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A Slice of Lancaster in Central Jersey: Cranbury Welcomes a New Amish Bakery

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

With its historic Main Street, beautifully preserved colonial architecture, and the peaceful views of Brainerd Lake, the township of Cranbury has always felt like a step back in time. Now, this picturesque Central Jersey town is embracing an even older, sweeter tradition. Nestled into a newly restored brick storefront just off the town center, the Heritage Hearth Amish Bakery has opened its doors, bringing the unparalleled comfort of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch baking to Middlesex County.

A Backstory Brought Across the Delaware

The journey of Heritage Hearth begins in the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. For generations, the Yoder family has been renowned in their local church district for their mastery of traditional, scratch-made baking. From massive community barn raisings to bustling local farmers’ markets, their deeply guarded family recipes have been a staple of Lancaster life.

As the family grew, so did their vision. Looking for a community that would appreciate the slow, intentional craft of their work, oldest son Caleb Yoder and his wife Miriam took a drive through Central New Jersey. They immediately fell in love with Cranbury’s quiet, historic charm. When an old, vacant commercial space became available on Main Street, the Yoders knew they had found their second home. After months of commuting to renovate the space—installing massive, modern baking ovens alongside rustic, hand-hewn wooden display tables—Heritage Hearth was born.

Cultivating Comfort and Craft

Walking into Heritage Hearth Amish Bakery is a full sensory experience that instantly transports you away from the traffic of nearby Route 130. The air is warm and heavy with the intoxicating aromas of melting butter, toasted cinnamon, and rising yeast. The Yoders refuse to compromise on their heritage; you won’t find commercial dough conditioners or artificial preservatives here. Everything is crafted by hand, relying on time-tested techniques, high-quality local dairy, and patience.

Heritage Hearth Amish Bakery

The bakery features an open-concept kitchen behind the front counter, allowing customers to watch the mesmerizing process of dough being hand-braided and massive cast-iron sheets of pastries being pulled fresh from the oven.

Our Favorite Finds at Heritage Hearth

Whether you are picking up treats for a Sunday family brunch or just need a midday pick-me-up with a cup of black coffee, the bakery cases are overflowing with irresistible options. Here are a few standout favorites that you simply must try:

  • Classic Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie: A true Pennsylvania Dutch masterpiece. This pie features a rich, dark molasses and brown sugar filling baked into a flaky crust, topped with a generous layer of buttery crumb streusel. The “wet bottom” refers to the gooey, intensely flavorful lower layer that forms during baking.
  • Colossal Glazed Apple Fritters: These are not your average donut shop fritters. The Yoders use massive chunks of fresh apples folded into a heavily spiced yeast dough. They are fried until perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and completely coated in a sweet vanilla glaze.
  • Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread: Baked in heavy loaf pans, this bread consists of incredibly soft, doughy layers generously slathered with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It pulls apart in perfectly sticky, melt-in-your-mouth sections.
  • Amish Friendship Bread: A unique, sweet sourdough-based quick bread that has a beautifully complex flavor. It is dense, incredibly moist, and dusted with a sparkling coat of cinnamon sugar—perfect for toasting and serving with a smear of fresh butter.

A Worthwhile Stop

A visit to Heritage Hearth Amish Bakery is more than just an errand; it is a chance to slow down and appreciate the profound difference that traditional, handcrafted baking makes. In a region dominated by fast-paced living and commercial chains, the Yoder family offers a warm, welcoming retreat. Just be sure to get there early—the line often forms before the “Open” sign even flips!

Hand-Sliced and Scratch-Made: Inside the Lighthouse Amish Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Where the crisp waters of Lake Huron meet the St. Clair River, the maritime city of Port Huron has always been a hub of activity, drawing boaters, beachgoers, and locals to its scenic shores. While the area boasts plenty of waterfront dining and quick-stop convenience stores, the downtown food scene has just received a remarkably wholesome addition. Swapping commercial processing for slow-cured meats and scratch-made breads, the Lighthouse Amish Deli has officially opened its doors, bringing the hearty traditions of Michigan’s Amish country to the Blue Water Area.

