Date Afternoon Review of a Unique Bakery Hen and Heifer Guilford CT

 

DH was a bit stir crazy, and someone at his work had told him that the best cream puffs he had ever had.  

It's a very small bakery/coffee shop.  Hen and Heifer in Guilford CT was a semi-finalist in the James Beard Awards.  You walk in, and it's like a Harry Potter Shoppe for the adults.    The display case is beautifully set up (see photo above)   We were greeted by two lovely women, who were excited to hear it was our first time visiting.  Cream Puffs are filled upon ordering.  I loved that.    We decided we have made it 21 days into the month without very much spending, so this was our first Date of the New Year.  We had a budget of $50.00 for the bakery. 

I could not see everything on the shelves, there were unusual candies, sparkling teas in large glass bottles and various honey's, condiments and other rarely seen by me items on display.   I didn't want to push past people, and it was a bit tight.  I would have liked to have searched every item on these shelves.  

They do sell various coffee drinks.  There is very limited seating.  One small table with 2 chairs, a window seat that could comfortably sit 3 with a small round table, and a chair or bench close to the shelves.  

We gave one of the women our order, she wrote it on a small pad with a pencil.  She tore it off and brought it around the back wall.  Asked for a name.  It was brought out to use all boxed up and in a nice paper bag with handles.  

We purchased a salted caramel cookie (big enough for 4 people) 3 cream puffs (lychee nut, chocolate and vanilla), a chocolate lemon cake and a delightful rice pudding made with rice, cream and vanilla, and sitting on a layer of house made caramel.  Our total bill was $45.00

DH couldn't pick a favorite.  I liked the lychee nut cream puff, but I loved the rice pudding.  It came in a reusable plastic cup with lid.   I would have liked it even without the caramel.  We split each sweet throughout the weekend,  enjoying a mouthful of each.  I only had a nibble of the cookie (not really a fan of caramel)  A bite or mouthful is just enough as all were quite rich. 

In addition to the small treats you can also purchase whole cakes.  Some, like the coffee cake come ready for you to bake!  Another unusual and unique take on a bake shop. 

Was it worth the price?  Yes, I think for the experience and exploration of their items on top of the tasting I think yes.  Nice date.  

Here are some closeups of what we had.  

Cream puffs, very nice texture to the puff. 

Chocolate Lemon Cake, chocolate cake layer, topped with a chocolate lemon whipped cream.  Entire cakelet covered in soft ganache and topped with a piece of chocolate. 

Rice Pudding

Salted Caramel Cookie

They are open Thursday through Saturday 12-5 pm and located at 23 Water Street, Guilford CT, just around the corner from the town Green. 

Check them out when you are in the area, you will not be disappointed.