Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Smiling, Heidi greeted Lisa and Todd. “I’m glad you both made it okay. With the fog so thick today, I wasn’t sure anyone would be able to find our home.”

  “It’s lifting in a few places, so I’m sure the others will make it here, too.” Todd glanced over at Lisa, gave her a quick smile, and then looked back at Heidi.

  “I’m glad to hear it’s improving. It was pretty thick for a while this morning.” Heidi stepped aside. “Please, come in. You can take a seat in the living room while we wait for everyone else to arrive.”

  The sound of Heidi’s shoes clacking on the polished hardwood floors echoed in the hall. Todd and Lisa followed her into the living room and both took seats on the couch, while she seated herself across from them in the rocking chair. Heidi found it interesting how Todd leaned slightly forward, with one hand on his knee, as though anticipating or eager for something. Surely he couldn’t be that excited about taking another cooking class. Lisa, however, sat with her mouth in a straight line, clutching her purse tightly to her chest as though it were a shield.

  Heidi started the rocking chair moving. Neither of them acted this way the first time they were here. I wonder if anything’s wrong. It wouldn’t be right to ask, of course, so she engaged them in conversation. “In case either of you are wondering what I’ll be teaching you to make today, it’s an old family recipe called Chicken in a Crumb Basket. It’s quite tasty, and I think you’ll enjoy it.”

  Lisa’s eyes lit up. “That sounds interesting. It might even be something I could offer to some of my potential clients who are looking for something a little different in a meal they want catered.” She glanced at Todd. “Does Chicken in a Crumb Basket sound like something more to your liking than what I served at the wedding reception last week?”

  Todd’s ears turned pink, and his stomach growled noisily. His hand went quickly to his midsection. “I can’t say for sure, since I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m eager to find out what it’s all about. I’ve never heard of chicken crumble in a basket before.” He thumped his stomach when it rumbled again. “As you can tell, I’m a little hungry.”

  “Crumb basket,” Lisa corrected. “That is what you said, isn’t it, Heidi?”

  Heidi gave an affirmative nod. Remembering the baking dish in the oven, she excused herself and went to the kitchen. From the way Todd and Lisa kept stealing glances at each other, she had a hunch something might be going on between them—something more than two people sharing a desire to learn how to make a few of her favorite recipes.

  She smiled to herself. Wouldn’t it be something if another romance developed between two of my new students like it did between Eli and Loretta during my first set of classes?

  Chapter 21

  Berlin

  You seem kind of grouchy this morning. Is something wrong?” Nicole’s father asked as they headed to Heidi Troyer’s cooking class. “It’s not the dismal weather, I hope.”

  Nicole clenched her fingers. Something is always wrong, Dad. Don’t think anything in my life will ever be right again. “No, the fog doesn’t bother me that much. I’m just tired.”

  “You’ve been working hard, and I appreciate all you do.” He reached across the seat and squeezed her arm. “Your brother and sister may never say it to your face, but I’m sure they appreciate the things you do for them, too.”

  With a slight shrug, Nicole sat silently, mulling things over. While it was nice to be appreciated, it would be a whole lot nicer if she had less work to do at home so she could spend more time on her schoolwork, not to mention making new friends and going to some of the school functions. She wanted to tell Dad her grades were still slipping but was afraid to say anything, fearful he’d get upset. Since there was nothing he could really do about it but scold her, there was no point in bringing it up.

  “There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” Dad squinted and turned on the windshield wipers. It seemed like the closer they came to Walnut Creek, the worse the fog got.

  “Uh, what’s up?”

  “We haven’t really talked about the unexpected visit your mother paid us last Sunday night.”

  “There’s not much to say.” Nicole looked in his direction. “Tonya hasn’t changed, and she’s still nothing but trouble. I wish she and that loser she ended up with would move out of town and we’d never have to see or hear from them again.”

  “As nice as that would be, it’s probably not going to happen.” He frowned. “But the next time she comes knocking on our door unannounced, I won’t let her in. Same goes for you. Under no circumstances is she to come into our house when I’m not home.”

