Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Randy bobbed his head. “Course ya can. I’ll show ’em to everyone here if they want.”

  “I’d like to see them,” Debbie put in.

  “Me too.” Peggy Ann nodded affirmatively.

  “How ‘bout you?” Randy asked, looking at Darren’s son.

  Jeremy shrugged. “Maybe.”

  Randy looked at Becky next. “Would you like to see the chickens?”

  “I guess so,” she said quietly.

  “I don’t want to see any stupid old chickens.” Kassidy wrinkled her nose. “And I don’t see what the big deal is either.”

  “Bet you don’t have any chickens.” Randy looked Kassidy square in the eyes. “Me and my sister will get to gather eggs and feed the chickens.”

  “Oh, that sounds like so much fun.” Kassidy rolled her eyes. “Chickens are smelly, and even if you paid me, I’d never want any.”

  “Well, ours won’t be smelly.” Randy crossed his arms. “I’ll keep their coop nice and clean.”

  Kassidy answered by holding her nose, and her mother looked fit to be tied.

  Heidi figured it was time to get back to the topic of making the corn dogs, before an argument started. “As you can see on your recipe cards, in addition to a package of hot dogs, we’ll be using white flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, shortening, butter, and milk.”

  “How come so many things just to make hot dogs?” Peggy Ann blinked rapidly, and when she tipped her head, one of her braids fell across her face.

  Marsha giggled and pointed at her. “You look funny.”

  Heidi shook her head. “Marsha, it’s not nice to make fun of others.”

  “But she’s right.” Kevin snickered. “Peggy Ann looks like she’s wearin’ a giant mustache.”

  All the kids laughed—even Becky, who up until this time had seemed quite sullen. Peggy Ann, on the other hand, pressed a fist to her lips, as though holding back tears. Or maybe she was trying to refrain from saying something mean back to Kevin.

  Heidi was certain if the boy’s mother had been here, she would have scolded him for teasing. Perhaps his father would have as well. But neither parent was here today, so Heidi felt it was her place to say something.

  “Now, Kevin, I’m sure you wouldn’t want someone to poke fun of you, so you shouldn’t do it to anyone else. Don’t you think you should tell Peggy Ann you’re sorry?”

  He leaned his elbows on the table. “Don’t see what for. I didn’t say anything bad. Just told the truth.”

  Debbie poked her brother’s arm. “Quit arguing and just say you’re sorry. If you don’t, I’m gonna tell Daddy when he picks us up.”

  Frowning, Kevin glanced at Peggy Ann, then looked away. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

  It wasn’t much of an apology, but it was better than nothing.

  “So now,” Heidi said, after clearing her throat, “Let’s begin our lesson.”

  Berlin

  As Trent wandered around Heini’s Cheese Chalet, tasting samples of various cheeses, he thought about the kids and wondered how they were doing. If he’d had more time, he would have driven to New Philly and joined his buddy for a game of racquetball. But if he went there, he’d be late picking up the kids and felt sure one or both of them would tell their mother about it.

  Trent checked his watch, wondering if there would be time to go anywhere else, but he thought better of it. Two hours could go by quickly, especially if a person wasn’t paying attention, so he would just browse around here a little more.

  Trent grabbed a clean toothpick, and took another sample of cheese. This stuff’s good. Maybe I’ll buy a few packages and give one to Miranda. I’ve got to do something to get back in her good graces again.

  He put two packages of baby Swiss in his shopping basket, along with some mild cheddar and a package of Gouda. As he neared the cash register, he spotted some milk-chocolate bars and put those in the basket for the kids. If I give ’em candy to eat on the way home, they might be less apt to tell their mother I bailed on them this morning.

  While the clerk rang up the customer ahead of him, Trent thought he might make another stop. Maybe I’ll go to a store nearby for a homemade pretzel. That’d be good, because I’m still hungry. All those cheese samples did was whet my appetite. I may even indulge in a double scoop of ice cream. That was one thing nice about living where the tourism was hot—plenty of businesses selling his favorite treats.

