We enter the dim interior of the bakery. Young women speaking to each other in another language and wearing head coverings scurry about their large kitchen behind the bakery display. Massive "Hobart" mixers run by air compressors are being emptied of their sweet contents onto large cookie sheets. Bread is making its way into the proofer which is heated by a large kettle filled with hot water. Dozens of quick bread loaves are being taken from the beautiful, gas powered pizza ovens.
The bakery display table is yet another site to take in. Perfectly risen loaves, pies of all kinds, golden and flaky apple dumplings, cookies without number, creative variations on the traditional Pennsylvanian treat, whoopie pies... This is a detour worth taking!
Driving down the road once again our hands are sticky with the amber colored caramel of the rolls we just devoured. A loaf of bread lays waiting to be eaten at another time. Sigh - what a lovely day.
Wellsboro behind us, Lancaster County ahead, the little road-side bakery comes into site once again. A feeling of welcome familiarity washes over us as we file into the bakery, viewing the day's baked goods. We chat with the cheerful cashier, noticing slightly awkward movements and a wheelchair as she rings up our sale. More yummy foods to try.
The food is long gone, but still in my memory is the sweet, smiling face of the girl behind the desk. Bound to that wheelchair, she was making the most of life by blessing others in one of the simplest ways - the gift of a contented and joyful smile.
100% Whole Wheat bread from "Weaver's Market & Bakery," Port Trevorton, PA. Don't miss it!
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