All posts by Lovinas Amish Kitchen

Lovina and Family Gather for Christmas and Ring in the New Year

A brand-new year is before us. What does 2024 hold in store? A new year always feels like a new beginning. A time to try harder to break bad habits, a time to start fresh. Most importantly, to spend more time reading God’s words every day and remembering those less fortunate in life. We have so many blessings that far out number the struggles we face. God is good!

On Sunday we hosted our annual Christmas for my family here in Michigan with sisters Verena and Emma and her family. Along with our family, the total is 42 people. Babies Byron (Dustin and Loretta), 5 months, and Ervin Jr. (Ervin and Susan), 7 weeks, of course didn’t need a place setting at the table. Jazlyn (niece Emma and Menno), 1 year old, sat in the highchair. We set the table for 39 people. We put six tables (six-foot rectangular folding tables) together to seat everyone. We had a Haystack Breakfast brunch.

Everyone brought something for the haystack, such as biscuits, hash browns, scrambled eggs, chopped bacon, ham, smokies, sausage gravy, cheese sauce, green peppers, onions, hot peppers, tomatoes, and salsa. Along with cinnamon rolls for dessert, it made a great meal. Drinks were chocolate milk, orange juice, grapefruit juice, apple juice, V-8 juice, and coffee. Everyone brought the hot food heated up already and in insulated bags so we could start eating right away once everyone was here. It doesn’t take long to have a big haystack of food on your plate if you try a little of everything. It makes a delicious meal.

After everyone was done eating, we put all the leftovers in a roaster to make a casserole so nothing got wasted. After brunch we all exchanged gifts, and everyone found out who had their name. Then I had set up some games for everyone to play to win small gifts from Joe and me. It’s usually fun for everyone.

Joe put a turkey on the grill and it was ready by afternoon to have with snack time. Everyone helped with bringing snacks in the afternoon. There was a nice variety of snacks. Lots of different games were played. We hosted everything in our pole barn, which is where we also held our family Christmas on Christmas Day. On December 24 we hosted church in there as well, plus the annual church potluck. I am guessing we had around two hundred people here for church and potluck. We had eight casseroles, seven big salads, 250 ham sandwiches that we made, lots of desserts, and coffee and tea. After everyone ate we sang Christmas songs. What a nice time of fellowship with the church family.

On New Year’s Eve, everyone stayed until midnight except niece Elizabeth and Manuel. The children were excited that they were able to stay up until midnight and go outside and yell “Happy New Year!” Some left after midnight for home and some stayed for the night. We made room for everyone to sleep. The next morning, I heated up the Haystack casserole for everyone to eat breakfast before heading home.

This morning my husband Joe went back to work after a week off from the factory. He enjoys his time off but was glad to go make money again since the bills don’t get paid without working. I want to thank my daughters for filling in over the holidays and church services we hosted. They did a great job! I’ll sign off wishing everyone God’s blessings and a prosperous new year 2024.

 

Cabbage Cheddar Chowder
1 pound ground beef
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper
1/2 medium head cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup water
3 cups milk
3/4 pound shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Fry ground beef and drain. Add celery, onion, and green pepper. Fry a little longer. Stir in cabbage and water. Cover and cook over low heat till cabbage is tender (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Stir in milk, cheese, flour, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Daughter Loretta Shares About Her Family

Dear readers,

This is Loretta. Mom asked if I would like to write her column. I would say I’m a little overdue writing the column, but I know it helps Mom since she is busy getting ready for church services. On December 24, Mom is planning on having us children stay the night and having Christmas the next day. I look forward to all of us being together.

I want to write about our little family; I know it is quite different having two children under the age of two. I’d say they keep you on your toes. Running after Denzel (16 months) wouldn’t be so bad if I was able to lose weight while running, but I don’t see much of that happening if I’m in a mobility scooter haha. Byron turned four months on November 7. He is a smiling baby, and it feels like raising Denzel all over again. Everyone says he looks like a Denzel Jr.

On weekdays before Dustin goes to work (his driver picks him up at 5:30 a.m.), Dustin goes out to do the morning chores and feeds our two horses Spirit and Skeeter. Skeeter will be coming with a foal next June. Dustin also feeds both dogs; Bailey is a female golden retriever, and Rascal is a male Pomsky. We gave Rascal his name because that’s what he acts like haha. Dustin then feeds our chickens.

