Plain Answers About the Amish Life by Mindy Starns Clark Page A

need for modern, technological equipment.
    Do the Amish use guns?
    Yes. The Amish generally have no bans against hunting and may own firearms. Their guns are never meant to be used as weapons against humans, however, not even in self-defense. The Amish believe in non-resistance and will not bear arms against other people.

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    FOOD
    What sorts of foods do the Amish eat?
    Derived from a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, the food the Amish prefer is simple and satisfying. Meals usually feature fruits and vegetables grown in their own gardens (either fresh picked or that which was canned while in season) and include much of what we non-Amish think of as comfort food, such as potato dishes, breads, noodles, and pies. Because the Amish live a physically demanding lifestyle, they do not generally worry too much about things like fat content or calorie counts.
    What beverages do the Amish like to drink?
    Coffee—usually black—is heavily consumed among the Amish. Other popular beverages include water, juice, tea, soda, and milk.
    Do the Amish grow their own fruits and vegetables?
    Yes. The Amish grow much of their own food, and they put up fruits and vegetables. A good harvest, well canned, will carry a household through many months.
    Where do they get the rest of their food?
    Besides the produce grown in their gardens, the Amish may also:
    â€¢ have laying hens for eggs
    â€¢ keep cows for milk and other dairy products
    â€¢ raise chickens, pigs, and other livestock for slaughter
    â€¢ hunt wild game
    Additionally, they buy food at supermarkets, discount chains, bigbox stores, and other regular grocery outlets, just as the non-Amish do.
    Do the Amish ever eat in restaurants?
    Yes, at least in the less conservative districts. Though it would be considered wasteful and worldly to dine out often or lavishly, an occasional trip to a moderately priced restaurant has become a common occurrence in many Amish communities.
    What are some favorite Amish dishes?
    One well-known Amish treat is shoofly pie, a dessert made with molasses, flour, and brown sugar that is a daily staple in many Amish homes. Other Amish favorites include:
    â€¢ scrapple—a meat-based product made with pork, corn meal, and flour which is congealed into a loaf and then sliced and pan fried
    â€¢ chow chow—a mixture of pickled vegetables
    â€¢ snitz/schnitz/shitz pie—a sweet pie made from dried apples
    â€¢ fry pie—a pocket of fried pie crust filled with various flavors of pie filling
    â€¢ whoopie pie—sweet creme sandwiched between two small chocolate cakes
    Can you share a good Amish recipe?
    Sure! Here’s one of my favorites.
    AMISH CHEESY POTATOES
    2 lbs. potatoes
    Â½ cup butter
    1 can cream of mushroom soup
    1 pint sour cream
    2 cups Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
    Â½ teaspoon garlic powder
    Â¼ teaspoon pepper
    Â¼ teaspoon salt
    2 cups crushed cornflakes
    Peel and slice potatoes and then place them in water in a large pot. Boil until almost done and then drain. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, soup, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings; stir until butter and cheese are melted and all ingredients are combined. Gently fold the cheese mixture into the potatoes. In a casserole dish, layer the cheesy potato mixture with the crushed cereal, starting with a layer of potatoes and ending with a light sprinkling of cereal. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and golden brown, about 45 minutes.
    For other delicious Amish recipes, I recommend The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook by Georgia Varozza and The Amish Family Cookbook by Jerry and Tina Eicher.

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    HEALTH
    Do the Amish go to doctors or use hospitals?
    Yes. Though many Amish are likely to treat ailments with natural or traditional approaches first, they generally have no problem with seeking modern medical care when the situation warrants.
    Why not go to the doctor right away?
    For financial or holistic reasons, the Amish may be less likely to seek out