  Nicole grunted. “You’d better tell Tony and Heather that, ’cause there’s no way I’d ever let Tonya in, even if you were at home, Dad.”

  “Good to hear, but I’d still prefer you stop calling your mother by her first name.”

  “But, Dad, she’s so disgusting. I’m ashamed of her.”

  “Still, she is your mother.”

  “Okay, whatever.” They’d had this discussion before, but Dad hadn’t stopped reminding Nicole to quit referring to her mother as Tonya. Nicole would try not to say it in front of him anymore, but only to others outside their family, and of course, in her own head. She vowed she would never acknowledge that woman as anything else but Tonya.

  Walnut Creek

  Lance looked forward to this morning’s cooking class. It would be a nice break from the constant drone of the TV, always turned up too loud. He gave his truck’s steering wheel a sharp rap with his knuckles. Weekdays weren’t quite so bad, since he was at work most of the day, but unless he went out somewhere, the weekends were unbearable. He’d tried his best to be patient with his brother, but it became harder with each passing day. In fact, it had gotten to the point that Lance had begun looking for places he could go in order to get out of the house for a while.

  The real clincher was when he got home two days ago, and walked into the living room. There sat Dan with a big ole smile on his face, pointing to the flat screen TV. It was mounted on the wall where one of Lance’s favorite pictures used to hang.

  Lance shook his head, wondering how he’d remained speechless when his brother showed him how to use the remote. It was a wonder Lance didn’t blow his stack right then and there. Somehow, he’d managed to keep his cool, even when Dan went on to explain how he’d made arrangements for a local charity to come take the old television set away. The nerve of some people!

  “Too bad the cooking classes don’t last all day,” Lance mumbled, turning up the Troyers’ driveway. He’d no sooner parked his vehicle when Bill’s SUV pulled in. They got out of their rigs at the same time and walked up to the house together.

  “Sure is nasty weather today,” Bill mentioned.

  “Yeah, I fought the fog most of the way.”

  “Same here, but at least we made it okay.” Bill gave Lance’s shoulder a tap. “How’d your week go?”

  Refusing to go into detail, Lance casually answered, “Okay, I guess. How about yours?”

  “Not bad at all. I took a loaf of friendship bread to a friend, which felt kind of nice. But the best part of my week was hearing that my son will be visiting me in a couple of weeks.” Bill gave a wide grin. “There’s nothing quite like being with family.”

  Lance stared at his feet as he shuffled up the stairs and onto the porch. “Yeah, right.”

  Allie drew her mouth into a straight line, biting her lower lip. The fog had been so dense when she left home this morning, she’d considered turning around and heading back home. But she had already dropped the kids off at the babysitters, and her eagerness to take another cooking class drove her on. About halfway there, the fog had begun to lift, but now, as she approached Walnut Creek, her minivan seemed to be swallowed up again in more of the thick haze. This increased Allie’s anxiety. Since she was getting close to Heidi’s house, determination kept her going.

  Sure hope the fog’s lifted by the time I go home. Allie gripp
ed the steering wheel a little tighter. It’s times like this when I wish I was rich and could hire a driver to take me everywhere.

  She thought about Heidi and all the other Amish people who lived in the area. Most of them weren’t rich, but they hired a driver whenever they went somewhere too far to take the horse and buggy. I don’t think Steve would be too happy if I did that. He’d say it was a waste of money, when I’m perfectly able to drive.

  Normally, Allie had no problem driving, but when the weather became nasty, she tried to plan her errands around Steve’s work schedule so he could take her. Of course, with him working more hours than usual lately, he was rarely available to act as her chauffer.

  Squinting into the haze, Allie saw a movement along the shoulder of the road, but was unable to make out what it was. As the fog shifted, and her eyes focused, Allie’s scalp prickled. Is that a dog? Turning into the Troyer’s driveway, before she had time to think or react, the critter darted in front of the van. She slammed on her brakes, but it was too late. The horrible thump put no question in her mind that she’d hit whatever it was. From what Allie could see through the misty air, the animal lay in the middle of Heidi’s driveway, unmoving.

