Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers Read online

  “I’d offer to babysit, but my work hours might not be the same as yours.” Dorie took the seat beside her. “Too bad your folks won’t let you move back home. Maybe your mom would babysit, and you could go back to college and get your degree.”

  Kendra’s jaw clenched as she lifted both hands in defeat. “Fat chance! It will never happen—not with Dad feeling the way he does and Mom with no apparent mind of her own. She goes along with whatever he says.”

  “Never say never. Sometimes people change their minds on issues they once held firm to.”

  “Not Dad. When he decides something, he doesn’t budge. And as far as my education goes … well, let’s just say, my dream of becoming a nurse is just that … a dream. It’s never gonna happen.” Kendra grabbed the cereal box and poured some into her bowl. For the moment, her stomach had settled. “Can’t solve this problem right now, so for today at least, it’ll be fun to learn how to make another Amish recipe.”

  “Do you know what she’ll be teaching you today?”

  “Not sure, but I’m anxious to find out.”

  Walnut Creek

  “No, Lady, you cannot go with me today.” Eli shook his finger at the shiny black lab. The persistent dog followed him to the end of the driveway, wagging her tail as she barked at him.

  Since the weather was nice, Eli chose to walk to the Troyers’ house. He and his dog often went for walks, so Lady probably figured she’d be welcome to come along.

  “Guess I’d better put you in your pen, or you’ll end up following me all the way there.” Eli grabbed Lady’s collar and led her to the chain-link pen. “Now be good, and no barkin’ while I’m gone.” He made sure the dog had plenty of water, gave her a quick pat, and closed the gate.

  Woof! Woof! Woof!

  Eli whirled around. “Quiet now! I’ll be back in a few hours. Then you can run all over the yard and carry on all ya want.”

  Whimpering, the dog quieted and lay down, nose between her paws.

  As Eli headed down the road in the direction of the Troyers’, he puckered his lips and whistled a pleasant tune. Although he hadn’t expected to like the class, he’d enjoyed helping make the breakfast casserole during the first cooking lesson. Heidi’s patience and ability to explain things well made it easier for him to come back. He’d known the Troyers a good many years, and that made being there more comfortable, too. The best part, though, was when Ron showed up. Eli felt less conspicuous no longer being the only man in the class.

  Heidi had included some scripture on the back of the recipe card she’d sent home with him. Eli appreciated the reminder to be still and focus on God. Sometimes he got busy in his shop or around the yard and didn’t take time to be one-on-one with his Lord.

  Following the directions on the front of Heidi’s recipe card, Eli had tried to duplicate the breakfast casserole in his own kitchen. It hadn’t tasted too bad, but the texture wasn’t quite the same, and most of it stuck to the baking dish. He’d managed to dig it out, though, and enjoyed eating the casserole for breakfast three days in a row. Sure was better than cold cereal or a boiled egg, he mused. Next time, though, I’d better use more cooking oil to grease the baking dish. Think Mavis would be pleased I’m learning how to cook.

  Eli stopped walking for a moment, and glanced around. From the way things looked, today’s weather was off to a good start. Spring was getting into full swing now, with flowering shrubs blooming and tree seeds whirling through the air. Despite the few cooler days they’d had this month, warmer temperatures were slowly winning out. Eli was glad the days were getting longer, too. It was no longer dark when he quit work for the day and came inside to start supper. He looked forward to the longer days of summer, when he could get more done in the yard.

  Overhead, Eli watched a pair of Canadian geese fly past, honking in their own conversational way. Some birds in the area had already nested, while others were in the stages of building a nest. The other day, Eli had noticed a pair of tree swallows taking up residence in a bluebird box he’d mounted on the fence. No wonder this time of year made him feel ambitious. As Mavis used to say, “Spring is a glorious season—especially after a long, cold winter.”

  Eli started walking again, and had only gone a short distance when a minivan pulled up beside him. He recognized the driver right away.

  Loretta leaned toward the window on the passenger side and rolled it down. “Are you heading to Heidi’s?”

  He gave a nod.

