Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ;

“I’ll stay longer.”

  Heidi smiled. “And Ron, since you’re staying here on our property, I would assume you won’t mind if your pie goes in last?”

  Ron hesitated then nodded. He seemed quiet today. Could it have something to do with him telling Lyle he planned to leave? As soon as class finished, she’d speak to him about it.

  Just what I need, Ron grumbled to himself. Sure didn’t want any delays today. He’d planned to cut out right after class. He was afraid that with any more holdups, he’d end up changing his mind. The last couple of days, Ron went back and forth with the idea of leaving. But he’d already told Lyle he would go. Otherwise, it wouldn’t take much for Ron to relent and stay, at least until the final cooking class was over.

  The other evening, while listening to the radio in his RV, Ron had heard an advertisement about the mobile display of the Vietnam Wall coming to the Columbus area. He’d considered heading in that direction today. The Moving Wall was being set up for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday next week, to honor and recognize those who’d served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. The half-size replica of the original wall had been touring the country for more than thirty years, which made it easier for people who didn’t have the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, to get some idea of what the Wall was all about. Since Columbus was a little over one hundred miles away, the drive would take about two hours. Once there, Ron hoped to find a place on the outskirts of the city, reasonable in cost, where he could set up camp for a few days. It had been years since he’d taken his parents to the original Wall, and now he felt the need to see his brother’s name again, especially with the holiday to honor veterans approaching. Ron wanted to retrace Mike’s name, too, since the one in his wallet had become tattered and worn.

  Ron almost felt guilty leaving the Troyers like this, especially since they were kind of growing on him. Had Lyle told Heidi about his plans to leave, or should Ron spring the news on her after class?

  A knot formed in his belly. This farm felt more like home than any other place he’d stayed. Even Lyle’s horse seemed like a friend. Ron had found himself unloading on the animal when he just needed someone to listen to him. The horse’s soft nickers offered solace for Ron, even if Bobbins didn’t understand.

  What’s more, Heidi and Lyle’s Brittany spaniel had gotten used to seeing Ron around the place. Some mornings, Rusty came to the entrance of Ron’s RV and barked until he responded. The dog sat patiently waiting for Ron to open the door and pat him on the head or give him a scrap of food before returning to the porch to lie down.

  While Ron listened to Heidi explain more about the pies, he figured anytime he bugged out would work, as long as he didn’t lose his nerve. If he could find a place for his RV by nightfall, it was half the battle—at least that’s what he kept telling himself. But Ron wasn’t sure what would come next after the Memorial Day holiday.

  Don’t worry till the time comes, he told himself. Ron felt like a lost soul moving from one place to another, without any real goals or purpose. Truth was, his life had no meaning anymore. He had no family, no friends, and no real reason to get up each morning.

  When Charlene’s turn came around to roll out her piecrust, she picked up the rolling pin with trembling fingers. Mixing the ingredients for the crust had been easy enough, but she wasn’t sure how to roll it correctly. The last thing she wanted was a too-thick piecrust. Or worse yet, one she could see through. You would think by now my nerves would settle down, especially with Heidi as a teacher. Too bad Len’s mother doesn’t have Heidi’s patience. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be faced with the discussion I’ll be having with Len this evening.

  “Press firmly and roll from the inside out,” Heidi instructed, leaning close to Charlene. “That’s it. You’re doing fine.”

  Charlene smiled. It wasn’t as difficult as she’d expected. In fact, the whole process ended up being fun. Carefully, as Heidi guided her, she picked up the dough and placed it in the pie pan.

  “Here’s a tip I’d like to share with all of you about fluting the edges of a piecrust before it’s baked. Once the pie shell has been put into the pan, place it on a cake stand. This will make it easier to turn the pie plate, and you won’t have to stoop over. Of course you may use your fingers to flute the edges, but it’s also fun to try some kitchen utensils to make more decorative edges.” Heidi picked up a spoon and made a few scalloped edges. “You can also use a fork for different patterns.”

  “The spoon looks easy enough. I’ll try that.” Between the lessons she’d already taken, and the time spent practicing at home, Charlene felt confident she’d be able to cook a decent meal for Len soon. And maybe even surprise his parents.

