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From Lancaster to the Main Line: The Philly Suburbs Welcome a New Amish Cheese Store

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Just a short drive from the bustling traffic of Philadelphia, the rolling hills of Bucks County have long provided a scenic escape for city dwellers. This spring, the charming suburban town of Doylestown welcomes a mouthwatering new addition to its local food scene. Swapping mass-produced dairy for the rich, complex flavors of raw milk and traditional aging, Clover Creek Amish Cheese has officially opened its doors, bringing the artisanal mastery of Lancaster County straight to the Philly suburbs.

A Backstory Rooted in the Dairy Pastures

The story of Clover Creek begins seventy miles west on the Zook family farm in Lancaster County. For over three decades, patriarch Amos Zook and his family have tended a small herd of pasture-raised Jersey and Holstein cows, transforming their rich, grassy milk into award-winning cheeses using recipes passed down through generations.

Historically, Philly-area residents had to make the long trek out to Lancaster or hope to catch the Zooks at a weekend farmer’s market. However, when Amos’s youngest son, Gideon, noticed the growing suburban demand for authentic, unhurried food, he pitched a new idea. Gideon and his wife, Sarah, acquired a beautifully weathered 19th-century stone barn just outside of Doylestown. Over the winter, they meticulously restored the building, installing an expansive, temperature-controlled cheese case and a massive butcher-block tasting counter. Today, Clover Creek stands as a permanent bridge between rural Amish agricultural traditions and the discerning palates of the Philadelphia suburbs.

Clover Creek Amish Cheese i

Cultivating Craft and Flavor

Stepping inside Clover Creek is an experience in pure sensory delight. The air is cool and fragrant, carrying the earthy, tangy scent of aging dairy and smoked wood. The Zooks remain staunchly committed to traditional methods; their cheeses are made without artificial preservatives or colors, relying entirely on the quality of their farm’s raw milk, natural vegetable rennet, and the slow magic of time. Behind the main counter, large viewing windows even offer a glimpse into the store’s aging room, where massive wheels of cheese rest on raw wooden planks.

Our Favorite Finds at Clover Creek

Whether you are building the ultimate weekend charcuterie board or simply looking for the perfect slice to elevate your grilled cheese, the selection is both overwhelming and inspiring. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely cannot leave without:

  • Cave-Aged Sharp Cheddar: The crown jewel of the Zook family farm. Aged for a minimum of two years, this raw milk cheddar develops a stunningly complex, sharp flavor profile with those highly sought-after, crunchy calcium lactate crystals scattered throughout the paste.
  • Applewood Smoked Gouda: Unlike commercially smoked cheeses that use artificial liquid smoke, this gouda is cold-smoked for hours over real applewood chips sourced from neighboring Lancaster orchards. It boasts a creamy texture and a perfectly balanced, sweet-smoky finish.
  • Squeaky Garlic and Herb Curds: A massive hit with the after-school crowd and weekend snackers. These incredibly fresh, bite-sized cheese curds are tossed in a proprietary blend of homegrown garden herbs and roasted garlic. If you eat them the day they arrive from the farm, they still have their signature “squeak.”
  • Hand-Rolled Cultured Butter: While you are there for the cheese, you must grab a log of their Amish butter. Cultured slowly and churned to an ultra-rich 85% butterfat, it is rolled by hand and lightly dusted with coarse sea salt. Spread it on a warm piece of crusty bread, and it will change your life.
Clover Creek Amish Cheese i

A Worthwhile Trip

Visiting Clover Creek Amish Cheese is more than just running a quick errand; it is a delightful foray into the world of slow food. It is an invitation to taste the distinct difference that happy cows, green pastures, and generations of patient craftsmanship can make. Just remember to bring an insulated cooler bag in your trunk—once you sample what the Zook family has to offer, you will be stocking up for the whole neighborhood.

