It’s the time of the year for special treats typically baked just for the holidays, whether instructions were torn from a magazine, jotted on the back of an envelope or carefully written on a three-by-five-inch recipe card. And, of course, there are exceptional delicacies where the recipe wasn’t written— the process was handed down from generation to generation. These are the most cherished of all.
Joe and Julie Disch have been making one of the favorites—rosettes—since the beginning of October. “People never seem to get enough of the Norwegian pastry,” said Julie. Anyone who has made rosettes knows the process is time consuming; however, the result is quite rewarding to the palate. If you are an aficionado of all things Scandinavian, you believe rosettes are non-fattening, at least during the holidays.
Joe and Julie, owners of the Hi-Quality Bakery in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, have made their fair share of the delicacy. “My rosette irons cost me five hundred dollars, but I can make six at a time,” explained Joe. “It takes practice, but now I can almost turn them out in my sleep.”
The lightness and crunch of rosettes appeal to young and old alike. “We dust the edges with sugar,” Julie said, “and sell dozens a day, even more the closer we get to the holidays. The largest order so far is forty-five dozen for a single customer.”
People rely on treats such as rosettes for the freshness of the product, as well as the convenience of a hometown bakery. The couple purchased the shop in July of 1992. Because they regularly camped in the area, Julie and Joe were well- acquainted with the business. “We told the owners that, if they wanted to sell, we would like to buy,” Julie said. “We left our name and phone number. Initially, co-owners Jerry Husbyn and Glenn Molstrom did not respond, but the Disches were patient. While visiting another time, they stopped and left their number again. As luck would have it, they finally received a return call. “The recipes were included in the sale,” said Joe. “I have tweaked some of them and added several new ones.” A professional baker, Joe was thrilled to have his own bakery.
“The Cannon Falls community had many similarities to our hometown of Slayton, which is located thirty miles from both the South Dakota and Iowa borders. Hi-Quality Bakery resembled the one in Slayton.
“When we purchased from the pre-vious owners, they did give us the recipes, but we didn’t know what quantities we should prepare for the busy holiday season. That has been something we’ve gotten use to.” Initially, Joe and Julie made many more fruitcakes than they do now. “Our generation does not eat it much anymore,” Julie commented. Aside from fruitcake, Joe and Julie enjoy making traditional treats year after year.
Christmas cookies, bars and breads are a staple at many homes throughout the season. Although many prefer to make their own, Joe and Julie feel it’s necessary to keep a well-stocked bakery for those too busy to bake or who want hard-to-make items.
“Over ninety percent of our products are made with no added preservatives. That is the big difference between us and retail baked goods you find elsewhere.” From holiday cookies, peanut brittle and almond bark to specialty breads, candies and dipped pretzels, we have endless options to satisfy any sweet tooth. “We can customize things, too,” added Julie.
Over the past eighteen years, Joe and Julie have become master bakers. “When we first began, we’d make cookie trays much like we do now, but not to the present degree. They are some of our most popular products.” The Disches also send holiday cheer throughout the country. “We get requests from faraway states such as California and Texas,” Joe said.
Joe and Julie are well-prepared for this holiday season. “We start at eleven o’clock each night to ensure that at five in the morning, when the doors open, all of the fresh goodies are ready to go.”
Hi-Quality Bakery
121 North 4th Street
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
507-263-2221
Web: http://www.hiqualitybakery.com/
Email: HQBakery@hotmail.com
Source: Upper Midwest Bakery Association