  Chapter 22

  Allie’s knees quivered as she stepped down from the minivan and knelt beside the animal. At first she thought it was a small dog, but then she noticed the animal’s bushy tail and realized it was a red fox. She felt bad she’d hit the critter, but at least it wasn’t someone’s dog. Just to be sure, Allie nudged the fox’s leg. There was no doubt about it—the poor animal was dead. I’m glad my kids aren’t with me right now. They’d both be upset—even worse if it was someone’s dog.

  Allie thought about the last time she’d taken Derek and Nola to the mall. They’d stood in front of the pet store with their noses pressed against the glass. Steve said the children were too young for a pet, but maybe owning one of their own would teach them responsibility. Prissy, the persnickety cat, was the only animal in the house, but she was Allie’s pet and didn’t care much for the children.

  Allie recalled her little dog, Rascal, when she was growing up. The two of them were inseparable, and oh how it hurt when Rascal grew old and started having problems with his hips. Her dog wasn’t a purebred, but he was smart and seemed to understand everything she said. If he could have talked, Allie knew he would have all kinds of interesting things to say.

  In the end, after all the medication and treatments her parents did for ole Rascal, Allie’s heart broke when the vet said there was nothing more they could do for him. That was the worst part about owning a pet—having to say goodbye. Did she want to put her children through the grief she felt when that happened? Besides, Prissy had a mind of her own and might not get along with a dog.

  I can’t worry about that right now. I need to get up to Heidi’s house, because I’m already late for class. I’ll see if one of the men will dispose of the dead fox.

  Hearing a vehicle approach, Heidi looked out the living-room window. “Oh, good, Allie’s here now, so we’ll be able to start the class as soon as she comes inside.”

  “Well, it’s about time.” Lance folded his arms and grunted. “The rest of us managed to get here on time. I wonder what her excuse is.”

  Heidi was surprised by Lance’s attitude. He was usually soft-spoken and polite. Something might be going on his life right now to make him edgy. She hurried to the door to let Allie in.

  When the woman stepped inside, Heidi couldn’t help noticing her flushed cheeks and wide-eyed expression. “Is everything all right? You look a bit flustered.”

  Blowing out a series of short breath, Allie twisted her gold wedding band. “I–I’m sorry I’m late. There was a lot of fog, so I drove slowly. Then, to make things worse, a fox ran out in front of my car when I was turning up your driveway. Unfortunately, I hit it.” She paused and drew another breath. “Do you think one of the men could go out and take care of the fox? I hate the idea of it lying there for some scavenger or bird of prey.”

  Feeling the need to comfort the distraught woman, Heidi placed her hand on Allie’s arm. “Let’s go in the living room where the other students are waiting. I’m sure someone will take care of the fox.”

  When they stepped into the living room, and Heidi explained the situation, Bill got up from his seat with no hesitation. “No problem. I’ll take care of the animal right now.” He grabbed his jacket and hurried out the door.

  “Are you kidding me?” Nicole flopped against the sofa pillows with a groan. “Couldn’t that have waited till after our class? At the rate things are going, we’ll never get started. And I even remembered to bring an apron today.”

  “I’m sure he won’t be long. While we’re waiting, we can sit and chat.” Hoping to ease the tension, Heidi took a seat and posed a question. “Do any of you have anything you’d like to ask concerning what we learned in our last class?”

  Todd’s hand shot up.

  Heidi nodded in his direction. “What is it you’d like to know?”

  “I’m curious why you included a Bible verse on the back of the recipe card like you did the previous week.” He leaned slightly forward. “I thought we came here to learn how to make some traditional Amish recipes, not attend Bible study or feel like we just came from church.”

  Heidi fidgeted under his scrutiny, rubbing her forearms to dispel a sudden chill. “Well, I, uh …” She paused to moisten her parched lips. “I began doing it during my first set of cooking classes because I wanted to share a bit of God’s Word. I’m sorry if you found it offensive or preachy.”