  “How are you doing, Loretta?” Eli asked as she walked slowly to the stove to check on her pie.

  “My ankle still hurts, but not as bad as it did earlier.” She smiled, appreciating his concern.

  “Glad to hear it.” Eli moved closer and lowered his voice. “If you’re not up to going over to my folks’ today, we make can it another time.”

  She shook her head and whispered, “I’ll be fine. Abby and Conner would be disappointed if we didn’t go, and I’d never hear the end of it.” Loretta glanced back and felt relief that no one seemed to be watching them. “Besides, I’m eager to meet your parents.”

  “Okay, then.” He peered into the oven and grinned. “Our pies are lookin’ pretty good. Maybe I’ll take mine along to Mom and Dad’s, and we can eat it while we’re there.”

  “I’ll take my pie, too. That way, if we’re all hungry we can have a second piece.” How long had it been since Loretta felt this lighthearted? Nothing, not even her sore ankle, could keep her from going with Eli as planned. After what happened earlier today with the neighbor’s bull, an afternoon with Eli and her children was just what she needed.

  “Yum. I can almost taste the pie already.” Eli’s smile widened. “I’m looking forward to this afternoon.”

  Feeling warm and fuzzy inside, Loretta gave a nod. “So am I, Eli.” More than you know.

  Chapter 30

  As soon as Ron took his pie from the oven, he set it on the countertop and headed for the door. Kendra’s pie cooled next to his, and since she and Heidi were engrossed in conversation, he figured it was a good time to make his escape.

  Ron’s hand touched the doorknob when Heidi called out to him. “Where are you going, Ron? Don’t you want your pie?”

  He halted and turned back around. “Uh, it’s too hot to carry right now.”

  “You’re right, but here’s a box to put it in, like I did for the others before they left.”

  Ron hesitated. “Sure, okay then. Guess I can take it with me.”

  Heidi put on a pair of oven mitts and placed the pie inside a cardboard box. Then she handed it to Ron and followed him out the door. “May I ask you something?”

  “Yeah, sure.” With his back to the porch railing, he turned to face her.

  “Lyle mentioned you were planning to leave without finishing the cooking classes.”

  Ron shifted the box as heat crept up the back of his neck. “Well, yeah, I was. Figured I ought to be moving on before I overstayed my welcome.”

  She shook her head. “You haven’t, Ron. We’d be pleased if you’d stay until the classes are done.”

  “Okay, I’ll stay.” What else could he say with her looking at him so kindly? To be honest, Ron didn’t really want to leave—at least not until he’d finished the class. He shuffled his feet. “See, the thing is, there’s someplace I want to go for a few days.”

  “To visit your family?”

  “No way! My ex-wife and kids don’t want anything to do with me, but I can’t really blame ’em.” He scratched behind his right ear. “I’ll be driving down to Columbus to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Saw the original many years ago in Washington, DC, and figured since it’ll be this close for a few days, even though the replica is only half the size, I’d like to take the opportunity to s
ee it again.”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  “A few days. I’ll be back before your next cooking class.”

  “Good to hear. If you know when you plan to leave, I’ll make sure you have some snacks to take along.”

  “It’s nice of you, but don’t go to any trouble on my account.”

  Heidi smiled. “It’s no bother. I’m always baking and trying out new recipes, which means I usually end up with more food than Lyle and I can eat.”

  “Okay, I’ll let you know before I head out.” Ron stepped off the porch and made a beeline for his motor home. Sure wish the Troyers weren’t such nice people. They’ve been nothing but kind to me. I told Heidi I’d be coming back, but maybe after I leave Columbus, I should head in some other direction. Guess I’ll have to wait and see how it goes. Don’t know why I can’t make up my mind.

  Heidi returned to the kitchen, and Kendra hoped this would be a good time to finish their talk. She’d barely opened her mouth when Lyle came in, saying their horse and buggy waited and they could head to town to do some shopping now.

  Kendra picked up the box with her pie in it and started for the door. “I’ll see you in two weeks,” she called over her shoulder.

