Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
I have a riddle for you with a few clues: who might be involved with eating alligator meat, growing zucchini, horses and buggies, bicycles? Well, “Amish Cooks Across America,” by Kevin Williams and Lovina Eicher with recipes and traditions from Maine to Montana has more interesting tidbits than these. Beautiful pictures, very detailed recipes, historical settlements, and influence of foods prevalent in the areas where the Amish have settled. Even spicy Mexican dishes!
The text on pages 14 and 15 mention Smyrna, Maine and the “daughter” settlement in Unity, which often happens when Amish families grow and need more space for their descendents to earn livings. Some Amish communities have close ties with Canadian Amish.
Each Amish community tends to be different with food, dress, some traditions, methods of travel and worship depending on where in the country the community is located.
One particularly interesting story is the “Amish Country Bike Tour” of Dover, Delaware. What fun it must be!
Then comes the debate of just who non-Amish folks might be: “English or Yankee”? Now, we know how good the Amish cooks are in Aroostook County and they make what Aroostook County likes to buy and eat. And in Florida, especially Pinecraft, where Amish gather to escape winter’s cold, a treat is alligator nuggets and other seafood.
An interesting book for the text; a wonderful resource for recipes; a delight in all respects. Enjoy!
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