MARTHA'S NTRODUCTION-JEAN'S RECIPE

MARTHA'S INTRODUCTION-TURKEY PIE FILLING - December 24Th

Hello, it is such an honor to be on here on Christmas Eve.  What a Christian Religious Day this is.  It is the day before Christmas, the day honoring the Birth of Jesus Christ.  We must remember that not only was Jesus born , but that later He gave His life for our sins.  Jesus is the reason for the Season.

I am Martha, I was born an outsider or Englisher.  When Joseph and I met, I went with him because he was Old Order Mennonite and I have never gone with one and he went with me because I was the first Englisher he had ever gone out with.  Little did we know, we would fall in love.  One of us had to change religion.  As Joseph was dedicated Old Order Mennonite and I was not as dedicated to my church as he was-I joined Old Order Mennonite.  It was a long hard change that has changed me.  I have been Old Order Mennonite for almost 20 years and would not change.  If you have read Amish Stories, you know about me there. 

My husband, Joseph and I own a Dairy Farm in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.  We have 10 children.  Seven of our children came as Foster Children that we adopted.  All of our children are treated alike.  They are all treated equal in all the phases of life. We all work together and play together-we all go to meetings (church) together.  Most of all, they are all loved and  are taught about the Lord. 

Jean and David are not only our friends, but will soon be our neighbors.  When I joined Old Order Mennonite, Jean was one of the few people who, at first, thought I would make it and stay.  She encouraged me and showed me our ways. So, I am glad to have them move next door to us. 

I am also surprised and happy that my son Kevin and fiancee, Bridget gave Jean, David and family their house to live in until their new house is built.  I would be glad to have Jean, David and their family in our house, but I know they need more room.  We are going to turn our third floor into an apartment for Kevin and Bridget.  After they leave, we will leave it that way-either for more Foster Children or to rent out by the week or weekend. 

Also, I will be filling in posts while Jean and family are moving and getting settled in their temporary home.  As Jean said, I will tell of Kevin and Bridget's wedding, but I will tell of other things, too.  If you have any questions, please put them in the comments.  It gives us an idea of what you are interested in. So, I hope you don't mind my filling in.  I look forward to helping Jean and New York State of Mind.

Be With the Lord,
Martha

This recipe is a great place for the left overs from your Christmas Dinner.

JEAN'S TURKEY PIE FILLING

1 cup cooked, diced vegetable of your choice or a mixture of carrots, peas, onions, celery and potatoes
2 cups diced turkey

Melt in large, heavy pan or kettle:
3 tbsp butter
Add: 4 tbsp flour
         1/2 tsp salt
         1 tsp grated onion
         1/4 tsp paptrike
         1/8 tsp pepper
Stir well.  Add slowly
         1 1/2 cups turkey broth
         1/2 cup cream

Bring to a boil.  When boiling, add vegetables and diced turkey and boil again.
Cool.  Put into favorite unbaked pie crust. Put a crust on top of the pie.  Bake at 350 degreed until crust is golden brown.  Filling must be at boiling point at some time during baking or reheating.


A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Martha, Joseph and Family

PIERRE'S "THE BARK"

Merry Christmas everyone.  I am waiting for Santa at our house.  My Mom says he will come to our house, but I find it hard to believe because he never came in the other homes I had-but Mom promises.  A friend of my Mom's says Santa's not coming because I have been a bad boy.  I ran away when the maintnance man opened the sliding glass door and I had to be chased down my him, Mom and half the construction crew.  She also reminded me of how I would take food out of the garbage can under the sink until Mom put a baby lock on it so I can't get it opened.  Also, she told about the time I ate all the chocolate candy and Mom called the vet-who told her how to make it come up on me.  So I'm not sure if Santa is coming-but Mom says he is-so I hope.  I think he should after Mom dressed me up in this Santa outfit and took this picture. I deserve it.

I know that money is tight in the economy today and lots of people can't do this, but if you have a few extra dollars please consider the dogs, cats, birds, fish and more.  If you give a food basket to someone who has pet-if you could put a can or box or bag of food in there for their pet.  I know some pets in the world aren't as fortunate as I am.  Maybe you could also slip in a toy for the pet, too.

If you know someone who is out of work or a Senior Citizen, please consider their pets too.  Mom was told by the Humane Society that many pets come in, not because they aren't wanted or love, but because people can't afford to keep them.  Maybe you could give some food, or a toy or maybe if you have a lot extra - maybe give a gift certificate to the vet to have their pet checked or even, if you have real extra money to take the pet to get it's shots.