A Taste of the Simple Life: Middletown’s Newest Amish Eatery

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Nestled in the heart of the Miami Valley, Middletown, Ohio, has a rich industrial history and a rapidly revitalizing downtown. Amidst the new boutiques and modern cafes springing up along Central Avenue, a decidedly different kind of dining experience has recently opened its doors. Swapping fast-casual trends for slow-cooked comfort, The Gathering Table Amish Eatery is bringing the hearty, scratch-made traditions of Ohio’s Amish country to Butler County.

A Backstory Rooted in Adams County

The story of The Gathering Table begins a couple of hours south in the rolling foothills of Adams County, home to one of Ohio’s most traditional Amish settlements. For generations, the Yutzy family has been renowned in their community for their massive, sprawling post-church Sunday dinners, where grandmother Miriam Yutzy’s recipes took center stage.

As the Yutzy children grew older and sought new opportunities to support their expanding families, patriarch Eli Yutzy saw potential in a vacant historic diner in downtown Middletown. Over the course of six months, the family worked together to completely transform the space. They tore out the old linoleum and drop ceilings, replacing them with hand-crafted cherry wood tables, exposed brick, and warm, lantern-style lighting. The result is a welcoming, tech-free haven where the focus remains entirely on good food and good company.

Cultivating Comfort and Community

Stepping into The Gathering Table is a grounding experience. There are no televisions glowing in the corners or loud music pumping through the speakers. Instead, the soundtrack is the clatter of heavy ceramic plates, the hum of friendly conversation, and the sizzle of the kitchen. The Yutzys are deeply committed to keeping their food authentic: breads are baked fresh every morning at dawn, meats are sourced from local Ohio farms, and the mashed potatoes are always made from scratch—never from a box.

Our Favorite Finds at The Gathering Table

Whether you are a local resident looking for a hearty weeknight supper or passing through the Miami Valley on a weekend road trip, the menu is packed with stick-to-your-ribs Midwestern classics. Here are a few standout favorites that you simply cannot miss:

  • Amish Wedding Steak: A traditional staple of Amish celebrations, this dish features heavily seasoned, hand-formed ground beef patties that are slow-baked in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy until they melt in your mouth.
  • Broasted Pork Chops: Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops are marinated and cooked in a specialized pressure fryer, resulting in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior and a remarkably juicy, tender center.
  • Sweet Corn Casserole: The ultimate comfort side dish. This deeply comforting, spoonable casserole walks the line between a savory side and a sweet pudding, baked in cast iron until the top forms a perfect golden crust.
  • Black Raspberry Pie: Ohio is known for its wild black raspberries, and this pie does them justice. A generous mound of tart, sweet local berries is baked into Miriam Yutzy’s signature flaky lard crust and served warm with a scoop of hand-churned vanilla ice cream.
Black Raspberry Pie

A Worthwhile Meal

Visiting The Gathering Table is more than just trying out a new local spot; it is a step back to a simpler time. In a world that often prioritizes speed and convenience, this eatery invites Middletown residents to slow down, share a heavy basket of warm yeast rolls, and savor food made with intention and care. Just be sure to bring a hearty appetite, as the Yutzy family’s portion sizes are as generous as their hospitality.

Bringing Arthur to the Avenue: Champaign’s Newest Amish Eatery

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Amidst the lively energy of a bustling college town, a surprisingly serene and hearty new dining destination has taken root in Champaign, Illinois. While the city is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant campus life, The Prairie Hearth Amish Eatery offers a completely different pace. Swapping commercial fryers and fast-casual buzz for slow-roasted meats and scratch-made pies, this new establishment brings the authentic flavors of Illinois’ Amish country right to the heart of Champaign.

A Backstory Rooted in the Illinois Prairie

The story of The Prairie Hearth originates just 40 minutes south in Arthur, Illinois, home to the state’s oldest and largest Amish settlement. For over a decade, the Hostetler family made the early morning drive to set up their baked goods and preserves stand at Urbana’s Market at the Square. Their massive cinnamon rolls and handmade fruit pies routinely sold out before the mid-morning rush, leaving local residents consistently asking for more.