Then, Dustin likes to come in and take his morning shower to get his day started out fresh. While Dustin does that, I change both boys’ diapers and get them dressed. It takes longer in the winter when I have to get them all dressed warm just to go across the road to Mom and Dad’s. Dustin walks over with me and both boys and helps us settle in before he leaves for work. Yes, it makes for some busy mornings. I stay at Mom’s with both boys; it helps when Mom and Lovina are there to help me. Of course, Denzel likes to play in Mom’s cabinets instead of playing with all the toys. He discovered that when he goes up the stairs at Mom’s that I can’t get him or reach him, so he gets fun out of that. I laugh about it, but I won’t let him see that.

Dustin normally comes home around 4:30 p.m. Construction is more hours than what the factory was. Dustin quit the factory last year around the time before I had Byron and had appointments every week because I had a high-risk pregnancy. Life is busy and expensive, but I will not complain—we are very blessed we have the children, and we both love them very much. Dustin and his brother Daniel are starting an excavating business as a side job right now until they can start full time, but that won’t be until spring.

Tomorrow, all of us girls will be going over to Mom’s to help clean for church, and my aunt Emma and her two daughters Elizabeth and Emma (and her children) and her daughter-in-law Crystal will be there to help as well. My aunt Verena has been staying there since Sunday, so she will be there too. Dustin helped me make breakfast burritos to take to Mom’s tomorrow morning for everyone. I also enjoy going there to spend a day with everyone.

We will be going to Dustin’s parents on December 16 for Christmas and will spend the day there. Dustin’s parents live about six to seven miles from us. It seems longer with all the big hills we have to go up. It’s rolling country, which makes it feel longer when the horse needs more time for the hills. Most of the time, we take our handicapped buggy that has a lift in the back to lift me up in the buggy with my scooter. It makes it much nicer now that Dustin doesn’t have to lift me into the buggy anymore. We used to have a trailer behind our buggy to pull my scooter around and a cover on the scooter. The trailer was bouncier and made my scooter quit a lot from the bumps, and I had to buy a new scooter more often. They’re not supposed to get rained on or snowed on either. Now we have the handicapped buggy, and I’m so glad we don’t have to do that anymore.

We have a night routine whenever Dustin gets home. He gets me and the children and helps us home. We decide on what to have for supper, and he has to help with most of making supper while I wash the dishes, sitting on my scooter and folding laundry. Dustin washes the laundry and hangs it up. Dustin will sweep the floor while I mop from my scooter, so I would say we make a pretty good team. There’s running after Denzel too hahaha.

Then Dustin will do the chores again at night. We sometimes get behind on the housework with us being gone most days. Mom will always offer to have us stay over for supper, so we do that too; plus, it’s hard to refuse a good meal.

In the summer, I’d say it’s busier when we have the garden and mowing grass and all that to do yet, and with me needing help making supper. I’d say Dustin is a busy guy. There is stuff I could do, but we aren’t set up for my handicap all the way yet. In spite of it all, I still like summer better than winter. Dustin made us raised garden beds, so I go out there and help weed and pick stuff off the plants. This year, we canned hot peppers, red beets, hot pepper butter, tomato chunks, pickles, and more. I’m thankful for Mom’s help too. I like to be as independent as I can with a positive attitude.

I’m running out of news, and it’s bedtime for me and the boys. We will be thinking warmly of each of you and wishing your family an extra measure of comfort, joy, and hope this Christmas. Have a Merry Christmas, and the best to you all in the New Year of 2024. God be with you from Loretta, Dustin, Denzel Michael, and Byron Liam.

Chicken Roll-Ups
Boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Sour cream
Lemon pepper
Garlic powder
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Medium tomato, sliced

Topping Sauce
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Ranch dressing

Cut each chicken breast into three pieces. With a sharp knife, cut each piece in half lengthwise but not all the way through. Lay open the piece and season with salt and pepper; then spread with a thin layer of sour cream. Season with lemon pepper and garlic powder; then cover with shredded cheese and a half slice of tomato. Roll up and place in glass pan. Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and ranch dressing to taste to make a sauce to pour over the roll-ups. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Daughter Susan Shares about a Month Full of Plans with Family

I’m Lovina’s daughter Susan. I wanted to help Mom out and write an article for her. I’m not sure how Mom does it, knowing what to write every week. I have a hard time just doing one article.

This Monday morning, the children are all in school except Ervin Jay. He’s sleeping in the swing right now. He loves the rocking motion! With this quiet moment, I decided to quickly write something.

