How To Eat Like The Amish

Let’s take a look into the Amish way of eating. It might not be the healthiest way of eating. But they do have a wonderful combination of comfort food, healthy food and even home grown food.

One important note is that the Amish believe that God wants them to work closely with nature and with that in mind they plant most of the food they eat and do not introduce much technology in their food preparation as they believe it will corrupt their way of life.

 

An Old Order Amish yard normally has a good size garden which is maintained by the family.

What They Grow

Sweet corn, celery, beets, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, are just a few out of a wide variety of the vegetables the Amish plant.  Amish may have fruit trees or grapevines on their property as well.  Amish eat a lot of fresh foods in the growing and harvest months, and can large quantities of fruits and vegetables for the winter.

The Amish usually have livestock such chickens, cows and pigs, which they raise for eggs, milk and meats.

What They Eat

Dishes that the Amish love include:

Morning meals such as scrambled eggs and toasts, pancakes, country brunch casserole, cooked cereals, fruits and juices.

Snacking

Some Amish are big fans of Granola Bars, which they buy by the cases for both adults and children.

Lunch and dinner meals include:

Potato salad

Pasta dishes such as ‘Dump and Go Amish Casserole’

Old Standby Amish Macaroni Salad

Vegetable salads

Shepherd’s Pie

Chow-chow (a pickled relish made from a variety of vegetables)

Amish Church Soup- just a simple dish with half dozen ingredients that is so handy when you are on a budget.

Bread – their delicious handmade breads are normally served on the side.

Desserts that the Amish love include: Amish Apple Fry Pies, Old Fashioned Funeral Pie, Amish Peach Upside Down Cake, Classic Amish Buttermilk Pie and traditional Amish Oatmeal Pie.

Baking is a common occupation for Amish women. The most common desserts among the Amish are Fry Pies, Whoopie Pies, and Friendship Bread.

Canning

Canning is a yearly tradition for the Amish. They do their canning when fruits and vegetables are available in large quantities. They can fruits in the form of jams and jellies, and vegetables in the form of pickles.  They are also known to make their own peanut butter – which is said to be a bit sweeter and runnier than normal peanut butters.

Food For Celebration

The Amish do not use a lot of gifts and decorations for celebrating holidays and special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. They use food as their special for their families. Amish families love to gather and have meals together. Other members of the community may also gather and share in the yummy occasion.

Amish eat a special meal after church service on Sunday. The foods served at these gatherings are pretty basic. They typically consist of bread and cheese sandwiches, cold cuts, sliced pickle, pretzels, a special peanut butter spread sweetened with molasses, coffee, tea, and cookies. Sometime cheese, bologna, and pickled red beets will be served as well.

The Amish diet isn’t exactly one that will help with losing weight. But it will sure keep you licking your fingers and satisfy your family and even your guests when entertaining.