Jean Haegele, 2nd generation owner, "Cookie Lady #2" Passes Into God's Glory

 

To our dear customers:  On Thursday July 14th, 2022, my mother-in-law Jean Haegele passed into God's glory peacefully at the age of 89. Thursday was her son Glen's birthday and how beautiful that God ordained that day for her to be reuinited with him in heaven. As you know the past year and a half has been a period of tremendous loss for our family. Though mom's passing brings another void in our lives it was a great day for her as heaven brings the only true comfort and healing for the wounds of our heart. She is at peace and rest in her savior's arms and celebrating in the presence of those she dedicated her life to...her husband and her children. She has been an incredible presence, mentor, and example in my life and she has been my mom and my friend in some of the darkest moments of my life. She will be in our hearts forever and though unseen, she will be forever by my side at the counter of the bakeshop! She taught me to tie string, how to clean, and how to keep organized books. She taught me that raising children in love and teaching them to know Jesus is the most important task of a mother. She showed me that a family business can work when you take the "I" out of everything and make it about others! She was a "silent" servant and the epitomy of unselfishness. Battling a failing physical body, she had a clear mind and a faith that rivals giants. Mom had many beautiful notes and "treasures" in her Bible and I've decided to share one in closing. The source is unknown but it is dated 4/9/73.

Someday I'll take a journey to a new and beautiful land, and when I take that journey, I'll be holding my Savior's hand.

I'll be amazed at the beauty I see in Jesus' face. When He speaks, His voice of love will never be erased.

I'll meet with Paul and tell Him how his letters have helped me. I'll tell King David in his songs, comfort I did see.

I'll talk with Peter and tell him, that his zeal has taught great things. I'll turn to friends and loved ones too. Praise to God I'll sing!

Someday I'll take a journey and listen to Angels sing. Praises of joy to Jesus; Precious Savior and Mighty King! 

Mom took that journey on 7/14/22 and all that she was looking forward to, became reality and her reward!  

                                                                            Forever in Our Hearts 

                                                                               posted 7/15/22                                         

Celebrating 92 Years in Business!

2022

1930's

 

It's been three years since we've celebrated our anniversary. Our 90th fell during Covid year, 2020 and in 2021 it was not on our hearts to celebrate during a year of such loss in our family. 2022 has proven to be quite a difficult year as well with hospitalizations, sicknesses, and injuries; however, recovery from such circumstances has placed gratitude in our hearts beyond measure! Though a part of me cares not to celebrate without my husband Glen (3rd generation) or my father-in-law Richard (2nd generation), I look at my sons Aaron & Elijah, now fourth generation at the helm of baking, and marvel at their perseverance and success over the past year and a half. Remarkable is simply an understatement! At the young age of 25 and 21 respectively, they took the reigns, or should I say "apron strings" during the loss of not just one generation but two generation of bakers. In the midst of their own personal journey in grief, they've overcome obstacles beyond numerating. A partnership of their hearts, a love for family, faith, and a commitment to seeing our doors remain open to business is truly the reason why Haegele's can celebrate 92 years in business. They are the reason we have an open door! As I write this entry and think of words from previous milestones, my mind seems to highlight the repetition of "love of family", "commitment", "perseverance" and "faith". Our first generation certainly laid the foundation in this department. How does a business open in the middle of the greatest depression and succeed if not for these four elements. They operated before refrigeration and paved roads. They operated during WWII sugar rations and air-raid drills. They survived through countless waves of inflation, economic downturns, and government regulations. At the young age of 49, August, first generation owner died suddenly of a heart condition leaving his wife Helen to run the business they had forged together from their honeymoon. At the young age of 23, Richard her son took hold of his father's vacated "apron strings" and along side his mother and his Uncle Edward (Helen's brother), Haegele's moved into the next generation. Yes, sometimes history repeats itself in uncanny ways. As Richard grew into his role of master baker he also took on the role of father. Glen was born in 1964 and like my sons, he was raised around the bakeshop. The love of family, and commitment to the business was instilled in the third generation and God truly blessed these two generations with many years together at the bench. Even in the midst of their void, we have so much to celebrate! According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics 2021, 20% of all small businesses fail in the first year, 50% fail in 5 years, 21% will see 20 years, and only 12% reach 26 years. In an article, "Working On A Centennial" written for Indiana Businesses, an estimated 0.5% of all companies have what it takes to last 100 years. Well.... Haegele's Bakery is celebrating 92 years in business this Thursday, which means we are well on our way to that centennial and the elite class of half a percent! Throw in surviving Covid and it's never ending supply chain issues, and we have reason beyond enumerating to celebrate. Join us on Thursday 7/7/22 as we give out cake and usher in another year on the corner of Erdrick and Barnett Streets. Yes, Haegele's is "working on a centennial" and we're getting close!

