The Harter House Fresh Bakery

Nicole has been working at Harter House on Republic Road for almost two years.  She is part of large family and grew up in the kitchen.  Her parents owned a restaurant for 10 years in Camdenton, called Artisan Baking, where she spent a lot of time honing her trade.  Later, Nicole worked for a bakery in Lebanon, Mo, called Jane D'Jango's Coffee where she was the pastry chef.    Additionally, Nicole did catering and specialty baking on her own and cooked for numerous churches over the years.

Today, Nicole has new products to offer us every day, because she loves baking from scratch and she also loves a challenge.  So if you're looking for something special or out of the ordinary, even wedding cakes, Nicole is truly up for the task. 

Special Order your King Cake

Last year for Mardi Gras, as I walked through the bakery, I saw Nicole boxing up this amazing product.  She tells me, it is King's Bread.  "The King Cake is a New Orleans tradition that involves a pastry, a small plastic baby, and a party.  The King cake is baked with a small plastic baby hidden inside, the person who gets the slice with the baby in it has to host the next party."

Nicole was able to find these little plastic babies somewhere, to insert inside her King's Bread.

The King's Bread is what prompted me to write this blog and share it with you, because I was SO impressed.

This is Cyndie.  She has a passion for baking as well.  As customers discovered all the fun new treats at our Harter House Bakery, Nicole was challenged to keep up.  Cyndie has been an amazing addition to our team.  The two work together perfectly.  Not only are they GREAT at their job, but they are amazing, fun women as well, and we really LOVE them both.  Check out that smile.  Cyndie loves her job! 

We've always done specialty sheet cakes with custom designs.  Now, these girls are doing a variety of custom cupcakes that change with the seasons. 

This week, I see Nicole making Fresh Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce.

they also have a traditional bread pudding.   These are in an 8x8 pan and sell for $4.99 each.

Also, this bread is best to special order. 

It is called Challah. 

Challah is a Jewish Celebration bread usually served around the holidays.  Nicole plans to carry it all the time if customers are interested in it.

Then, I spy these yummy looking bagels, fresh out of the oven.  These are Asiago & Jalapeno Cheddar topped bagels.  These delights sell for .99 each.

You know the girls made homemade fruitcakes over the holidays too.  Nicole said she soaked the fruit in rum for a month before preparing them.

Next time you are in the Republic Road Harter House store, be sure to stop at the bakery and see what wonderful, freshly made in-house treats you can't live without.    

1500 E. Republic Road

Springfield.