Yesterday, I attended church for the first time with Ervin Jay. We were all excited to take him to church and show him to everyone. He was a good little boy and slept most of the time. I had plenty of babysitters. It has been four years since I’ve taken care of a baby, so I had to learn all over again.

On Thursday, December 7, my husband Ervin’s family all came for family night and to meet Ervin Jay. It was really an enjoyable night. Supper was brought in, and it was a relaxing evening for me.

On Friday, December 8, Mose’s family came to see the baby. They also brought supper.

On Saturday, December 9, Ervin’s brother Steven and his girlfriend Marla; Ervin’s grandparents; his Aunt Liz and Uncle Christy; Aunt Beth; and two of Ervin’s cousins (who are Christy and Liz’s boys) CJ and Lyndon and girlfriend Rhonda brought supper in and also wanted to see the baby. I enjoyed not having to make supper for a while. It seems I eat better if I don’t make it.

Thursday, December 14, will be three years since Mose passed. I often see Mose in our children, Jennifer and Ryan. Grief never goes away; it just gets easier to handle. Even though our lives have moved on, Mose will always still hold a special place in it. We love to have conversations with the children about Mose and Sarah, and it keeps the memories alive. Precious memories—how they linger.

Ryan still holds on to Mose’s church hat that Mose would wear every time to church. I still remember Ryan would beg Mose for his hat, and Mose would let him play with it. I would warn Mose that he shouldn’t let Ryan play with it because he’d make it dirty and crunch it. Sunday morning, Mose would be sitting there scrubbing his hat so it wouldn’t look dirty before wearing it to church.

I’ve learned to not take our loved ones for granted. Be with them while they are here with us, and don’t wait until it’s too late. It can change in the blink of an eye. God’s plans aren’t always our way.

We have a busy month this December. On December 24, Mom and Dad will have church services at their house. Then the plans are that we will stay for the night, and we will stay for Christmas day. On December 30, we will go to Omer and Rose’s (Sarah’s parents) for Christmas with all of them. Omer and Rose are really nice people. They treat me like part of their family. I feel comfortable with them and love spending time there. All the children love going.

On January 6, we will go to Ervin’s parents’ house for Christmas. It will also be Ervin’s Mom’s birthday the same day.

December 17 is Mose’s family Christmas gathering. We are afraid we won’t make it this year. Sometimes we can’t make it to all four family’s gatherings, but we try our best.

With six children, life can be overwhelming, but that’s okay. I love each and every one of the children. They are a blessing from God. Without God, our lives would be empty and cold hearted. God is love.

I think I’ve written enough. I’m not as funny as sister Lovina or as interesting as Mom! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I’ll share Ervin’s mother’s pumpkin bars recipe. She brought the bars on family night, and everyone loved them; there weren’t any left.

Pumpkin Bars
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin puree
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Mix oil, sugar, pumpkin, and eggs until well combined. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and allspice in a separate bowl. Stir dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined. Spread batter into greased 13 x 18-inch pan or two 9 x 13-inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

For frosting, mix together the cream cheese and butter until smooth; stir in vanilla. Add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Spread on top of the cooled cake.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Lovina Shares Six Cookie Recipes!

In this column, I will share cookie recipes. I hope you will enjoy them!

Brown Sugar Cookies
3 cups brown sugar
1 cup lard or butter, softened
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups sour milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
5 cups flour, sifted
Pinch of salt

Cream together brown sugar, lard or butter, and eggs. Stir baking soda into sour milk. Sift baking powder, salt, and flour together. Add milk and dry ingredients alternately to the creamed mixture. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 7–8 minutes.

 

Molasses Cookies
1 cup butter
1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
2 cups dark baking molasses
2 cups buttermilk
6 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda

Cream together butter and sugar. Add molasses and buttermilk. Stir in flour and baking soda. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8–10 minutes.

 

Aunt Mary’s Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup peanut butter
2–3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) package chocolate chips

Thoroughly cream shortening, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in peanut butter and add dry ingredients. Drop large spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press with a floured fork to make a crisscross. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until brown on the edges. Leave on cookie sheet a few minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

 

Overnight Refrigerator Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour

Mix butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in soda, salt, and flour. Shape and roll into a 2 x 3-inch roll. Chill overnight. Slice and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

 

Monster Bars
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
3/4 teaspoon corn syrup (clear)
3 eggs
2 teaspoons soda
4 1/2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup M&Ms

Cream together sugars, peanut butter, corn syrup, and eggs. Add soda and quick oats. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms last. Spread in a 10 x 17-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15–20 minutes or until slightly brown.

