Read Mennonite Girls Can Cook Online
Authors: Lovella Schellenberg,Anneliese Friesen,Judy Wiebe,Betty Reimer,Bev Klassen,Charlotte Penner,Ellen Bayles,Julie Klassen,Kathy McLellan,Marg Bartel
I
am first-generation Canadian, born to German parents who were born in Ukraine. They fled from their war-torn country across Europe, living first in Germany, then eventually coming to Canada. My father came in 1948 and my mother in 1956, after spending the previous nine years in Paraguay.
My growing up years were strongly shaped by the experience of my parents and grandparents. There was so much loss of home and family for them. Consequently, we grew up very rooted in our faith and family.
As immigrants, my parents received help from strangers and distant relatives. Now our family has a heart for new immigrants and refugees. We also stay connected to family, right down to our third cousins. My husband knows all too well what it is like to start a new life in a new country. He is a Canadian who was born abroad, immigrating to Canada from Paraguay at the age of 22.
I have been privileged to visit Ukraine, Germany, and Paraguay, and see the homeland of my parents, grandparents, and husband. This experience gave me a fuller understanding of what their earlier life was like.
Hospitality was a big part of my growing-up years. Not only did we have people over whom we knew would have us back, but we also took in strangers in need. As a teenager, I sometimes felt uncomfortable having other people live in our home, but now our family does the very same thing. I appreciate the experience and what it teaches me.
My mother always keeps her freezer full. She is ready to feed anyone who comes by or needs a meal delivered. She shares homemade soup and buns with people recovering from illness or simply out of kindness. She is a great example to our children and me. My father is always ready to be the extra taxi driver, or the encourager on the side at a grandchild’s sporting event.
Growing up in a loving home is a very rich heritage that I don’t take for granted. I pray that we have continued that heritage. A loving home still has imperfections, but it always allows for open, honest communication, forgiveness, and the knowledge that you are always welcome and wanted.
The greatest inheritance I received is that of a family with a strong faith. Now we have the opportunity to encourage our children to grow in their own relationship with Jesus. I have truly been blessed.
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord
.—Joshua 24:15b (
NIV
)
...............................................Makes about 2 dozen
Tip:
The butterhorns freeze really well with the icing and walnut crumbs on. Freeze them on a cookie sheet and then store in freezer bags.
My mom made these butterhorns most often when her Dorcas Ladies Aid friends from church would meet at our house. She would set out her best teacups on her best tablecloth and clean the house as though it was for Sunday.
We always looked forward to these visits from her friends. We would wait patiently and quietly until they left, after which my mom would treat us to the leftovers.
Lovella says
...............................................Yields 1 cup
—Lovella
This lemon curd is wonderful as a side to scones with a dollop of Devonshire cream.
Lovella says
...............................................Makes 80
Tip:
The meat can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw in fridge until ready to use.
Because they are filled with meat,
Fleisch Perishky
must be refrigerated or frozen. To reheat, place thawed buns in a roasting pan, cover, and heat in 350° F / 175° C oven for 20 minutes. They will taste like you just baked them.
—
Kathy
Fleisch Perishky
is a well-known meat bun among Mennonites. These buns were often served with soup or in place of a sandwich. My sister Rhoda got this recipe from our mom’s cousin. It has become our tradition to bake these for our families at Christmas. In the summer I shape them into hot dog buns for our camping trips. They are best served warm with some whole grain Dijon mustard.
Kathy says