By:  Joy Schrock, President of Berlin Natural Bakery

Spelt's claim to fame here in the U.S. is based upon it being a great alternative for those that suffer with wheat allergies and sensitivites. Thousands of consumers purchase spelt products solely for this reason.   But there are many other reasons to consider adding spelt to your diet. There isn't much about spelt that doesn't make it a better alternative to wheat. Spelt is often referred to as the "feel good grain"...and rightfully so...

1) Keeps You Happy

Spelt has a higher level of L-Tryptophan which in turn promotes and aids in the production of serotonin compared to wheat.

2) Keeps You Fit

Approximately 30% or more Thiamin (Vitamin B-1) than wheat - fueling your body by converting blood sugar into energy and is essential for nervous system, cardiovascular and muscular function.  10-25% higher levels of protein and important amino acids so it promotes fitness strength, muscle expansion and endurance - all things your body wants and needs to stay at its best.

3) Keeps You Sharp

Approximately 25% or higher in B6 compared to wheat.  It converts proteins to energy and helps brain function.

4) Keeps You Looking Good

Approximately 45% more vitamin E than common wheat.  Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage.  Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing.  Some studies have shown that Vitamin E decreases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and certain types of breast disease.

5) Easy To Eat and Digest

Spelt is high in water solubility and its glutens are so fragile that it is easy to eat, easy to absorb and easy to love. You can find premier spelt products made from 100% genuine german spelt in our online store by clicking the icon below!

By:  Joy Schrock - President - Berlin Natural Bakery Over the next several weeks I will be sharing mostly recipes that are traditionally served in the Amish community for the holidays.  This one is a local favorite and sure to please everyone at your holiday gathering.  The only thing better than the taste is how easy it is to prepare. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup white granulated sugar 1 quart (4 cups) sweet potatoes (cooked, drained, mashed & slightly cooled) 2 eggs beaten 1/3 cup softened butter 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Heat, cook, drain and allow to cool sweet potatoes.  You can buy the already cooked sweet potatoes in a can, which will save you time, but may cost a bit more money.  Add sugar, eggs (beaten) butter (softened), evaporated milk and vanilla to mashed sweet potatoes.  Stir till all ingredients are well blended together.  Spoon evenly into a greased casserole dish.  Prepare topping: TOPPING: 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice) I use pecans or walnuts 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup flour Mix flour and brown sugar, add melted butter and mix with a fork till crumbly, add chopped nuts.  Sprinkle crumbles on top of the sweet potatoes. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  Allow to cool a bit and serve warm.

Every year during the fourth Thursday of every November we celebrate the amazing holiday of Thanksgiving. Aside from sharing with others what we are thankful for, lets not forget the other amazing part of the day...THE FOOD! Below are the yummy foods we all should enjoy on this special day!

1. Turkey

This is turkey day you know! How could you forget the main course! Now while some people may eat ham, as well...I am sure we all can agree that Turkey is one of the yummy essentials to eat during Thanksgiving dinner!

2. Cranberry Sauce

Utterly sweet, yet pleasing to the pallet. Eating this yummy treat on your plate is something you always remember on Thanksgiving day!

3. Mashed Potatoes

Those yummy mashed potatoes your mother used to make are another essential side to add to the menu on Thanksgiving day. It is one of the easiest foods to mix with anything on your plate!

4. Yams

You gotta love those sweet potatoes with yummy brown sugar. As you eat the yummy mashed potatoes, you may be tempted to create a creative mixture of both to come up with yummy "Thanksgiving Fusion Potatoes"...A little sweet, and a little salty....sounds like a perfect combination to me!

5. Stuffing

How could we ever forget the stuffing! Whether it is stove top, or slow cooked Berlin Natural Bakery stuffing, leaving this side out of your menu for the day would ruin the entire meal!

6. Steamed Veggies

With all of the high cholesterol foods on your plate, as your mother always said "You gotta eat your greens!" So in the spirit of eating yummy food that is really bad for you, don't forget to mix in some veggies from the garden!

7. Dinner Rolls

After eating all of the yummy food on your plate, having something that is "Light and Fluffy" as you pound through your plate of amazing food is delightful!

8. Gravy

And to top it all off...yummy gravy can be put on literally anything on your plate. A good gravy mixture can be added to your potatoes, turkey, stuffing or if you are bold even your veggies! Not having gravy is like NOT putting salt on food...A cardinal sin!

By: Cindy Widder, General Manager at Berlin Natural Bakery Hello Everyone. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon about a month ago, my Yorkie, Woodrow and I went for a drive in the countryside near our home. I thought I would share a few of the pictures I took. It was beautiful then, but most of the leaves are gone now, and although the weather has still remained beautiful, there’s little doubt that winter lies just around the corner.

