Arguing in Amish

One of the most fascinating things about writing Amish fiction is listening to their ongoing debate with technology. This has been going on particularly since the arrival of the telephone. You might think Alexander Graham Bell’s invention was rejected outright … Continue reading

Free Recipe – Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Zucchini Bread 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup oil 1 3/4 cups sugar 1 T. vanilla 2 cups zucchini, grated 3 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 cup … Continue reading

Author BJ Hoff – Why Write Amish Fiction?

A question that seems to pop up often in my email has to do with why, after so many years of publishing general historical fiction, have I recently been writing “Amish fiction.” This may seem like an easy question to … Continue reading

Extra Friday Recipe – Chocolate Fudge

Hello, Amish Readers! Here is today’s selection from Georgia Varozza’s The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Chocolate Fudge 3 6-oz. packages chocolate chips 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk small pinch salt 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup chopped nuts In … Continue reading

Free Recipe Friday – Braised Beef Cubes

Hello, Amish Readers! Here is today’s selection from Georgia Varozza’s The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Braised Beef Cubes 2 lb. stew meat, cubed 2 T. oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 package onion soup … Continue reading

Old Order Amish Artist

When I thought up my storyline of two teenagers persuing an unusual dream for Old Order Amish–publishing a children’s book–I never dreamed I would find someone who fits this description, living in the same area as my fictional characters. Elmer … Continue reading

Author Murray Pura and Amish Writing

I did not grow up with the Amish but I grew up with the Mennonites and there are a lot of similarities between the two groups in certain areas. Both use German (the Mennonite low German is close to the … Continue reading

Free Recipe Friday – Baked Chicken and Apples

Hello, Amish Readers! Here is today’s selection from Georgia Varozza’s The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Baked Chicken and Apples 1 whole chicken 2 apples, peeled, seeded, and quartered 1 onion, quartered salt pepper 1 tsp. parsley 1 tsp. sage 1 … Continue reading

Free Recipe – Amish Bacon Bean Soup

Amish Bacon Bean Soup 1 pound bacon ends or sliced bacon, cut into small pieces 1 pound navy beans 1 chopped onion 4 quarts water, approximately salt and pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a large pot and simmer … Continue reading

Free Recipe – Creamed Celery and Almonds

Creamed Celery and Almonds 4 T. butter, divided 3 cups celery, diced 1 cup slivered almonds 2 T. flour 1/2 cup half-and-half or cream 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 cup chicken broth, boiling 3 T. Parmesan cheese Melt 2 T. butter … Continue reading