Category: Holidays
Get ready for the 4th July!
4th July is here again! We’ve put together a few tips for you to help prepare for tomorrow’s festivities.
Food
Food is, of course, one of the most important parts of any 4th July celebration!
Take a look at our barbecue checklist if you’re going to be grilling with your family. If you’re holding more of a formal dinner, read all about how to create a beautiful table setting. We know you might be serving beer, so if you’re looking for some cheese to enjoy we recommend our beer collection. It contains Brick Cheese, Gouda, Gruyere and Ohio Premium Swiss Cheese, so you’ll have a great selection to share. Add a few pickles and some ham and you’ve got a board that will keep even the hungriest guests happy.
Make it easy with a great selection of salads, grilled meats, and cheeses. Stock up on snacks to keep energy levels high and you’ll be partying into the night.
Drinks
You’ll need something to wash down all the fabulous. Check out our list of perfect summer drinks to get inspiration. It’s the perfect time to make a pitcher of something refreshing and allow everyone to help themselves. Remember that everyone needs a chance to celebrate so you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen making food and mixing drinks!
For true simplicity, fill a cooler with beer and soft drinks and you won’t even have to worry about preparing anything.
Festivities
It’s time to set off some fireworks! Stock up and put on a real display for your family and friends. Make sure to stay safe and take all necessary precautions. You’re sure to be able to find local parties if you can’t host at home.
We love to play some games when we get together as a family. Whether it’s running around with super soakers, playing bingo or taking part in a scavenger hunt, creating a simple activity can elevate your party to the next level.
We want to wish all of our customers a happy and healthy Independence Day. We hope it means time spent with family or friends, but if it doesn’t we hope that you get to take a moment for your own personal celebration.
Let us know how you’ll be celebrating this 4th July in the comments.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday! Grab a gift now
Mother’s day is fast approaching, but as always we have the perfect gifts for you here at Shisler’s Cheese House.
Don’t give your Mom the same tired bouquet or cheap box of chocolates this year. Show her how much you appreciate all she has done for you with our delicious Mother’s Day Gift Basket!
Our Mother’s Day Gift Basket Includes:
- Havarti Cheese
- Assorted Heggy’s Milk Chocolates
- Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge
- Strawberry Caramel Creams
- Yogurt Covered Cranberries
We think you’ll agree that this is a rather incredible selection but in case you need convincing, we have put together some information about everything included. We’re also going to give you some other gift ideas, in case there’s something in there that your Mom doesn’t like! Read on to find out more.
Havarti Cheese
Havarti Cheese is a semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It has a buttery, semi-sweet taste with some acidity. It’s perfect for making grilled cheese, but it would also be great with a fruit platter after a meal.
Assorted Heggy’s Milk Chocolates
Heggy’s Candy Company has built a rich tradition of premium handcrafted chocolates and candies throughout the United States for over 9 decades. Founded by Ben Heggy in 1923, Heggy’s Chocolates remains one of the premiere candy companies in America. Over the years, Heggy’s Chocolates has remained a family owned and operated business and today they maintain a high level of commitment to their customers and the community.
We know that these are great gifts, so we had to include them here!
Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Fudge
If you’ve never tried this, you have got to hope that your Mom feels like sharing! This is a fudge unlike any you will have had before.
Strawberry Caramel Creams
The perfect taste of summer strawberries wrapped up in smooth caramel.
Yogurt Covered Cranberries
A delicious treat and something a little refreshing after all the sweets and cheese.
Order your Mother’s Day gift basket today or pop into the store. Be sure to check our delivery times if you are ordering online so that your gift isn’t late.
Even more gifts
If you’re looking for more ideas, we are still the perfect place.
We have a whole selection of different gift baskets to cater for every taste. Whether your Mom is a cheese lover, a bologna fan, or wants to try a little bit of everything, we’ve carefully curated our favorite products to make them smile. We even have a basket for those who love hot and spicy foods!
If you want to let Mom pick her own selection of treats, we can provide an e-gift certificate. We send you a code immediately so this is a great option if you’re not able to see your Mom in person (or if you’re a little forgetful and have left things til the last minute!).
We want to wish all of you Moms a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday. Enjoy your day; you deserve it!