 

Mocha Chunk Cookies
1 butter
1 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Cream together butter and sugars. Add instant coffee dissolved in vanilla. Add eggs. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Don’t overbake!

 

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

 

Lovina and Her Family Announce the Name of Midnight’s Colt

Daughter Verena will be 26 on December 10. Grandson Timothy (T.J.) will be five on December 17, granddaughter Allison will be four on December 27, and my husband Joe will be 55 on December 22. Happy birthday to all of them!

Church services will be held here in three weeks on December 24. There is so much to do yet. As the children leave home and have their own work to do, it seems like it gets busier and harder for this “Grandma” to keep up. It doesn’t help that it is also the holiday season with many gatherings.

Church services will be held here with a potluck meal to follow, Lord willing. Then on Christmas Day, our family all plans to be here for our family Christmas. So, with cleaning and shopping, we will be kept busy.

Let us not forget the reason for the season. Let us take time to reflect and be thankful for all our blessings.

Friday was the Christmas dinner for the metal shop where my husband Joe has worked these past three years.

A co-worker and his wife picked Joe and me up around 11:45 a.m. When we arrived, they started the ping pong tournaments for the workers. After that, they had cornhole tournaments as well. Tables of good food were there to snack on all afternoon. There were barbequed wings, jalapeño poppers, clementines, summer sausage, cheese, crackers, a variety of homemade candy, Rice Krispie treats, lots of other candy, and other options. And to drink, there was coffee, pop, water, tea, juice.

At around 4 p.m., we saw a show by Jasen Magic. He was quite a good entertainer, and it was probably different for him to entertain in an Amish home for mostly Amish people. He had us all laughing at his many tricks; he is a great comedian as well.

After the show, we were served a very delicious supper consisting of mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, mixed vegetables, meatballs, ham, homemade bread and butter, and a variety of pies and ice cream. It was all very good!

The owner Daniel presented all the workers with gifts and a speech. We appreciated the hospitality we received.

After supper, the cornhole games continued among other games.

Joe and I arrived home after 9:30 p.m.

To all you readers that sent names for our colt, we finally decided on a name. We picked the name Jett. Thank you for all your suggestions. It was a hard decision between Sarge, Major, and Thunder. We hope we will have Jett here on the farm many years. He will be six months old in a few weeks and will be weaned from his mother Midnight.

Son Benjamin is driving his two-year-old in the buggy for short rides now. He named her Star. She has done really well so far. His buggy is ready now at the repair shop from his accident. He has another checkup Wednesday.

Baby Ervin is three weeks old and over eight pounds. He is doing well. Before he was born, Kaitlyn and Jennifer were saying they wanted a girl because they already have three boys. I knew it was going to be a boy, so I asked them if I could have it if it was a boy. They said, “Oh no, we still want him, but we would rather have a girl.” I think now they don’t even mind what it is. They just enjoy him so much already. They’re such good little helpers.

Our hearts are sad as we received word that my cousin Joey, age 67, passed away. Also, what a shock to hear of the death of Susan, an old friend from years ago. She was only 54. Our sympathy to both families as they mourn their loved ones. May God comfort them. God’s blessings to all!

Butterfingers
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white syrup
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
4 cups slightly crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 250 degrees. In a heavy saucepan combine sugar and syrup. Place over heat; stir constantly until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Turn off heat; stir in peanut butter. Add cornflakes; blend thoroughly. Press mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Bake until marshmallows and chocolate chips soften. Remove from oven; swirl marshmallows and chocolate chips; let cool. Cut into 3/4 by 2-inch strips.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Lovina and Family Enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving

This morning Dustin and daughter Loretta brought their boys here while they went to Loretta’s dentist appointment. The ground is covered with several inches of snow since yesterday. Denzel, 16 months, went brrr, brrrr when he came in the house. They had a chilly buggy ride to town, although they do have a heater in their buggy, so that helped.

Byron, 3 months, was all full of smiles when Dustin brought him in to me. It was only 7 a.m., so they both took a nap and I relaxed in the recliner with Byron. Dustins were back around 9:45 a.m. to pick up the boys. Loretta had to have a tooth pulled, so she was ready to go home to rest.

We are spoiled now with covered buggies. Twenty years ago we lived in a community that had open buggies, and there were some pretty cold rides. We had to bundle up the children and use a large umbrella to block off the wind and rain. I like the covered buggies, and in the summer it’s also cooler to not have the sun beating down on you. We wear less coats than we did back then.