Celebrating The Life of Richard Haegele 8/29/32-9/15/21

 To all our customers and friends, please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as God has called another one of our family members home to heaven. Richard Haegele, 2nd generation owner passed away suddenly but peacefully on September 15th. Beloved husband of Jean and partner in life for 65 years! He was a devoted father to his son Glen, who predeceased him by only 8 months, & his daughter Linda who predeceased him by 43 years. He was a devoted Grandfather to my three sons Joshua, Aaron, and Elijah. These past few months have been a time of challenge as our family has stepped into 2021 without Glen, but seeing the bakery continue on into the 4th generation with "the boys" at the helm was indeed a blessing and a comfort to Richard's heart. He took great pride in his work and the bakeshop, but he took even greater pride in the accomplishments of his grandsons. His energy, laughter and zest for life will be deeply missed, but we indeed have a lifetime of memories at home and at the bench to truly cherish. Richard Haegele's Memorial Service is taking place on Monday Sept 20th at St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mayfair. The sevice will also be live streamed at:  https://youtu.be/J9hL0gONcVg 

 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 is the scripture verse that mom chose for dad's prayer cards. ..."Run your race to win", and he certainly did!                Posted 9/19/21

Their Father's Hands

Aaron & Eli 2021

    

When a baby is born there is an instant sense of belonging, and it's amazing how sometimes you can see familiar traits in their tiniest form immediately. "He has his father's nose", "she has her mother's eyes", and so the phrases go. Though I never saw instant traits in my three sons, as time has passed (and especially this year in the absence of Glen) I see many of their father's traits in each one of them. It can be in a smile, a walk, a stance, or even a voice. But there is one place where these traits just jump into crystal clear focus; and that is at the bench in the back of the the bakeshop. As Aaron and Eli daily stand at that bench in oh such a familiar posture with icing bag in hand, it takes my breath away and warms my heart all at the same time. Though the physical features of their hands are quite smaller than Glen's, I can honestly say they do indeed have "their father's hands". From the feel of a decorator's bag to the texture of a dough... a baker's hands is where it's at! How fortunate are we at Haegele's that there's an inherited pair of hands threefold. This Sunday is Father's Day and we would like to wish all our dads out there a wonderful day. May the day that is set apart to celebrate you, be filled with love and blessings, and many sweet memories!  

Glen 2014

                                                                                                                 Father's Day 2021

Reflections On Mother's Day 2021

Every so often I make a post that is not necessarily an ordinary post for a holiday. Reflections on Mother's Day 2021 is just such a post. It is more on sentiment and things behind the scenes at Haegele's, rather than our featured highlights of products. Course there has been nothing ordinary about this past year and since it is Mother's Day, I thought I would indulge my thoughts with this post. As I was doing a little housekeeping around the bakery, I found a little baker's apron folded and pushed to the back of a drawer. Memories of this little apron came flooding back to my mind instantly.

It was made for Elijah (my youngest son) on his 3rd birthday by his grandmother (2nd generation). An unusual gift for a three year old you might think, but for Eli it was his favorite gift that year. You see... being the youngeset son, Eli was "full-time" at the bakery. By the time he was born toys, baby gates, play pens were taking up permanent residence around the bakery. When I went to work, Eli went to work. In early years, the pac-n-play sat in the store and customers loved to greet him and adjust his toys. Eli had constant entertainment. As he grew and learned to walk, he was relegated to the back under his father's careful eye. Eli wanted to know where his apron was, and he was quite emphatic about it. He wanted to be just like all the bakers. Thus the idea was born in the mind of his grandmother. Through her talented hands, the "best gift ever" was sewn! In Eli's 3 year old mind, he became a baker that year and was just like his dad. BUT not to show favoritism to the back, grandmom bought him a little broom and dust pan too. After all, his roots were in the storefront with all the counter crew!

