Montgomery Bakehouse

Category: Seasonal Items

Hot Cross Buns for the Easter Season

One a penny, two a penny!

While these days hot cross buns will run you a bit more than they did in the song, they’re still as popular as ever during Lent and Easter. It’s a treat that makes its way to us from merry old England, where hot cross buns have been enjoyed for centuries. They even come with a fair bit of superstition and legend attached to them!

What Is a Hot Cross Bun?

These are fluffy yeast buns that are often made with raisins or currants and marked with a cross. While the original buns sported plain crosses made by slashing the dough with a knife, today we love them with sweet white icing piped over them to make the cross stand out. According to legend, the first buns were made on Good Friday by a 12th century monk, but the first historical references date to the 1500s.

Queen Elizabeth’s Bakery Laws

You might think that Queen Elizabeth I was too busy fighting the Spanish Armada and attending Shakespeare’s plays to care much about the London bakers, but apparently she found room in her schedule to decree that hot cross buns were such a special treat that they could only legally be sold on Good Friday, Christmas and funeral days. People tried to get around this by making their own, though if they were caught, they had to give away their precious dessert to the poor.

Hot Cross Bun Superstitions

Because of their legally enforced scarcity, all kinds of beliefs popped up about the buns’ magical, sacred properties. People would hang them from the rafters to ward off evil spirits and believed they’d last for a year if baked on Good Friday. They’re also believed to strengthen friendship when split in half and shared.

Whether you plan to share your hot cross buns or not, you can get as many as you like at Montgomery Bakehouse this season! And don’t worry about breaking any laws — Queen Elizabeth has no say about how often we bake them here in Texas!

April 3, 2017
’Tis the Season to Holla for Challah!

If you’ve never had challah, spring is the perfect time to give it a try. This rich, puffy bread makes a gorgeous centerpiece on your table thanks to its golden-brown good looks and the skill with which it’s braided before baking. It usually has a hint of sweetness, and it also incorporates eggs for richness. It’s a wonderful staple of the Easter season, and this unique bread has a rich religious history.

Challah in the Jewish Tradition

Challah is a ceremonial bread used during the Jewish Sabbath — which is Friday night and all day Saturday — and holy days. For Sabbath dinner, there is a double loaf, which symbolizes the Israelites’ time in the desert. They survived as a people thanks to the blessing of manna from heaven, but manna did not fall on the Sabbath. Instead, a double portion fell the day before — hence the double loaf on Friday nights. Challah is not eaten during Passover, however, because it is leavened, but can be enjoyed again once Passover is over.

Challah in the Christian Tradition

Because Passover and Easter are so closely connected — the Last Supper was originally a Passover meal, after all — it’s not surprising that both faiths enjoy challah at this time of year. While Jews may once again eat challah after Passover ends, this date also coincides with the Christian tradition of celebrating Easter with eggs. Italian “Easter bread” is a special loaf of sweet challah with dyed eggs nestled into the braids for a festive twist on the tradition.

Whether you are planning a special Easter celebration, a Friday Sabbath or simply a Saturday breakfast with French toast made from a rich loaf of challah, you’re sure to love eating our version of this springtime staple as much as we love preparing it!

March 20, 2017
4 Fun Ideas for Your Mardi Gras Party
Mardi Gras falls on February 28 this year, and if you can’t get to New Orleans for the biggest parades and festivals — or you’re not really a fan of crowds — now is the perfect time to plan your own celebration right here at home. Also known as “Fat Tuesday,” this holiday is all about eating and making merry before the lean times of Lent arrive. Traditionally, cooks used the last bit of the meat and fat from fall slaughters because these foodstuffs were restricted during Lent, which led to de facto feasting on the last day before Ash Wednesday.

