By Karen Parr-Moody
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Women and confections have been linked since the dawn of time. But ladies got a permission slip for total overindulgence every Feb. 14 with the birth of St. Valentine (who was unromantically beheaded by Rome’s Emperor Claudius II on Feb. 14, circa 278 A.D.). This trend shows no signs of stopping.
So along with the other romantic paraphernalia, from love letters to flowers, sweets top the list of Valentine’s Day gifts. And Clarksville bakeries offer a variety of choices for wowing one’s beloved, from mini cupcakes to hand-made truffles to French macarons.
The Sweetest Batch Cupcakery, 2237 Lowes Drive, will feature Valentine-themed cupcakes on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14. These will include the jumbo size, such as the popular “Queen of Hearts” cupcake made of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
Then there are the bakery’s Valentine-themed mini cupcakes.
Manager Heather Ingram says, “They’re our version of a box of chocolates you might buy at a store, just a little more personalized.”
The bakery will also feature long-stemmed red roses from Sango Village Florist and hand-made cards.
“We’re trying to be one-stop shopping for people,” Ingram says.
Call for more information at 931-503-1717.
At George the Cake Guy Bakery, one will find French macarons and decorated cupcakes in flavors of strawberry shortcake, strawberry and raspberry./Photo: Karen Parr-Moody
Sweet lovers will find a French twist at George the Cake Guy Bakery, 100 Strawberry Alley, where a traditional confection of France – the macaron – will be made by special order of a dozen each (the deadline to order is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10).
Owner George Hartman is also making chocolate-covered strawberries and decorated cupcakes in flavors of strawberry shortcake, strawberry and raspberry. Call to order at 931-552-8939.
A plate of Valentine’s Day treats tempts customers at Silke’s Old World Breads Bakery and Café./Photo: Karen Parr-Moody
Then there’s Silke’s Old World Breads Bakery and Café, 1213 College St., where from Wednesday, Feb. 11 through Valentine’s Day, the cookie dough will be cut into heart shapes.
Owner Silke Tyler says that among the cookies will be hazelnut-and-butter hearts, Linzer hearts and apricot-almond paste hearts. The popular chocolate-cherry heart, a small cake, will also be featured, as well as made-from-scratch truffles.
Silke’s Old World can be reached at 931-552-4422.
Nerdy Bird offers gluten-free cupcakes, a treat for those with allergies.
A fan favorite for those with food allergies is Nerdy Bird Cookie Company, 1725 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, which offers gluten-free baked goods. Starting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, owner Sara Knight will feature an array of Valentine treats in the cases of Nerdy Bird for last-minute shoppers.
“We know there are a lot of men in town who might forget about ordering,” she says.
Strawberry cheesecake and salted-caramel brownie truffles will be among the general offerings. Her typical offerings, such as brownies and cookies, will be cut into heart shapes.
For those fellows who do plan ahead, Knight is creating a treat: one dozen cake truffles placed in a red presentation box topped with a red bow. Orders for these will be accepted through 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. The bakery’s phone number is 931-919-2473.
Osiris Perez, who operates Gallardo’s Bakery at 215 Dover Road, says her bakery will – as always – feature cakes known for their elaborate design.
Among the Valentine’s Day choices are cakes topped by fluffy, buttercream roses. To order call 931-919-5030.