 Fast forward 17 years and you get the picture above. My youngest son Eli, standing at 6'5", is truly a baker. Dressed in whites and an apron, he works daily besides his older brother Aaron and longtime baker Freddy (who can attest to those years when Eli wanted an apron of his own). Oh my how time passes so quickly and how blessed I am as a mother to have my boys still by my side. I had the same gratitude when they were in the pac-n-play at the bakery. How fortunate was I that I didn't have to leave my children when I went to work. As the world seems to be opening up again, I am quite aware that there are many people who have been touched by hardship, sickness, separation, and loss in these past months. Our family is not without exception. Gratitude and thankfulness are keys to rising above circumstances of this world. Look for the blessing in the day. There is always something to be thankful for, and you might just find it in the smallest of things! Memories of Eli's little apron touched my heart. The fact that I could walk down the steps at the bakery and hold it up to my now grown son and share it's story, touched my heart even more! I hope it touches yours as well. Have a Blessed Mother's Day.

                                                                                     The Little Things... posted 5/8/21 

Easter 2021

 

Daffodils are blooming, trees are budding, and signs of Easter are everywhere this Spring day. Things are in "full bloom" at the bakeshop as well. Easter Egg Pound Cakes, Chick Hi-Hats, Hot Cross Buns, Jelly Bean Cupcakes, Babka, Almond & Poppyseed Strudel, and our Butter Cookies galore fill our shelves this week. The Philadelphia Inquirer had called last week with questions regarding pound cake and what makes it so special for Easter. Questions kept coming back to the ingredients and the significance in the ingredients. I have no idea if the journalist ran with the story or not but I was quite clear; though I think our pound cake is quite special... the significance is not in the ingredients but rather in it's shape at Easter. Pound cake is solid enough to bake into the shape of an Egg and strong enough to hold up for the decadent chocolate fudge icing. The trim and Easter flowers finish off this cake and make it come to life as a specialty for this holiday. The egg is a symbol of new life, much like a butterfly coming forth from a cocoon. There's a hymn that was one of my husband's favorites called Hymn Of Promise. Perhaps you know the words.... "In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed an apple tree, in cocoons a hidden promise, butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see." The last line points us to the whole meaning of Easter and the true significance of our Easter Egg pound cake: "In our end is our beginning; in our time infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see." Easter is all about the finished work of Christ dying on the cross, so that we all may live. The promise of new life, resurrection after death for all who believe! It is the reason for the celebration and it is a promise you can bank your life on! From all of us at Haegele's, we wish you joy & peace in the Easter promise and hope you have a blessed celebration!

2015

 The Promise Of Easter posted 3/30/21

                                                                                  

Fastnacht 2021... begins in a day!

 

Fastnacht 2020

At the close of the day on Saturday, I neatly packed up all the cupid and heart decorations and began putting the German CD's in the radio. Though my caption reads "Fastnacht 2021... begins in a day", for all of us at Haegele's it began a while ago with the ordering of supplies, the folding of boxes, and the planning that goes into the two day event that causes all other operations at the bakery to cease, so that we can focus on nothing but Fastnacht doughnuts. The work is heavy but it is not a burden to our hearts. It's a privilege to be able to authentically carry on a tradition so steeped in our German heritage and rooted in faith-based awareness. Fastnacht is a celebration filled with festivities and food and a time to indulge before the fasting season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Using up all the sugar and fat in the house was a way to ensure a more faithful fast. Using up yeast was a way to purify the house with the beginning of Lent leading to Holy Week and Easter. So put sugar, and yeast, and "fat" in the form of heavy cream together and you have a fastnacht. Course, it's not as simple as that and the traditional procedure is quite intricate and time consuming. There are certainly shortcuts to all things but at Haegele's we value the tradition. And so on Monday and Tuesday, our bakers will stand for countless hours rolling and hand cutting and sugaring diamonds of dough while a counter crew fancied in German Dirndl dresses boxes those diamonds by the dozen tied up with string. As I looked through last year's pictures of Fastnacht, the above picture captured my heart especially since this post is being written on Valentine's Day. As my sons take their place at the bench I am certain their father will be in their hearts. Glen often said he felt a connection to the generations that went before him just by standing in the very place they stood. The bakery is a special place that way, and it is indeed a privilege to carry on tradition. Faith, hard work, and the love of family is quite a recipe for life!

