Lancaster County

September 29, 2009: A day in PA.

As a child my grandfather would take me to Lancaster– aka Amish country, home of the Pennsylvania Dutch, he did a lot of business in the area with local iron foundries – he still does.  There were some MUST DO’s on the visit.  It has been good to repeat many of these places,  this particular visit  was a first for an old college roommate – who happened to be visiting for her 30th birthday (these are big b-days),  who happens to be a German teacher by trade, and who happens to love food! So all in all the perfect place to bring her!

There are some distinctly Amish Flavors and Foods, what we did… where we went… what we tasted:

Starting out at Roots Market, in Manheim, PA  - only the oldest single family-run country market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. “From its humble beginnings as a poultry auction in 1925, Root's Market has evolved over the years to become a piece of Lancaster County heritage offering fresh food, family fun and a wide variety of items for sale.” Indeed!  So part of the trip I was to bring back cabbages to make homemade sauerkraut.  Cabbages fat as elephants  -well they were huge I tell you!  48” -  54” in diameter!  Lots of goodies and fresh baked goods including shoofly and whoopie pies.  All sorts of right from the fields vegetables and fruits, a large assortment of meats: fresh sausage, smoked meats, fresh goose, duck, chicken, turkey, rabbit.  One of my favorites from only from Pennsylvania Dutch Country Sweet Lebanon Bologna - a real smokey, sweet, tangy, lean summer sausage and farmer’s cheese - a mild fresh creamy flavored cheese.  Remember to visit only on Tuesdays!

On to the next destination: Lititz, PA home of Sturgis pretzel factory and Wilbur Chocolates. 

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery: America’s first commercial pretzel bakery. Founded in 1861 by Julius Sturgis.  Visitors are welcome to tour the facility and learn the history of pretzel making in America – and find pretzels baked with the same old-fashioned techniques pioneered by Julius Sturgis himself. 

pretzel history in a nutshell - so back in the day - pretzels were soft – so an accident lead to an over baked crunchy pretzels much like we know them – however – pretzels as dried out crunchy bread twists – just aren’t the same with out that brown shell – for that to happen Julius Sturgis figured out that there must be a caustic solution applied to the pretzel to give it it’s golden brown outer shell – the process of making these crunchy pretzels, allowing them to bake, dry, and bake again – was new to bakers – he took a risk and look at us now – pretzels are everywhere!   My  official Pretzel Twister Certificate and practice pretzel – I will have to add this to my resume!

Then on to Wilbur Chocolate Factory …. mmm…. chocolate.  A fun look at chocolate history – mmm… free samples!  Beautiful chocolate concoctions  - we only had a few minutes – we happened to be there on “closing and hour early for inventory day!”    They are famous for their Chocolate buds – similar to and predate the also famous Hershey kisses and a much higher quality chocolate in a bite.  

 

We followed with an enjoyable 18th century stroll along tree-lined streets walk through the quaint town of Lititz, and discussion of it’s Moravian Background and seeing Moravian Stars hung all around.  

The Moravian Star: Originating in the Moravian boarding schools in Germany in the nineteenth century as an exercise in geometry, the stars were carried throughout the world by missionaries and other church workers, the star proclaims the hope of Advent. While we are most familiar with the white star, the first star had alternating red and white points. Stars colors have also included red and yellow, white and yellow, and a yellow "starburst" with a red center.

Whatever its form, the star reminds us of God, who caused the light to shine out of darkness and of the light which is the life of humanity. It reminds us of the promise of Abraham that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars; we are reminded of the star that pointed to the "great and heavenly light from Bethlehem's manger shining bright." The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This is the message of the Advent star, which also points to Jesus, who said, "I am the bright and Morning Star." It is the star of promise, the star of fulfillment, and the star of hope.  from: http://www.moravian.org/faq/star.phtml

As we headed to East Earl, PA for dinner, we drove through Farming Communities.

Ending the day with a true taste of Amish Country – so when one wants to sample a lot of dishes it is best to go to a place where one can taste them all for one flat rate!  Where better than the Largest Buffet in Lancaster - The Shady Maple Smorgasbord - The taste of Lancaster County, 200 feet of deliciously authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking! This place also includes a Massive Gift Shop, (the size of a department store) a Market, and a lunchette.  this place is huge! 

So the must try PA Dutch foods – bake limas (one of my favorites), dried corn (a roasted nutty flavored boiled corn kernels), Pies – Amish/ PA Dutch are known for their pies – in great variety particularly raisin and shoofly, whoopie pies – not my fav, but a must try – thick icing between two muffin top like cakes, also served are PA Dutch sodas rarely seen outside of this area – Birch beer, White Birch Beer,  Sarsaparilla, Vanilla Cream, and of course Root Beer.  A highlight you can even have a Free Meal on your Birthday!  That’s a real value!  Pennsylvania Dutch Foods are home-style, traditional, comfort foods, simple in flavor, seasonal tastes, much is German influenced with local flare.  What have you tasted?

The area is rich in Religious and Cultural history, it is home to incredible craftsmen and artisans, unique tastes, and sights – anytime of the year it is a real treat to visit!