If you plan to give something up for Lent this year, enjoy it one last time at your own Mardi Gras celebration! Try these ideas for a fun party at home this month:
1. Fire Up the Jazz Tunes: Add some New Orleans flair to your celebration with the right music. Choose a jazz station on Pandora, or check out Winton Marsalis or Harry Connick, Jr. on Spotify to set the mood.
2. Deck the Halls: Mardi Gras colors are green, purple and gold, so let this palette guide your decorating as you choose paper plates and napkins. You can also add masks for kids to decorate for an interactive party favor, and inexpensive costume beads are always in style during Mardi Gras!
3. Serve Some Creole Cooking: Gumbo, jumbalaya and crawfish étouffée are all delicious, and they’re sure to put your guests in the New Orleans spirit at your Mardi Gras party.
4. Don’t Forget the King Cake: There’s only one dessert to have during Mardi Gras! Let Montgomery Bakehouse provide your traditional king cake. We’ve got seven amazing flavors to chose from, including Bavarian, Cherry, Cherry Cream Cheese, Chocolate Bavarian, Cinnamon Butter, Cream Cheese and Pecan Praline.
It’s easy to order your king cake from Montgomery Bakehouse, and you’ll love that this sweet treat fits right into your Mardi Gras decor. King cakes are only available for a limited time, so get your before they’re gone — they won’t last past Ash Wednsday!
February 21, 2017
Tips for Tackling Your Super Bowl Party From Montgomery Bakehouse
Are you ready for the big game? The Super Bowl will be here before you know it, and this year we’re feeling an extra surge of excitement, since the biggest sporting event of the year is right here in our own back yard! NRG Stadium in Houston will be hopping, and whether you’re psyched about the game, the clever ads, or are planning to pull up a chair to watch Lady Gaga at halftime, February 5 is the perfect day to throw a party.

Yes, the Texans and Cowboys are out, but the best Super Bowl shindigs are all about the food! While you get your favorite chip and dip combos ready and plug in the slow cooker to warm up a crock of chili, don’t forget dessert! Montgomery Bakehouse has got you covered with lots of fun football-themed desserts, and we’ll customize them for the teams that make it to the championship game.

Not sure what to order? Here’s a list of some of our favorite sweets:
- Chocolate Football Cake: Our big football cake is shaped like a pigskin and serves a crowd! We also make miniature versions of this popular treat for individual servings.
- Iced Cookies: Our classic cookies get dressed up in football gear when we ice them in team colors! You can also get a box of iced football cookies to create a fun display.
- Gridiron Sheet Cake: Another cake for a crowd, this one looks like the playing field and comes complete with customized end zones for the teams that make the final game.
- Football Cupcakes: Kids love our delicious cupcakes even more when they’re topped with a football candy!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to order a pile of fresh-baked sandwich buns!
January 16, 2017
Traditional Holiday Treats From Montgomery Bakehouse

The Christmas season is a busy one here at Montgomery Bakehouse, but one of the reasons we love it so much is that we get to share some of our favorite family recipes with our loyal customers. German baking traditions have been part of our heritage since Mum-Mum and Pop-Pop came to America from Germany in 1938, and we proudly continue these tasty holiday customs here in Texas three generations later.

Be sure to stop by and try one of our German delights this season:

Stollen

Stollen, or Christstollen, is a bread that was traditionally made without milk or butter in Medieval Europe, when the Advent season was a time to give up many creature comforts (similar to Lent). The church changed the rules to allow those ingredients, which let German bakers turn stollen into a delicious Christmas tradition. Fun fact: Legend has it that the “hump” on the loaf represented the camel’s hump and the candied fruit inside symbolized the jewels brought to Jesus by the Wise Men.

Springerle

These white cookies are stamped with festive images; in fact, the name springerle means “little knight,” probably in reference to popular pictures on the biscuits of the time. Some historians think that they were originally made by poor Pagans who couldn’t afford an actual animal sacrifice in holy festivals — a picture would have to do. Today, springerle is full of pictures of Christmas symbols and holiday cheer.

Pfeffernusse

Pfeffernusse translates to “pepper nuts,” a nod to the aromatic spices used to flavor these small holiday cookies. Think of it as the German version of gingerbread, with a nice dusting of snowy powdered sugar to finish the seasonal look. Try them for yourself this month — we’re even open on Sundays from 10-3 throughout December!

