By Kevin Williams
Okay, I have a little bit of something for everyone today, so let’s go to it!
BRUCE STAMBAUGH: I love Bruce’s writings and his observations from Amish country. But he’s a great writer about any topic and I couldn’t resist sharing this with you. He writes about the passing of a friend name “Alice.” And I couldn’t help, as I read it, to think “I know her!” But, no, I didn’t know her. But I do…well, not her exactly, but dollars to doughnuts we all know someone just like Alice. What a wonderful portrayal. Click here to read about Alice.
Healthy “kitchen sink” muffins
HEALTHY KITCHEN SINK MUFFINS: Meemaw is right, “healthy” does often have a bad wrap. Meemaw blogs from Kalona, Iowa, the largest Amish community in Iowa. “Kitchen Sink” baked goods are popular among the Amish, i.e., Kitchen Sink Cookies, Cake, etc, which, as the name implies is usually a bunch of unhealthy stuff tossed in. But Meemaw came up with a healthy “kitchen sink” muffin that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Click here for the recipe.
SUGARED BUTTER COOKIES: Okay, from healthy, to artery-clogging….wow, though, don’t these Amish cookies sound absolutely amazing? Click here.
AMISH PASTA SALAD: Okay, back to healthy(ier)….spring is creeping closer and with it, lighter salads and other picnic fare…never too early to start planning or, heck, just fix it now. Looks amazing. Click here.
The Pioneer Bus connects the Amish communities in the Midwest with Pinecraft, Florida running almost daily during the peak season. You can read more about this bus in this “Lifeline to Pinecraft” post.
AMISH IN FLORIDA, CASKETS AND ALL: I love checking in with Katie Troyer this time of year when the Amish enclave of Pinecraft, Florida is at its bustling busiest. So, at the risk of being morose, what happens when an Amish person passes away in Pinecraft? It does happen. A small supply of Amish-made caskets are shipped and stored down there on Pioneer buses so that when it does happen, an Amish funeral can be quickly commenced. Click here to see the caskets being delivered and, on a lighter note, Mennonites playing bocce under the warm Florida sun.
AMISH DURING WINTER: Erik at the Amish America blog has an interesting Q & A with an ex-Amish woman about how they weather winter. Winter can be harsh if you are Amish, but it can also be cozy as wood and coal stoves fire up, board games are played, and the busy summer chore season settles down. Click here to see the Q &A.
