50 Comments

Do they have an initiation? A special handshake? I think we should be told! 😀 That's amazing, like a medieval guild...

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Haha! Love it!

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Omg I HOPE they have a special handshake! I know they have voting sessions on who is allowed to join, and it has to be unanimous consent to let someone new in after a previous member leaves.

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Jennifer, I'm in Madison, WI. If you're willing to do a tour when the COVID takes a break, please put my name down. 😀

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Definitely! Please bring me a box of Paul’s Pelmeni when you come down! 😁

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I'm a relative newcomer, so as soon as I figure out what that is...😂

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Oh my gosh, it's so good. It's a take-out place in downtown Mad. They specialize in pelmeni, which are like tiny rounder pierogies. HIGHLY recommend.

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I did the Google, and realized I HAVE heard of these! Now def on my radar. Thanks to you and Jolene!

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What a subject line!!

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😂 The whole idea is so intriguing and Jennifer is a Substacker!

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👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻 :-)

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Look! There she is! 😂

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This makes me want to hop on a plane to Chicago right now and find me some atomic cake!

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😂 Do it! ✈️——> 🎂

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Yes! Come on over!

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Sweets and secret societies. That's the kind of history they should teach in school.

I was mesmerized by the very first picture in this story. What the hell is that?! I could almost kill for one of those.

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A Banana Split Torte! 😂 2 layers of Banana Cake, Banana custard, fresh strawberries and bananas, a layer of chocolate cake and whipped cream. 😋 🎂 I like your recommendation for what should be taught on school. 😂

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One gets a heart-attack by just reading what's inside that bomb.

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I hope not!!😂 The fruit in it balances everything out 😉

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The history of bakeries (and any small businesses) always fascinates me. It takes so much dedication and sacrifice to keep it going. I loved this story! I recently wrote about a small business (if you’re interested: https://medium.com/@juliananicewarner/breakdown-e0b7e3657772

Your dive into bakery history inspired me to get to know more about the local bakery in my town — Loback’s in Buena Vista, Colorado. They make the BEST donuts ❤️

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I just saw pictures of the crumb donuts 🍩 😋

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Thanks, Juliana! I will definitely read and I’m googling Loback’s right now! 😋

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I'm not a huge banana person, but that picture of the Atomic Cake looks so delicious!

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It’s a good celebration cake next time you come to Chicago!

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Hough Bakery opened its doors in 1903 in Cleveland, Ohio, baking for nearly 90 years before bankruptcy closed their door. Their 'rum logs' were a unique treat that I miss to this day. If any of your other readers are from the Cleveland area, I expect they will remember this bakery. https://case.edu/ech/articles/h/hough-bakeries-inc

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Love learning this history, Heather! Sorry they closed :( Love any baked treat that includes rum!

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Half my family is from Ohio, I'll have to ask them!

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This is amazing!

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I want to visit every bakery in Jennifer’s book!

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Take me to some with you! 😁

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Let’s go! 😂

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Isn't it fun??

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Fascinating! Always ready to read about baking and secret societies. ❤️

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Agreed, Anne!

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Two great things in one!

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Yes!

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I really enjoyed this one, and I need to know more!

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Hi, Rachel! It’s so intriguing, isn’t it?! If you click the links in the story, there’s more information, and Jennifer is on Substack,,so I’m sure she’ll be popping by this thread :)

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Ask me all your questions! Happy to answer what I’m able. :-)

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Well this gives us something to look forward to in strawberry season! I hadn’t heard of this cake, but definitely want to try it. Roeser’s, Panaderia Nuevo Leon and Baker Miller are the bakeries I find myself missing most here on the East Coast.

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We’ve switched places, Mia - I’m from the East Coast. Come visit and we’ll do a bakery run! :)

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My husband’s family is all from Chicago so we’ll be back this summer!

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Look forward!

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How cool! Despite living in and around Chicago my whole life I'd never heard about this. Thank you for sharing what you discovered!

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Hi, Sarah! Just seeing this comment now! Hope you’re well, I want to visit them all! 🍰

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OMG, what a cake and what a story! So want to be part of this society, though I suspect its secret is now out. Well done, Jolene!

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Thanks, Ruth! And Jennifer’s book is wonderful! 🎂

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It sounds terrific—and so does she! You do find the most interesting people!

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