What to Serve at Your Easter Table
Earlier this week, we shared with you our Easter gift ideas including fantastic Easter baskets and beautiful chocolate bunnies. Today, we’re here to help you with your Easter lunch or dinner. Serve up these simple, but fun, dishes and you’re sure to create a day to remember. After all, coming together with family and friends is all about creating memories. We’ve given you an idea for an appetizer, entree, dessert and a cake, so read on to find out everything that you need to know.
Deviled Eggs
We all know that it isn’t Easter without eggs. Deviled eggs make a great starter or canape. They can be prepared in advance so that your guests can enjoy them whilst you finish preparing your meal. This is especially great if you will be at church in the morning and then preparing lunch. It often feels like everyone has a family recipe for deviled eggs, but the basic is to hard boil eggs, mix the yolks with mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper, and disperse this onto the egg whites. Sprinkle them with paprika and serve. If you have a special trick, then let us know in the comments!
Roasted Leg of Lamb
This is a classic at Easter. Use a simple rub of lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper. Roast your lamb with some garlic cloves that can be used to make delicious gravy. Serve it with plenty of vegetables, but especially go for spring flavors like carrots, green beans, radishes and beets.
Scalloped Potatoes
A great side dish, especially when it’s spring and heavier potato dishes like mash seem too much. Use fresh cream for an extra decadent dish. You can even mix in some gruyere for a twist on the classic.
Jello Bunny
This retro option is one to make if you have children attending your party. Grab a bunny shaped jello mould and fill it with your favourite flavor of jello. Leave it to set. Make a separate bowl of green jello. When the time comes to serve, chop the green jello up and lay it on a platter to look like grass. Turn the bunny out onto the grass and serve.
Simnel Cake
This is a traditional cake made in Britain to celebrate Easter. You might not have tried it before but it’s delightful and fairly unchallenging to prepare ahead of time. It is a light fruit cake, packed with dried fruit and a layer of almond paste in the middle. It is topped with a marzipan layer and eleven marzipan balls, which each represent the disciples. The top is briefly grilled to give it a toasted, nutty flavour. You can try making this at home or it may be stocked in some stores that sell British goods.
We hope that you have enjoyed our Easter ideas. We want to take the opportunity to wish all of our customers a very Happy Easter. As always, we are grateful to have you. We’d love to hear how you will be celebrating Easter in the comments.
Celebrate Easter with Shisler’s Cheese House
With Easter coming up this weekend, we have everything you need here at Shisler’s Cheese House. Read on to find out all about our gift options and how to make this Easter extra special for your loved ones.
Our Easter gift baskets are perfect for sharing with loved ones. You can purchase online or in store. Inside you will find Marble Cheese, Dried Fruit Chips, Yogurt Pretzels, Heggy’s Chocolates, Wild Maple Walnut Syrup, and Muddy Trail Mix.
We know that this is the perfect mix of treats. Chocolate for a sweet tooth and marble cheese for savory lovers, with dried fruit and trail mix to keep your energy up after all of the Easter fun. You could even hide each element of the basket to create a treasure hunt. Who says that kids get to have all the fun? Certainly not us!
If you’re looking to give a pure chocolate gift, then you need to look no further than Heggy’s Solid Chocolate Bunnies. These are a real treat with 20 oz of chocolate. They are available in both milk and white chocolate, so you can pick one up for everyone in the family.
If you are looking for some more grown-up chocolate options, check out our whole chocolate section. You’ll find dozens of products that will cater to every taste. Grab some Brazilian coconut or chocolate truffles for those friends that always want to try something new. Pick up a Heggy’s chocolate gift box for that special someone in your life. Take some Heggy’s milk chocolate turtles into work and share some Easter joy with your colleagues. We offer sugar-free treats for your health-conscious friends and caramels for those who just don’t like chocolate (we know it’s surprising, but they are out there!).
If you have your own Easter gift ideas, we can create a custom basket for you. Custom baskets can include anything currently available on the website. This is perfect if you know someone who would prefer cheese and pickles to chocolate, even at Easter. You could create a box full of dark chocolate treats or even pick our healthier options such as our sugar-free chocolates. Call us today for a quote!
If you are ordering online, please check our shipping policy to ensure that your gifts will reach you in time. If you can, pop into the store. We love to meet our customers face to face and help you find the perfect gifts.
