One of the most fascinating things about writing Amish fiction is listening to their ongoing debate with technology. This has been going on particularly since the arrival of the telephone. You might think Alexander Graham Bell’s invention was rejected outright but no, it was actually used by the Amish for a number of years, until [...]
Chocolate Zucchini Bread 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup oil 1 3/4 cups sugar 1 T. vanilla 2 cups zucchini, grated 3 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. [...]
A question that seems to pop up often in my email has to do with why, after so many years of publishing general historical fiction, have I recently been writing “Amish fiction.” This may seem like an easy question to answer. Actually, it isn’t–but let me just make three points that might explain it best: [...]
Hello, Amish Readers! Here is today’s selection from Georgia Varozza’s The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Chocolate Fudge 3 6-oz. packages chocolate chips 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk small pinch salt 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup chopped nuts In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. [...]
Hello, Amish Readers! Here is today’s selection from Georgia Varozza’s The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Braised Beef Cubes 2 lb. stew meat, cubed 2 T. oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1 package onion soup mix, dry 1 can water salt and pepper to taste 1 cup sour cream cooked [...]
When I thought up my storyline of two teenagers persuing an unusual dream for Old Order Amish–publishing a children’s book–I never dreamed I would find someone who fits this description, living in the same area as my fictional characters. Elmer Y. works in a local leather shop, keeps up with his chores at home, attends [...]
I did not grow up with the Amish but I grew up with the Mennonites and there are a lot of similarities between the two groups in certain areas. Both use German (the Mennonite low German is close to the Amish Pennsylvania Dutch), both are pacifists (though some Mennonite groups would be less so than [...]
Hello, Amish Readers! Here is today’s selection from Georgia Varozza’s The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Baked Chicken and Apples 1 whole chicken 2 apples, peeled, seeded, and quartered 1 onion, quartered salt pepper 1 tsp. parsley 1 tsp. sage 1 tsp. rosemary 1 tsp. thyme 1/2 tsp. oregano 2 cups hot water cooked rice Clean [...]
Amish Bacon Bean Soup 1 pound bacon ends or sliced bacon, cut into small pieces 1 pound navy beans 1 chopped onion 4 quarts water, approximately salt and pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for at least 2 hours or until beans are thoroughly cooked.
Creamed Celery and Almonds 4 T. butter, divided 3 cups celery, diced 1 cup slivered almonds 2 T. flour 1/2 cup half-and-half or cream 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 cup chicken broth, boiling 3 T. Parmesan cheese Melt 2 T. butter in a large skillet until frothy. Add celery and almonds. Cover and cook for 15 [...]