A Backstory Brought to the Coast

The story of the Lighthouse Amish Deli originates a few hours inland in Clare County, home to one of Michigan’s most established Amish settlements. For years, the Miller family was known throughout their community for their exceptional butchery and traditional baking. Wanting to expand their horizons and share their craft with a broader audience, patriarch Samuel Miller and his sons began making the drive to the Port Huron area, initially setting up a modest pop-up stand at local summer markets.

The response from the community was overwhelming. Boaters looking to stock their coolers for a day on the lake and locals craving authentic, unhurried food quickly bought out the Millers’ inventory week after week. Realizing the demand was there to stay, the family acquired a charming, historic brick storefront just a short walk from the riverfront. Over the winter, they meticulously restored the interior, adding a long butcher-block counter, vintage display cases, and heavy wooden shelves to hold their canned goods and fresh loaves. Today, it stands as a warm, inviting bridge between rural agricultural traditions and Port Huron’s bustling coastal life.

"Blue Water" Pretzel Sandwich

Cultivating Comfort and Craft

Stepping into the Lighthouse Amish Deli is a refreshing change of pace from standard chain sub shops. There is an immediate, grounding scent of smoked hickory, fresh yeast, and sweet pickles. The Millers are fiercely committed to the old ways: their meats are smoked and cured without artificial nitrates, their cheeses are sourced from traditional raw-milk dairies, and every single condiment—from the tangy mustard to the sweet pepper relish—is made from scratch. It is a place that invites you to slow down, chat with the family behind the counter, and appreciate the immense care that goes into every slice.

Our Favorite Finds at the Lighthouse

Whether you are packing a picnic for Lighthouse Beach or grabbing a quick, satisfying lunch during your workday, the menu is packed with classic, stick-to-your-ribs fare. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely must try:

  • The “Blue Water” Pretzel Sandwich: The ultimate lunch staple. This sandwich features a generous stack of the deli’s signature honey-glazed ham and raw-milk Swiss cheese, topped with crisp local lettuce and a heavy smear of homemade sweet apple mustard, all layered inside a remarkably soft, fresh-baked pretzel roll.
  • Traditional Amish Potato Salad: You cannot leave without a pint of this classic side dish. Unlike standard mayonnaise-heavy versions, this potato salad features a sweet and tangy mustard-based dressing tossed with tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crisp celery.
  • Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast: Sliced paper-thin right in front of you, this turkey is smoked low and slow over real hickory wood. It is incredibly moist, deeply flavorful, and free of the watery, processed texture found in commercial deli meats.
  • Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies: The bakery rack near the register is dangerous, but these are worth giving in to. Two soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwich a massive dollop of rich, fluffy, homemade marshmallow vanilla cream. They are the perfect sweet finish to a savory deli lunch.

A Worthwhile Stop

Visiting the Lighthouse Amish Deli is more than just grabbing a quick bite; it is an experience in pure, slow-food craftsmanship. It provides a unique opportunity to taste the difference that time, care, and family tradition can make in a meal, right here on the coast. Just be sure to arrive with an empty stomach—the portion sizes are generous, and the aroma alone will have you ordering more than you planned.

Lighthouse Amish Deli

Bringing Northern Indiana to the City: Indianapolis Welcomes The Shipshewana Table

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Amidst the modern high-rises and the fast-paced energy of the Hoosier capital, a remarkably grounding new dining experience has arrived in Indianapolis. Located just on the edge of the vibrant Broad Ripple neighborhood, a beautifully restored brick building now houses The Shipshewana Table. Trading the clamor of contemporary fusion kitchens for the steady, unhurried rhythm of traditional cooking, this new eatery brings the authentic, scratch-made comfort of Indiana’s Amish country right to the city.

A Backstory Rooted in Elkhart County

The story of The Shipshewana Table begins a couple of hours north in Elkhart County, home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States. For three generations, the Bontrager family ran a highly successful catering business, providing massive, hearty spreads for local community auctions and farm events.

