add zuchinni and mix well.
7) Add chopped walnuts and mix well.
8) Put mixture into pan.
9) Bake for 40 minutes.
10) Allow to cool and enjoy!
FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH
Available October 24th!Set in the fan-favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of a widowed Amish matchmaker and her zany, four-times-divorced Englisch best friend as they must solve the murder of a quilting competition judge.
It’s August in Holmes County, and that means it’s time for the Holmes County Fair. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition—while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce—especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win—even murder . . .
When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead—before the competition is wiped out for good . . .
Available 10/24/23
Happy reading!
Amanda
August 11, 2023
Fast Three Bean Salad #Recipe
I grow so many herbs in my garden every summer, but I’m not always great at remembering to use them in my cooking. This summer, I made good use of my fresh parsley
Ingredients
1 chick peas-rinsed
1 can of green beans-rinsed
1 can of pinto beans-rinsed
1/2 chopped sweet onion
1/3 apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup on olive oil
3 tablespoons of sugar
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Direction
Mix chopped onion, parsley, and all 3 kinds of beans in a bowl.In another bowl mix remaining ingredients for the dressing.Add dressing to the bean mixture.Chill for at least 30 minutes.Enjoy!
FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH
Available October 24th!Set in the fan-favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of a widowed Amish matchmaker and her zany, four-times-divorced Englisch best friend as they must solve the murder of a quilting competition judge.
It’s August in Holmes County, and that means it’s time for the Holmes County Fair. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition—while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce—especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win—even murder . . .
When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead—before the competition is wiped out for good . . .
Available 10/24/23
Happy reading!
Amanda
July 28, 2023
Cherry Pecan Crisp #Recipe
I made this recipe for my husband’s birthday earlier this month, and he loved it! It’s a great summer treat!
Ingredients
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 cup chopped pecans + one handful for topping
Direction
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Lightly grease a two-quart baking dish.Pour pie filling into the baking dish and spread evenly.Mix brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and melted butter together in a medium bowl. Spread over cherry pie filling and sprinkle with chopped pecans.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.Allow to cool for 15 minutesEnjoy
FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH
Available October 24th!Set in the fan-favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of a widowed Amish matchmaker and her zany, four-times-divorced Englisch best friend as they must solve the murder of a quilting competition judge.
It’s August in Holmes County, and that means it’s time for the Holmes County Fair. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition—while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce—especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win—even murder . . .
When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead—before the competition is wiped out for good . . .
Available 10/24/23
Happy reading!
Amanda
June 27, 2023
Easy Broccoli Cheese Quiche #Recipe
Need a great way to use up the eggs in your fridge. Try my easy quiche that it delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped broccoli
4 chopped green onions
8 eggs
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Direction
Preheat oven to 400 degree F Steam broccoliWhisk all ingredients together in a bowlPour mixture into pie pan or use a buttered muffin pan for mini quichesBake for 35 minutes or until golden brownAllow to cool for 15 minutesEnjoy
FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH
Now Available!Set in the fan-favorite Amish village of Harvest, Ohio, the latest novel in USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower’s Amish Matchmaker Mysteries brings back the unlikely sleuthing duo of a widowed Amish matchmaker and her zany, four-times-divorced Englisch best friend as they must solve the murder of a quilting competition judge.
It’s August in Holmes County, and that means it’s time for the Holmes County Fair. It’s the county’s biggest annual event, drawing tourists and locals alike to see livestock, eat too much fried food, and watch the rodeo and speed racing contests. This year, Millie has entered the quilting competition—while her very not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is distracted by her new dating app and her search for husband number five. In a place where quilting is a way of life, the competition is fierce—especially this year, when an anonymous donor doubles the winning cash prize. Amish and English women are up against each other, and some will do anything to win—even murder . . .
When someone attacks the quilt barn by slashing the quilt display, it’s unsettling enough. But when a quilting judge is found murdered, Millie knows it’s time to for Lois to get off her app and help her hunt for a killer instead—before the competition is wiped out for good . . .
Available 10/24/23
Happy reading!
Amanda
May 29, 2023
Easy Broccoli Salad #Recipe
Even though it’s not official summer, summertime recipes are here! A staple of summer picnic is broccoli salad, and I’m sharing my recipe with you! Enjoy.
