The Amish Family Life Eating Practices, Food Preferences and Food Preparation Techniques Most Amish do not have electricity in their homes. For cooking, many use either wood or kerosene oil stoves; they cool their food in ice boxes, spring houses, or their basements. A minority have freezers. The Amish prepare most of their food from scratch, but some also use mixes and instant foods. They preserve all of their own fruits and vegetables and much of their meat by canning. Homemade bologna is popular and is usually made without the casing. Some Amish will occasionally purchase frozen foods as a change of taste or as a treat.