Isabella Alan joins us today for Drinks with Reads to pair her new Amish Quilt Shop Mystery, Murder, Simply Stitched, with Pumpkin Spiced Tea.
In the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series, Willow Moon owns the Dutchman’s Tea Shop, which is across the street from Running Stitch, the Amish quilt shop, my main character Angie Braddock, a transplanted Texan, inherited form her Amish aunt. Willow’s shop is a popular stop in Rolling Brook, Ohio, but Willow can be overly creative with her tea recipes. She likes to test them out on Angie before she sells in the shop, much to Angie’s dismay…
Excerpt from Murder, Simply Stitched
She held on to the purple crystal, which hung from her neck. “That’s a wonderful idea, Angie. I will only get it out if there are no Amish in the shop.” She dropped her hand. “Would you like a cup of tea from my cauldron?”
Her question was a little too Hansel and Gretel for me. “Oh, well, I’m not thirsty.”
“All you have to do is taste it.”
I edged closer to the table. “You want me to drink something that came out of that?”
“Of course. It’s only a decoration. You don’t think I’m a witch, do you?”
“No. At least I don’t think so. The cauldron is making me nervous.”
“Don’t be silly. It’s only tea leaves and spices.”
I saw the top rim of a fist-sized tea ball in the middle of the pot. Some dark black substance inside. Tea leaves and spices, right. I swallowed. “What flavor is it?”
“I’m calling it Witches’ Bite.”
And she claims not to be a witch. I did not find the name comforting. “You might not want to share that name with the Amish.”
“Good point.”
“What’s in it?”
“Pumpkin, sweet potato, and a special kick.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I’ve never had sweet potato tea
before.”
“Then this will be your lucky day.” She walked over to the sideboard and removed two teacups and saucers. “It gives the tea an earthy quality.”
I always wondered why people described food as having an earthy taste. Didn’t that mean it tasted like dirt?
Recipe for Pumpkin Spice Tea (serves 4)—No Sweet Potato, I promise!
3 cups water
4 black tea bags
Juice of ½ squeezed lemon
1 cup apple juice
1 cup cranberry juice
1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoon of sugar or to taste
Boil water and steep tea bags in hot water for 8 minutes. Add all other ingredients. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Serve hot or cold. Enjoy!
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Isabella Alan is celebrating the release of Murder, Simply Stitched with a special giveaway!
Enter to Win an Amish Charm Bracelet from author Isabella Alan (aka Amanda Flower)! Click here to Enter!
Order Murder, Simply Stitched now: Amazon | B&N | Books-A-Million | CBD
Isabella Alan is the pen name for Agatha Award-nominated author, Amanda Flower.
I love this series and Angie. Totally recommend it,
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