Author: johnkassell
The Road To Amish Country
On the Map…
Amish Country is comprised of several northern Ohio counties, its biggest population residing in Holmes County, which is where approximately half of Ohio’s Amish families reside; research indicates that Holmes County may be the first county in the nation where the majority of residents are Amish. Other neighboring counties having Amish communities are Wayne, Tuscarawas, and Coshocton Counties. Visitors to these regions may also note an Amish influence in Ashland and Knox Counties.
Why Visit?
Why is Amish Country one of the most sought-after and visited places in the state of Ohio? The answer is simple, but for many reasons. Amish Country truly portrays the “blue collar, working class” style of life where nothing is taken for granted and every resource is used to culminate Earth’s natural products. Another reason to visit Amish Country is its sheer, flawless beauty, ever-changing with the seasons. It is a very beautiful country that gives us a glimpse of life before the infrastructure, transportation networks, airline networks, and other technologies of today. For those looking for a peaceful escape from the “hustle and bustle” of daily life, they will find it at the heart of Amish Country. Not to mention the Amish country Ohio cheese that is always delicious!
Some major Amish communities include…
- Berlin
- Charm
- Fredericksburg
- Millersburg
- Sugarcreek
- Walnut Creek
- Winesburg
A Look Into The Past
The Amish lifestyle is a good reflection for us to look into our own past. This lifestyle provides us with a great opportunity to go back in time when technology and machines were not at the forefront and when life was slowed down which enabled us to take pride in the work our hands and minds could accomplish.
With the rush of new technology that has taken our world by storm in the last handful of decades, the Amish found ways to thrive through this mass technology movement and remain true to their ways of life, not letting these waves of technology and machines take away a person’s ability to work with their hands and reaping the fruits of their labor. The most iconic image of Amish Country is the “horse and buggy” as once you’ve seen this method of transportation, you’ll know you’re in a world where pride in handiwork far exceeds the capacities of technology, and that is a wonderful thing and a delightful change of pace in world otherwise dominated by technology and machines.
A Taste of Amish Country in Ohio…
Unless you’re from Amish Country or have taken trips to take in the life and culture of the Amish lifestyle, then you may not entirely have a solid understanding or appreciation of Amish folks and their lifestyle. As touched on earlier, Ohio has a number of counties with large populations of Amish households with the number continually growing. With Holmes, Wayne, and Hardin Counties leading the way in Amish populations, it is believed that in the next 4-5 years, Holmes County will have more Amish populations, than English (as they term “non-Amish” folk).
There are four orders of Amish lifestyle; each being entirely different from the other… the Swartzenruber Amish, the Andy Weaver Amish, the Old Older Amish, and the New Order Amish. It is the Old Older Amish that plays the traditional role of foregoing technology, instead using the former ways of hand and tireless work while using the horse and buggy for transportation.
There are two main religious sects that dominate the Amish lifestyle, Mennonite and Amish. With church districts made up of around two dozen families, Amish families continue to grow. Amish children are less likely to leave, but remain a part of their community or relocate to a neighboring Amish community. It is not uncommon for one farm to have multiple generations living and working on the same farmstead.
Large farms were once at the center of Amish life, but that has slowly been evolving in a different direction. With the growing number of Amish populations across the region, along with increasing land prices, purchasing farmland has become challenging. This has led to a change in societal development. In order to adapt to this change, smaller-sized farms are replacing large grain farms and are more common. Vegetable production produces enough for a number of families. Also allowing for these vegetables to be sold to the public as a means of additional income. These sales are usually done through auction sites now.
Although the Amish may disagree on certain issues, there are a number of things they do agree on. One of these ideas centers on a tireless work effort with their practices not having any influence on the modern world of advancing technologies. Essentially they stay true to their roots.
Amish Farmland…
Amish farms continue to be the apex and heart of Amish Country. While the number of farms has not increased nearly to the extent that the Amish population has. Many families remain on the family farm by adding housing, as the children grow up.
In recent years, a movement from agriculture to more trade work has transpired. Research illustrates that around 17% of Amish men continue to work on farmland while the remainder work as skilled craftsmen. Hardin County remains the only county where a majority of the men continue to work on farmlands.
