15th Stop – Flavors #2 Back Alley Bakery, Hastings, NE

Filed Under: All Posts, Guest Bloggers on November 19, 2009

Aroma is an amazing thing – it can evoke so many emotions. I burn lavender candles in my office and home to help me stay calm and focused. The scent of cinnamon rolls remind me of the days working cattle as a child, because my mother always made cinnamon knots for our afternoon snack – and that was the best part of the day!

Few aromas evoke a feeling of home like that of baking bread. One of the best places to feel at home with the aroma of bread baking is the Back Alley Bakery in Hastings. It truly began in the back alley, baking unprocessed “artisan” breads that melt in your mouth. They use an old-world masonry oven, baking each loaf with love and devotion to the concept of natural, whole foods.

In June of this year, they opened a café in the front room of the Back Alley, and they post the daily menu on Facebook. They work with as many local food vendors as possible, providing the proverbial “slow food” that supports a local economy and tastes absolutely great. The crew at the bakery – Bryce Wiebe, Ellen Hamburger, and John and Charlotte Hamburger – are passionate about producing the perfect crusty loaf, and they use the breads in their amazing lunch menus.

Are you ready to salivate? The Charlotte Panini features thinly sliced smoked ham, Mango chutney, mixed greens and brie on Cracked Wheat Bread. How about a Rueben, expertly treated with John’s own corned beef, thousand island dressing and sauerkraut on Russian Rye? Would you like to choose the bread you eat? How about White Chicken Chili, pulled chicken, onion, peppers and chilies slow simmered with pinto, black and kidney beans. It’s garnished with sour cream, cheddar cheese and cilantro and served with a variety of breads.

Man, am I getting hungry!

So, if I don’t have time to bake bread, the smell of raisin walnut Back Alley Bakery bread in my toaster is a really close second. I think it’s time for a road trip for lunch in Hastings… care to meet me there?

Back Alley Bakery
609 West Second Street
Hastings, NE 68901
Phone: (402)460-5056
www.backalleybakery.com
john@backalleybakery.com