  “If you’re free next Saturday, please drop by,” Heidi responded.

  “I’ll see how it goes. Since next weekend’s a holiday, I might do something with Dorie.” Without waiting for Heidi’s response, Kendra hurried out the door. Before getting into Dorie’s car, she glanced at the horse and buggy waiting at the hitching rail. I wonder what it’s like being raised Amish. “The simple life.” Isn’t that what some call it? Sure hope I get a chance to talk to Heidi before our next cooking class. If she and Lyle would agree to adopt my baby, the child would be a lot better off than living in the English world with me.

  Sugarcreek

  When Eli directed his horse and buggy onto Loretta’s driveway, he saw Abby and Conner sitting on the porch with their dog between them. As Eli approached, Donnelly’s ears perked up and his tail started wagging.

  Loretta came out of the house. “I’ll get my pie and be right with you,” she called.

  “Sounds good. I brought my pie along, too.” Eli got out of the buggy and secured his horse to the fence post. Then he helped the children into the backseat of his buggy.

  “Don’t forget Donnelly,” Conner reminded him.

  “No worries.” Eli bent down, scooped the pup into his arms, and put him in the buggy between the children. “There’s a box on the floor by your feet, Abby. Please don’t step on it, and don’t allow Donnelly to get near it, either.”

  “I won’t, Mr. Eli.” Abby shook her head. “We’ll hang on to the puppy the whole ride.”

  Eli smiled. “Good to hear.”

  When Loretta came out carrying a box, he took it from her and placed it on the floor of the passenger seat. “Here, let me help you.” He held his hand out to her. “How’s that ankle?”

  “About the same, but no worse, either.” She barely made eye contact with him.

  After Loretta got situated, Eli asked her to hold the reins while he untied his horse. A few minutes later, he hopped into the buggy and she handed back the reins.

  “I’m glad your horse didn’t bolt, because I’m not sure about handling a horse and buggy. I’ve never driven one before.”

  “If you’re interested, I’d be glad to teach you sometime.”

  Loretta nodded slowly. “I’ll let you know if I can work up the nerve.”

  I’d enjoy being your teacher. It would give me more opportunity to spend time with you. Eli didn’t voice his thoughts. The feelings creeping in toward Loretta were unexpected. Must be because I miss Mavis and desire female companionship. He mentally shook his head. But that’s not really true. When I’m with other women, I don’t feel like I do when I’m with Loretta. Is it possible that she feels the same way about being with me? Sure wish I had the nerve to ask.

  Loretta felt lighthearted as she glanced over at Eli. He was such a kind, soft-spoken man. The more time they spent together, the more she enjoyed his company. Abby and Conner liked Eli, too. They’d mentioned him several times since he’d given them the puppy. If only he weren’t Amish.

  Twisting her watchband around her wrist, Loretta shifted on the buggy seat. As much as she looked forward to meeting Eli’s parents, she couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. What if they don’t approve of him seeing me? Of course, Eli and I are not courting. We’re friends—nothing more—so it shouldn’t matter. The trouble was, Loretta had been thinking about Eli a lot lately. Too much, maybe. She’d even fantasized about them becoming romantically involved, which wasn’t even possible, since she was not Amish. It was difficult to admit, even to herself, but Loretta hadn’t felt this way about anyone since Rick died, and she’d known Eli shy of two months.

  Perhaps I’m merely in need of male companionship. Yes, that’s all it is. Of course, Loretta visited with her neighbor Sam quite often, so maybe it wasn’t a simple need to spend time with a man.

  “Mr. Eli, did Mommy tell you about the big cow I tried to feed this morning?” Abby leaned over the seat and touched Eli’s shoulder.

  “Why no, she didn’t.”

  “The cow was bigger than the other ones we feed. His name is Boo-Boo, and he had a ring in his nose.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Uh-huh. But I don’t think he liked me too much, ’cause he looked kinda mad. Then Mommy climbed over the fence. She carried me out of the field while Sam helped Boo-Boo’s owner take him back where he belonged.”

