Like most of you, I’ve been baking up a storm during the holidays for parties, gifts, and the tradition of it all. But I’m ready to hang up my apron. Pour me a mug of spiked wassail — it’s time to relax and enjoy the season.
And lucky for us Main Liners, there’s many talented chefs whipping up inspired specialties. Everything from gingerbread to Yule logs and even cranberry macarons are being offered. Support your local bakeries this season for these not-to-be-missed treats:
Dixie Picnic, Malvern: The ‘upcakes’ at this casual eatery are swoon-worthy and the festively decorated holiday collection are almost too cute to devour (see picture). The bedecked treats are available for pre-order only and can be shipped or picked-up in-store.
Clay’s Creative Corner Bakery, Berwyn: Signs outside this neighborhood bakery advertise our favorite seasonal treat – gingerbread houses. Clay’s is selling real gingerbread house kits — all baked and assembled and ready to decorate. Just $29.95 and includes icing and decorations.
The Ultimate Bake Shoppe, Strafford/Wayne: This sweet shop in the Lancaster County Farmers Market is unveiling two new cake varieties. Chocolate Peppermint Delight is a beautiful chocolate cake layered with peppermint buttercream icing, covered with a light pink buttercream icing and crushed candy canes. Also look for the Le Gateau Au Chocolate, a layered chocolate cake with cream cheese icing and chocolate shavings, a steal at $9.95.
Brûlée Bakery, Ardmore: Lila Colello, executive pastry chef & owner, is whipping up several varieties of her popular, gluten-free macarons. Flavors include gingerbread mascarpone, cranberry and champagne. Holiday tarts include chocolate ganache with salted caramel, rosemary pear almond and maple pumpkin. Lila’s also putting together packages of her mini-signature cookies like hazelnut financiers and Russian tea cakes.
Photographs credited to Ultimate Bake Shoppe, Dixie Picnic, and Brûlée.
