The Amish Cook: Gloria Serves Up Busy Wife Potatoes

BUSY WIFE POTATOES

THE AMISH COOK

BY GLORIA YODER

The winter flu bugs have been doing their share in our community these last days. Seemingly the children are the ones to get the brunt of it: poor dears!
As I write I’m holding 3 month old Austin in hopes that he’ll be able to sleep a while longer. He’s been fighting a cough and cold. Thankfully he hasn’t been running a fever like Julia has. She’s had a rough time in conquering it. Gradually, bit by bit, she’s getting better again and has the spark in her eyes returning. I missed her jabbering when she was so miserable. I love having a little girl to chat with throughout the day and having her involved with my work. I find it challenging to balance caring for my sick ones and staying on top of housework. They certainly deserve lots of extra love and attention when they’re not feeling well.
After Austin’s birth a reader who sent a card wrote something that I’ve thought about many times. It said something like this: “remember if Austin and Julia want attention, take a deep breath and remember how lucky you are.” Yes, I’m truly lucky.
My mother and sisters have done a wonderful job in helping me by babysitting, making food for us, washing dishes, or whatever needs to be done. Of course, my husband Daniel also does a wonderful job in helping with the children.
I have a pink little book marker pasted on one of my cupboards in the kitchen that has inspired me many times. This is what it says: “So glad I’m a Christian Mom. I can do everything though Christ, who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13)
Yes, I do love being a “stay at home mom” even though it does have its challenges. But, you know isn’t life challenging for anybody, regardless of what we’re doing? My heart goes out to mothers who have to return back to work soon after the birth of their babies. I know I would terribly miss my little ones and really there’s nothing else I’d rather do than stay home and care for my family.

Potatoes are a mainstay in the Maine Amish settlements.

Julia’s day was brightened when our dear friend and neighbor, Marie, stopped by and dropped off some toys for Julia to play with. Her face lit up when she saw the attractive assortment. There was a white little cradle had a doll and blanket snuggled in it along with several other toys and books. And, yes, I should have mentioned the doll even had a pacifier that fits in its mouth, a rather big thing to Julia! How brainy and thoughtful it was of Marie to think of doing this for Julia. She certainly wouldn’t have had to, yet it brightened our day so much. It was an excellent motivator for me to think out of the box and add sunshine to others’ lives.
With sick ones in the house it can be challenging to do enough cooking and baking. One dish that’s very simple is “Lazy Wife Potatoes.” Sounds easy, doesn’t it? This time I’d like to change its name to “Busy Wife Potatoes.” For those of us who are busy, that’ll sound a bit better when our husband asks “what’s for dinner?” “Busy wife” just sounds so much more noble than “lazy wife”, right?
These potatoes can be served several ways. For us it is all depends on how busy (or lazy) I am and what I happen to have on hand.
BUSY WIFE POTATOES
Scrub or peel potatoes (1 large potato per person)
Cut in half
Put approximately 1” water In a kettle
Add potatoes, cover and simmer until soft.
The cooking time will vary on the size and amount of your potatoes (approximately 25 minutes for 5 potatoes)
Mash them with a fork on your plates. Sprinkle with salt, pepper or whatever seasoning you wish. Spread with butter and sour cream, cream cheese (softened) ranch dressing or barbecue sauce.
Very simple, very tasty. I love dip and sauces so I like having a variety. Sweet Vidalia onion and sweet and sour sauce are a few of my favorites to eat with potatoes.
If time allows I like serving these potatoes with cheese sauce and deerburger or sauce with a barbecue sauce and pizza sauce mixture. Perhaps I can add these recipes in a future letter
Best wishes to all!