Ingredients
4 cups of rough chopped broccoli
4 chopped green onions
1 cup of Miracle Whip or Mayo
2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 of chopped walnuts
1/2 of dried cranberries
salt and pepper to taste
Direction
1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix
2. Chill for at least one hour
3. Enjoy!
FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK
Now Available!Praise for Blueberry Blunder!
“Enlivened by the antics of Jethro, the miniature pig, this satisfying cozy with its details of candy making, the eighth in Flower’s Amish Candy Shop series, also illuminates small-town life through its lovingly described setting and well-defined characters.”-Booklist
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’ Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making and a hint of romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her law enforcer boyfriend.
Bailey King, star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies—including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .
When Bailey’s TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She’s not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic—because the filming coincides with Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . .
Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together—a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer’s list . . .
Available Anywhere Books are sold!
Happy reading!
Amanda
April 18, 2023
Lower Sodium Vegetarian Tacos #Recipe
Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and recently, I have started a strict low sodium diet. This means eating at most Mexican restaurants is out. Thankfully after some research, I was about to make lower sodium tacos for my husband and I, and they turned out great. If you are trying to cut the salt, these are a great option. You can also added salt to this recipe if sodium is not a concern for you. Enjoy!
Ingredients
taco shells (or for even lower sodium make it with unsalted tortilla chips and make this into a taco salad)
1 cup white rice (cooked as directed on the box with water only)
2 cans of low sodium tomatoes and chilies
1 tablespoon of canola oil
1/2 onion diced
1 red pepper diced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried cilantro
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne
1 can low sodium black beans
shredded Mexican cheese of choice
sour cream if desired
low sodium salsa
Direction
1. Cook rice as directed on the box with water only.
2. In a large pan, add canola oil. When it is hot, add onions and peppers until cooked through.
3. Add spices to the pan
4. Add the two cans of tomatoes and chilies to the pan. Cook through.
5. Add cooked rice to the pan cook through.
6. While the rice is cooking, heat black beans in microwave and prepare to assemble taco.
7. Assemble taco from the bottom of the shell up: black beans, cheese, rice, salsa, sour cream
8. Enjoy!
FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK
Order from the Learned Owl for a free gift!!!
https://www.learnedowl.com/book/9781496734631
Praise for Blueberry Blunder!
“Enlivened by the antics of Jethro, the miniature pig, this satisfying cozy with its details of candy making, the eighth in Flower’s Amish Candy Shop series, also illuminates small-town life through its lovingly described setting and well-defined characters.”-Booklist
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’ Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making and a hint of romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her law enforcer boyfriend.
Bailey King, star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies—including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .
When Bailey’s TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She’s not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic—because the filming coincides with Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . .
Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together—a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer’s list . . .
Amazon Barnes and Noble
Happy reading!
Amanda
March 21, 2023
Easy Macaroni Salad #Recipe
I love macaroni salad, but I find the kind you can buy pre-made at the grocery store to be too heavy with dressing. To remedy that, I came up with my own easy recipe. It’s great for a main dish or side dish or even a covered dish to take to your next family or church get together! Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 box of macaroni
6 sweet pickles chopped
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1/2 onion diced
1 red pepper diced
1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
1/2 of light Miracle Whip or light mayonnaise
4 stalks of celery diced
1/4 cup of sweet relish
cracked pepper to taste
Direction
1. Cook and drain pasta as directed on the box.
2. Add macaroni.
3. Add all other ingredients to the macaroni and stir until completely coated.
4. Chill for at least one hour.
5. Enjoy!
FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK
Order from the Learned Owl for a free gift!!!https://www.learnedowl.com/book/9781496734631
For fans of Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams’ Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making and a hint of romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her law enforcer boyfriend.
Bailey King, star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies—including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .
When Bailey’s TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She’s not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic—because the filming coincides with Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . .
Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together—a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer’s list . . .
Happy reading!
Amanda
February 19, 2023
Super Easy Pineapple Fluff #Recipe
A super easy dessert that will make you think of summer and sandy beaches. Perfect for a mid-winter pick me up!
Ingredients
1 20oz can of crushed pineapple in juice
1 box of instant pudding
2 cups of whipped topping
Direction
1. Mix crushed pineapple with juice, instant pudding, and whipped topping together in a bowl.
2. Chill for at least one hour.
3. Serve with whipped topping and a sprinkling of coconut flakes.
FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK forthcoming 2/24/23
A sweet tooth for murder….
