Bakeries revive memories
Published 6:05 pm Wednesday, November 26, 2008
By Staff
When I was younger, my father, who worked in a hospital, often brought home some leftover donut holes from the cafeteria. As soon as I saw that white paper bag, I pounced.
Years later, when I reminded him about that always unexpected treat, my mother and sister were puzzled. “What donut holes?” they asked.
Seems they never got past my greedy little hands.
Luckily for me, we have two local bakeries that are bringing those memories back.
When you step in the door at Bee Sweet Bakery in Brewton or Bakies in East Brewton, you are assaulted by the scents of temptation - warm donuts in the morning, apple fritters as big as your head, cupcakes and cookies for every discerning palate.
Both bakeries have also started offering breakfast items, sandwiches and other “real” foods, so you can have a meal and then top it off with one of those treats if you want. Somehow it seems less fattening if you eat your veggies and protein first.
As a new mom still trying to shed that baby weight, I really should be upset with these two bakeries for tempting me so badly. You can barely leave the Brewton area without passing by one of the bakeries, and it doesn't help that one of them is now on my route to and from my son's daycare every day.
But how can you be mad with people who can start your day with sticky donuts, give you a mid-day pick-me-up of a chocolate chip cookie, and end the evening with a cupcake?
When I order lunch from either place, I have a habit of getting a brownie or some cookies with my meal, with the idea that surely I can hold off and take it home at night to share with my husband.
He still has no idea I've ever considered such a thing, but isn't it the thought that counts?
Many people in Brewton have been saddened by the closure of Todd's Bakery, and that establishment and the culinary talent of Ralph Todd will surely be missed for years to come.
But it is nice to see a younger generation on both sides of the creek picking up the tradition of making life a little sweeter for all of us.
Kerry Whipple Bean is publisher of The Brewton Standard. She can be reached at 867-4876 or by e-mail at kerry.bean@brewtonstandard.com.