Book Review: Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook: 290 Fresh Recipes for Eating with the Seasons
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook: 290 Fresh Recipes for Eating with the Seasons by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you grow your own food, are a canner/preserver, or enjoy purchasing local fresh produce, this book will harmonize with your way of life, whether you are Amish or not.
I was pleased to find new-to-me ways to prepare asparagus, a vegetable I adore but have only known how to serve a few ways. Now I can’t wait to buy some and try out Crispy Asparagus Sticks, Asparagus Cheese Strata, and Asparagus and Pea Casserole. I’ve been considering planting an asparagus row, and having more ways to cook those tasty spears may be my impetus to do so.
It’s also comforting to recognize dishes I’ve enjoyed at family gatherings, especially those where I haven’t gotten around to asking relatives for their recipes. You’ve *got* to try making BLT Bites for your next gathering! I promise you they’ll be a hit.
The cookbook is arranged in sections by seasons, since you’re being encourage to eat fresh, in-season produce. There’s also lots of helpful hints scattered around. I’ve been cooking from scratch for decades and I still learned a lot, especially about rhubarb. Again, these felt like the sort of advice relatives might have passed on to me if I’d been listening when I was younger, or asked them about while they were still able to teach me.
The printed version comes with a lay-flat spiral binding. Very considerate and practical! I’ll rate Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook with *Five Aunties*, along with my thanks for stepping up to be a surrogate auntie for all who need one.
Bonus “electrifying” info:
I was surprised to see mention of electric kitchen appliances, as I thought the Amish didn’t use electricity. This led me to do a little internet research. I found this interesting and enlightening NPR article: Amish Community Not Anti-Technology, Just More Thoughtful
My thanks to author Wanda E. Brunstetter, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Lori Alden Holuta
Lori Alden Holuta lives between the cornfields of Mid-Michigan, where she grows vegetables and herbs when she’s not writing, editing, or playing games with a cat named Chives.