  “It’s neither of those,” Lisa was quick to say. “I enjoyed reading the verses you put on the first two recipe cards and hope you continue doing so.” She looked at each person. “Everyone needs a little help along the way—myself included. As far as I’m concerned, the Bible is like a roadmap for life. It teaches us how to deal with all the things that are thrown at us.”

  “Yes, indeed.” Lance bobbed his head. “The Good Book is full of wisdom, and it points the way to God’s Son.”

  Heidi smiled. She couldn’t have said it better, and appreciated two of her students’ input. From the dubious expression on Todd’s face, not to mention Nicole’s, Heidi figured they weren’t believers. She wasn’t sure about Allie, who said nothing, either. What a shame. I won’t stop including scriptures on the back of the recipes cards—not unless God directs me to stop. I’m 100 percent sure that everyone in this class needs the Lord’s wisdom.

  Chapter 23

  As everyone sat at Heidi’s kitchen table, waiting for her to hand out today’s recipe cards with directions, Lisa remembered she hadn’t said anything about the puppy that needed a good home.

  She cleared her throat. “Before we get started, I have something I’d like to share with everyone.”

  Heidi smiled. “Certainly, Lisa. Go right ahead.”

  “Well, the thing is …” Lisa didn’t know why she felt so nervous all of a sudden. Maybe it had something to do with the way Todd kept staring at her so intently. She also felt guilty taking up time meant for cooking to talk about the pup.

  “What did you want to say?” The question came from Bill.

  “It’s just that I have a puppy I need to give away, and wondered if any of you might be willing to take it.” Lisa quickly explained about her renters moving out and leaving the dog for her to deal with.

  Bill shook his head “I own a black lab, and I don’t think he’d take too kindly to me bringing another dog on the scene.”

  “I have several goldfish to care for, and that’s enough for me right now,” Lance put in.

  “I have a dog, too,” Nicole mumbled. “At least it seems like it’s my dog, since I’m the only who takes care of it.”

  Lisa glanced at Todd.

  He lifted both hands in the air. “Don’t look at me. It’s doubtful I’ll ever own a cat or dog. Pets are too much trouble, and I don’t want to deal with their hair everywhere.”

  �
��I have a cat named Prissy, but my kids would sure like a dog.” Allie touched the collar of her creamy white blouse. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but could I bring them by your place later this afternoon to take a look at the puppy?”

  “Of course.” Lisa leaned back in her chair, feeling a sense of relief. Within the next few hours, the little abandoned pup might have a new home.

  Todd alternated between watching Lisa, wearing a dimpled smile, and Heidi, showing everyone the ingredients for Chicken in a Crumb Basket. This particular recipe intrigued him—partly because he liked chicken—but mostly because it was an unusual dish. Certainly worth writing about if it turned out halfway decent.

  Todd’s mind wandered as he thought about taking Lisa to dinner this evening. He hoped she’d agreed to go. If Heidi hadn’t opened the door and interrupted their conversation, he’d know for sure. Sure wish I hadn’t made a comment about the food at my friend’s wedding. From now on, I’ll be more careful what I say about anything—especially food—to Lisa. I’d like the chance to see where our relationship might take us. She seems like a nice person—unlike some women I’ve met in the past.

  Todd’s thoughts went to his previous girlfriend, Felicia, and how she’d spread rumors about him, saying he had been seeing other women during the time they’d been dating. Lisa didn’t seem like the type to spread rumors, so he felt safe in giving their relationship a try.

  “Hey, wake up! Aren’t you listening to what the teacher said?”

  Todd jumped when Bill poked his arm. “Huh? What was that?”

  “Heidi said we’re supposed to mix all the ingredients she gave us in a bowl and then line the bottom and sides of a greased casserole dish with it, forming a basket.”

  Todd stared at the items set before him. He hadn’t even realized she’d placed them there, much less asked him to do any mixing or lining the casserole dish. Guess that’s what I get for letting my thoughts run wild.