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No Holiday Baking from Leah!!!
Posted: September 15, 2011 By: Leah Jaffee

I need a sheital and dark glasses to walk through QFC incognito. The phone calls and emails are pouring in all with the same question. "Are you baking this year for Rosh Hashana?" My negative response breeds heavy sighs, I see the desperation across the miles. Tearing emoticons decorate replies in my email box. Virgo guilt rises in my belly; I'm nobody's BFF.

Closing the bakery 3 years ago was difficult but financially necessary. I sold product last year at the SJCC but required 5 days in Acapulco to recoup. Commercial baking is a tough business and I don't have the energy for it anymore. Alas, it is the end of an era in Seattle.

Ten years ago this week, The Seattle Times runs a full page article about the bakery. I remember it as it was slated to run the week of September 11th but was postponed to the following week. I also remember it because it brought my high school boyfriend into the bakery. I hadn't seen him in 30+ years! But, that is another story......

A regular, Linda Burns, is quoted in the article saying she spent a small fortune over the years at the bakery. I heard from Linda this past week. She's looking for the babka recipe. It is coming SOON; I just need time to convert the recipe to a smaller batch. Aviva, in the small picture above the main article is only 7 back then, turning 17 next week. Ah, much has transpired in the past 10 years.

Leah, Jeanette, Mom and Tomara

Back then, I need all the help I can get. My sister, mom and niece all pitch in to manage the craziness. One year, my old friend from grade school through high school calls. I hadn't seen her in 30 years. She comes to help and keeps me laughing for days.

Benoit

I don't think people realize how many hours the Jewish/Kosher bakeries spend making product for the holidays. My thoughts are with all the Jewish bakers this holiday season....I feel your pain!!!

Meanwhile, thank you to all my loyal customers over the years. It has been fun and I still enjoy catering. I hope you'll use some of the recipes posted and create your own holiday memories.

Wishing everyone a Sweet New Year!

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