The Amish Cook, By Gloria Yoder
Greetings from Illinois....
"Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction," Antoine de Saint Expurey
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of February? Probably Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day makes you think of love from your sweetheart, red roses, a box of tasty chocolates or perhaps due to unfortunate circumstances it brings sadness to your heart.
We're all made to be loved and love in return. It's in the very core of us. Even a little baby isn't able to thrive without receiving a measure of love.
At its best any relationship on earth will at one time or another face difficulties when love is put to the test. The only love that truly endures is one from the Lord. If you are sad and lonely I encourage you to look to the love of God. His love has no blemishes or limits to those who seek Him.
I can almost hear you asking: "So do the Amish celebrate Valentine's Day?" Good question. No doubt the answer would depend entirely on whom you ask. Some celebrate it more than others. For my husband, Daniel and I, it's a special day even though we don't always do something elaborate. Sometimes we exchange cards or small gifts. A few years ago I prepared a special supper for him. I had lots of fun getting everything ready for him. I spread a pretty table cloth over the table and set it with heart dishes. The food that I practically could was made into heart shapes, such as homemade cookies. And, of course, I served it in candlelight.
For us a great emphasis is put on love-relationships throughout the year and less on Valentine's Day. A good example of that would be the sweet little surprise I found this morning. I'll share it with you. Glancing out the window I noticed a fresh blanket of snow that fell last night. As I took a closer look I could see something written in the snow on the deck. Right under my washline in big letters it said "Daniel Loves Gloria." What a simple little deed of thoughtfulness, yet heartwarming. He probably thought of me needing to do laundry today and knew I'd be hanging it out once it warms up a bit so he took the time to write a special note in the snow where I was sure to find it.
It's so easy to get wrapped up in the duties and demands of life and not take time for little acts of kindness and gestures of love. Seemingly there are always plenty of things to keep us on the 'go" . Life tends to keep everyone busy, busy, busy. But then I'm challenged when Daniel reminds me that in a long-term perspective we'll be much happier when we enjoy the moment, take time for those around us and bring joy to their lives rather than accomplishing a lot of work or making lots of money.
This year I'd like to try making something different for Daniel. Shhhh,don't tell him though! One of his favorite foods is pizza. Why not use the pizza pocket recipe I shared with you last week and cut out 2 large heart-shape pieces of dough then put my toppings on one of the hearts, place the other on top of and pinch it shut. I'd like to top if off by writing our names on top with barbecue sauce and adding several heart shaped pieces of cheese. Amish Sweetheart pudding will be on the menu as well. Are you familiar with it? It's an old recipe yet easy to make especially after you've made it a time or two. I'll jot it down for you to try.
I'd like to close with a quote I read last night by Ralph Sockman that made an impression on me: "A true lover always feels in debt to the one he loves."
Some process shots and the recipe are below!
💘 Amish Sweetheart Pudding Ingredients
Crust:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 /2 cup butter, melted
- 1 /4 cup white sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Top layer:
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
📋 Pudding Instructions
- Crust: Mix together, reserve 1 cup and putting remaining crumbs in pan.
- Pudding: beat egg yolks first and then fold in the rest of the ingredients and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Mix well and pour over crumbs.
- Top layer:
- Beat egg whites, sugar and vanilla till stiff and glossy.
- Layer onto pudding and top with reserve crumbs.
💘 More Amish Valentine's Recipes
This pie is amazing, so cool and creamy!
Make some of this for your sweetie!
🖨️ Printer-Friendly Amish Sweetheart Pudding
Amish Valentine's Sweetheart Pudding
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 /2 cup butter melted
- 1 /4 cup white sugar
Pudding
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Top Layer
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Crust
- Mixtogether, reserve 1 cup and putting remaining crumbs in pan.
Pudding
- beat egg yolks first and then fold in the rest of the ingredients and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Mix well and pour over crumbs.
Top Layer
- Beategg whites, sugar and vanilla till stiff and glossy.
- Layeronto pudding and top with reserve crumbs
Wendy in CO
That is a lovely plate. The Sweetheart pudding looks yummy too, but the plate really caught my eye. Is it Gloria's or Kevin's or a picture from elsewhere? It's just lovely.
Kevin
Hi, Wendy....the plate is ours, it's the wedding China that Rachel and I registered for when we got married...We've used it sparingly (I guess that is the case for most peoples').....I'll try to get more information about it and post it!
Wendy in CO
Thanks, Kevin. I like your taste in china!
Wendy in CO
You as in plural you. 🙂
Rachel's and your taste in china.
Kevin
Oh, and Rachel wanted me to tell you the pattern is "Chirp" by Lennox...we got it at Macy's....
Wendy in CO
Thank you!