Family Values and Amish Living

Art and I recently had the opportunity to visit Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. Since our schedules were pretty tight, we had a lot to see and do in a very short time.

As you can see from all the video (just click here to get to this week’s TV recipes, where you can view video for each recipe) we shot, we took in a lot. We rolled up our sleeves and helped make jams and jellies, got to can Amish Chow Chow and were even the official taste testers when it came to making sure the whoopie pies were up to our high standards.

Besides all the great hands-on experiences, the thing we enjoyed the most was the time we got to spend with the Amish people and the lessons we learned. Yes, they live simpler lives than most of us. When I say simpler I mean not as complicated, but in no way do I mean easier. Many grow their own food on their farms and the food they don’t grow themselves they get from the local market… Just like we do. The only difference is they have to hook up their horses to their buggy before ”running” to the market to pick up something they need. That means they need to plan ahead.

That means the Amish have to plan their meals and they make every effort to eat them as a family. I guess it’s a good thing since they don’t have microwaves to reheat dinner anyways, if everyone in the family ate at different hours like many American families do today. Family mealtime is something they cherish and respect. Oh, and by the way, the meatloaf smothered with homemade mashed potatoes that we had  while there was amazing.  So besides all the great recipes we pick up while visiting (and there were many), the most important lesson we walked away with a reminder to slow down and enjoy every day and everyone in our day.

So as you try many of the Amish recipes that we got to enjoy in the days and weeks to come make sure that you add the ingredients that will make them all the more authentic. It’s called family and friend. It’s the difference from making a good meal a great one and that is the true meaning of, “OOH IT’S SO GOOD!!”

What is one recipe you love to share with your family? Is it a favorite casserole or a dessert? Please share them with me in the comment box below so that I can share it with all of you.