Recognizing the deep local craving for unhurried, comforting food, patriarch Jacob Hostetler and his daughters decided to expand their horizons. They acquired a vacant, sunlit storefront near downtown Champaign, outfitting the space with heavy, hand-hewn oak tables crafted by their neighbors back in Arthur. Today, The Prairie Hearth stands as a bridge between the quiet agricultural traditions of Douglas County and the bustling, modern streets of Champaign-Urbana.

The Prairie Hearth

Cultivating Comfort and Community

Stepping into The Prairie Hearth is like entering a welcoming farmhouse kitchen. The dining room bypasses modern restaurant trends—you won’t find neon signs or loud background music here. Instead, the atmosphere is defined by the soft clatter of silverware, the warm, yeasty aroma of fresh-baked dinner rolls, and the gentle, friendly service of the Hostetler family. Every dish is a testament to the slow craft of cooking, utilizing local ingredients and generations-old Pennsylvania Dutch and Midwestern Amish recipes.

Our Favorite Finds at The Prairie Hearth

Whether you are a university student seeking a taste of home or a local family looking for a hearty Sunday-style dinner, the menu is packed with satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs fare. Here are the standout favorites you absolutely cannot miss:

  • Golden Broasted Chicken: The undisputed star of the menu. The chicken is marinated, lightly breaded, and cooked in a specialized pressure fryer that locks in the juices while creating an impossibly crispy, grease-free golden crust.
  • Brown Butter Egg Noodles: A true comfort classic. Thick, hand-rolled egg noodles are boiled to tender perfection and tossed in a rich, nutty brown butter sauce, served alongside a generous scoop of creamy, skin-on mashed potatoes.
  • Slow-Roasted Pork and Sauerkraut: This traditional dish features tender, fall-apart pork roast slow-cooked for hours alongside tangy, homemade sauerkraut. It’s a savory, belly-warming plate that perfectly balances richness and acidity.
  • Amish Peanut Butter Pie: You simply cannot leave without trying a slice of this legendary dessert. A flaky, hand-crimped crust is filled with a rich, creamy, sweet-and-salty peanut butter mousse, then topped with a mountain of fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Amish Peanut Butter Pie

A Worthwhile Meal

Visiting The Prairie Hearth is more than just checking out a new restaurant; it is a grounding experience. In a city that is always moving at a rapid clip, this eatery is an invitation to slow down, pass a basket of warm bread around the table, and savor a home-cooked meal rooted in Midwestern tradition. Just remember to arrive with an empty stomach—the portions are generous, and the pie case at the front counter is impossible to resist.

The Heart of the Feast: How to Make Traditional Amish Wedding Steak

Written by Dennis Regling in Amish Recipes

In Amish communities, a wedding is not just a ceremony; it is a monumental, day-long celebration that involves the entire church district. With guest lists routinely stretching into the hundreds, feeding the attendees requires an incredible feat of communal cooking. The menu must be hearty, deeply comforting, and capable of being scaled up to feed a massive crowd.

Enter one of the most beloved staples of Pennsylvania Dutch and Midwestern Amish gatherings: Amish Wedding Steak.

Despite the name, you won’t find premium cuts of ribeye or filet mignon on the table. Amish Wedding Steak is a testament to the ingenuity of traditional farmhouse cooking—it elevates humble, economical ingredients into a dish fit for a celebration. At its core, it consists of heavily seasoned, hand-formed ground beef patties that are pan-seared and then slow-baked in a rich, bubbling mushroom and onion gravy. The slow-cooking process transforms the meat, making it so tender that it quite literally melts in your mouth.

Whether you are feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or hosting a Sunday dinner, this recipe brings the warmth and simplicity of the Amish gathering table right into your own kitchen.

