Gipsy Hill Bakery

Today I rode my bike to my friend Sherri’s gorgeous Victorian house downtown, and then we walked to Pascale Beale’s charming home. What a pleasure it was to attend an open house in her artsy house in downtown SB. There I met Pascale’s baking partner, Sandra Adu Zelli, who was selling her sourdough chocolate chip cookies, gougeres and other delectable Gipsy Hill Bakery items. I am a fan of Pascale and Sandra’s adventures as “Two Baking Brits” and follow them on Instagram to learn what they make, shop for, and travel to see and learn about in the world of food.

I purchased a strawberry and cream meringue and a wild plum sponge cake from Adu Zelli and was not disappointed. The meringue was light and crunchy on the outside, giving way to a delicate, softer center. The flavors of vanilla and strawberry were subtle and delicious. My husband, who in the past has never understood the allure of meringue, took a very large spoonful and was left blissfully speechless. 

Sandra’s wild plum sponge cake (pictured above) was equally scrumptious, with its not-too-sweet, tender cake, small bits of sweet-tart plums, and slivered almonds on top. I wish I had purchased more than one. 

Via her website, a new menu of sweet and savory treats is revealed on Monday, every two weeks. From her website, you can order what you’d like, and then pick your choices up on Friday. Recent offerings have included a pistachio and fig tart, peach pie Danish pastry, buckwheat chocolate and ginger cookies, and potato cheese and onion pastie. I can assure you that each one of these items is made from top-notch ingredients, and local fruits and vegetables at their peak of flavor. 

I am looking forward to picking up delicious things from Gipsy Hill Bakery on my bike and encourage you to do the same. Of course if you have a large order, maybe you’d better take your car!