Every year, after we have experienced our first warm day, I begin champing at the bit to go visit the Amish community, just north of us, in Lawrenceburg, TN. I love the serenity of the rolling hills, the children playing while the parents work in the fields, and the smell of fresh clean air. You will find amazing vegetables. Some of the greatest tasting tomatoes and peppers you have ever eaten! Potatoes, onions, squash, every variety of pea and bean, fresh herbs…and that’s just the beginning. A few of the Amish homes feature hand-made quilts and rugs. They make beautiful furniture and gorgeous baskets. You will also find an amazing variety of breads and pastries. If you’re really lucky, you will pull up to one of the farm houses, just as they are pulling fresh baked bread out of the oven. DELICIOUS!
I happen to love Amish Oatmeal Pie. If you like pecan pie, you will fall in love with this pie. It’s gooey, it’s comforting, it’s amazing. Now you may be wondering, why put oatmeal in a pie? This pie dates back to the early 1800s, and at that time they didn’t always have access to fresh nuts or the money to afford them. So, they turned to what they had readily available to make a sweet treat with, and oatmeal won out. I’m sure many of you have enjoyed Chocolate Oatmeal cookies; this pie has that same gooey texture, but without the chocolate.
This summer, make the trip to Amish country. Enjoy the slow pace. Stock up on vegetables. Bask in the sun. Smell the fresh clean air. Round out your trip with a yummy sweet treat.
Amish Oatmeal Pie
3/4 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed 3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. sugar 3 large eggs, beaten
3 tbsps. butter, room temperature 1 1/2 tsps. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt 1 unbaked pie shell
Vanilla ice cream, optional
Preheat oven to 350º F and line a pie dish with unbaked pie crust.
In a large bowl, stir together brown sugar, oats, sugar, and salt; then stir in milk, beaten eggs, butter and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until fully combined.
Pour mixture into pie shell, then place in oven.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until pie is cooked through.
Remove from oven and let cool 10-15 minutes, then serve with ice cream.
By: Anna Hamilton
