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The Amish Cook at Home - Simple Pleasures of Food, Family, and Faith
by Lovina Eicher with Kevin Williams
Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
ISBN 978-0-7407-7372-3
Published October 2008 - Hardcover - 204 pages - $29.99

When I think of "Amish," buggies and quilts among other things come to mind, which is very limiting I'm ashamed to admit.  This beautiful book offers a fantastic and enlightening insight into a very industrious and hardy people.  We should all be as self-sufficient!  There is much to learn about other cultures (and religions), and we should learn about them if we all want to co-exist on this planet.  There is also a tender look at the family of Lovina Eicher, as well as her recipes.  I never in my wildest dreams thought I would come across a recipe for burritos in an Amish cookbook, but you can read about why this is so.  Neither did I think I'd come across a recipe for Parmesan Chicken, and now it's something I'd like to try.  Other recipes that interested me are Onion Pie; Zucchini Relish; Pumpkin Bread; Apple Fritters, and Easy Chicken Casserole.  It was refreshing to read about how the whole family, and indeed the whole community, pulls together.  Everyone has chores, which they perform both in- and outdoors.  A great idea.  I was surprised to learn that Velveeta and hot dogs are eaten by these Amish.  I never would have thought.  As it says on the sleeve of the book, this is "Part almanac, part cultural guide, part culinary calendar,...."  After reading this book I know I felt so grateful for my meager comforts, which include electricity, a telephone, my computer, and a few other electrical gadgets.
Conclusion - A charming look at another way of life.