An Amish country day trip and a Classic Reuben

Fresh Rye bread, straight from the Amish bakery at Shiloh General Store, Troyer corned beef, purchased in the deli section, with melted provolone and homemade sauerkraut and thousand island dressing.

My birthday treat

For my birthday, my husband likes to take me to the Amish general store in a nearby Amish community. I love to shop. He loves the fried pies! Cherry for him and lemon for me. As is our tradition, he then offered to take me out to a nice restaurant for supper.

​But this time my mouth was watering over the still warm rye bread from the bakery and the juicy corned beef from the deli. So, we skipped the fancy meal and went home for a classic Reuben on rye with homemade sauerkraut and a side of sour pickles from last summer's garden. (We'd already had dessert--those amazing fried pies.)
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​All we had to do was slice and butter the bread. Place it on a hot griddle to toast with cheese on top to melt while the corned beef warmed on the other side of the griddle. Then, add the sauerkraut and dressing just before sandwiching the two sides together. Simple, so fresh, and incredibly delicious.

​To me, a birthday doesn't get any more satisfying than that!

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This store is operated by members of the small but thriving Amish fellowship just to the west of us. 

Located in a rural area of the North Carolina foothills, this community isn't exactly a hopping tourist attraction. However, they're always busy. Folks from all the neighboring counties love to come to both the general store and the furniture shop nearby.

We always receive a friendly welcome and love our visits.

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Some of my purchases are pictured here. The meats went straight in the fridge and the fried pies didn't survive their way beyond the parking lot.
The spice blends in this brand don't contain any unnatural ingredients. And the jams and jellies have an ingredient list just like homemade. 

Do you have a similar Amish market near you? Or have you visited one? I'd love to hear about your experience or what draws you to visit an Amish store.