By Kevin Williams
We have't done an Amish in the News in awhile so I wanted to go over some stories and items of interest in the news:
A screenshot from the Mennonite drama, Pure
PURE COMES TO THE USA:  The CBC, for some reason, decided to do a drama based on the "Mennonite Mafia." There is, however, no such thing as the Mennonite Mafia. The show's premise is loosely based on some Mennonites in Mexico who got caught up in drug cartel activity recently. I will say that I have far less of an objection to this show than "Amish Mafia" because this show is meant to be a drama, it never markets itself as a "reality show." That was my whole issue with the stupid Amish Mafia show. So, for those who get WGN on their cable and are looking for something to watch after the holidays, this might be it. I'll be interested to check it out. Maybe some of our Canadian friends have already watched it. Read more about it here.
OLD-FASHIONED PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH CHRISTMAS: Man, I wish I lived near Kutztown, PA. I'd take my girls to this one. Kutztown University does a great job of showcase and educating about the area's amazing Pennsylvania Dutch culture. This Saturday they are having a all-day Christmas festival highlighting Pennsylvania Dutch traditions.
AMISH/PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH FOOD HISTORY: A great article in the Lancaster paper that explores how the whole Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch food genre got twisted up among each other. They really are two very different food histories but they converged and,well, read more here.
AMISH AND MENNONITES HELP IN TEXAS: Through their charitable arm, Christian Aid Ministries, Amish and Mennonite volunteers have had a long-term presence in parts of Texas hit hard by Hurricane Harvey last year. I'm sure there are teams of Amish in the Florida Panhandle now too in areas. Their presence is very comforting to those who are often the most overlooked in natural disasters. You can read more here.
MILLIE'S GINGERBREAD EGGNOG: Mmmm, if you like eggnog, well, this is about as good as it gets! Read about what has been going on in Millie's life this past week and get a recipe for her outstanding gingerbread eggnog. Click here for the recipe.
Terry Berger
Hello Kevin,
I have to laugh that I'm mentioned in the article about Pennsylvania German Christmas traditions. Yes, I'll be out in the summer kitchen baking Ox Tongue Cookies (which contain no meat) and Moravian Lovefeast Buns using an old wood fired kitchen stove.
Kevin
Funny! Small world we live in....have fun at the event, sure wish I lived closer, because I'd be there with my daughters in a heartbeat, they'd love to see you baking on an old wood-fired stove!