For Amish family, food is a way of life

Article published Oct 20, 2004
For Amish family, food is a way of life

The Associated Press

Although their faith requires a distance from the outside world, a dozen Amish families in northeast Ohio welcome visitors to their homes for a taste of their culture.Serving meals to the public has been a way of life for 15 years for the Hershbergers, who like many Amish have left behind farming for more profitable ventures.The following are recipes from an Amish family-style meal served at the Hershberger home, as published in "Sara's Family Recipes" by Sara Hershberger (Schlabach Printers, Sugarcreek, Ohio).Roast BeefCut beef into chunks; salt, pepper and seasoning salt may be added. Put in roaster in oven and bake for 4 hours at 350 degrees. Do not add water.When almost done, pour juice off and thicken with corn starch as a gravy. Pour back on again and serve.Sara's ChickenSoak chicken in water with a little salt and vinegar (1 tablespoon salt per chicken) for several hours. Drain well. Roll in crumbs and brown in butter and vegetable oil until golden brown. Put into a roaster with a little water on bottom. Sprinkle with paprika and bake for 2 hours at 350 degrees, uncover for last 20 minutes.Crumbs:2 cups Bisquick2½ cups runion coating(available at Amish bulk food stores; Shake 'N Bake could be used as a substitute)1 teaspoon seasoning saltA pinch of lemon pepperCheesy Noodles4 cups water2 tablespoons chicken base8 ounces of noodlesVelveeta cheese1 cup milkBring to a boil -- water and chicken base. Add noodles, boil again for 5 minutes. Turn off, let set a little, then add some Velveeta cheese slices and milk. Serve when cheese is melted.Pumpkin Pie1 cup pumpkin1 cup sugar2 cups milk, scalded2 eggs1 tablespoon flour½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon ginger½ teaspoon cloves1 teaspoon cinnamonMix in order given and pour into pie shell. Start baking at 500 degrees until lightly brown. Turn down and finish at 300 degrees.Good Custard Pie1 cup white sugar1 cup brown sugar3 tablespoons flour1/8 teaspoon salt4 cups rich milk4 eggs, separatedCinnamon (on top if you prefer)Mix sugar, flour and salt together. Add milk enough to make a paste. Add 4 egg yolks and mix well. Add remaining milk and mix. Now add egg white and mix. Put in 2 unbaked pie crusts. Bake at 450 degrees until real brown, then 250 degrees until done. Makes 2 pies.