In this day and age of fast food and even faster meal times at home, many people are looking for a more traditional, old fashioned, fully flavored way of eating that stirs the soul as well as strengthens the body. One of the best ways to do that is to turn to the traditional Amish recipes still are served among the Amish communities today.

Even though these Amish recipes are traditional in nature and spring from the days of your grandmother and great-grandmother, many of the ingredients can be purchased at your local grocery store. And because these recipes don't get you involved with processed foods and ingredients, they are healthier for you and your family. Take note that the obesity rate among the Amish is 4%, while the rest of the US is 26%!

Here is a sample recipe for an Amish Casserole

Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours

Servings: 15 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

8 cups raw potatoes, shredded

2 cups uncooked macaroni

2 cups fresh, frozen or canned peas (I used canned)

2 cups cooked meat (ham, sausage, beef, etc. I used ham)

3 tsp. salt

1/2 cup onion, chopped

4 cups cheese, shredded (I used Cheddar; the recipe didn't say either way)

2 quarts milk

Preheat oven to 325 F.

Layer ingredients in a large baking dish in order given; pour milk over all.

Bake for 2 1/2 hours.

And there are so many other wonderful recipes from the Amish community. One of the most favorite desserts anywhere is the home-made pie. Well, a well know Amish pie is the shoefly pie! This is a savory molasses and crumb concoction that you simply have to try if you ever visit an Amish community.

Another traditional Amish dessert that you don't want to miss is the whoopee pie. This is a finger-food composed of a thick layer of vanilla or peanut butter icing that is sandwiched between two cake wafers, usually either pumpkin or chocolate.

Other traditional Amish desserts include apple dumplings, funnel cakes and faschnachts. These faschnachts are simply a fatty doughnut-type treat made from lard, sugar, and butter, and are traditionally served on Fastnacht Day, the day before Lent begins. Tradition says that faschnachts were produced as a way to empty the pantry and larder of items that were forbidden during the time of Lent.

Don't miss out on these and other traditional Amish dishes. If you can't make it to Amish areas to try it on site, then purchase an Amish cookbook online and try out your own culinary skills with traditional Amish recipes.