The Road To Amish Country Ohio Cheese…
The road to Amish Country was once a less traveled route. However, in recent years, this road has since become well-traveled and explored. On your way to Amish Country, be sure to stop by some iconic and very well-known stops. From The J.M. Smucker Company known for their iconic jams, jellies, and other delights to the Kidron Auction, Ohio’s oldest auction, since 1923 to Troyer’s Pantry, an Amish bakery, you can’t go wrong experiencing Amish tradition at any one of these stops.
As you’re heading to Amish Country, along the road to Amish country, be sure to stop by a small, family-owned store along US Route 30 in Orrville, Ohio, Shisler’s Cheese House.
Shisler’s Cheese House is a family-owned specialty store! We focus on traditional culinary treats ranging from a wide array of imported and domestic cheeses. Also, we provide meats, candies, cookies, and other delicious treats for an on-the-go meal or delicious snack.
Got your fill of cheese, meat, chocolates, and other decadent goodies? Let Shisler’s Cheese House be your one-stop shop for your ultimate “Road To Amish Country” experience!
The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: An American Tradition!
One of the most common, famous and easy-to-make foods is the proverbial “Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich” otherwise known as “PB & J” adhering to modern lingo. It is easy to make, requiring only bread, jelly (or jam) and peanut butter as it satisfies any hungry stomach as a meal or a quick snack.
The History of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich…
The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich has become such a staple of America that is seems like it has been around since the beginning of time. Ironically, with all the ingredients needed already around, it took quite sometime for someone to compile all of it into the renowned PB & J sandwich. Peanut Butter was originally paired with a diverse combination of other foods: pimento, cheese and celery, just to name a few. In an 1896 article in Good Housekeeping, a recipe suggested the use of a meat grinder to create peanut butter and the concoction was to be spread on a slice of bread. Later that year, a culinary magazine published a recipe for making “Peanut Butter Sandwiches”. The first reference of the pairing of peanut butter and jelly on bread came in the Boston Cooking-School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics by Julia Davis Chandler in 1901. Through the early parts of the 1900s, the sandwich and its constituent ingredients gradually were made affordable and available to everyone as the price of peanut butter began to plummet. Later, it became a popular staple for children and during World War II, it was noted that that both peanut butter and jelly were listed on the U.S. soldiers’ military ration list, as claimed by the Peanut Board.
It’s Not Just Making the Sandwich, It’s The Quality of the Sandwich That Counts
We’ve all likely had a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich at some point in our lives, or too many too count, which is the case for me. But what makes the PB & J sandwich experience a unique and sensational one? You’re probably thinking… wait, it’s just a regular PB & J sandwich… how sensational can it get? To that I say, with the right, quality ingredients, a PB & J sandwich can rock your world, and then some!
Using the jelly found on the third shelf down in your refrigerator and the peanut butter in the door shelf, one could see the mundane nature of the sandwich. Yes, it’s a good PB & J sandwich, but good could always be better. The ingredients are everything when making this sandwich. Everything from the type of bread, to the brand of jelly or jam, to the brand and texture of peanut butter that you use. Is the bread white, wheat, rye, sour dough or whole grain? Is the peanut butter smooth or chunky? Is the bread toasted or not? All of these subtle differences up front, make a world of difference in the end in the PB & J experience.
Suggestions to make your PB & J Experience A Memorable One
While a good PB & J sandwich features peanut butter and jelly usually picked up at your convenient store or grocery chain, let’s step outside of the realm of normalcy and add an explosion of flavor to our PB & J sandwich. While jellies, jams, peanut butter and breads can be found in your grocery store bread aisle, the best of these ingredients are found in locally and privately-owned specialty stores, such as here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Here we have an wide assortment of jams and jellies that are locally produced. We also carry some of the best peanut butter around made in Walnut Creek, Ohio. This is an Amish Peanut Butter made locally from a special blend of all natural ingredients. Amish Peanut Butter Spread is a sweet, creamy peanut butter that tastes great on just about anything. With a soft and silky texture, our Amish Peanut Butter Spread is a must try and will make any PB & J sandwich an incredible treat for your taste buds.