  “Sounds like you had quite an adventure. I’m glad it turned out okay.” Eli reached back and patted the child’s hand. “Better sit back in your seat now, Abby. Don’t want you to get jostled around.”

  Without question, Abby did as he asked.

  Loretta leaned closer to Eli and whispered, “I didn’t want to scare her about Boo-Boo, but he’s a mean bull. I feared for Abby’s life and needed to get her out of there right away.”

  “It’s important for you to stay in your yard, Abby,” Eli called over his shoulder. “A cow like Boo-Boo is a lot bigger than you, and you should never leave your yard without your mother’s permission.”

  “Okay, Mr. Eli.”

  Loretta smiled and mouthed the message, Thank you, Eli.

  He grinned back at her. “Guess what, kids? My parents have a few cows, and one big bull, too. I’ll take you out to the barn to see him if he’s in there today.”

  While Abby and Conner clapped their hands, Loretta grew nervous. Eli must have sensed her fear, because he added, “Don’t worry. My parents’ bull is a big ole baby. His name is Biscuit.”

  “Biscuit.” Conner giggled.

  “How’d he get that name?” Loretta questioned.

  “Well, when he was about a year old, my mom took some homemade biscuits out of the oven and wrapped them in a cloth to keep warm. She put the biscuits, along with some butter and jelly, in a picnic basket and took them out to the barn where Dad was working.”

  “Mommy makes good biscuits,” Abby said. “She gets ’em at the store and they’re in a tube.”

  Loretta’s face heated. Oh my, Abby. Did you have to bring that up?

  “They are good, aren’t they? I make that kind sometimes, too.” Eli winked at Loretta. “Anyway, my folks’ little bull was in a stall next to where Mom and Dad sat on a bale of straw. They weren’t paying attention to the sneaky animal as they talked and enjoyed Mom’s home-baked treat. Then, unexpectedly, the young bull stuck his head through the railing and pulled the plate of biscuits into his stall.”

  Loretta and the children laughed. “What’d they do then?” Loretta asked.

  Eli chuckled. “By the time my dad got in the stall and took the plate away, the overzealous critter had eaten every last one of those homemade rolls.”

  “That’s funny.” Abby giggled again.

  “Yep. My poor dad only got one biscuit that morning. My siblings and I didn
’t get any till Mom made another batch. This time she told us the biscuits were not to leave the kitchen. So that’s how Biscuit got his name.”

  Loretta held her hands loosely in her lap, enjoying the interesting conversation. “I can almost picture it, Eli. What a cute memory, and a good name for the bull, too.”

  “My folks have told that story many times when people ask why they gave our bull such an unusual name.”

  “Is Biscuit friendly?” Loretta still felt a bit concerned—especially after what had happened with Boo-Boo.

  “He’s quite massive, and definitely not little anymore, but Biscuit still thinks he’s a baby.” Eli glanced back at the children. “Not all bulls are friendly, but as long as I’m there, you don’t have to worry about Biscuit at all.”

  As they traveled farther, Loretta tried to concentrate on the passing scenery instead of thinking about Eli. Seeing how good he was with her kids, she felt sure he would have been a wonderful father.

  Soon, they pulled onto a gravel driveway. “We’re here,” Eli announced. “This is where I grew up and where my folks still live.” He glanced over his shoulder at the children. “This is where the mother of your puppy lives, too.”

  “Bet Donnelly will be excited to see her,” Abby said.

  “Bet Donnelly will be excited to see her,” Conner repeated.

  Eli chuckled. “I’m sure she’ll be glad to see her pup again, too.”

  Loretta watched as an Amish couple came out of the house. The man, who appeared to be in his early sixties, walked up to the horse and secured him to the hitching rail, while the woman waited on the porch.

  When Eli got out of the buggy, Loretta did the same. After she reached in and took out her pie, Eli came around and helped the children and their puppy down. Loretta assumed they’d feel shy and stick close to her, but with Abby holding Donnelly, they both darted up the porch steps and stood directly in front of the Amish woman.

  “My name is Abby, and this is my brother, Conner. We brought our puppy to visit his mama.”