Cooking from Quilt Country by Alexandra Avakian, Marcia Adams (1989, Hardcover)

COOKING FROM QUILT COUNTRY, by Marcia Adams
Hearty Recipes From Amish and Mennonite Kitchens

COMPANION BOOK TO THE 13-PART PBS SERIES, AMISH COOKING FROM QUILT COUNTRY
ISBN 0-517-56813-6

When I first entered the title of this cookbook into the review search box, I saw it already had 8 reviews. Did it really need another review… my opinion? So I curiously read each and every one. What could I offer here? Well, as stated above, the fact that this is a written and illustrated companion from a very well received PBS series was completely overlooked by the previous reviewers.

As a former Lancaster, Pennsylvania resident and Mennonite, I avidly watched the series, and so looked forward to this cookbook. This book, and the series, is written about the Plain People of Northern Indiana, not Lancaster. Still, it is so close to being like my home, that I made generous allowances. I was homesick, and I needed to heal that with the photographs, stories, and recipes of a familiar place, Quilt Country.

Ms. Adams did a super job in all respects. The book’s lavish photographs take me back to my youth, and the recipes are true to my memories. I would like to share my very favorite Amish soup here with you, and this recipe is very close to the way I learned to make it in Lancaster. There are quiet a few ingredients, but it is simple to make. See if it doesn’t make your tummy growl.

CHICKEN CORN SOUP

6 T butter or rendered chicken fat
¼ c finely chopped onion
1 c finely chopped celery
6 T all-purpose flour
2 c. homemade chicken broth (recipe will follow)
1 lb can of cream-style corn
¾ c milk
¾ c half and half
2 T shredded carrot
1 T finely minced fresh parsley
¼ t grated nutmeg, rounded
1/8 t black pepper
1 ½ c very coarsely shredded cooked chicken

In a large saucepan, cook the butter, onion, and celery over medium heat for 3 minutes. Stir in the flour, and cook 5 to 6 minutes longer, or until the mixture is golden. Add the broth and whisk until smooth, raising the heat a bit. Add the remaining ingredients except chicken, and then lower heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Add chicken just before serving—allow soup to stand a few minutes to heat the chicken pieces. Serve with hearty bread, and enjoy.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN BROTH – makes 8-9 cups

1 4-5 lb roasting chicken
2 medium onions, quartered
2 large carrots, halved
2 ribs celery, halved
1 green pepper, halved
½ c fresh parsley sprigs
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 t salt
½ t white pepper
3-3 ½ quarts water

Place the chicken, including the neck and the giblets (but not the liver), in a large stockpot. Add the rest of the ingredients. The water should cover the chicken completely. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; then skim off froth as it forms on top. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.

Remove the chicken from the pot, allow to cool a bit, then remove the meat and skin for another use (see above soup recipe). Return the bones and skin to the pot. Simmer the broth, covered, for two hours more.

Strain the broth through a sieve into a bowl, pressing the vegetables and bones with a rubber spatula to extract any liquid. Chill broth overnight in the refrigerator and skim off the fat. Freeze any stock that will not be used within 2 to 3 days in 1-quart containers.

The book contains many of the most requested or searched-for Amish or Mennonite recipes, but not all. Still, I am highly impressed with it, and enjoy it very much.

I haven't decided if I am going to keep this book or give it away, because I have compelling reasons to do both. What attracted me to this book is that the recipes are straightforward and simple. If I decide to keep the book, it is because I can take these wonderful recipes and embellish them to my heart's content- add all the bells and whistles. Or, I can keep them as they are -comfort food items that fill you up, stick to your ribs and leave you with that warm feeling reminiscent of Grandma's kitchen all at the same time.
If I should decide to give this treasure away, it is because it will go to another generation of diners that only know the variety of foods that McDonald's or KFC has to offer, but have no knowledge of the pleasures of home-style, homemade food that brings with it a sense of community and fellowship that today's society so often lacks.

THIS BOOK IS OVERFLOWING WITH GREAT RECIPES USING INGREDIENTS THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVE IN THE KITCHEN ALREADY AND IF YOU DON'T, IT TELLS YOU HOW TO MAKE THEM. WONDERFUL GRAPHICS AND STORIES FROM THE AMISH AND MENNONITES IN AMERICA. VERY RESPECTFUL OF THE SUBJECTS PHOTOGRAPHED AND GREAT RECIPE VARIATIONS. I BOUGHT THIS BOOK BECAUSE I CHECKED THE SEQUEL OUT AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY AND LOVED IT! INFORMATIVE, ENTERTAINING AS WELL AS INSPIRING!

I bought this book because I like the older recipes that people seem to have forgotten now days. I look for what my grandma's used to fix when I was little.

Hey, it only cost me $1. The book was in great shape when in came. We just
took a trip and enjoyed a meal at an Amish restaurant that was delicious and
just like what my grandmother used to cook...these are recipes just like that...
wholesome, home-made, and tasty!

Received book on time. No problems. Book in good shape. Would purchase from this company/organization again. Thanks so much :)

This was a great book. It has lots of great recipes. The amish apple pie has been a favorite form many years. The biscuits are light and fluffy - the best!

The book was in very good condidtion. I really enjoyed reading about the Amish people and their traditions, as well as the wonderful, homespun receipes. Shipping was quick and arrived in good shape.

I received this cookbook in a lot with other American cookbooks I purchased on ebay. I quickly discovered that these were the foods my grandmother and mother used to make. Though not Amish, we are of German descent. So this book brought back a lot of memories and lost recipes. The recipes are adapted to our kitchens, of course. Also included in this book is the Amish and Mennonite history surrounding these recipes and the occasions for which they are made. The many photographs are absolutely wonderful! This book can also be read for leisure to bring you back to a simpler time.

If ever you need a pie recipe reminiscent of grandma's then this is the book for you. Simple uncomplicated recipes...comfort food on page after page makes this book a book you'll turn to over and over again.

like new, couldn't be happier. Good communication, Fair price on item and shipping. Prompt shipment
would buy from again.

My fasination with the simplistic life of the Amish drew me to this book, as well as the fact that I love cook books. It is by far the best Amish cookbook I have purchased to date. The pictures are captivating and they draw me to back to the days of a less troublesome world.

I love this book. It's a little bit of everything; quilting, the history or quilting , cooking and a lot of insite into the Amish way of life. I had never heard of this book and found it by accident just looking on Ebay. It reminds me of being in my grandparents kitchens. It's well written and has great photos. A bit of a travel guide through Amish country.

I enjoyed all the interesting information about the Amish & Mennonites as well as the delicious recipes and beautiful photographs.