Based in New England, “Shaker Kitchen” is a small business that offers specialty foods prepared in the Shaker tradition.  Their high standards of simplicity, purity and excellence gave their communal kitchens praise throughout the land – preparing food was considered a joyous task.

Kay and Frank Magrone are the owners of this fifteen-year-old business.  Kay’s background in Home Economics education and Frank’s desire to work with people after careers in banking and insurance have proven to be valuable assets in their full schedule of craft festivals

.An offering of dip mixes and blends, mustards, garden salsas, jams, jellies and chutney are available.  Many of the old favorites such as wild elderberry jelly, strawberry-rhubarb jam, and an apple butter are included.  Often, craft fair customers will share remembrances of their ancestors’ recipes.  An old Shaker adage:  “Take the ordinary and make it extraordinary in everything you do” applies as ideas are shared to help in preparing nutritious, satisfying meals at home in a pleasant and grateful manner. 

Much inspiration can come from a study of the Shakers in American history.  They created the longest-lived communal society in the world.  This utopian society believed in peace and equality and refused to tolerate racism, sexism or violence.

Shakers developed the idea of seeds sold in packets, with instructions for planting and cultivation.  In 1831, they published their first herb catalog, offering 154 herbs, barks, roots, seeds and medicinal preparations.  Many of their products were approved by the Food and Drug Act Standards at a time when quack remedies were commonplace.  Much of their herbal knowledge was acquired from neighboring Native American tribes. 

Precise craftsmanship, orderly floor plans and adherence to function show that many of their buildings were ahead of their time.  Workshops and sewing rooms faced south and west for the best possible lighting.  Laundries were at ground level and many other practical touches helped make chores and upkeep easier.   

Shaker schools joined the public school systems after the 1800’s – earning such a reputation for excellence that children from neighboring families were often sent to be educated.

Hopefully, the Shaker principals will go on forever.  Volunteers, scholars and curators have raised funds, started research and worked on the restoration of many of the original villages.  We encourage you to learn more by visiting Shaker villages or by reading about the search for the perfect society by a devout visionary people.

"Simply delicious!"

Copyright © 2004 Shaker Kitchen . Website by: Georges Pond Studio