WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Tomato Tortellini Soup

When I'm looking for a great recipe I go to Taste of Home and this is where I found this wonderful recipe!  "Souper" for this cold weather!

Ingredients

• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup, undiluted
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Additional shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

• Cook tortellini according to package directions.
• Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stirring frequently. Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Something New (Plain City Bridesmaids) Book 2 by Dianne Christner

Book Description:  Return to Plain City, Ohio, where lifelong goals open paths to something new. Lil Landis aspires to become a head chef…a far cry from her Conservative Mennonite upbringing. But as she chases after her dream, problems seem to hinder her every move—from her mother’s depression to her family’s failing farm. Veterinary student Fletch Stauffer comes to the Landis farm with some goals of his own. But as Fletch is drawn deeper into deceptive ambitions, he finds himself falling for spunky Lil and at odds with his dream. Will determination cloud their thoughts until their goals—and love—disappear?

My Review:  Having read Something Old, Plain City Bridesmaids) I anxiously awaited Something New by Dianne Christner.

These are stand.alone reads but if you read Something Old you will understand the sharing of secrets and the sharing of the dawdy haus by three friends, Lil, Katy and Megan.  

We know that Katy is happily married and a great friend to Lil.  Katie is also staunch in her Mennonite faith and does not variate by any means.  Lil, however, loves excitement and action.  She also loves food!

It seems that Lil's dreams are going to come to a dead end when her mother can't/won't come out of her depression...but enter Fletch.  Ah!  sweet, kind Fletch! Who makes Lil's heart flutter. 

But Lil isn't your typical Mennonite girl..she trims her hair and cuts her bangs.  She would (and has worn shorts and jeans) be the first to say that the "church" stifles some of her life.  But her trust in God never wavers.

Little is said of Megan in this read or even in the first read, so my guess is that the third book will Megan's story.  We do know that Megan's heart leans towards missions  and that she had a "crush" on a married man but that fell by the way side...then his brother takes over for him while he tries to get his life back together...I think the third book will take off with Megan and this brother. {smile}

If you enjoy reading about the Amish then you'll love this read.  Even though it's not about the Amish faith but about the Mennonites {kissing cousins to the Amish}.  

Dianne Chrsitner writes an excellent description of dealing with depression and how it affects the members of your family...no matter what your faith.

The spicy of story of Lil makes for a great read!  I loved this book and will {im}patiently wait for the third book!

*This book was provided by Net Galley/Barbour Books*

Meet the author:

Dianne Christner lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Her Mennonite background brings authenticity to her new contemporary series about the plain people. Before this, she had several historical fictions published. Dianne is a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and National Association of Professional Women. She invites you to visit her website and blog.

COTT: Clash Of The Titles . . . Amish Clash!

*guest post by Delia Latham
It's been an edge-of-the-seat, flashing-swords kind of Clash between Vannetta Chapman and Beth Wiseman. These gals elicited some genuine response! It is beyond clear that both authors are well loved, and that their writing touches hearts.
This was an Amish clash, and if you missed it, you'll definitely want to check out the excerpts, as both were excellent examples of GOOD Amish fiction.
Beth Wiseman's The Wonder of Your Love elicits a whole tangle of emotions, with a dreaded meeting between an Amish woman and her deceased husband's Englitscher mistress.

If you missed our interview with Beth, be sure to stop by and check it out.
Vannetta Chapman's Falling to Pieces, on the other hand, paints a poignant picture of loss and confusion after the death of a loved one, all wrapped up in a stack of gorgeous Amish quilts.

And here's our interview with Vannetta.
I'd love to post every reader response, because I didn't see a single negative one in the overwhelming number we received…but in the interest of space, I had to choose just a few:
Please don't stop writing...because your gift transports me to another place, away from all the stresses of life and encourages me!

I love Amish Fiction. Both of these excerpts make me want to dive into these ladies' lives.

