Check out this wonderful ministry!
http://www.lightofhopeministries.com/dotnetnuke/
http://www.lightofhopeministries.com/dotnetnuke/
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Another Great Year!
I know it's been awhile since my last post. I've been busy selling cheese, and cooking, cooking and more cooking! This year for Christmas, I decided to make homemade goodies to give away. Some of the things I made were handpoured German Beeswax ornaments (which I love, love, love!) and of course candy! Some of my recipes came from my big collection of Amish cook books. If I am looking for a recipe that I know is going to be good, I try to use one out of an Amish cookbook. Besides making the candy, (which consisted of coconut patties, choco covered cherrys, peppermint bark, peanut clusters, choco covered pretzels and choco covered animal crackers) I also made choco dipped candied orange peels, biscotti and caramel corn. Whew! Exhausting yes, but what smiles did I put on the recipients faces. ;) Here is the recipe for Amish Caramel Corn (this by far is the best in my opinion)
2 sticks butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
6 - 8 quarts or 6 - 8 bags of microwave popcorn
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Melt butter; add sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add baking soda and vanilla. Pour over popcorn and mix well. Bake on greased baking sheets for 1/2 to 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes while baking. Let cool and then store in air tight container or bag up as gifts.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Premium Choices Cheese
Premium Choices is located on a small, beautiful farm in the hills of Juniata County, PA. We are a family owned cheese and yogurt processing facility. Premium Choices is PA Preferred and produces and markets the highest quality cheese and yogurt products giving the consumer an alternative healthy choice to other products in the market. Our specialty is goat milk yogurts and cheeses (both hard and soft).
Why Goat Cheese?
People of all ages can benefit from goat milk. Many lactose intolerant people can tolerate goat milk products. The fat globules in goat milk are much smaller than cows milk and it is to some extent naturally homogenized. Very little cream can be skimmed off a container of milk.
People of all ages can benefit from goat milk. Many lactose intolerant people can tolerate goat milk products. The fat globules in goat milk are much smaller than cows milk and it is to some extent naturally homogenized. Very little cream can be skimmed off a container of milk.
Mission:
To produce and market the highest quality yogurt and cheese products giving the consumer and alternative healthy choice over other products in the market.
To produce and market the highest quality yogurt and cheese products giving the consumer and alternative healthy choice over other products in the market.
Products:
Goat (Semi Soft Cheeses): Cheddar, Havarti, Jack, Colby, Gouda, Feta, Baby Swiss, and Smoke Cheddar
Goat (Semi Soft Cheeses): Cheddar, Havarti, Jack, Colby, Gouda, Feta, Baby Swiss, and Smoke Cheddar
Goat Chevre (Soft Cheeses) : Plain, Salted, Herb, Hot Pepper, Cranberry Almond, Pineapple
For more information or wholesale price list please contact us at info@premiumchoicesonline.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
HOPE because God is working on your behalf.In all things God works for the good of those who love Him. ROMANS 8:28
JOY because God has a plan for you."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "...plans to give you hope and a future." JEREMIAH 29:11
PEACE because God will be wherever you go.I am with you always. MATTHEW 28:20
LOVE because God deeply cares for you.How wide and long and deep and high is the love of Christ. EPHESIANS 3:18
STRENGTH because God gives you everything you need.I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. PHILLIPIANS 4:13
CONFIDENCE because God made you who you are.God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. GENESIS 1:31
COURAGE because God can do more than you can imagine!With God all things are possible. MATTHEW 19:26
JOY because God has a plan for you."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "...plans to give you hope and a future." JEREMIAH 29:11
PEACE because God will be wherever you go.I am with you always. MATTHEW 28:20
LOVE because God deeply cares for you.How wide and long and deep and high is the love of Christ. EPHESIANS 3:18
STRENGTH because God gives you everything you need.I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. PHILLIPIANS 4:13
CONFIDENCE because God made you who you are.God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. GENESIS 1:31
COURAGE because God can do more than you can imagine!With God all things are possible. MATTHEW 19:26
Friday, April 16, 2010
Coming this Fall... The Amish Cook 20th Anniversary Cookbook!!
