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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

mmm...

This morning I went to my Amish friend's nearby farm and made homemade potato chips. I took a bushel of our home grown potatoes (about 20 lbs.) and came home with the most delicious chips any of us have ever had.
I wish I had pictures to share, but could you imagine me asking if I could take pictures for my blog? First of all, they wouldn't even know what a blog is and then once I explained it I'm sure the next question would be "why do you do that?? Honestly, I don't think I could think of answer that would make any sense to her.
It is against their religion to have"graven images" of themselves. I would have just taken pictures of the process of course, but I thought I better not ask, I want to be invited back again, this is the fourth year I have gone and it is such a treat to be included.
They enlist the help of many family members. Grandmother's on both sides, mother, sisters, daughters, sons in-law, it is quite an event. Everything is set up outside, there are individuals that are designated slicers, cookers, seasoners, baggers and the keeper of the flames. Two very large wood heated homemade kettles are set up and the process goes quite fast. I think I was there about 45 minutes total to do my 2o lbs.
Each year that I have had the opportunity to take part in this, I just can't get over the efficiency, joy and thriftiness I observe in these folks.

Many people may call the Amish "backward" or out of touch.
I love what I see in them! I see a strong sense of community, people who are walking in love and faith, not to mention a work ethic that is so rare and so impressive and lacking in our society.
I think we have an awful lot to learn from them....indeed.

4 comments:

Archie said...

Wow, I think if you took that business online you'd be the Ben and Jerry of the potato chip industry! Though without pictures it might be a hard sell.. They just sounds good!
I also completely agree with your thoughts on Amish community, though it's not good to isolate yourself they are a perfect example of a true inter-family community.

Beth said...

All I can say is Yum, Yum Yum! I remember you doing this last year and saying some of the same things. I'm sure they were as blessed by your participation and example as they were of yours. God made us so unique! Isn't He amazing?

Blakely said...

Sounds like fun, and there are many things that can be learned from the Amish.

Lulu and Tutz said...

Oh, YUM!!!! I'm sitting in the shop...half hour before closing with my stomach GROWLING thanks to your picture!!! I guess you can't can or freeze chips, huh? Once a year might not be enough for my house! Btw...just wanted to point out a really cute clipboard on Jane's Apron!!! It's patchwork for all your fabric scraps!!! Check it out!