I washed the laundry and hung it on the lines in our basement. Daughter Lovina is cleaning out cabinets. Church services will be set here for December 24, Lord willing, and a lot of cleaning needs to be done. It is 27 degrees and still lightly snowing. Yesterday morning Joe and I biked to church and there wasn’t any snow. A good thing it wasn’t too far, as our bikes were covered in snow when we were ready to go home. The snow packed to our wheels, making it a little harder to bike back. It didn’t help that it was uphill coming home as well.

Daughter Elizabeth, Tim, and children, Joe and I, daughter Verena and her special friend Daniel Ray, and sons Benjamin and Kevin were supper guests at daughter Loretta and Dustin’s last night.

Baby Ervin is going to be two weeks old tomorrow. He is doing good and getting lots of love from his parents and siblings.

Sister Emma hosted her family, our family, and sister Verena for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. She had three turkeys—one was baked, one was smoked, and one was grilled. They were all very good. Along with the food everyone brought and what Emma made, we had plenty of food. On the menu besides turkey was mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrot blend, taco salad, veggies and dip, homemade bread, jam, butter, hot pepper butter, hot peppers, cheese, pumpkin roll, pumpkin whoopie pies, pumpkin mini cupcakes, and cherry, blueberry, and peach pies, and I’m probably missing something.

Lovina made these cherry, blueberry, and peach pies to take to Sister Emma’s house, where the Thanksgiving table was set for 42. Photo Provided.

Snacks were set out later in the day—chips, dip, summer sausage, desserts, veggies and dip, and leftover turkey. Emma’s son-in-law put two pork roasts on the grill to also enjoy with the snacks. Everyone had plenty to eat.

When I begin to count my blessings, I have so much to be thankful for. Our home is blessed with the warmth of family and fond memories of the past. Our loved ones gone on before us are never forgotten and are sadly missed as we all gather around the table on these occasions.

The table is now set for 42. Emma hosted it in her attached garage, and the tables stretched out along the whole length of it. The newest family member was even able to join us, although baby Ervin was only nine days old. Susan could sit in the recliner and rest. We were just happy they could join us. All 42 of us exchanged names for our annual Christmas gathering that we will host December 31, Lord willing. I hope everyone had a safe and blessed Thanksgiving and got to spend time with your loved ones. I wish you good health and God’s many blessings!

Vegetable Beef Skillet Dinner
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup small bread cubes
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed mushroom soup
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup canned chopped tomatoes or juice
1 (10 ounce) package frozen lima beans
1 cup butternut or summer squash, thinly sliced

Combine beef, bread cubes, egg, onion, and salt in a mixing bowl; shape into 16 meat balls. Brown in shortening in skillet; pour off fat. Stir in soup, water, tomatoes, lima beans, and squash. Cover. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes and stir now and then. Makes 4 servings.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

A welcome addition to the family

I ended up not going to the comfort knotting last week. Instead, I went with daughter Susan and Ervin to the hospital. Now I have exciting news to share. Ervin Jay Yoder Jr. was born to Ervin and Susan at 6:17 p.m. on November 14. He weighs 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and is 19.5 inches long. Joe and I now have 12 grandchildren. Ervin Jay is so sweet and has won our hearts already. Now you will hear from daughter Verena:

Hello! This is Lovina’s daughter Verena. I decided to write the column for Mom since I was really in a writing mood. It is currently 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 18. This week sure has been a busy one for me, but also very exciting.

Tuesday I went with Dustin and sister Loretta to an appointment to help with Denzel and Byron. We left at 11 a.m. and didn’t get home until 5:30 p.m. I then went over to sister Elizabeth’s since Ervin and Susan had dropped their five children off there. It was fun and exciting to let Kaitlyn, 7, Jennifer, 5, Isaiah, 5, Ryan, 4, and Curtis, 4, know they have a baby brother, Ervin Jay. They couldn’t wait to meet him.

Tim and Elizabeth took the five children and me back to Ervin and Susan’s place that night. I stayed there with the children and woke them up at 6 a.m. on Wednesday to get ready for school. Ryan was up most of the night worrying about where his parents were, so he did not get the best sleep. I kept him home but sent the other four. Ervin and Susan did not get home until 9 p.m. that night. Kaitlyn and Jennifer were the only ones who did not go to sleep, because they were super excited to meet Ervin Jay. They both got to hold him a little bit before they went to bed.

Thursday morning, Ervin helped me get the children ready for school. Getting five children ages 4–7 ready for school can be a hassle. There’s always one missing something.

