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Yearly Archives - 2021

Hannibal Store Celebrates One Year!

Who knew we would be opening our store in a pandemic?

Who knew we would be opening our Hannibal store in a global pandemic! When we started the buildout of the new store COVID was just making news globally and no one had any idea of the impact it would have on everything. Some folks asked us if we would postpone the opening, but after we saw the need for some of our essential baking supplies and other grocery items we continued full steam ahead. We were happy to be able to supply these items to many people that may not have otherwise had access to them. Our team stepped up and really did great work during a very complicated time.

Hannibal, Missouri is a special place. There is no doubt about it. The amount of history in the town, the number of visitors coming in to explore it, and the close-knit community downtown, make it the perfect fit for a Dutch Country General Store. We love being a part of it all! Hannibal is filled to the brim with warm and wonderful people.

Spring Hannibal Dutch Country General Store
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"We have been welcomed with open arms and we couldn't be more thankful or happier." - Levi

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The Sky is the limit for Dutch Country General Store

We always say that the sky is the limit and it's true. We have many exciting plans to keep building the company and bringing our special Dutch Country Way to more of the country. Our catalog keeps growing and our website is always busy. People like to enjoy the simpler things in life, and we want to keep bringing a slice of that to them.

We are always rolling out new products and working with new partners with our merchandise. We have some exciting new wood toys produced by a fine company out of Vermont that are coming to stores soon. We also just added Timber Ridge snack sticks and jerky to our line-up. They use locally sourced beef from the pastures of central Iowa to produce a more nutritious and healthy snack than most jerky companies. And we are just now rolling out a new line of baby gifts - perfect for all those baby showers coming up! (Did I mention my wife is having our fifth child any day now?)

Levi and Family

Our Grand Opening and Getting the "Wow" Factor

Grand Opening Hannibal
Grand Opening Hanibal
Hannibal Tractor Parade
Hannibal Tractor Parade- Grand Opening

As I think back on the last year, one of my favorite experiences was opening day last April. I always get excited when the first customers walk through the door and we get to see the first "WOW" from them. It's a payoff for the hours and hours of hard work that it takes to get there. I also had a great time at our official grand opening event - the tractor parade was really neat and I always enjoy judging our Dutch Country Kitchen baking contest! We can't wait for more events to come in 2021, in April we will be having Levi's Crazy Days, so keep an eye out for all of those crazy deals. We hope to see ya real soon!

April 2, 2021
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Make Easter Unforgettable with Piper’s Homemade Chocolates!

Tradition is everything.

Make Easter Unforgettable with Piper’s Homemade Chocolates! Piper’s Grocery and Homemade Candies has been on the northeast corner of the Chariton, Iowa square for well over 100 years. Piper's has come to be a bit of a local landmark.

With its red and white awning, high tin ceiling, and original wood floors, it has been an integral part of southern Iowa history and a purveyor of high-quality merchandise for many decades now. Utilizing the same recipes and candy-making techniques, the Easter Egg collection is a favorite and is sure to please!

Taking pride in what matters most.

Starting with the freshest ingredients and using time-tested recipes, Piper’s Homemade Chocolates are made almost entirely by hand. The end result are delicious treats that have been enjoyed by generations of Piper’s customers.  Whether new to us or an old friend, we hope you will enjoy them too. 

Piper's, like Dutch Country General Store, takes pride in its commitment to great customer service, and the products they sell. We are pleased to bring you their delicious chocolates and other treats in our stores and on our website! Jill (owner of Piper's) recently joined Dutch Country Kitchen during the Holiday Entertaining Special where we learned all about their rich history, and how to dip chocolate too!

Delicious treats that are sure to please.

One of the most popular items is Piper’s Classic Assortment of Chocolates. We are happy to offer these now on our website! Each set is filled with delicious handmade favorites such as: turtles, toffee, caramel rolls, dark chocolate dipped mints and nut clusters.  There are approximately 24 pieces per pound and you can choose from a variety of sizes ranging from .5lb up to 5lbs.

Piper's Easter Egg

Piper’s Candy Easter Eggs for Easter!

