Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Hen Party

I had some little sewing projects and hand crafts that I have wanted to work on, but just haven't had the time lately. I talked to Etta-Sue (my Sister-in-law) and we both agreed that we should schedule a time to get together to devote on our projects. Of course when she said that, I immediately agreed and then we both looked at each other smiling and at the same time said, "Hen Party!"

When Bunny came by this morning, I told her that several of the women would be coming in the forenoon for the Hen Party, and Bunny seemed particularly intrigued. She said she was surprised that Amish women had Hen Parties. I didn't know why she thought it would be odd for Amish women to have a get-together to work on their sewing or other crafts. I told Bunny she was welcome come. She said she could not wait to see what would "go down at an Amish Hen Party" and that she would definitely come! I was quite surprised, actually.

My sisters Caroline and Josie came and they brought Mommie. Of course Etta-Sue was there, and she came along with one of her sisters who is also in our church, JoAnn, and another sister who lives over in Nappannee, Lora. I invited a few of the ladies from church, and though sometimes I don't care for Jonas-Mary's bragging, I invited her and she came. She was actually quite pleasant today. Maybe she is coming around.

Bunny came and chatted with a few of the ladies and finally asked who was getting married. I didn't quite know why she thought someone was getting married, and neither did the other ladies. Bunny finally explained that a Hen Party is what the English sometimes call a "female-adult-only" bachelorette party and it usually involves lots of alcohol and what she called, "naughty games". Boy, did the ladies cackle about that one.

I explained to Bunny, that the term "hen party" just means a party for women only, and that for the Amish, it's usually when we get together to sew or craft or quilt or something. We had another round of cackling and Bunny laughed right along with us.


God Bless,
Rebekah

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Apples

Apples.
Caramel Apples.
Baked Apples.
Applesauce.
Apple Butter.
Apple Cider.
Apple Cake.
Apple Cookies.
Oatmeal Apple Cookies.
Apple Dumplings.
Apple Cobbler.
Apple Pie.
Apple Cream Pie.
Sour Cream Apple Pie.
Dutch Apple Pie.
Shoestring Apple Pie.
Apple Pancakes.
Pork and Apple Stew.
Grilled Cheese & Apple Sandwiches.
Apples. That's what we've been up to the last few weeks. How about you? Oh, and the children really like eating the Grilled Cheese and Apple Sandwiches for breakfast or a snack.
It probably isn't very "Amish", but it is so simple and easy, you should try it.
My mom used to make these for our breakfast every Fall.
Grilled Cheese & Apple Sandwiches
Bread
Butter
Swiss Cheese (or any white cheese)
Thin Slices of peeled apples
Cinnamon & Sugar mixture.
For each sandwich: Butter one side of two slices of bread. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on hot skillet. Place a slice of cheese on top of bread, followed by a few thin apple slices, and sprinkle with Cinnamon-Sugar. Top with the second slice of bread (Buttered side up). Use spatula to carefully turn sandwich over, grilling both sides until cheese is melted and bread is lightly toasted. Eat warm! Yum!
We have made this with Jack cheese, provolone, farmer cheese and butter cheese. They are all good. I hope you give it a try!


God Bless,
Rebekah

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Getting Soft(er)

I have gained about ten more pounds.
If I don't stop I'm going to be fat enough to eat on Thanksgiving!

God Bless,
Rebekah