Amanda Flower's Blog

As the days get warmer, I notice that I eat more salads, but I do get bored with the same old thing. Also with the protein craze, I am trying to eat more vegan protein in the form of tofu and beans. This Spicy Mexican Bean Salad is delicious and is so healthy too! You can made it as spicy or as not spicy as you want in the dressing. It’s a real upgrade if you’re feeling bored by salad. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained1 15 oz can chick peas, rinsed and drained1 15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained1 red pepper chopped1 orange pepper chopped3 green onions chopped1 15 oz can of corn, drained.1 red bell pepper, chopped½ cup olive oil½ cup rice wine vinegar2 tablespoons fresh lime juice2 tablespoons of minced garlic2 tablespoons sugar2 tablespoons of taco seasoning1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper½ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste

Directions

Whisk together dressing with rice wine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, sugar, cumin, black pepper, and chili powder.In a large bowl mix together black beans, chick peas, cannellini beans, peppers, and green onions.Add dressing to saladChill for at least 30 minutes.Enjoy. FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now AvailableCombining the sugar rush of candy making with a fascinating look at Amish life, a quirky whodunit, and a sweet romance between chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody, Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries continue, as summer wedding season comes to the village of Harvest, Ohio…

Horror d’oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d’oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy’s ex-boyfriends . . .
Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?

Recipe included!

Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org | Kensington Paperback, Audio & Ebook

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

I love ramen, but the pre-made kind you find at the grocery store or even the kind that you can get a restaurant has so much salt. As I’ve aged, salt intake is something that I have really watched. So the only way I can enjoy ramen without the salty guilt is to make it myself, and I have just perfected my recipe. In fact, my husband says it’s the best thing I have ever made, which is high praise. Keep in mind that you can change and add to the vegetables on this ingredients list however you wish. You can really make this recipe your own! Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sesame oil2 tablespoons minced ginger3 tablespoons minced garlic4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar2 tablespoons miso paste4 cup of vegetable broth1 tablespoon of sugar2 green onions diced1 head of broccoli chopped1 can baby corn1 can water chestnuts sliced2 plain dried ramen packs

Directions

In a large pot heat the sesame oil.Add ginger and garlic to the oil and heat until fragrant.Stir in soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, miso paste, sugar, and vegetable broth.Add ramen cakes and bring to a boil.Add green onion, broccoli, baby corn, and water chestnuts.Bring to a boil again until everything is cooked through.Enjoy. FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Forthcoming March 31, 2026Combining the sugar rush of candy making with a fascinating look at Amish life, a quirky whodunit, and a sweet romance between chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody, Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries continue, as summer wedding season comes to the village of Harvest, Ohio…

Horror d’oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d’oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy’s ex-boyfriends . . .
Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?

Recipe included!

Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org | Kensington Paperback, Audio & Ebook

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

I don’t know know if cookie muffin is at actual term, but it’s what best describes these. They are the shape of muffins and the texture of a soft cookie. They are also vegan! They are a great for breakfast or an afternoon snack. My husband loves them, and I will be making these for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups flour1 cup Brown Sugar ¼ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cinnamon2 Mashed Ripe Bananas½ cup vanilla almond milk ¼ cup Coconut Oil 1 1/2 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat over to 350 F.Mix together banana, almond milk, and coconut oil with a mixer.Add flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon.Mix batter until thoroughly mixed.Add chocolate chips and walnuts to batter and mix.Grease muffin pan.Add batter to muffin pan.Bake for 35 minutes.Allow to cool.Enjoy! FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Forthcoming March 31, 2026Combining the sugar rush of candy making with a fascinating look at Amish life, a quirky whodunit, and a sweet romance between chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody, Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries continue, as summer wedding season comes to the village of Harvest, Ohio…

Horror d’oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d’oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy’s ex-boyfriends . . .
Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?

Recipe included! Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org | Kensington Paperback, Audio & Ebook

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Happy New Year! Winter is a time to curl up with a good book and a cup of soup. It’s also a time when a lot of us get sick. My Crock-pot Turmeric Chickpea Noodle Soup is just what you need if your down and out. Turmeric is a great ingredient when you’re not feeling well because is an anti-inflammatory. The soup is a little bit spicy, so adjust the use of spices to your own liking. This is how my husband and I like it, especially when we are feeling under the weather. Enjoy and have a happy and healthy New Year!

