Amish Cook

Two of the children are home from surgery and are taking it easy
    The tonsil surgeries of daughter Verena, 11, and son Benjamin, 9, were a success.  But now comes the pain after the surgery.  The doctor did a very nice job in doing the surgery and the nurses were all very helpful and friendly.  We left around 7 a.m. Friday morning as the hospital where the surgery is done is about 45 minutes from here.  Meanwhile, our  three other scholars (editor's note: the Amish commonly referred to their school-age children as "scholars")  were leaving for school at the same time we were leaving for the hospital.  I imagine daughter Elizabeth, 14, felt like the house went from rush-rush to very quiet after all had left.  Elizabeth stayed behind to take care of Kevin, 3, who was still in bed and Lovina, 4, who was still on the couch looking sleepy.  Before we left we all had a quick, easy breakfast of grilled cheese and cereal.  We tried to keep Benjamin and Verena away from the kitchen area since they were not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight.
    It did not bother Verena not being able to eat but Benjamin is always hungry for a big breakfast so it was a little rough on him.  It was around 4:30 p.m.  when we arrived back home.  We made beds for them in the living room so we could help them through the night.  When we came home the first thing Benjamin did was go to the refrigerator. I gave them jello and sherbet but Benjamin was still hungry.  So I fried them some eggs and they ate the yolks.  Eggs weren't on their diet for the first day but I figured it couldn't hurt them. 
    They had a hard night the first night.  Husband Joe and I were up four or five times during the night with them.  Now they seem to be sleeping better and I am giving them less pain medicine every day.  In the mornings their mouths seem dried out and they hurt worse so I like to get up during the night and make them drink some water.  Benjamin and Verena are keeping each other entertained while they are homebound.  Saturday morning Joseph was a little upset when we had to help Joe do the morning chores without his brother Benjamin.  Joseph said Benjamin "doesn't look sick I think he is just lazy."  And Loretta doesn't seem to understand why Verena can't help do dishes.  Loretta says that is not running or jumping, so she should be able to help with dishes.
  Yesterday Verena and Benjamin were both running a slight fever which is normal if it doesn't go up too high.  I imagine it will be a long week for them.  We hope they will be able to go to school next week.  They will still be on a special diet and under doctor’s orders for no running or jumping.  I can see already that it will be a full time job just watching Benjamin.  I made five different flavors of jello in little cups for them.  They are also glad they get to eat on the popsicles they want. Yesterday, I made mashed potatoes and gravy which they seemed to be able to eat good.
    Meanwhile, last week Joe took the buggy and stopped by his sister's place about 7 miles away and picked her up so that they could take lunch to their father who is recovering after recent illness.  I made some things and Joe's sister took some food. I think he was glad to see them come by.  He seems to be really improving.  I made chili soup with deer sausage, cheese and crackers, hard-boiled eggs.   
    Try this recipe which is a favorite during the winter!

POOR MAN'S STEAK
1 pound hamburger
1 cup milk
1 /4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (10 3/ 4ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
    Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, mix hamburger, milk, pepper, crackers, salt and onion. Shape the mixture into a narrow loaf with your hands and put on a plate. Let it sit in the refrigerator at least 8 hours or overnight. Slice into 3/4-inch thick pieces and fry for a couple of minutes on each side, just until brown. Put the fried slices in layers in a large roasting pan and spread cream of mushroom soup over all. Bake for 1 hour.
    To learn more about Amish cooking and culture or about Lovina's family, log on to amishcookonline.com.  "The Amish Cook at Home,” Lovina's new cookbook, is available at all Borders and Barnes & Noble bookstores.