As the younger Bontrager siblings—Sarah, Eli, and Miriam—came of age, they saw an opportunity to share their family’s culinary heritage beyond the rural county lines. Having frequently visited Indianapolis for farmers’ markets, they noticed a longing among city dwellers for authentic, home-cooked comfort food. When a charming, sunlit property became available in Indy, the siblings pooled their resources. They spent months outfitting the space with heavy, hand-hewn maple tables and vintage farm implements, creating a warm, tech-free haven that feels worlds away from the busy city streets outside.

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Stepping into The Shipshewana Table feels like pulling up a chair in a bustling farmhouse kitchen. There are no buzzing televisions or loud background tracks. Instead, the soundtrack is the comforting clatter of heavy ceramic plates and the irresistible aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked yeast rolls. The Bontragers are fiercely committed to their roots; they import their butter, cheeses, and select produce directly from trusted farms back in Northern Indiana, ensuring that every dish remains true to their family’s historic recipes.

The Shipshewana Table

Our Favorite Finds at The Shipshewana Table

Whether you are looking for a hearty Sunday dinner or a comforting midweek lunch, the menu is an unapologetic celebration of stick-to-your-ribs Midwestern fare. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely cannot miss:

  • Traditional Beef and Noodles: The ultimate Indiana Amish comfort food. Tender, slow-roasted beef is shredded and served over a mountain of thick, hand-rolled egg noodles, all swimming in a rich, savory brown gravy. It is served atop a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes, just the way it should be.
  • Hand-Breaded Fried Chicken: The Bontragers use a generations-old buttermilk soak before dredging their chicken in a proprietary blend of seasoned flour. It is pan-fried in cast iron until perfectly golden, resulting in an impossibly crunchy exterior and a juicy, flavorful center.
  • Amish Church Spread: A unique and beloved appetizer. This sweet, sticky spread is made from peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and corn syrup, served alongside a basket of warm, freshly baked sourdough bread for dipping.
  • Buttermilk Sugar Cream Pie: A true Hoosier classic elevated by Amish baking techniques. The filling is a rich, custardy blend of cream, vanilla, and sugar, baked into a flaky lard crust and dusted generously with fresh nutmeg.

A Worthwhile Meal

Visiting The Shipshewana Table is more than just trying out a new local spot; it is a delightful immersion into a slower, more intentional way of life. In a city that is always moving, this restaurant offers a rare chance to pause, pass a heavy bowl of homemade sides around the table, and savor food made with immense pride. Just remember to bring a healthy appetite—the Bontrager family’s portion sizes are just as generous as their hospitality.

Southern Charm Meets Slow Craft: Greensboro Welcomes a New Mennonite Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

In the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, Greensboro is known for its rich textile history, lush parks, and thriving culinary scene. But amidst the modern cafes and bustling downtown restaurants, a remarkably serene and wholesome new destination has emerged. Just a few miles north of the city limits, the Cedar Fork Mennonite Market has opened its doors, bringing a beautiful blend of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmanship and Southern agricultural heritage to Guilford County.

A Backstory Rooted in the Piedmont Soil

The story of Cedar Fork begins a few states away in the fertile Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Seeking milder winters and a longer growing season, the Weaver family relocated to a sprawling farm just outside of Greensboro five years ago. Initially, patriarch Levi Weaver and his family focused on wholesale farming, quietly supplying heirloom tomatoes and sweet corn to local Triad restaurants.

However, as neighbors and local chefs got a taste of the family’s homemade preserves and fresh-baked breads gifted during the holidays, word quickly spread. To meet the growing demand, the Weavers started setting up a modest wooden stand at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. Within a year, they were outgrowing their stall. This past winter, the family took a leap of faith, raising a massive, custom-built timber-frame barn on the edge of their property. Today, Cedar Fork is a permanent, year-round market offering an expansive array of scratch-made goods, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts.