Ingredients

2 16 oz cans of chickpeas rinsed1 sweet onion chopped2 tablespoons of garlic minced2 tablespoons of olive oil3 carrots chopped3 stalks of celery chopped2 tablespoons of parsley2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning (adjust for more or less spice)2 tablespoons of ground turmeric 32 oz of low sodium vegetable brothlemon juice to tastesalt and pepper to taste12 oz of noodles

Directions

Add olive oil, garlic, and onion to the crock-pot and let warm up for few minutes.Add Old Bay, Turmeric, parsley, celery, carrots, chickpeas, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.Cook on high for three hours.Add noodles and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes.Add water as needed because the noodle with soak up a lot of the broth.If tastes too salty add more lemon juice or water.Enjoy! FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available

After years on her own, Millie has been busy adjusting to married life once again. Meanwhile, her best friend, Lois Henry, is still salty that Millie didn’t have a big wedding where she could get dressed up and be maid of honor. But there’s a way Millie can make it up to her: with a dreary January upon them, it’s the perfect time for a girls’ trip to the Amish community in sunny Pinecraft, Florida. On the tour bus that transports Ohio’s Amish snowbirds to Florida every year, Millie and Lois strike up a friendship with a young woman traveling alone. She reminds Millie of her beloved niece, and Millie takes her under her wing. But even before the end of their first day in Florida, tragedy strikes. Millie and Lois find their new friend dead on the beach, seemingly drowned. But who would want to hurt the sweet young woman?

Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org | Kensington Paperback, Audio & Ebook

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Happy Holidays! I continue to learn more about vegan cooking and have also started vegan baking for a healthier alternative. I made this vegan pineapple upside down cake for Thanksgiving, and it was delicious. It tastes just like a cake with butter and eggs. It can be made for any occasion. Enjoy!

Ingredients- For Topping

1/4 cup melted vegan butter ½ cup brown sugar canned pineapple slicesMaraschino cherries

Ingredients-For Cake

1 ¾ cups flour1 cup white sugar 1 tsp baking soda½ tsp salt 1 cup vanilla almond milk ⅓ cup canola oil1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar ¼ cup Pineapple Juice from the can2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Grease an 9 in round cake pan. Pour melted butter in the pan and coat evenly.Sprinkle brown sugar onto the butter.Place pineapple slices and cherries in the brown sugar.Mix flour, white sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.Add almond milk, pineapple juice, vanilla extract, oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix with hand mixture.Pour batter over pineapples and cherries.Bake for 50 minutes.Let cool and flip cake over.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available

After years on her own, Millie has been busy adjusting to married life once again. Meanwhile, her best friend, Lois Henry, is still salty that Millie didn’t have a big wedding where she could get dressed up and be maid of honor. But there’s a way Millie can make it up to her: with a dreary January upon them, it’s the perfect time for a girls’ trip to the Amish community in sunny Pinecraft, Florida. On the tour bus that transports Ohio’s Amish snowbirds to Florida every year, Millie and Lois strike up a friendship with a young woman traveling alone. She reminds Millie of her beloved niece, and Millie takes her under her wing. But even before the end of their first day in Florida, tragedy strikes. Millie and Lois find their new friend dead on the beach, seemingly drowned. But who would want to hurt the sweet young woman?

Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org | Kensington Paperback, Audio & Ebook

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

I’ve been experiment with more vegan recipes the last couple of months, and this is the best one so far. It’s so easy to make with a slow cooker or crock pot. Especially when the days grow cooler, I love cooking in the crock pot. It’s easy and makes the whole house feel warm and cozy. I see a lot of curries and soups in my future this winter! Enjoy!

Ingredients

olive oil15.5oz can chickpeas rinsed1 pound butternut squash chopped5 oz carrots chopped5 oz cauliflower chopped5 oz broccoli chopped2 cans coconut milk14.5oz can diced tomatoes3 tablespoons of minced garlic1 chopped onion3 tablespoons garam masala3 teaspoons ground cumin3 teaspoons ground turmeric3 teaspoons curry powdersalt to the taste

Directions

Add olive oil, garlic, and onion to crock pot. Allow to heat for 15-20 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot. Stir well.Cover and cook on high for one hour.Lower to low heat and cook for 4-5 hours. Stir periodically.Serve alone or with rice.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available

Murder on the farm? It’s gravy for the gossip mill!

Thanksgiving in Cherry Glen was supposed to be perfect for Shiloh Bellamy. With lingering questions about her grandmother’s inheritance finally resolved, Shiloh has reclaimed Bellamy Farm’s lost acreage and is feeling at peace for the first time in years. She’s thankful for her thriving farm, her budding romance with Sheriff Milan Penbrook, and even her drama-free relationship with her family―well, for now.