I absolutely LOVE this series of cookbooks from The Amish Cook. If you aren't a fan yet on Facebook, I suggest "becoming a fan" so you can keep up to date with all the latest Amish news as well as the cookbook updates! Kevin and Lovina do a "Vunderful Gut" job of writing. :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
God is AWESOME! The Laymon and Esh family gather for fellowship!
God is awesome. Here's a photo taken this weekend in Burkesville, KY of Misty Laymon and family (wife of Kenneth Laymon-truck driver) with the surviving Eshes, and Lester (Joel) Gingeriches (left). God bless them all. ♥ What a wonderful example of forgiveness even though it was a horrific accident! Let's examine our own lives. How quickly are we to forgive when we face tragedy in the face?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Another day on our mini farm.
Today we had a busy day enhancing our little farm. We put up a goat fence and assembled our chicken house It feels good to live off the land as much as possible. I can't wait to start planting my garden.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Time spent...
It was nice to spend sometime with my mom and sister today. We haven't gotten together to color eggs since we were young girls! It sure was a treat on a lovely spring afternoon.
Another day on the farm....
We don't actually have a "farm" but it might as well be. We live in rural PA surrounded by farms. I get my milk right from my neighbor's dairy, homemade cheese from my brother-in-law, and farm fresh brown eggs from my other neighbor. Until now. We currently purchase a small batch of peeps to raise as laying hens. I got them a week and a half ago and can't believe how quickly they grow!!! Yesterday temperatures hit over 71 degrees so I gave these little ones some freedom from their "box" to enjoy some green grass and sunshine. :) Ahhhhh.... I love spring!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Get ready for Spring cleaning by downloading this FREE E-Book!!!
Ready, Set, Spring!8 Week Guide to a Refreshed Home and Renewed Space By Betsy KramerProfessional Organizer. FREE for a limited time!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Resting in Jesus's arms...
Prayers for the Esh family and truck driver's family. This song sung by the Esh family http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfHSXZJX_E is even more precious today. It was written by son Amos after son Johnny (23) was killed in accident in 2006. May God comfort those the surviving of their ten children: Elmer, Benuel, Betty, Verna, and Amos. May John ♥ Sadie, Leroy ♥ Naomi and baby, Rose, Anna Lynn, Rachel ♥ Joel Gingerich, and Ashley Kramer find rest in Jesus.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Ahhhhh Spring!
Ahhhhh..... these little guys are starting to peak their little heads through the soil to soak up the sunshine.
Amish moving day?
I found this photo of Amish moving day. I am not sure where this was taken but I found it very interesting. Now that's real horsepower pulling that wagon!
I Wish I Had A Big Red Umbrella
I wish I had a big red umbrella that would keep all the rain out of your life. I would hold it over your head and the drops would splash, splash and you would never even feel them.
But I don't have a big red umbrella...so I'll walk through the rain with you.
God doesn't intend for us to go through our storms alone. We all need our "foul weather friends" who will venture out into the weather with us.
There are two questions we must answer to not only survive but thrive through life's storms;
Who will walk through the rain with us? And will we let them?
Friends love through all kinds of weather. Proverbs 17:17 MSG
But I don't have a big red umbrella...so I'll walk through the rain with you.
God doesn't intend for us to go through our storms alone. We all need our "foul weather friends" who will venture out into the weather with us.
There are two questions we must answer to not only survive but thrive through life's storms;
Who will walk through the rain with us? And will we let them?