  “Would you like a ride?”

  Eli felt tongue-tied and could barely make eye contact with her. Sure hope I don’t stutter. “Umm … thanks.” He opened the door and got in, keeping his gaze on the seat belt as he fumbled to get it hooked. The silly thing wouldn’t connect, so with a huff, he gave up trying.

  Loretta reached across the seat. “Here, let me help you. That seat belt buckle can be kind of stubborn at times.” She clicked it together. “There you go.”

  His ears burned. She must think I’m a dunce for failing to do something as simple as hooking a seat belt. “Thanks,” he mumbled, barely able to look at her.

  When Loretta pulled onto the road, the silence grew unbearable, until Eli sneezed—not once, but eight times. He blew his nose and shyly muttered, “Sorry. Spring allergy season.”

  It seemed to break the ice a little when Loretta glanced at him and smiled. “How have you been these last two weeks?”

  “Nothing to complain about. How are things with you?”

  “Not too bad except for when I got locked out of my house a few days ago and my kids were still inside.”

  “What’d you do?”

  “Sam came over and took the door off its hinges. In the nick of time, too, before a storm came through.”

  “Yeah, it hit here, too.” Eli wondered who Sam was. Maybe he’s Loretta’s boyfriend. Well, it’s none of my business, and I’m sure not gonna ask.

  “I’m anxious to find out what we’ll be making today. Did you enjoy the first class?” She seemed determined to carry on a conversation.

  “Yep.”

  “Same here. I made the breakfast casserole last week, and my kinner loved it.”

  Eli jerked his head. “You know Pennsylvania Dutch?”

  She laughed. “I don’t speak it fluently, but I can say a few words.”

  “How’d you learn ’em?”

  “Well, I …”

  Seeing a cow had wandered into the middle of the road up ahead, Eli only had time to point and shout, “Look out!”

  Chapter 14

  Oh my, that was too close!” Loretta’s heart palpitated after swerving to avoid hitting the cow. Thankfully, no cars were coming in the other lane, where the animal now stood, looking like it couldn’t care less about what had almost happened.

  “Bet that critter belongs to the Troyers.” Eli scanned the area. “Don’t see any other cows at least. I’ll hop out and see if my coaxing is any good. Go ahead up the driveway so you’re not sitting in the middle of the road. I’ll follow behind with the cow and guide her into their yard.” He opened the door and stepped out of the van.

  Loretta wiped her sweaty palms against her long skirt as she turned up the Troyers’ driveway. She hoped Eli could get the cow to do what he wanted. The thought of him in the road sent chills up her spine. What if a car came and didn’t see him in time?

  After looking in the rearview mirror, Loretta felt relief seeing Eli and the cow meandering up the driveway behind her van. With little urging from Eli, the cow seemed as if it knew where it belonged. She remained in the van until he pushed the gate fully open and got the animal inside, giving its rump a pat.

  When Loretta got out of her vehicle, Eli stepped up to her. “Sure hope this cow belongs to the Troyers. Even if it doesn’t, it’ll remain here till our cooking class is over. Then I’ll go looking till I find the owner.”

  “Based on how it acted, my guess is the cow belongs here.” She looked directly at him, slowly shaking her head. “I’m glad you called out to me
in time. I hate the thought of killing, or even injuring the cow. Not to mention damaging my van. Since it’s my only vehicle, I can’t be without it.”

  “All’s well that ends well.” Eli offered her a shy-looking grin. “Should we go on up to the house now?”

  “Yes.” Loretta glanced around the yard. So far hers was the only vehicle in the yard, other than Ron’s motor home. “Looks like we’re the first ones here.”

  Walking side by side, she and Eli stepped onto the porch. After a brief knock, the door opened, and Heidi greeted them. “It’s good to see you. Please, come inside.”

  When they entered the house, Eli told Heidi about the cow on the road, and how he’d put it in the pasture. “I assumed it was your cow.”

  Heidi’s lips compressed. “I bet it is. Soon after Lyle left this morning, I went outside to hang a few towels and noticed the gate to the pasture was open. I shut it, of course, but the cow probably made her escape before I came out.”

