By Kevin Williams
The Amish are not going to be involving themselves in the political or military undercurrent of the Memorial Day holiday, but they will take advantage of the extra day off for some picnics, fishing, swimming or any other good, old-fashioned outdoor family fun. Well, most. Especially if you are new here, the Amish compromise a broad, broad spectrum with theologically and technologically ultra-conservative on one end and more progressive on the other (but even that explanation breaks down in some areas, i.e. many Old Order Amish allow cell phones while New Order do not). Anyway, among the most conservative ranks of Old Order Amish Memorial Day will barely register. In fact, if they own a little country store, chance are it'll be open for business as usual. But among Amish settlements that are heavily tied to the non-Amish world (like the factory culture of northern Indiana), Monday is, indeed, a welcome holiday.
AMISH FIVE BEAN SALAD: This is a recipe I found. I have to say a scratched my head a bit. I'm not doubting in the least the author's veracity, just that Amish cooks who use garbanzo beans are relatively rare in my experience. Still, this sounds like a good salad and it could well be that this particular recipe is a regional favorite or community favorite. Click here to check out this tasty sounding salad!
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM: What is a picnic without some homemade ice cream? Gloria offers up this tried and true recipe here.
Fresh T-Bone steaks on a grill at an Amish home in Michigan.
AMISH BARBECUED T-BONE STEAK: Check out this amazing sounding marinade recipe that comes to us from an Amish cook in Oklahoma (just where you'd expect to find a lot of steak!)
- 4 cups catsup
- dash Worchestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ginger
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 /2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Mix together all of the ingredients until combined.
- Marinade meat and grill.
KANSAS SWEET AND SAUCY HAMBURGERS: This recipe comes to us from an Amish cook in Kansas, a seemingly traditional recipe sweetened up by the addition of some applesauce.
- 2 pounds hamburger
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup applesauce
- Mix and make patties.
- Make a hole in the middle of the patty with your finger.
- Grill on each side a hot grill till done.
AMISH NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES: Polish off your picnic with some of these delicious no-bake brownies. This is a recipe I've seen in Plain kitchens and it is popular at picnics. Check out the recipe here!
Jim
I read with sadness about many of the Amish not taking part in Memorial Day activities. I realize they have their beliefs, but if it wasn't for all those who gave their lives to keep our country what it is, then they would not be able to enjoy the freedom of their religion. Again, it is a shame that they refuse to respect those that died to let them live the life they choose. 🙁
Kevin
Hi, Jim,
Well, I'm not sure it's something to be sad about. The Amish are pacifists and as a country that welcomes all beliefs, pacifism is just as viable as militarism. I think most Amish are extraordinarily thankful and patriotic, but they walk a tough balancing act between being thankful and not wanting to celebrate conflict. Even during times of war, they had a balancing act...Amish would be exempt from military service if there was a draft, but they would still help the war effort serving important roles in factories and food production...so while I see what you are saying, the Amish are part of the broad cultural quilt of this country which includes made different threads....Kevin