Off on a visit

By: 
Keith Bryant
 This week I took a little trip east to visit my kids and grandkids. My daughter and son live in Ohio about 25 minutes from one another. 
 It has been quite a few years since I visited with my granddaughters and my son. Their mother’s family is from the area and I just so happen to be in the middle of the largest population of Amish people in the country outside of Pennsylvania.
 This is an amazing and beautiful place with a rich history. Holmes County, Ohio, was named after Andrew Holmes, an officer killed in the War of 1812.  
 The Amish population in the area is about 42 percent as of the last census. It is marked by the use of horse drawn buggies around the area. The most conservative groups will have a simple “rig” with steel banding around the wheels and side windows with just a small curtain that is rolled up.  On the more modern front, a wheel covered in heavy rubber and a plexiglass windshield with lighting will appear on some.   
 Another myth of the Amish people is they do not want to be photographed.  The truth of the matter is not the photograph being taken it is the fact that posing is frowned upon by the church.  Taking pictures of Amish children is acceptable as long as they have not been baptized in the faith yet.  
 The Amish style of cooking comes from the work that they do.  Most are farmers and when they come for lunch they expect a large hearty meal to sustain them through the rest of the day. Family style platters of lots of vegetables, mash potatoes, and meat (a lot of chicken) is sourced from the farm daily.   
 Also, they are known for their homemade breads and sweets at the end of the meal. Homemade peanut butter a favorite.
 In the area I was staying it is most notable for the Guggisberg cheese of Millersburg and Trail bologna which is made in Trail, Ohio. 
 Trail bologna was first made in 1912. Michael Troyer created a unique special formula which consisted of a blend of seasonings to make a delicious all-beef bologna. Four generations and over 100 years later, the Troyer family continues to produce tons of genuine Trail bologna daily.
 Had this in a local restaurant and thought I would get the recipe and share.
Amish Baked Chicken
Ingredients
3 lbs. chicken
½ cup flour
½ Tbps. paprika
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp pepper
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
Directions
 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
 Grease a baking dish with sides.
 In a bowl whisk the dry ingredients until well mixed.
 Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and place on pan.
 Bake for 1 hour, turning chicken over after 30 minutes.
 

 

Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

Connect with Us