05/28/2007

The Amish Cook

Giving thanks for the rain, birthdays

By Lovina Eicher
The Amish Cook
Read past Amish Cook columns here

By LOVINA EICHER

Special to the Record-Eagle

We had a much-needed rain a few nights ago. It was our first rain since we had planted grass more than a week ago. The garden was getting really dry also, so the rain was welcome.

To beat the dry weather, my husband, Joe, had been watering the garden and the lawn. We see little patches of green grass starting to peep through now. It'll be nice once we have grass around the house.

The garden has had a boost too since the rain. Our corn, green beans and potatoes are up now. We sure were thankful for that rain. After it dries off, I'd like to put out more of my vegetable plants. I also would like to plant more corn and potatoes.

On Friday, my daughter Lovina will have her third birthday. It's hard to believe she's 3 already. I'll never forget how sick I was when she was born. I had pancreatitis and had to have an emergency C-section. When she was 7 weeks old I had gall bladder surgery. I do not miss getting those gall stone attacks. I am thankful to have good health again.

We will bake Lovina a little cake and put three candles on it. Over the past few weeks, she has kept asking how many times we'll have to sleep before her birthday. We will give her a little Amish-dressed doll and blanket for her birthday. It has crocheted booties and a bib. I know she will love it.

On Tuesday, I will have my 36th birthday. When I was a child, I couldn't wait for another birthday. But as an adult it is different, and dread comes with turning another year older.

And speaking of years, the children only have 2&1/2 weeks of school left and then the doors will close for another term. It sure will be nice to have the children home for the summer. Meanwhile, Thursday is Ascension Day (see editor's blog at www.amishcookonline.com to learn more about how the Amish observe this holy day), so my husband, Joe, won't go to work and we'll keep the children home from school. It will be a day of prayer, fasting and time spent together.

It will be a nice family day. In this rushy world, it is a special treat to take a break from work and take time to honor our Lord.

Little Kevin's asthma seems better this morning, and we hardly give him any more breathing treatments. His pneumonia has cleared up. I think the cooler, rainy days have helped. Of course with him feeling better he is back into mischief again, but I am glad to see him feeling better.

For a special way to end the day, I have a roast in the oven for supper. It sure makes for an easy supper. I put a roast in and then potatoes, onions and carrots. Then I put cream of mushroom soup on top. The children and Joe like roasts like that and I think it's easy to make. I will have salad and cake also.

Susan is helping Loretta bake a cake to serve to her class tomorrow. She is celebrating her summer birthday at school with her class before the term ends.

With school ending, this is a recipe that the children like over the summer and one that many readers request through the years, so try it and enjoy.

Homemade Snickerdoodles

• 1/2 c. margarine
• 1/2 c. Crisco solid shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1&1/2 c. sugar
• 2&3/4 c. flour
• 2 t. cream of tarter
• 1 t. baking soda
• 1/4 t. salt
• 2 T. sugar
• 2 t. cinnamon

Mix first four ingredients thoroughly. Pre-sift the next four ingredients together. Add to the first mixture. Form balls (walnut size). Roll into mixture of 2 T. sugar and 2 t. cinnamon.

Place about two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake eight to 10 minutes at 375°. Cookies will flatten into circles as they cook. Store well in sealed container.

Lovina Eicher is Old Order Amish. She hand-writes this column from her home in southern Michigan. Anyone with cultural or cooking questions can send them to: Lovina Eicher, The Amish Cook, P.O. Box 2144, Middletown, OH 45042. Read all of her columns online at www.record-eagle.com/columns/amish.