Amazing flowers at the Amish market
Last week, Tom and I visited family and friends in Lancaster County, PA where we both grew up. We enjoyed going to Lancaster Central Market, the oldest farmer’s market in the U.S., to sample the homegrown produce and Amish wares found there. It was a treat to eat fresh sweet corn and tomatoes picked that morning in the nearby farm fields. Tom’s mom used to shop here weekly, and when I taught in Lancaster I shopped at this market, too.
We were tempted by all the baked goods, including Whoopie pies (which originated in Lancaster Co., PA but later could also be found in Maine), that my mom used to make when I was a kid. I’ve made them one or two times in my many years as a cook; but the fact that they are made with Crisco makes them a bit less appealing today!
Lancaster has a brand-new convention center which we’re considering using for a Debbie Diller Institute. If you might be interested in attending one in Lancaster, PA, please let us know! No dates set yet. Just thinking about it.
Just for fun, here’s Mom’s recipe for Whoopie Pies: (makes a bunch!)
Cookies: (mix together and make into cookies and bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes on cookie sheet)
1 c. Crisco shortening
2 c. sugar
2 egg yolks
1 c. sour milk (1 T. vinegar to 1 c. milk)
2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 c. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
1 c. hot water with 2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in it
Filling: (put between 2 cooled cookies, then wrap with Saran wrap)
blend together the following:
4 c. powdered sugare
2 T. vanilla
4 T. flour
4 T. milk
1 1/2 c. Crisco shortening
then add 2 beaten egg whites
Just thought you had to see what was in these babies!!! If you ever get to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, check out downtown Lancaster on market day.
Amish bakery with traditional potpie noodles that I make from scratch
Vegetable stand at the Amish market
Amish girl rings up sales at the market
Debbie Diller 
I’d come to a Debbie Diller Institute!! Let me know when!
Thanks, Tiffany! We will let you know when and if we do.
Hi, Debbie!
My husband and I visited Central Market in Lancaster on Labor Day Weekend, too! As a matter of fact, I bought a bouquet of sunflowers from the same farmer’s stand that you included in your pictures!
Hope you had as much fun visiting family in Lititz as we did!
On a more professional note, I have been using your DVDs in workshops here in Warrenton, VA with great success. I mentioned your work to my aunt (and your Millersville prof) Joanne Snavely. She remembers you as an excellent student.
I see that you will be in Richmond in April. I’ll plan to be there and perhaps two old Warwick HS grads can reconnect.
Cheers!
Eileen (Roth) Burgwyn
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for writing. I love that you were at Central Market, too. Great place! We had a lovely visit to Lititz. It’s funny that you mentioned Joanne Snavely. I remember her. She supervised me as a student teacher, in fact. My mom had dinner with her recently. Small world. I’ll look forward to seeing you in Richmond! Please be sure to say hello.
Thanks,
Debbie