Along our journey from Chicago to West Chester we traveled through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, as it's known in these parts. Until then, our only familiarity with Amish culture was their reputation for quality handmade furniture (in the small town of Lititz we were amazed at the craftsmanship of an inlaid 50,000 piece clock) - so when we spotted our first horse drawn buggy trotting down the road, we felt we had just been transported back in time. But it was also clear that in Lancaster County the past and present have found a way to coexist in an interesting and paradoxical way. Eighteen wheeler trucks carry many of the goods and produce that come from this area, yet share the road equally with buggies. Modern homes with the latest in technology are companionably situated next to Amish homes with clothes strung across the porch to dry (i.e. no electric washers or dryers are found in an Old Order Amish homes).
And then there is the cooking - we have never found a more tasty definition of "comfort food" than what we experienced at Amish style smorgasbords. And make no mistake, it's not the equivalent of what most of us call a buffet. These smorgasbords have a down home vibe that usually include an assortment of pickled vegetables - and Jer's new-found favorite - red beet pickled eggs. We sampled egg noodles coupled with a rich thick gravy and meatballs, pork, pot roast (like your grandma used to make for gathering), ham balls, lots of fresh veggies, fruit filled pies with flakey crusts, potato donuts, crumble cake, crispy/buttery cookies, and shoo-fly pie!
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