Elizabeth dropped off a casserole on her way over to Mom’s. She brought a ranch potato casserole, corn, and garlic cheese bread. Allison and Andrea were with her. They all came in to meet baby Ervin.

Thursday night, Ervin’s dad and mom, his brother Glen, and Glen’s girlfriend stopped in to meet Ervin Jay. Ervin’s mom brought two homemade pizzas. I heated up Elizabeth’s casseroles along with the pizza for all of us for supper. The children were glad that Grandpa Yoders and Uncle Glen and his girlfriend came for supper.

Friday morning I only had to get Kaitlyn, Jennifer, and Isaiah ready for school. Ryan and Curtis don’t go on Fridays.

Dustin and Loretta brought supper. My parents also came. It was really enjoyable, and the children were excited that they came.

This morning my boyfriend Daniel and I washed all the laundry. It sure adds up fast. I had washed it all on Wednesday. I’m trying to wash clothes three times a week so it’s not so big each time. Ervin and Daniel hung the laundry on the wash lines for me while I prepared lunch. Sister Loretta and I made a breakfast casserole last night for this morning, so breakfast was easy.

All the children are down for a nap right now. They have been getting up extra early because they are excited about the new baby. Jennifer got out of bed way earlier than she normally does to hold baby Ervin. Susan has to set a timer for the children because they argue about who gets to hold him. Haha!

I want to sweep and mop yet, and clean the bathrooms, and laundry has to be off the lines yet. Kaithlyn and Jennifer will help me clean the bathrooms after their nap. The children will help get the laundry off the lines. They are pretty good at that. They are also good at putting their clothes away after I fold it for them.

Sometime before bedtime I need to bathe the children and wash their hair. Saturdays are always extra busy.

Lovina baked these dinner rolls for part of the Sunday meal at daughter Susan’s house. Photo provided.

It is now Monday. Yesterday my parents and siblings, Tim and Elizabeth and children, Dustin and Loretta and boys, cousin Steven, and Daniel were all here. Dad grilled a turkey and Mom brought mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, dinner rolls, apple cake, and cookies. Elizabeth brought lettuce salad, and Loretta brought peaches and brownies.

I’m going to sign off on this. I have work that needs to be done. You all take care, and God bless!

Apple Doodle
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond flavoring
1/2 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 heaping cup finely chopped apples

Beat egg well. Add sugar and cream together well. Add almond flavoring, then add sifted flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold in chopped apples. Pour into an 8 x 8-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees on top rack of oven for 25 minutes, or until brown. Serve either hot or cold.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Lovina Attends a Comfort Knotting

It’s Tuesday morning around 5:30 a.m. and son Benjamin is getting ready to go to work. Yesterday was his first day of work in over two months. He certainly is looking forward to a paycheck again. He was pretty sore last night after work. His leg is still in a boot—the doctor told him to come back in four weeks. He is doing home therapy, and he is allowed to wear his shoe several hours a day and gradually get out of the boot. Benjamin wants to thank everyone for their lovely cards, letters, and gifts. He always looked forward to opening his cards. Yesterday I even received a letter from sister Leah with their card to Benjamin. I haven’t seen Leah since daughter Susan and Ervin’s wedding last year, on December 30. Hopefully I get to see her soon. Leah is the oldest of us eight siblings—she is 64. We miss our two siblings Amos and Susan. They both left us way too soon. May we all meet again someday.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to neighbor Amy as she mourns the death of her dear husband. They moved in shortly after we did in 2004 and have been great neighbors. May God help and comfort Amy as she goes though this difficult time. Rest in peace Ed—you will be missed!

On Sunday our church services were at our neighbors Dave and Barbara’s. If I’m not mistaken, there were 25 families visiting from other church districts. Church services were held in their basement, and it was filled to capacity. Our church has over 40 families, so we are big already.

At night our church had a carry-in farewell supper for a young couple, Samuel and Wilma, and their two children. They moved in close to daughters Susan and Verena several years ago and now will move to Tennessee. They live down the road a quarter mile from daughter Verena since Susan moved in with Ervin after their marriage last year. On the menu was a haystack dinner and lots of desserts. We sang songs for them after supper. We wish them the best as they start life in a different state.

I quite well remember almost 20 years ago moving to another state and having six children, with the seventh one born soon after our move. It was a challenge, and sometimes I don’t see how I managed, but we did and we have made this home. Home is where the heart is!

These comforters are the type that Lovina and the community women will be making at the comfort knotting. Photo provided.