December 8, 2016
Bring Some Baked-in Love to Your Holiday Parties

The happy madness of the holiday season is heading our way — are you ready? If you’re worried about getting everything done, Montgomery Bakehouse will help you celebrate the season with delicious treats that are ready right when you need them, so you can spend more time on enjoying all those holiday parties, and family get-togethers. We’ve got just the thing for every occasion, so you never have to worry about showing up empty-handed.

We’re Open Sundays in December from 10 AM – 3 PM

Business Parties & Corporate Gifts

Whether you’re in charge of planning the annual office shindig or just need to contribute to the potluck table, we’ve got plenty of Christmas cookie trays that are perfect for a crowd. Our special holiday trays are packed with a mix of butter cookies, festive cut-outs and chocolate butter cookies that are sure to please. We also have breakfast trays and a range of pastries and brownies if you’re looking for something that will stand out at your event. Need to spread a little holiday cheer for your clients? Find the perfect package at Montgomery Bakehouse – we’ve got a sleigh-full of options to choose from!

Family Get-Togethers

When your family gathers for the holidays, make sure everyone gets their favorite dish. That could mean cookies for the kids, but we’ve also got over a dozen fresh pies to choose from, so you can cater to everyone’s sweet tooth. We also make traditional fruit cake — and if you think you don’t like fruitcake, we guarantee we can change your mind! Cheese cakes and traditional layer cakes round out your choices.

For the Host

Show your appreciation for the host of your holiday dinner parties with a thoughtful gift basket. Our Christmas cut-out cookie box or Christmas cookie tin make excellent gifts that can be enjoyed at the table together or stowed away for private enjoyment later on. A sweet gift instead of the usual bottle of wine is sure to make an impression!

Beat the rush and have your order ready for pickup: Order Online Today!

November 30, 2016
Thanksgiving Sweets and Treats – We’ve Got You Covered!

Ok, we’ll admit it — Thanksgiving might just be our favorite holiday! After a junk food-fueled Halloween, it’s nice to get back to some wholesome, homemade treats instead, and a great meal with your family is the perfect way to relax and reconnect before the craziness of the December holiday season.

Still, preparing a feast for friends and family is no small task. You’ve got to get a turkey big enough for leftovers — but small enough for your oven! — not to mention planning all those side dishes and desserts. It’s enough to make even Martha Stewart’s head spin.

Montgomery Bakehouse to the Rescue

While you’re focused on the savory part of your Thanksgiving meal, let us take care of the baking. We’ve got 27 different pies to choose from, including a couple of delicious sugar-free pies to satisfy even the most finicky dieter in your family. If you’d like to shake up tradition or put out something cute for the kids, be sure to check out our turkey cake or Thanksgiving cupcakes. We’ve also got enough cornbread and cobbler for a crowd!

Don’t Forget Breakfast!

With all the attention on the day’s main event, many families forget about breakfast for Thanksgiving morning! Be sure to order up some breakfast kolaches or cinnamon rolls to keep everyone happy while they wait for their feast. All you’ll have to do is brew the coffee and baste the bird!

Order Ahead, Pick Up Any Time

Just like you, we’re busy during Thanksgiving, so we like to plan ahead. Place your order online and cross baking off your to-do list: We accept orders right up until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22. Select the treats you want, choose your pick-up day, and relax!

