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Amish Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream – In Time For The Holidays

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish cooking

Amish-Sweet-Potato-Pancakes-with-Cinnamon-Cream

Amish Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream: A holiday treat from the heart of Amish Country

As the holiday season approaches, kitchens brim with warmth, aromas, and the promise of delightful culinary creations. Amidst the bustling preparations, consider adding a touch of tradition and comfort to your breakfast table with an Amish-inspired recipe that embodies the essence of the season—Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream.

Rooted in simplicity yet boasting flavors that evoke nostalgia and warmth, these pancakes are a delightful departure from the ordinary. They encapsulate the heartwarming spirit of the holidays, making each bite a journey through tradition and taste.

Amish Sweet Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
  • Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter or oil.
  3. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
  6. Keep pancakes warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining batter.

Cinnamon Cream

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Continue whipping until peaks are firm.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

These pancakes encapsulate the Amish philosophy of using simple, wholesome ingredients to create soul-warming dishes. The addition of sweet potatoes not only infuses a natural sweetness but also brings a nutritional boost, perfect for starting your day during the festive season.

What elevates these pancakes to a delectable indulgence is the cinnamon cream. Its velvety texture and hint of spice complement the sweet potato pancakes beautifully, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Whether enjoyed as a leisurely holiday breakfast or as a delightful addition to a festive brunch spread, these Amish Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream are a celebration of tradition, comfort, and the joy of sharing flavorful moments with loved ones.

So, as you gather around the table during this special time of year, embrace the warmth of these pancakes and the companionship they bring, savoring each bite and creating cherished memories that intertwine with the essence of the holidays.

How The Amish Celebrate Thanksgiving, Complete With Recipes

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Life,Amish Recipes

How The Amish Celebrate Thanksgiving, Complete With Recipes

An Amish Thanksgiving Celebration

Thanksgiving among the Amish community isn’t just a day marked on the calendar; it’s a cherished occasion deeply rooted in faith, gratitude, and cherished traditions. In their secluded and close-knit communities, the Amish celebrate this day with heartfelt simplicity, emphasizing family, community, and a genuine appreciation for life’s blessings.

Thanksgiving for the Amish transcends a mere feast; it’s a reflection of their values and commitment to a life centered on gratitude and togetherness. The day typically starts with heartfelt prayers, acknowledging the bounty of the harvest and expressing gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year. Families gather in their humble yet warm homes, adorned with simple decorations, to partake in this meaningful celebration.

The centerpiece of the Amish Thanksgiving feast is a spread of hearty, homestyle dishes crafted from farm-fresh ingredients, often sourced from their own fields or local farms. Two beloved recipes that grace their tables are the Amish Roast Turkey and the Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Crisp.

Amish Roast Turkey

Dinner is served after the blessing is prayed.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds)
  • 1 cup melted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Clean and pat dry the turkey. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
  • Place the quartered onion, celery, and carrots inside the cavity.
  • Brush the turkey with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast the turkey in a roasting pan, tented with foil, for about 3 to 4 hours (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C), basting occasionally with the pan juices.
  • Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the sliced apples in a greased baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  • Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

These recipes reflect the essence of Amish cooking—simple, flavorful, and made with love. Beyond the delectable dishes, Thanksgiving for the Amish is a time to embrace the spirit of giving, reaching out to those in need within their community. It’s a day when the values of humility, generosity, and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon them take center stage.

The Amish Thanksgiving celebration isn’t marked by grandeur or extravagance but rather by the warmth of familial bonds, the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen, and the heartfelt expressions of gratitude. As they gather around their tables, the Amish embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving—a celebration of abundance, community, and the enduring power of gratitude.

During the festive meal, the Amish table is adorned with dishes beyond the roast turkey and apple crisp. Traditional staples like homemade bread, buttery mashed potatoes, creamy corn pudding, pickled beets, and hearty casseroles often find their place alongside the star dishes. These recipes, passed down through generations, reflect the resourcefulness and commitment to using homegrown produce, preserving the flavors of the harvest season.