Friends love through all kinds of weather. Proverbs 17:17 MSG
Monday, March 22, 2010
Amish Wedding Feast Minus Bride And Groom
Only a bride and groom were missing Saturday from a wedding feast prepared by Old Order Amish couples to benefit fire company. Here's the recipe for an Amish wedding feast in Paradise:Roast chicken with filling and gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed celery, cole slaw, roll, applesauce, fruit salad, doughnut, apple or cherry pie, ice cream, lemonade.Plus gravy and butter. As much as you can eat. No-frills farm food served with red paper napkins and smiles all around."To me this is real food, not like so much of what you get in a restaurant," said George Book, who attended the Paradise-Leaman Place Fire Company "Authentic Amish Wedding Dinner" Saturday evening."This is more like home cooking," agreed his wife, Nancy.The Books live on Belmont Road, about two miles from the fire station. They each ate their $12 worth of dinner sitting in the banquet hall next to an engine room cleared for cooking. Others took enormous bags of takeout home with them.The volunteer firefighters began serving what seems to be Lancaster County's only Amish-dinner fundraiser two years ago. It draws many area residents, some tourists and a few people in between.Ken Stalter and his family drove over from Phoenixville, Chester County. They wanted to compare the Paradise meal to the wedding dinner served at the Honey Brook Fire Hall."Everything is really good," said Stalter, "except for the creamed celery."Not everyone shares Stalter's taste in celery."People do eat the creamed celery," exclaimed Chris Beiler, an Amish firefighter who organizes the fund-raiser each year. "It takes a lot of celery. I mean a lot of celery. It takes a heck of a lot of celery."As well as 40 roasting chickens, 300 pounds of potatoes, 44 heads of cabbage, etc., etc.All produced by a couple dozen Old Order Amish couples, dressed in bright-colored dresses and shirts and black everything else, cranking out the chicken casserole and mashing the potatoes in the vacated engine room."The married couples do the serving at weddings," Beiler explained, "so that's the way we do it here."Amish make up more than half of the company's active firefighters, so finding church members to volunteer for fundraisers is not difficult.And they are happy to discuss the tradition of Amish wedding feasts with visitors.Amish weddings in Lancaster County begin in late October and, with a break for winter weather, continue through March. Serving and eating the wedding dinner is an essential part of the celebration."Eating in the fire hall is a way to experience the culture," explained Stacy Herman, the fire company's treasurer."Without getting married," added Beiler.Among Saturday's diners were a number of people who have left the church."A lot of former Amish come. They want to stay in touch with their roots," Beiler said.But that's not why most people eat this food. Three bags of takeout in hand, Paradise resident Ann Eshleman succinctly explained why the fund-raiser is so popular."I don't have to cook and it's a good meal and the money goes to the fire company," she said."My wife will eat anything to get out of the kitchen," joked Floyd Thompson, who included the Paradise Fire Hall in an unusual weekend itinerary.Thompson drove from Unionville, Chester County, to take out food at Paradise and then went on to the Caernarvon Fire Hall for a sit-down turkey dinner. He's saving the Paradise food for Sunday supper.Nevin and Ruth Hershey, who live half a mile from the fire hall on Oak Hill Drive, attended the event because their grandson, Neal, is a Paradise firefighter.Also, they really like the food."We've been at some Amish weddings," Hershey said. "This is just as good, if not better. I ate my share of it."For diners who did not "eat themselves full," Ada Ruth Beiler, Chris Beiler's granddaughter, was selling homemade chocolate Easter eggs for 50 cents each.Those who could wedge one in beside the doughnut, pie and ice cream said they were delicious.
mailto:%20jbrubaker@lnpnews.com
mailto:%20jbrubaker@lnpnews.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
What a testimony!
St. Patrick's Day History
St. Patrick converted the Irish to Christianity, but there's quite a bit most people don't know about Ireland's patron saint.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Grrr.... this movie is ridiculous!
Look at these pictures from the upcoming movie called Amish Grace set to air on March 28th on Lifetime. I have been to an Amish worship service and church lunch twice in my life. I have NEVER seen flowers on the table. Plus there wouldn't be wash hanging out on the line. Nor do these outfits fit the style of Lancaster county! Ugh.... sigh....... Plus, the church scene in the barn is a little disturbing too. Most Amish meet in a "company shed" or if they do meet in a barn, it would be swept up without straw on the floor. This film is making a lot of people hot under the collar.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Vinegar Pie!
I tried out this recipe for vinegar pie from The Amish Cook's Baking book! It calls for a "Pat A Pan" crust which is super simple! This pie can fool you! It tastes just like a creamy lemon pie or even a hint of pineapple. Funny thing is there is absolutely no lemon in the ingredients. This pie recipe was created out of necessity in the depression when there was a shortages on fresh fruit (lemons). May I suggest you purchasing this book because you will absolutely be thrilled with the way it is written! You can buy the book from Amazon or AmishCookOnline.
Here is the pie recipe:
Pat A Pan Crust
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp. cold milk
Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a 9in pie plate and mix with your fingers until evenly blended. In a measuring cup, combine the oil milk and beat until creamy. Pour all at once over the flour mixture. Mix with a fork until the flour mixture is completely moistened. Pat the dough with your fingers, first at the sides of the plate and then across the bottom. Flute the edges.