Also please remember the pets at the S. P. C. A. or Humane Society-theywon't get any gifts from Santa.  If you have extra, they would like  toys, or dog or cat cookies or just pet food.  Even if it is after Christmas.  They also will take items that have been used.  Mom gave them a dog carrier and dog bed that she had for Rickie, who was a chihuahua, because it is too small me, a poodle.  You don't have to go to fancy pet stores-just from Dollar General or Family Dollar sell dog cookies for $1.00 a bag-it would give pets a treat.  Maybe you could just make a money donation in memory of a pet that passed.

While there, maybe you will find a pet just for you.  The greatest gift a pet could get is a full time home where he or she is loved and taken care of.  Puppies and kittens are cute, but don't forget the older ones, too.  I came to my Mom potty trained, fixed, trained (well most of them) and had lots of love to give.  Athough I was three when she got me, I still have lots of years left to give love and compaionship.  I consider dog special because dog is God spelled backwards.

I know some people can't afford to donate-I understand.  Mom, being a senior, has to watch her money, too.  But if you should have some extra money and could make a donation or just give someone some food for their pet-would be appreciated. 

Mom (Marilyn) and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. 

Love,
PIERRE

JEAN'S PECAN PIE

JEAN'S PECAN PIE-DECEMBER 23rd

3 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar *
1 tbsp flour
1/2 c. Karo syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp. melted butter
Prepared pie crust, unbaked

Mix eggs, sugar, flour, syrup, pecans and butter.  Stir well after each addition.  Pour into prepared pie shell.  Bake at 275 degrees  oven for 1 hour. 

* My Mother sometimes uses Splenda instead of sugar as my Father is diabetic.  It doesn't come to the diabetic level-but it lowers it down, some.

I have made this for Christmas for many years.  I also bake pumpkin pie, but most of the people prefer pecan.  Of course there are some that like a slice of both.

Jean

JEAN'S BACK !!! HAS SOME GOOD NEWS !!!

WELCOME BACK JEAN !!!!   HAS SOME GOOD NEWS !!!

Thank you all for the welcome back.  It was so hard for me to say good by on Amish Stories.  I am so glad to be here on New York State of Mind. 

If you read Amish Stories you know that David and I purchased some property to build a new house on. So we thought we'd let peope know among the Mennonite and Amish that our farm was for sale.  Well, we sold  our farm. It is going to an Amish family that are moving up from Pennsylvania.  The people that bought our farm are the parents to the wife of the Amish couple behind us that had twins. We also had a lot that the people buying our farm bought for one of their sons.  It was a cash deal and we just couldn't turn it down.

We must be out of the house on or before January 15th.  The people buying our farm, sold theirs-so they have to be able to get into ours.  Our house was built by David's grandparents, then went to his parents and then to us.  We are cleaning out a house and barns filled with three generations of items.  Of course, some we want to take, those we don't we are offering to the family and those they don't want are going to be sold. 

Also we had to figure where to go. Our house will probably not be built until the Spring, but if the weather stays like it is, maybe a lot sooner.  Where were we going to put our animals?  Edward is still a foster child even though we feel he is a member of our family-he could be taken from us if we move too far away.  My parents, and David's parents offered us to move in with them-but there isn't enough room.  No one has a farm to rent. Martha and Joseph said we were moving in with them.  We could move in the third floor of their house.  In fact they are in the process of adding a bathroom for us.

This evening, Martha and Joseph's oldest son came over to our house with his fiancee Bridget (who was our maude) and gave us the keys to their new house.  They are getting married on January 1st (Martha will tell you about that).  The house and barn has been built for them.  We refused saying that was their new house.  No one has lived in it-it is theirs, but they insisted.  They said it would be easier for them to live with Martha and Joseph than all of us.  When we get our new house-they will move into their house.   We gave them all kind of reasons why they should move into their house after their marriage, but they wouldn't listen.  David told him we would have to build a chicken coup and Kevin (Martha and Joseph's son) said that was fine, he would have had to.  We asked if his parents made them do this and he said he hadn't told them.  He just kiddingly asked Michael not to set this house on fire. We were almost in tears as this is what we needed and they could give us their new house and barn to use.

David and I spoke with Martha and Joseph who were surprised, but that was their son and Bridget and if they wanted to give us their house, to use it.   It is special to them as Kevin was one of the children they adopted when he was just a little child.  He came to them as a Foster Child.  As we worry about our children, they did about him among all their children.  He is baptised Old Order Mennonite and marrying an Old Order Mennonite girl.

So I may not be able to make all the posts right away because of this move.  My green houses were moved to Martha's house, now they have to be moved to Kevin and Bridget's house.  I asked Martha if she would fill in on New York State of Mind when I couldn't do the posts and she agreed.  Hope you understand.  We never thought this would happen this time of year, but not our will, God's will.