Bailey King’s in New York wrapping up a six-week shoot on her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, when she gets a call
“An adorable pug and characters you can invest in enliven a very cherry-centric mystery.” — Kirkus Reviews
When the biggest catch at the annual Ice Fishing Derby is the body of brewmaster Wallace, Shiloh must reel in the killer before her farm goes belly-up.
Shiloh Bellamy still expects the last few Winter months to be busy with repairs, spring planning, and networking with local businesses. She might even be able to broker a new partnership with Fields Brewery and its organic brewer’s association. Well, she could if the owner, Wallace, wasn’t found murdered at the county Ice Fishing Derby.
Once again, Shiloh gets tangled up in the investigation when the police ignore an entire crop of suspects to blame one of her friends. She’ll have to dig deep to find the truth, reel in a killer, and convince her city-slicker pug to wear his winter boots. But with Bellamy Farm still struggling, can Shiloh spare the time to look into the town’s fishy characters? Or will her dream farm be the next thing floating belly up?
USA Today bestselling Amanda Flower returns to the Farm to Table cozy mystery series with another exciting sleuthing adventure!
from her Ohio town’s resident busybody. With Easter around the corner, Bailey’s been recruited to create a giant toffee bunny for the weeklong springtime festival that will also feature live white rabbits. But back home in Harvest, death becomes the main attraction when Stephen Raber keels over from an apparent heart attack – with Bailey and Raber’s pet bunny as witnesses.
Except it wasn’t Raber’s heart that suddenly gave out – a lethal dose of lily of the valley was mixed into a tasty piece of toffee. Who’d want to poison a jovial rabbit farmer who reminded Bailey of an Amish Santa Claus? To solve the murder, she and her sheriff deputy boyfriend Aiden must uncover a 20-year-old secret. She’ll need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to keep a healthy distance from toxic people, including one venomous killer….
Happy reading!
Amanda
January 30, 2023
Quick and Easy Pasta Pomodoro #Recipe
Italian food is my favorite and sometimes it can be too heavy if you are watching calories. Try this quick and easy Pasta Pomodoro for lighter but delicious Italian.
Ingredients
16 oz box of spaghetti
2 tablespoons garlic
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
1-2 tablespoon of Italian spice mix
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 container of cherry tomatoes
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
Directions
1. Boil spaghetti as direct on the box, set aside.
2. Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
3. In a large pan or wok add olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, sugar, and Italian spice mix and cook on medium high.
4. Add cherry tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and sugar.
5. When the tomatoes are cooked through, add spaghetti and thoroughly coat with sauce.
6. Remove from heat and serve. For extra flavor add parmesan cheese.
FEATURED BOOK OF THE WEEK forthcoming 2/24/23
A sweet tooth for murder….
Bailey King’s in New York wrapping up a six-week shoot on her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, when she gets a call
“An adorable pug and characters you can invest in enliven a very cherry-centric mystery.” — Kirkus Reviews
When the biggest catch at the annual Ice Fishing Derby is the body of brewmaster Wallace, Shiloh must reel in the killer before her farm goes belly-up.
Shiloh Bellamy still expects the last few Winter months to be busy with repairs, spring planning, and networking with local businesses. She might even be able to broker a new partnership with Fields Brewery and its organic brewer’s association. Well, she could if the owner, Wallace, wasn’t found murdered at the county Ice Fishing Derby.
Once again, Shiloh gets tangled up in the investigation when the police ignore an entire crop of suspects to blame one of her friends. She’ll have to dig deep to find the truth, reel in a killer, and convince her city-slicker pug to wear his winter boots. But with Bellamy Farm still struggling, can Shiloh spare the time to look into the town’s fishy characters? Or will her dream farm be the next thing floating belly up?
USA Today bestselling Amanda Flower returns to the Farm to Table cozy mystery series with another exciting sleuthing adventure!
from her Ohio town’s resident busybody. With Easter around the corner, Bailey’s been recruited to create a giant toffee bunny for the weeklong springtime festival that will also feature live white rabbits. But back home in Harvest, death becomes the main attraction when Stephen Raber keels over from an apparent heart attack – with Bailey and Raber’s pet bunny as witnesses.
Except it wasn’t Raber’s heart that suddenly gave out – a lethal dose of lily of the valley was mixed into a tasty piece of toffee. Who’d want to poison a jovial rabbit farmer who reminded Bailey of an Amish Santa Claus? To solve the murder, she and her sheriff deputy boyfriend Aiden must uncover a 20-year-old secret. She’ll need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to keep a healthy distance from toxic people, including one venomous killer….
Happy reading!
Amanda