                                              Fastnacht 2021 posted 2/14/21  

 

To Our Dear Customers:

With a heavy heart, we announce that we will have a delayed opening from our Holiday break this year. While on our annual family ski trip, my husband Glen was called home to be with The Lord. There was no sickness, no accident, no tragedy, but a peaceful passing from the snow covered mountains of Vermont to his heavenly home. My husband had full confidence in his sons, who have been brought up in the business at his side. Together as a family, we are embracing Glen's love for life and the legacy established at the bakery. With God's strength and the compassion of our loyal customers, we hope to open our doors again in another week or two. Please keep our entire family in prayer as we move into a future without such an integral part of our family. A cherished and devoted father, and my partner in all aspects of life and business for sure! He had an unshakable faith in God and he walked with Jesus everyday. We know without a doubt, he is experiencing the fullness of joy promised in heaven. Glen's Memorial service took place 1/9/21 at Grace Bible Church of Mt. Laurel. His service was recorded and available on our church's website and YouTube page   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0pptkWUvDo&feature=emb_logo . Glen's obituary, photo tribute, and memorial service is also available on the website of Givnish Funeral Home of Cinnaminson    https://www.givnish.com/obituaries/Glen-Haegele/#!/Obituary For the outpouring of love and sympathy, we are most grateful!

Partners in Life posted 1/10/21

T'was Two Days Before Christmas

It's two days before Christmas and the bakery is bustling                                            The store-girls are running, the bakers are hustling!

Butter Cookies and Springerle are flying from our shelves                                          Oh how we wish we had a few more elves! 

As a little ole' bakeshop that makes all from scratch                                                    It's not always possible to just whip up a batch.

We're doing our best to please all who come to the store                                              And we truly appreciate each one of you who walks through our door!

Unfortunately with Covid familiar faces are hidden by a mask                                    Making it difficult to hear the things for which you ask.

Conversation is limited, only two at a time in the store                                                We are all missing those handshakes and hugs... that's for sure!

Please know the spirit of Christmas is still alive & real                                                For that's the intangible you can't taste, smell, or feel.

It's the love we have for each other, dwelling within the heart                                    And it is the finest and truest gift to impart!

We wish you a Merry Christmas, a Merry Christmas to all indeed                              A wish for safety and blessings, good health and Godspeed.

                                   

Christmas 2020-  posted 12/23/20

Honoring Our Fathers

Richard Haegele 87 years old

                        

             Father's Day
            is This Sunday                     June 21st 

          

           A Day To Honor
               Our Dads!                                             

Glen Haegele 55 years old

 

But at

Haegele's

Every Day

is About

These Dads!

Freddie Franke 83 years old

So Grateful
For These Men...
for their example,
mentor-ship, and for filling our lives with all things good!

Haegele's Bakery is Open

Tuesday thru Saturday  7:00am-4:00pm

MOTHER'S DAY 2020

My Mother Kept A Garden

My Mother kept a garden,

a garden of the hearrt.

She planted all the good things

that gave my life it's start.

She turned me to the sunshine and

encouraged me to dream,

fostering and nurturing 

the seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came,

she protected me enough-

But not too much because she knew,

 I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example

always taught me right from wrong-

Markers for my pathway

that will last a lifetime long. 

  I am my Mother's garden. I am her legacy...

       And I hope today she feels the love 

                reflected back from me.

                   Author Unknown 

                              

   MOTHER'S DAY

    is this Sunday 5/10

 Haegele's Bakery is open

  Tues.-Sat. 7am-4pm

           A full line
              of the 
        Sweetest things!