We have lots of help Kevin and Bridget, my family, David's family, friends and other relatives.  Still packing all these boxes and sorting all that we have will take time. So if I am not able to put in posts, please look forward for Martha's posts.  I am not leaving New York State of Mind, just may not be able to post regularly until we get moved and settled.

I, along with my whole family wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New York.

Be With God,
Jean

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST SOUFFLE

8 eggs
6 slices bread, cubed (use crust)
1 lb, sausage or bacon crumbled
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp chedder cheese, grated
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard

Mix milk, salt, mustard and eggs.  Pour over other ingredients tossing lightly.  Pour into a greased 9" x 13" pan.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

I may have had this on Amish Stories last year. When I make this, I do it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator all night. That way, I can just pop it in the oven for breakfast on Christmas morning.  Jean

JEAN'S LEMON BUTTER SNOWBARS

JEAN'S LEMON BUTTER  SNOWBARS-DECEMBER 21st

LEMON BUTTER SNOWBARS

CRUST
1/2 cup soft butter
1 1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar

FILLING
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a 1 1/2 quart bowl combine crust ingredients.  Mix on low speed until blended, about 1 minute.  Pat into ungreased 8" square pan.  Bake near center of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until brown on edge.

Prepare filling.  Combine all ingredients; blend well.  Pour filling over partially baked crust.  Return to oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until set.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Cook and cut into 16 bars.

These don't last long in our house unless I made the recipe twice.  I learned to make one for us and another for guests.  Jean

JEAN'S ON NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

 

 

 

 Hello Everyone. I know most of you know me from Amish Stories, but for those who don't, let me tell you something about myself.  My husband and I are Old Order Mennonite.  We own a Dairy Farm in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York.  This farm was passed from my husband's grandfather  (who built it), to his father and down to us.  Our family is of our youngest David Jr. who is 2, our daughter Susan who is 7, our older son Michael who is 15 and our soon to be son Edward who is also 15.  Edward is a foster child who we hope to be adopting next October or November.  Michael was a foster son who we adopted this past October. 

On our farm we have dairy cows, horses and grow crops. We sell most of the crops that we grow.  Also, we have a garden in front of our house that we grow for our home use.  We raise flowers and herbs in our three green houses.  Some of these we keep for ourselves, but mostly we sell these also. 

David and I were both born Old Order Mennonite.  I was born in Romulous and he was born in the hospital in Canandaigua, both in New York.  Susan attends our Old Order Mennonte while Michael and Edward attend the local public school. 

Our mode of transportation is a horse drawn buggy.  The ladies wear long dresses and prayer kapps.  The men wear black slacks, white shirts, and black coat for meetings (church).  We do have electric and telephone in our home. 

This is just a little about us.  Please ask any questions in comments.  We would be glad to answer them.  I hope we are here on New York State of Mind for a long time.

Be With God,
Jean

As many of you know I was laid up a while ago.  While reading novels about the Amish and Mennonites, I noted that everyone at some point in the book seemed to be eating Sticky Buns, so here is the recipe.

STICKY BUNS

3/4 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
2 pkg dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 egg
3 1/4 cup flour

Combine milk, sugar, salt and butter.  Stir until butter is melted.  Dissolve yeast in the warm water.  Add yeast, and egg to milk mixture.  Add w cups flour: beat until smooth.  Gradually blend in flour to form a stiff batter.  Cover; let rise in warm place until light and fluffy.  Spoon topping into pans and after rolling and slicing dough (as rolls) place each slice in topping.  Let rise.

TOPPING

3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp white sugar
1 tsp cinnamom
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp water
3/4 cup nuts or raisins

Heat until well combines

Bake buns and topping at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

JEAN'S INTRODUCTION TOMORROW

Don't forget that Jean's introduction is coming  tomorrow.  She also has a recipe with her introduction.  Then on Saturday is coming a post from Jean telling what the good news is and why she has asked Martha to do a few of her posts for her.  Of course she has a recipe with that post,also. 
So visit here and see what she has to say.

Martha's introduction is on Christmas Eve with the last recipe we will have in 2012.  We will have out first post for 2013 on January 7th.  As yet I don't know if Jean or Martha are going to do the first post of 2013.  I have a feeling, it will be Jean. 

Oh, while I think of it. I am going to start with Jean's post on Monday's and her recipe on Wednesday.  I am curious what you rather have.  Would you like me to leave it that way?  Or would you rather have Jean's (or Martha's) post and recipe on the same day????

Merry Christmas,
Marilyn