  “Could be.” Eli bobbed his head. “I made sure the gate latched after I put her in.”

  “Danki for taking care of it. I have no idea how the gate got open, but I appreciate your help.” Heidi motioned to the living room. “You’re welcome to sit in there until the others arrive. I’ll join you as soon as I finish what I’m doing in the kitchen.”

  Eli removed his straw hat and shuffled into the living room. Loretta followed. He took a seat in the rocking chair and got it moving, while she seated herself on the couch. Uncomfortable with the silence and needing to say something, she asked how long Eli had lived in Walnut Creek.

  “I was born in Mt. Eaton, but when I turned six, my folks moved to Sugarcreek, which is where they still reside.”

  “What a coincidence. Sugarcreek is where my children and I live.”

  He stopped rocking. “You’re lucky to have them. My wife and I wanted kinner, but she miscarried twice. To make matters worse, she got cancer and had to have her uterus surgically removed.” Eyes closed, Eli massaged his forehead. “Our hope of having children ended, of course.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss. It seems you and your wife went through a lot.”

  “We did, but our love proved strong, and we enjoyed every minute we had together.” Opening his eyes, Eli lifted his hands and let them fall in his lap. “Life is hard, but God’s been with me through it all. Wouldn’t be where I am today without His help.”

  She nodded. “He’s been with me, as well. I couldn’t have coped with my husband’s death if not for the strength I continue to draw from the Lord, as well as Christian family and friends.”

  Heidi entered the room and was about to take a seat when a knock sounded on the front door. “Sounds like someone else has arrived.” She went to answer it and returned with Ron at her side.

  Eli let his head fall against the back of the chair and drew a deep breath through his nose. Loretta assumed he was glad Ron had come back for another class. Even for a sociable English man, which Eli was not, being among a bunch of women—in a cooking class, no less—would probably be difficult. From what Loretta could tell so far, Eli was a kind, gentle person, although a bit on the shy side.

  He must miss his wife as much I do Rick. Loretta swallowed against the sudden lump forming in her throat. All this pitying got her nowhere. Determined, she directed her focus on something else.

  Ron sauntered into the room and took a seat in the recliner.

  “Nice to see you again.” Smiling, Eli tipped his head.

  “Same here.” Ron pulled the lever back on the chair to put his feet up. It felt good to sit in a chair like this. He hadn’t enjoyed such a comfort since he and Fran split up. After the divorce, it wasn’t easy letting her keep the house and everything in it, but he’d seen no point in fighting for it. Since Matt and Gail were still in grade school at the time, Fran needed a home to raise them in.

  Ron hadn’t seen his ex-wife in a good many years and didn’t even remember how old the kids were anymore. Probably in their forties by now, he figured. One of the reasons he’d split years ago and headed out on the road was so he wouldn’t be stuck paying child support.

  Things went well with him and Fran when they’d first gotten married, but a tour of duty ending after Vietnam soured their relationship. Ron had struggled with the trauma of the war ever since. Many nights he’d wake up screaming, with his body drenched in sweat. The heinous war had affected his personality. Ron’s mood swings and harsh temper drove a wedge between him and Fran and caused their children to fear him. While he’d never abused them physically, his impatience and sharp tongue often left Matt and Gail in tears.

  Ron’s thoughts came to a halt when the grandfather clock bonged on the hour, just as Kendra and Charlene showed up.

  Heidi gestured to the two young women. “Looks like everyone is here, so why don’t we all go to the kitchen and get started?”

  Begrudgingly, Ron put the recliner in the upright position and followed the others. The only bright spot in being part of this class was that it gave him another chance to look around the place, plus an opportunity to eat one more decent meal.

  When Charlene entered Heidi’s kitchen, it surprised her to see so many items sitting on the table—lettuce, cheese, olives, tomatoes, onions, green pepper, celery, corn chips, and two cans of beans. “What are we making today?” she asked.

