As of last week I declared the fall-winter-spring cooking season officially open. I have a closet-sized New York City kitchen, and even with the air conditioning going full blast in the rest of the apartment it's too hot to turn on the oven in the summer. But last week brought cooler weather and I was back in the cooking mode.
Happily, I had received a copy of Gather around the Amish Table by Lucy Leid from the Litfuse Publicity Group and that's where I went for inspiration. As a total sweet-tooth I turned first to sections on desserts -- cookies, cakes and pies and desserts and candy -- and had a wonderful time. I'm saving these treats -- Pumpkin Cookies are first on my "to bake" list -- for a party or get-together. I know I'd eat the entire batch right out of the freezer if I kept them in the house.
I then flipped to this section, Vegetables and Side Dishes, and got lots of ideas for things I can cook now. I'm especially intrigued with Two Bean Bake -- green beans and kidney beans at the base of the recipe -- and with just a little tweaking it would be a great main course for me. These are hearty recipes for people who are doing a lot of physical work and a just a little too rich for someone who is more sedentary, like me. But there are so many good ideas for delicious foods for both every day and for treats.
The book has beautiful photos and each recipe has engaging memories and thoughts, which I very much enjoyed reading. These paragraphs gave a real sense of the women from the Amish and Mennonite communities who had contributed the recipes. My favorite pumpkin recipe contributor noted that she always make these cookies six batches at a time because her family has nine people. If you are a cookbook fan -- I am! -- or looking for a gift for a bridal shower or Christmas, I highly recommend this. There's lots of good cooking and reading here.
Despite the cooler weather of last week, today may be the among the last days of summer. It's actually hot and humid for New York in almost-October. I went to Midtown to "run" an errand and was on a bus coming home stuck in the traffic gridlock that happens when the President is in town and the United Nations General Assembly meets. Now I'm happily home, enjoying an iced coffee.
As always, thanks for visiting and have a sweet evening!
Please note: I received a copy of "Gather Around the Amish Table" from the Litfuse Publicity Group for review purposes, but the opinions are all mine.
11 comments
I imagine these are stick to your ribs recipes. I have some Mennonite Cookbooks - I used to live in Lancaster County, PA, with lots of Amish and Mennonite neighbors.
This looks like an awesome book!!
May have to check this out.
M : )
We've a son-in-law who lived for a few years very near Amish in Kentucky. He was often invited to eat with them. They would be hearty meals, just right for those who were involved in hard work.
I've been doing a bit more cooking in recent weeks, not hesitating to turn on the oven since the outside temperatures have cooled just a bit. I think the days ahead will definitely have more autumn-like temperatures.
Enjoy!
You certainly are not a sedentary person. From your posts, I would say that you are always on the go and always looking for your next adventure.
You certainly are not a sedentary person. From your posts, I would say that you are always on the go and always looking for your next adventure.
That two bean bake sounds intriguing. You'll have to let us know how it turns out if you make it. After some wonderful summer like days here it is to be cooler here today and I'm thinking it's time to make my first pot of chili for the season. It'll be good to finally be able to turn the oven back on.
YUM! That looks like a wonderful book of recipes to jump-start some Fall cooking:) Enjoy your day dear friend, it is another rainy one here! HUGS!
That looks like a great recipe book! I would turn to the desserts right away as well.
I'm a foodie, but I don't do the cooking. That would be the hubs. Maybe he'd like this one.
Buttercup, There are Amish places to eat up in northern Indiana. They serve food family style, in bowls , on platters to share, They are very dessert makers too. My mother always loved eating at those places. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Good Afternoon, Carol. Like you, I love cookbooks and for many years have collected them from our trips and from family members. Funny, I don't bake all that often any more, but I do love the cookbooks. This one seems like a great one to enjoy the stories/memories and the photos. Thanks for sharing the review. We still are in the 70's here and have had much rain and wind this weekend. Mildred
Post a Comment