‘Tis the season to eat your body weight in baked goods. • Photo courtesy of East Main & Main
There’s an unmistakable chill in the air and winter has indisputably settled in for the next few months. ‘Tis the season for joy because the holiday season also ushers in festive winter treats that only happen now and if you’re a fellow foodie, I think you’ll agree that this really is the most wonderful time of the year to electrify your palette and enjoy the splendid taste of winter’s grandeurs.
Copenhagen Bakery & Café
Northport
No one seems to know the exact origins of the burning of the Yule Log. Some say it was an early Celtic tradition celebrating the winter solstice (think large winter barbecue). Others believe it originated as an early German ritual that evolved into burning a large block of wood for the twelve days of Christmas. Regardless, the tradition of baking the Buche de Noel (Yule Log Cake), came later, (most likely during the 19th century) and may have served as an elaborate and edible homage to these earlier traditions. Luckily for us, the Copenhagen Bakery and Café in Northport has not only continued the tradition, but has made it an absolute must-have. Their extravagant yule logs are constructed with yellow cake filled with chocolate mousse and iced with rich, dark chocolate. It’s okay, I’ll give you a moment to stop drooling after this edible work of art. If this isn’t a tradition you grew up with, you can always start it now.
631.754.3256
Bakery Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 5:30 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 5:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Christmas orders due by December 20th.
Kreigs Bakery
Hampton Bays
The holiday stollen is a traditional German cake that dates back to the 15th century. Think fruit cake only one that you’ll actually want to eat. Kreigs Bakery continues the tradition of making this classic Christmas bread with butter, nuts, green and red cherries, sweet pineapple, black and white raisins, almond filling—oh, and of course there’s some delicious rum in there, too! You have the choice of plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. It’s the perfect sweet treat to serve with some hot coffee or a cup of tea.
631.728.6524
Bakery Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
The Candyman
Orient
You probably don’t often think of the fact that a handmade candy cane is essentially a piece of hand crafted art—but it is. Creating these edible masterpieces is in fact a time consuming process, which is why I am grateful I can go buy them at The Candyman! Candy makers boil a traditional mixture of sugar, water, corn syrup in large batches, add flavoring then roll, stretch, layer, and twist each candy cane into exquisite works of edible art that’s fun for hanging on the tree, giving as a gift, or my favorite—for eating!
631.323.2675
Store Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Tate’s Bake Shop
Southampton
Here’s the thing about traditions—they have to start somewhere, which means you can start the tradition of buying Tate’s Chocolate Chip Pie. This pie is a decadent masterpiece that marries Tate’s fudgy walnut brownie with their signature chocolate chip cookies. I like to heat it up to fully experience its dense, buttery, delectable madness as the fudge and the crust melt and drip in every bite. The best part is that Tate’s will ship these pies, so I like send them as special gifts for family and friends for the holidays. But really, if you have the chance to go in person, you will get the bonus of seeing the building classically decorated for the holiday season in greenery and red bows—taking you back to a simpler time.
631.283.9830
Store Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
East Main & Main
Port Jefferson
There’s always someone who can be counted on to bring donuts to the holiday party, but this year EM&M is stepping it up rather artfully with a mini donut tree. I’ll pause while you go back and read that again. Yes… a donut tree. What flavors, you ask? Well, besides the traditional not-so-traditional offerings they usually have, this December, the menu also includes Grandma’s Fruitcake (a raised donut dipped in rum glaze, spiced with nutmeg and topped with a dollop of rum cream candied cherries, oranges and walnuts which are rolled in almonds and finished with a raspberry fruit drizzle), the Egg Nog Streusel (a raised donut dipped in brandy rum glaze, topped with a streusel of pecans, cinnamon crumbs and toffee bits), or the aesthetically pleasing White Christmas (a raised donut dipped in warm vanilla bean glaze, topped with fancy mistletoe sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar and a vanilla bean drizzle).
631.509.4716
Store Hours:
Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.*
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.*
*Or until they sell out.
North Fork Roasting Company
Southold
It’s that time of year where chestnuts roast over an open fire. Yes, we’ve all heard the song, but ever wonder what to do with chestnuts? The lovely folks at NoFo RoCo certainly have—and they upped the winter ante with their now famous Chestnut Chai. Using their popular Holiday Chai made with a homemade chai that is blended with holiday cheer tea (both from Serendipitea), steamed milk and natural chestnut puree poured over an espresso shot this drink will have you coming back all winter. The nutty flavor of the chestnut pairs perfectly with the espresso which has notes of hazelnut and dark cocoa. Unzip your parka and grab a seat on the comfy sofa and maybe a homemade muffin and keep warm.
Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