Let Us Help You Make That Incredible Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Had enough of PB & J sandwiches with those peanut butters and jellies in your refrigerator and in the grocery store aisle? Then let us, at Shisler’s Cheese House,
help you make that delicious creation! Click on ingredients below to begin your PB & J experience at our store:
Be sure to stop in and check out our selection of specialty breads that will complete your PB & J experience! While you’re in our store, be sure to check out all of our other specialty products including meats, cheeses, chocolates, cookies and a plethora of other decadent goodies! Visit our online store by clicking the image below!
**We are now selling Girl Scout Cookies! Stop in and get some today!**
Lebanon Bologna… The Meat, The Myth, The Legend
The History of Lebanon Bologna
Situated in Pennsylvania’s Dutch country, Seltzer’s Lebanon Bologna houses the secrets of creating superior Lebanon Bologna. The mouthwatering creation began before the turn of the century as Pennsylvania Germans were resourceful by incorporating Old World butchering, curing and sausage-making skills into Lebanon County farm life.
Known for their reputation for quality and reliability, Seltzer’s Lebanon Bologna is a cut above the rest when, leading the industry in this regional product and specialty. Being the largest global distributor of this specialty, the company reaches all corners of the nation, distributing Lebanon Bologna. Continuing to hold steady to traditional methods, the Seltzer brand has defied modern cost-cutting methods as they produce their bologna the way it was meant to be produced, the old-fashioned way, using tall, wooden smokehouses over hand-tendered fires. Word has it that the secret behind the incredible taste is not within the ingredients, but instead in the smoke and curing stages where billows of smoke in dark smokehouses slowly and steadily spice logs of aged beef. My mouth is watering just thinking about this process…
Air control is a critical aspect of all industry operations, as the smell of the meat smoking process can permeate the air. When the federal government began inspecting meat-packing industries, the first to be inspected was the Lebanon Bologna company. Today, it continues to uphold its notoriety for quality and customer satisfaction as it remains of one of the oldest, continually USDA approved operations in the country. This speaks measures of its product quality.
Keeping their tradition thriving, Seltzer’s Bologna integrates the old world with the modern world, upholding tradition while implementing selective technological improvements as they continue their dominance of a consistent, uniform product. Mix in a little art and science and you have the birth of an exceptional old world-new world smoked bologna that leaves your taste buds begging for more.
Seltzer’s Lebanon Bologna is created and prepared with Pennsylvania Dutch quality and pride. In Lebanon County, where the way of life centers around “good food and plenty of it”, Seltzer’s is longstanding American tradition that continues today.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend…
In 1902, Harvey Seltzer, an ambitious butcher, concocted a unique combination of pure beef and spices. From this combination, he produced his bologna becoming so popular that he started production on a much larger scale and named his company Palmyra, his hometown. His original recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and his family today continues to produce the high-quality, exemplary taste, that is Lebanon Bologna.
An Everyday Treat!
Lebanon Bologna, while it is absolutely delicious, is not just a holiday or special occasion eat, it’s a treat for every day and it makes every day a treat! Have a slice of Lebanon Bologna on a sandwich, or chunk it up into a salad, or for the daring souls out there (such as myself), eat it a slice straight from the bologna log, its delightful any way served! Lebanon Bologna has such a profound impact on folks, that in some cases, it is known that the delicious flavors cause people to coin this “Lebanon Baloney”
Pick Some Up Today
If you’re at Shisler’s Cheese House or around the area, be sure to try some of the world renowned Lebanon Bologna. You can’t go wrong and it pairs very nicely with cheese! Eat it as a quick lunch or dinner, or even as a snack on the car ride to or from your destination. Shisler’s Cheese House is a one-stop shop for this delicious taste of Lebanon! Here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we carry Lebanon Bologna and Sweet Lebanon Bologna, both ready for you to try so that you can experience a true taste of the rich Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.
Check out our supply of Lebanon Bologna by clicking on any of the links below!
To visit our site for other delightful eats, click here or the on the image below!
