WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake...Another great recipe from Pinterest!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
• 1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10 3/4 fl. oz.) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 bag (16 oz.) frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot medley, thawed
• 2 cups cubed, precooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
• 1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish. 
COMBINE evaporated milk and cream cheese in baking dish with wire whisk until smooth. Add soup, water, garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Add vegetables, chicken and rice. Cover tightly with foil. 
BAKE for 35 minutes. Uncover; top with cheese. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. 
FOR FREEZE AHEAD:
PREPARE as above; do not bake. Do not top with cheddar cheese. Cover; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
PREHEAT oven to 350° F.
BAKE, covered, for 45 to 55 minutes. Uncover; top with cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

The Terrible, Awful, Dreadful Idea: A Rowdy Raccoon Story by Donna C. Braymer

 

Book Description:  Not all bright ideas are sensible... But your child can learn a lot from their mistakes - and it's even better if the mistakes are made by a loveable raccoon instead of themselves! Rowdy Raccoon is never short of creative ideas… But they aren’t always the best.

This captivating picture book is perfect for any child who likes to let their imagination run wild, and they’ll find a delightful cast of characters they’re sure to relate to.

There’s slow and cautious Tanner Turtle, sensible Savannah Squirrel, and loveable Rowdy, whose excitable nature sometimes lands the Harrison Hollow animals in deep trouble.

When they meet a scissor-tailed flycatcher, the animals are awe-struck. Surely they can fly too if they could just fashion some wings out of leaves and vines.

Uh-oh … !

My Thoughts:  I'm always on the look out for great children's stories.  A friend posted this book the other day and I just had to check it out!

It's such a good story for children.  

I immediately fell in love with Rowdy Raccoon.  He's smart and has great ideas that lead him to trouble.  

His friends Tanner Turtle and Savannah Squirrel are Rowdy's friends. They are just as lovable as Rowdy.  

This book is kid tested.  My sister's seven year old twins love this story!  

The illustrations bring this story to life.  

I know your children will love this book!  

It makes a great birthday or Christmas present.

Crosshairs (Natchez Trace Park Rangers) by Patricia Bradley

 

Book Description:  Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

My Thoughts: I always eagerly await a new story from Ms. Bradley.  I was waiting for this third book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers and this book didn't disappoint .

Of course since this is the third book it is a stand alone.  So don't be afraid that you missed too much.

When Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown to investigate a terrible murder she unknowingly becomes the target of the killer.

But Lincoln Steele, even though he going through his own personal crisis, crosses paths with Ainsley.  This is where the story becomes engaging.

To be honest as a pretty good armchair detective I didn't see who the killer was until he was named.  

I love it when a story has me so engrossed I forget to look for clues and just read trying to follow the author's lovely description of the town and relationships.  Small town charm with a killer on the loose.

A lot of danger and excitement mixed with sweet romance.  A not.to.missed.suspense.read!

Secrets In Amish County by Mary Alford.... It's Here!

 

 SHE NEEDS ANSWERS. HE'S DETERMINED TO KEEP HER ALIVE.

Eve Lantz and Casey Masterson have known each other since childhood.

But when Eve returns to Rachel's Crossing, their reunion is anything but peaceful.

Someone wants her dead.

Casey has a badge, a promise to protect her, and feelings that make this case dangerously personal.

Discover their story in Secrets in Amish Country by Mary Alford!

https://amzn.to/4rNpCBQ

#ProtectiveHero #ChristianRomanticSuspense #SecretsInAmishCountry

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday|

 

The Escape by Lisa Harris

 

Book Description:  US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them. 

My Thoughts:  The action, the suspense, the characters....oolalala!  What a read!

This is one of those gotta reads if you love action and suspense.  Of course, Lisa Harris never disappoints with adding a bit about having faith.

It seems simple enough for US marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn to transport two prisoners on a private plane.  Not much can happen while one is in the air.  Or can it?!?!  

First, the plane has engine trouble, the pilot has to make a crash landing in a forest, one prisoner dies and the pilot dies in the crash.  then when Madison and Jonas regain consciousness they realize the other prisoner has escaped.  how did a simple trip become so very complicated?  And that's just the beginning of the story!

It's interesting to find out how US marshals rally work and the way they put themselves in danger for the sake of the the good.

Oh.my!  I loved this read!  Fantastic writing with enough action, suspense and little romance to make me wish I could become an US marshal.

Secrets In Amish County by Mary Alford

 SHE NEEDS ANSWERS. HE'S DETERMINED TO KEEP HER ALIVE.

Eve Lantz and Casey Masterson have known each other since childhood.

But when Eve returns to Rachel's Crossing, their reunion is anything but peaceful.

Someone wants her dead.

Casey has a badge, a promise to protect her, and feelings that make this case dangerously personal.

Discover their story in Secrets in Amish Country by Mary Alford!

https://amzn.to/4rNpCBQ

#ProtectiveHero #ChristianRomanticSuspense #SecretsInAmishCountry