Traditional Amish Wedding Steak Recipe

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients

For the “Steaks”:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck is best for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or plain breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp dried minced onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for searing)

For the Mushroom & Onion Gravy:

  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz fresh cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds great depth)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
wedding steak Amish
Amish Wedding Steak and Blackberry Pie

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Mix the meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltines, milk, eggs, dried minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat, or the steaks will become dense.
  3. Form the steaks: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Form them into oval-shaped patties, about ¾-inch thick.
  4. Sear the patties: Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works beautifully) over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear them until a dark brown crust forms, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them all the way through. Transfer the browned patties to your prepared 9×13 baking dish. Do not wipe out the skillet!
  5. Sauté the vegetables: Lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the beef drippings left in the skillet. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Build the gravy: Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the vegetables. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the top. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  7. Simmer the sauce: Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Bake to perfection: Pour the hot mushroom and onion gravy evenly over the seared patties in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the gravy to bubble and thicken slightly around the edges.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion: True to Amish tradition, this dish demands a sturdy side to soak up all that incredible, savory gravy. Serve your Wedding Steak over a generous mound of scratch-made, buttery mashed potatoes alongside a helping of green beans or sweet corn.

A Riverfront Revival: Lock Haven’s Newest Amish Deli

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Nestled along the scenic West Branch Susquehanna River, the historic town of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, has always offered a picturesque blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. This spring, the local culinary scene is getting a hearty, wholesome upgrade with the highly anticipated opening of the River Bend Amish Deli.

Located right in the heart of downtown, this bustling new eatery trades commercial fryers and pre-packaged meats for hand-sliced provisions, fresh-baked breads, and the unmistakable warmth of Pennsylvania Dutch hospitality.

A Backstory Forged in the Valley

The roots of the River Bend Amish Deli trace back to the lush, rolling farmland of nearby “Big Valley” (Kishacoquillas Valley) in Mifflin County. For generations, the Beiler family has been known in their community for their exceptional meat-curing skills and mastery of traditional baking. As their extended family grew, the patriarch, Samuel Beiler, began looking for an opportunity for his sons and daughters to start a business of their own.

They found the perfect location in Lock Haven—a vacant, historic brick storefront with high tin ceilings and original hardwood floors. Over the winter, the Beilers meticulously restored the building, installing an expansive butcher block counter and a massive glass deli case. What started as an idea for a simple sandwich shop quickly evolved into a full-scale deli and bakery, providing local university students, loggers, and passing tourists with a taste of unhurried, authentic Amish cooking.

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Cultivating Comfort and Craftsmanship

Stepping inside River Bend Deli is like stepping back in time. There is no buzzing neon or loud background music; instead, the space is filled with the steady hum of friendly conversation and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked yeast rolls and smoked hickory. The Beilers are committed to keeping things traditional. Their meats are smoked off-site at their family farm, their cheeses are sourced from local raw-milk dairies, and every condiment—from the sweet mustard to the horseradish pickle relish—is canned by hand.

Our Favorite Finds at River Bend

Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch to take down to the riverwalk or stocking up your cooler for a weekend camping trip in the Pennsylvania Wilds, the menu is packed with satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs fare. Here are a few standout favorites you absolutely must try:

  • The “River Stacker” Pretzel Sandwich: This is the undisputed star of the lunch rush. It features thick-cut, sweet Lebanon bologna layered with sharp, raw milk cheddar, crisp local lettuce, and a generous smear of homemade apple butter mustard, all stacked between a freshly baked, impossibly soft pretzel roll.
  • Traditional Pepper Cabbage: Forget standard commercial coleslaw. This classic Pennsylvania Dutch side dish features finely chopped cabbage and green bell peppers tossed in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. It is crisp, refreshing, and cuts through the richness of the deli meats perfectly.
  • Fried Half-Moon Hand Pies: The bakery case is a dangerous place to linger, but these hand pies are worth every calorie. Flaky, buttery pastry dough is folded over homemade tart cherry or spiced apple fillings, fried to a golden crisp, and brushed with a light vanilla glaze.
  • Iced Meadow Tea: To wash it all down, grab a large cup of this traditional Amish beverage. Brewed from wild mint gathered near the Beiler family farm and sweetened just right, it is the most refreshing drink you can enjoy on a warm Lock Haven afternoon.

A Worthwhile Stop

Visiting the River Bend Amish Deli is more than just a quick lunch break; it is a grounding experience that connects you to the rich agricultural heritage of Central Pennsylvania. It’s an invitation to taste the difference that time, care, and family tradition can make in a meal. Just be sure to arrive with an empty stomach—the portions are generous, and the bakery case will undoubtedly convince you to take something sweet for the road.

