The Alternative Baker
Interview with an Alternative Baker
Essell Hoenshell-Watson
Why "The Alternative Baker"?

First off we are alternative because we do everything in the bakery from scratch. no bags, no boxes, no buckets. we start with unbleached flour, fresh milk, whole eggs--the whole shebang as if grandma were baking 100 years ago and all the so-called short-cuts were not available. I like to think of it is as "the way everything used to be".

We are also alternative because we bake daily, all day long. you can watch it bake and eat it hot, as a German baker friend described his bakery's adage.

We are alternative because we are dedicated to making our food as wholesome and lest processed as possible. we use organic spelt flour, unbleached wheat flour, non-aluminum baking powder, whole local (organic if possible) fruits and vegetables in season, etc.

We are also alternative in the fact that we offer alternatives to traditional butter and sugar baked goods, i.e., no wheat, no sugar (fruit-sweetened), cholesterol-free, dairy-free, vegan baked goods. Where many bakers offer some of these choices, we make sure there is no loss of flavor or sensual enjoyment just because some of the traditional elements may be replaced. If you take something out, you have to replace it with more flavor, texture, aroma, appealing nevertheless to the senses. Who wants to eat something healthy if it gives no pleasure in the process? And also some gluten-free products are often on hand.

Our wedding cakes are truly unique creations made, no, designed for the brides who request our services. Each of these cakes has been unlike any other.


Located in Rosendale, New York
407 Main Street, Rosendale, NY 12472-0022
Out-of-State toll free: 800-399-3589
In NY call: 845-658-3355

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