As promised, I am going to share a recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffing using Berlin Natural Bakery Spelt Breads. I told you that I was going to try it with White Spelt bread and the Raisin Spelt Bread, even though I was a little leery as to how it would turn out. Let me tell you…it was absolutely delicious. If you want to try something unique and different, give it a whirl. Or just use all White Spelt Bread or a combination of white and Whole Spelt. Here’s my recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffing Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1 ½ teaspoons salt 2 cups chopped celery ½ teaspoon pepper 2 cups chopped onion 3 eggs, beaten ¼ cup parsley 4 ½ cups chicken broth 12 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced (opt) 12 ½ cups dry bread cubes (approx. 34 slices/2 loaves) 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (opt.) 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage (opt.) ½ teaspoon dried marjoram (opt.) ½ cup toasted chopped pecans (opt.) To make dry bread cubes, I cut the bread into cubes while it is still fresh and then just put all the cubes in a big container in which I can mix my stuffing. I just allow it to sit out uncovered overnight. If it’s not entirely dried out, it doesn’t matter. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, mushroom, and parsley in butter, stirring frequently. (Approximately 5 – 7 minutes). Spoon butter mixture over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Season with whatever seasonings you like. I use the salt and pepper, the marjoram and a small amount of sage. Pour in the broth and mix in eggs. (I make my own broth by cooking a whole chicken in 6 cups of salted water until the chicken falls off the bone. But you can use chicken broth from your local grocery store as well). If desired, add the toasted chopped pecans. (To toast pecans, put them in an ungreased skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown and aromatic. Just takes a few minutes.) Transfer the stuffing mixture into your slow cooker. Cook on High for 45 minutes and then reduce heat to Low and cook for about another 8 hours. Check the stuffing after a few hours, and if it’s sticking to the sides, you may need to stir it. And there you have it. It’s so simple, and the best part is that it leaves your oven free for other things. Next time I will be sharing a simple and delicious dessert called Pumpkin Bread Trifle. All you’ll need is a loaf or two of Berlin Natural Bakery Pumpkin Streusel Bread, pudding and whipped cream. I will be sharing a recipe for making your own homemade pudding, and sweetened whip cream. Until then, may you and your family have a very Blessed Thanksgiving and Happy Baking!!

by:  Zedrick Clark - Owner of Nature's Food Market

Nature's Food Market is located in Berlin, Ohio.  Currently celebrating their 30th Anniversary!   At Nature's you'll find a line of products from produce to juicers.  If you need it...Nature's Food Market has it.  Organic and All Natural products at Nature's Food Market as well as an ever growing selection of bulk food items. Zedrick Clark is a highly respected member of the Natural Health industry.  He has served on many boards of  non-profit natural health organizations and written many articles for newspapers and trade magazines.  He is also a much sought after speaker at natural health events. Below are a list of Effective Natural Remedy Products for Children...

Stay Well Products:

*Every child should be on a multivitamin.  One that is all natural without artificial colors and flavors or other unnecessary ingredients. *Vitamin C is necessary to help keep the immune system functioning well.  The amount will depend on the child's weight.  You can find these in liquid, powder, chewable or pills. *Omega 3 oils are also important in immune system function and for healthy brain development.  To get these one can take fish oil, flax oil or cod liver oil. *Probiotics or acidophilus is also an immune system helper and benefits healthy bowel movements and digestion.

Colic:

*Burp often and keep baby upright shortly after feeding.  Use a baby sling.  Review mom's diet if nursing.  If on formula look at other types of formulas made with different ingredients. *Catnip and fennel have been combined for years or homeopathic colic tabs can work well too.

Fever:

*Tempassure from Herbs for Kids to help regulate body temperature. *Elerflower and peppermint tea. *Yarrow can also be added to the tea or used as a bath for infants. *It is important to discover the underlying cause and treat the problem.

Constipation:

*For infants and children, if it is only an occasional problem, organic full strength prune juice can be helpful.  Adjust amount based on weight. (I had an MD recommend this to my son at less than 7 days old and it worked.) *Flax oil and Cod liver oil can be useful in lubricating the bowels. *To help train the bowels Magnesium Citrate or Castor oil (only high quality natural oil with no additives) can be used.  Again it is always important to start with the smallest effective dose.  Continue this daily til the child has several bowel movements then decrease dose or discontinue use.

Allergies:

*Vitamin C and acidophilus is very important in this area. *Xlear spray is a spray that can prevent the accumulation in the nasal passages *Goldenseal for older children in smaller doses is a great help. *Pantothenic acid can be useful in most allergy areas, but is usually only found in pill form. *Herbs for Kids makes a great product called Echinacea/Eyebright formula that works well. *Peppermint, fenugreek and thyme tea can also be useful.

Colds:

*Umcka is a product from Germany that has been proven in clinical studies to reduce the duration of colds themselves, not just the symptoms.  It works! *All of the stay well formulas listed above can help. *Garlic can help reduce accompanying infections. *Nature's Way brand alcohol free Echinacea and Goldenseal formula are also highly recommended.

Flu:

*Sambucol is a doctor formulated elderberry extract that has been proven to help the flu. *Oscillococcinum is a remedy that is the best selling flu medicine world wide.  It is fast acting and very easy to administer to children.

Ear Infections:

*Garlic Mullien ear oil from Herb Pharm *Xlear spray for the nose. As always we recommend you consult with your doctor and take the recommended dosages based upon age, weight and overall health of the patient.