Book Review - The Amish Cook's Baking Book by Lovina Eicher

 

Book:  The Amish Cook's Baking Book

Author:  Lovina Eicher with Kevin Williams

Publisher:   Andrews McMeel Publishing

   200 pages, hardcover.

 

 This wonderful collection includes instructions for baking breads, pies, pastries, cookies, and more. It was written by Lovina, who writes a column, from home, called, "The Amish Cook."  There is an explanation at the beginning which shares that an Amish kitchen does not contain modern appliances, such as food processors, blenders, or bread makers. Yet the kitchen is stocked with pots and pans and hand-operated utensils. 

The photographs of the bread and cookies look incredible. The instructions for each recipe look easy to follow. 

There is a quote from Lovina's mother, Elizabeth, from 1998, at the beginning of the bread section:

"While often sliced and served for supper, fresh bread can be found on the table at any meal of the day. I used to make a lot more bread when all of our children were still living at home - usually about nine loaves a week. I would bake the bread before they came so when they got in the door it was good and warm."

On the back cover of the book, there is a wonderful quote by the author, "Baking is something my mother taught me, much like sewing, ironing, or gardening. Now, as a mother of eight children of my own, I am beginning to teach them how to bake. I have many cherished memories of baking throughout my life."

The description of home life scattered throughout, along with color photographs and recipes make the book a treasure.  It is beautifully done.

 

 

 * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

Catching Faith 2 - The Homecoming DVD review

Movie (DVD) - Catching Faith 2 - The Homecoming.

Running Time - Approx. 95 minutes.

This is a dove approved movie, recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Taylor family is facing a few different struggles.   Mrs. Taylor is a career - type mother who is focused on trying to do everything, including taking care of her Mother (who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease). Mr. Taylor is a kind man who is patient and is very involved in the daily home life.  Their two grown children come home with different news. The son was injured and needs a new direction in his life.  The daughter is engaged and is excited about her upcoming wedding.

 Everyone has a cell phone, and they live a very modern life. The family appears to have a great deal of money and seem to focus on themselves quite a bit.

The movie has many light moments.  They were excited about their goals and plans and seemed to enjoy what they had. There were some occasional bits of good advice coming from some of the characters.

However, I did not particularly enjoy the movie. It is not something I would watch again.  There were moments where the events seemed to be predictable. I also did not like Mrs. Taylor's Bible study group.  The girls seemed to be shallow and silly.  I thought they were disrespectful when talking about Scripture.  The group leader, however, presented herself with maturity and respect, which was good.

Special features include:  A discussion guide and an activity. 




*Disclosure - This item was provided for review purposes.*

Uncommon DVD Review

Movie (DVD) - Uncommon

Running Time - Approx. 100 minutes

This is a dove approved, "faith friendly" movie, recommended for ages 12 and up.

A young man wants to start a Bible Study group at his public school.  He speaks out (and against) falsehood by one of his teachers.  He is a quiet, good student who wants to encourage others in their faith.  Eventually, he helps the drama club put together a play that is considered by authorities to be religious.  A lawyer is called in to help fight the school board, who had shut down the play and Bible studies. Their fight is inspiring and well done.

Throughout the struggles, there is an incredible janitor, played by Erik Estrada, who does an amazing job as a Christian mentor.  His strong religious faith and character (as well as of his wife) are well worth watching.

[Note: One thing that I personally did not like about the movie was the students' intention to write a play based on the Bible itself.  However, we never see the finished play, we only hear the students discussing their options.] 

Overall this is a good and strong message that will encourage teenagers to be "uncommon," or not like the crowd.  It will encourage them to live the Christian life and to help teach it, despite opposition.

 The film is available at Walmart and Christian Stores.

*Disclosure - This item was provided for review purposes.*

Maxed Out - How Debt is Destroying Us

Movie (DVD) - Maxed Out  ("Nothing is Priceless")

Unrated, 87 minutes, 2006



One of the greatest tools I have used to help my children understand the danger of debt and the credit card industry is the movie/ documentary, "Maxed Out." 

For years I have told my grown children to avoid borrowing money for the purpose of consumer debt.  I have explained the lies, the scams, and the emotional games the marketers play to make us think we "deserve" the credit, or that we are being "helped" with a loan. 

I've been in line at department stores with my children and they've watched me turn down offers to apply for a store credit card just so I can "get 20% off today's purchases."  I tell them, it is a technique they use to bait me, and then to destroy me.   It is not worth the supposed "perks."  It is a trap.

When "Maxed Out," came out on DVD, I eagerly watched this with my husband.  We both cried as we watched story after story unfold before our eyes.  We watched the despair and desperation of families and individuals who were destroyed and enslaved by debt.  We also saw politicians speaking, we learned about some well-known important people and who they really worked for.  Statistics, quotes, and eye-opening, chilling information is shared to wake up viewers. 

Most of my older children have watched this movie.  It has alarmed them and shocked them, for their own good.  It has helped ground them, and made their anti-credit stance much stronger.

I recommend this documentary for ages teen to adult.  I would also suggest families watch it once a year, as a reminder and a tool to protect them from the ravages of consumer marketing, which we are all exposed to on a daily basis.


*Disclosure - This is a public message brought to you by this blog. It is not sponsored by any company.*