Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen: Unveiling the Rituals Traditions and Food of the Hutterite Culture

by Mary-Ann Kirkby

Mary-Ann Kirkby spent the first ten years of her life in a Hutterite colony and years later reclaimed her heritage in the national bestseller I Am Hutterite. Since then, Kirkby has spent two years travelling to nearly fifty Hutterite colonies across North America, earning their trust and a place in their hearts. Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen takes readers into the midst of this mysterious community, enchanting them with away of life that is born out of spiritual conviction and uncommon rites of passage.

Revealing intimate details of community life, Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen unravels the inner works of Hutterite manners and morals, and illuminates the spirit of a workforce
responsible for feeding a family of 125 every day of the year.

Secrets of a Hutterite

Kitchen is a candid snapshot of Hutterite life, exploring the social customs, marriage ceremonies, romantic entanglements, birthing practices, and death rituals as viewed through the Hutterite community kitchen and the fascinating Hutterite women.

Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen is a superbly written and engaging read. Beautifully packaged, it features all-time favourite Hutterite recipes and never-before-seen photographs throughout.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, Book Club, Cookbooks, Biography, Food

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2014

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After enjoying I Am Hutterite: The Fascinating True Story of a Young Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Heritage, I went looking for Hutterite recipes. I found this book but had to request it interlibrary loan because it is out of print. I was hoping for more of a cookbook but this is a profile of two Hutterite communities (the other 2 varieties from the third the author partially grew up in.) She goes deeper into food culture, farm culture, and some rituals - weddings, funerals, holidays. I was surprised at the strange junk food allotment detail and the back and forths between communal kitchens and home kitchens. I was also pleased to learn about the influence of Hutterites on medical hygiene practices.

There are a lot of recipes in the book but most are scaled for Hutterite kitchens, where they cook communally. So until the day I happen to have 24 cups of poppy seeds, I will not make many of these. But I did buy the ingredients to make two of the pies, which I will link to once I have done that.

The author includes photos, the head cook's journal, and other artifacts that really pull the reader into daily life in these communities. They give her considerable access but she does respect the wishes of those not wishing to be photographed, and changes the names of others.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved both books by this author about the Hutterite culture. It was wonderful that she included recipes in her book, some of which I will certainly try.

I can't learn enough about the wonderful Hutterite people! Even though I have read both of the author's books, I still have unanswered questions; i.e. Do the Hutterite seniors collect Canada Pension each month?; Are there a lot of health concerns such as type 2 Diabetes on the colonies, and if so, how is this dealt with? Is it ever possible for an outsider to join the Hutterites?

A very fascinating read! This book make my mouth water with all the talk of food!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book A LOT more than the first one. I don't know if it's because this book had a level of polishing the first didn't, or if it's because it's written more as a series of vignettes that is more of journalistic style that the author is familiar with, but I feel like it's just better over all. Some of the recipes seem great, and I would like to make them. Others crack me up, like the Hutterite Wedding Cake. The stories are all great, and I loved hearing the perspectives from the head cook, etc. I feel like I learned a lot about Hutterite culture from it, more than I did from the memoir.

[Ken Mullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a fascinating glimpse into Hutterite food culture. It highlights the beauty, successes, and challenges with a collective way of life. Very interesting to read, especially as someone who loves food, cooking, and nutrition. I loved hearing about Hutterite approaches to all aspects of their food services: planning, growing, prep, scheduling, cooking, serving, storing, etc.

[Lori-ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has such a straight forward and engaging style. I had many laughs as I read the quotes of the Hutterite people she included in the book. Such hard workers and a society to be admired - if I could put up with all the sacrifices and restrictions of a communal life I would love to live in such a supported living environment - they really help each other out in contrast to mainstream families (and even moreso to modern, urban families) where only 1 or 2 parents shoulder the whole load of running a household/raising children.

[BonnieL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating look at how Canadian Hutterite colonies function and the integral part the communal kitchen plays in their ives. The sheer scale of cooking meals and providing food fot 100+ people was fascinating. This book succeeded in bringing us into the daily lives of these interesting people. Loved it

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

FASCINATING as well as hunger-inducing. I tagged this under cookbooks because it includes recipes - scaled down as well as the originals, so if you find yourself with 110 eggs to use in a hurry, you're in luck. I still think the descriptions of Hutterite life are overly idyllic, but I guess you'd get an entirely different book interviewing people that left the life.