Vineger Pie
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, blend the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, stirring vigorously with a fork. Add the vinegar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously for 1 full minute, until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Pour into the unbaked pie crust. Bake until butter knife inserted in the center comes out clean. About 45 minutes. The pie will be golden brown. Cool on wire rack until firm. Refrigerate.
Here is the pie recipe:
Pat A Pan Crust
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp. cold milk
Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a 9in pie plate and mix with your fingers until evenly blended. In a measuring cup, combine the oil milk and beat until creamy. Pour all at once over the flour mixture. Mix with a fork until the flour mixture is completely moistened. Pat the dough with your fingers, first at the sides of the plate and then across the bottom. Flute the edges.
Vineger Pie
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, blend the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, stirring vigorously with a fork. Add the vinegar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously for 1 full minute, until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Pour into the unbaked pie crust. Bake until butter knife inserted in the center comes out clean. About 45 minutes. The pie will be golden brown. Cool on wire rack until firm. Refrigerate.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Keep your face to the sunshine...
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow- Helen Keller
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Amish Grace Movie- A touchy subject.......
"Amish Grace" will be broadcast at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 28, on the Lifetime Movie Network
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ahhhhh the smell of fresh baked bread on a winter's day!
Ahhhh, there's nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread on a winter's day! I am snowed in here in PA and thinking of my dear Amish friends in Indiana who will be boarding a bus for sunny Sarasota, Florida! :) Hmmmm wish I was hiding in their suitcases! Thank the Lord we didn't blow away last night. The winds reached speeds of 60mph! I keep my treadmill in the garage. I went in there today only to find it this morning covered with 7 inches of snow! Oh my! I guess all I can do is stay indoors and bake.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Coupon Queen!
Check out this amazing lady! She has really great tips on her website to help you save as well as earn money!! http://www.918couponqueen.com/
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A little Saturday afternoon baking
There's no better activity to do on a winter's day than bake! It fills the kitchen with warmth and mouth watering aromas! Here are a couple of pies I baked today to take to a family gathering this evening. One is an apple pie the other is coconut custard. They got a little more toasted than I preferred but still are yummy!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Slash Your Laundry Bills!!!
Slash your laundry supply bills and extend the life of your clothes by making your own laundry soap. Lehman's makes a starter set that includes everything you need to make several batches – enough to wash more than 800 loads at less than 6¢ per load. Just a few old-time ingredients will get your laundry cleaner, for less money. Homemade soap is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, easy on fabrics and the environment, too.
Log onto http://www.lehmans.com to purchase this kit.
If you would like to just make a small batch by gathering your own ingredients you can do so by following this recipe below. All 3 ingredients cost less than $5.00 and can be found at most grocery stores! It creates a watery gel that produces low suds inside the washer.
1 Fels Naptha soap bar- grated
1 cup washing soda (NOT BAKING SODA) There's a difference!
1/2 cup Borax
Instructions:
Grate the soap bar into a small saucepan. Cover with hot water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continually, until the soap completely dissolves. Put the washing soda and borax in a 5 gallon bucket. Pour in the hot, melted soap mixture. Stir well until all the powder is dissolved. Fill the bucket to the top with more hot tap water. Stir, cover securely and let set overnight. The next morning, stir the mixture. Mix equal amounts of soap concentrate and water in a small laundry-detergent dispenser or container. Shake before using. Use 1 cup of the mixture for top load washers. 1/2 cup of the mixture for front load.
Amish Barn Fire
40 head of livestock survive montour county fireBy Karen Blackledge The Daily Item
WASHINGTONVILLE — Curious Holsteins milled around fire trucks as firefighters from 16 Valley companies battled a blaze that destroyed a barn and woodshop Thursday morning in Montour County. A number of the 40 head of cattle, draft horses and colts were loose, then rescued, as the fire raged, according to firefighters working at the scene off Strawberry Ridge Road in Derry Township. Those animals that weren’t loose — such as the horses hitched to a farm implement not far from the two-story barn — became increasingly agitated as the flames, smoke and sparks engulfed the 150-foot by 100-foot structure. Fire companies from Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties were summoned to the 9:33 a.m. blaze that began after fierce wind carried embers from the burning woodworking shop to the barn.