But the holiday feast takes a sinister turn when Shiloh’s mischief-loving pug, Huckleberry, spooks the chickens and uncovers something far darker than buried treasure: human remains. The skeleton’s decades-old secrets rattle Cherry Glen, threatening to tarnish the reputation of Shiloh’s beloved late grandmother. But Shiloh won’t let anyone drag her grandmother’s name through the mud. Determined to protect her family’s legacy, she dives headfirst into the mystery, uncovering long-hidden truths that some in Cherry Glen would rather keep buried. With tensions rising, secrets surfacing, and danger closing in, can Shiloh unearth the truth before the past claims one more victim?

Natural Barn Killer is a heartwarming yet suspenseful cozy mystery filled with quirky small-town charm, delightful farm antics, and a dash of holiday chaos.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

I’m a vegetarian, so I am always looking for recipes my non-vegetarian husband and I can both eat. He loves a bang bang shrimp dish from a local market, so I thought, what if it was made with a vegetable so I could enjoy it too? Bang Bang Broccoli was born and now is a staple in my house. It’s one of my husband’s favorites. Enjoy!

Ingredients

32 oz of frozen cut broccoli2 tablespoons of olive oil8 oz of cream cheese1 cup light mayonnaise1 cup sweet chili sauce3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce3 tablespoons of minced garlic2 tablespoons of rice vinegar1 tablespoon of sriracha (more if you like it spicier)chopped cashews

Directions

Defrost broccoliWhisk together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sriracha until smooth.Saute broccoli in olive oil in a large pan or wok.Add mixture to wok, and mix well with broccoli until well heated through.Serve and add a handful of cashews on top.Enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available

Murder on the farm? It’s gravy for the gossip mill!

Thanksgiving in Cherry Glen was supposed to be perfect for Shiloh Bellamy. With lingering questions about her grandmother’s inheritance finally resolved, Shiloh has reclaimed Bellamy Farm’s lost acreage and is feeling at peace for the first time in years. She’s thankful for her thriving farm, her budding romance with Sheriff Milan Penbrook, and even her drama-free relationship with her family―well, for now.

But the holiday feast takes a sinister turn when Shiloh’s mischief-loving pug, Huckleberry, spooks the chickens and uncovers something far darker than buried treasure: human remains. The skeleton’s decades-old secrets rattle Cherry Glen, threatening to tarnish the reputation of Shiloh’s beloved late grandmother. But Shiloh won’t let anyone drag her grandmother’s name through the mud. Determined to protect her family’s legacy, she dives headfirst into the mystery, uncovering long-hidden truths that some in Cherry Glen would rather keep buried. With tensions rising, secrets surfacing, and danger closing in, can Shiloh unearth the truth before the past claims one more victim?

Natural Barn Killer is a heartwarming yet suspenseful cozy mystery filled with quirky small-town charm, delightful farm antics, and a dash of holiday chaos.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

It’s pumpkin spice season, and another way to enjoy the flavor of the season outside of your usual latte is in a delicious piece of coffee cake. This is a great treat to take to fall gatherings with friends and family. It’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping

6 tablespoons melted salted butter1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup chopped walnuts. 1/2 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the cake

1 cup pumpkin puree2/3 cup brown sugar1/2 cup vegetable oil1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs1/2 cup sour cream1/2 cup granulated sugar2 cups flour2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice1 teaspoon baking powder3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.For the crumb topping: Whisk together melted butter, flour, walnuts, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.For the cake: Mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, and eggs.Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix the batter.Grease baking pans.Pour the batter into the pans.Sprinkle cold crumb topping over the batter.Bake for 45-50 minutes.Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available

First in a new series from USA Today Bestselling and Agatha Award-winning Author Amanda Flower.

Twenty-something Kinley Remington has problems. She’s stuck in a dead-end job at the local bank with a terror of a boss, but she’s too timid to try to look for something elsewhere. Whether are not she stays at the bank is taken out of her hands when she is fired for leaving eighty-something heiress Miss Penelope Slope in the bank’s vault alone. Shortly after, Miss Penelope’s priceless diamond necklace comes up missing.

Kinley feels horrible and goes straight to Miss Penelope’s mansion to apologize only to learn that Miss Penelope took the necklace herself. Surrounded by the many cats from her cat rescue, Miss Penelope promises Kinley she will clear up the misunderstanding with Kinley’s employer. However before Miss Penelope can make things right, she is murdered in her own home with only the cats as witnesses.

