When I moved to Catskill Village less than a year ago I knew nothing about its history, although I'm interested in learning more. I had a chance to fill in some of the gaps at a wonderful lecture at Temple Israel of Catskill yesterday, given by Steven Mann. His talk centered on the many Jewish families and businesses that influenced the development of the town during the last 100+ years. Steven is a charming Catskill native and local historian who has done a lot of genealogical & historical research into the area. It was particularly fascinating to hear descriptions of the various businesses that have occupied many of the current Village buildings in the past. He occasionally gives private walking tours and you can reach him at stevenaamann@gmail.com

HERE'S WHAT I'M BAKING THIS WEEK

I post each week's menu on Monday at bonnibakes.com  Orders must be in by 5 pm Wednesday and pick-up is Friday afternoon in Catskill Village. I hand bake small batches in limited quantities using fresh ingredients (local when possible) with no preservatives. First come, first served. Cash or Venmo only. Order at bonnibakescatskill@gmail.com 

HAMANTASCHEN   $5/pkg of 2 

It doesn't have to be Purim to enjoy Hamantaschen! Once a year is too long to wait to bite into that soft melt-in-your-mouth crust surrounding either apricot or prune filling. So good!

BREAKFAST CORN MUFFIN   $3

Think of this as a meal conveniently sitting in the palm of your hand. A large corn muffin studded with fresh local corn kernels, chopped scallions & lots of melted Cheddar cheese. Both satisfying & filling.

RUGELACH   $5/pkg  4oz

The classic real deal, individually handmade with cream cheese dough that bakes into a super flaky pastry. Filled with plump raisins, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and apricot jam just like Grandma used to make. Baked fresh so you can freeze them too.

BIG COOKIES   $3 each or 4/$10

LIME WHITE CHOCOLATE PECAN

This cookie with its gentle hint of lime, mellow white chocolate and toasty pecans is the essence of summertime in your mouth. Best munched in a hammock under a shade tree.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHUNK

These soft chewy peanut butter cookies would be great by themselves BUT they're even better with big chunks of Belgium chocolate throughout & roasted peanuts on top. If PB is your fav, and chocolate is your co-pilot, these are for you!

CHOCOLATE ORGASM 

My signature cookie that I've been baking since 1999. It's a chocoholic's fantasy come true...mostly melted Belgium bittersweet chocolate surrounding chunks of more chocolate, toasted almonds and just enough flour to hold it together. Too satisfying to share...maybe.

OATMEAL RAISIN WALNUT

A classic that was my husband's favorite cookie...the toasty warmth of hearty oatmeal embellished with juicy raisins and crunchy toasted walnuts is filling, but you can always find room for another.

If you'd like to join my mailing list and receive my blog each week, send your email address to bonnibakescatskill@gmail.com 

I will never share your personal information. If you have a request or question, drop me a note. I do special orders too. 

Have a wonderful week and bon appetit!  Bonni