Hearing an Amish story takes me back to my childhood in the mountains of Kentucky. We read by lamp, the Bible mostly. Everything we ate we grew in the garden and canned on a wood stove for winter. The outhouse was about fifty yards from the backdoor. Thanks to both of you for taking me back. God Bless.
I love the Amish Clash as I love to read Amish stories. Having been in the homes of Amish people and corresponding so many years, my home has a room with all Amish figurines and dolls. Keep writing Amish fiction.
Keep writing! We all need encouragement to live more simply like the Amish!
I was drawn into the stories immediately, and now those characters are going to be following me around all day!
We are so grateful for this feedback from our readers! It's your involvement that gives Clash of the Titles its purpose.
So, which sword-wielding author came out on top?
As much as I'd love to name both of them (since they're so obviously both WINNERS!), we can only have one victor per clash. That victor, this time around, was:

BETH WISEMAN

The Wonder of Your Love

CONGRATULATIONS, BETH!
A brand new clash is now underway, and it's the kind that will curl your toes. Head over to Clash of the Titles and vote for the best Almost Kiss!

On A Whim {Katie Weldon Series #2} by Robin Jones Gunn

Book Description: As she heads toward college graduation, Katie’s life begins to change and she must decide what to hold on to and what to let go of. The second book in the Katie Weldon series renews the bond between Katie, Christy, Todd, and Rick as they embrace adulthood.

My Review:  I absolutely love! any book written by Robin Jones Gunn and I love, love the Katie Weldon Series.  

After reading the first book, Peculiar Treasures, it was exciting to read about Katie's life during her  senior year of college.

Like most of us, Katie's life isn't perfect.  She struggles with the where and the when and what is the most important in her life.

Her senior year of college brings so many decisions!  And then, there's more than one guy!  Rick is such.a.dear!  But so busy and his roommate, Eli!  Well, he takes time to gaze at the stars! 
Life is handing Katie some not so great moments . . . family dynamics, a broken hearted car and romance.  Katie learns that through it all she must trust in the Lord!
This is one of those exciting and lovable reads!  Reading about Katie and her friends is like opening the family photograph album...no one's a stranger! 
Even though each of the Katie Weldon books can be read alone, I suggest that you read them in order because you'll understand all that is going on in Katie's wonderful world.
Once again, Robin brings us the best of Katie!

*This book was provided by Zondervan*   

Too Cute...

HaPpY GrOuNdHoG DaY!!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

A great recipe of comfort food from Southern Living!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups milk 
• 3 large eggs 
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 
• 2 tablespoons butter 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 medium-size ripe bananas 
• 1 (1-lb.) package peanut butter sandwich cookies
• 2 cups sweetened whipped cream 
• Garnishes: peanut butter sandwich cookies, dried banana chips, fresh mint sprigs

• Preparation:

  1. 1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted.
  2. 2. Fill a large bowl with ice. Place saucepan in ice, and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly chilled.
  3. 3. Meanwhile, cut bananas into 1/4-inch slices. Break cookies into thirds.
  4. 4. Spoon half of pudding mixture into a 3-qt. bowl or pitcher. Top with bananas and cookies. Spoon remaining pudding mixture over bananas and cookies. Top with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Garnish, if desired.
  5. Note: For testing purposes only, we used Nabisco Nutter Butter® Sandwich Cookies. For photography, we divided mixture between 2 (1 1/2- to 2-qt.) wide-mouthed pitchers.
  6. Shortcut Nutter Butter®-Banana Pudding Trifle: Omit eggs, sugar, flour, and butter. Substitute thawed extra creamy whipped topping for sweetened whipped cream. Reduce vanilla to 1 tsp. Place 3 cups milk and vanilla in large bowl; add 2 (3.4-oz.) packages vanilla instant pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until thickened; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream. Proceed with recipe as directed in Steps 2 through 4.
  7. Note: For testing purposes only, we used Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding and Pie Filling and Cool Whip Extra Creamy.

COTT: Clash Of The Titles . . .

*guest post by Michelle Massaro

(Ms. Davy) was an amazing cheerleader and I lived to make her smile with my stories. Whether I really was or not at that point, she made me believe I was a good writer. 

~ Sr. Editor April Gardner, on who inspired her writing.

