If you have followed our blog for a while you know we like to read. We do a lot of book reviews, and have certain types of books we enjoy. But what I bet you didn’t know is that one of my favorite types of books to read are cookbooks! What, you say? READ a cookbook?! Yep! Because my favorite type of cookbook is an Amish Cookbook- let me tell you why.
To start with, plain and simple, Amish recipes are some of the best. Everything from baked goods, to main dishes, to home remedies can be found in an Amish Cookbook. While I have favorite recipes in different cookbooks, I don’t think I’ve ever tried an Amish recipe that we didn’t like. To me, looking through an Amish Cookbook is like being a kid in a candy store- there are so many choices and so many ways to get my mind and creativity going! My list of “recipes to try” grows and grows when I look at an Amish Cookbook.
But along with the long list of ideas to cook, Amish Cookbooks almost always include stories, proverbs, and other words of wisdom. That’s why I actually read an Amish Cookbook- it’s not just about looking up a recipe. I love to open the front cover, see where the cookbook is from (there are lots of different Amish areas in the U.S.), and often get to read about the author of the cookbook. Many times the author shares personal stories and history of their family.
Most Amish Cookbooks- at least my favorites- include some background information about the author, or authors, of the book. I find this so interesting because reading about the ladies who wrote the recipes is almost like being in the kitchen with them. You can just picture them working hard to feed their family, the children running in and out as they cook, and the reward they feel as they sit down to the table to enjoy what they have been able to create.
I always set down an Amish Cookbook feeling a little more inspired, a little more spiritual, and a little more at peace. The simple Amish lifestyle seems to me to be shown in these cookbooks, and I love being able to share my 15 Favorite Amish Cookbooks with you!
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
So, starting with my all-time favorite- here’s my list of what I think are the 15 Best Amish Cookbooks-
Cooking with the Horse & Buggy People is my all-time favorite Amish Cookbook- I have owned and used this one for a couple of decades.
What I like- the recipes are simply typed and easy to understand. There aren’t any pictures in this one, but the smaller size with the spiral binding makes it easy to keep open and there’s room to make notes. There’s a lot of variety in each category. Here’s a picture from my cookbook- well used with notes and all!
Favorite Recipes- Oatmeal Bread, Chicken Rice Casserole, and Breakfast Sausage Casserole
The Amish Cook was one of the first Amish cookbooks that I got that really told the stories of the author. I have read this one time and time again.
What I like- this cookbook is truly like reading any other book. there are so many stories- not just scattered throughout the book, but there is a story with every single recipe, category, and then some in between!
Favorite Recipes- Amish Friendship Bread, homemade Amish Noodles, and Yummasetti (if you haven’t tried this it’s a must!)
Amish Cooking is one of the older cookbooks, published in 1977, but is the newest in my collection. This is another great read!
What I like- This is another very simply made book. The pages are type-written but the variety of unusual recipes is wonderful! There are a lot of canning recipes, and recipes for miscellaneous things, as well as delicious food. This one includes lots of stories, and even tips on sewing and childcare! Along with a history of the Amish toward the back of the book.
Favorite Recipes- Pantry plant food, Soft Pretzels, Pear Butter
The Amish Baking Cookbook has every type of baked good recipe you can imagine! This is an awesome book if you are cooking for a bake sale, Farmers Market, or for your family to enjoy.
What I like- This cookbook is a bit more modern than the previous ones I’ve listed. The directions are a little more specific. There is a nice section on each page for making notes- like this page out of my well-used copy-
Favorite Recipes- Lemon Bread, Walnut Bread, Olive Oil and Sesame Seed Crackers
The Essential Amish Cookbook includes traditional Amish cooking along with beautiful pictures. Lovina Eicher also includes lots of kitchen tips and tricks that she has learned over the years.
What I like- the recipes are easy to follow and step by step pictures help if you’re learning a new skill. Lovina writes a weekly blog that is fun to follow.