We want to wish all of you a fantastic Easter weekend. How will you be celebrating? Let us know in the comments!
Our Top 10 Wines for Valentine’s Day
We know that you’re going to be trying to impress your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. We shared some of our great gift ideas last week, so today we’re sharing our top ten wines to serve on the day. We’ve looked for wines that will pair well with luxurious ingredients, fruity desserts, and chocolate. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a day out or a simple drink, we’ve got you covered.
1. Champagne
Of course, this had to be top of the list. Nothing says romance like bubbles and the pop of a cork. Pick something vintage if you really want to impress. Toast your special someone with the very best.
2. Rosé
Pink is the perfect color for Valentine’s Day. Pick a fruity rosé with hints of strawberry to set the tone. The Mouton Noir Rosé Love Drunk from Oregon has the perfect name for such a loved up day. This is the wine to drink if you’re serving salads, pasta, or even sushi.
3. Crémant
An alternative to champagne, crémant is also made in France and is starting to become really popular elsewhere. It has a creamy feel and small, moussey bubbles. It’s great with seafood.
4. Grenache
If you’re picking up a red wine, it’s best to go for something fruity and delicious that you can fall in love with. That’s why we recommend a grenache as it’s full-bodied as well as flavorful. It’s perfect with spicy foods or rich, meaty dishes.
5. Sparkling rosé
Combine two of our favorites and sip on a sparkling rosé! This is perfect if it’s cold where you are and you need something to remind you of summer. Sparkling rosé is great with smoked salmon and soft cheeses.
6. Sauternes
Serve up something sweet with this dessert wine originating from France. The honey and raisin flavors sit perfectly with creamy desserts and you can even pour it over ice cream.
7. Port
If you’re looking for an after-dinner drink with a little less sweetness, pick a port. If you’re new to it, try a tawny port as it won’t be too rich. You can sip this alongside chocolate or salted caramel.
8. Sparkling Red
You might not have tried a sparkling red wine before, but trust us when we say that they really are a treat. You’ll get the wonderful fizz of champagne with a light fruitiness. This is perfect if you and your partner usually differ in your wine tastes. There are several great ones from California and they pair brilliantly with chocolate.
9. Sauvignon Blanc
If you want to serve a more recognizable wine, a sauvignon blanc will pair well with the fruity flavors of many Valentine’s foods. Serve it with a plate of oysters for extra indulgence.
10. Something local
If you’re looking to show your wine knowledge, choose something local to you. Head to a winery in your area and ask them to help you pick something out. Your date will be head over heels after learning that you went to so much effort.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Shisler’s Cheese House! Cheers!
Happy New Year!
We want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year and a wonderful 2018!
Naturally, our thoughts have turned to New Year’s resolutions. We’ve compiled a small list of resolutions that we can help you with here at Shisler’s Cheese House. If you’re in need of inspiration for the coming year, then look no further.
If your first thoughts are those of fitness and health, then you may want to head to our Skinny Alternatives section. Here, you’ll find healthy cheeses, sugar-free chocolates, calorie-free dressings and a wide range of snacks to ward off the worst of the post-holiday blues.
We’re firm believers that resolutions don’t all have to be about what you’re going to cut out. That’s why we’ve put together a few other ideas that you might like to try.
Perhaps you want to try some new cheeses that you’ve never eaten before? If you want to learn more about the cheese you eat, read some of our other blog posts that will teach you everything you need to know. You can even subscribe so that our posts hit your inbox as soon as they’re published.
Another idea that we love is to try a new recipe each week. You could head to our Gourmet Foods section for inspiration and dig into your recipe books to try something new. There are, of course, tons of recipes available online and we offer some over on the blog too. You could even use our Weekly Specials for inspiration.
If you’re super busy and find it difficult to make time to cook, you could make a simple resolution to enjoy a home-cooked meal once a week.
However you’re starting 2018, we hope that it’s a prosperous one and we look forward to welcoming you to Shisler’s Cheese House soon!
A Merry Christmas from all of us!
Here at Shisler’s Cheese House, we are incredibly lucky to share the Christmas season with all of our amazing customers.
Cheese is a big part of our Christmas, as you would expect, but it is for lots of you too.