Heggy’s Chocolates… Over 90 Years of Premium, Handcrafted Chocolates!
You’re shopping at your local grocery store and it comes to that point when you’ve reached the checkout line and they always have those shelves above the cash register conveyor belt full of any chocolate bar you could possibly ever think of. These candy bars and chocolates were a staple and always brought tears of joy and excitement to kids and adults alike, as they passed through the grocery store aisles or at the checkout line. Needless to say, this was a great marketing ploy to grab the attention of kids and parents… right as you check out, don’t forget to grab some chocolate and candy for the road! I mean, how could you go wrong? Every one knows Baby Ruth, Hershey’s, Milky Way, M&Ms, etc… and the list goes on. Now, while these chocolates are enjoyed by millions across the nation and even across the world, they don’t come close to beating the handcrafted chocolate delicacy assortments of Ben Heggy’s Chocolates!
A Taste of Heaven…
Ben Heggy’s Handcrafted Chocolates and Candies have been a rich tradition featuring premium, handcrafted chocolates and candies across the United States for over 90 years and continues to be one of the premier companies in its industry. Since its opening in 1923, Heggy’s remains family-owned and operated. They continue their high levels of commitment to satisfaction, to the community, and their customers, alike.
It is truly a rare instance to see a company continue their handcrafted way with chocolates and candies given the vast improvements in computer-run machines and other means of technology. Heggy’s is one of the few that have never changed their ways of handcrafted superiority, as care, patience and dedication are all critical ingredients in Heggy’s one-of-a-kind, delicious taste.
Heggy’s has grown into much more than a household name in handcrafted chocolates and candies. They have revolutionized the industry across the board through decades of tireless work delivering product and superior customer service. Over the years, Heggy’s has built an incredible following of customers and lovers of chocolate and candy.
At Shisler’s Cheese House, we can bring the experience of Heggy’s Chocolates right to your doorstep. With a wide assortment of Heggy’s Chocolates, there is no reason to go anywhere else. Shisler’s Cheese House carries a wide selection of these premium, handcrafted chocolates ready for you! From dark chocolate to milk chocolate to white chocolate assortments, there is no selection that will disappoint you.
A Personal Recommendation…
I had the chance to taste some of Heggy’s Chocolates and my personal choice would be White Chocolate Pretzel Delights. Just looking at one will make your mouth water, but opening the wrapper and tasting this delight just puts you on “Cloud 9” in chocolate heaven. If I had to compare to another chocolate, it would be Hershey’s Cookies N’ Creme, but ohhh, so much better! Imagine Cookies N’ Creme being the appetizer and White Chocolate Pretzel Delights being the dessert! I’d much rather have dessert than an appetizer! But… don’t take my word for it, stop by and try some today!
Great For Any Occasion…
Heggy’s Chocolates can be used for any occasion: holidays, birthday parties, dinners, social events, picnics, reunions, etc… just to name a few. It does not have to be a special event, but Heggy’s Chocolates can make any ordinary event into a special one. Just be aware, you can’t stop after one… once you start, it’s tough to put these decadent, handcrafted chocolates down!
For our entire inventory of Heggy’s Chocolates, click here
History Of The Monte Cristo Sandwich And Its Recipe
When thinking of the name “Monte Cristo”, what comes to mind? The Count of Monte Cristo? The Monte Cristo? The quest for the Holy Grail… wait a second, that’s Monte Python! On the tastier side of things, the most tantalizing of these is the Monte Cristo Sandwich. The Monte Cristo is a delicious sandwich served in delis and restaurants across the world. Known for its savory layers of Swiss cheese and ham, turkey or chicken. This deli delight is far and away a cheese lover’s dream sandwich.
What exactly is the Monte Cristo sandwich?
While the Monte Cristo sandwich tends to vary from restaurant to restaurant or from deli to deli, the general blueprint consists of two slices of white bread containing ham, turkey, or chicken, and slices of Swiss Cheese which are dipped in beaten egg and fried in butter. A classic Monte Cristo sandwich should come with a side of jelly in which you have the option to dip your sandwich for the best Monte Cristo Sandwich experience.