               

Sweet Thoughts Of Easter

Well folks, Easter is just a week and a half away and I usually have something posted by now. In the middle of such public health concerns, it's a bit difficult to muster up a celebratory spirit, and we understand that completely. In recognitizing, that many families will be separated for Easter, we are  offering a shipping gift package. Our 3lb box includes a box of our Easter butter cookies & a box of our jellysticks with a "Sweet Thoughts of You at Easter" card, shipped anywhere in the U.S for $50.00. Please call the bakery to order or inquire. Sometimes just a little sunshine can part the heaviest of clouds. If you would like to send this care package not for Easter but just in "Thinking of You" at this time, we have that card available too. Our store remains open Tues-Sat 7am-4pm and it is our plan to have our Easter Egg Cakes, Chick Hi-Hats, and Easter specialties available for purchase. Orders are always appreciated as it helps us know how much to bake. May you all remain safe and well...
And may the peace that passes all understanding transcend our hearts especially this Easter.                       Sweet Thoughts posted 3/31/20

Fastnacht 2020

Fastnacht is coming. Infact, "it's just around the corner" on February 24th & 25th this year. Fastnacht is the day of feasting and celebration before the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday. For those unfamiliar with the Lenten season, it is a quieter time on the Christian calendar with the days leading up to Easter set aside for reflective thought, self examination & prayer, and often the religious practice of fasting. Many people "give something up" for Lent, and often it's sweets. However, on Tuesday, before the fasting begins, it's a time of indulgence and hence the familiar term "Fat Tuesday". Many people know the celebration as Mardi Gras, but for those with German roots it's FASTNACHT, feast night! We make a special butter-sponge doughnut for the "feast", and it is only made and sold 2 days a year. Our Fastnacht doughnuts will be available on Monday 2/24 7am- 6pm and Tuesday 2/25 5am- 6pm. Fastnacht doughnuts are a labor of love for our bakers. They are a 2-part dough and require quite a bit of procedure and perfection. Every one is hand rolled and hand cut  and with heavy cream in the dough itself they're more than a doughnut...they're a fastnacht. They're rich and airy and delicately finished in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. By tradition, the best of the best is made for the "Feast". Come celebrate the tradition with us this Monday or Tuesday and taste the best of the best...a Fastnacht doughnut from Haegele's (215)624-0117.

                                      More than a Doughnut...  Posted 2/18/20

2020... "Off and Running"

Philly's Finest Enjoying Haegele's Danish on 2 Street NYD

In a few days, January of 2020 will be history...wow! As I post these pictures from the first of the month, New Year's Day, I'm reminded of the phrase "off and running", as in the traditional announcement made at the beginning of a horse race. Though I do feel a bit like the horse that is still in the gate, continuing to write 2019 on order slips and checks and Christmas gifts still for dispersing; the phrase "off and running" also means to make a good start! So instead of focusing on the pace of 2020 and my inability to "keep up", this January post is about it's GOOD START!     

If you're from Philadelphia, you know New Year's Day is all about the Mummers Parade. Whether you're watching it on TV, standing on the sidewalks of South Philly, or in regalia strutting down the streets... it's all about the Mummers. This year, I saw in action another piece to the Mummer's Parade and it had to do with those dressed in blue serving to protect at the annual event. Along with a magnitude of police, fire-fighters, and first-responders scheduled to work the parade and it's route, there's a whole host of Philadelphia 2nd Alarmers, who volunteer at "Two" Street every year. They organize and provide a station of coffee, water, and refreshments for our Police, Fire, and Medical Personnel on duty for the day down at 2nd and Broad Streets. Some of the volunteers are coming off of work shifts of their own but that doesn't seem to hinder their pre-dawn start or enthusiasm.