Southern Charm Meets Slow Craft: Greensboro Welcomes a New Mennonite Market

Cultivating Comfort and Community

Stepping through the heavy double doors of Cedar Fork Mennonite Market is a feast for the senses. The cavernous space is filled with natural light, showcasing sturdy oak shelving stocked with colorful jars of preserved goods. The air carries an irresistible, mingling scent of smoked wood, rising sourdough, and sweet cinnamon. The market is a testament to the slow, intentional craft of food. The Weaver family manages every aspect of the store, ensuring that nothing on the shelves contains artificial preservatives or shortcuts. It is an environment that naturally encourages you to slow down, browse, and chat with the people who grew and prepared your food.

Our Favorite Finds at Cedar Fork

Whether you are looking to elevate your next Southern barbecue or simply want to treat yourself to a comforting weekend breakfast, the market is packed with irresistible finds. Here are a few standout favorites that brilliantly fuse Mennonite tradition with North Carolina flavor:

  • Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls: A brilliant nod to North Carolina’s rich agricultural roots. The bakery uses locally grown, roasted sweet potatoes infused directly into the dough, resulting in a vibrant, incredibly moist cinnamon roll topped with a thick swoop of cream cheese icing.
  • Smoked Jalapeño Pimento Cheese: You cannot open a market in the South without pimento cheese, and the Weavers have perfected it. They blend their own raw-milk sharp cheddar with diced, house-smoked jalapeños and sweet pimentos for a spread that is creamy, smoky, and packed with the perfect amount of heat.
  • Shenandoah-Style Apple Butter: Cooked low and slow in massive copper kettles outside the barn, this apple butter is thick, dark, and heavily spiced. It is a true labor of love and the ultimate topping for a warm, buttery biscuit.
  • Hand-Carved Cutting Boards: Beyond the food, the market features a beautiful homewares section. Levi Weaver’s sons craft stunning, heavy-duty cutting boards and butcher blocks from local North Carolina walnut and maple—functional pieces of art designed to last a lifetime.

A Worthwhile Journey

A visit to the Cedar Fork Mennonite Market is more than a quick grocery run; it is an invitation to connect with your food and the community that provides it. In a fast-paced world, the Weaver family offers a refreshing return to simplicity, quality, and warm Southern hospitality. Just be sure to arrive early on Saturday mornings—those sweet potato cinnamon rolls are known to sell out long before noon!

Southern Charm Meets Slow Craft: Greensboro Welcomes a New Mennonite Market

Soft & Fluffy: How to Make Authentic Amish Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll

Written by Dennis Regling in Recipes,Amish Recipes

Authentic Amish Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls: A Cozy Comfort Classic

There is something undeniably magical about Amish baking. Rooted in tradition, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for made-from-scratch goodness, Amish recipes have a way of bringing instant comfort to any kitchen. Among the many treasured recipes passed down through generations, Amish Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls stand out as a true masterpiece of rustic baking.

While traditional cinnamon rolls are always a crowd-pleaser, the addition of mashed sweet potato to the dough elevates this classic treat to an entirely new level. The sweet potato does more than just impart a beautiful, golden-orange hue; it fundamentally changes the texture of the bread. The natural starches and moisture in the sweet potato yield an incredibly soft, pillowy, and tender dough that stays fresh longer than standard yeast breads.

The Secret is in the Simplicity

Amish cooking relies on pantry staples and farm-fresh ingredients. You won’t find any artificial dough conditioners or complicated techniques here. The magic happens through the slow alchemy of yeast, warm milk, farm eggs, and sweet potatoes that have been roasted or boiled until perfectly tender.

As these rolls bake, the aroma of toasted cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and buttery dough fills the home, offering a sensory experience that is just as rewarding as eating the rolls themselves. Finished with a simple, sweet glaze that melts perfectly into the spirals, these rolls are the ultimate companion to a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning. Whether you are baking for a holiday brunch or simply treating your family on a lazy weekend, this authentic recipe will quickly become a cherished tradition in your own home.

Authentic Amish Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes | Rise time: 2 hours | Cook time: 25 minutes | Yields: 12-15 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup sweet potato puree (about 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed smooth)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • 1/3 cup (5 1/3 tbsp) unsalted butter, highly softened
  • 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Make the Dough

Add the remaining granulated sugar, sweet potato puree, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add 4 cups of flour, mixing with a dough hook until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour a little at a time.

