Eichers took a break during this holiday week

The Eichers are taking a needed break during this Fourth of July week. Thanks to all the readers for your kind words and prayers for the family during the tough year of 2012.

This week features a few favorite summer recipes from columns past. The first is a great recipe to try on some of the fresh lettuce from the garden.

SWISS DRESSING

4 slices of bacon, cut into pieces and crumbled

1 tablespoon flour

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup vinegar

4 fresh green onions, chopped

Two boiled eggs, diced

Fresh lettuce leaves from the garden or 1 head of store-bought lettuce

In a skillet, fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from the skillet to a paper towel lined plate, but reserve the grease in the skillet. Brown the flour and salt in hot bacon grease over medium heat.

Have the sugar, vinegar and water stirred together and ready to pour into the flour when nice and brown. Be careful so it doesn’t bubble over. Keep stirring the mixture. Cook a minute or so until it thickens. When the dressing is cooled off, you may want to add a bit of cream or milk if it is too thick. Pour over lettuce leaves that have been torn into bite-sized pieces. Add bacon, eggs and onions and toss lettuce.

GREEN TOMATO JAM

6 cups ground green tomatoes

4 cups sugar

6 ounces raspberry or strawberry gelatin

In a large mixing bowl, mix green tomatoes and sugar. Boil over medium heat for 20 minutes. Add gelatin. Remove from heat and stir well. Put into sterilized jars and seal.

HAM AND

PEA SALAD

2 cups green peas

1 1/2 ccups chopped cooked ham

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

In a serving bowl, combine the peas, ham, cheese, and onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat evenly.

Readers with culinary or cultural questions or to share recipes write Lovina at: Lovina Eicher, c/o Oasis Newsfeatures, P.O. Box 157, Middletown, OH 45042. To learn more about Amish culture and the Amish Cook column, visit www.amishcookonline.com or “The Amish Cook Fan Page” on Facebook.