But what sets the Amish Thanksgiving apart is the communal effort behind the preparation. It’s not uncommon to witness a flurry of activity in Amish kitchens as multiple hands come together to prepare the feast. The entire community might engage in a barn-raising spirit, contributing their specialties or lending a helping hand to ensure the success of the celebratory meal.

Moreover, the Amish emphasize the significance of giving back. Some communities organize food drives or gather provisions to support those facing hardships, echoing their dedication to sharing blessings and caring for their neighbors in times of need. This altruistic approach underscores the essence of Thanksgiving as a time to give thanks and give back—a philosophy deeply ingrained in Amish values.

Beyond the culinary delights and acts of kindness, the Amish celebrate Thanksgiving with a profound sense of gratitude. They take a moment amidst the festivities to reflect on the blessings bestowed upon them, thanking the Almighty for the abundance of the harvest, the strength of community bonds, and the gift of togetherness.

As the day draws to a close, it’s not uncommon for the Amish to extend their celebration beyond the dinner table. Families might gather for hymns, storytelling, or engage in games and activities that foster camaraderie among relatives and neighbors. These cherished moments further reinforce the significance of unity and fellowship within their community.

In an ever-changing world, the Amish hold steadfast to their timeless traditions, preserving the essence of Thanksgiving as a day of humble gratitude, genuine connections, and the celebration of life’s simple joys.

As the aroma of freshly baked pies and savory dishes fills the air, and laughter echoes through their homes, the Amish community exemplifies the true essence of Thanksgiving—a heartfelt expression of appreciation, shared with loved ones, and woven into the fabric of their enduring cultural heritage.

Amish Sausage Bread Dressing: A Christmas Favorite

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish cooking

Amish Sausage Bread Dressing

In the heart of Amish cuisine lies a culinary treasure that embodies tradition, flavor, and the essence of community gatherings—the Amish Sausage Bread Dressing. Rooted in simplicity yet bursting with rich flavors, this dish has transcended generations, becoming a hallmark of many festive tables, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

Originating from the Amish communities scattered across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, this dressing is a testament to the Amish way of life, emphasizing communal meals, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the land. At its core, this recipe showcases the Amish philosophy of using locally sourced, wholesome ingredients and turning them into hearty, comforting dishes.

The foundation of Amish Sausage Bread Dressing lies in the melding of a few basic yet essential components: bread, sausage, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. The magic begins with hearty bread, often leftover loaves or homemade varieties. The bread is cubed and toasted, providing a sturdy yet yielding base that absorbs the flavorful essence of the dish.

Sausage, a staple in many Amish households, adds a savory and indulgent touch. It’s typically browned to perfection, rendering a depth of flavor that intertwines seamlessly with the other elements. Onions, celery, and sometimes carrots, all locally sourced or homegrown, form the aromatic trinity that infuses the dressing with earthy and sweet undertones.

What elevates this dressing to its revered status are the herbs and seasonings—time-honored combinations of sage, thyme, and parsley, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, harmonizing to create an aromatic symphony. Some variations might include additional ingredients like apples, chestnuts, or dried fruits, showcasing the adaptability of this recipe to seasonal availability and personal preferences.

One of the most striking aspects of the Amish Sausage Bread Dressing is the communal nature of its preparation. Often, it’s a collaborative effort involving multiple hands in the kitchen, embodying the spirit of togetherness and shared labor—a cornerstone of Amish culture.

The preparation process itself is straightforward, yet it requires care and attention to detail. The bread cubes are combined with the sautéed sausage and vegetables, generously seasoned, and moistened with a blend of stock or broth. The mixture is then baked until it achieves a golden-brown hue, emanating irresistible aromas that fill the kitchen—a signal that a culinary masterpiece is ready to be savored.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups seasoned stuffing cubes
  • 1 cup corn bread stuffing mix (about 3 ounces)
  • 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large tart apple, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine stuffing cubes and stuffing mix.
  • In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat 4-6 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles.
  • Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and add to stuffing mixture.
  • Add butter to same pan. Add apple and celery; cook and stir over medium-high heat until celery is tender. Stir in parsley, sage, salt and pepper. Stir into stuffing mixture. Stir in broth and pecans.
  • Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Bake, covered, 30 minutes.
  • Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned.