Cats and chickens died in the fire, but members of the Amish community and firefighters rescued many young cows and work horses. Woodshop owner John Z. Stoltzfus said he believes an overheated woodburner started the blaze. “I was trying to operate the shop,” he said of the 20- to 25-year-old building that hadn’t been in operation for some time. He had left the one-story building for about 30 minutes before the fire broke out. “I saw the smoke,” he said. “The stove got too hot.” As firefighters had his woodshop blaze nearly under control, someone yelled that the barn, more than 100 yards away, had caught fire. Hay and straw fed the barn fire’s flames, and fire chiefs ordered volunteers out of the building.
Numerous tankers lined Strawberry Ridge Road, along with portable water tanks. The closest refill locations were Montour PPL Plant hydrants.
“We’re talking a mile or two away,” Valley Township Fire Chief Mike Kull said. “They have to fill up with water, drive back and pump it into the portable tanks.”
Word of the blaze spread quickly, drawing numerous neighbors by horse and buggy.
Neighbor John M. Stoltzfus, who isn’t related to the family, was among those neighbors arriving by horse and buggy.
Cats and chickens died in the fire, but members of the Amish community and firefighters rescued many young cows and work horses. Woodshop owner John Z. Stoltzfus said he believes an overheated woodburner started the blaze. “I was trying to operate the shop,” he said of the 20- to 25-year-old building that hadn’t been in operation for some time. He had left the one-story building for about 30 minutes before the fire broke out. “I saw the smoke,” he said. “The stove got too hot.” As firefighters had his woodshop blaze nearly under control, someone yelled that the barn, more than 100 yards away, had caught fire. Hay and straw fed the barn fire’s flames, and fire chiefs ordered volunteers out of the building.
Numerous tankers lined Strawberry Ridge Road, along with portable water tanks. The closest refill locations were Montour PPL Plant hydrants.
“We’re talking a mile or two away,” Valley Township Fire Chief Mike Kull said. “They have to fill up with water, drive back and pump it into the portable tanks.”
Word of the blaze spread quickly, drawing numerous neighbors by horse and buggy.
Neighbor John M. Stoltzfus, who isn’t related to the family, was among those neighbors arriving by horse and buggy.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Conquering Your Clutter
Check this out!! Betsy also has a wonderful book called "Me Simplified". It's an easy read that could change your life forever!! I know it did mine! Blessings to you Betsy! http://http//www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=2028280n&tag=related;photovideo
So What's A Fastnacht Anyway??
I found this article that may help!
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, February 16th, Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent, is known as "Fastnacht Day." The Pennsylvania Dutch celebrate Shrove Tuesday by eating yeast raised potato doughnuts, which are lovingly known as "Fastnachts." The name "Fastnacht" is German for "Fast Night." Fastnacht Day is a day to forget about dieting and a slim waistline and feast on doughnuts! It's a custom that had its beginnings with the Plain People. Making Fastnachts helped to use up the fat and sugar they had on hand before the Lenten fast began. Although doughnuts with holes are frequently sold as "Fastnachts" in supermarkets this time of year, those who know their doughnuts will tell you that a real Fastnacht should never have a hole in the center. All the syrup leaks out of a Fastnacht with a hole in it! To eat a Fastnacht the proper Pennsylvania Dutch way, slice it crosswise, as you would slice a bagel. Spread with butter (optional), plus table syrup Replace the top and ENJOY!
2 cups milk
1 cup mashed potatoes (no salt, milk, or butter added)
1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 stick margarine
1 packet rapid rise yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
6-1/2 cups flour (divided, 2 cups + 4 1/2 cups)
1 egg
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 can (3 pounds) Crisco® or similar vegetable shortening for fryingPreparation -Scald the milk. In a large mixing bowl, combine the scalded milk with the mashed potatoes. Add 1/2 cup sugar plus the margarine. Mix with an electric mixer. If the mixture is still warm, cool to about room temperature before proceeding with next step. - Dissolve the yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in barely warm water. Add to the potato mixture and mix well. Add 2 cups flour and mix again. Cover with a towel and let rise for 25 minutes.
