Amish in the News: Hutterite Heating, Return to Amish Update, Amish Man Faces 6 Years, 5 Potluck Recipes, and More!

By Kevin Williams

Okay, it's a holiday weekend, so there's not a lot to report today in the news,  a tragedy to start the news:

AMISH TODDLER DROWNS:  This is sad story and not a lot of detail yet, but just sad.  Always sad but since I have a 3-year-old, I think it especially resonates.  Keep this family in your prayers.  Click here for details.

AMISH MAN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS:  You know, I'm shaking my head.  Yes, this Amish man should have followed product labeling rules, he should accept the authority of the court, blah, blah, blah...yes, this Amish guy is in the wrong.  But six years????  Too early on a Monday morning to know what the answer is, but not too early to know what the answer isn't:  six years in jail.  Just seems like this whole thing could have been handled very differently.  Click herefor details.

Jeremiah Raber of "Return to Amish" fame....

RETURN TO AMISH UPDATE:  Jeremiah and Carmela are breaking up.   Honestly, I barely have a clue who they even are and I consider the whole "Return to Amish" show fiction and fakery, but I know it has a following, so click here to read the latest.

WESTERN NEW YORK  BENEFIT AUCTION THIS SATURDAY:  Mmmm, if you are in western New York or northern Pennsylvania, you might want to consider going to this on Saturday, not only is it a great cause, you'll get to attend an event in a beautiful community and really experience Amish culture, click here to read more!

5 SUMMER POTLUCK RECIPES:  I did this more for comparison. On Amish365 the recipes are, not surprisingly, reflective of Amish style cooking and baking which is simple, comfort food comprised of ingredient basics which are already in your kitchen.  So, holy cow, it is interesting to see what NPR chooses to represent potluck recipes: Swiss Chard Bakalava, Krispy Kreme & Sweet Potato Pudding with Orange & Meringue are just two of their "summer potluck" recipes.  My question: who makes that kind of stuff?  Don't get me wrong, I am sure it's all probably delicious, just seems so "out there."    But it may just be that I have a really small "kitchen comfort zone.", so anyway check all of these recipes out.

Related Recipes: Amish Potluck Rice Casserole, Frolic Casserole, Potluck Chicken Sage Casserole, and Amish Hamburger Casserole

HUTTERITE HEATING:  Heard of biomass?   This article might seem like a real snore, but it is actually kind of interesting how about how Hutterite colonies are moving away from coal to heat during winter and towards....biomass, click here to read more.