I learned of the "two" street tradition and the volunteers through Pete Specos, a daily customers and dedicated 2nd Alarmer. He is the one in wig and regalia beads pictured to the left. Though Pete doesn't wear the wig and beads everyday, he does wear that smile and the PFD uniform everyday. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether he is coming or going to work because he has such an enthusiam for life and a personality that's even bigger... the picture shows it! Pete came in Haegele's New Year's Eve for a good luck pretzel and a few things. Somehow the conversation began and by the time it finished, we had Pete's truck packed up with RumRings, danish, and close to forty New Year's Pretzels for the "two" Street tradition. He sent me these pictures with captions highlighting Haegele's danish and generosity but I'd rather highlight the vonlunteer effort and such goodness behind the scenes. Haegele's was honored to help the canteen efforts of our Phila 2nd Alarmers on New Year's Day. In a way it put us at the Mummers Parade as 2020 got off and running, and yes...it made for a really GOOD START of the New Year!                                                 posted 1/29/2020

New Year's Pretzels

The breaking of a"Good-Luck" New Year's Pretzel (Grosse Neujahrsbrezel) is a long time German tradition, thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year when eaten at midnight or by breakfast on New Year's Day. The New Year's pretzel is not a lager pretzel accompanying a mug of beer, but rather a sweet dough or a babka dough that goes with a champagne toast as the clock strikes 12:00, or a spread of butter eaten first thing at breakfast New Year's morning. There are many stories about the origin of this German tradition, but there is a common thought that the pretzel itself is fashioned after the way in which German Monks prayed with their arms crossed in front of their chests. Their Evening Prayers held on the 31st, centered on peace, health, and blessings in the coming year. In keeping with the German Tradition, Haegele's makes Good Luck Pretzels every year for New Year's Eve. We'll be open Monday 12/30 and Tues 12/31 this year from 6am-4pm with pretzels in the store. We do take orders, and you can always give us a call. We invite you to share in this fun tradition with us. Come pick up a Good Luck New Year's Pretzel to break and pass around, and may the coming year be filled with peace and prosperity for all!                2020 Two Days Away  posted 12/30/19            

Frohe Weihnacht

Merry Christmas everyone, or Frohe Weihnacht as my German Christmas card reads. Pictured on my card among cinnamon sticks and nuts are those pristine little Christmas stars.Though the famed springerle and pfefferneuss usually get most of the attention among our customers, my card certainly highlights almond stars as "star-worthy". Their German name is zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) but for most people it's the almond paste, not the cinnamon, that gives the little cookie it's distinguishing taste. So whether you call them almond stars, cinnamon stars, or zimtsterne, we have what you're talking about. We started making stars the day after Thanksgiving when Christmas was a month away and now the eve is upon us. It's a tedious task making this little German gem, but somehow our Christmas tradition would be lacking without them. "Oh star of wonder, star of light, star of royal beauty bright...westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to the perfect Light". Frohe Weihnacht everyone and may your holiday celebrations be blessed and bright.
                                                 Christmas 2019 posted 12/24

It's Still Apple Season!

     Folks it is Fall, and in spite of the commercial push for Christmas and all things gingerbread...it is indeed still apple season. Some of the best tasting apples are within our reach right now. So... don't move into the next season so quickly that you miss out on the true flavors of Fall. We are continuing our "apples on a stick", while the Mackintosh is plentiful and perfectly matched to the sweetness of our soft caramel dip and tender crunch. We're peeling and coring these beauties for our apple dumplings as well. A whole apple filled with cinnamon-sugar and some shortening is wrapped in pie dough, baked to perfection and glazed with some vanilla icing. Though the serving size should really equal 2, in our household it is quite common for an apple dumpling to go un-shared (plate clean and licked too)! A scoop of vanilla ice-cream makes for a perfect marriage on your apple dumpling plate. You may want to take the first bite before deciding on it's serving size. And if I may suggest ... sometimes it's best to just buy two. We're also cooking apples into pie filling as well. So on the bench being dipped, in the oven being baked, and on the stove being cooked... apples are everywhere. And so they should be, since it really is apple season after all!

APPLE CRUMB PIES

                                               Apples Everywhere posted 11/7/19

Oktoberfest!

