Amish INSPIRED

The casserole has a special spot in the Amish kitchen. When you’re feeding a crowd – as the Amish, with their BIG families (averaging 7 or more children) tend to do – you need something hearty that you can whip up in a jiffy.  Enter the casserole. This jack-of-all-trades dish is there for busy Amish moms when they need something fast, using whatever they might…

The kitchen is arguably the most important room in an Amish home. Spend some time among the Amish and you’ll see why that’s the case. Besides a gathering space for formal meal times, it is a place to sit and talk with visitors, pay monthly bills, and of course prepare food for the family and for church and community meetings.  Most of these Amish-inspired kitchen…

If there’s one thing the Amish know well, it’s snacking. That’s the name of the game when you’re living a typical active Amish lifestyle. Whether it’s a quick treat between chores, or late night gathered around the living room with family, Amish children and adults appreciate a good fast snack.  In my experience, the Amish can come up with some pretty unconventional snacks, and don’t…

 Though the typical Amish kitchen table will often have a rag-tag mix of seating – including benches, office chairs, and mismatched seats, added as the family rapidly grows – the Amish appreciate the value of a quality chair. And Amish furniture builders also among the best when it comes to crafting seating for the various rooms of the home. They’re typically associated with classic styles…

There is no meal I enjoy more in an Amish home than breakfast. The Amish do have a lot of their own classics – think scrapple (aka “pon hoss”) or breakfast casserole – and also some more unorthodox breakfast items (Shoofly cake for breakfast anyone?). Enjoy this nice collection of more conventional Amish-style breakfast favorites sure to kickstart your day! ~Erik If you’re craving comfort…

Like other Americans, Amish couples and schoolchildren celebrate Valentine’s Day every February 14 (note: observance can vary in different Amish communities). Exchanging candy and cards, and enjoying Valentine’s-themed desserts and meals are among the ways Amish enjoy the day. To add a touch of Valentine’s beauty to your home this year, take some inspiration from these 10 Amish-inspired Valentine’s decor ideas. These simple yet charming…

The Amish have a longstanding reputation as good furniture makers – and for good reason. The furniture pieces they craft in their typically small home workshops tend to stand the test of time. Attention to detail, materials, an eye for beauty all contribute to durable, beautiful pieces. The marketing term often used in the industry is “heirloom” – and it tends to fit what the…

If you’re wondering if the Amish celebrate Valentine’s Day, the answer is YES. Amish Valentine’s Day traditions include schoolchildren exchanging Valentine’s cards and themed lunches, and Amish couples gathering for special Valentine’s Dinners where ALL the food is a shade of pink or red (not just dessert). For something sweet this Valentine’s Day, try one of these delicious & eye-pleasing Valentine’s-themed desserts. ~ Erik Red…

Just like the Amish themselves are not all the same – the styles of Amish homes can really vary as well. Some are extremely plain and spartan. Others are filled with warm accents and cozy furnishings. From patchwork quilts to Shaker-style furniture to wooden flooring and large windows, these home designs capture select elements of Amish style, incorporating them into modern settings. Find some inspiration…

Though life slows down a bit as the seasons turn cold, the Amish are active in winter time – whether it’s doing farm chores, attending an auction or wedding, or getting in some outdoor recreation. In this hearty soup collection you’ll find classics like Seven Bean Soup and Chicken Noodle, along with more modern interpretations like Sausage and Kale. ~Erik Warm up with these 10…