  Walnut Creek

  Ellen stood quietly, watching as Becky mixed the butter, shortening, and milk in with the dry ingredients Heidi had given each of the children. I wouldn’t mind taking a cooking class myself. It’s fun to watch the children, although it is hard to resist doing my daughter’s work. Ellen was making an effort not to take over for Becky as she’d done during the first cooking class. With Becky being her only child, sometimes it was difficult not to smother her.

  Even though Becky had said she loved Ellen and forgave her for keeping the adoption a secret, things weren’t quite the same between them as they had been before the visit to Patrick’s. Becky seemed withdrawn and disinterested in most things. I know I’ve betrayed my sweet daughter’s trust, but I must believe that in time the Lord will help me with this.

  Ellen bit down gently on her bottom lip as she stole a quick glance at Darren. Hiking and fishing with him and Jeremy would be something fun for us to do. I hope we can work things out with our schedules so we can make it happen. I, for one, am looking forward to it—not only for the fresh air and exercise, but I’d like the chance to get to know Darren better.

  Ellen noticed a bee come into the room and fly to the kitchen window. “Um, Heidi, do you have a fly swatter around?”

  “Yes, I do. I’ll get it.” Heidi retrieved the swatter hanging in the corner of the kitchen.

  “Hey, everybody, look there. Heidi is gonna swat that ole bee.” Peggy Ann piped up.

  “Wish I could kill it.” Kevin hopped down from his seat.

  Heidi took a swing and missed the insect the first time. The bee flew around the room and came back to the window. All eyes seemed to be on the fly swatter, as well as its target. Heidi’s arm drew back like a loaded spring, then she released it with a smack! The bee hit the sink and didn’t budge. Kevin cheered and everyone else clapped. Heidi scooped the insect onto the weapon of its undoing and carried it outside. When she returned, she washed her hands and came back to the table.

  “Now that everyone has their ingredients mixed well, it’s time to roll out the dough.” Heidi owned three rolling pins, which she’d previously placed on the table. “We’ll take turns rolling the dough before we cut it in rounds. She handed one rolling pin to Debbie and one to Kassidy. The other one she used to demonstrate the correct way to flatten and roll out the dough.

  “Can I go check on Eli while I’m waitin’ my turn?” Randy asked.

  She shook her head. “It won’t take long to get your dough ready for the hot dog, so I want you to remain at the table and watch the others.”

  Randy bent his head forward, sitting in a hunched position, but at least he stayed seated.

  After Heidi demonstrated with the rolling pin, she watched as Kassidy and Debbie rolled theirs. They both did it easily, and then it was Randy and Kevin’s turn. The boys, being younger, needed a bit of assistance, but once their dough was rolled out adequately, the rolling pins were given to Becky and Jeremy.

  “This looks easy.” Jeremy glanced at Becky, through half-closed lids. “Bet I can get mine rolled out before you do.”

  With a determined expression, Becky began rolling hard and fast.

  “Slow down, sweetie. There’s no need to hurry.” Ellen touched her daughter’s shoulder.

  Becky shrugged and kept rolling.

  Lips pressed tightly together, Jeremy rolled his dough so hard that it split down the middle.

  “Now look what happened.” Darren shook his head slowly. “You’re too competitive, Son.”

  Heidi was at a loss for words. She couldn’t underst
and what the problem was between the two children or why there would be competition. But then Heidi didn’t understand a lot of things these days—such as why, whenever Marsha called her mammi, or Lyle, daadi, Randy seemed upset. She doubted that he would ever call them anything except their first names. But it was okay. At least his overall attitude had changed for the better, and as with the chicken coop, he’d taken an interest in more things.

  Heidi smiled when she saw Marsha, kneeling on a chair, while reaching over to touch the dough Debbie had rolled.

  “Are we makin’ a pie?” the little girl asked.

  “No, dear one,” Heidi explained. “The dough we mixed up is sort of like what we’d make for a pie, but it’ll be wrapped around our mini corn dogs.”

  Eyes wide, Peggy Ann spoke up. “Ain’t the dough too big for a little bitty frankfurter?”

  Heidi smiled, biting back a chuckle. “Our next step, Peggy Ann, is to cut out the dough in a circle, and then we’ll place the small frankfurter in the center of it.”

  “How we gonna cut it—with a pair of scissors?”

