An Amish homemaker typically has a pretty ready supply of meats on hand and they know how to stretch it’s use.  In most Amish settlements, the meats are your typical chicken and beef. In some of the Amish settlements I have visited out west elk and even bear meat is common. Bear or elk meat can be blended with hamburger to take the edge off the “gamey” taste and stretch the meat supply.  Here is a good ham loaf recipe using a blend of meats.  This comes from an Amish woman in Millersburg, Ohio.  As is typical of Amish recipes the instructions are a little sparse,but I think most of you will be able to figure it out.

5 pounds equal amounts beef, ham, and sausage, ground

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup white cracker crumbs

1 1 /2 cups milk

Shape into loaves in baking pans.  Baste with the following sauce:

3 /4 cup brown sugar

1 /2 teaspoon mustard

1 /4 cup vinegar

1 /4 cup water

Bake at 350 for approximately one hour or until done.  Baste often.