Welcome, reader of Homefires Hearth! Thank you for visiting! Scroll down for selected recipes, tips, and book descriptions. Notice you can also enter to win a book! German Potato Pancakes 4 medium potatoes 3 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp salt Pare the potatoes and grate them. Add beaten eggs and sifted dry ingredients. Drop from a spoon into a hot, greased frying pan. Bake until a golden brown on both sides. Makes 10-12 cakes. Finger Biscuits (Schnetki) 2 cups flour 3 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup milk 1 cup cream Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening as in pastry. Add cream and milk and blend together well. Turn out on floured bowl and knead 20 strokes. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. At one edge lap dough over to 1 inch width. Cut off this double strip. Lap dough over again and cut. Repeat until entire strip has been cut. Cut long double strips in 3" lengths. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 16-18 biscuits. Where seekers come . . . . Enter to win! A Woman for God's Glory This drawing ended on November 30. To those who participated, thanks! A Woman from God's Perspective, Anna Mary Byler -- Life isn't all everblooming roses. The bright petals fall and the thorns prick our comfort zones. The future is lined with scattered clouds.... Beauty for Ashes, John Coblentz -- When Tamar was raped by her half brother, the Bible says she was left weeping and desolate. Though 3,000 years old, this story strikes a deep chord with many people, because Tamar's story is their story. Sexual abuse and its effects are a widespread, and often silent, scourge...even in the church. After explaining why sexual abuse can be so devasting, Beauty for Ashes leads readers through God's Word to healing and hope. Clear, honest, and practical. Mother to Mother on Breastfeeding, Miriam Biehn, R.N. -- A very positive and encouraging guide for young parents who wish to give their baby the best possible start! Down-to-earth, reassuring advice on preparation for breastfeeding, the physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding, and how to deal with problems that may arise. Household Tips Dry green celery or parsley leaves until crumbly. Store in covered jars to use as seasoning in soups and fillings. After rice has been cooked and drained, place a slice of dry bread on top of the rice and cover. The bread will absorb the moisture and the rice will be dry and fluffy. When washing pans and baking dishes to which food has adhered during cooking, turn the pan upside down in steaming, sudsy water. Food will loosen in a very short time. To keep muffins from burning around the edges, fill one section with water instead of batter. Mennonite Community Cookbook, Mary Emma Showalter -- This favorite cookbook is the source of the above tips as well as the two recipes shown at the left. The author has compiled favorite recipes from hundreds of Mennonite women noted for their excellent cooking. Tantalizing dishes brought to this country directly from old Dutch, German, Swiss, and Russian kitchens.

I specialize in books from conservative Mennonite publishers. However, I also offer some selections from Amazon.com. Here are a few: My Amazon The Mark: Left Behind #8 101 Ways to Stretch Your Dollars Moms Saving Money Anabaptists 20 Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites Why Do They Dress That Way? Through Fire & Water: An Overview of Mennonite History By Birth or by Choice; Who Can Become a Mennonite? Invitation to Faith Homeschooling The Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling 200+ Games and Fun Activities for Teaching Preschoolers The Homeschool Journey 40 Ways to Teach Your Child Values Rubber Stamping Art of Rubber Stamping Rubber Stamping Beyond the Basics All You Need to Know about Rubber Stamping Artistry With Rubber Stamps Craft Works Rubber Stamping Creative Rubber Stamping Techniques First Christmas Rubber Stamp a Making Greeting Cards With Rubber Stamps Stamp-A-Christmas: A Book & Rubber Stamp Kit More Amazon

Ellie, Mary Christner Borntrager -- A fascinating look at the world of the Amish people through the eyes of a young Amish girl growing into adulthood.  Through Ellie's experiences, including a runaway buggy ride, her baptism Sunday, a death in her family and her own special wedding day, readers get a real-life picture of the Amish lifestyle. Christian Family Living, John Coblentz -- Practical, step-by-step instruction for everything from training toddlers to courtship standards to caring for aging parents. A guide for families, churches, and individuals serious about Christian family living. Easy Paper Crafts, Mary Currier -- Activities for children from preschool through early grades--coloring, cutting, folding, gluing, and displaying. May be used to make multiple copies for group use (not for resale). 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible, Ura Miller -- Children young and old will enjoy this full-color Bible story book. Each two-page spread contains a Bible story, Scripture references, a full-color picture, a verse for parents, and questions to ask the child after reading. What Mennonites Believe, J.C. Wenger -- J. C. Wenger explains who Mennonites are and what they stand for. He goes on to explore beliefs held in common by Christians of all denominations and highlights those stressed by Mennonites. Included is an explanation of how the 16th-century Radical Reformation group, the Anabaptists, are the spiritual ancestors of Mennonites and how what the Anabaptists taught and the persecution they experienced affects Mennonite beliefs today. Recommended for Mennonites as a helpful aid to explaining their beliefs and for those curious about the beliefs and lifestyle of simplicity, biblical pacifism, strong sense of community, and service orientation of Mennonites.

Anabaptist Bookstore newsletter: Your Email: Dear Princess, Mary M. Landis -- Do you have problems with personality, having right attitudes, self-pity? Do you have problems making friends? Is your Christian life less than a victorious one? This book gives clear, detailed Scriptural help and guidance for Christian young women. Filled with many examples of real girls; written in a lively, captivating style that holds the interest and attention of both young and old. Preparing Children for School and Life -- In nineteen chapters, twelve writers urge parents to nurture and prepare their children for mature participation and effective use in God's kindgom. Subjects treated are: diligence, obedience, facing responsibility, a healthy independence, a well-disciplined child, responsible decision-making, well-adjusted social behavior, proper economic values, a Scriptural attitude toward oneself, facing life properly, the influence of the church on the child, and more. A valueable resource and inspirational book for serious Christian parents. Life with an Alcoholic, Virginia Crider -- Is there any hope? Yes! Follow the author's search for God's answers. Learn how she found real security, experienced the power of prayer, and the encouragement of Christian fellowship. Read about her struggles to apply the principles of submission and respect. Discover how she dealt with problems related to children, money, and physical intimacy. Tea Leaves -- A book of devotionals, prayers, and poems by Christian sisters, most of whom are missionaries. These inspiring devotionals for women are grouped under such headings as: "My Spirit Hath Rejoiced in God My Saviour," "Her Children Arise Up and Call Her Blessed," "We Are Laborers Together With God," "He Hath Smitten and He Will Bind Us Up," and "Here Am I, Send Me."