Okay, it is Saturday which means it is time to travel the blogosphere and see what is being written about the Plain people. Got some interesting stuff today, so sit back, relax, and explore with me!
1) NEBRASKA AMISH: I often remark that the Swartzentruber Amish are the most conservative of all the Amish. But there's another even more conservative group called the Nebraska Amish (who live primarily in Pennsylvania). The, group has its ultra-conservative origins in Nebraska, hence their name, but they haven't lived in the Cornhusker State in over 100 years. This is one of the few Plain groups that I have no experience with, but I hope to visit some next year. Should be fascinating. In the meantime, Tom on his Backroads Traveler blog caught up with a new group of Nebraskas who have settled in New York. Click here for some superb photographs that are respectful and insightful.
2) BARN-RAISINGS: Barn-raisings capture the imagination of the media and the public, but they don't happen as often as one is led to believe. In older, established communities they are especially rare since there already generally plenty of barns. But Bruce Stambaugh caught up with some barn-raisers and shared some great photos.
3) PRETZELS: Watch out Auntie Anne, here comes Ben! This is a relatively new pretzel twist (ha, pun) or should I say craze that has taken root in northern Indiana. An Amish man was involved in the company's founding and they really do push the Amish angle, from the "buggy bites" to the bearded man logo. I'm sure other Amish might be uncomfortable with such marketing, but the pretzels sound tasty. Anyone out there tried them?
4) VEGAN AMISH CINNAMON PEAR BREAD: Um....not sure what to make of this recipe....it's not that the Amish never eat vegan, sometimes they do (rarely, though)...but I am scratching my head at what makes this recipe "Amish". Click here to check it out.
Bruce Stambaugh
Thanks for linking to my post about barn raisings.
Jill Sauter
Hi Kevin, I live in Chesterton Indiana where we have the European Market every Saturday. There is a Ben's pretzel booth. They are to die for!, always a long like waiting. They were also at the Indiana State fair this year. A big hit there too. I enjoy reading your columns, thank you, Jill
Kevin
Jill, thanks for the kind words...How do they compare to Auntie Anne's?
Karen
My dad lives in valparaiso and the pretzels were there every Tuesday at their market. They are amazing. Just had one on Saturday from Chesterton. Way better and bigger than any sold at the malls.
Cheryl
I've had ben's pretzels in shipshawanna flea market few weeks back..
Very very good!
Cheryl
they are practically a meal by themselves .......very thick in size.....
Tom the back roads traveller
Kevin,
I always appreciate the link. Have a great week.
Dawn
Oh Kevin! You made me laugh with all this calling out for a "blogroll!"~ If I didn't know better,I'd say this lack of sleep from the new baby has made you punch drunk-haha! Thanks for the interesting tidbits.
Dawn
The Swartzentrubers fascinate me too-but wow-these ordinances of the Nebraska Amish-whew..The lack of screens,so severe.I can't imagine my kids trying to sleep in the heat with no fans & with mosquitoes coming in. Please do write more about them if you come across info..