Kinley was the last person to see Miss Penelope alive and they are looking to her for answers and as a suspect… Kinley must play sleuth if she doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life in prison.

And the cat rescue? That’s on Kinley’s shoulders too. For the first time in her life, Kinley Remington will have to take control of her life and make decisions to save herself and Miss Penelope’s cats.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

Now that it’s late summer, I am finally harvesting veggies from my garden. I have to say that this is one of the best gardens I have ever had. This is especially true when it comes to zucchini. I have never grown so many zucchinis. Because of this, I have had to get creative with zucchini recipes. Some of the new recipes have been flops, but this fritter recipe is a winner that I have made again and again! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 large or two medium zucchinis, gratedsalt2 eggs2 tablespoons Italian herb mix2 tablespoons parsley3 green onions finely choppedground pepper to taste1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese1/2 cup of flour4 oz shredded sharp cheddarshredded Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.Added salt to grated zucchini to remove water.Whisk together eggs, Italian herbs, parsley, and green onion.Add grated Parmesan cheese and flour. Mix.Add sharp cheddar and mix.With a paper towel squeeze moisture from zucchini.Add zucchini and mix.Prepare a baking sheet by using parchment paper and cooking spray.Using a tablespoon, spoon on the fritters on the baking sheet.Add shredded Parmesan to the top of each fritter.Bake for 30-35 minutes until crispy. Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!Ranch dressing or sour cream can be used as a dip for the fritters too.

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Available August 5th, 2025 

First in a new series from USA Today Bestselling and Agatha Award-winning Author Amanda Flower.

Twenty-something Kinley Remington has problems. She’s stuck in a dead-end job at the local bank with a terror of a boss, but she’s too timid to try to look for something elsewhere. Whether are not she stays at the bank is taken out of her hands when she is fired for leaving eighty-something heiress Miss Penelope Slope in the bank’s vault alone. Shortly after, Miss Penelope’s priceless diamond necklace comes up missing.

Kinley feels horrible and goes straight to Miss Penelope’s mansion to apologize only to learn that Miss Penelope took the necklace herself. Surrounded by the many cats from her cat rescue, Miss Penelope promises Kinley she will clear up the misunderstanding with Kinley’s employer. However before Miss Penelope can make things right, she is murdered in her own home with only the cats as witnesses.

Kinley was the last person to see Miss Penelope alive and they are looking to her for answers and as a suspect… Kinley must play sleuth if she doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life in prison.

And the cat rescue? That’s on Kinley’s shoulders too. For the first time in her life, Kinley Remington will have to take control of her life and make decisions to save herself and Miss Penelope’s cats.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda

 

It seems like everyone is talking about getting more protein in their diet. A great way to do it is to eat more cottage cheese. This wrap is one of my favorite way to enjoy it, especially with the fresh parsley from my garden.

Ingredients

flat bread1 cup low fat cottage cheesefresh parsleyone half large cucumber chopped1 tablespoon of blue cheese crumble1 green onion chopped

Directions

Mix cottage cheese, parsley, blue cheese crumble, green onion, and cucumber in a bowl.Spread mixture one a flat bread.Fold flat bread and enjoy!

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Now Available 

Agatha Award-Winning Series!

 The equally brilliant real-life sister of the famous flying Wright Brothers, Katharine Wright, investigates an unsettling death at the 1904 World’s Fair in this radiant new historical mystery from USA Today bestselling author Amanda Flower.

Summer 1904. Katharine and her best friend from Oberlin College, Margaret Goodwin Meacham, are thrilled to attend the St. Louis Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, for the centennial celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Not only is it a grand, international event, it’s also the first time the young women have seen each other in quite a while, and they are giddy with excitement—despite warnings from Katharine’s old family friend, poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, to be careful of the fair’s less seemly side.

Undaunted, the girls have a lovely time—until the exposition turns from a girls’ trip to a misadventure when Katharine stumbles upon a woman in distress. It’s obvious that she has been attacked. Katharine does her best to save her, but tragically, before help can arrive, the woman dies. Yet just before her last breath, she utters the words aeronautics competition. . . . Katharine’s brothers Wilbur and Orville were asked to enter the competition with their successful 1903 flyer but declined. Katharine wonders how this young woman could be connected to such a prestigious event.

Now, unable to get the woman’s face out of her mind, Katharine convinces Margaret to join her investigation—and it’s soon clear that the race to be declared the first in flight might just be the deadliest competition of them all . . .

 Amazon

Everywhere Books Are Sold.

Happy reading!

Amanda