By Kevin Williams
I decided to visit an Amish bakery outside of Kenton, Ohio. I had heard good things about Yoder’s Amish Bakery so I wanted to check it out for myself. Thought it would also make for a nice family day-trip (after endless “are we there yets?” from Aster I began to question that wisdom).
I had written a letter to Barbara weeks earlier expressing my interesting in visiting and she was nice enough to send me a price sheet. What makes Yoder’s Baked Goods unique is that you can send a letter to them ahead of time at Barbara Yoder, 16653 state Route 31, Kenton, Ohio 43326 and request them to make whatever baked good or candy you want. Or just pick from their huge pre-made selection. The bakery is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with a roadside produce stand in-season that sells produce.
Aster made herself at home – perhaps too much at home – bounding around the Yoder’s kitchen (which they were nice enough to show us) like she owned it.
Barbara Yoder makes all of her homemade pie crusts with lard, so you enjoy an old-fashioned flakiness. On the day we arrived, Barbara Yoder was making apple pies, which are always popular this time of year. Here are some photos and a favorite recipe:
Yoder’s offers a selection of home-canned goods….
Fried pies are made on Thursdays, but a few survived into the next day…these are leftover homemade black raspberry fried pies.
Homemade noodles for sale
Mouth-melting cookies!
Barbara Yoder offers dozens of pie flavors for sale and at only $5.50 a pie, it’s a bargain!
Homemade caramel cinnamon rolls, canned goods and you can read more about that empty pan tomorrow!
In season, you’ll find this yummy baked good for sale, and here is the recipe!
BARBARA YODER’S MAPLE BROWN SUGAR-FROSTED ZUCCHINI BARS
Bar Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup, packed, light brown sugar
2 cups zucchini, shredded
1 cup oil
3 eggs
2 cups flour
2 teaspooons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Bar Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Grease, using butter or shortening, a 9-by-13 glass or metal baking pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the zucchini, sugar, eggs and oil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Spoon the dough into the baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the bars comes out clean. Frost with Maple Brown Sugar Frosting when completely cool.
Frosting Ingredients:
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
3/4 cups heavy cream
3 cups powdered sugar, or to taste
2 teaspoons maple flavoring
Frosting Directions:
Place brown sugar, butter and cream in a sauce pan and bring to a rolling boil, scraping down the sides of the sauce pan with a spatula. Allow the mixture to cool. Stir in powdered sugar until the desired sweetness and consistency is achieved. Stir in maple flavoring. Frost bars or sugar cookies.
