The Amish Cook By LOVINA EICHER Last night we attended the elementary school Christmas program.  The children did a wonderful job with their roles.  It must take a lot of patience from the teacher to teach all of those little children.  There was a bigger attendance than usual.  It seems every year another one of our children is out of elementary and into middle school.  With Lovina starting it leaves only Kevin not in school yet.  But Kevin does keep talking about how he will go to school next year.  He was trying to write his name this week.  I asked him what letter his name begins with and he keeps saying “L.”  He says his sister Lovina says a name always starts with an L.  Kevin likes to sit and scribble on paper but we have to keep a close eye on him. One day he decided the wall would be a lot more fun to write on.  It seems he just can’t relax and play until Lovina comes home from her half day of school at noon.

One morning he kept himself entertained with a “Connect Four” game.  He would drop all the checkers into the slot and empty it and start all over again.

The six school age children were tired this morning but excited because they will only go until 11:30 a.m. and then be off for 2 weeks. The younger ones are having a Christmas party at school. Loretta and Joseph’s class will have a gift exchange which they are excited about. 

Last week daughter Verena had her 12th birthday.  We had pizza, ice cream, and cake in honor of her birthday.  And speaking of birthdays, on Tuesday, my husband Joe will have his, marking 41 years. Sunday our church will have its annual Christmas potluck dinner after services. I have to bake a big roaster of casserole for the occasion.  About two weeks before the potluck a tablet is passed around with a list of food and you can put your name by whatever you want to bring.  I signed up for a potato vegetable casserole.  As soon as the services are done the men set up the tables while the women organize all the food and the meal is served cafeteria-style.  The meals are heated up during church services.  There is a lot food served, with coffee, tea, and water.  Salads and desserts are also served. Usually whoever ever has the church services and the potluck at their house also furnishes ready-made meat sandwiches.

And speaking of meat, next week the doe season starts again for shotgun.  It’s just a two-day event.  Joe plans to try his luck again. 

A friend gave us a 500 piece puzzle that we would like to start over the next two weeks.  It has horses, dogs, cats, and different animals on it so it should help to keep the children interested.  We still have not had too much snow so far.  The boys tried using their sled on the thin layer we did get last week.  I am hoping we will get enough so they can use their sleds and make some snowmen. It would give them some outdoor activity over the next two weeks and give me a little peace and quiet.  I am sure these two weeks will go way to fast.  We wish all you readers a safe and blessed Christmas. As we gather with friends and family lets not forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Try this delicious recipe for fudge, which goes good around the holidays!

No Cook Chocolate Fudge

1 pound of confectioners sugar

2 eggs, well-beaten

1 cup broken nut meats (walnuts)

1 teaspoon vanilla

6 squares unsweetened chocolate

2 tablespoons butter

Sift sugar and gradually add to the eggs.  Mix until smooth.  Add nuts and vanilla.  Melt chocolate slowly in the top of a double boiler.  Stir constantly while melting.  Add butter to melted chocolate and blend.  Add chocolate mixture to nut mixture and mix well.  Turn at once into a 10 X 6 inch well-greased pan.  When firm cut into pieces.