Let me take a moment to share with you what it's like in Berlin, Ohio when challenges and uncertainty invades our homes and our lives.
 
I remember one winter when I was maybe 9 or 10 years old when the power went out for almost two weeks because of an ice storm that hit Berlin, Ohio and its surrounding areas. Now, when an ice storm hits that means no school, no sports, no church, no driving anywhere - life literally shuts down until the weather lets up. 

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By Joy Schrock, President of Berlin Natural Bakery

My name is Joy Schrock and I am the President of Berlin Natural Bakery.  As you are probably aware Berlin Natural Bakery is an all spelt bakery...and you may be wondering why there is a section on our blog for Amish Country Recipes. My heritage is Amish.  My Grandpa Schrock was an Amish Bishop and both of my parents were born and raised Old Order Amish.  Berlin Natural Bakery is located in the largest Amish community in the world...Berlin, Ohio. When I am doing demos at a natural health food store or a presentation to a buyer, I normally spend at least ten minutes answering people's questions about the Amish way of life.  What is common knowledge to me, seems to be a mystery to others. Due to the overwhelming interest that people have regarding the Amish, I have dedicated several categories on the blog specifically to answer those questions and to help teach you about the Amish way of life. I myself do not belong to the Amish church.  I have chosen not to practice the Amish religion.  However, I most certainly value my heritage and am grateful to have had an upbringing that taught me good values, good stewardship of the land and our resources as well as a love of family and a responsibility to the community. The recipes that I will be sharing are recipes that are cherished amongst the Amish community.  Many of them have been passed down from generation to generation.  Different sects of Amish will use different ingredients, very much like different regions in Italy use different ingredients and cooking methods.  The recipes that I will be sharing are primarily from my family and from Holmes County Ohio's Amish community. The Amish are known for cooking on a budget.  They are experts at using their resources wisely.  This most certainly includes the ingredients they use for the foods they prepare.  Most of the recipes are made using real butter, whole milk, sugar, farm fresh eggs, etc.  Eating the types of food that the Amish do for every meal is probably not recommended. Keep in mind that they Amish are up between 4am and 5am and are very physically active throughout the day.  Their bodies need more fuel to burn.  So as always, my suggestion is "everything in moderation". These recipes are heavenly...but most of the time a little goes a long way.  More than likely you will be checking this blog frequently, so remember to bookmark it for future use. BAKED OATMEAL Ingredients: 3 cups Quick (instant) Oats 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) Cinnamon (to taste) I use 1 teaspoon 1 cup whole milk 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup real maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs raisins, nuts or coconut (optional) I use none of these Directions:  In a large bowl mix oatmeal, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and raisins/nuts or coconut (optional).  In a separate bowl beat eggs.  Add to beaten eggs, milk, oil, maple syrup and vanilla.  Stir till mixed.  Add to oat mixture, mix well.  Pour into a lightly greased 10x10 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or when top starts to turn golden brown.  Serve warm w/milk.  I normally serve it warm with plain yogurt and fresh fruit in season.   Leftovers can be stored refrigerated and reheated in the microwave.   I normally serve this to my out of town guests for breakfast.  Always a big hit and my #1 requested recipe. Till next time... Peace & Blessings, Joy

In a world of technological advances, fast paced hectic lives, economic uncertainty and heated political issues...live a group of people that are not affected and in many cases are not even aware of the chaos that surrounds them. These people live in a community that puts forth great effort not to "conform to the world". Throughout most of our lives, the thought of living this way is inconceivable to us.  However today, many of us find ourselves reevaluating our lives and embracing some of the fundamental values and life styles of the Amish.

The Amish live plain and simple lives. They do not worry about things like the stock market, nationalized health care, welfare, medicare, social security or retirement. They basically operate their own government, church and community...and it works, actually it works quite well.  Perhaps there are a few lessons all of us can learn from the Amish.  Let's take a look at who they are.

What Makes a Person Amish?

Many people view Amish as a religion and as a race...but technically, it is a religion.  A religion filled with so many traditions that it separates them from the rest of society making them appear to be an actual race. There are different sects of  Amish from Old Order Amish to New Order Amish. The biggest differences in these sects are liberties. For example: a New Order Amish home may have a refrigerator that runs on a generator or solar power, while an Old Order Amish home may not even have indoor plumbing.

The core of the Amish religion is Christianity.  It is in the interpretation of scriptures or I should say lack of interpretation that separates them. They view scriptures literally at their word. For example : the scripture Romans 12:2..."Be not conformed to this world"...to them that means a total separation from government, people of non Amish belief and also means to not be dependent upon things created by the rest of the world for their survival. This includes electricity, cars, telephones and modern conveniences. To other Christians, that scripture means not to get caught up in things like money, possessions or basically things that create corruption in people.

How Do The Amish Live?

The Amish believe Jesus is the Son of God and celebrate religious holidays such as Easter, Ascension Day and what they call Olde Christmas in January. The Amish are primarily of German and Swiss descent.  They speak what is referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch which is the Schwebish dialect of German. They are a very peaceful people, they do not believe in war, abortion or divorce. They are "viewed" as living perfect lives without sin. They are not perfect and would never claim to be perfect. They struggle with desires and temptations just as we all do. It is the way that those sins are dealt with that makes them different.