***

Today we get to spend some time with COTT founder April Gardner. April is an amazing author, good friend, and an inspiration to me. She’s a sometime home school mom, a military wife, a talented writer, and a frugal do-it-yourselfer. So I was excited to get to pick her brain! Below are the questions that I always wanted to ask. I’m sure you will find them just as fascinating as I do.

Michelle: April, what was it like growing up with missionary parents?

April: We never lacked for excitement, that's for sure! Some MKs struggle with change, but I never minded it. I was shy and content merely to be with my family; wherever they were, I was happy, no matter the town or country! Growing up in Spain and learning Spanish was one of God's beautiful gifts to me. 

Michelle: That's so cool! Some might be surprised to hear that you are dyslexic. What advice or encouragement would you give to others out there struggling with dyslexia?

April: I'd imagine that most reading this are adults, and by the time dyslexics reach adulthood, they've managed to cope quite well. Having a child with dyslexia, however, was something that took me completely by surprise, surprisingly. LOL From what I hear, it goes through the mother, so odds were pretty good one of my kids would struggle with it. When it comes to dealing with a dyslexic child I've learned three things. 1. Patience is the name of the game! 2. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. 3. There is no shame in being dyslexic or having another learning difficulty.

Michelle: You have now experienced both the public school world and the home school world. What are your observations comparing both? 

April: My most important observation is that God's plan for our children's education is 1. God's plan for us in unique! I cannot compare how others chose to educate their children with our own choices. 2. God's plan for us is not set in stone, never to change. What might be His will one year, might not be the next. We must be flexible and keep our ears tuned to Him. He'll speak most loudly through our kids via their progress, contentment, discipline, and attitude.

Michelle: Great insights! Ok, so what began your fascination with history?

April: Laura Ingells Wilder and her Little House books! They were the first "big" books that held my attention well enough to make reading worth all the effort. I haven't looked back since!

Michelle: I love those books too! You are a military spouse--where have you lived, and which was your favorite place?

April: The military first moved us to Germany. We were 19 years old and newly married. Our tour lasted 7 years. Straight from there, we went to England for four years, and we've currently been in Georgia 2.5 years. Germany holds a very dear place in our hearts for many reasons, but I have felt most content and fulfilled right here in Georgia. God bless the USA!! Boy, it's good to be home. :-)

Michelle: Wow, that sounds so adventurous! And now you're a published author--another adventure! Who first inspired you to pursue publication and writing? Who inspires you today?

April: Several people along the path of my life worked together to inspire me to pick up the pen, but the first was my high school creative writing teacher, Ms. Davy. She was an amazing cheerleader and I lived to make her smile with my stories. Whether I really was or not at that point, she made me believe I was a good writer. Today, it's the drive to reach goals that inspires me. I do love a challenge!!

Michelle: Of the characters you've created, who is your favorite and why?

April: True Seeker, the budding Creek Indian warrior from my latest novel, Warring Spirits, is my favorite character so far. His heart is good and true to his name, he seeks wisdom, honor, and a personal relationship with the Giver and Taker of Breath.

Michelle: I like his character too. But of course, they're all good in my opinion! Besides writing excellent historical romance novels, you also have a lot to share on your blog about managing health issues with diet, frugality, and parenting. Any idea what's coming up in 2012?

April: Great question! LOL My blog is ever changing, but yes, I do tend to focus on those topics. Right now, I'm on an all-natural foods kick, so I'm sure my followers will see more of those tips in the future.

Michelle: Tell us about your recent book releases.

April: Warring Spirits is my latest adult fiction release. It's set in 1816 and is the story of a woman who might be able to hide her African heritage except for her hair, which is a dead give-away. Milly's escape from slavery leads her to the safety of Negro Fort where Major Phillip Bailey, believing her to be white, takes it upon himself to "free" her from the stronghold. At the same time, he's ordered to launch an attack against it. Accomplishing both is a virtual impossibility, especially when the beautiful woman doesn't want to be rescued. Where blood is shed, unexpected love may bloom!

Michelle: I've read it and it's awesome! Head to Amazon you guys,  you won't regret it. April, thanks for answering all my hard-hitting questions today, lol.

Readers, check out COTT this week for some of our favorite Amish Excerpts!