Gather Around the Amish Table by Lucy Leid is a sure diet-buster! Have you ever just sat down and read a cookbook? Especially one that uses lots of potatoes and is almost one-third desserts and pies and cakes and cookies? Yum!
On my first quick read-through, I have eleven recipes bookmarked for possible creation for testing by hubby. I must admit I have one I will never ever in a million lifetimes make: Roasted Pig Stomach! But English Muffin Loafs and Favorite Soft Pretzels (along with one that supposedly tastes like Auntie Anne’s) and Grandmother’s Spaghetti Soup and Noodle Cheese Bake and Blueberry Buckle and Soft Oatmeal Cookies may just get a testing in the near future!
What makes this cookbook fun and interesting besides the recipes is the author has included some stories from the folks who contributed to the cookbook. On the recipe for Amish Macaroni Salad, we read “We like to go picnicking in the Wisconsin woods every fall, when the weather is golden and mellow and the sky is bright blue.” [Can’t you just picture the day?] “Our favorite picnic spot is by the shallow creek, which is clear and flows over stones.” [I can hear the sound!] “There’s a fire pit there and an old picnic table and benches in the shade. We think a picnic wouldn’t be complete without either potato salad or macaroni salad, so I’ll include our recipe for both.” [Ah, a little slice of heaven!] And yes, you’ll have to buy the book to get the recipe!
The editors in the introduction state: “This book in your hands is a charming glimpse into the kitchens and lives of horse-and-buggy people. With their stories and recipes, they invite us to fellowship around their tables. The cooks admit their mistakes and their lessons and share their jokes … Enjoy the stories and the good food. May God bless your fellowship around your own table with the ones you love.”
I’ll add my blessings to you too as you read, try, and enjoy Gather Around the Amish Table: Treasured Recipes and Stories from Plain Communities.