Mo's Sweet Shoppe

A few weeks ago, I headed home to help out at mom's new business - a little bakery in the rural town of Galeton, Pennsylvania called, 'Mo's Sweet Shoppe'. Now that I'm back in NYC, I'm still missing the yummy aromas and sweet treats (well my hips aren't). But much more than that I miss what Mo has created - a little haven where one can come for a quick bite of heaven or to linger over a cup of coffee with old friends at the comfy retro tables. And of course, being with my hilarious sisters and neice was absolutely priceless.

Part of the sitting area at Mo's

My neice - Ellie and sis - Delonna

Growing up, I have very fond memories of watching for hours Mom, or Mo as she is affectionately known, roll out pie dough by hand creating silky pumpkin or crisp streusel-topped apple pies, huge batches of chocolate chip cookies, or her famous jello cake.

Mo at work in the kitchen of the Shoppe on the cake below

Yummy vanilla cupcakes with peanut butter frosting

A few other things Mom was famous for amongst all us kids, was her yummy, piping hot soups. She would throw together a humongous kettle - and when I say humongous, it really was. Though, with a large family and any guests that walked through the door, it would usually last 2 days - max. Occasionally, we didn't even get a chance to enjoy for sometimes it was first come, first serve. Being afraid to miss out, there were those of us known to greedily snatch away the prize dish and keep for themselves.

Chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting and edible pearls

Hank's soda

A well known story that surfaces itself quite often - is about a certain male sibling who snuck away with a large kettle of fresh broccoli cheese soup. Now this soup had been prepared, and Mom was quite certain it was her best - something whoever had had the chance to try would certainly attest to. Well, awhile later the soup nowhere to be found. Now that's silly, after all, soup just doesn't grow legs and walk out. But after much looking, the search was finally abandoned, when low and behold, a few days later the kettle was found in this male sibling's room - completely empty. So yes, people will go to great lengths to secure something yummy of Mo's.



Donuts with chocolate frosting



More cupcakes!

For as long as I can remember, anyone who ever walked through the front door of the Chalmers' Home was always welcome to a full stomach. Whether it was a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, just hot dogs and hamburgers, or some lovely dessert, such as her cookies or pies, my parents always insisted the visitor grab a plate and stay awhile.  

It certainly is no different at Mo's Sweet Shoppe - Mo believes in that same good old ethic of hospitality. She loves her customers, wants them to feel at home, and have their sweet tooth completely satisfied. One of her signature goodies is a plate, and I really mean plate-sized, cinnamon roll that could easily feed 4 people. Enjoying her Red Velvet Cupcakes with it's smooth cream cheese frosting, you'll feel like you're in cupcake heaven. One of my favorites are her Oatmeal Raisin cookies that practically melt in your mouth. And the amazing thing about Mo's is, if she doesn't have it for you, she'll make it. She's also open to suggestions as well.

And more donuts with peanut butter frosting

No dessert is complete without a cup of piping hot fresh coffee. Mo believes in having the best - that's why she serves Green Mountain Coffee. In fact, if you stop in and mention you read about her here at Along the Way, you'll be treated to a free coffee, flavor of your choice. Compliments of Mo.  

Remembering

This photo totally took me by surprise as it came across my screen saver tonight. I not only was impressed, but also forgot taking it.

Come to find out, I snapped it while at home on my parents' farm in Pennsylvania back in mid-summer. One constant memory of my father will always be of him either out in the fields on his tractor in the heat of summer, or back at his shop tinkering away on a bit of machinery in need of repair.

And even though it seems I'm worlds away from those tractors and fields, there will always be some piece of nostalgia that takes me back.

I think it's that way for many of us.

A Country Weekend

I recently returned from an extremely abbreviated trip to the hills of Pennsylvania this past weekend. And though very brief, it was most certainly enjoyable.



Dad's 560 Farmall in field behind the barn

 Friday afternoon was spent winding west over interstate 86 on a crammed Shortline bus. Despite the bothersome travelling situation, the sights were quite lovely. The further away from the city the bus ventured, the prettier it became. The afternoon sun's rays seemed to throw a golden hue over the trees and fields, while shadows were cast in all the perfect places.



My bro and Dad working on the hay wagon



Yes, it was beholding this backdrop that I started to get that familiar rush of adrenaline and excitement. I was going home! Home - away from the hustle and bustle, concrete, and blaring vehicle horns; to a land of pickup trucks, trees, mountains, dirt roads, wide open fields and wild flowers.





 

It was one day and two nights of seeing my hilarious family, being around their familiar sense of humour, and laughing our heads off. I was also able to leave behind the salad and veggie burgers, and feast on mom's homemade vittles - pancakes, macaroni & cheese, and ice cream sundaes. 

My nephew, Ondrej, and 'maddie'





And so my weekend ended all too fast - for it was with melancholy heart that I pulled out that rainy Sunday morning. Time to head back to New York City.  

Along the Way



On my parents' farm

Stories about travel, food, and life’s experiences along the way..

I grew up in the hills of north central PA in a small village called Germania. Just saying the name to some of my friends evokes the thought of a distant land in medieval Europe. Transylvania, Icelandia, Finlandia, Germania .. you get the picture. A distant land it really is. Some may think Germania is worlds away from “real” civilization. There are dirt roads, cows, farms, and dirt bikes. Oh yes, and fishing. My parents, who really do live on a farm, have to drive one hour, one way just to get to a Wal-mart. That all being said, the hills of Pennsylvania are absolutely some of the most be beautiful country I’ve ever seen.

Fields my father hays every year

Anyway, despite being a country girl at heart, my curiosity and love of distant lands has taken me all over the world, as well as, the fact that I am probably the world’s biggest runner. And I don’t mean as in marathons, lol. You’ve heard the expression, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’. That’s me. I’ve lived and trekked in the jungles of Guyana, South America; taught English in Eastern Europe; and now the big city has finally called. I currently rest my head in Brooklyn, New York City.  

Brno, Czech Republic - where I lived

   

Don’t get me wrong - as I get older I’m trying to work on the whole running thing. But I’m also learning to enjoy where my meandering ways take me. And being able to say that I’ve got hundreds of friends all over the world is one of the best things money can’t buy. To me, they’re worth more than any career could ever be. Also being able to see the world through different eyes, as in, not American eyes is truly.. dare I say eye-opening, lol.

Therefore, I dedicate this blog to where life takes us along the way. Being able to enjoy various cultures, foods, debating the pros and cons of differing situations, countries, etc. – I love it all and can’t wait to share my thoughts, and hear yours. A portion will also, no doubt, cover places in my hood – Clinton Hill/Fort Greene area in Brooklyn, NY.

An old trabant in Czech

With my good friend, Jana - Brno