My plans for today are to go to the community building for a comfort knotting. Several ladies from our church are going, including sisters Verena and Emma. The comforters are made to give away to those in need. We all pack a sack lunch. I told sister Verena I’ll pack her lunch with mine. With her living alone and not getting to town too often, she doesn’t always have much on hand to pack a lunch.

Tomorrow gun season opens for the deer hunters, which brings a lot of excitement for them. For me, I am well contented staying in the warm house. Sons-in-law Tim and Ervin have both shot deer with bow and have meat for their freezer. Ervin shot a nine-point buck. Both men can hunt on their own property, which makes it handy for them.

Our plans for Thanksgiving Day are to go to sister Emma’s house. We take turns hosting Thanksgiving dinner. This year, she hosts Thanksgiving and we host Christmas dinner. Next year we will exchange holidays. Wish you all God’s blessings.

 

Broccoli Cheddar Brunch Bake
8 cups chopped fresh broccoli
1 cup chopped onion
6 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
12–13 eggs, beaten
1 1/2–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Garlic salt to taste

Sauté broccoli and onion in oil or butter until crisp-tender. Combine the eggs, 1 cup cheese, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl; stir in broccoli mixture. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40–50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and let set 10 minutes.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Lovina and Family Enjoy a Fall Day Together

Today grandson Byron (son of daughter Loretta and Dustin) is 3 months old. He weighs 10 pounds, 12 ounces now. He’s a sweet little smiley baby. He’s cooing and an active little boy. Denzel loves his little brother but sometimes looks annoyed to have to share everyone with Byron. He likes to give Byron something to play with, which isn’t always a good thing if it’s somebody’s shoe. Haha!

On Sunday I made a breakfast haystack for brunch. Those joining us were Tim, daughter Elizabeth, Abigail, 7, Timothy (T.J.), 4, Allison, 3, and Andrea, 21 months, daughter Susan, Ervin, Kaitlyn, 7, Jennifer, 5, Isaiah, 5, Ryan, 4, and Curtis, 4, daughter Loretta, Dustin, Denzel, 16 months, and Byron, 3 months, daughter Verena and her special friend Daniel Ray, son Joseph’s special friend Grace, daughter Lovina’s special friend Daniel, and nephews Henry, Jacob, and Steven.

For the haystack breakfast I made Mystery Biscuits (and crumbled them after baked), sausage, bacon, ham, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, cheese sauce, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, hot peppers, salsa, and gravy. For a haystack, layer everything you like, and add more ingredients to your menu if you prefer. Lastly, pour cheese sauce and gravy over everything. It is a good meal but takes time to make everything. It is easy for children; if they only like biscuits and gravy or scrambled eggs, they can take only that. We also had rhubarb juice, grape juice, V-8 juice, coffee, milk, and cider, as well as ice cream and pumpkin whoopie pies. Some of these recipes will likely be included among over one hundred recipes in my new cookbook The Cherished Table (release date June 2024)!

Before everyone left we had hot dog and bologna sandwiches, venison snack sticks, chips, pretzels, apples, popcorn, etc.

It was a beautiful fall day, and the children loved being outside. Their favorite place to play is on the big pile of dirt in our field behind our house. Son-in-law Dustin and his brother Daniel (Lovina’s special friend) run an excavating business besides working construction as well. They are digging a pond for us. We needed dirt to fill in to build a new barn so we decided to have them dig a pond instead of paying for dirt to be hauled in. It will be nice once it’s all done. Our barn is very old, so we need room to store hay, etc. So we decided to build a new one instead of trying to fix up the old one. It seems there is so much work that need to be done and so little time to do it. Our goal was to have this pole barn built before the snow starts flying.

Son Benjamin is hoping to get the okay from the doctor tomorrow to return to work. He laughs and says we were waiting to build the pole barn until he can help. We will be glad for his help.

Son-in-law Dustin and son Joseph worked on the stair steps one night and that is another project needing attention.

Recently one Friday evening, daughter Verena had Daniel Ray’s family and our family at her house for supper. Some of our grandchildren and Daniel Ray’s siblings are in the same school, so they had fun that evening. Dutch Blitz and dice games were played and the evening was enjoyable. Everyone helped bring food so it made it easier for Verena.

Church services will be set at our house in 6 1/2 weeks, Lord willing, so we are trying to clean as well. My daughters were home one day helping last week. I was so glad for their help. I know they are busy with their own work. I can feel I am not as young as I used to be when getting ready to host church services. I am thankful for my good health and should not complain when my work falls behind. Take one day at a time!

