When I get ready to write the monthly newsletter I always vacillate between reading last years's version and avoiding it as not to influence what I write this year.  Last week I read our Mother's Day 2013 issue and I wish I hadn't. It was very emotional for me. Last May,both Carole's and mine moms were struggling, and while the dynamic between Mother and child had changed; the bond of Mother and child did not. Carole's mom succumbed  shortly after Mother's day and my mom's struggles have become more and more difficult. Today as we reflect on our moms we have to rely on our memories.

     The other day we were talking with friends about all our children. The moms were anxious of how our kids were going to turn out and how are they going to react to the stresses of modern life. I think my friend's response to this query is very appropriate for Mother's Day.  He feels that when the kids are in a pressure situation or even just daily situations that require a response, the kids revert to the default. The default being what they have learned and practiced all their lives. To all Mom's credit, it is they, that are responsible for the moral center of the family. I take comfort that even though our moms cannot be involved in our daily lives; their legacy is their children and grandchildren. For this we owe all our moms a big thank you. Those of you who have lost their Mother can take solace in this and those that still have their Mom, give her a hug.  

     Awhile back, I was talking with a customer about his childhood bakery memories. Every Friday his mother sent him to the bakery to pick up the same thing. He would get an apple crumb cake, a Mandelbrot, a Victory layer and was allowed a slice of marble wondercake for himself to eat on the way home.

     This month, Reinwald's Bakery is indulging the memory of those Friday bakery visits. Our Sweet Treats will feature an apple crumb cake and a chocolate chip, marble or walnut Mandel brot. A victory layer, popular after the war, was a chocolate cake with the top cut in a V shape and dusted with powder sugar. Our modern version will be the same kind of chocolate cake but instead of the V we have created a ribbon effect inside the cake. The Chocolate Ribbon cake is strung with Diplomat cream and fresh strawberries. Instead of a single slice of cake to be eaten on the way home we have chocolate marbled cupcakes. Simple, but what a delicious ride home.  

     French macaroons are the latest rage. While working in the French bakery, Le Almondine, Chris Reinwald made lots and lots of these delicate sweets, many of which were delivered to famous Manhattan hotels. Especially for Mother's Day we will have a nice decorative package that any Mom would really appreciate.

     The bakery is open from 6:30 am until 2pm on Sunday, Mother's Day. Serve Mom a nice continental breakfast with a fresh cheese danish or apple turnover. Perhaps she would like an all butter croissant with a spread of one of our jams or jellies. While we celebrate moms on Mother's Day, we should treat her special every day.

                   Enjoy your Mother's Day.

                         Rich Reinwald      

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