If you take a trip to one of our stores in Bloomfield, Iowa, or Hannibal, Missouri, you’ll also find seasonal in-store favorites - such as Piper’s Candy Easter Eggs. Piper’s Candy has been making these chocolate Easter Eggs since the very beginning of their candy-making endeavors.

These delectable eggs consist of a chocolate shell and are filled with a fun surprise - each chocolate egg is filled with Piper’s Chocolates! You’ll find 1lb and 2lb options in-store. Each is packaged in lovely display boxes. These make adorable additions to any Easter basket. They are almost as beautiful as they are delicious.

We hope to see ya real soon!

Whether you’re in the neighborhood, making a special trip to see us, or shopping with us online, we hope you find everything you’re looking for! Piper’s Chocolates are the perfect homemade treat for the Easter season - but honestly, they are perfect for any occasion! Stop on in, give us a call at 844.344.0031, or shop with us online - we’d be happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

March 12, 2021
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How to Clean & Season Cast Iron Cookware

How to Care For Cast Iron Cookware

What is the best way to care for my cast iron cookware?

We are asked a lot on our customer service line and in our stores all of the time "How to Clean & Season Cast Iron Cookware"? So we thought we better refer to Erica Good, Co-Owner and Family Dining Expert for our Dutch Country Kitchen cooking show to find out what is the best way to care for cast iron. We hope you find the tips and tricks helpful in caring for yours!

Erica Good Family Dining Expert
Erica Good Family Dining Expert

Does my cast iron skillet come pre-seasoned?

Yes, all sold at Dutch Country General Store are pre-seasoned! If you have purchased your cast iron skillet or other cookware from Dutch Country General Store, often you'll want to know what to do next.

As Erica explains it you can simply rinse and dry your cast iron piece before using it the first time. If you are interested in double-seasoning your cast iron put 1/4 cup vegetable oil in my new cast iron piece and bake it. I bake it upside down at 350° for 30 minutes or so, just to "double-season" it. Grapeseed oil is another great option to use as well. I usually use vegetable oil because that is what I have on hand."

So can we use soap and water on cast iron, that is the age-old question?

In season 1 of Dutch Country Kitchen Erica used a large cast iron skillet to cook with for the delicious supreme pizza episode. We have received many questions on how to clean the skillet after making such recipes as pizza and other heavy ingredients in the cast iron.

Tip from Erica Good - DO NOT place in dishwasher; but, yes, I handwash mine with some hot soapy water. Then I rinse it and place it on my drying rack, where it can "drip-dry" quickly. Really, the more you use your cast iron, the more it seasons itself and achieves the magical "nonstick" quality everyone desires. It becomes easier to wash after it's been well-seasoned from lots of use.

More Tips & Tricks from Erica

  • If you love your cast iron, it'll love you.
  • For baking with cast iron, I like to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the piece versus spraying with Pam. Simply get a paper towel, fold it up a little, dump some oil into it and then grease down your cast iron piece. Now you are ready to put your product in for baking.
  • For frying, I like to use a metal turner, not a plastic one. The metal turner just seems to keep the food from sticking.

What if my cast iron is Not Pre-Seasoned?

Set your oven to 350 degrees and be sure to put 1/4 cup vegetable oil or grapeseed oil in the new cast iron piece and bake it. Do this for 30 minutes or so in order to season the pan.

Be careful to keep your pan dry but if after some time you see any rust first see if it will wash off with hot soap and water. If that doesn't work, do a quick "re-seasoning" by rubbing 1/4 c. oil in your cast iron piece and baking upside down for 30 minutes or so at 350°.

It will love you back

You'll find many options for cast iron cookware and even some decorative items on our website and in both of our stores! If you have any questions at all on the care of your cast iron please call us at customer support at 844.344.0031! We hope our tips and tricks have helped in taking care of your very own cast iron cookware. And as Erica Good said so well, "if you love your cast iron, it will love you". Hope to see you real soon!

February 26, 2021
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Healthy Snacks from Dutch Country General Store

Options for healthy snacks at Dutch Country General Store

Healthy & Delicious Too!