3. Knead and First Rise

Knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not stick to your fingers. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Roll and Fill

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Gently pat the sugar mixture into the butter.

5. Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 to 15 equal slices using a very sharp knife, unflavored dental floss, or a bench scraper.

6. Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover again with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffed up and touching each other.

7. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through.

8. Glaze and Serve

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Let the rolls cool for about 5-10 minutes in the pan before spreading the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Make Authentic Amish Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll

A Mountain Town Revival: Discovering Cumberland’s Newest Mennonite Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

By Elizabeth Montgomery, Food Editor

Tucked away in the scenic Appalachian ridges of Western Maryland, the historic city of Cumberland is known for its rich railroad heritage and access to the Great Allegheny Passage. This season, the local culinary landscape is embracing a different kind of tradition. Just a stone’s throw from the brick-lined pedestrian mall downtown, the Wills Creek Mennonite Market has officially opened its doors, bringing an abundance of scratch-made baked goods, farm-fresh produce, and traditional deli offerings to Allegany County.

A Backstory Forged by the Railroad

The story of Wills Creek Market is one of family, heritage, and revitalizing history. The Martin family relocated to Western Maryland from the dense Mennonite communities of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, looking for more farmland and a quieter pace of life. For the past three years, the Martins became a staple at the downtown Cumberland Farmers Market, where their towering displays of fresh breads and vibrant preserves regularly sold out before mid-day.

Realizing that Cumberland residents were hungry for a year-round, permanent location, patriarch David Martin purchased an abandoned, early 20th-century brick warehouse near the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tracks. Over the course of a year, the Martins and their extended community worked tirelessly to restore the building. They sandblasted the original brick, installed massive timber-framed display shelves, and built a state-of-the-art bakery in the back. Today, the once-empty warehouse is a bustling hub of community and craftsmanship.

Cultivating Comfort and Craft

Stepping into Wills Creek Mennonite Market is an immersive sensory experience. The high ceilings echo with the friendly chatter of neighbors catching up, while the air is thick with the aroma of cinnamon, woodsmoke, and rising yeast. The market is meticulously organized into distinct sections: a vibrant produce stand featuring seasonal local harvests, a fully stocked deli and butchery counter, and an expansive bakery case that demands your immediate attention. The Martin family’s dedication to quality is evident in every corner, with a strict adherence to unhurried, time-tested preparation methods.

Our Favorite Finds at Wills Creek

Whether you are packing provisions for a weekend biking trip along the C&O Canal or simply stocking your pantry for the week, the market is a treasure trove of hearty, wholesome foods. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely must add to your basket:

Glazed Fruit Fry Pies
Glazed Fruit Fry Pies

  • Glazed Fruit Fry Pies: The undisputed stars of the bakery case. These handheld, half-moon pastries are filled with sweet, homemade fruit compotes—think tart cherry, spiced apple, and blackberry—before being fried to a golden, flaky crisp and coated in a light vanilla glaze.
  • Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast: Sliced fresh at the deli counter, this turkey is smoked low and slow over real hickory wood by David Martin’s oldest sons. It is incredibly juicy, packed with smoky flavor, and free of the artificial preservatives found in standard grocery store deli meats.
  • Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Chow-Chow: A staple of the Mennonite pantry, this vibrant, tangy-sweet relish is made from a medley of pickled garden vegetables, including green beans, cauliflower, carrots, and corn. It is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty sandwich or a plate of roasted pork.
  • Fresh-Baked Sourdough Boules: Baked before the sun comes up, these massive, crusty loaves of sourdough have a perfectly chewy interior and a complex, tangy flavor profile. They are ideal for dipping into soups or transforming into elevated grilled cheese sandwiches.

A Worthwhile Stop

Visiting Wills Creek Mennonite Market is more than just running a weekend errand; it is a grounding experience that connects the community to a slower, more intentional way of living. It is a chance to support a hardworking family while taking home food that was grown, baked, and prepared with genuine care. Be sure to arrive early on Saturday mornings—the line for those warm fry pies often stretches out the front door!