By Karen Parr-Moody
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Those who want to think outside the chocolate box on Valentine’s Day can seek out treats at several local bakeries.
Silke’s Old World Breads Bakery and Café, 1213 College Street, has re-worked its cookie dough into heart-shapes for lovers of all stripes to enjoy. For example, instead of the hazelnut stars it offers at Christmas, the same delicious dough has been fashioned into glazed, heart-shaped cookies. The bakery also offers decadent truffles.
Owner Silke Tyler said there is even a “sweetheart latte” to celebrate the day. This specialty concoction is laced with white chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
“We will also offer Valentine’s gifts to go, which are made up of the cookies and hearts and truffles and wrapped in clear cellophane and raffia,” Tyler said.
Those interested can visit the bakery or call 931-552-4422 with questions.
Katrina Kitchens, who co-owns The Sweetest Batch Cupcakery, 2237 Lowes Drive, always offers specials that are tailor-made for last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers. This year, according to afternoon manager Heather Ingram, the bakery will sell single long-stemmed roses, along with handmade cards. There will also be a variety of special cupcake combinations, such as mini cupcakes packaged in amounts of 12 or 18. Call for more information at 931-503-1717.
At George the Cake Guy Bakery, 100 Strawberry Alley, owner George Hartman will offer chocolate-dipped strawberries and white velvet chocolate cupcakes. For more information call 931-552-8939.
Confections take the cake for celebratory events such as weddings, baby showers and birthday parties. But since they are as tasty as they are beautiful, they definitely fit the shopping list as a unique and memorable Valentine’s Day gift.
Karen Parr-Moody began a career as a New York journalist, working as a fashion reporter for Women’s Wear Daily, a beauty editor for Young Miss and a beauty and fashion writer for both In Style and People magazines. Regionally, she has been a writer at The Leaf-Chronicle newspaper and currently writes about arts and culture for Nashville Arts magazine each month.