Bakers' Buzz

We had a successful, if exhausting, summer, selling our delicious cookies, brownies, challah and other delights at the new Farmers' Market at the Shadyside Upper School in Fox Chapel. We haven't finished doing the math yet, but we think we made over $750 for the Food Bank, thanks to our loyal customers. A big draw was our new Compost Cookies, a chewy, buttery cookie made interesting with the addition of potato chips, pretzels, and whatever sweet things we could find in the pantry. That could be chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, caramels, chopped Hershey's kisses, Reese's peanut butter cups... anything goes! Did you know that candy corn melts into a clear orange blotch when you bake it? Fact!

Another hit was our sweet spiced nuts, pecans with dried cherries and an international mix of spices, including cinnamon and chipotle. Sounds strange, but they are delicious and addicting. We're going to add them to our regular menu -- ask for a bag when you place your order.

We introduced many people to challah this summer; with or without raisins, we have the best, most butter, tenderest challah available. And so pretty! We discovered how to braid it to make a round loaf for the holidays -- what could be more festive?

Now that the Farmers' Market is over, at least for us, we'll be able to bake to order and deliver it to you again. We have a delicious apple cake for fall, made luscious with a caramel glaze, and consider hermits (chewy, spiced and fruit-laden cookies) for a special fall treat. And don't forget our signature Butter Rum cake -- we've gotten a few more people seriously addicted to it. Call us today to order one, delivered right to your door.