This cherished dish not only graces holiday tables but serves as a reminder of the Amish commitment to sustainable living and culinary craftsmanship. It’s a dish that encapsulates history, tradition, and a deep-rooted appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

The Amish Sausage Bread Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a story passed down through generations—a tale of resilience, unity, and the celebration of heritage. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate taste buds and hearts, carrying on the legacy of a culture deeply connected to its roots.

Amish Creamed Chicken Recipe: Perfect For A Chilly Day

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish cooking

Amish Creamed Chicken


Savoring Tradition: Exploring the Amish Creamed Chicken Recipe

In the heart of Amish country, amidst the rolling landscapes and enduring traditions, lies a culinary gem that encapsulates the essence of simplicity and flavor—the Amish Creamed Chicken. Rooted in heritage and crafted with care, this comforting dish not only satisfies the palate but also offers a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of the Amish community.

A Taste of Tradition

The Amish Creamed Chicken recipe is a testament to the community’s emphasis on wholesome, hearty meals made with basic, readily available ingredients. What makes this dish remarkable is its ability to transform humble ingredients into a delightful symphony of flavors that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

The beauty of the Amish Creamed Chicken lies in its straightforwardness. The recipe typically calls for simple ingredients commonly found in an Amish household’s pantry:

Free kitchen tools and ingredients
Amish Creamed Chicken calls for simple ingredients commonly found in an Amish household’s pantry

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter (divided) 
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 – 4 cups chopped, cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup frozen green peas
  • cooked pasta or egg noodles, for serving

Directions

  1. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet. Add the bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  2. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the flour and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth. 
  3. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and cook about 3 to 5 minutes. (You can add more chicken broth if it gets too thick.)
  4. Add the mushrooms and bell pepper back to the skillet along with the chicken and peas. Cook until warmed through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

Creamed Chicken is often served atop freshly baked biscuits, fluffy mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables. Its creamy texture and savory taste make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting dinner centerpiece or a satisfying lunch option.

Adapting the Recipe

While the traditional Amish Creamed Chicken recipe remains cherished, variations and adaptations have emerged over time. Some cooks incorporate their own twists by adding herbs, spices, or vegetables to tailor the dish to personal tastes while staying true to its comforting essence.

10 Unique Amish Communities

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Life,Other States

10 Unique Amish Communities

The Amish encompass a diverse array of communities, each characterized by its unique practices and customs. While the hallmark features of the Amish—a commitment to simplicity, strong community ties, and a rejection of modernity—are prevalent across these settlements, a closer look reveals a tapestry of diversity within the Amish world. Here, we delve into ten distinct Amish communities that illuminate the varied traditions and adaptations present within this fascinating cultural landscape.

1. Somerset County, Pennsylvania

Nestled in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, stands one of the oldest Amish communities, renowned for a deviation from the typical home-based worship. Here, church services unfold in meeting houses, a departure from the prevailing tradition of conducting worship in homes, adding a distinctive touch to their religious practices.

2. Adams County, Indiana

In Adams County, Indiana, near Berne, the Swiss Amish community distinguishes itself through the use of open-top buggies, a departure from the covered buggies common among other Amish settlements. Embracing their Swiss heritage, they preserve the tradition of yodeling as part of their cultural legacy.

3. Milverton, Ontario, Canada

The historic Amish community in Milverton, Ontario, established in the 1820s, proudly retains older customs, including the use of buggies without tops and sporting unique last names not commonly found in other Amish settlements, showcasing a commitment to preserving their distinct heritage.

4. Dover, Delaware

The Dover, Delaware Amish community stands out for its unconventional rounded side buggies, a departure from the traditional square-shaped buggies prevalent in most Amish settlements. This unique buggy style has even made its mark in other states where Dover’s Amish have established communities.

5. Pinecraft, Florida

Pinecraft, situated in Sarasota, Florida, boasts an atypical Amish community where residents opt for bicycles and tricycles over horse-drawn buggies. This departure from the norm is due to Pinecraft’s urban nature, diverging from the traditional farming communities typically associated with the Amish.