Mountain Traditions: Discovering Oakland’s Newest Amish Market

Written by Dennis Regling in Uncategorized

Nestled among the rolling Appalachian mountains and the crisp, pine-scented air of Garrett County, Maryland, a new destination is drawing locals and Deep Creek Lake visitors alike. Oakland has always been known for its charming historic downtown and stunning autumn foliage, but this season, it welcomes a bustling new hub of traditional craftsmanship and scratch-made food: Whispering Pines Amish Market.

Located just a few miles outside of town in a beautifully timber-framed barn, the market offers an expansive, indoor shopping experience that brings the best of Pennsylvania Dutch agriculture and artistry straight to the Maryland mountains.

A Backstory Forged in the Mountains

The story of Whispering Pines begins just across the state line in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. For nearly a decade, the Yoder family spent their summers driving their horse-drawn wagons—and later, hiring drivers to transport their goods in box trucks—down to the Deep Creek Lake area. What started as a modest weekend roadside stand selling seasonal produce and a few fruit pies quickly evolved into a cult favorite among locals and vacationers.

Year after year, the Yoders found themselves selling out of their inventory before noon. Recognizing a deep appreciation in Garrett County for well-crafted, unhurried goods, the family patriarch, Eli Yoder, decided it was time to put down permanent roots. Over the last two years, Eli and his sons worked alongside local Oakland contractors to raise a massive, custom-built barn. Today, Whispering Pines is a year-round, multi-vendor cooperative run by the extended Yoder family, offering everything from fresh butchery to heirloom furniture.

A matching pair of handcrafted Amish hickory rocking chairs, featuring steam-bent curves and natural bark texture.

Cultivating Craft and Community

Stepping through the heavy wooden doors of Whispering Pines is a feast for the senses. The cavernous space is lit by large clerestory windows, and the air is an intoxicating mix of smoked wood, fresh-cut pine, and baking cinnamon. The market is thoughtfully divided into different sections, allowing visitors to seamlessly wander from the bustling bakery to the quiet, fragrant aisles of handcrafted woodwork, all while interacting directly with the artisans and farmers who produced the goods.

Our Favorite Finds at Whispering Pines

Whether you are looking to stock up a vacation cabin or simply want to treat yourself to some authentic comfort food, the market has something for everyone. Here are a few standout favorites that you should not miss:

  • Dutch Apple Dumplings: These are an absolute must-have, especially when the mountain air turns chilly. Whole local apples are cored, packed with cinnamon sugar, wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry crust, and baked until golden. They are served warm and are best enjoyed with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
  • Applewood Smoked Mountain Bacon: The butcher’s counter is a focal point of the market, and their thick-cut bacon is the star. Cured using a generations-old family recipe and smoked low and slow over real applewood, it fries up incredibly crisp and flavorful.
  • Hand-Crafted Hickory Rocking Chairs: Perfect for a Deep Creek cabin porch, these stunning rockers are built by Eli’s oldest sons. Using locally sourced hickory wood that is steam-bent by hand, the chairs are entirely constructed without a single metal nail, ensuring they will last for generations.
  • Raw Milk Appalachian Cheddar: The dairy counter features massive wheels of cheese made from the family’s own herd of grass-fed cows. The sharp cheddar, aged for over two years in temperature-controlled cellars, has a crumbly texture and a deep, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the market’s sourdough pretzels.
A perfect, golden-baked Amish apple dumpling, served warm on a simple ceramic plate with a generous scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The flaky pastry encases the whole local apple filled with cinnamon sugar.

A Worthwhile Journey

Visiting Whispering Pines Amish Market is more than just a shopping trip; it is an immersion into a slower, more intentional way of life. It provides a unique opportunity to support a dedicated family of artisans while taking home goods that are crafted with immense pride and care. Just make sure to clear plenty of space in your vehicle—between the fresh baked goods and the stunning woodwork, you won’t be leaving empty-handed.