[Paul Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary-Ann Kirkby was born and raised on a Hutterite colony in western Canada. In 2007, she published her memoir of living in this community. She was 10 years old when she and her family left the colony. In 2014, she wrote and published Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen, Unveiling the Rituals Traditions and Food of the Hutterite Culture. Ms. Kirkby spent the two years prior to publication returning, as she writes, "to the heart of my culture and experienced once again the value of community life." There are more than 52,000 Hutterites living on 56 colonies in the northwestern United States and western provinces in Canada. This is an enlightening book shedding light on a culture many in the so-called modern or mainstream communities know so little about. The author writes about her community, its culture and practices. Like any culture, food is a big ingredient of what makes a community. In addition to discussing how women and men divvy up the work and responsibilities of the household and community, the author delivers many recipes from the Hutterite cookbook like Easter Rolls, Carrot Cake, Dumpling Soup, Potato Pancakes with Cream Sauce among others. Of course, they are using large amounts of ingredients to feed a community. I credit the author for acknowledging the continuing struggle Hutterites face in maintaining their traditions with the growing encroachment of modern society. Some technology like refrigeration is used by Hutterite colonies. Young men and women are allowed to use or sometimes sneak using, a cellphone, although it isn't encouraged. One part of the book that stands out for me is a conversation the author has with a Hutterite minister. The minister disagrees with the mainstream view that Hutterite colonies are some type of utopia. They're not, in his opinion. They have their challenges. One of the biggest challenges, he says, is the lack of communication among colony leaders. If there's no communication, things like farming matters don't get done properly. Much like so-called modern society, communication is key. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's thoughtfully written acknowledging strengths and challenges facing Hutterites. This book is recommended. Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen by Mary-Ann Kirkby is also available in accessible formats at the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) in Canada for blind and partially-sighted readers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make some Sugar Turnovers.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read with an in-depth look at a different culture.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this kind of story...

[Kerby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing I love seeing ppl live lives where labor creates peace and equity.. also some white ppl can cook these recipes at the end of the book are fire lol

[Annegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a continuation of the first, including recipes, how things are done on a colony, and it's people. Kirkby's got the Hutterites trust with her first book, which is very smart. So now she's able to actually visit for any length of time, helping with chores and truly see how Hutterites live, well done. I enjoyed this book a lot because it took me home, I could taste all the dishes and feel the comraderie of the people. Kirkby has given me an insight about my people that I always thought was wrong, but now see in a positive light. That for those who leave the colony and are now no longer members doesn't mean we are not Hutterites, but that we do belong to them. I've always felt disowned but that was in my own mind not theirs. I visit my parents quite often on a Montana colony and have never been unwelcome. My girls enjoy this foray into an unchanged world of traditions, wearing the pretty dresses and shawls because then they fit in a lot better. It is true that each colony is different, one stricter then the other and the differences of the three Hutterite sects minimal, but the life lesson that they teach are monumental, life long as I see in myself and am teaching my children. Excellently written....

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fascinating and made my mouth water! Yum! Mary-Ann Kirkby has written another very interesting and informative book about the unique culture of the Hutterites, focusing on the kitchen. Feeding the large colonies requires a lot of planning, prep work and, simply, a mind-boggling amount of food! The reader learns that there is a lot of fun, laughter, rivalry, and customs woven through the inner workings of the kitchen, as well. The food sounds delicious and adventurous readers (with a gang to feed) may even be interested in trying their hand at one of the many recipes included in the book!

[Allyson Langworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely amazing account and journey the reader is taken on through out this novel. Mary-Ann keeps you anticipating what happens as an individual goes through the day in a communal living setting. She makes you see although it is communal living their are still individual family times too. Demystifying communal living I gues it is best said!
Amazing writing and thank you for sharing your journey through numerous colonies with us, the reader!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. I liked the first one, but this one was much better- maybe because I felt like this one was more informative about the Hutterites themselves rather her own personal history as a Hutterite. I was also really impressed by and appreciated how the author kept the tone so positive and respectful, especially considering that she is no longer in the faith and community. The love that she still feels for the people and culture is very apparent.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned about a way of life that I had the opportunity to observe as a child, but really did not know much about. Written with a sensitive humorous approach I enjoyed learning about the communal life style and in particular the method and quantity of food that has to be prepared daily. Not a lounging lifestyle by any means......

[Carly Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not think I would have liked this when I picked it up. Only read it because my book club chose it- Wow am I happy they did.

I grew up in a small town not far from a Hutterite Colony. I now live in a larger city and see Hutterites at various times, and yet still -- I knew almost nothing of any of the information in this book. such a fascinating read to learn so much about people who have lived beside me my whole life.

I haven't read the author's first book "I am Hutterite" but you can bet I will be reading it soon!

[Evonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read! I love food; I love culture. What else is there to say? Kirkby visits various colonies to interview people in the different roles in their communities. She does a magnificent job of narrating and explaining and describing and immersing the reader in every aspect of the experience.

I loved it. Read the whole thing through in no time. Am determined to make Nuckela Soup! Yum!!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! I work at a colony school. Really helped me understood the meaning behind their beliefs

[Tammie Lagimodiere]

this reminded me of when was a little girl and we would go visit the Arm River Hutterite Colony by where we lived and how I would help in the kitchen

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed hearing about the Hutterites!

[D.B. Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting an inside peek at the day to day happenings on a Hutterite colony.
The recipes were an added bonus!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting look at a small community who live in such a counter cultural manner.

[Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overdrive ebook I enjoyed this author's first book " I am Hutterite" This one was probably better. It really got into the lives and the activities of colony life. Very interesting

[Trish Boese · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* A fine book that gives us a glimpse into those busy Hutterite kitchens!

[Trudy Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the history portion of this book. Good to know and understand a little more about this communal lifestyle. Recommend to everyone with Hutterite colony interactions.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great recipes and wonderful insights into the life of Canadian Hutterite communities

[Beth Oehler]

Really appreciated the detail, heart and ethnographic way of this book. And on the theme of food. Always great.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

[Steph dewitt]

Beautifully written with recipes and a lovely window into the lives of Hutterite women