Father & Son working on Lebkuchen Hearts 2019

It’s Oktoberfest time in Munich, Germany and here at Haegele's as well! Pictured above is Josh and Glen working side by side at the bench on Lebkuchen hearts. I love this time of year when we get to showcase our heritage at it's best. In Germany, Oktoberfest only lasts 16 days with the celebration coming to a close on the first Sunday of October. Here in the United States, the season of Oktoberfest seems to just be gearing up; and so there is more than 16 days of making "gingerbread hearts" for the Haegele men. What is typical fare for Oktoberfest beyond the barrels of beer and links of wurst...dessert of of course! Most people think of Black Forest or German Chocolate cake but Bienenstich, "bee-sting cake" is probably our most requested item. There's apple strudel and cherry-cheese strudel, fresh apple cake (apfel kuchen), lager pretzels, wien cakes, buttercake, Bavarian whipped cream cakes and Sachertortes (chocolate fudge cakes) too. Hefenkranz, and  zweiblekuchen (onion cake) are specialties we sometimes add to this line-up. If there's something you don't find, please always ask; we bake to please as best as we can. As I finish out this post on Oktoberfest, some of you may be questioning what the hearts are all about. Pictured below is a snapshot from Munich, Germany where every store and market tent will hang these holiday favorites for sale. Oktoberfest began in 1810 with the wedding celebration of Prince Ludwig. Though today's celebration is more about the "bier" and good cheer, symbols of love still abound, and so the hearts hang. It's quite popular to wear the Lebkuchenherz (gingerbread heart) around your neck for the festivities. If your really lucky, your sweetheart may pick one out with a saying like "Ich Liebe Dich" (I love You) and present it to you. It's been reported that Zuckersucht (a German confectionary company) bakes 50,000 hearts daily for Oktoberfest. That's a lot of love and a whole lot of gingerbread! At Haegele's, we're happy with a rack full. You can find gingerbread hearts in our store everyday right now and you can always order them (perhaps by the dozen and not the thousand). Happy Oktoberfest..."Prost"... and cheers to all!

Munich, Germany- Oktoberfest 2016

                                               Falling in love with Oktoberfest - Posted 9/27/19

Fresh Peach Cake Season Has Arrived!

New Jersey Free-Stone Peach season is finally here. Glen was at the farm today picking up bushels of these summer beauties which means we begin our week with fresh peach cake and fresh peach crumb pies in the store. A peach left to ripen on the tree is naturally so much sweeter than a peach picked ahead for transit. How fortunate we are to have "The Garden State" as our neighbor with some of the best fruit crops in the nation. Summer never

seems complete til the peaches are in! Come sink your teeth into the taste of summer with a fresh German style peach cake from Haegele's. Don't wait too long, as the season for the free-stone peach varies with the weather. Apples are already on the trees at the farm, and so it won't be long before the color in those baskets above turns red instead of peach. For right now, the NJ Peach is the star!
                                                                            Summer In Full Swing posted 8/5/19

89... And Another Year Older!

July 7th,1930 Haegele's Bakery opened it's doors for business on the little corner of Erdrick and Barnett Streets in what was considered the up and coming "far northeast". The great Depression thwarted the rising neighborhood and all businesses but not the dreams and perseverance of our first generation. Pictured, is proud owner Helen Haegele standing on the stoop that appears much the same today. Course the transom has been replace for a modern-day air conditioner and the hand-cranked canvas awnings switched out for fixed aluminium ones, but the building, the corner, that little address sign, and the hopes and dreams of the family inside, remain the same. I'm not quite sure how far our first generation visionaries could see into their future but I am certain that they would count each year as an added blessing. Glen's grandparents, followed by his parents, passed on the greatest lesson in business and in life and that is to count each day! Life is a blessing and the opportunity of entrepreneurship a gift afforded by this great nation. Our first generation owners were always grateful for that opportunity even when it yielded nothing but debt during those years of depression. As third and fourth generations continue into another decade, business remains similar to the snapshot of our stoop. Inside the ice-box has been replaced with a modern refrigerator and a hand-cranked register replaced with an electric one... and the Haegele family continues to work side by side producing hand-made pastries and baked-goods for customers who are really more like family. Each day is counted a blessing and every year a thankful milestone! Celebrate with us as Haegele's Bakery turns 89 years old. Throughout the next few weeks of July, our flags will remain up, vintage pictures will be on display, big band music on our stereo and a very thankful "family" of bakers and store attendants awaiting an exchange at the counter (which is always much more than baked-goods and dollars)                                                                                                                                    Happy Birthday Haegele's Bakery
                                                                    89 and another year!
                                                                       posted 7/6/2019