6. Pearisburg, Virginia

Tucked away in the mountains of western Virginia, Pearisburg stands out for its welcoming approach toward outsiders interested in joining the Amish community. Visitors here might encounter the rare occurrence of live interpretations of the Pennsylvania Dutch language during church services.

7. Garnett, Kansas

The Garnett, Kansas Amish settlement surprises with its allowance for members to drive cars for work purposes—an uncommon exception within the Amish world. This showcases the diverse interpretations and adaptations to technology across different communities.

8. Aylmer, Ontario, Canada

Aylmer, Ontario, houses Pathway Publishers, a significant Amish publishing house producing influential publications like “Family Life,” revered among the Amish and plain people. This community prioritizes high moral standards while maintaining a minimalistic approach to technology.

9. Kishacoquillas Valley, Pennsylvania

Kishacoquillas Valley, a small and historic Amish enclave in Pennsylvania, distinguishes itself with its unique yellow-hued buggies—a rarity among Amish communities, where black is the prevailing color for buggies.

10. Colonia Naranjita, Bolivia

A testament to the Amish practice of aiding like-minded groups, Colonia Naranjita in Bolivia stands as an extraordinary Amish community. Established in 2015 through the collaboration of Mennonites and the Amish, this settlement is thousands of miles from their traditional homelands in an exemplary display of cross-continental support.

These ten Amish communities provide a window into the vast diversity and adaptability of Amish life. While sharing fundamental values and beliefs, their distinctive practices and traditions weave a rich mosaic that highlights the nuanced tapestry of Amish culture across North America. The Amish world is a vibrant and multifaceted realm, exemplified by these communities’ unique identities within a shared heritage.

How Are Amish Communities Organized? The Structure of Amish Society

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Life

The Structure of Amish Society

The Structure of Amish Societies

Amish societies are fascinating in their unique structure and organization. The framework is categorized into three significant elements, namely affiliations, settlements, and church districts.

Affiliation

Let’s talk about affiliations first. Imagine a system where people who share the same rules of living, known as Ordnung, are grouped together. That’s what affiliation is all about in Amish society. This setup isn’t geographically bound, meaning individuals who belong to the same affiliation can reside in entirely different locations.

In other words, if you hear the term “in fellowship,” it is referring to Amish people who belong to a similar order and follow alike Ordnung. What makes things interesting is that while all Amish universally agree to specific doctrine elements like adult baptism and non-violence, the approach to technology, clothing style, and interpretation of spiritual issues vary considerably.

You can have a more conservative affiliation, like the Nebraska Amish, or a progressive one like the New Order Amish. From an outsider’s perspective, the differences might not be noticeable, but for the Amish, each affiliation’s uniqueness is distinctly apparent.

It’s also worth mentioning that Amish of different affiliations, despite their contrasting approaches towards things like technology, may choose to be in fellowship with each other. A good example is the camaraderie shared between the Andy Weaver Amish in Holmes County, Ohio, and the Lancaster County Amish.

Settlement

Moving on to settlements, this aspect quite literally involves geographical territories where groups of Amish settle down. A good example could be places like Arthur, Illinois, or Holmes County, Ohio.

A settlement could be home to one or more distinct affiliations. Imagine an area like Holmes County populated with different affiliations like the New Order, Old Order, Swartzentruber, and others. Similarly, a settlement might comprise a single church district or as many as several dozen.

Church District

Last, but by no means least, is the church district, the epicenter of Amish life. Usually, a district is made up of around 30 families, all adhering to the same Ordnung.

The Raber’s Almanac lists ministers from nearly 1800 church districts, displaying the broad scope of this facet of Amish society. Each district is usually led by a bishop accompanied by two or three ministers and a deacon, all having specific roles in the church. Interesting enough, some communities, in Lancaster County for instance, could have a single bishop leading two separate districts.

By attending church with members of the same district, Amish individuals form close-knit relationships with their fellow congregants. What’s fascinating is that even in the same settlement, districts might have slightly or significantly different Ordnungs, which makes one appreciate the diversity even within geographical proximity.

To sum up, the organization of Amish communities, with its affiliations, settlements and districts, creates a diverse yet harmonious society. It’s a model that has survived and evolved across time while retaining its core values, giving us a glimpse of a living and breathing cultural relic.