Did you know that in Yorkshire, in England, it is traditional to eat cheese with Christmas cake? The sweet and savory pair really well together. England also plays host to the Annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheese. It is based on a 300-year-old tradition. In 1692, a local cheese maker provided the Royal Hospital with cheese for the war veterans over the holiday. Ever since local cheesemongers have continued to provide cheese to the Royal Hospital.
In Plymouth, Wisconsin, cheese is a part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. An 80lb pound replica of a cheese wedge is dropped at midnight to celebrate the town’s cheese industry. This is known as the “Big Cheese Drop”.
In Sweden, a Christmas smorgasbord of caviar, shellfish, cooked and raw fish and cheeses is enjoyed for the festive celebrations.
In Italy, the cheese will be just one of seven or more courses, often eaten over the course of many hours.
However you enjoy your cheese this Christmas, we hope that it’s merry and bright.
Happy Christmas everyone!
How to Throw a Holiday Party Without the Stress
Over the next few days, neighborhoods will be full of parties to celebrate the holidays. It’s a joyous time when we’ll see friends old and new, but we know that it can also be a stressful time for those hosting guests.
That’s why we’ve put together some tips for throwing a holiday party without any of the stress.
Avoid stressing over food
At this time of year, everyone is overindulging! Throw a cocktail party in the early evening or after dinner and you won’t have to worry about catering for a crowd. Instead, grab some cheeses and nibbles, and let the guests help themselves. After all, it’s supposed to be your party too!
If you want to serve a buffet style meal for friends and family, ask people to each bring a dish and it will all come together in no time.
Keep some gifts on hand
It happens to the best of us. Someone hands you a gift and you know that you don’t have something for them. Never fear. Have some gift boxes on hand for when this occasion arises. Any that you don’t give out can be eaten over the festive season.
You might also consider keeping some holiday cards tucked away for anyone who happens to bring you one.
Get guests involved in making drinks
One good option for parties is simply to head to your local wine shop and buy a crate of good wine, then pour it throughout the party. However, if you want to impress with stylish festive cocktails, then you might need to plan a little more carefully. Set up everything guests will need on a bar cart or sideboard, and make or print recipe cards for them to follow. Provide plenty of glasses, shakers, and strainers, and your party guests are sure to have fun. You could even have a little cocktail competition!
Other good options are to make a great punch ahead of time or to ask guests to bring along beverages of their choice.
Avoid formalities
You might find that the last thing you want to do after a day of party preparation is get dressed up. Why not avoid the stress by encouraging your guests to come along in their favorite festive jumpers?
Unless you are inviting a small group, avoid a formal, sit down meal and go for a buffet or nibbles.
Make it fun for all the family
It’s always the festive season when we notice how much our families have grown. Get ready for your nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or children of friends by grabbing some activities. Simple things like coloring, paper chain making or Lego can keep children occupied and give their parents a break. You could also involve children in the party by asking them to judge who has the best Christmas jumper, or by setting up a scavenger hunt for them.
However you’re celebrating Christmas this year, we hope it’s a happy time for you all.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Shisler’s Cheese House!
Happy Thanksgiving! 10% Off Brilliant Gift Boxes
We wanted to give a special gift to all of our customers this Thanksgiving. We are offering 10% off 6 of our wonderful gift boxes. Read on to find out all about each box and your coupon code.
Gift Box #1: Baby Swiss Cheese
Having the whole family around during the holiday season? Grab this gift box that contains a whole 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel. Our Baby Swiss is made in Charm Ohio, by the original producer Guggisberg Cheese. It is a young, semi-soft whole milk cheese with small holes and a mild flavor. It also comes with chocolates for those with a sweet tooth!
Gift Box #2: Troyer’s Trail Bologna and Cheese
In this gift box, you’ll receive a 1Lb. Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring. This is a chunky, all-beef bologna with a smoky taste, created by the fourth generation of the Troyer family. Don’t be fooled by imitators. You’ll also find a 3/4Lb. wheel of Farmer’s cheese and a 3/4Lb. wheel of Colby cheese. Farmer’s Cheese is a mild, unripened white cheese made by adding rennet to cow’s milk. It’s a firm and crumbly cheese; the perfect accompaniment to smoked meats. The Colby cheese provides a lovely contrast, as it is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild and creamy taste.
