Growing up in rural Pennsylvania during the 1970s and 1980s was a much different experience than it is for children today. We didn't have smartphones, tablets, streaming services, or hundreds of television channels competing for our attention. In fact, our home only received three major television networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC. When there wasn't anything interesting on television, which was often, we had to create our own entertainment. Some of my favorite summer memories involve sitting outs …

Ode to French Fry Day – One of America's Favorite Comfort Foods There are some foods that never seem to go out of style. Homemade apple pie. A juicy hamburger fresh off the grill. A thick milkshake on a hot summer afternoon. And, of course...French fries. Every year on July 13th, we celebrate National French Fry Day, and honestly, who needs much of an excuse? Whether they're crispy, curly, crinkle-cut, steak fries, waffle fries, or those old-fashioned hand-cut fries served in a paper baske …

You can buy Amish jam online from specialty retailers that focus on small-batch, American-made foods. Stores like Harvest Array offer a wide selection of Amish-style jams, fruit butters, and preserves that are difficult to find locally, all shipped directly to your door. Finding authentic Amish jam locally can be difficult. Most grocery stores: Carry mass-produced alternatives Lack true small-batch options Don’t offer traditional flavors Buying online gives you access to: Hard-to …

Photo courtesy of Reddit I remember playing outside so much as a kid; all day, every day during the summer! Back when our moms didn't have all the worldly things to worry about like they do today, our mom would send us outside, off on our next adventure.  We didn't have a care in the world! When we were little kids we lived in California, near our elementary school.  So we would hop on our bikes, cross the very big intersection to the school, where there was a huge playground and tons …

This Fourth of July will be unlike any other in our lifetime. On July 4, 2026, America celebrates its 250th birthday—a remarkable milestone marking two and a half centuries since our nation's founders signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. For many of us, this historic anniversary brings more than fireworks and parades. It offers a chance to reflect on where we've been, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and remember the traditions that have made America such a special place to cal …

Old-fashioned foods are traditional recipes and pantry staples that were commonly enjoyed in earlier generations. These include homemade jams, fruit butters, pickled vegetables, baked goods, and simple ingredient-based meals that emphasize flavor, preservation, and time-tested cooking methods. Old-fashioned foods bring back the flavors of simpler times. These foods were often: Made from scratch Preserved naturally Shared across generations Popular Old-Fashioned Foods List: Fruit jams a …

Over the next several months, we’ll be taking a journey back to a simpler America by revisiting the wholesome Happy Hollisters book series, written by Andrew E. Svenson, from the 1950s through the early 1970s. Growing up in rural Conneautville, Pennsylvania, many of my summer mornings were spent sitting outside with one of these books in my hands. Back then, entertainment did not revolve around smartphones, social media, or endless television channels. A good book, a little imagination, an …

The best jam for toast depends on personal taste, but classic favorites include strawberry, blackberry, and peach. These jams offer a balance of sweetness and fruit flavor that pairs perfectly with warm bread, creating a simple and satisfying breakfast or snack. Top toast-friendly jams: Strawberry (classic) Blackberry (bold flavor) Peach (smooth and sweet) Factors: Spreadability Flavor intensity Texture Find Your Favorite Toast Spread: Strawberry Jam Blackberry Jam Peach Ja …

Photo credit to www.facebook.com Today, June 15th, is National Big Boy Day! Now, if you're wondering what a "Big Boy" is, let me tell you—it just might be one of the most delicious burgers ever created. Long before fast-food chains were on every corner, the original Big Boy was serving up a meal that felt larger than life. It featured three pieces of sesame seed bun, two juicy burger patties, a slice of American cheese, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, and its signature red burger relish. In …

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 …