Add the salt and beaten egg to the mixture. Add 4-1/2 cups flour, stirring it into the mixture with a large spoon. Turn onto a well floured board and knead for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add a small amount of extra flour if necessary so the dough can be handled without sticking to your fingers. Grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the greased bowl. Cover with a thin towel, and let rise in a warm, draft free place for about 2 hours or until it is at least double in size.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough 3/4" thick. You can use a doughnut cutter to cut the dough or cut as typical Fastnachts - Cut the dough into 3" to 4" wide strips, then cut the strips into 3" to 4" pieces. To allow the center of Fastnacht to fry completely, cut a small slit in the center of each piece, using a sharp paring knife. Arrange the pieces of dough, about 1-1/2" to 2" apart, on large wax paper lined trays. Cover each tray with a thin towel. Place the trays in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the dough pieces have raised to about double in size.
Heat the shortening to 365ยบ. Deep fry until both sides are golden brown, turning one time. Drain on white paper towels. Cool completely before serving. Store in a covered, airtight container. Makes about 20 to 24 Fastnachts, depending on size. This recipe can be doubled with no change in preparation directions.
To use this raised doughnut recipe, for glazed doughnuts:Beat together: 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, 4 tablespoons margarine and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add enough milk to make a thin glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm doughnuts or dip the doughnuts in the glaze.
For powdered doughnuts:Shake slightly warm doughnuts in a bag with confectioners' sugar, or a combination of confectioners' sugar and cinnamon.
2 cups milk
1 cup mashed potatoes (no salt, milk, or butter added)
1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 stick margarine
1 packet rapid rise yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
6-1/2 cups flour (divided, 2 cups + 4 1/2 cups)
1 egg
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 can (3 pounds) Crisco® or similar vegetable shortening for fryingPreparation -Scald the milk. In a large mixing bowl, combine the scalded milk with the mashed potatoes. Add 1/2 cup sugar plus the margarine. Mix with an electric mixer. If the mixture is still warm, cool to about room temperature before proceeding with next step. - Dissolve the yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in barely warm water. Add to the potato mixture and mix well. Add 2 cups flour and mix again. Cover with a towel and let rise for 25 minutes.
Add the salt and beaten egg to the mixture. Add 4-1/2 cups flour, stirring it into the mixture with a large spoon. Turn onto a well floured board and knead for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add a small amount of extra flour if necessary so the dough can be handled without sticking to your fingers. Grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the greased bowl. Cover with a thin towel, and let rise in a warm, draft free place for about 2 hours or until it is at least double in size.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough 3/4" thick. You can use a doughnut cutter to cut the dough or cut as typical Fastnachts - Cut the dough into 3" to 4" wide strips, then cut the strips into 3" to 4" pieces. To allow the center of Fastnacht to fry completely, cut a small slit in the center of each piece, using a sharp paring knife. Arrange the pieces of dough, about 1-1/2" to 2" apart, on large wax paper lined trays. Cover each tray with a thin towel. Place the trays in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the dough pieces have raised to about double in size.
Heat the shortening to 365ยบ. Deep fry until both sides are golden brown, turning one time. Drain on white paper towels. Cool completely before serving. Store in a covered, airtight container. Makes about 20 to 24 Fastnachts, depending on size. This recipe can be doubled with no change in preparation directions.
To use this raised doughnut recipe, for glazed doughnuts:Beat together: 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, 4 tablespoons margarine and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add enough milk to make a thin glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm doughnuts or dip the doughnuts in the glaze.
For powdered doughnuts:Shake slightly warm doughnuts in a bag with confectioners' sugar, or a combination of confectioners' sugar and cinnamon.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Amish Fitness Club
I found this photo with the caption "Amish Fitness Club" under it. How true!!! The amish stay fit with eating all that high carb food by working and keeping busy with household chores.
Here is an interesting recipe that I found in one of my Amish cookbooks. It's called Jogging - In- A - Jug. I am not sure if it helps you shed pounds but it sounds refreshing! Mix 5 cups apple juice, 2 cups grape juice, 1 cup vinegar. Shake and drink 2 ounces 2 times a day. The recipe says it's good for arthritis and loosing excess pounds. Hmmm?
Fellowship
1 John 1:7 (King James Version)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
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