  “No. We’ll use the lid from a canning jar,” Heidi responded. “It’s simple enough, and everyone, even Marsha, should be able to do it.”

  Heidi moved across the room to get a few of her wide-mouth canning lids, but was interrupted by pounding on the back door. She went to answer it, thinking either Lyle or Eli wanted something. Of course, she reasoned, if it were Lyle, he would not have knocked.

  Heidi opened the door, and Velma, dressed in what looked like a pair of men’s overalls, stepped inside. Strands of blond hair stuck out from under the red paisley hankie scarf tied at the back of her neck, and she seemed out of breath. “I know it’s not time for the class to be over, but I’m here to do whatever work ya need done. After I got Abner taken care of, I changed and came right back.”

  “Well, I’m right in the middle of class.” Heidi tilted her head. “Didn’t you say you had things to get done at your place?”

  “Oh, that.” Velma waved off Heidi’s question. “Those chores can wait. This is more important to me.”

  Oh, dear. Heidi massaged her forehead. She hadn’t expected Velma would want to get started so soon, and truthfully, she hadn’t had a chance to even think of what she might want to have done.

  With the door still open, Randy must have seen this as his chance to escape, for he leaped off his chair, and raced outside before Heidi could call out to him.

  The class was only half over, and already things seemed topsy-turvy. Heidi wasn’t quick enough to stop Marsha from taking a chunk of dough from Debbie’s rolled-out piece, and popping it in her mouth, like it was candy. Once more, Heidi wondered if teaching a children’s cooking class had been a good idea. If she continued teaching classes, she might stick to adults only. At least they weren’t so impulsive—although some of her previous students had other problems.

  Chapter 16

  Now that’s some chicken house you’re makin’ there.”

  Heidi turned at the sound of Velma’s voice. She hadn’t realized the woman had followed her into the yard where Lyle and Eli had moved the structure and were now working on its roof.

  Heidi hated to be rude, but she hoped Velma wouldn’t take up too much of her time talking. She was halfway through today’s class and needed to get back inside.

  “Yes, indeed.” Velma slapped her knee. “I’ve built a few chicken coops in my time. We had a really nice one when we lived in Kentucky. Housed enough chickens to give us plenty of eggs for our use, plus enough to sell.” She paused long enough to draw a quick breath, then kept talking. “I need to get one built at our place. Just haven’t made the time to do it yet. But I’d be glad to help you finish this one if ya like.”

  When Velma quit talking, Eli jumped in. “I appreciate the offer, miss, but Lyle and I are almost done here, and everything’s under control.”

  Before Velma could comment, Randy stepped forward, giving the leg of Eli’s trousers a tug. “You said I could help ya finish up with the coop.” He pointed to the house. “But I’m stuck in there makin’ some dumb old corn dog.”

  Eli tapped the boy’s shoulder. “As soon as you’re done, you can come out and help us put the finishing touches on.”

  “And don’t forget,” Lyle added, “you’ll get to go with me to pick up the chickens next week.”

  Randy’s face brightened. “Can Marsha go too?”

  “Of course she can.” Lyle gestured to Heidi. “I think my fraa might want to accompany us as well.”

  Heidi nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Okay!” Randy grinned.

  Heidi felt relief when the boy started back to the house, swinging his arms. She smiled at the men. “There’ll be enough corn dogs to eat when they are done, so if you two would like to join us, you’re more than welcome.”

  “Sounds good.” Lyle thumped his stomach. “I’ve been working up an appetite. How about you, Eli?”

  Eli grinned. “Same here, but I think I might pass on the offer. I’ll be taking Loretta out for an early supper this evening, and I want to save plenty of room for the Farmstead Restaurant’s buffet.”

  “Okay, well, I’d best get back to my class.” Heidi looked at Velma. “You’re welcome to come watch if you like.”

  “I would, but I came here to get started on some chores for you, like I promised.” Velma shifted from one foot to the other. “What about your garden? Does it need to be weeded?” She looked toward the yard where the garden was planted, then tucked a strand of wayward hair back underneath her scarf.

  Heidi glanced toward her garden. “I do appreciate the offer, and I would say yes, but the weeds aren’t too bad yet.” She could see by the downward curve of Velma’s mouth, that she was disappointed.