November 14, 2016
Celebrate America with Your Favorite Sweets

This weekend is a time where we reflect on the birth of America and how blessed we truly are to live in such an amazing country! Whether you are setting off fireworks, on the lake, or having a big family get together, you can make your Fourth of July sweeter by stopping by Montgomery Bakehouse! We are open on the Fourth of July, so you can stop by on Saturday from 6am to 7pm or on Monday from 6am to 3pm! We have a variety of patriotic desserts to make your holiday weekend awesome! We have Independence Day themed cakes, pies, cookies, petite fours, and cupcakes! We also have other treats like brownies and cakeballs that are perfect to go along with your burgers or barbecue! We also have breakfast for your Independence Day! Be sure to stop by that morning for breakfast or take some breakfast home for your family! There is not a better way to start your Independence Day than to stop by the Bakehouse. We have delicious kaloches, muffins, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, lemon pound cakes, and sweet breads. Start a tradition this year to make Montgomery Bakehouse your sweet stop for the celebration of freedom and America! You can also give us a call at 936-756-1745 to place an order for something in specific that you may have in mind! Our sweets are also perfect to snack on in a boat if you are planning on spending the Fourth out on the beautiful lake. Our family tradition for the Fourth of July is grilling burgers, setting off fireworks, and then eating dessert, which typically consists of a red, white, and blue cake and a flag designed pie! That covers the cake lovers in our family and the pie lovers in our family! We want you to have a special family tradition like that as well, so be sure to stop by the Bakehouse on America’s birthday!

July 1, 2016
Come Decorate a Cake for Dad!

This Sunday is a special day to thank every father for what they do on a daily basis, and what better way to do this than to bring the kids in to decorate a cake just for Dad? You can come in anytime between 10am and 2pm this Saturday, June 18th. We don’t want you to miss out on this fun time where you can be a cake decorator for a day, while also doing something special for the man who does so much for your family! If you have any questions, be sure to call us at 936-756-1745. You do not need a reservation to decorate! Just stop by and have some fun! If Dad doesn’t like cake, no worries! We have a large variety of other desserts that will make perfect Father’s Day treats! We have delicious pies, cheesecakes, cookies, and other pastries that will make Father’s Day a special one! While you are thinking about what dinner to make for Dad on Father’s Day, don’t forget to think about what dessert will top off the delicious dinner! A Father’s Day meal that we make every year is Baked Ziti. Our recipe is below:

Ingredients:

6 cups(16 oz.) Ziti, uncooked

3 cups(about 28-oz. jar) spaghetti sauce, divided

1-3/4 cups(15 oz.) ricotta cheese

2 cups(8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

1 egg

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Heat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package directions for 9 minutes; drain. In large bowl, stir together hot pasta, 1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. In 13x9x2-inch baking dish, spoon pasta mixture; top with remaining 1-1/2 cups of sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. 10 servings (1 cup each).

This is our special Father’s Day tradition, and we want you to start your traditions this year with us! To make your Father’s Day memories, be sure to stop by the Bakehouse!

June 17, 2016
Get Your Graduation Goodies!

Many graduations are throughout this weekend, so be sure to make a stop at the Bakehouse to get all of your graduation goodies! We have your graduation cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and so much more. While I am sure you know some seniors that mean so much to you that you are so proud of, we also have some special seniors at the Bakehouse that are graduating this weekend! One of our seniors, Schuyler Holder, is graduating from Montgomery High School and will be attending University of North Texas to study finance in the honors business program to pursue a career as a financial analyst. Her favorite thing about working at the bakery is meeting and talking to new people. She has been working with us for over a year now. We are so proud of everything that Schuyler has accomplished. Another one of our seniors graduating from Montgomery High School is Shaylie Hollifield. Shaylie is planning on attending Lonestar College and then transferring to Sam Houston State University to get a masters in psychology to eventually become a counselor. Her favorite part about working at the bakery is the fact that she is always doing something new and different each day. Our last senior is Emily Rodriguez. She will be graduating from Conroe High School. Her plan for the future is to go to Sam Houston State University and either major in paint or graphic design. Her favorite part about working in the bakery is how much she has learned while working with us. She also loves how everyone she works with is so loving and hardworking. We want to wish all of our seniors the best of luck! We have been so blessed to have such hardworking individuals as employees, and we are so excited about each of their plans for the future. If you know of a special senior, do not forget to tell them where they can get their graduation cake from!

Schuyler Holder

Emily Rodriguez

Shaylie Hollifield

June 1, 2016