Leona's Reviews: Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore

Simply Delicious Amish Cooking by Sherry Gore (2013)

Dedicated: "To my bishop, Lester Gingerich, my church family at Sunnyside Amish Mennonite Church and the remarkable folks of Pinecraft. Home is where they love you. Special thanks to Cindy and Suzanne for believing in me, and to Tab, my biggest supporter."

This is more than a recipe book. The author, Sherry Gore, has added occasions and pictures of the people as well as some of the recipes. I find there are plenty of sweets in this cookbook. There are tips throughout the cookbook: "The trouble with a marriage often starts when a man spends so much time earning his salt that he forgets his sugar." (page 189).

The recipes are like any other church or organization cookbook by having recipes by the members. The stories about different occasions are so heartwarming and the use of the member's names make the cookbook more personal.

I did not realize the Amish and Mennonites lived in Florida. I knew about them in Iowa and Pennslyvania.for example. The cookbook talks about the gatherings and friendship.

"Food is a special part of Amish social life. Sharing food is how we support one another in difficult times and show our love to those in need". (page 13)

I am including an occasion that I got by opening the cookbook:

"November 14, 2007

Sunnyside Amish Mennonite Church, Sarasota, Florida

Pinecraft is a beehive of activity, as yard sale season has officially begun. Palm Grove Mennonite Church hosted a sale to benefit the Gator Wilderness Camp for boys. Mrs. Gary (Maria) made soup and caramel dumplings with ice cream as a special treat for the youth. Written by Sherry Gore." (page 220)

Caramel Dumplings

Syrup:

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups water

1 1.2 cups brown sugar
Dumplings:

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, softened

2. teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup shredded apple

In a skillet, heat syrup ingredients to boiling. Reduce heat to simmer. Combine all dumpling ingredients. Drop by tablespoons into simmering syrup. Cover tightly and simmer 20 minutes. Do not lift lid. Serve warm with cream or ice cream. Makes 6-8 servings. Note: Need a last minute dessert? This one is quick to make and can simmer while you serve the first course.

Sara Ann Hostelter, Sarasota, Florida"

Another occasion I loved was:

Dippy Eggs:

"It doesn't take much to embarrass a teenage boy. On a hunting trip to Kentucky, while ordering breakfast, son, Tyler forgot he was out of town and instantly regretted telling the waitress., "I'll have two dippy eggs, please."

"Break eggs one at a time into the same heated skillet you fried bacon in. Do not stir or turn eggs. Spoon bacon grease over the eggs as they cook for about 3-4 minutes. Sherry Gore, Pinecraft, Florida." (page 41)

I made the Upside Down Cinnamon Pudding Cake (page 215) and found it very sweet and very good. Next time, I will make half of the recipe because there are just two of us in this home. I froze part of it.

Most of the ingredients are in our pantry; well maybe not alligator. The Alligator Stew (page 151) or Hot Bacon Dressing for Dandelion Greens (page 89) is not a common food item for most of us. Being from Florida, recipes for a Key Lime Dessert ( page 208) and Florida Salad (page 81) are not a surprise for this cookbook.

Contents:

Introduction

How I Came to Write This Cookbook (page 11)

What Makes Amish Cooking So Special? (page 12)

Who Are the Amish and Mennonites? (page 13)

What is the Pinecraft Community? (page 15)

Where is the Budget? (page 16)

The Recipes:

Breads and Rolls (page 21)

Breakfast (page 41)

Appetizers and Beverages (page 53)

Soups and Salads (page 65)