God’s blessings to all!

 

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

Filling:
1/2 cup milk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
3–4 cups powdered sugar

Cream sugar and oil. Add pumpkin and eggs. Add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, and spices. Mix well. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10–12 minutes.

For filling, mix milk, cream cheese, and vanilla with 3 cups powdered sugar. Add more sugar as needed to reach desired consistency. Spread between two cookies.

 

Lovina’s Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold.  Because Lovina is Old Order Amish, she does not have email or a telephone in her home. Lovina does not respond to comments on this website, if you would like to contact her directly, click here.

Lovina and Her Family Gather to Can Applesauce

This is the last day of October already! Where does the time go? On Sunday, our clocks will fall back an hour, ending daylight saving time until next spring. I really do not care for the switching back and forth. I wish they would keep it one way or the other. Such is life!

Last week, we were able to get 10 bushels of apples into applesauce for daughter Susan and Ervin. It was an enjoyable day spent together working and visiting. I hadn’t seen Ervin’s mother Esther since the wedding last year, so it was nice to visit with her again. She had six boys and one girl, so she knows all about raising boys and is going to sew pants for Susan and Ervin’s three growing little boys. They are all so close in size that they can’t do hand-me-downs.

Daughters Loretta, Elizabeth, Verena, and I stayed to help until the applesauce was all in jars because we live closer than Esther and her daughters-in-law Rachel and Sarah. They had a driver bring them and probably had a 45-minute drive back home. Loretta, Denzel, Byron, and I went with their handicap buggy. We arrived back home at around 7:15 p.m. Later than we had anticipated, but I was glad to get the apples all done in one day for them. There were 157 quarts of applesauce canned for them, which will be a nice supply for the next year.

Joe and the boys harvested the remaining peppers and tomatoes from the garden. Photo provided.

Here at home, daughter Lovina had supper ready for our family and Dustin’s when we arrived. While we were gone, Joe and the boys had picked all the peppers and tomatoes from the garden and garden beds. Now, our garden is history for 2023.

Son Benjamin has only one week left until he goes to the doctor and hopefully gets the okay to have his cast off. It was a long seven-and-a-half weeks for him.

Church services were held on Sunday at our neighbors’. Sister Verena came here after church and has been here since. She gets lonely if she’s home for too long alone. Today, we want to wash out my two cupboards. Since it only has my good china and the dishes I use on special occasions, I like to wash all the dishes when I have them out. Verena said she can do that for me today so that I can do another job.

Lord willing, Christmas services will be held here on December 24, and we will have a potluck meal afterward. We are trying to get a head start on cleaning since the holidays are a busy time of gatherings.

Son Joseph used the pressure washer and washed off the porch. He also moved some of the porch furniture to the basement for the winter. I like my wicker set and patio table and chairs in the basement for the winter months for protection. We wouldn’t use it out there on the porch anyhow. We do use it in the basement during the winter months sometimes. It’s always cozy in our basement with the heat down there. I’m organizing down there on the days I get to it. I want to make a play area for the grandchildren when they come. I have a bookshelf with books as well. They love reading or “looking” at books.

We are in the process of getting a stairlift put in for son Kevin, 18. We had a used one that a kind reader had donated to us, but it finally gave up on us. Kevin’s bedroom is upstairs, and he can’t get up the steps anymore. Son Joseph carries him up every night to bed. He can still come down, but it isn’t the safest, so we decided to get another chairlift. Kevin is the tallest of our three sons—almost six feet.

We traveled to Ann Arbor for doctor appointments last Friday. They do a lot of testing for muscular dystrophy. It makes a long day for the children (and also for Mom). It is a two-plus hour drive, so we are on the road for almost five hours.

Until next time… God bless! Stay safe and healthy!

Broccoli and Mushroom Soup
1 cup unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced thinly
4 cups diced fresh broccoli
1 cup all-purpose flour
4–5 cups milk, divided
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Melt butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven on medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, and broccoli, tossing and stirring vegetables in butter for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the pan, continuing to stir so flour is evenly distributed and mixed with vegetables and the flour is being cooked—you are making a roux for this thick nourishing soup, so stir for another 2 minutes to blend completely.

Add 3 cups milk, continuing to stir vigorously to create a sauce. Turn the heat to low and continue stirring. As the soup thickens, add chicken broth and additional milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly so the soup stays smooth. Cook another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring while the cheese melts. Add more milk if you want a thinner soup.