Favorite Recipes- Oven Roasted Chicken, Zucchini Chocolate Bread, Church Spread
My Life as an Amish Wife is one of my all-time favorite books. While it is not strictly a cookbook, this diary includes enough recipes that it made my top Amish Cookbook list
What I like- this book makes you feel like you are living Lena Yoder’s life along with her. It is personal and detailed and a true joy to read.
Favorite Recipes- Cream Pie, Homemade Mushroom Soup, Pancake Syrup
Amish Cooking Class- The Seekers is actually an Amish novel by Wanda Brunstetter but if you enjoy cooking you will love this book! There several recipes created throughout and the novel is based around a kitchen, cooking and learning to cook.
What I like- I like the combination of a story with the techniques and recipes of the Amish Lifestyle
Favorite Recipes- Amish Country Breakfast, Amish Haystack, German Pizza
Amish Folk Medicine is filled with page after page of descriptions and recipes for herbal medicine. This is a great yet simple reference for herbal and natural healing.
What I like- This book is categorized by ailment so it’s easy to see all the herbs and natural healing solutions that will work for a specific symptom.
Favorite Recipes- Horehound Cough Syrup, Elderberry Tea for Fever, Sassafras Spring Tonic
Amish Friends Christmas Cookbook has all the recipes you need for a traditional Amish style holiday food season.
What I like- This cookbook has over 200 traditional Amish recipes, including main meals, desserts, treat and gift items. This book also contains lovely stories about Amish holiday traditions and beliefs.
Favorite Recipes- Sweet and Salty Snack Mix, Cookie Granola, Cranberry Cake
Amish Community Cookbook is currently the most popular Amish Cookbook I am hearing about. With 294 delicious recipes, this will keep you cooking for a long time. Along with the great recipes are beautiful Amish proverbs and words of wisdom.
What I like- This cookbook has a spiral binding which allows it to layout flat while you’re cooking. I also love the photography and the picture with each recipe.
Favorite Recipes- Bread and Butter Pickles, Shoo-fly Pie, Chicken Vegetable Casserole
The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook with 272 pages has some of the most traditional Amish recipes of the books on this list.
What I like- The simple easy to prepare family meals along with “Amish Kitchen Wisdom” sections give you a glimpse into the life of the Amish.
Favorite Recipes- Scrapple, Potato Rivvel Soup, Snitz Pie
The Amish Canning Cookbook is perfect for the experienced canner or the beginner. With lots of tips and tricks, this cookbook will help you fill your pantry.
What I like- While I do some canning, I am certainly not an expert. This cookbook is basic enough to teach me things I don’t know, but advanced enough to let me stretch my canning wings.
Favorite Recipes- Dilly Beans, Salsa, Chutney
Amish Cooking Class Cookbook is the companion to The Seekers listed above. This is the full compilation of the recipes from the Cooking Class series.
What I like- As a companion to the novels, this book combines the wisdom and tidbits mentioned in the books along with the great recipes and some fantastic pictures. This is a compilation of recipes from an additional 47 true-life Amish cooks.
Favorite Recipes- Amish Haystacks, German Pizza, biscuits
The Amish Family Cookbook is a great compilation of 272 pages of family-style comfort food recipes.
What I like- Jerry Eicher has a way of adding humor and wisdom to everything he writes. This cookbook includes a great selection of his writing, along with wonderful photos.
Favorite Recipes- Mamm’s Dinner Rolls, Cheesy Potato Soup, Pumpkin Cream Cupcakes (this makes a great meal!)
Amish Friends Gatherings Cookbook is so unique. It compiles over 200 recipes that are perfect for taking to an occasion.
What I like- This cookbook offers some of the best little stories and wisdom from author Wanda Brunstetter. That is a special treat to add to the wonderful carry-in recipes. There are so many ideas to make your contribution to a pot luck of gathering something delicious!
Favorite Recipes- Frozen Pear Slush, Rock-A-Bye-Baby Punch, Cheesy Hamburger Dip
I’d love to know . . . what are your favorite Amish cookbooks? Comment below and let me know!
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