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

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.