  “It’s called ‘haystack,’ and we Amish like to fix it for lunch or supper.” Heidi went on to clarify how each of the items needed to be chopped or grated. “We’ll also brown some ground beef and add mild-flavored salsa to it. The soup that will be poured over the top must be combined with milk and heated.”

  “What are we supposed to do with it all?” Kendra’s eyes widened as she motioned to the table. “And why is the recipe for this meal called ‘haystack’?”

  “Once I explain the rest of the procedure, you’ll understand. Now, after the vegetables are chopped, they’ll be placed in separate bowls, along with rice, beans, ground beef, and cheese sauce. Afterward you can put whatever items you want on your plate, making a tall haystack.” Heidi smiled. “Are there any questions?”

  Charlene’s hand went up. “Do the eggs need to be sliced or chopped?”

  “Usually they’re chopped, like the vegetables.” Heidi moved toward the table. “So if everyone will put your aprons on, we’ll get started. Excusing the men, if they’d rather not borrow an apron from me,” she added.

  Ron shook his head. “Don’t need an apron.”

  “Me neither,” Eli agreed. “Getting food on my clothes is nothing new for me.”

  Charlene winked when she looked over at Loretta and saw her smile. Cutting up veggies and piling them on a plate should be easy. This is one meal I’m sure I can fix without messing up.

  While Kendra and Ron waited for their instructions from Heidi, he glanced around the kitchen.

  “So, which car do you drive?” Kendra, normally quiet, struck up a conversation.

  “Don’t have a car. I’m staying here right now.” Ron shoved his hands into his pockets. “You probably noticed the motor home parked over by the Troyers’ garden.”

  She nodded.

  “It’s not only my mode of transportation, but I live in it, too.”

  “It’s nice of Heidi and her husband to let you park on their property. How long have you been friends with them?”

  “Only a little while. Since my RV isn’t running right, they gave me permission to park the rig here till I’m able to fix it.” Ron preferred not to say much more. He hardly knew this girl, and after these classes were over, he’d never see her or any of the others again. Besides, there was something about Kendra that got on his nerves. He couldn’t put his finger on it, though.

  “I’ve never seen the inside of a motor home, but I always thought how neat it would be to travel around in one.” Kendra pushed a strand of hair behind her ears. “From what I’ve seen in magazines, some of the newer models are like living in a house. Some have large rooms, flat-screen
TVs, and a few models are even equipped with electric or propane fireplaces.”

  “Mine’s not that glamorous.” Ron puffed out his cheeks. “I’m lucky I could afford to buy this old clunker.”

  “Regardless, I’d love to see what the inside looks like,” Kendra persisted. “Would ya mind showing it to me?”

  This girl was too bold. No wonder she irritated him. What business did she have, asking to see where he lived? Ron didn’t want anyone inside his traveling home, especially now, with the items he’d hidden in the closet. If Kendra was anything like his ex-wife, she’d want to snoop in all the cupboards and the closet, as well. I’ll have to come up with some excuse not to let her into my rig.

  “The inside of my RV is no big deal.” Ron kept his voice on an even keel. “In my opinion, there’s nothing worth seeing in there. Besides, after class I’ll be busy doing some things for Lyle.”

  “I’m glad to hear you’re helping them around the farm.” Kendra looked at him squarely. “It’s the least you can do for these nice people letting you stay however long you’re planning to be here.”

  Where does this sassy little gal get off making a comment like that to me? Ron was about to tell Kendra what he thought, when Heidi stepped between them and began explaining what they needed to do.

  He gripped his wooden spoon so tightly he feared it might break. Good thing Heidi spoke first, or I may have said something I’d later regret. Wish some people would mind their own business. I’ll be glad when I have enough loot to move on down the road.

  Chapter 15

  Heidi noticed how everyone sat forward, as though eager to learn something new today—even Ron, who rarely smiled. Kendra, normally quiet, had begun a conversation with him. Heidi wasn’t sure if her students truly enjoyed the class or were simply enthusiastic to make haystack so they could eat the tasty meal. She, too, looked forward to eating haystack. It was one of her favorite meals.