  Since Heidi wasn’t sure what she wanted to have done, nor did she want to take the time to show Velma right now, she said, “Why don’t you plan on coming over one day next week to do a chore? By then I’ll have a better idea what I’d like to have done.”

  Velma’s forehead wrinkled as she hesitantly nodded. “Guess that’d be okay. All right then, I’ll go inside with you and watch the proceedings.”

  “Where’s Heidi? When is she coming back?” Kassidy’s chin jutted out as she pointed to the clock on the far wall. “It’ll be time for us to go pretty soon, and we won’t have made a thing.”

  “Don’t be so impatient,” Denise reprimanded. “I’m sure Heidi will return soon. Besides, we don’t have any plans for the rest of the day, so there’s no hurry.”

  Kassidy frowned. “I don’t wanna be here all day, Mom. I might want to get together with one of my friends.”

  Jeremy glanced her way. “Ya know what, Kassidy? You whine too much.”

  “Do not.”

  “Yeah, you do.”

  “No, I don’t, and you should mind your own business.”

  Before a full-blown argument could brew, Denise quickly changed the subject. “Who likes mustard on their corn dogs?”

  “I do.” Peggy Ann’s hand shot up. Little Marsha followed suit.

  “I don’t like mustard,” Debbie said, “but I do like plenty of relish.”

  “I like ketchup,” Kevin announced.

  “Same here.” Jeremy nodded.

  “How about you, Becky?” Denise asked. “What’s your favorite thing to put on a corn dog?”

  “Ketchup, I guess.” The girl spoke quietly. “Sometimes I like mustard.”

  “I’ll bet Heidi has ketchup and mustard.” Darren looked at Ellen and smiled. “What’s your favorite condiment?”

  “I’m okay with ketchup and mustard, but what I really like on my regular hot dogs, or even a corn dog, is sauerkraut.”

  “Same here.” Darren’s smile widened. “Looks like we have one more thing in common.”

  Denise suppressed a smile. It didn’t take a genius to see the fireman was infatuated with the nurse. She remembered back to when Greg used to look at her like that. With both of
them absorbed in their busy careers, they’d drifted apart. He rarely took the time to really look at her anymore, much less with such a happy expression.

  Denise’s contemplations came to a halt when Heidi entered the kitchen with a frumpy looking woman with faded blond hair sticking out of a red paisley hankie scarf. The woman reminded her of a funny card she’d seen at the store recently. Except for not wearing a straw hat or having missing front teeth, Denise could swear it was the same lady pictured on the hilarious birthday card.

  “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Velma Kimball. She’s Peggy Ann’s mother.”

  “Sorry for the interruption,” Velma said, “but Heidi said it was okay if I came in and watched.” She gestured to Denise, as well as the other two parents. “Looks like I’m not the only adult here, though.”

  “That’s right,” Heidi agreed. “This is Denise McGuire, Darren Keller, and Ellen Blackburn. Ellen’s daughter, Becky; Darren’s son, Jeremy; and Denise’s daughter, Kassidy, are my students.” She motioned to the boy and girl sitting across from Kassidy. “And you’ve met Debbie and Kevin Cooper. Neither of their parents is here today.”

  Velma nodded. “Yeah, I was outside with you when their dad dropped them off.” She placed her hand on top of Marsha’s blond head. “And this cute little girl I’ve already met, along with her brother.” Velma reached out, as if to touch Randy, but he slunk down in his chair. Denise figured the boy was either shy around strangers or didn’t care much for Velma. Maybe she reminds him of someone he knows and doesn’t like.

  “Okay, now, let’s start where we left off.” Heidi washed her hands at the sink and handed each of the children a wide-mouthed canning jar lid. “Just press it into your dough and when you lift it off, you’ll see that you’ve made a circle. Keep doing that until you have several circles.”

  “What about the dough Marsha pulled off of mine and ate?” Debbie glanced at Heidi with a look of concern.

  “It’s okay,” Heidi reassured her student. “You still have plenty of dough.” Heidi shook her head at Marsha. “Please don’t eat any more dough, okay? It’s not good for you.”