If you are looking for a healthy option especially for a snack then you have come to the right place! Dutch Country General Store may have fresh baked goods and of course a large selection of nostalgic candy but we also have a good selection of healthy snacks too! We have anything from locally made honey, fresh ground peanut butter to snack mixes including savory nut mixes and dried fruits! 

We’ve put together our list of essential snack items that we are sure to please most anyone! Don’t forget - orders over $25 ship free!

Dried Fruit (Available in 1lb and 5lb)

We offer a large selection of dried fruits! Dried fruits are great because they are a sweet treat but full of fiber and antioxidants! If you are looking for something for your sweet tooth but want to keep it healthy dried ginger or the dried pineapple tidbits are always a good choice! Below is a small sample of some of our other in-store favorites!

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    Kiwi Strawberry Blend
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    $13.99 – $67.99
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    Dried Blueberries
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    $14.99 – $71.99
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    Dried Cranberries (Soft & Moist)
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    $8.99 – $43.99
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    Dried Strawberries
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    $13.99 – $67.99
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Fresh Ground Natural Peanut Butters (Available in half-pint, pint, and quart)

Who doesn't love fresh ground peanut butter? At both of our brick and mortar stores and also on our website we offer a variety of different flavors. Makes eating apples, celery, bananas, and pretzels, so much more fun and flavorful! Our original natural fresh ground peanut butter is great because it has less sugar than most other store-bought peanut butter! Below are some of our most popular fresh ground options!

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    Fresh Ground Natural Peanut Butter
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    $8.99 – $18.99
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    Fresh Ground Butterscotch Peanut Butter
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    $8.99 – $18.99
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    Fresh Ground Natural Peanut Butter
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    $8.99 – $18.99
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    Fresh Ground Butterscotch Peanut Butter
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    $8.99 – $18.99
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Nuts (MOST available in 1lb and 5lb)

Try one of our many different roasted and salted nuts! These are great because they are more filling than other snack options, with a hint of salt and roasted to perfection, they are an easy healthy treat! Nuts include good fats, proteins, fiber, and other nutrients!

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    Shelled Pistachios Roasted & Salted
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    $20.99 – $99.99
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    Almonds Roasted & Salted
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    $11.99 – $45.99
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    Mixed Nuts Deluxe (Roasted & Salted)
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    $13.99 – $67.99
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    Whole Cashews (Roasted & Salted)
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    $13.99 – $67.99
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Snack Mixes (Available in 1lb and 5lb)

Looking for something a little more healthy than chips? Try one of our many different nut snack mixes! These are great because they are more filling with nuts and often dried fruits, pretzels, and more. Such a great alternative and delicious too!

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    Fiesta Sunshine Snack Mix
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    $10.99 – $52.99
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    Nutty Crunch Snack Mix
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    $12.99 – $62.99
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Pure Honey Products

Natural, Pure, Raw Honey, we have it! Such a great source of Vitamins & Minerals not to mention an excellent Source of Healthy Energy. Honey can often also be an immune booster! Try some of the most popular honey products we have included below. Our full line of Prue Honey Products can also be found here!

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    Pure Bee Pollen Granules 8ozPure Bee Pollen Granules 8oz
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    Pure Bee Pollen Granules 8oz
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    $20.99
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    Pure Raw Honey 4 oz Glass Jar With CorkPure Raw Honey 4 oz Glass Jar With Cork
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    Pure Raw Honey 4 oz Glass Jar With Cork
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    $12.99
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    Gourmet Raw Chunk HoneyGourmet Raw Chunk Honey
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    Gourmet Raw Chunk Honey
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    $23.99
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    Honey Sticks Assorted FlavorsHoney Sticks Assorted Flavors
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    Honey Sticks Assorted Flavors
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    $0.99
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Are you hungry yet?

If you are still looking for something that is a healthier choice for an afternoons snack, browse our Snacks & Popcorn to see our full line of snack products, we know you are sure to find something to strike your fancy! Don't worry, if you find yourself adding our Amish-made fudge to your list, we won't tell!

We hope to see you real soon!

January 28, 2021
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