Slice your bologna fairly thinly and serve with our cheese on the perfect platter. We always pop in some assorted chocolates for those after-dinner cravings.
As the name suggests, this really is a cheesy box! You’ll receive a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack.
Marble Cheese is made from both Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, which is why it is sometimes called “Cojack”. Pepper Jack is a cow’s milk cheese that has been given a spicy intensity through the use of jalapeno, serrano, and habanero peppers. Along with the classics Cheddar and Farmer’s Cheese, you’re sure to have the best cheese board in the neighborhood.
Just like our other boxes, you’ll find some assorted chocolates as well.
Gift Box #4: Amish Cheese and Goodies
This is the perfect box for a party, or to give to someone who really deserves a treat during this season. Inside you will find a 1Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, 1 Summer Sausage Link, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Colby and Pepper Jack cheese, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Home Style Amish Jam, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
Summer Sausage can be kept without refrigeration, which is how it gained its name. Ours is smoked, rather than dried, with a tangy taste. It’s certainly too good to be kept for only the Summer season. We’re very proud of our Private Label Mustard and it’s an ideal pairing with our meats and cheeses.
Gift Box #5: Baby Swiss Cheese and Troyer’s Trail Bologna
A classic Amish Country combination. This box contains a 4Lb. Baby Swiss Cheese Wheel, a large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, Shisler’s Private Label Mustard, Carr’s Crackers, Assorted Chocolates and 6oz. of REACH coffee.
REACH coffee is a specialty grade coffee from the region of Chanchamayo, Peru, which is then roasted in Cleveland, Ohio. Perfect for those after dinner pick-me-ups.
Gift Box #6: Amish Country Sampler Gift Box
This box is the King of gift boxes. You’ll need help to carry this one! It contains a Large Troyer’s Trail Bologna Ring, a box of Heggy’s Chocolates, Home Style Amish Jam, Shisler’s Private Label Hot Jalapeno Mustard, a 3/4Lb. wheel each of Cheddar, Cojack (Marble), Farmer’s Cheese and Pepper Jack, a Baby Swiss Cheese Wedge, a Summer Sausage Link, Townhouse Crackers and 6oz. of REACH Coffee.
We are proud to include Heggy’s Chocolates in our boxes. They match our tradition of excellence in hand-crafted chocolates, and we know you’ll be excited to open the box and see what’s inside.
Your 10% discount
We know that there is a lot to choose from here, but you will love our gift boxes regardless of which you choose! If you’re shopping for loved ones, why not pick up a few. From Thanksgiving (November 23rd) through to Cyber Monday (November 27th) you’ll receive 10% off gift boxes 1 – 6 by using code BLOG17.
Let us know which is your favorite in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Ohio Amish Country
The Amish Communities are a big part of Shisler’s Cheese House. We pride ourselves in using local trade, producers, and Cheesemakers when we can. It is important to us as just as much as our customers, especially our regulars because you’re what keep us going. With everything over the years changing and becoming more modernized and grocery stores putting everything under one roof, it can really take its toll on local businesses.
This is why we love our Amish Community. The Amish people are Amish because of their religion. What they believe comes directly from the Bible:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15 RSV
Amish people came to the United States in search of religious freedom, as did many immigrants. In the 1700s, between 50 and 100 Amish families arrived in America, settling mostly in Pennsylvania. Many others followed in the 19th century. Over the years, various orders of Amish spread into Ohio.
They live in homes without electricity or telephones, ride in buggies and wear plain, home-made clothing. They choose this way of living because they do not want to conform to the rest of the world.
In the same sense, the Amish produce milk, meats, cheese all naturally with the best, high-quality results. The quality of our products is not something you can find in a grocery store. Products from grocery stores can be full of harmful things that are simply unwanted but needed in mass production and animals are often treated cruelly.
In Amish Country, people and animals are living a simple, free life, how they believe God intended.
With this, we are passionate about supporting their local business and products in the same way our friendly customers do.
You can always count on having not only high-quality products but an experience like no other at Shisler’s Cheese House. We genuinely care for each and every one of our customers and look forward to seeing and meeting you all while helping you with all your cheese and like gourmet needs! Having been a family run business for almost 60 years, you can guarantee to have a warm, family welcoming.
