Locally Baked Sweet Treats from Blue Hour Baked Goods

Located at 310 South Main St in the heart of Downtown Salisbury is Local Focal, a marketplace that brings you everything from handmade goods to antique collectibles. This eclectic marketplace is the home to Blue Hour Baked Goods, a bakery start up that specializes in individual cakes, cake balls and cake donuts.

Born from nostalgia, Blue Hour emerged through a desire to hold on. Beginning with the creation of "Hey Toots," a muffin with banana, chocolate chips and a hint of honey, the Blue Hour journey pays homage to friends and loved ones who have played an integral role in the life of the baker. Named after a beloved grandfather, "Hey Toots" is offered as a miniature muffin and can be purchased in packages of 6. 

While "Hey Toots" is likely a popular option for those who enjoy a mild flavored treat with their morning coffee, this foodie was especially drawn to the sticky, apple cinnamon cake bite known affectionately as "Never Gonna Catch My Breath, Say Goodbye to Those Who Knew Me." These little cake bites come in a variety of flavors, but I am willing to bet that the apple cinnamon is the best. If you are looking for something closer to a cupcake, you can also find these adorable little cake bites covered in icing. 

Other popular options include the wide variety of miniature donuts. These donuts are titled "Coffee with Friends" and are flavored with vanilla. Featured here are the Maple Bacon and the Chocolate Frosted. For my fellow donut aficionados, I do have to note that these are not the yeast donut you will find at your local Krispy Kreme. Nor are they the hot, fried donut you may be accustomed to. These are a much denser cake donut with a much more compact, crumbly bite.

Now that we've covered the basics, it's time to get down to the real jewels of Blue Hour Baked Goods. Named after the baker's closest childhood friend, "How to Save a Life" is rich, chocolate chunk brownie. If you are a foodie who reaches for the corner brownie piece- you know, the one that has the most delicious crust encapsulating the ooey gooey center- then this is definitely the dessert for you.  Filled with sweet chocolate chunks and then topped with a savory salted caramel, this dessert is sure to enliven your palette and is a safe choice for any dessert lover.

And now for the creme de la creme (at least in my opinion), the "Whataya Want Eugene?" is by far the most nostalgic Blue Hour Baked Good. You see, all my life my Southern Mawmaws have celebrated nearly any occasion with some form of a Pound Cake. And as you probably know, here in North Carolina the fragrant lemon or Sun Drop pound cake is high on the popularity list. Anytime I enjoy a slice of this moist cake I save the crunchy, crust on top for last. Why? Because it is the bite I enjoy the most. 

Blue Hour's "Whataya Want Eugene" is actually not a pound cake, but man is it similar. This moist and tart Lemon Blondie has such a robust flavor. And while I have enough sense not to dare compare this to anything my mawmaws make, you get to enjoy that crunchy crust in EVERY. SINGLE. BITE. Topped with a sour lemon glaze, this dessert was a win with every member of my household. In fact, we were all ready to go toe to toe for that last bite.

This holiday season, please consider spending those dollars locally and supporting your friends and neighbors who are working away in their home kitchens and drawing support and inspiration from their families. Blue Hour is truly a labor of love. It is a warm and comforting way to remember those in our lives who are important to us. Those we miss and those we long to embrace. As you count your blessings and reflect on the past year, the friends you have gained and the loved ones you have lost, enjoy a little treat in your "blue hour," smile, and give thanks for the memories.