Some of the dishes common to Shaker homes were apple cider, Shaker spinach with rosemary, corn relish, Mother Ann's birthday cake, Shaker stew with dumplings, salad, sausage with honeyed apple rings, Sister Lisset's fish balls, apple dumplings with syrup, stewed prunes, Ohio lemon pie, Sister Clymena's chicken pie and Shaker cranberry pie (above). Table was made by Clifford Yerks.
------------------------------------------------------
THE FIRST SHAKERS arrived in America from England in 1774 - a band of eight religious dissenters and their founder, Mother Ann Lee. Before the 18th century ended, thousands of converts joined the Shakers, and 11 communities were founded in New England and New York. As the west opened up, other Shaker communities located in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
For the Shakers, true beauty consisted of a perfect union of simplicity and efficiency. Most of us are familiar with Shaker furniture, fabrics, clocks and baskets, and many of these items are being reproduced by miniature artisans. But the Shakers were adept in another area --- cooking. The Shakers were among the best cooks we've ever had. And not only did they cook, they also preserved, smoked, canned, farmed, gardened and were responsible for many simple but ingenius inventions to lighten household work.
Kitchens were large (there were often hundreds to be fed including homeless children whom the Sisters and Brethren raised) and they were spotless, with running water (before most people had any) and stone sinks. Shaker cooking ideas were remarkably modern, such as steaming vegetables, instead of boiling them. While most early recipes were on the vague side --- a "pinch" of this, a "handful" of that, "enough" of the other --- it was the Shakers who first worked out an exact system of weights and measures based on pounds, quarts, cups and tablespoons. The Shakers pioneered in the cultivation of orchards and vegetable gardens, excelled in their superior dairy products and where particularly expert at growing an extraordinary variety of herbs which were used medicinally and in their cooking.
Today the Shaker community founded in 1794, at Sabbathday Lake, ME is the only one surviving. A number of former communities are preserved as historical landmarks and museums. Their simple, well-made crafts and delicious recipes have become an American tradition.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps, as you create these miniature recipes, you will give some thought to the creed
by which the Shakers lived --- "Give your hands to work and your hearts to God".
It is their legacy.
by Mary Eccher - page 1 of 4
Photo by Mary Eccher
Old Photo
Photo by Mary Eccher
A SHAKER LEGACY
Not only were the Shakers excellent cooks, they also preserved, smoked, canned, farmed, gardened, and where responsible for working out an exact system of weights and measures for recipes
INTRODUCTION
November 1984
Handcrafted Collectible Dollhouse Scale Miniature Foods, Beverages and Accessories
IGMA ARTISAN
NAME ACADEMY of HONOR AWARD MEMBER
Member of CIMTA
I will celebrate your life for the rest of mine....
