How many of you wish you could climb into the DeLorean with Doc Brown and travel back to simpler times? Some days, I think about that more than I probably should. Back before social media.Before smartphones.Before every quiet moment had to be filled with a screen. Back when people actually talked to each other.When kids used their imaginations instead of scrolling for entertainment.When family vacations were about memories — not Wi-Fi passwords. If I could pick a year to go back to, I&rsqu …

The best Amish jams in the USA are made by small-batch producers using traditional recipes and high-quality fruit. Popular favorites include strawberry, blackberry, peach, and seedless varieties, with brands like Dutch Kettle known for their rich flavor, thick texture, and authentic homemade taste. When people search for the best Amish jams, they’re usually looking for: Authentic taste High fruit content No artificial preservatives Traditional preparation methods Top qualities of …

Photo credit to https://www.facebook.com National Game Show Day is celebrated on June 1st, and when I saw it on the calendar, I immediately smiled. There is just something comforting about game shows. They have been bringing families together for generations, filling living rooms with laughter, cheering, and the occasional shout at the television when someone gives the wrong answer that you just knew was right. Game shows actually have quite a long history. The very first television game show, & …

Pork hocks are a traditional cut of meat known for their rich flavor and ability to transform simple ingredients into hearty, satisfying meals. Commonly used in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, pork hocks are most often slow-cooked to release their deep, savory taste into beans, soups, and greens. If you’ve never cooked pork hocks before, the process is simple—and the results are incredibly rewarding. What Are Pork Hocks? Pork hocks (also called ham hocks) come from the lower le …

I have never really given much thought to the skin health of our dogs...not with our Holly dog, who we got to love for 14 1/2 years, and not with our boy Geno either.  All of that changed this year.  I actually thought that maybe he had the "winter blues" since it was January and we were definitely having a more severe winter here this year in Asheville than we normally do, mixed with earlier sunsets.  I kept Googling to see if that was even a thing in dogs.  Some sites state …

People love Amish foods because they are made using traditional recipes, simple ingredients, and small-batch methods that focus on quality and flavor. These products often remind customers of homemade meals and provide a nostalgic connection to simpler times. Appeal comes from: Tradition Simplicity Authentic flavor Experience Amish Foods: Jams & Jellies Pickled Goods Fruit Butters …

The Taste of our Youth  Going to the grocery store was always a big event when I was a young child growing up in rural Pennsylvania.  Getting to pick out one favorite item each time is still one of my favorite memories. I would alternate between Kraft Mac and Cheese, Manwich Sloppy Joes, and of course, the little glass jar that contained chipped beef.  I will always remember taking the old church key and poking a hole in the top of the lid and hearing that sound of the seal breaki …

Which Fruit Butter Is Best for Your Table? Fruit butter is one of the most beloved traditional pantry staples, known for its smooth texture and rich, slow-cooked flavor. But not all fruit butters taste the same. Each variety—apple, pumpkin, peach, and cherry—offers a unique flavor, texture, and best use. If you’re deciding which fruit butter to try, this guide breaks down the differences so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen. What Is Fruit Butter? Fruit butter is a …

Being parents has definitely been our proudest accomplishment.  We have two sons, Mason and Brandon. We have treasured each chapter of their lives, but now they are grown adults and busy making lives all their own, so we are also blessed with two wonderful daughter in laws, Hannah and Anna.  Parenting is hard though.  I was a pretty high strung mama, rushing through life from one task to the next, so I never really felt like there was ever enough time and I will always regret tha …

Amish jam can be a healthier option compared to mass-produced alternatives because it often uses simple ingredients like fruit and sugar without artificial preservatives. Some varieties, including no sugar added options, provide a more natural choice for those looking to enjoy traditional flavors with fewer processed ingredients. Health depends on ingredients. Amish-style jams are often: Made with real fruit Free from artificial additives Produced in smaller batches Health-conscious opti …