Friday on the way to work I was surprised by a tiny shop in a strip mall in American Fork called Shirley's Bakery. I quickly looked them up online, wondering why in the world I didn't know about this place yet, and saw they have been around in Utah County since 1966! Wow- that is staying power! Their original location is located in Provo.
I have a confession to make. . . As a baker, I do not usually care for any kind of pastries. I don't enjoy the dry flakiness of them. (yes, I am aware that is the traditional build of pastries all over the world.) That being said, my whole perception and faith in pastries has been restored after visiting Shirley's Bakery today. When I walked in the door, there were two ladies busy behind the counter. The shop is small with a case for the pastries and a couple of shelves for bread, rolls, and the sweet rolls to be picked up and carried out in large quantities. I had to purchase one of the sweet rolls because my aunt raved about them. I chose a raspberry filled one. It was soft, the frosting was just the right amount, and the raspberry wasn't dripping everywhere. I also tried a pastry that was swirled with some raspberry, dipped in a light glaze with crushed peanuts it tasted JUST like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but so much softer.
There is something magical about these goodies. They are made from scratch recipes and you can taste that. It's like when you bake a loaf of bread and it comes out of the oven nice and soft. Every pastry I had was like that. No crustiness anywhere!! Well, I have to admit, I went back today for more!! And good news was it was just before close and they offer what is left from the day at 30% off! I highly recommend the pull aparts!