What is the origin of the Monte Cristo Sandwich?
1910s… Most culinary experts believed that the Monte Cristo Sandwich is a variation of a French dish called Croque Monsieur, a grilled cheese sandwich consisting of Gruyere cheese and lean ham layered between two slices of crust-less bread, fried in clarified butter and made in a special grilling iron with two metal plates. Croque Monsieur was served for the first time in a Parisian cafe.
1930s to 1960s… American cookbooks published in this time period showcased this sandwich under a myriad of names including… French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich and French Toasted Cheese Sandwich, all sounding delicious, but lacking a truly unique sandwich identity.
1950s… This sandwich was first served under the name “The Monte Cristo” in southern California in the 1950s
1966… Disneyland made its contributions to the ever-surging Monte Cristo Sandwich. It appeared on their menu at the Blue Bayou and Tahitian Terrace restaurants in New Orleans’s Square in Disneyland.
Ever since, the Monte Cristo Sandwich has made leaps and bounds in culinary notoriety becoming one of the most delicious sandwiches of our time and finding its place on menus of restaurants, delis, and other sandwich shops, nationally and internationally.
How to make the Monte Cristo…
Ingredients
- 12 slices firm-textured white bread
- Mayonnaise
- 12 slices Swiss cheese, each about 1/8″ thick
- 6 slices cooked ham, each 1/8 to 1/4″ thick
- 6 slices cooked turkey, each 1/8 to 1/4″ thick
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup half-and-half, light cream or milk
- Dash of salt
- 3 to 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Powdered sugar
- Parsley sprigs
- Red currant jelly
Directions
Thinly spread one side of each bread slice with mayonnaise. Then assemble 6 sandwiches, using 2 slices of cheese, one slice of ham, and one slice of turkey for each sandwich. Trim bread crusts and filling with sharp knife, making edges of sandwiches even; cut each sandwich in half diagonally.
In a shallow dish, beat eggs, half-and-half, and salt until blended. Places sandwiches in mixture and turn to coat; then let stand, turning occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed. Melt about 3 tablespoons of the butter in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Add as many sandwiches as will fit without crowding; cook, turning once, until lightly browned on both sides. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter to pan as needed.
Place the sandwiches on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in a 400° oven until cheese is melted (3 to 5 minutes). Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with parsley sprigs. Serve hot, accompanied with jelly. Makes 6 sandwiches.
Pearl Valley Swiss Cheese… More than delicious, it’s Cheese Heaven!
Don’t have any weekend plans and want to take a nice road trip? Does your daily commute take you along US Route 30 through Orrville or Dalton, OH? If so, make sure to stop by the wonderland of cheese stores in the Great Lakes region, Shisler’s Cheese House. Known for its plethora of cheeses and delightful goodies, Shisler’s Cheese House will provide you with one of the best experiences you’ll have this side of the Mississippi.
Among the incredible amount of cheeses, our most famous is Pearl Valley Swiss. Pearl Valley Swiss comes from Fresno, OH, just south of Ohio’s Amish Country. Around since 1928, Pearl Valley Swiss has been an exemplary culinary artwork to all that have had the opportunity to taste this delicious masterpiece. Pearl Valley Swiss has a delightful, yet delicate flavor that cannot be mistaken with its rich, yet smooth flavor. Once you’ve had a bite of Pearl Valley Swiss at Shisler’s Cheese, you will have a new-found appreciation for cheese.
Where to find the gold, that is Pearl Valley Swiss Cheese in our store? Come on in and head straight to our cutting counter and you will see this brilliant display of Pearl Valley Swiss. We also do cheese cuts at your request! Only want a 1/2 lb. or 1/4 lb., we tailor to your requests. At 4.99/lb., you can’t go wrong taking some of this marvelous Swiss Cheese home with you today.
While you’re in the store, be sure to check out all of our other decadent goodies, from delicious cookies to a our large supply of Ben Heggy’s Chocolates to our Troyer’s Original Trail Bologna and other meats. Shisler’s Cheese House is your one-stop shop for a culinary experience you won’t soon forget!