When someone goes astray, the entire community grieves and works together to bring about correction.  Unresolved problems or bad behavior will eventually lead to a visit from the Bishop and the Elders of the church. The Amish do not have health insurance.  Instead each family pays money into the church very similar to tithing. A portion of this money is set aside for what they refer to as "Amish Aid".  A fund that is dedicated to health care costs incurred due to an illness of a member of the church. The Amish believe strongly in alternative treatment and natural remedies. You would be amazed at how many ailments "vinegar" seems to cure.

What Do The Amish Do For Work?

The Amish are known to be exceptionally hard workers and for their superior woodworking skills.  Their hearts however are still that of "farmers". Unfortunately, today many of them are forced to take jobs outside of farming for survival. If a small farmer struggles to survive today, can you imagine the struggles that the Amish farmer faces?  They are forbidden to use any modern conveniences and this includes the use of tractors. 

Today many of them make their living  as craftsmen in the furniture "woodworking" industry. The Amish live primarily on farms or build houses on the land that has been in their family for generations.  Upon retirement parents move into a smaller house called "the dawdy haus" which translates to grandfather's house. This house is located on the same property as the family home.  A family member then takes over possession of the family home, provides care for their parents and takes over the responsibilities of the farm. There are times that there are 3 or 4 generations of a family living in separate houses on the same property. The only time that the Amish are placed in a nursing home is when they have an illness that the family is not qualified to care for.

The Amish are diversified farmers and good stewards of their land. They grow crops and plant gardens. They have horses, milk cows, chickens, pigs, goats and beef cattle. Every member of the family contributes in some way to the daily chores associated with farming. Today they mostly farm for the needs of their own families.

How Do The Amish Live Day-To-Day?

The Amish are generational thinkers. When they make decisions, they take future generations into consideration. They are more than willing to pay the price and make sacrifices today for the benefit of their children and their children's children. The Amish are very strongly committed to their families as well as their community. When a tragedy occurs, such as a death, illness, fire or an act of God, the entire Amish community is there to lend a helping hand to the family in need. The community will provide meals, round the clock care, help with farming, money and basically anything a family may need in a time of crisis.

So What Does it Really Mean to be Amish?

Well, it appears that it means living a life of service to your family, your farm, your community and to your church. In return for this life of service you are rewarded peace of mind throughout your life.

That is definitely something we all could use a bit more of these days.

You learn a lot of things growing up in Amish country.  One of the things that I value the most is the use of natural and home remedies.  We didn't just run to the doctor's office when we were sick.  Normally, there was a home remedy for just about anything that ailed you.  More than likely this is due to the fact that the Amish have no electricity, cars or telephones. They had to learn how to treat various illnesses based upon what was readily available to them.  Even today, when we are sick, our local health food store is normally our first stop.   We had home remedies for nearly everything.  Stains on clothes, how to get your hair to shine, rings on wood tables, you name it, we had a solution.  Some were better than others.  Here are a few to get started.  I will be adding more posts like this this on a weekly basis.

1)  Plugged Sinks:

Pour in one cup or more of white vinegar and a cup of baking soda, then add hot water out of the tap at full force.  When bubbling stops drain should be clear.

2)  Getting Shiny Hair:

After shampooing, pour vinegar over hair, let saturate for a minute or two and rinse thoroughly with very cool water.

3)  Preventing Steam Build up in Bath:

Fill tub approximately 1 inch with cold water prior to adding hot water.

4)  Oder Eliminator For Burnt Food:

Take a small sauce pan, fill several inches with cold water and add 1-2 Tablespoons of vanilla and simmer slowly.

5)  To Freshen the Smell of Towels:

Add 1/2 cup vinegar and 3 Tablespoons of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent.   This is used by a local B&B...they are amazed at the results.

6) Earaches:

Warm "Sweet Oil" and pour directly into the ear.  Provides instant relief from the pain.  Excellent remedy for pain at 2am in the morning.  Allows you to sleep till you can get to the doctor in the morning.  Sweet Oil "Olive Oil N.F." can be purchased at most drug stores and health food stores.

7)  Sore/Scratchy Throat:

Use approx. 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, add a shake of cayenne pepper and drink.  Another commonly used remedy is Slippery Elm Herbal Tea.

8)  Slugs in Flowers and Plants:

Purchase any beer, the less expensive the better since slugs are not fussy about their beer.  Pour beer in several saucers around plants and flowers.  The slugs are attracted to the beer, crawl into the saucer and drink the beer.  Apparently they die a happy death.

9)   Grime and Grease on Glass:

Use a damp cloth and baking soda and rub over glass.  Repeat as necessary until clean.

10)  Water Ring Removal:

Use a damp cloth add a dab of toothpaste (not gel...use paste only) gentle rub on the ring.  For even more power add baking soda to it and rub into the ring.  We used this on our wood tables at our restaurant and it worked great.