This freezing, dry weather is right up my alley. I love cool, crisp days with the sun shining but never quite warming up all the way – that is unless you are sitting in your car. On those occasions when I’m seeking a little extra warmth, I reach for a comfy hot drink. I think it started when I would go fishing with my Dad. and the only warm thing in the boat was his fresh brewed coffee. I still get all warm and fuzzy remembering those mornings drinking coffee with Dad. I may have to surprise him with coffee and cinnamon rolls soon.

On a cool morning, I start with my traditional two cups of black coffee or the perfect soy latte from my Market Barista. I love ordering my lattes with just soy milk, no flavor, so I can taste the perfectly expressed coffee. They always get the foam just right and top it with lovely foam art that is beautiful and super yummy to sip right off the top.

When I’m needing some wholesome whole grains for breakfast, I normally reach for a spelt scone, oat scone or a walnut bran muffin with my morning coffee, but that Honey Chewy Danish beckons comes with me on my trek to the office, more often than naught. The mini caramel continentals follow me home occasionally, too. When late morning arrives and I have sipped every drop of my deliciously brewed coffee, I start to think of something else warm to drink. OK, got it. You have to try this…

My latest discovery is an apple cider chai that satisfies the need for a bit extra vitamin C this time of year and suits my craving for spices, which are a must for me this time of year. That is the beauty of the chai that we use from My Chai, made in Bend. It isn’t super sweet, like many chai teas I’ve tasted, so pairing it with the natural sweetness of apple cider is delightful.

There are so many yummy drinks and bakery pairings this time of year. Sometimes I wish I never needed protein. I could be like Santa Claus surviving on milk and cookies (except that I am lactose intolerant).

My advice: stop and relax a moment with a cup of delicious Jasmine Pearl Tea. Each month, we feature a special blend from them, so be sure to check what is featured – we are currently featuring a Cranberry Sencha Tea. Chuck and Heather at the Jasmine Pearl Tea Company are so talented at creating new blends. I couldn’t carry them all if I wanted to, so get them while you can.

For the finish to a perfect day, come over to our Retail Bakery tables, which feature a wide selection of amazing gourmet chocolate from local chocolate companies, or try some chocolate of single origin from a variety of countries. Some of my favorites are the Maracaibo pistoles or the Cru Savage pistoles from Fechlin. Pistoles are coins of chocolate easy to melt or perfect to pop in your mouth and enjoy. Ask a Bakery employee to help you choose something new and exciting, then grab a bottle of youy favorite wine from the wine department and put your feet up. The end to a perfect winter’s day…

It’s warm (finally) and the perfect temperature (a lovely 83°) for a smoothie!

We use Willamette Valley Fruit Co.’s large, juicy, heavenly, local fresh, frozen fruit for our smoothies. Yes, I said, frozen! Raspberries. Marionberries. Blueberries. Fruit that is grown right here in the Willamette Valley! We add banana and delicious, freshly squeezed orange juice from your Produce Department and blend until smooth. You can even ask your Market Barista to customize your smoothie to include yogurt, milk or soymilk. Mmmmmm. Yummy!

I love driving around in my car with a Market of Choice smoothie on warm afternoons. It gives me the energy to make it through the last few hours of the workday. Come join me in my new 3 p.m. tradition!

Berries don’t just belong in smoothies, of course. Imagine biting into one of those large, juicy berries inside one of our flaky, buttery scones or moist muffins. Makes my mouth water!

For more berry good choices, visit your Market Bakery!

It is amazing how energizing a tiny bit of sunshine can be. It gets us all twitching for a BBQ, a tall beverage and a thick, juicy burger inside a freshly baked burger bun – yum!

We keep a selection of freshly baked white and wheat Hamburger and Hotdog Buns ready for you to pick up anytime. At times, our bakers will get inspired to branch out and make onion hamburger buns. If you get a craving for a certain burger bun flavor profile, don’t be shy – simply ask, and we can make it for you. Special orders are our specialty!

As berry season is just beginning, this is the season when we ramp up on Angel Food Cakes, Short Cakes and Pound Cake. I love berries, and we are so fortunate to live in the Northwest where they are so abundant – our local berries (not quite ready yet) are the sweetest. Our strawberry shortcake cups are topped with fresh Umpqua whipped cream and are all ready to go, just for you. I challenge you to go around and try some of the different local berries available this summer. They are great!

We love marionberries and use them to make Cobblers, Muffins and Scones. Try our Marionberry Poppyseed Cake – oh, man, the favor combination is out of this world, and you have to love that cream cheese icing! It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can combine for such a delightful treat.

Another surprisingly wonderful combination is our Chocolate Marionberry Cake. While you won’t find this in our bakery cases on a regular basis, you can ask us for a sample and place an order. I like mine with the chocolate cream cheese icing and chocolate ganache – you can’t go wrong with our chocolate ganache.

Our decorators are wonderful to work with; if you can’t find the cake you’re seeking, our cake decorators will make it – don’t be afraid to ask. You can order almost any cake and pick it up the next day. They work extra hard to keep a nice selection in the cake case, ready to go. So if you’re short on time, just ask one of our clerks to write on one for you (no extra charge), then you’ll be on your way with one less errand on your to-do list.

We love shaped cakes, fondant cakes and confections. Bring us your crazy idea – we live for a challenge!

There is so much to look forward to this time of year. If back-to-back events have you overwhelmed, let us do some of the work for you. You can be sure we’ll provide you with baked goods you can be proud to share.

It’s Valentine’s Day! Whether you are madly in love or not, you can’t help but notice the icy, bitter wind that’s blowing and chilling you to the bone.

Come inside for a warm, cozy moment by our fire and enjoy a cup of delicious Jasmine Pearl Tea, or some amazing Stumptown coffee made by your Market Barista. The delightful steam from either of these delicious organic drinks will warm your face-gone-numb, the heat from the cup bringing those cold fingers back to life.

In a hurry in the morning? Grab one of our delicious all-butter Danish or Chocolate Croissants to go with your drink of choice. These melt-in-your-mouth morning delights are made with strict specifications; bite into them and taste the difference local fillings make. If you choose a chocolate croissant, don’t forget to brush the crumbs off your shirt. These are inevitable, due to the amazingly flakey pastry. And the dark chocolate inside will satisfy the most sensitive of palettes.

Looking for a healthy alternative? Our spelt scones are made of whole-grain spelt, and the raisins inside offer a sweet surprise as you make your way through it – so many choices for breakfast!

Take a moment to revitalize yourself and before you face the bitter cold.