Howard's Bakery - Centerbrook

I visit this place every week to stock up on a variety of breads. You really can’t go wrong here. The breads are always fresh, even after being frozen. The owne... read more I visit this place every week to stock up on a variety of breads. You really can’t go wrong here. The breads are always fresh, even after being frozen. The owner is passionate about her craft and happily explains each type of bread and ways to enjoy them. It's definitely worth the price. Just keep in mind that they close promptly at 2 PM.

We drive over 30 miles to get the baguettes from Howard's. The first time we tasted their baguette was at a restaurant in the Essex area. It was so good that I... read more We drive over 30 miles to get the baguettes from Howard's. The first time we tasted their baguette was at a restaurant in the Essex area. It was so good that I asked if it was made on the premises and was told it was from Howards (which I had never heard of) and that they keep it frozen and put it in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. I asked if they knew if Howard's was open to the public. They said that they were. We do buy it frozen but it pretty much thaws by the time that we get home. We just refreeze it and break off chunks to put in the oven as we need them. We buy several baguettes at a time. Make sure to check their hours before going. They are not open every day nor all day.

I absolutely love Howard's breads for all types of sandwiches, hamburgers, soups, and even for toasting. They typically arrive frozen, which surprised me at fir... read more I absolutely love Howard's breads for all types of sandwiches, hamburgers, soups, and even for toasting. They typically arrive frozen, which surprised me at first, but once I followed the defrosting instructions, they turned out to be delicious. The crusts are nice, and the dough is well-proofed, delivering that wonderful bready flavor we all enjoy. Our family favorites include the EPI, demi baguettes, baps, and French sourdough, but honestly, we haven't encountered one that we didn't like.

They have great bread, but a rather limited selection. Same with their sandwiches and pastries. Their scones are not always ready in store (sometimes only avail... read more They have great bread, but a rather limited selection. Same with their sandwiches and pastries. Their scones are not always ready in store (sometimes only available as take home dough).

Bialys, which microwaved whole, then the center filled with Kerrygold salted butter [a tad, to fill the center hole], and a bit more butter on the rest of the t... read more Bialys, which microwaved whole, then the center filled with Kerrygold salted butter [a tad, to fill the center hole], and a bit more butter on the rest of the top, when eaten carefully, that bite of the melted butter, in the center, working toward it, and not letting the melted butter 'escape ', is one of the best 'bites ' on earth, Trust me...